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Council Minutes - Mar 12/08
March 12, 2008
INCORPORATED VILLAGE OF HILTON BEACH
Council Meeting
March 12, 2008
The meeting was called to order at 7:30 p.m. Present were Mayor Hore and Councillors Hope, Stevens and Sullivan. Councillor Crack was absent with notice.
08-18 Moved by J. Sullivan Seconded by R. Hope
Resolved to approve the minutes of the February 6th, 2008 meeting as presented.
Carried
08-19 Moved by W. Stevens Seconded by J. Sullivan
Resolved to authorize payment of Voucher #08-02 in the amount of $47,802.76.
Carried
The Problem Detail Sheet Summary was reviewed. One item was closed and another opened. Vehicles entering Marks St. On both Bowker and Canoe Point Road without stopping, create a potential hazard. “Stop Ahead” and bigger “Stop” signs were discussed. As well, the sign painted on the pavement by Bowker and Marks will have to be redone.
The Clerk’s Report was reviewed. Work continues in preparation for the annual audit.
The annual report for the water system was received from the Ministry of the Environment. Once again, the only exceedance was sodium, which occurs naturally. All microbiological tests were normal.
Reports showing the regular maintenance on the water and sewer systems was received from OCWA.
The report on the usage of the hazardous waste depot in Sault Ste. Marie was reviewed. They had a vehicle count of seventeen for the Village. It is expected that most likely some were not recorded. It is very important that when a ratepayer uses the service that they specifically tell the attendant that they are from Hilton Beach as the vast majority of users are from the Sault and the attendant can sometimes assume that this is so. The report shows the types of material being brought in with the some examples being 42,400 litres of waste oil, 27960 litres of paint, 26,455 flammables, 830 oil filters 780 fire extinguishers and 6,110 aerosols. There were a lot of many types of batteries. The Village and the Township both contribute to this service as these items are not accepted at the landfill.
The survey completed by the Clerk’s group regarding free landfill use days was reviewed. After discussion, it was decided that this was a good idea and that the long weekend in May would be an excellent choice. This will be advertised close to the time.
Correspondence was received from the Ministry of Public Infrastructure Renewal protesting the fact that the Federal Government is not participating jointly in infrastructure programs for municipalities.
Notice was received that the Village will not be eligible for additional funding for the water system upgrades as the project came in under the original estimates because some of the work was deemed to be unnecessary. All costs incurred were funded to the maiximum.
The Town of Carleton Place sent a letter to all the municipalities who have funding phased-in by the Province. This is something that the Village has been protesting and has appealed to the Ontario Ombudsman. As the Mayor notes in the letter, the Province has not addressed the phase-in problems for those who have been receiving too little funding but have continued to maintain the same level of funding for those who are receiving too much.
08-20 Moved by R. Hope Seconded by W. Stevens
Resolved to support the resolution of the Town of Carleton Place protesting the Province’s implementation of the phase-in plan for the OMPF program.
Carried
Information was received from ADnet on the Request for Proposals issued for the broadband and cellular service for East Algoma. The communities that were delayed by the deferral accounts decision have been included. The RFP allows for the service providers to respond to any or all project areas so, in the end, the Island may or may not be serviced under this project.
Notice of policing costs for 2008 was received. The estimate is significantly lower than it has been in previous years.
The 2008 annual operating levy was received from Algoma District Homes for the Aged and it was very close to what it was in 2007.
Information was received on the annual general meeting for the North Channel Marine Tourism Council. Mayor Hore has served on this Board and indicated an interest in attending.
A response was received from the Ministry of the Environment to the Village’s queries regarding the lead testing program. The authorization for the program under the legislation was reiterated. There was no response to the questions on payment of these costs.
Correspondence from the Town of Northern Manitoulin and the Islands suggested that the Province assume ownership of all municipal drinking water systems within the Province. Council did not agree with this suggestion, with concern for the resulting user fees being a primary concern
Several items were received from Emergency Measures Ontario regarding compliance with the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act. The Village was compliant in 2007 and will continue to meet the requirements. Joe Books is the Emergency Measures Coordinator.
The FONOM conference was considered.
08-21 Moved by W. Stevens Seconded by J. Sullivan
Resolved to approve the attendance of the Clerk-Treasurer at the FONOM conference to be held in Sault Ste. Marie on May 14 – 16.
Carried
The Rural Energy Alternative Development Committee requested a resolution confirming the previous support as the project did not proceed in 2007.
08-22 Moved by R. Hope Seconded by W. Stevens
Resolved that the Council of the Village of Hilton Beach agrees to contribute the amount of $245 towards the application by the Township of Macdonald, Meredith and Aberdeen Additional on behalf of the Rural Energy Alternative Development Committee to undertake a feasibility study regarding options for alternative energy in Algoma.
Carried
A summary of the regional development strategy for East Algoma was received from the East Algoma Community Futures Development Corporation. There are some positive indicators for the regional economy and the organization hopes to work with area communities and businesses to maximize the potential benefits.
Information on the Youth Enterprise Camp, a camp that will encourage self-employment and entrepreneurship in the participating youth was received from the East Algoma CFDC.
The St. Joseph Island Policing Committee provided a suggestion to Island Councils that the centre line on municipal roads be painted yellow to improve visibility. Council thought that this was not a problem in the Village as the streets are relatively short and there are enough roadside cues to avoid problems. The Committee also encouraged representative participation in meetings.
An invitation was received from the Royal Canadian Legion for Council representation at the up coming Zone Convention.
A request for funding was received from the Living Literacy Committee towards the cost of their annual conference.
The List of Emergency Contacts was updated with cell phone numbers.
The Fees and Charges By-law was reviewed prior to the annual passing. The marina seasonal rate was increased by $ .50 per foot and the winter storage by $1.00 per foot. It was suggested that a charge be implemented for a rim if it is left on a tire. The by-law will be considered at the next meeting.
An agreement for funding for some work to be done at the marina was considered.
08-23 Moved by J. Sullivan Seconded by R. Hope
Resolved to give first, second and third readings to By-law #932 being a by-law to enter into an agreement with the Department of Fisheries and Oceans.
Carried
08-24 Moved by W. Stevens Seconded by J. Sullivan
Revolved to give first, second and third readings to By-law #933 being a by-law to confirm the proceedings of the Council meeting held on March 12th, 2008 and confirm the taking of any action authorized therein and thereby.
Carried
08-25 Moved by J. Sullivan Seconded by R. Hope
Resolved to adjourn to meet again on April 9th, 2008 or at the call of the Mayor.
Carried
APPRECIATION CORNER
To all those who participated in the Chocolate event at the Hall. While the weather certainly did not cooperate, those who were able to attend enjoyed it.
To Myrna and Bill Vair for donating the computer to the Museum.
To Charles O’Kane from OCWA for reporting the water leak at he Hall and for Tanya Alexander and Wes Hall for correcting the problem.
To Lyn Garside for getting the build-up of snow and ice off Marks St. and to Nick Palumbo for removing the windrow of ice and snow from several driveways in the area.
“THINK SPRING” POTLUCK AND GAME NIGHT
Everyone is invited to the potluck supper on Sunday March 16th at the Hall. The Recreation Committee will provide the ham and salads, main dishes and desserts are most welcome. Following the supper, eveyone is invited to stay to play board and card games. All ages are welcome.
CHECK YOUR SMOKE ALARMS
Make sure to check your smoke alarms to ensure that they are fully functional. Change the batteries in any that have a battery. Your life depends on it.
