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Council Minutes - Dec 10/08
December 10, 2008
INCORPORATED VILLAGE OF HILTON BEACH
Council Meeting
December 10th, 2008
The meeting was called to order at 7:30 p.m. Present were Mayor Stevens and Councillors Crack, Hope and Marziale.
08-124 Moved by R. Hope Seconded by L. Crack
Resolved to approve the minutes of the November 12th, 2008 meeting as presented.
Carried
08-125 Moved by T. Marziale Seconded by L. Crack
Resolved to authorize payment of Voucher #08-11 in the amount of $116,791.55.
Carried
The Problem Detail Sheet Summary was reviewed. There was discussion on several items.
The Clerk’s Report was reviewed.
The Ministry of the Environment Inspection Reports were received for both the sewage plant and water supply. There were no non compliance issues. There were two recommendations under the “Best Practices” section. It is recommended that gaskets should be installed at the water reservoir. OCWA will be contacted for recommendations. It was also recommended that the drinking water facilities be equipped with entry alarms to ensure a quick response to unauthorized entry or vandalism. This would be a consideration at budget time.
The St. Joseph Island Planning Board provided the recent recommendation the regarding Board composition. The recommendation is for a ten member Board with 5 members from St. Joseph, two from each of Jocelyn and Hilton and one from the Village. The Village had recommended a nine member Board with four from St. Joseph. The other municipalities have not yet submitted a resolution to Planning Board.
Correspondence was received from the Ministries of Finance and Revenue confirming the “Investing in Ontario” funding.
Emergency Management Coordinator Joe Books provided information to be included in the manual as well as minutes of meetings that he has held with the Ministry of Transportation staff regarding the measures that can be put into place in case there was an accident or other incident that made use of the bridge impossible for an extended period of time.
Further information was received from the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Municipal Affairs regarding the operating funding for municipalities . The uploading of The Ontario Drug Benefit and Ontario Disability Support Program Administration will reduce the funding received. The transfer is to be revenue neutral.
A request was received from Algoma Public Health for support for their position regarding the pending reduction in service in the Infant and Child Development Program because of budget cuts. Councillor Crack is seeking further information on this issue.
Correspondence was received from two ratepayers regarding the appointment versus election issue. One ratepayer was in attendance. One asked that it be clarified that their request was to ensure that the democratic right of taxpayers to elect their representatives was recognized and respected. It was suggested that a written policy on procedures in the event of a vacancy on Council be developed. The basis of the cost estimates was explained as was the survey. As well the alternative of converting the workshop into a municipal office rather that building a new structure was discussed.
MPAC provided an update on their activities. The assessment update has been the bulk of their activities.
The Minister of Industry provided assurance the FedNor will continue and that it is business as usual.
Information of the rebate program for old cars was reviewed. There is a $300 incentive paid to car owners who want to dispose of a 1995 or older car. There are some requirements such proof of ownership and insurance.
There was a discussion on the deteriorating condition of Highway 548.
08-126 Moved by R. Hope Seconded by T. Marziale
Resolved to petition the Ministry of Transportation to address the problems with the condition of the area of Highway 548 where the new surface treatment was applied.
Carried
The by-law adopting the emergency management agreement for the Island was tabled. The Island municipalities had previously agreed to this.
08-127 Moved by L. Crack Seconded by T. Marziale
Resolved to give first, second and third readings to By-law #960 being a by-law to enter into a joint emergency management agreement.
Carried
The policy for the accounting for tangible capital assets was finalized.
08-128 Moved by R. Hope Seconded by L. Crack
Resolved to give first, second and third readings to By-law #961 being a by-law to adopt a policy for accounting for tangible capital assets.
Carried
The financial statements were tabled. Progress has been made in several areas with reductions in the debt level, the deficit and the tax arrears rate.
08-129 Moved by L. Crack Seconded by R. Hope
Resolved to accept the audited Financial Statements for 2007 as prepared by Dennis Thompson Professional Corporation.
Carried
08-130 Moved by T. Marziale Seconded by R. Hope
Resolved to authorize the transfer of any surplus or deficit from operations of the Incorporated Village of Hilton Beach for 2008 to Account #2311 the Reserve for Working Funds.
Carried
08-131 Moved by L. Crack Seconded by T. Marziale
Resolved to authorize the transfer of any surplus or deficit from the sale of property in 2008 to the Account #2318 Reserve for Repayment of the Capital Loan for Waterfront Development.
Carried
08-132 Moved by R. Hope Seconded by T. Marziale
Resolved to authorize the transfer of any surplus or deficit from the operations of the sewer and water systems in 2008 to Account #2324 the Reserve for Sewer and Water Operations.
Carried
08-133 Moved by L. Crack Seconded by R. Hope
Resolved to transfer any applicable tippage fees collected at the landfill to Account #2461 the Reserve for Landfill Capital and Replacement.
Carried
08-134 Moved by T. Marziale Seconded by L. Crack
Resolved to authorize the transfer of any surplus or deficit from the capital projects of the Recreation Committee for 2008 to Account #2313 the Reserve for Recreation Capital.
Carried
08-135 Moved by R. Hope Seconded by L. Crack
Resolved to authorize the transfer of any surplus or deficit from the operations of the Recreation Committee for 2008 to Account #2314 the Reserve for Recreation Working Funds.
Carried
08-136 Moved by R. Hope Seconded by T. Marziale
Resolved to authorize the transfer of any surplus or deficit of the Hilton Union Fire Board for 2008 to the Reserve for the Hilton Union Fire Board Expenditures.
Carried
08-137 Moved by L. Crack Seconded by R. Hope
Resolved to authorize the transfer of any unused funds received under the Federal Gas Tax program to Account #2315 the Reserve Fund for Federal Gas Tax Revenue.
Carried
08-138 Moved by T. Marziale Seconded by L. Crack
Resolved to authorize the transfer of any donations made for the Jail restoration in 2008 to Account #2317 the Reserve for Jail Restoration.
Carried
08-139 Moved by R. Hope Seconded by L. Crack
Resolved to authorize the transfer of any donations made for special projects in 2008 to Account #2315 the Reserve for Special Events and Projects.
Carried
08-140 Moved by T. Marziale Seconded by L. Crack
Resolved to authorize the transfer of any surplus or deficit from the operations of the Arts at the Dock in 2008 to Account #2315 the Reserve for Special Events and Projects.
Carried
08-141 Moved by T. Marziale Seconded by R. Hope
Resolved to authorize the transfer of any surplus or deficit from the operations of the Summer Festival in 2008 to Account #2315 the Reserve for Special Events and Projects.
Carried
08-142 Moved by L. Crack Seconded by R. Hope
Resolved to transfer the surplus from the Open Air Market operations in 2008 to Account #2315 the Reserve for Special Events and Projects.
Carried
The insurance policy renewal was received. It is slightly higher than for 2008 but still lower than 2007. Asset values were increased for inflation.
08-143 Moved by L. Crack Seconded by R. Hope
Resolved to accept the insurance policy renewal for 2009 provided by Jardine Lloyd Thompson Canada Inc. in the amount of $27,613.00.
Carried
A by-law to formalize a policy on closed meeting minutes was considered.
08-144 Moved by R. Hope Seconded by R. Marziale
Resolved to give first, second and third readings to By-law #962 being a by-law to adopt a policy for the maintenance of minutes of closed meetings.
Carried
The annual appointment by-law was reviewed and will be finalized at the January meeting. A person is needed for the Trefry Centre Advisory Committee. This committee meets on Tuesdays in the afternoon. Ratepayers are asked to contact the Village Office if they have an interest in this or other committees.
The fees and charges by-law was reviewed. It will be finalized in January.
The rink was discussed. Attempts are being made to get the self-draining hydrant operational rather than using the one from the main water system. Previously the latter has been frozen when servicing the rink so the self-draining one was installed. Joe Books is helping to facilitate this.
08-145 Moved by L. Crack Seconded by R. Hope
Resolved to approve the closure of the office from December 22, 2008 to January 2nd, 2009 inclusive.
Carried
Council had to go into closed meeting to discuss items protected – identifiable persons and legal.
08-146 Moved by T. Marziale Seconded b R. Hope
Resolved to go into closed meeting.
Carried
08-147 Moved by R. Hope Seconded by T. Marziale
Resolved to return to open meeting.
Carried
08-148 Moved by L. Crack Seconded by T. Marziale
Resolved to give first, second and third readings to By-law #963 being a by-law to confirm the proceedings of the Council meeting held December 10th, 2008 and confirm the taking of any action authorized therein and thereby.
Carried
08-149 Moved by R. Hope Seconded by R. Marziale
Resolved to adjourn to meet again on January 14th, 2009 or at the call of the Mayor.
Carried
CAROLLING AND TREE LIGHTING
The Recreation Committee will hold a carolling and tree lighting activity on December 13th. It will start at 6:00 p.m. at the tree by the Library and then those who wish will go around the Village and sing carols. They will finish the evening with hot chocolate and goodies. Everyone is welcome to participate.
SENIORS’ WALKING PROGRAM
The seniors’ walking program will be held on Monday, Wednesday and Friday at the Legion. This is an indoor walking program. Please bring appropriate footwear.
YOGA
Judy Borek has agreed to offer a yoga class starting in January. It will be held on Thursdays at 7:00 in the Hilton Hall starting on January 15th. The program will be adapted to the individual’s needs.
APPRECIATION CORNER
To Mary Stevens, Ann Ross, Don Ross, Natalie Allard and Norma Shell for making and putting up the decorations on Marks St. The Recreation Committee provided the funds for the decorations that were purchased. Tanya Alexander supplied the boughs.
To the following people who helped the Recreation Committee prepare, serve and generally make the Seniors/Retired Persons Christmas Luncheon a success: Annette Fischer, Denise Tulloch, Lavera Crack, Diane Huot, Randy Fiegehen and Val Fiegehen.
SEASONS GREETINGS TO ALL
The Council and staff wish each of you a wonderful holiday season and for peace and happiness for 2009.
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