MUNICIPALITY OF ARRAN-ELDERSLIE

                      MINUTES TUESDAY MARCH 25, 2008 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, Ken Hashizume, Bayshore Broadcasting

PUBLIC:            Hearings:  Bruce County Planner, Sabine Hammell, Greg & Dennis Calhoun; Al Smiley, Ron                         Davidson, private planner, neighbours, Mr. & Mrs. Ross McLean, Richard LeQueyere

                        County Planning: Deputy Director Bill Hollo, Director Chris LaForest, CAO Wayne Jamieson

                        Chesley Heritage Trail:  Percy West

OBSERVERS:   Jim Marsh, Charlie Cottrill

STAFF:             TREASURER, Joanne Marklevitz

                        WORKS MANAGER, Vernon Weppler

                        WATER/SEWER FOREMAN, Scott McLeod

                        RECREATION & FACILITIES DIRECTOR, Dan Woods

                        Clerk/CAO, Joan Albright

DISCLOSURE OF PECUNIARY INTEREST & THE GENERAL NATURE THEREOF: Cumming

MINUTES

Moved by: J. Riley                                                          Seconded by: S. Charlton

that the minutes of March 10, 2008 be adopted as circulated.

                                                                                    Carried

BUSINESS ARISING OUT OF THE MINUTES:  none

DELEGATIONS

9:30 AM            BRUCE COUNTY PLANNING, hearings re: Calhoun zoning, Smiley zoning

Eagleson welcomed everyone, noted that following Hammel’s report everyone present would have an opportunity to comment, asked all to state their name and place of residence.

PLANNING REPORT: Z-24-2007.38 DATE: March 25, 2008

PREPARED BY: Sabine Hammel – Municipal Planner for the Municipality of Arran-Elderslie

SUBJECT: Elderslie Zoning By-law Amendment for Calhoun

ATTACHMENTS:

Appendix ‘A’ Due Diligence

Appendix ‘B’ Site Plan

Appendix ‘C’ MDS I

PRELIMINARY RECOMMENDATION:

Subject to review of objections and submissions arising from the public hearing the following recommendation is made:

“That the zone change application Z-24-2007.38 for the property described as 164 Brant-Elderslie, Concession 1, Lot 12 (Elderslie) Municipality of Arran Elderslie BE APPROVED.”

SUMMARY OF THE APPLICATION:

Greg and Jessica Calhoun, Tara, ON submitted applications to amend the Elderslie Comprehensive Zoning By-Law No. 7-84. The proposed Zoning By-Law Amendment will rezone the property to facilitate the severance of a surplus farm dwelling and apply special provisions to both the severed and retained parcels. The zoning on the severed parcel will restrict the number of livestock units and the zoning on the retained parcel will prohibit future residential development. The zoning amendment and severance for each parcel are as follows:

1. PURPOSE OF AMENDMENT AND CONTEXT

The subject property is located on the Elderslie Brant town line just west of Vesta. The severed parcel currently contains a detached dwelling, barn and accessory buildings; the retained lands are vacant.  Vesta Creek flows in a westerly direction through the northern portion of the retained lands.

PROPERTY INFO SUMMARY

2. MATTERS ARISING FROM AGENCY CIRCULATION

All agencies that reviewed the application had no objection to the proposal.

3. MATTERS ARISING FROM PUBLIC CIRCULATION

The application was circulated to the public within 120 m (400 ft) of the property on February 26, 2008. A public meeting for this application had originally been scheduled for February 25, 2008. However as a result of discrepancies in the information needed to calculate MDS the public meeting was cancelled to allow for time to resolve the MDS issues. The discrepancies in the MDS calculations came about because the information provided by the applicant was questioned by the owner of the adjacent farm to the west of the subject property. The owner of Lot 11 provided the Planning Department with a different set of numbers regarding the maximum housing capacity and manure storage system of his farm; these differed significantly from those provided by the

applicant. In order to apply the same criteria regarding maximum housing capacity to the each of the barns within the 1500 ft, the Planning Department decided to base the MDS calculations on the barn size numbers provided by the MPAC system (see Appendix ‘C’). The barn size numbers (square footage) from MPAC were compared to measurements from the air photos and resulting number were very similar. The MDS calculations based on the MPAC numbers for 2 out of the 3 barns were very close to the original numbers provided by the applicant and therefore the Planning Department feels confident in applying those numbers to the third barn as well. In regard to the third barn, MDS does not apply to outdoors feeders / feed lots. According to the owner

liquid manure is stored on the cement pad at the south side of feeder by placing clay banks around the pad to contain the manure. It does not appear that a building permit was issued for liquid manure storage at this site and therefore it is not reasonable to apply the MDS to this manure storage. Based on the MPAC numbers all three barns within 1500 ft of the subject property meet the MDS

requirements

4. MATTERS ARISING FROM PROVINCIAL POLICY FRAMEWORK

Under Section 3 of the Planning Act, the Municipality “shall be consistent with” matters of provincial interest as set out in the Provincial Policy Statements (PPS). Section 2.3 of the PPS addresses Agriculture and notes that prime agricultural areas shall be protected for the long-term use of agriculture.  Section 2.3.3.3 addresses new land uses, including the creation of lots, and new or expanding livestock facilities and states that they shall comply with the minimum distance separation formulae. Section 2.3.4 Lot Creation and Lot Adjustments notes that lot creation in prime agricultural areas is discouraged and may only be permitted for:

c) a residence surplus to a farming operation as a result of farm consolidation, provided that

the planning authority ensures that new residential dwellings are prohibited on any vacant

remnant parcel of farmland created by the severance. The approach used to ensure that

no new residential dwellings are permitted on the remnant parcel may be recommended by

the Province, or based on municipal approaches which achieve the same objective; and

The PPS recognizes that in prime agricultural areas, new lots for residential uses may be created from residences that are surplus to a farming operation. The amount of land removed from agricultural activity should be limited to the amount of land required to support the existing buildings, septic system and well and shall comply with the minimum distance separation formulae. The zoning provisions will prohibit any future residential development on the retained lands. The Saugeen Valley Conservation Authority (SVCA) reviewed the application and concluded that there “are no significant natural heritage or natural hazard features on the subject property” therefore addressing section 2.1 and 3.0 of the PPS.

The Department is of the opinion that the application is consistent with the Provincial Policy

Statement

5. MATTERS ARISING FROM COUNTY OFFICIAL PLAN

DESIGNATION: Agricultural Area & Hazard Lands

TRANSPORTATION: Local Road

CONSTRAINTS: None

The subject property is designated 'Agricultural’ in the Bruce County Official Plan. The ‘Agricultural’ Areas of the County are intended to permit primarily agricultural uses, uses which are supportive of agriculture, and limited non-farm development by the severance of surplus dwellings. The consent policies for the ‘Agricultural’ designation are outlined in Section 6.5.3.3 of the Official Plan and point b) allows the severance of a surplus farm residence as outlined below:

The severance of land within the Agricultural designation shall be considered under the following

circumstances:

b) Where the lands contain a surplus farm residence and buildings as a result of farm

consolidation. Consolidation need not result from the purchase of abutting farm lands;

and, providing:

· the applicant is a bona fide farmer;

· the applicant owns other farm land;

· the surplus farm residence must be habitable and such consent need not meet the

aggregate setbacks.

In considering applications for consent, the requirements of the Minimum Distance Separation

Formulae shall apply.

The Planning Department is of the opinion that the owner is a bona fide farmer who owns several other farm holdings in the area and farms in cooperation with his father. The farm residence is habitable and the surplus lot has been created in order that the greatest amount of tillable land is kept with the farm.

The severed parcel is approx 2.35 acres in size. A size of 1.5 – 2.0 acres is generally sufficient to accommodate the septic system, the area for a replacement system, and to meet the MOE separation requirements between wells and septic systems. The Health Unit has no objections to the application and states the system appears to be functional and within the proposed 0.95 ha parcel. As a result of the public circulation, there is an indication that the weeping bed may be located outside of the proposed property line. Due to the current weather conditions the exact location of the tile bed has not been determined. The Planning Department recommends that a condition of the consent be that the applicant establishes the location of the weeping bed and if located outside of the proposed parcel, the weeping bed be moved onto the property prior to the certification of the deeds.

As mentioned above the severed parcel is 2.35 acres and is therefore slightly larger than required; however the proposed property line follows an existing tree line on the east and north side of the proposed parcel and meets the side and rear yard setback requirements as per the zoning provisions and therefore the parcel fabric is appropriate. No significant amounts of agricultural lands will be removed from productivity as a result of this proposal.

The Planning Department is required to apply MDS I separation guidelines to the potential severance by the County Official Plan and the Township of Elderslie Zoning By-law 7-84. As discussed above, there were some discrepancies in the MDS calculations due to differences in the information provided by the applicant and the owner of the adjacent farm to the west of the subject property.

In order to apply the same criteria regarding maximum housing capacity to the each of the barns within the 1500 ft, the Planning Department decided to base the MDS calculations on the barn size numbers provided by the MPAC system. Based on the MPAC numbers all three barns within 1500 ft of the subject property meet the MDS requirements.

MDS I requirements for the barn and house on the severed parcel are not a concern because the barn is on the same property and therefore MDS does not apply. Any future barns constructed in the surrounding area will be subject to MDS II calculations, however future MDS II calculations do not change as a result of the zoning and subsequent severance because the dwelling currently exits and already forms a part of MDS II calculations.

Based on the foregoing, the Planning Department believes that the proposal maintains the intent and purpose of the Bruce County Official Plan policies.

6. MATTERS ARISING FROM LOCAL PLANNING DOCUMENTS

A. Township of Elderslie Zoning By-law #7-84

CURRENT ZONING: A1 General Agriculture & EH Environmental Hazard

PROPOSED ZONING

RETAINED: A1-kk General Agriculture Special & EH Environmental Hazard

SEVERED: A1-jj General Agriculture Special

The zoning amendment will rezone:

· the retained parcel to prohibit the construction of any new residential dwellings

· severed parcel to limit the number of livestock units to 0.5 livestock units per acre (1.24 livestock

units per hectare).

The existing structures on the proposed severed lot meet the zone provisions of Section 9.2. No new structures are proposed. Any future development on the subject lands must comply with the zone provisions at that time.

The Planning Department believes the proposal maintains the intent and purpose of the Township

of Elderslie Zoning By-law 7-84.

7. RECOMMENDATIONS

The proposed amendment is consistent with the Provincial Policy Statement, maintains the goals and objectives of the County Official Plan and will be in compliance with an amended Comprehensive Zoning By-law of the Corporation of the Township of Elderslie By-law No. 7-84. It is the recommendation of the Planning and Economic Development Department:

“That the zone change application Z-24-2007.38 for the property described as 164 Brant-Elderslie,

Concession 1, Lot 12 (Elderslie) Municipality of Arran Elderslie BE APPROVED.”

Questions/Comments:  Riley confirmed that the barn is included with the proposed surplus farm dwelling lot. There was no comment from any members of the public. Eagleson noted that Hammel had put some extra time in satisfying the neighbours’ concerns prior to the hearing.

The by-law was passed.

____

PLANNING REPORT: Z-13-2008.49 DATE: March 25, 2008

PREPARED BY: Sabine Hammel – Municipal Planner for the Municipality of

Arran-Elderslie

SUBJECT: Arran Zoning By-law Amendment for Smiley

Attachments

Appendix ‘A’ Due Diligence

Appendix ‘B’ Site Plan

Appendix ‘C’ County

Mapping

PRELIMINARY RECOMMENDATION:

Subject to review of objections and submissions arising from the public hearing the following recommendation is made:

“That the zone change application Z-13-2008.49 for the property described as 4846 Bruce Road 3, Concession A, Pt Lt 15 (Arran), Municipality of Arran Elderslie BE APPROVED.”

SUMMARY OF THE APPLICATION:

Al and Joyce Smiley co Ron Davidson, Owen Sound, ON submitted applications to amend the Arran Comprehensive Zoning By-Law No. 94-06. The proposed Zoning By-Law Amendment will rezone the property to facilitate the severance of four residential lots and will is proposing to rezone the severed lots from A1-g General Agriculture Special to R1 Detached Residential and R1-f Detached Residential Special (Lot 1). The special provisions on Lot 1 will recognize existing setback deficiencies and limit the number of livestock units on the property. The zoning amendment and severance for each parcel is outlined below: The special provisions on the retained lands will remain the same and require an increased MDS separation from new barns should remain.

1. PURPOSE OF AMENDMENT AND CONTEXT

The property is located at the corner of Bruce Road 3 and Bruce Road 17 in the Hamlet of Burgoyne. The applications are proposing the creation of 4 residential lots in the Hamlet. Lot 1 will contain the exiting house, barn and accessory buildings. Lots 2-4 will be vacant. The retained lands are vacant.

.

PROPERTY INFO SUMMARY

2. MATTERS ARISING FROM AGENCY CIRCULATION

All agencies that reviewed the application had no objection to the proposal. The Bruce County Highways Department has no objection to the proposed developed but is requesting 17-foot road widening along Bruce Road 3.

3. MATTERS ARISING FROM PUBLIC CIRCULATION

The application was circulated to the public within 120 m (400ft) of the property on February 29, 2008. The Planning Department did receive one letter of objection date March 10, 2008. However the letter did not specify the objections to the application.

4. MATTERS ARISING FROM PROVINCIAL POLICY FRAMEWORK

Under Section 3 of the Planning Act, the Municipality “shall be consistent with” matters of provincial interest as set out in the Provincial Policy Statements (PPS). The PPS encourages that designated urban areas such as Hamlet Community are the focus of growth. Further the policies of Section 1.1.3 Settlement Areas encourage land use and densities that efficiently use the available land and resources, are appropriate to the level of infrastructure and services available and minimize negative impacts on the environment.The PPS allows for new developments of five or less lots to be serviced by on-site sewage and water services where municipal and/or communal sewage and water services are not available and where site conditions are suitable for the long-term provision of on-site services.

The Department is of the opinion that the application is consistent with the Provincial Policy Statement.

5. MATTERS ARISING FROM COUNTY OFFICIAL PLAN

DESIGNATION: Hamlet Community, Rural Area & Hazard Lands

TRANSPORTATION: Arterial Road – Bruce County 3 and Bruce County 17

CONSTRAINTS: None

The County of Bruce Official Plan currently designates the subject land as ‘Agriculture’. However, the update mapping that is currently undergoing approval for the County Plan review has designated the property ‘Rural’, ‘Hamlet Community’ and ‘Hazard Lands'. Section 24(2) of the Planning Act details pending amendments and allows the Council of any municipality to which the plan applies, before the amendment to the official plan comes into effect, pass a by-law that does not conform with the official plan but will conform with it if the amendment comes into effect. The County of Bruce Agricultural, Tourism and Planning Committee approved the County Official Plan Amendment on July 23, 2007 and County Council adopted it on September 6, 2007. Currently the plan amendment is awaiting approval by the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing. Therefore, the Planning Department will review the applications under the ‘Rural’ and ‘Hamlet’ policies (Appendix C).

The Hamlet Community policies (Section 5.2.4) of the Bruce County Official Plan direct a limited amount of the anticipated permanent population growth to the Hamlet Communities. Permitted uses in the Hamlet designation include low density residential uses and home occupations, community facilities, commercial uses serving the day-to-day needs of the residents of the Hamlet Community and the surrounding area, highway commercial uses and dry industrial uses. The local zoning by-law will provide specifics regarding the permitted uses in individual lots.

In regard to lot creation the County Plan permits infilling, rounding-out and minor extensions of existing development in Hamlet Communities provided that the new development is serviced in accordance with the standards of the appropriate approval authority. The Health Unit has reviewed the applications and finds that the proposed lots have suitable conditions and area for future residential development.

Section 6.5.3.2 (Consents - Primary, Secondary Urban And Hamlet Communities) of the County Plan states that consents in Hamlet Communities shall only be granted when the scale of development proposed would not require a plan of subdivision; and the proposed lots are in keeping with the lot area, frontage and density pattern of the surrounding area. The Planning Department believes that a plan of subdivision is not required for the proposed development because the extension of municipal services such as roads and/or sewer and water services is not required. The proposed lots are larger than the existing lots in Burgoyne, however most lots in Burgoyne were created before formal planning processes were established. The proposed lots are appropriately sized to accommodate a house, accessory building, a septic system and a well within the requirements of the Ontario Building Code and the zoning by-law.

The retained lands are designated as ‘Rural’ and ‘Hazard Lands’. Minimum farm size in the Rural

designation for farm lots is 20 ha (50 ac). The retained lands will be approx. 93 acres in size and

therefore are more than large enough to meet the minimum farm size requirements. Both the severed and retained parcels meet the policies of Section 6.5.3 Land Division Policies.

Based on the foregoing, the Planning Department believes that the proposal maintains the intent and purpose of the Bruce County Official Plan.

6. MATTERS ARISING FROM LOCAL PLANNING DOCUMENTS

A. Township of Arran Zoning By-law 94-06

CURRENT ZONING: A1-g General Agriculture Special, A1 General Agriculture & EH

Environmental Hazard

PROPOSED ZONING:

Retained: A1-g General Agriculture Special & EH Environmental Hazard

Severed Lot 1 R1-f Detached Residential Special

Severed Lot 2 – 4 R1Detached Residential

The proposed zoning amendment will continue to the zone the retained lands as A1-g; the special provisions will required that new barns will need to be twice the regular distance required by the MDS formula. The extra distance will provide a buffer between the Hamlet Community and new agricultural uses.

The severed lots will be rezoned from the A1 to R1. In the current zoning by-law most of the lots within the Hamlet are zoned as R1; and the R1 zone is an appropriate zone for residential lots within an urban area. Permitted uses in the R1 zone include a detached dwelling and accessory buildings and structures.

The special provisions on Lot 1 will:

1. Permit four accessory buildings (Section 6.3.3)

2. Recognize a reduced exterior side yard setback for accessory buildings from 6 m (19.7 ft) to 0.7 m (2.3 ft) (Section 6.3.5 iii)

3. Recognize a reduced minimum front yard setback from 7.5 m (24.6 ft) to 5 m (16 ft)

4. Limit the number of livestock units to 0.5 livestock units per acre (1.24 livestock units per hectare).

All future development on Lot 1 will need to comply with the zoning provisions in effect at that time.

The Planning Department believes the proposal maintains the intent and purpose of the Township of Arran Zoning By-law 94-06.

7. RECOMMENDATIONS

The proposed amendment is consistent with the Provincial Policy Statement, maintains the goals and objectives of the County Official Plan and will be in compliance with an amended Comprehensive Zoning By-law of the Corporation of the Township of Arran By-law No. 94-06. It is the recommendation of the Planning and Economic Development Department:

“That the zone change application Z-13-2008.49 for the property described as 4846 Bruce Road 3; Concession A, Pt Lt 15 (Arran), Municipality of Arran Elderslie BE APPROVED.”

Questions/Comments: Riley confirmed that the barn remains with proposed Lot 1

Davis had a call from Paul Chappell who thinks this is a waste of good farmland, he is contemplating a wind turbine which could be affected by this—Hammel said that there will be hamlet set backs that would affect a turbine whether or not these lots exist—Council confirmed it would not be a problem.

Eagleson noted that we would be leaving a barn within the hamlet and allow some animals, wondered where the manure would go.

Ron Davidson said this is good development in a designated settlement area which is encouraged by the PPS and the Planning Act.  There was considerable consultation with the Planning Department prior to coming to this hearing.  Appreciates the County Highways reduction from 17’ to 10’ along Bruce Road 3.

McLean spoke about the side-yard restrictions, why are they reduced to 2.3’—was done to provide for the existing house on the corner lot, will not permit re-building in the same location.

Smiley added that the corner lot is being sold to an individual who intends to put on an addition with no plans to sever that lot again.

The by-law was passed.

_______

Herron asked Hammel about the request for comments re James & Merle Hammell consent application:  application was only made to separate one of the three original farm lots, would require a second application to separate the two lots on Concession 1.

10:45 AM          BILL HOLLO, CHRIS LAFOREST, WAYNE JAMIESON, Bruce County Planning Directors and CAO re provision of planning services

Eagleson noted we had met last fall about planning matters, how Council would like to work together, sent terms November 2nd, he believes we need to get our zoning consolidated, asked for comments on the letter.

Hollo agreed we need to re-jig processes sometimes; suggestions from Municipality on specific details, will continue to process Arran-Elderslie’s planning matters, will report to Council prior to public; basically agreed with application processing as suggested; re public inquiries will make an effort to consult with the Municipality but it could be time consuming; would like to establish regular office hours in the Municipality to discuss local matters; Municipality could handle its own inquiries if it wishes; need a dispute resolution method for public, informally through a sub-committee of Council, if not results reported to County and Council;

Delay in zoning consolidation down to incorporating many amendments; CAO looking for a number of different text changes, will address as many as possible.

Request to shift planning from Wiarton to Walkerton, for a number of reasons they would prefer not; alternatively, the Municipality could use a consultant. They do wish to give the Municipality the best advice it can.

LaForest said that sometimes people get information from them and then talk to their local Councillors because they are not happy, thinks physical presence in the Municipal office on a regular basis would help reduce complaints, could start with two and a half days per month.  Once people know, they would make better use of the planner’s presence.  Herron asked if it could be regular days, advertised in our newsletter—would be better that way.  Davis said we have people with a planner’s letter in their hand Councillors know nothing about—a planned presence could alleviate such instances.  Herron suggested there could be alternatives not raised in written correspondence.  Riley thought the change to Walkerton would be handy—Hollo noted if they had a presence here it would not be an issue.  Eagleson agreed to stay with the Wiarton office as the problem has corrected itself.  The Clerk pointed out there is no intention by the Municipality to ‘approve’ information or advice given by planners—just to consult in advance.  Davis would like consistency in which office provides our planning.  Would just be one planner assigned to provide consistency. 

Eagleson asked for the process on the zoning consolidation:  trying to identify amendments that could be handled collectively rather than individually, building in wind turbine provisions, wrapping up mapping and first draft, will forward to the Municipality in paper and electronic formats for review and preliminary posting for the public; will be one zoning by-law for the whole Municipality, both urban and rural, would like informal public input prior to formal process; Eagleson would like the process completed as soon as possible; Hollo noted that some official plan changes will be necessary as well to deal with boundary changes.  At least three other municipalities are not yet consolidated either.  Cumming noted the incorrect zoning on the Paisley medical clinic, would the Planning Department shut down the project because of the zoning—not their authority to enforce local zoning.  Eagleson asked about other municipal properties that should have zoning changes—could they be done together—Hollo has discussed municipal institutional zoning with the Clerk, some properties would be changed.

Eagleson asked if the County is drafting a conflict resolution proposal—yes, Hollo is preparing a mechanism to deal with disagreements—LaForest said the most important thing is to let the planners know when there is a complaint.  Eagleson would like to start the planners’ presence as soon as possible.  Hollo to work out a schedule with the Clerk. 

The County no longer does formal agreements with the local municipalities—LaForest said they could write up today’s proposals as a protocol.  Jamieson noted that would be easier to amend from time to time, also committed to working with Council to resolve the issues.

Hollo noted that planning matters can be contentious when dealing with people’s property. 

Directed Hollo to start a zoning change on the Paisley medical clinic site.

1:00 PM            WORKS MANAGER, VERNON WEPPLER, WATER/SEWER FOREMAN, SCOTT MCLEOD

Presented two quotes for a water/sewer works tandem-axle cargo trailer to eliminate the service truck. Asked if he should seek quotes for a half ton to replace the service truck, it was agreed to see what is available.

Road Tour planned:  Tuesday April 22nd, with all Department Heads

McLeod would like to attend the water conference in London this year, counts for his continuing education units, do any members of Council wish to attend, needs to register this week—Council agreed McLeod should attend.

2:00 PM            PERCY WEST, CHESLEY HERITAGE TRAIL, shortfall for last of paving, would like assistance to finish the last 140 metres

Circulated copies of the mapped proposal, the paving quotation and a request letter.  It took $69,000 of the $80,000 Trillium grant to repair bridges.  Have not asked for any financial assistance from the Municipality prior to today.  Have raised another $70,000, are continuing to raise funds, may be successful with another $2,000 grant application, will have $6,000 in all which is short $3,000 to finish the paving. 

Any comments if the County Tourism uses the trail as part of its 2008 Passport – fine, suggest locating the box in Community Park near the skateboard park/pool area.

ACCOUNTS – were reviewed with Staff prior to passage

CORRESPONDENCE – copy to all unless otherwise noted

1          REQUIRING ACTION

            1.1        City of St. Catharines - requesting support of its November 26, 2007 resolution urging the Federal Government to consider changes to Bill C-22 to ensure fair and equitable representation based on population for Ontarians' seats in the House of Commons

            1.2        Town of Tecumseh - requesting support of its February 27, 2008 resolution requesting the Government of Ontario to enter into an agreement with the Federal Government for the purpose of delivering Ontario’s share of the $64 million Municipal Rural Infrastructure Program (MRIF) “top-up” funds announced in February 2007 and committing the Ontario Government to contribute matching funds of $64 million as agreed to under the November 15, 2004, Canada-Ontario Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund (COMRIF) Agreement.

            1.3        Bruce County Tourism – municipal participation at the 2008 IPM

Oswald is sitting on the County Committee, believes its important Arran-Elderslie has a booth with the County’s theme of paddling, suggests we set up our own committee.  Charlton will attend the County’s meeting on April 1st.  Costs have been set aside in our economic development budget. 

            1.4        Bud, Halpin – seeking continued support for the 19th Harry Biermans Community Classic

Request for barricades, pylons, picnic tables has been forwarded to the Works Manager, would also like to display a sign in the former Chesley library—Council agreed.

            1.5        Dianne King – request approval to fly the Canadian Cancer Society flag in Elliott Park in April

            1.6        Bruce County Planning

a)         request for comments re James & Merle Hammell consent application B-26-2008.49

2          INFORMATION ONLY

            2.1        Ontario Seniors' Secretariat – recipients of this year's Ontario Senior Achievement Awards

            2.2        Ministry of Municipal Affairs & Housing

                        a)         announcement of legislation to designate a portion of provincial surpluses to municipal infrastructure needs

                        b)         supporting Earth Hour Saturday March 29th from 8 pm to 9 pm

            2.3        Municipal Property Assessment Corporation – Carsons' Camp not appealing the Ontario Court of Appeal's decision to the Supreme Court of Canada—MPAC will continue its current practice respecting the assessment of permanent trailers in seasonal campgrounds

            2.4        Association of Municipalities of Ontario

                        a)         Provincial budget surpluses directed to municipal infrastructure

                        b)         Canada-Ontario infrastructure funding update

3          EVENTS

REPORTS OF MEMBERS – copies of any written reports to all

CUMMING

Attended IAC last week, presentation on tritium in the water, have tested local vegetables, no worries

Has tickets for medical clinic fundraiser, dinner and concert, local businesses have made donations, individuals have also made donations.

DAVIS

Contractor reported that our landfill fees are higher than other local sites.

Set a date for our roads tour, asked each Ward Councillor to make a list of sites to visit.

Would like Council to decide on cost-sharing for watermain south of Chesley on County Road 30.

Paisley Fire:  Chief seems to think we have cut out standby but it was offset by considerable hourly increase to reach parity with the other two fire departments. Alternative would be to offer the 2007 hourly rate plus inflation rate and keep standby—give them a choice.  Riley thought that Tara and Chesley should be more upset as their wages were basically frozen.  The only response to the Deputy Clerk-treasurer’s correspondence with Chief Bonderud was ‘thank you’ but his statement on the radio was not positive.  Davis repeated that it is a trade-off and Paisley will benefit in the end.  Davis was directed to meet with Bonderud to sort out.  Herron noted that the Fire Marshall’s office recommended uniformity for the departments and the Chiefs agreed.

EAGLESON

Has two closed session matters to discuss.

Hopes we can pave Brook St. as soon as it's fit because it is in bad shape following the winter after construction.

Has never seen Matilda St. so broken up as it is this year, should consider doing it this year as well, may be able to reduce other sections scheduled this year.

RILEY

Would Council consider donating the practice ice time for the IPM

HERRON

Discussed when the final budget could be passed, will require three weeks notice prior to final passage

Had a nice trip

CHARLTON

Nothing further

OSWALD