MUNICIPALITY OF ARRAN-ELDERSLIE
MINUTES MONDAY DECEMBER 10, 2007 AT 9:00 A.M. COUNCIL CHAMBERS
______________________________________________________________________________________
PRESENT: Mayor Ron Oswald, Deputy Mayor Mary Cumming
Councillors Stacy Charlton, Mark Davis, Paul Eagleson, Ross Herron, Jack Riley
PRESS: Mary Golem, Sun Times
PUBLIC: OPP Detachment Commander, Paul Holmes & Staff Sgt. Paul Bradley
Terry Murphy & George Loucks, Chesley Masonic Lodge
STAFF: RECREATION & FACILITIES DIRECTOR, Dan Woods
TREASURER, Joanne Marklevitz
CHIEF BUILDING OFFICIAL, Craig Johnston
ANIMAL CONTROL OFFICER, Cheryl Roberts
WORKS MANAGER, Vernon Weppler
WATER/SEWER FOREMAN, Scott McLeod
ASSISTANT CLERK-TREASURER, Marcie Wilkinson (left at 3:30 pm)
Clerk/CAO, Joan Albright
DISCLOSURE OF PECUNIARY INTEREST & THE GENERAL NATURE THEREOF: Oswald with the Lodge presentation as he is a member; Cumming with the accounts as she is included thereon
MINUTES
Moved by: M. Cumming Seconded by: M. Davis
that the minutes of Nov 26, 2007 be adopted as circulated.Carried
BUSINESS ARISING OUT OF THE MINUTES: none
DELEGATIONS
Staff reports: copies of written reports to all
9:00 AM RECREATION & FACILITIES DIRECTOR, Dan Woods
Circulated copies of laboratory results of air quality testing for mould in the Tara and Paisley libraries showing there is no problem. Council discussed the necessity of the County requesting the testing on the Paisley library.
Liquor licence application – waiting on final inspection. Current facility attendants would not be serving the beverages, others with SmartServe qualifications would be hired.
Coordination of setup for Chesley Curling Club's free use of hall, Council suggested that since we have set it up in the past, we continue provided the Club gives adequate notice of its setup requirements. There are still problems with the microphone/speaker system, Woods will bring back a costing report to the January meeting. Discussed having local sound system people make recommendations for sound improvement.
Davis reported that, according to some locals, Arkwright hall is in need of a facelift, locals will do the work if we provide the supplies (paint etc), names given to Woods to follow-up.
Davis also reported that we have the same roof dripping problem over the entrance doors to the Chesley arena entrance, needs a dormer to stop the drip and ice build-up. Woods to prepare report with design by the CBO and submit costs to Council for approval.
No more complaints about Triple A hockey scheduling. Is frequently in touch with the league by email re issues as they arise.
9:30 AM TREASURER, Joanne Marklevitz
Reviewed the accounts with Council. Cumming reported that all the large roasting pans have disappeared from the Paisley community centre, replacements cost $540.98.
Reviewed insurance quotes, Treasurer to get some recommendations today prior to final acceptance of a quote.
Results of recommendations calls: two municipalities are in their second year with Stevenson & Hunt, so far so good, excellent risk management assistance.
10:00 AM SOUTH BRUCE OPP DETACHMENT COMMANDER, PAUL HOLMES
STAFF SERGEANT, PAUL BRADLEY, DAVE DURANT, INSPECTOR, REGIONAL MANAGER, CONTRACT POLICING, to discuss policing matters (closed session for any matters pertaining to identifiable individuals)
Animal Control Officer & Chief Building Official – both by-law enforcement officers – also attended
Holmes introduced Bradley to Council. Bradley covered for Holmes recent sick leave. Would like Bradley to discuss matters related to speeding on Brook St. and an occurrence at the high school.
Bradley reported they have done significant enforcement of the speeding on Brook St, remains ongoing, issues include road construction, signage, while some charges have been laid they were not for significant speeding, public claimed children had been hit while crossing, none reported to the police, investigated past incidents and hospitals, overall the speeding while a cruiser was present was not very high, Eagleson concerned that once the road is paved vehicles will speed up again next year, Bradley suggested publicizing stepped up enforcement; the Works Manager confirmed that all signs are in compliance with regulations and a crosswalk has been painted; Holmes noted that people’s perception of speed can be wrong; Eagleson thought Holmes suggestion to have the complainant sit in the cruiser to see what speeds are being recorded was good.
Bradley reported on the events of September 19th when there was a gun event at the Chesley District High School by a returning suspended 18-year-old student with what was believed to be a real pistol who intended to right his wrong. That day significant personnel had been redeployed to Caledonia, his request for additional personnel was denied. Fourteen regional personnel came in. Full emergency response was in motion for potential shooting. The replica gun was found, the perpetrator resisted arrest, the student was freed after 18 days served waiting a court appearance, had pleaded guilty to three threats of death, including the principal. The police believe the student remains a threat and has been suspended from all Ontario schools. Holmes requested that Council write the Attorney General requesting the judicial officials to be more accountable. 140 hours + follow-up investigation, plus protective security and court time. Student has been charged twice since and is still on the loose. Bradley has recommended all the officers involved for Commissioner’s citations. Plan to work with schools and principals on how to handle such situations.
Holmes introduced Inspector Dave Durant, contract policing, who attended to review policing statistics prepared by Holmes which were circulated to Council. The OPP is required to provide provincial duties but is not designed to do so; Province needs to correct the situation and contribute more funds for its share. Involvement in Caledonia has sapped local departments. Are now policing local native reserves since their police service was disbanded. Performance measures indicate that when the proactive measures have not been done, clearance rates of crimes have decreased. Shows that the Province should not be pulling officers out for provincial duties. Arran-Elderslie pays for 8 FTE officers which is not much for a municipality of this population. Our costs are dependent upon the number of calls for service, the number of officers deployed elsewhere, the rank of the officers, vacancies, leaves, in order to provide one constable 24/7 it takes 6 people (leave, holidays, sick time, court time, etc). Also provided other similar municipalities’ costs. Holmes would like to reduce the Provincial Services Usage as it takes officers away from this detachment.
Davis asked when Section 5.1 municipalities started being billed, 1995 with the Harris government. Holmes would prefer to police in a proactive way. When they don’t have enough officers, response times increase as officers from other areas must come in.
Clarified Council’s spring motion, which was not requesting less policing—just less billing—on the perception that policing in 2006 was adequate the same as 2005. Holmes agreed our big geography and sparse population makes it more expensive for us.
Durant can have contract policing discuss policing options with Council, 5-year contract policing, would require a Council request. Would not be a cheaper contract, would provide consistent billing and service. A police services board would be required.
11:28 am Council went into closed session with the officers to discuss identifiable individuals.
11:45 AM CHIEF BUILDING OFFICIAL, Craig Johnston
Reviewed his building statistics with Council; pleased with number of housing units, more to come.
Paisley medical clinic tenders have been picked up by all seven invited contractors.
Will be on vacation January 14 to 31, 2008
Eagleson would like Johnston’s input on renovating the Tara library to prevent future mould issues. Collection and mechanical pumping of water has not worked. Will arrange a meeting with Eagleson, Herron, Hagemeier and Johnston.
Has been asked to cover Brockton’s building inspector’s temporary absence, Herron would like written confirmation from any municipality wishing our backup for liability purposes—Council agreed.
1:19 PM WORKS MANAGER, Vernon Weppler
Tower Park lot development, Weppler received more information from engineers, will forward the final billing costs to the Board of Education and determine our final per-lot costs.
Fence along Tara rail trail north of Brook St – look into disposal of the property through farmland
Guelph Road School – Brian McDougald and Ivan Langeraap attending
SR #25 bridge – Grey Sauble Conservation Authority requesting a fisheries assessment
Good Roads convention – Council undecided yet, will confirm by next January meeting
McClure’s Bridge –concrete deck was poured December 1st
2:15 PM WATER & SEWER FOREPERSON, Scott McLeod
Reviewed his report with Council: budget for inspection of the confined space retrieval equipment; water turbidity analyzers require servicing; taking a correspondence course to get enough Continuing Education Units for his Water Distribution Class III licence (level required for water line to Paisley from Chesley); Tara water committee met, discussed the matters agreed to by the committee; discussed acting as the general contractor rather than tendering the project as a whole, not enough information at this point to decide; McLeod suggested from his experience that if the backup generation is not installed now it never will be; will proceed with the Permit to Take Water. Bristol Canada coming next week to update Tara SCADA controls; A-1 Hydrants swabbed the Tara and Chesley (Riverside) sewage forcemains. Repairing water break in Chesley tomorrow; AE water plant compliance issues re filter flows/air trapped, we will install an extra valve; laid off casual worker who is willing to return next year if available; redeploying Paisley and Chesley WWTP workers to familiarize them with another location.
Cumming had a Paisley resident tell her he was extremely pleased with the Water Department’s handling of a water service break, asked that his appreciation be extended to Operator Trevor Sweiger.
McLeod asked who would be maintaining the booster pump and backup generator at the Board office—the Board decided to take responsibility for the equipment we place there to ensure fire flows.
______
Oswald restated his interest in the following delegation and left the meeting.
1:30 PM TERRY MURPHY, CHAIR, MASONIC LODGE BUILDING COMMITTEE & GEORGE LOUCKS, closed session re property disposal
ACCOUNTS – were reviewed with Staff prior to passage
CORRESPONDENCE – copy to all unless otherwise noted
1 REQUIRING ACTION
1.1 Town of Caledon - requesting support of its November 20, 2007 resolution requesting the Province of Ontario to increase aggregate fees and royalties with the increased revenue to be used exclusively to enable the Ministry of Natural Resources to effectively staff an enforcement branch to ensure the long-term viability of the aggregate industry and protect the environment and human health of the communities surrounding aggregate operations.
1.2 Township of Elizabethtown-Kitley - requesting support of its November 12, 2007 resolution requesting that training for fire fighters required for new fire safety legislation be free of charge by the Office of the Fire Marshal
1.3 Peter Knipfel – requesting Council to change the current delivery method of the Good Food Box program and utilize local business wherever possible
Mary Golem was asked to explain how the program came to be and has operated since.
2 INFORMATION ONLY
2.1 Association of Municipalities of Ontario
a) AMO and FCM partnering to fight climate change
b) throne speech – welcomes provincial commitment to put municipalities on firm financial footing
c) LAS adds energy management software to growing list of energy services
2.2 Jim Watson, new Minister of Municipal Affairs & Housing – introduction and acknowledgement of shared concerns
2.3 Easy Beverage Mgmt Systems – serving control monitoring system; Woods to investigate
2.4 Bruce County Planning correspondence
a) Cuesta Planning Consultants – copy of letter to County Planner re new official plan amendment application for Gary MacDonald
b) Cuesta Planning Consultants – development plan for Gregg severance application
Inquiry Responses
a) Donald & Mary Jackson email consultation, 2006 response
b) Paul McGrath, emailed suggestion to downgrade to minor variance
Davis declared an interest in the Paul McGrath inquiry.
2.5 Municipal Property Assessment Corporation – activity update
3 EVENTS
REPORTS OF MEMBERS – copies of any written reports to all
CUMMING
Attended the Protective Services meeting
Attended the County planning seminar on Friday with guest speakers
Had the three Christmas parades, concern expressed in Paisley about the Tara parade and firecrackers being let off in front of a team of horses; Davis understands the Tara parade organizers are looking after the matter.
The doctor recruitment meeting for January 16th has been cancelled.
Merry Christmas
DAVIS
a) Paisley & District Fire Board minutes of October 3/07
b) Draft motion re Tara Water Committee recommendations
Other business dealt with during Staff reports
Wished everyone and their families a good Christmas, be ready for work next year
EAGLESON
a) E.K. Gillin & Associates Inc – Tara library air sampling report clear – drew Council’s attention to the basement fungal spore count which is safer than outside, that area was not cleaned up; believes we have been wronged, as suspected the previous mould count was just a result of removing the basement wainscoting which settled down right after, all we had to do was open the windows and circulate the air; the basement remains sealed off, supports a permanent solution which should be undertaken to prevent any future occurrence; it is a very tight building, needs an air exchanger to freshen the air; the library re-opened Tuesday December 4th.
b) Protective Services minutes of November 30/06
At Protective Services meeting: the date for a follow-up meeting to continue with OFM recommendations has been cancelled by Chief Bonderud
Wished everyone a merry Christmas
Eagleson noted that the County had a site meeting at the Turner property at Invermay and settled the matter to Turner’s satisfaction, copies of the response letter were mailed to Herron and Eagleson who were present at the site meeting; understands the County then went to another Tara property without our presence and told the owner it was a municipal problem, will look into further.
RILEY
Was approached for installation of sidewalks on Balaclava and near medical clinic and seniors’ apartments, will discuss further during budget next year
Wished everyone a merry Christmas and a happy new year
HERRON
Made it to two of the Santa Claus parades
Attended the Planning seminar on Friday
Wished everyone the compliments of the season
CHARLTON
He and Cumming attended the Source Water Protection meet & greet
Attended the Protective Services meeting in Paisley, and the three parades
Was at a Scobe meeting, organizers would like someone from Paisley to participate in the award event
Wished all a very merry Christmas and a happy and prosperous new year
OSWALD – County reports
a) minutes/resolutions/by-laws delegating authority to staff
Oswald reported that Dick Turner supplied monthly planners for Members; suggested visiting the new senior’s units at lunch time
Reported on his list of events and meetings attended, Deputy Planning Director, Bill Hollo would like to arrange a meeting with Council to discuss planning issues.
He and his wife wished all the best of the season.
REPORTS OF MUNICIPAL OFFICERS – copies of written reports to all
1 Henderson, Paddon & Associates Ltd. – Jan 30th or Mar 5th for Attack game? January 30th
2 Henderson, Paddon & Associates Ltd. – Board of Education administration building booster pump and standby diesel generator evaluation
3 Chesley medical clinic – building upgrades requested
BY-LAWS
1 Municipal Code: mutual assistance agreement; congratulatory certificate policy; smoke alarm policy
2 Letter of Agreement with the Ontario Trillium foundation re Allenford Ball Park playground ($23,500)
CLOSED SESSION
1 Internal personnel correspondence
2 Time sheet
3 Preparation for bargaining
MOTIONS
Moved by: S. Charlton Seconded by: r. Herron
that accounts payable voucher #21-07 in the amount of $1,184,320.50 be paid.
Carried
Moved by: S. Charlton Seconded by: M. Cumming
that any surplus (or deficit) for 2007 be transferred to (or funded from) the Working Capital Reserve.
Carried
Moved by: R. Herron Seconded by: S. Charlton
that we transfer the $23,500 upfront Ontario Trillium Foundation grant payment to a reserve for the Allenford Ball Park playground equipment. Carried
Moved by:
that we go in camera to discuss two dog incidents in Arran-Elderslie with OPP, Craig Johnston, Cheryl Roberts, Joan Albright and Marcie Wilkinson to be present.
Carried
Moved by: S. Charlton Seconded by: R. Herron
that we return to regular session. Carried
Moved by: M. Cumming Seconded by: M. Davis
that we go into closed session with Terry Murphy, George Loucks, the Assistant Clerk-treasurer and the Clerk/CAO to discuss the disposal of property. Carried
Moved by: M. Davis Seconded by: M. Cumming
that we return to regular session. Carried
Moved by: P. Eagleson Seconded by: M. Davis
that, subsequent to the December 4, 2007 meeting of the Tara Water Committee, we approve the following committee recommendations with respect to the Tara well development/ pumping station building project for 2008:
1. no temporary watermain pressurization system
2. pumping station building to be designed to accommodate future standby power, cartridge filtration and UV equipment installation
3. Henderson, Paddon & Associates Ltd. to prepare final design of the well and pumping station building and obtain approvals from Ministry of Environment (MOE).
4. International Water Supply (IWS) to apply and obtain Permit to Take Water from MOE.
Carried
Moved by: M. Cumming Seconded by: M. Davis
that we support the Town of Caledon November 20, 2007 resolution requesting the Province of Ontario to increase aggregate fees and royalties with the increased revenue to be used exclusively to enable the Ministry of Natural Resources to effectively staff an enforcement branch to ensure the long-term viability of the aggregate industry and protect the environment and human health of the communities surrounding aggregate operations. Carried
Moved by: S. Charlton Seconded by: M. Cumming
that we support the Township of Elizabethtown-Kitley November 12, 2007 resolution requesting that training for fire fighters required for new fire safety legislation be free of charge by the Office of the Fire Marshal.
Carried
Moved by: S. Charlton Seconded by: M. Cumming
that Peter Knipfel's inquiry re Good Food Box program be forwarded to the Grey Bruce Health Unit as the organizer of the program. Carried
Moved by: M. Davis Seconded by: S. Charlton
that, with respect to the Chesley medical clinic, we approve the following requests:
1. Quotation from Freiburger Communications for wiring necessary to convert to electronic record keeping, to be funded in part by the Doctor Appreciation Night proceeds of $2,038 in reserves
2. Contact a local contractor to remodel the reception window, install additional counter space and shelving
and that all work be arranged during the Christmas holidays while the clinic is closed (if possible).
Carried
Moved by: M. Cumming Seconded by: J. Riley
that a by-law to amend the Municipal Code be read a first and second time.
Carried
Moved by: M. Davis Seconded by: M. Cumming
that the by-law to amend the Municipal Code be read a third time, finally passed and numbered 35 – 07.
Carried
Moved by: R. Herron Seconded by: J. Riley
that a by-law to sign a Letter of Agreement with the Ontario Trillium Foundation for a grant for the Allenford ball park playground, be read a first and second time. Carried
Moved by: R. Herron Seconded by: J. Riley
that the by-law to sign a Letter of Agreement with the Ontario Trillium Foundation for a grant for the Allenford ball park playground, be read a third time, finally passed and numbered 36-07.
Carried
Moved by: S. Charlton Seconded by: J. Riley
that we go into closed session with the Clerk/CAO to discuss identifiable individuals.
Carried
Moved by: M. Davis Seconded by: J. Riley
that we return to regular session. Carried
Moved by: R. Herron Seconded by: S. Charlton
that we accept the quotation from Stevenson & Hunt for our 2008 insurance coverage in the amount of $120,988.60. Carried
Moved by: J. Riley Seconded by: S. Charlton
that we do now adjourn to the call of the Mayor. Carried
Adjourned at 4:52 pm