Council Minutes Mar 7/12

March 7, 2012

INCORPORATED VILLAGE OF HILTON BEACH
Council Meeting
March 7, 2012

The meeting was called to order at 7:30 p.m. Present were Mayor Stevens and Councillors Barich, Crack and Hope.

12-22 Moved by R. Hope Seconded by C. Barich
Resolved to approve the minutes of the February 1st, 2012 meeting as presented.
Carried

12-23 Moved by L. Crack Seconded by C. Barich
Resolved to authorize payment of Voucher #12-2 in the amount of $29,484.06.
Carried

The Project Summary was reviewed. One item had been added – the replacement of the flooring in the Hilton Hall in the hallway and bar section as the tiles are lifting.

The Clerk’s Report was noted. Progress continues on several fronts. The ability to pay taxes, sewer and water bills electronically and at certain financial institutions should be up and running mid month. The charges by the Royal Bank and TD Bank made it impractical to sign an agreement with them. Preliminary work on the streetlight project continues.

The Annual Report on the Water System from OCWA was discussed. The Report indicates that the system delivers water that is free of bacteriological contamination and meets the demand without exceeding the Permit to Take Water. The water exceeded the parameter for sodium as it has always been the case as it is naturally occurring. A more detailed explanation is in the Ratepayer Newsletter that was enclosed in every tax bill.

The Ministry of the Environment Drinking Water System Inspection Report was also received. There are many facets to the inspection and there was a Risk Rating of 0.0% and a Final Inspection Rating of 100.0%. The Report also notes that the sodium level is above the 20mg/litre reporting threshold but well below the 200 mg/litre aesthetic objective.

Correspondence was received from OCWA reporting that efficiencies have resulted from changes made to reduce the RBC pump runtimes which has resulted in reductions to both power consumption and pump wear and tear. This is the most recent example of how the staff is working to improve efficiencies with the systems. Council thought it appropriate to acknowledge these efforts.

12-24 Moved by C. Barich Seconded by R. Hope
Resolved to acknowledge the superior work of OCWA staff Jeff St. Pierre and Charles O’Kane in the operation and maintenance of the water and sewer systems. Their abilities and willingness to take the time to identify ways to increase efficiencies and reduce operating costs are most appreciated.
Carried

The City of Sault Ste. Marie provided the annual report on the Provincial Offenses Act administration. The net revenues are divided among the area municipalities on the basis of population and the Village share for 2011 is $1,531.91.

AMO provided an update on Provincial funding. The Premier has committed to uphold the agreement to up-load social assistance and court security costs from the municipal property tax base by 2018. As this is done the social programs component of the Ontario Municipal Partnership Fund will go down. As well the Premier has indicated that there will not be a permanent fund for roads and bridges in the 2012 budget as the Provincial deficit has precluded this.

The Ministry of the Environment has announced the government’s commitment of refocus its attention to the Province’s waste diversion goals. The government is looking into ways of improving its oversight of Ontario’s waste diversion programs so that water diversion objectives are met and that producers remain responsible for the waste that their products generate. A new Waste Diversion Ontario governance structure will be created.

The City of Greater Sudbury circulated a resolution and proclamation regarding the price of gasoline in Northern Ontario as the price of fuel can be 30% higher in the North.

12-25 Moved by R. Hope Seconded by L. Crack
Resolved to support the resolution of the City of Greater Sudbury regarding the disparity between Northern Ontario and Southern Ontario gasoline prices.
Carried

A request for support for the Fishing Derby organized by the St. Joseph Island Hunters and Anglers had been received. The Hilton Beach Recreation Committee has agreed to donate $200 to this event as it is a tremendous outdoor recreation event for youth. The funds are from previous fundraising events as the Recreation Committee does not receive any contribution from the general levy and is totally self-sufficient.

Correspondence was received from the SJI Chamber of Commerce and the Township of St. Joseph regarding signage on Highway 17. The Ministry of Transportation had previously required all signage on the four-lane section to be removed and the Chamber signs were taken down. The MTO has now changed its position and will allow signage. The Chamber is investigating costs and will be seeking the financial support of the municipalities to create and install new signs. No decision can be made until the pricing for the project is available.

The Ontario Urban Forest Council solicited support for its position on the emerald ash borer. Correspondence from the Township of St. Joseph noted that the recommendations in the proposal were not appropriate for rural and northern municipalities. Council concurred with this opinion.

Information was received from Ontario Good Roads Association regarding a decision by the Courts on the minimum maintenance standards for a Class 2 Highway. Minimum standards for all classes had been established by the Ministry of Transportation. This decision noted that the MMS did not establish a minimum standard for the accumulation of snow under the standard and did not establish a minimum standard for the treatment of a highway before ice is formed and becomes an icy roadway. The decision is being appealed as the decision applies to most if not every winter road maintenance claim involving the presence of snow or ice on the road which is considered to be impractical.

The agenda for the annual general meeting of the North Channel Marine Tourism Council was received. Councillor Hope is the Village’s representative on the Board and he plans to attend.

The annual credit agreement with the CIBC was reviewed. Two of the three loans were paid in full in 2011 and only one remains.

12-26 Moved by C. Barich Seconded by R. Hope
Resolved to accept the CIBC credit agreement as presented.
Carried

12-27 Moved by L. Crack Seconded by R. Hope
Resolved to appoint Debra Irving to the Hilton Union Public Library Board.
Carried

An update was provided to Council on the WSIB coverage for the Hilton Union Fire Department. The level of coverage had to be increased as it has been the same for many years and now does not reflect the income of the firefighters. The numbers can be lowered as this too has not changed for very many years and currently stands at twelve. The mechanics of changing the numbers upward throughout the year if necessary is being investigated.

The difficulty of some people on the upper end of South St and on Sixth St to get up the hill was reported, particularly those without snow tires. Council acknowledged that the Township Road Superintendent has provided excellent service particularly considering the number of kilometres of roads that he is responsible for plowing. He will be asked to apply extra sand on the hill to increase the safety of those driving and walking.

Council had to go into closed meeting to consider the vacant councillor position.

12-28 Moved by R. Hope Seconded by C. Barich
Resolved to go into closed meeting to consider the following subject matter in accordance with the Municipal Act S.239(2): personal matters about an identifiable individual, including municipal or local board employees.
Carried

12-29 Moved by L. Crack Seconded by C. Barich
Resolved to return to open meeting.
Carried

12-30 Moved by R. Hope Seconded by L. Crack
Resolved to appoint Val Fiegehen to fill the vacant councillor position on Council.
Carried

12-31 Moved by L. Crack Seconded by C. Barich
Resolved to adopt By-law #1043 being a by-law to confirm the proceedings of the Council meeting held March 7th, 2012 and confirm the taking of any action authorized therein and thereby.
Carried

12-32 Moved by C. Barich Seconded by R. Hope
Resolved to adjourn to meet again April 11th, 2012 or at the call of the Mayor.
Carried











APPRECIATION CORNER

• To the Voyageurs Snowmobile Club for setting up the hall for the Chocolate Festival and for Ryan Maki and Greg Duma for helping to take it down, to all those who baked for the Chocolate Festival, to the judges who had the challenging job of judging, to Mike and Paula Cormier and Larry Borek for providing the entertainment and of course to all those who came out to sample the treats. It was a successful and enjoyable day thanks to everyone.

• To the Lions Club for donating the two baby change tables for the hall. This will be a great convenience for those with little ones.


MARCH COMMUNITY POTLUCK

The theme will be Oriental – any dish from the Orient – Chinese, Thai, Japanese, etc. It will be on March 31st. Feel free to bring a dish for the main course or a dessert. As usual if you bring a dish you do not pay, and if not, the cost of the supper is $5. Everyone is most welcome.


BEADING WORKSHOP

The Recreation Committee is sponsoring an “introduction to beading” workshop for all ages. This was originally scheduled for March 3rd but was changed when it was realized that this was the day of the Fishing Derby. It has now been scheduled for March 24th from 10 – 12

The cost is $10 per participant. There will be a choice of items to make with projects appropriate for children and adults or you can create your own. The class will be limited to 15 participants. The instructor is Briana Walsworth. Call the Office at 246-2242 for more information or to register.


ACTIVITIES FOR YOUTH

The Recreation Committee is planning some activities for youth. The first one will be a “pool night” to be held Tuesday March 13th from 7 -9. It will be held at the Tilt’n Hilton and there is no cost to participate. The Committee will buy one pop and one bag of chips or similar item for each participant. Board games will also be available and the youth are invited to bring their own. All youth aged 12 to 14 are welcome. There will be adult supervision.