MUNICIPALITY OF ARRAN-ELDERSLIEP
MINUTES MONDAY OCTOBER 22, 2007 AT 9:00 A.M. COUNCIL CHAMBERS
______________________________________________________________________________________
PRESENT: Deputy Mayor Mary Cumming
Councillors Stacy Charlton, Mark Davis, Paul Eagleson, Ross Herron
REGRETS: Mayor Ron Oswald
PRESS: Mary Golem, Sun Times
PUBLIC: Bruce Davidson, Martin Campbell
STAFF: WORKS MANAGER, Vernon Weppler
ASSISTANT CLERK-TREASURER, Marcie Wilkinson
CLERK/CAO, Joan Albright
WATER AND SEWER FOREMAN, Scott McLeod
TREASURER, Joanne Marklevitz
RECREATION AND FACILITIES DIRECTOR, Dan Woods
DISCLOSURE OF PECUNIARY INTEREST & THE GENERAL NATURE THEREOF: None
MINUTES
Moved by: M. Davis Seconded by: P. Eagleson
that the minutes of Oct 9, 2007 be adopted as circulated. Carried
BUSINESS ARISING OUT OF THE MINUTES: None
9: 08 - ACCOUNTS reviewed with Treasurer prior to passing
DELEGATIONS
9:21 AM Bruce Davidson, reducing landfill e-waste
Davidson circulated copies of his presentation, his interest in handling e-waste evolved from all the environmental concerns raised in the Walkerton water contamination, now looking at diverting e-waste (any type of electronic equipment containing identified hazardous substances, lead, mercury, cadmium, which all have insidious, long-term health risks; offered alternatives to landfilling and how to handle e-products for diversion. Davidson will follow up with the Works Manager.
Council appreciated Davidson's presentation and agreed to start the diversion process. The Municipality had already sent its own e-waste to the Hanover recycling centre.
11:04 AM MARTIN CAMPBELL, Bruce County Highways
Campbell attended to outline his preliminary proposal and estimates to reconstruct Bruce Road 30 (1st Ave S, Chesley) from 4th St south to Bruce Road 19 in 2008. More information is required on the condition of existing water mains, sanitary sewers and storm sewers. Campbell will get estimates to video the sewers. McLeod will confirm the sizes and ages of the mains as well as their priority rating in our reconstruction plan.
Campbell's preliminary estimate of $1.62 million (County share $740, 000, Municipality share $876,000) did not include sanitary sewers which could add another $300,000 for the Municipality. It was generally agreed the Municipality could not afford such a project without an infrastructure grant and that it was too short notice for 2008. Would prefer longer-term planning. Discussed splitting the project into more manageable sections.
If the full project is not carried out, the County may decide to mill and repave without reconstruction.
Herron Asked if we could wait for 3 years. Campbell said it could possibly wait until then.
Eagleson asked Campbell's opinion on ways to curb speeding on Brook St W, redesign road profile to narrow in helps people realize they are in urban area and slow down, wider sidewalk, barrier curb. reduce speed to 40 km/hr.
Eagleson on a different note asked Mr. Campbell for his opinion on Brooke St in Tara. He commented on a reconstruction design to encourage people to slow down through designing a traffic calming area. Speeding is more noticeable now that Brook St. is gravel awaiting paving. He recommends a full road reconstruction. CAO mentioned speed humps to be like the Town of Kleinburg where plows can still remove snow.
11:45 AM WORKS MANAGER, Vernon Weppler
Discussed e-waste and directed Weppler to contact Davidson. Require dry storage facility. A fee schedule will have to be drafted for discarding electronic waste. Eagleson advised stopping the e-waste now and deciding later where AE will dispose of the items as it would take time to accumulate a load.
Arran landfill to remain open weekly until middle of November
Conservation authority problems with paperwork.
Weppler reported that composters are now costing close to $40 and we are selling for $15. Council agreed to raise the charge to $30 and not order any additional composters as we are just competing with private enterprise.
Discussed winter seasonal casual part-time labour requirements. Council approved Works Committee and Weppler's recommendations.
CORRESPONDENCE copy to all unless otherwise noted
1 REQUIRING ACTION
1.1 Township of Brock - requesting support of its September 10, 2007 resolution requesting the Ministry of the Environment to adhere to the recommendations and conclusions of its own Panel of Experts by acknowledging paper fibre biosolids as a waste, by removing the exemption status for Sound-sorb and Nitro-sorb and by imposing the recommend regulatory control of a Certificate of Approval or legal instrument that provides equal or better protection for human health and the environment.
1.2 Township of North Dumfries - requesting support of its October 1, 2007 resolution requesting the Province of Ontario to consider increasing the fees and royalties charged to aggregate operators and use this additional revenue exclusively for providing the MNR with resources to effectively staff an enforcement branch that will be able to adequately ensure the long term viability of the aggregate industry as well as ensure the responsible protection of the long-term environmental and human health of the community surrounding these aggregate extraction operations.
Discussion that there wasnt enough included in the resolution to Carry the motion.
Herron - Not near enough in the fund to get the job done.
1.3 Township of Burpee and Mills - requesting support of its resolution that the Province of Ontario must directly refund to Municipalities the 75% Farmland, Managed Forest and Conservation Land Tax, and failing that, the Province allows Municipalities to tax said lands at 100% and the Province rebates the 75% directly to individual landowners.
Discussion involving lost dollars to rural municipalities. Rebates to farmlands used to be funded by the Province. Provincial downloading as well as decreased funding have left municipalities with extremely scarce resources.
1.4 Municipality of Brockton - requesting support of its September 10, 2007 resolution requesting the Province of Ontario to revisit the funding formula currently used for Conservation Authorities with the intent to increase the funding provided to Conservation Authorities to allow them to enhance their staffing levels and thereby respond to development proposals in a more timely manner;
and that in the absence of additional funding the Province of Ontario revisit the mandate of the Conservation Authorities to ensure that said mandate is refined and streamlined so that Conservation Authorities across the Province are able to provide timely professional service levels within a restricted mandate;
and furthermore the Province of Ontario should investigate currently available engineering, planning, development and environmental expertise to determine a more cost effective method of delivering services, which Conservation Authorities are now unable to provide in a timely and effective manner;
and that in the absence of such an investigation Municipalities should be given the ability to opt out of funding of Conservation Authorities where the local Conservation Authority is unable to provide the required services in a timely manner.
1.5 Think Plastics report on quantities of bale wrap collected, requesting support of its initiative to lobby for provincial funding
Council questioned why Arran-Elderslie's quantities were not listed, Weppler will contact for numbers.
1.6 Pryde Schropp McComb Inc summary of Galbraith Municipal Drain tenders
2 INFORMATION ONLY
2.1 Association of Municipalities of Ontario
a) British Columbia Alberta Trade, Investment & Labour Mobility Agreement
b) 2006 federal funding annual expenditure report
2.2 Grey Bruce Health Unit notice that commencing with the 2008 pool season, it will be checking for compliance with chlorine dosing equipment and its usage
2.3 Gamsby & Mannerow Tara arena roof joists report
Herron noted that nothing was in writing regarding timelines and the definition of clean was not laid out. Cumming noting that this was a learning experience. Eagleson stated we would look at in the Spring to see if touch ups are needed.
3 EVENTS
REPORTS OF MEMBERS copies of any written reports to all
DAVIS covered all of his report when addressing the Works Manager. Attended the All Candidates Meeting in Paisley and noted that it was very interesting.
EAGLESON E-waste talk was very informative and believes that we should get looking into a drop off place for cameras, etc but also for batteries. Eagleson noted we need handy drop-off locations and should investigate suppliers who recycle used batteries, etc.
Brook St. speeding. Correspondence went to OPP and they say that they will spend some time up there enforcing the speed. No one has seen increased police in the area yet. Could consider Campbell's suggestions. Noticed speed indicator sign in front of the school today but the crossing guard has not seen any police during crossing times, need enforcement.
Invermay ditch complaint: while the reconstruction of the ditch was a County matter, an Arran-Elderslie resident is affected, the matter will be referred to the County through the Works Manager
Eagleson questioned who is present during the opening of tax sales tenders. Will report back to him.
Protective Services priority for the Tara-Arran Department is the master plan, agreed the fire officials should prepare preliminary plan for Council's consideration.
HERRON
Herron, Eagleson and Foreman Hans Hagemeier attended Arran-Lake to look at municipal property where rocks were being placed by local resident, would like to meet with the Ministry of Natural Resources on site to determine what is required.
CHARLTON
Attended regional tourism marketing meeting in Wiarton looking at tours of small towns. Focusing on historical buildings and trying to increase tourists to come and tour/visit small towns of Ontario.
Attended All-Candidates meeting in Paisley.
Presented a 125th certificate at the luncheon for the Chesley Horticulture Society.
Attended a second snow mobile show in Toronto was very impressed by this one.
Attended a buy-local meeting at a washing place for vegetables, auction etc of local products. He would like to see something like that expand through the area.
Gas station next door looking at opening Sundays this winter for snowmobilers.
CUMMING
Attended physician recruitment meeting last week. A recruiter [NGS Talent] has been hired for a year to try to encourage doctors to practice in this area. Province says we are under serviced by 1 doctor but the health team is trying to get proper numbers to ensure they are including increased settlement into the area as well as include the Mennonite population.
Attended an OPG meeting regarding the deep geologic repository. Hydro One was there and did a presentation on the line going to Milton and assessments for land prices from a firm in London for acquiring land.
Presented 50th anniversary and 94th birthday certificates last week
Cumming would like to get some laminated maps of Arran-Elderslie for councillors to have in Council chambers.
Cumming circulated Oswalds report to council.
REPORTS OF MUNICIPAL OFFICERS copies of written reports to all
1 Schedule Christmas dinner - Saturday November 24th in Paisley this year
2 Fire minutes: Tara & Paisley
3 Treasurer's report on telephone service costs Orion still appears to be the cheaper.
HEALTH & SAFETY
BY-LAWS
1 Commodity Price Hedging Policy
2 Electricity Procurement Program
CLOSED SESSION
1 Solicitor Advice
MOTIONS
Moved by: R. Heron Seconded by: S. Charlton
that accounts payable voucher #18-07 in the amount of $140,641.32 be paid.
Carried
Moved by: P. Eagleson Seconded by: M. Davis
that we support the Township of Brock September 10, 2007 resolution requesting the Ministry of the Environment to adhere to the recommendations and conclusions of its own Panel of Experts by acknowledging paper fibre biosolids as a waste, by removing the exemption status for Sound-sorb and Nitro-sorb and by imposing the recommend regulatory control of a Certificate of Approval or legal instrument that provides equal or better protection for human health and the environment. Carried
Moved by: P. Eagleson Seconded by: M. Davis
that we support the Township of North Dumfries October 1, 2007 resolution requesting the Province of Ontario to consider increasing the fees and royalties charged to aggregate operators and use this additional revenue exclusively for providing the MNR with resources to effectively staff an enforcement branch that will be able to adequately ensure the long term viability of the aggregate industry as well as ensure the responsible protection of the long-term environmental and human health of the community surrounding these aggregate extraction operations. Defeated
Moved by: M. Davis Seconded by: P. Eagleson
that we support the Township of Burpee and Mills resolution that the Province of Ontario must directly refund to Municipalities the 75% Farmland, Managed Forest and Conservation Land Tax, and failing that, the Province allows Municipalities to tax said lands at 100% and the Province rebates the 75% directly to individual landowners. Carried
Moved by: M. Davis Seconded by: R Herron
that we support the Municipality of Brockton September 10, 2007 resolution requesting the Province of Ontario to revisit the funding formula currently used for Conservation Authorities with the intent to increase the funding provided to Conservation Authorities to allow them to enhance their staffing levels and thereby respond to development proposals in a more timely manner;
and that in the absence of additional funding the Province of Ontario revisit the mandate of the Conservation Authorities to ensure that said mandate is refined and streamlined so that Conservation Authorities across the Province are able to provide timely professional service levels within a restricted mandate;
and furthermore the Province of Ontario should investigate currently available engineering, planning, development and environmental expertise to determine a more cost effective method of delivering services, which Conservation Authorities are now unable to provide in a timely and effective manner;
and that in the absence of such an investigation Municipalities should be given the ability to opt out of funding of Conservation Authorities where the local Conservation Authority is unable to provide the required services in a timely manner. Carried
Moved by: R. Herron Seconded by: S. Charlton
that we support the efforts of Think Plastics to eliminate large quantities of bale wrap from landfills and wholeheartedly support its initiative to lobby for provincial funding to cover costs associated with the collection of plastics in order to increase quantities collected. Carried
Moved by: R. Herron Seconded by: M. Davis
that, with respect to the Galbraith Municipal Drain, we accept the recommendation from Pryde Schropp McComb Inc. to accept the tender of Hanna & Hamilton Construction Co. Ltd. in the amount of $4,901.80, excluding GST, to carry out the clean-out. Carried
Moved by: R. Herron Seconded by: M. Davis
that whereas the Minister for the Federal Economic Development Initiative for Northern Ontario, and Minister responsible for the delivery of infrastructure programming in Ontario, Tony Clement, has outlined his intention to continue working with the Province of Ontario to identify those communities faced with regulatory scope increases to their funded water projects which were not successful in their COMRIF Intakes 1 to 3;
and whereas the Honourable Tony Clement would like to work down the list of those municipalities which were unsuccessful with their Intake 3 applications for water projects rather than subject them to an Intake 4, with its related costs and time constraints, as 'preferred' by the Association of Municipalities of Ontario;
and whereas the Association of Municipalities of Ontario did not consult with municipalities before advising Minister Clement that the Association would prefer a 4th Intake which is not of benefit to the unsuccessful municipalities;
now therefore, we direct the Association of Municipalities of Ontario, in its capacity as our go-between with the Province of Ontario, to support the wishes of the Honourable Minister, Tony Clement, and, on behalf of the municipalities which have been unsuccessful in their water projects applications to date, agree to 'work down the list' of Intake 3. Carried
Moved by: R. Herron Seconded by: M. Davis
that we congratulate Bruce Community Futures Development Corporation's 2007 Entrepreneur of the Year Award winner, Richard Tigwell of Tigwell Marine & Cycle on his achievement and success.
Carried
Moved by: P. Eagleson Seconded by: M. Davis
that a by-law to amend the Municipal Code (commodity price hedging policy) be read a first and second time.
Carried
Moved by: M. Davis Seconded by: P. Eagleson
that the by-law to amend the Municipal Code (commodity price hedging policy) be read a third time, finally passed and numbered 30 - 07. Carried
Moved by: S. Charlton Seconded by: M. Davis
that a by-law to amend the Municipal Code (electricity procurement program) be read a first and second time.
Carried
Moved by: S. Charlton Seconded by: M. Davis
that the by-law to amend the Municipal Code (electricity procurement program) be read a third time, finally passed and numbered 31- 07
Moved by: S. Charlton Seconded by: P. Eagleson
that we go into closed session with the Assistant Clerk-treasurer and the Clerk/CAO to discuss identifiable individuals. Carried
Moved by: S. Charlton Seconded by: M. Davis
that we return to regular session. Carried
Moved by R. Herron Seconded by: P. Eagleson
that we declare Lot 15 Plan 130 Tar, south side Whites Ave, to be surplus to the needs of the Municipality.
Carried
Moved by: S. Charlton Seconded by: M. Davis
that we do now adjourn to the call of the Mayor. Carried
Adjourned at 3:49pm