MUNICIPALITY OF ARRAN-ELDERSLIE
MINUTES MONDAY NOVEMBER 26, 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 (till noon)
PRESS: Mary Golem, Sun Times (9:10, will interview Riley later)
PUBLIC: Betty Perkins, Crystal Ferguson, Health Unit-Play in Bruce Grey
STAFF: TREASURER, Joanne Marklevitz
CHIEF BUILDING OFFICIAL, Craig Johnston
WORKS MANAGER, Vernon Weppler
DAN WOODS, Recreation & Facilities Director
ASSISTANT CLERK-TREASURER, Marcie Wilkinson
Clerk/CAO, Joan Albright
WELCOME TO, AND INAUGURATION OF, PAISLEY WARD COUNCILLOR-ELECT: JACK RILEY who shall read aloud and sign his Declaration of Office before taking his seat
Riley made his declaration of office and took his seat. He was welcomed by the other Members of Council. Riley looks forward to working with Council. Noted that he has duties as the Chair of the 2008 International Plowing Match so he appreciates that the Council meetings are held in the daytime.
DISCLOSURE OF PECUNIARY INTEREST & THE GENERAL NATURE THEREOF: Riley noted his refund of his campaign deposit is on the accounts.
MINUTES
Moved by: S. Charlton Seconded by: R. Herron
that the minutes of Nov 12, 2007 be adopted as circulated.Carried
BUSINESS ARISING OUT OF THE MINUTES: none
DELEGATIONS
Staff reports: copies of written reports to all
9:15 AM TREASURER, Joanne Marklevitz, review report from November 12th meeting
Reviewed the accounts with Council.
Reviewed the Treasurer’s report from the November 12th meeting: re Allenford tax sale, discussed tank removal and vesting the property, agreed to remove the tanks which is required by TSSA, Davis expressed reservations about vesting the site in the event there is considerable contamination, should verify well water, Council agreed the Clerk should contact Ron Nickason re tank removal;
re 2008 water/sewer rates, discussion of inflationary increase, capital charge for Tara to accumulate funds to cover existing shortfall resulting from construction projects on Yonge St and Brook St, citizen committee to address capital funding and make recommendations on long-term financing, agreed to a 5% increase for all water, sewer and garbage rates, etc.
10:07 AM CHIEF BUILDING OFFICIAL, Craig Johnston
Attended to finalize some details regarding the Paisley medical clinic drawings, small-sized copies will be circulated to Members of Council, ready to go to tender, listed seven local contractors who are well qualified to complete the project.
Reported that construction values this year would be very close to his prediction of $25 million
10:52 AM WORKS MANAGER, Vernon Weppler & Lee MacDougall subdivision
Davis brought Riley up-to-date on the subdivision, agreed to seek Council’s approval to abandon the 20+ year-old water main, the Municipality will supply the replacement water main pipe ($4,500) rather than use such an old pipe, understand MacDougall now has sufficient funding to complete the servicing to Cormack Dr. for now to service the houses built, will have a site meeting to finalize construction plans as MacDougall would like to start this fall.
Herron asked Weppler about the sidewalk concrete invoice, it was typical concrete mix. The top coat sidewalk concrete was purchased some time ago but is just being paid now, waiting on supplier to address poor adhesion.
Christmas lights are up, briefed Riley on parade arrangements.
Had a request to extend the snow removal of sidewalk on 4th St. SW, Weppler does not support the request, Charlton is satisfied the snow removal ends where the sidewalk ends. Weppler got back to Gail Fullerton that Victoria St. sidewalk request would be addressed in next year’s budget.
Herron asked what we are going to do with the bale wrap, has put it on a concrete slab and contacted Think Plastics for pickup.
Barricade on Mill Dr. moved back again by residents, will cease to be a problem when snow is not removed.
1:15 PM Betty Perkins, CRYSTAL Ferguson, Play in Bruce Grey program presentation
Presentation on the promotion of municipal active living opportunities, participation in the Bruce Grey pilot of Silen Laumen’s Active Kid’s Movement to promote unstructured, daily physical activity, establish Community Action Network (CAN) with a direct link to Council through staff, three Arran-Elderslie folks have expressed interest in participating, outlined a number of local initiatives, financial contributions from two Counties and 17 municipalities total $12,200; Woods indicated he does not have the time available to devote to organizing events on the scale proposed; Perkins stressed the importance of having a link to Council on the CAN.
1:50 PM Recreation & Facilities Director, Dan Woods
Attended to report on telephone quote to install cordless phone systems to service the three community centres and the pools which would eliminate the existing pool phone lines which are only actually required for the summer but must be maintained year round to keep the numbers; Council requested more information on cancellation costs and reinstatement costs, if required.
Reported on the mould cleanup in the Tara library, results due Thursday or Friday. Eagleson and Herron will arrange a meeting with contractor Tom Ruff for eliminating the basement.
Woods is on vacation Nov 29th to December 7th.
Has an individual interested in acquiring the ice maker from the Chesley community centre, get an estimate.
Eagleson thanked Woods for all his time and work on the Tara library cleanup.
ACCOUNTS – were reviewed with Staff prior to passage
CORRESPONDENCE – copy to all unless otherwise noted
1 REQUIRING ACTION
1.1 Saugeen Country Tourism Association – request for letter of support re Rural Economic Development Program grant application
1.2 Dr. Adam Winterton – update on Team to a new system (FHN or FHO), how to get the expansion process moving now they have a consultant and some idea of their spatial requirements.
Oswald is attending a preliminary meeting on Friday to start determining their needs, will report back to Council. Suggested Charlton be included in a building expansion committee.
1.3 Municipality of Morris-Turnberry - requesting support of its November 6, 2007 resolution requesting the Province of Ontario to develop a program to provide for a rebate system for tire disposal
1.4 City of Waterloo - requesting support of its November 5, 2007 resolution calling on both the federal and provincial governments to review the safety and efficacy of all chemical pesticides and to legislate the sale and use of cosmetic chemical pesticides in Ontario.
1.5 Grey Bruce Health Unit – re PLAY in Bruce Grey physical activity program with invoice for contribution of $600
1.6 Doug Smith, EMS, Bruce County – Mutual Assistance Agreement adopted by Bruce County
1.7 Bluewater District School Board – notice of properties for sale
2 INFORMATION ONLY
2.1 Think Plastics Inc – unable to collect bale wrap due to improper conditions
2.2 Bruce County Planning – responses to inquiries
a) Greg Calhoun
b) Ava Cenitagoya
c) Ken Stuempfle
2.3 Grey Sauble Conservation Authority
a) 2008 draft budget
b) Ontario Regulation 151/06
c) response to Brockton's September 10th resolution circulated
Oswald spoke at County Council about not lumping all conservation authorities together re Brockton’s complaint about poor service from its local authority, we get excellent application/permit turn-around from the Grey Sauble Conservation Authority.
2.4 Mark O'Leary – notice he has stepped down as C.U.P.E. Local 255 Unit Vice-President
2.5 Association of Municipalities of Ontario
a) developments coming out of Large Urban Mayors' Caucus of Ontario meeting in Oshawa
b) Ontario consultation on the Canadian Council of Environment Ministers' draft Canada-wide strategy for the Management of Municipal Wastewater Effluent
2.6 Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment [CCME] – notice of consultation on the draft Canada-wide Strategy for the Management of Municipal Wastewater Effluent
2.7 Fair Funding for Small Communities of Ontario
a) email November 14, 2007
b) July 25, 2007 copy of letter to Federal Minister of Transport, Infrastructure & Communities
c) October 4, 2007 letter to MP for Perth-Wellington
d) October 29, 2007 minutes
e) resolution FFSCO would like Council to pass
2.8 Ontario Good Roads Association – report of the nominating committee
2.9 Cuesta Planning Consultants – copy of letter to Planner re MacDonald zoning application amendment
3 EVENTS
3.1 Tara & District Santa Claus Parade – invitation to participate
3.2 Paisley & District Chamber of Commerce – invitation to fund raising supper December 1st, proceeds to Paisley medical clinic (same night as Tara parade)
3.3 Dave Johnston, South Bruce - dates available for joint meeting with Brockton & South Bruce re FHT , recruitment, med-quest: January 9th, 16th or 23rd at County Council Chambers, 7:30 pm
Council agreed on the 16th.
REPORTS OF MEMBERS – copies of any written reports to all
1 Discussion of Councillor appointments re standing committees and representatives to other organizations (Saugeen Valley Conservation Authority appointment due). Current appointments are listed at the bottom of the agenda.
CHARLTON
South Bruce Peninsula report of ‘first impressions’ initiative indicated locals travel elsewhere for entertainment, etc. Saugeen Country would like to conduct a similar study and promotion of this area, such as a contest.
Attended Regional Economic Development meeting at Grey Roots, reported on funding initiatives at County level, agricultural local markets, develop our own logo.
HERRON
Attended the Tara library a number of times over the mould issue.
Attended the County site meeting on Bruce Road 17 at Turner’s
Thanked Cumming for her input into the Christmas party Saturday.
EAGLESON
Most issues have been handled already.
Extremely touching, interesting presentation at Tara Legion by CDHS students of their visit to Vimy Ridge; was well received by our Vets, school should be proud of the students who participated, if it is ever repeated you should attend, working on fund raising for other trips to war areas in Europe.
Would like to keep moving on the O.C.Long memorial.
Got excellent cooperation from Tara residents in forming a water committee; envisions a round-table format open to the public.
DAVIS
Meeting planned for December 4th for Tara Water Committee. Confirmed we only pay mileage to the Tara water committee members.
Thanked both Woods and Cumming for their involvement in the Christmas party.
Wished to ensure Wietse Posthumus is thanked for his representation of the Municipality on the Saugeen Valley Conservation Authority.
CUMMING
Physician recruitment report.
Has been discovered that Cyclone Taylor, of Tara, Mickey McKay, of Chesley, and Barney Stanley, of Paisley, all played on the same team in British Columbia.
Will get table maps made up for Council and Staff.
Paisley’s Dry Lizard is closing the end of this month.
Was approached by Jim Marsh who wished to apologize for the way Members of Council were treated at the Paisley all-candidates meeting.
She and Woods have resumed regular monthly Recreation staff meetings.
Jim MacDonald signs have been erected at two ends of Chesley, will arrange a photo shoot.
Seventy-one turned out for the Christmas party, hopes everyone enjoyed it.
OSWALD – County reports
a) signage strategy
b) farm environmental improvement funding
OTHER
a) Bluewater Board of Education – FAQ's re administration building replacement
Made his report of events and meetings. Added his thanks to Cumming and Woods for the party.
REPORTS OF MUNICIPAL OFFICERS – copies of written reports to all
1 View Arran Lake pictures, before & after stones, on computer
Further to Foreman Hagemeier's conversation with the Conservation Authority, we are waiting on a response from the Authority and the Ministry of Natural Resources.
2 Draft congratulatory certificate policy – approved for finalization
3 Emergency Management Program Committee/Community Control Group minutes of November 21, 2007 meeting to review critical infrastructure, training, exercise, annual review
BY-LAWS
1 Tile drainage loans
CLOSED SESSION
1 Personnel records
MOTIONS
Moved by: R. Herron Seconded by: S. Charlton
that accounts payable voucher #20-07 in the amount of $152,752.77 be paid.
Carried
Moved by: M. Davis Seconded by: R. Herron
that we approve a 5% increase for 2008 for water, sewer and garbage charges for all users of these services in order to build reserves for future repairs and maintenance. Carried
Moved by: M. Cumming Seconded by: J. Riley
that we approve the plans for the Paisley Medical Clinic, as approved by the committee, to go to tender by invitation only. The Building Committee and the Chairman of the Paisley Medical Clinic, Dale Steinhoff, will be present for the tender opening. This committee will then come to Council for approval.
Carried
Moved by: M. Davis Seconded by: M. Cumming
that Council approves an expenditure of approximately $4,500.00 for new water main from Arnaud to Cormack Drive, as the old main does not have sufficient cover. Lee MacDougall will pay for installation as part of the completion of the street project so as to allow access to the 4-plex on Regent and the 2 homes on Cormack Drive. Carried
Moved by: S. Charlton Seconded by: J. Riley
that we support the application file no. 4701 by Saugeen Country Tourism Association for a grant under the Rural Economic Development program for the purpose of attracting year-round visitors, enhancing the quality of the visitors' experience and increasing business and job opportunities in the tourism sector, through long-term marketing and promotion of the region and distribution of guidebooks with the aid of a professional consultant and up-to-date software;
and that we are confident of the achievement of positive results with the assistance from the RED program.
Carried
Moved by: S. Charlton Seconded by: J. Riley
that we support the Municipality of Morris-Turnberry November 6, 2007 resolution requesting the Province of Ontario to develop a program to provide for a rebate system for tire disposal;
and further that the proposed rebate system be administered and funded by the tire manufacturers at the point of sale. Carried
Moved by: M. Davis Seconded by: R. Herron
that we do not support the City of Waterloo November 5, 2007 resolution calling on both the federal and provincial governments to review the safety and efficacy of all chemical pesticides and to legislate the sale and use of cosmetic chemical pesticides in Ontario. Carried
Moved by: S. Charlton Seconded by: M. Cumming
that we confirm to the Bluewater District School Board that we do not wish to purchase any of its listed properties and thank the Board for the opportunity. Carried
Moved by: M. Cumming Seconded by: M. Davis
that we appoint Jack Riley as our representative to the Saugeen Valley Conservation Authority, for the period
from December 1, 2007 to November 30, 2010. Carried
Moved by: R. Herron Seconded by: S. Charlton
that the following unbudgeted transfers to reserves be finalized for 2007:
Power Workers Union donation of $3,000 to an Arran-Elderslie recreation program supply reserve;
O.C. Long Subdivision development deposits and Mrs. Long's donation, totaling $4,257.85, be transferred to a reserve to complete the subdivision parkland development and commemoration, from the following accounts:
$2,723.23 in an asset account 01-0100-1186
$ 704.83 in the liability account 01-0150-2164
$ 329.79 in the trust fund 04-0100-1040
$ 500.00 donation from Mrs. Long 01-0305-4507
Dr. Appreciation Night proceeds of $2,038 to the Chesley Medical Clinic expansion reserve;
2007 well head protection expenses be funded from the Well Head Protection reserve in keeping with the Provincial grant program for that purpose. Carried
Moved by: M. Davis Seconded by: S. Charlton
whereas, the infrastructure funding available through the COMRIF program has been insufficient and small rural municipalities have already invested large amounts of money in Engineering Studies to support applications for COMRIF funds which were unsuccessful;
and whereas rural communities cannot afford large contributions, let alone the entire cost of large scale infrastructure projects and the Federal Government has announced an Infrastructure Funding Program called the “Building Canada Fund” (BCF) for which, along with the GTF, FFSCO has previously recommended ways and means to provide fair access to Federal and Provincial Infrastructure Funding that does not involve competition between municipalities;
and whereas Gary Schellenberger, MP for Perth/Wellington has responded to AMO’s request for input into the development of a response to the waiver in which these funds should flow to municipalities, in that priority should be given to municipalities that have had unsuccessful COMRIF applications to Top Up COMRIF funding with the $64 million dollars allocated in the Building Canada Fund for use in Ontario;
and whereas the advocacy group “Fair Funding for Small Communities of Ontario” (FFSCO) comprised of concerned rural municipalities representing small rural communities in Ontario has previously recommended ways and means to provide fair access to both Federal and Provincial infrastructure Funding that does not involve competition among municipalities;
and whereas the aim of FFSCO is to secure sustainable long term funding for repair, maintenance and capital funding of mandated and crumbling infrastructure projects;
now therefore, we support the efforts of the advocacy group, “Fair Funding for Small Communities of Ontario” (FFSCO) in their work to secure sustainable long term infrastructure funding for large infrastructure projects in small communities and humbly petitions both Provincial and Federal Governments to create special funding in perpetuity to recognize this shortfall and does not support an open fourth submission to COMRIF but rather supports a process that would limit the access to those communities that have already applied for COMRIF funds and had qualified unsuccessful submissions (whether “the shovel has been put to the ground” or not);
and further that, approval agencies for the Top Up Funding need to be cognizant of issues related to the ability of a municipality to finance the applications such as low populations, low housing units, agricultural assessment base, large geography etc;
and further that, emphasis should be placed on submissions by municipalities having a population of 10,000 or less or 25% of it’s populations in rural (non-urban) areas, whereby rural municipalities can borrow against 80% of the total amounts over the 7 year term of the GTF and the BCF;
and further that, since funding is only available from the Federal Government for the 64 million dollars in Top Up Funding, the funding split should be 2/3rds Federal and 1/3rd local or if the Provincial Government participates, on an equal three-way funding split. Carried
Moved by: M. Cumming Seconded by: M. Davis
that we support the "Play in Bruce Grey" program for 2008 and contribute $600 as invoiced for next year.
Carried
Moved by: M. Davis Seconded by: P. Eagleson
whereas Council deems it important to get input from the users of the Tara water system regarding future costs and direction;
therefore, be it resolved that,
1. a Tara water committee be formed consisting of Scott McLeod, Ross Herron, Paul Eagleson, Mark Davis, Roger Thorne, Connie McKinnon, Peter Steinacker, Kelly Morrisson, Hans Hagemeier and Brad Angel;
2. the mandate of this committee shall be to recommend to Council, after discussions with our engineer and public consultation, what they believe is the direction to take regarding pressurization, water tower, main replacement, bringing new well on line and any other relevant issues along with means of procuring funds for the related projects. Carried
Moved by: M. Davis Seconded by: R. Herron
that a by-law to impose rates in respect of money borrowed under the Tile Drainage Act, be read a first and second time. Carried
Moved by: M. Cumming Seconded by: M. Davis
that the by-law to impose rates in respect of money borrowed under the Tile Drainage Act, be read a third time, finally passed and numbered 34 – 07. Carried
Moved by: M. Davis Seconded by: P. Eagleson
that we make Wietse Posthumus aware that as per his request, we have replaced him on the Saugeen Valley Conservation Authority and would like to sincerely thank him for his years of service representing Arran-Elderslie on the Authority. Carried
Moved by: S. Charlton Seconded by: R. Herron
that we declare the former Chesley library building and the rear access lot, on 1st Ave. S. and 2nd Ave. SW, to be surplus to the needs of the Municipality;
and that we offer the current tenant an opportunity to purchase the properties before advertising them for sale. Carried
Moved by: M. Cumming Seconded by: M. Davis
that we do now adjourn to the call of the Mayor. Carried
Adjourned at 4:30 pm