MUNICIPALITY OF ARRAN-ELDERSLIE

                        MINUTES TUESDAY JUNE 24, 2008 AT 9:00 A.M. COUNCIL CHAMBERS

______________________________________________________________________________________

 

PRESENT:        Deputy Mayor Mary Cumming

                        Councillors Stacy Charlton, Mark Davis, Paul Eagleson, Ross Herron, Jack Riley

 

REGRETS:        Mayor Ron Oswald

 

PRESS:            Mary Golem, Sun Times [afternoon]

 

PUBLIC:            B. Mcnall, J. MacMillan

 

STAFF:             DEPUTY CLERK-TREASURER, Connie McKinnon

                        TREASURER, Joanne Marklevitz

                        WATER/SEWER FOREMAN, Scott McLeod

                        WORKS MANAGER, Vernon Weppler

                        Clerk/CAO, Joan Albright

 

Cumming announced the Mayor will be at the hospital with his wife today, in Kitchener.

 

DISCLOSURE OF PECUNIARY INTEREST & THE GENERAL NATURE THEREOF:  none

 

MINUTES

 

Moved by: M. Davis                                                        Seconded by:   S. Charlton

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

 

BUSINESS ARISING OUT OF THE MINUTES:  none

 

DELEGATIONS

 

 9:00 AM           BOB MCNALL RE CHESLEY TRAILER PARK

 

Was not aware of rate changes till he returned this spring; said some of the contract rules were changed; have tried in the past to keep negotiations peaceful; they had wanted protection from inflation; negotiated through Woods who reported to Sullivan; they had set a maximum increase of 2.5% per year; they agreed to provide their own insurance for their own property; wonders why the rates were increased a couple hundred dollars; would have appreciated an opportunity to comment prior to rates being changed [notice of the proposed rates was posted three weeks prior to passage]; believes the annual contracts are binding; they have taken it upon themselves to fill all 23 lots with local people from Chesley and Walkerton. Complained about the lack of snow removal promised by a previous Council.

 

Davis pointed out the cost of servicing just for water, sewer and hydro is more than half our cost per lot, leaving about $350 for the site; cannot justify subsidizing these users; water front leases are increasing in the neighbourhood of 15 to 20% per year on the market.

 

Eagleson pointed out these folks could go elsewhere if they are not happy with the rates, asked how old the trailers are, most parks do not allow trailers older than 15 years—some of these are 30 years old;  MPAC reassessment may not be too much concern due to the age of the trailers; can talk to Works Manager about the snow removal.

 

Charlton noted it is unfortunate our rates have got so far behind, it is a beautiful park area, rate increase is justified.

 

Cumming summed up that the consensus around the table is to maintain the rates as they are and we’ll continue to increase until we catch up.  Council thought the tenants were being notified of rate changes, will ensure MacMillan is in future.  MacMillan confirmed she would collect the balance of each of the site fees for 2008 and the winter storage.

 

 9:30 AM           DEPUTY CLERK-TREASURER, Connie McKinnon, OFM review documents

 

McKinnon and the Fire Chiefs, Paul Best, Rob Bonderud and Jack Lancaster, have completed the simplified risk assessment and the smoke alarm and home escape planning programs.  Council commended McKinnon and the Chiefs for the tremendous amount of work involved and the good results.

 

Cumming brought up the matter of rescue training for wind turbines, it was agreed there should be a meeting to discuss if the service will be provided and if so how the costs would be covered; Eagleson noted that not all volunteer firefighters may be willing to climb 450 feet; Davis pointed out we do not permit tall buildings because we cannot provide fire protection; it was felt the wind turbine companies should be providing rescue services not municipalities;  it was the consensus of Council that we not participate in rescue services for wind turbines.

 

11:00 AM          RAKESH SHARMA, Henderson, Paddon & Associates Ltd.

 

Sharma reviewed the history of the applications for the downtown Chesley sanitary sewer project to reduce or eliminate storm water infiltration; first application under COMRIF 1 included the down town area and replacement of poor condition sewers (clay etc) as well as two projects in Tara and Paisley; subsequent applications removed projects based on Ministry comments they were not as high priority; in-flow from roof drains accounts for most of the hydraulic overloading, reducing it would permit the construction of 90 more homes; we must ensure that using the grant monies will fix the overflow problem; displayed maps of areas to be replaced; recommended we camera some of the sewer mains to determine which ones do and don’t require work, expects it would be covered as part of the design stage cost which is grantable; have already eliminated some infiltration in annual projects; Sharma is filling out the questionnaire as to whether we require a federal environmental assessment, may also involve the conservation authority; the Ministry has agreed to recalculate the lagoon/river capacity.

 

Discussed water tower maintenance timing

 

Weppler reported how he is proceeding with the work on the Elderslie bridge on the 15 side road, estimates $24,000

 

Silver Star tenant has to vacate by June 30th, will follow-up as required

 

1:00 PM            WATER/SEWER FOREMAN, Scott McLeod re Chesley pool leak

 

Due to his department’s work schedule, recommends having a contractor dig it up, water usage 25 to 40 cubic metres per day, will monitor, may be more than one leak

 

Davis remarked that our precautionary boil-water advisory was handled well, unable to put on website on the first afternoon as it was unavailable, it was posted the next morning, the water supply was never contaminated, it was a private service water sample, the health unit confirmed we did everything we should have done.

 

ACCOUNTS – copy to all

 

Marklevitz reviewed the accounts with Council prior to passage

 

CORRESPONDENCE – copy to all unless otherwise noted

 

1          REQUIRING ACTION

 

            1.1        City of Waterloo - requesting support of its May 12, 2008 resolution calling upon the Provincial government to clarify and confirm that the 2008 Municipal Road and Bridge Infrastructure Investment is in fact a one time infusion of funds versus an annual contribution and that if this is the case, that the Provincial government provide long term and sustainable infrastructure funding to assist the City of Waterloo and all upper, lower, and single tier municipalities in addressing their infrastructure roles and responsibilities.

 

            1.2        The Nation Municipality - requesting support of its Jun 9, 2008 resolution petitioning the Ontario Government to amend the Clean Water Act to incorporate a provision for compensation for those landowners who suffered loss of land use and/or enjoyment of land as a result of source protection initiatives under the Act

 

            1.3        John Black & Sheila Dowler – petition for drainage works by owners in conjunction with an earlier request for a cleanout previously submitted

 

            1.4        Howard Tedford – request to install 2-4" drainage runs in the Tara fair grounds to eliminate standing water in the horse ring.  Will be talking to Eagleson and Herron prior to the meeting to outline the proposal—has been arranged.

 

            1.5        Township of O'Connor - requesting support of its June 9, 2008 resolution requesting the federal government to commit to meeting the demands for the Canada Summer Jobs Program by guaranteeing a set number of positions and increasing funding accordingly

 

            1.6        Chesley Br. 144, Royal Canadian Legion – requesting donations for the Military Family Services Program picnic/BBQ in August

 

            1.7        Christie Thomson, Paisley BeefFest – requesting declaration of the event as a community festival for liquor licensing purposes

 

            1.8        Peter Julian, MP, Burnaby-New Westminster - requesting support of his draft motion to ban the use of polybrominated diphenylethers (PBDE) flame retardants as supported by the International Association of Fire Fighters Canadian Operations

 

            1.9        Drinking Water Source Protection - requesting support of its May 20, 2008 resolution recognizing that any land use restrictions causing an economic impact will be addressed as the need for compensation arises.

 

2          INFORMATION ONLY

 

            2.1        Association of Municipalities of Ontario

                        a)  opportunity to provide input on provincial poverty reduction strategy

                        b)  OMERS latest news

                        c)  Ontario Human Rights Code changes for handling complaints

                        d)  annual conference agenda

 

            2.2        Bruce County Planning – correspondence

                        a)  Fred Fortune

                        b)  Doug Fines re propane handling facilities

                        c)  Bill Walker re propane handling facilities

 

Council had no objection to propane exchange facilities

 

            2.3        Play in Bruce Grey – update

 

REPORTS OF MEMBERS – copies of any written reports to all

 

DAVIS

 

Foreman Ken Gunson was on site early on the weekend for the car show getting ready—great service

 

Mill St. Paisley barricades were removed based on the hotel having adequate insurance in the event of collapse, the hotel insurance company is looking into the coverage

 

EAGLESON

 

Has had a couple of inquiries, one re location of cardboard bins in Tara, why they were moved, understands they were moved at a complaint of a neighbour about dust; the site at the community centre was not suitable for the truck to pick up

 

The second matter is about the presence of an unlicensed trailer behind a Tara store, the CBO/PSO confirmed it would be moved, questioned why it is not allowed in a commercial zone

 

RILEY

 

Asked Charlton if he needs more help for the plowing match, can always use more help, Cumming offered to help too

 

Riley said that Mill St looks good without the barricades, the signs have been taken down by the locals, would also like to see the front fence removed

 

HERRON

 

He and his wife were guests of the Tara-Arran Fire Department for presentation of award

 

Attended the Georgian Bluffs water tower construction display

 

CHARLTON

 

Attended the community health care public meeting on June 12 in Chesley, good turnout

 

Also attended the water tower construction demonstration in Georgian Bluffs, interesting to see the method of construction

 

Attended the Kinghurst graduation last night

 

Will be leaving June 26 and returning July 7, on vacation

 

CUMMING

            a)  Scotty Pine Portables for Mary Cumming Park

 

Attended the Allenford ball park playground opening, very nice spot now, is a credit to Cyndie Rands and the other volunteers

 

Attended doctor recruitment, sample of handout available for new doctors, a doctor is coming to Paisley

 

Agreed with Charlton that the community health public meeting was well attended, hopes this group can join in to the new family health team system

 

Paisley health clinic is coming along nicely, ready to put on the roof, desperately need fill

 

Sent flowers to Mrs. Oswald on behalf of Council and Staff

 

OSWALD

            a)  Draft County organizational chart

            b)  Chesley medical clinic building committee email from Birchard

            c)  Citizens for Bruce C – Bruce site to remain largest in Ontario

 

Cumming read Oswald’s report of events and meetings.

 

 REPORTS OF MUNICIPAL OFFICERS – copies of written reports to all

 

            1          Agreement of Landlord to the lender of Everus Communications which has purchased Highspeedfx, the company which has its apparatus on the Chesley water tower.  On the advice of the Municipal solicitor, the Mayor and the Clerk have already signed the agreement as it was necessary for the company to obtain funding in a timely manner.  The company has reimbursed the Municipality for its legal fees in this matter.

 

            2          Is Council interested in another change to the draft Personal Use of Vehicles policy?

 

Council agreed to send the latest draft to C.U.P.E. for comment

 

            3          Woodyard/Alexander arena rental May 23, 2008

 

            4          Summer BBQ choices

 

            5          Tara Rotary Park update

 

            6          Chesley arena perimeter lighting

 

            7          Insurance coverage for volunteers at the IPM – our policy already includes such coverage, we will require the names of all those who are volunteering so that Council may confirm their appointment by resolution to confirm coverage.  Need contact name at IPM to confirm insurance coverage to.

 

            8          Recreation facilities update

 

CLOSED SESSION

            1          Medical leave

            2          Identifiable individual information

            3          Uncollected fees

            4          Leaves of Absence

            5          Internal structural review

 

MOTIONS

 

Moved by: R. Herron                                                       Seconded by: S. Charlton

that accounts payable voucher #12-08  in the amount of $238,959.64 be paid.

                                                                                    Carried

 

Moved by: M. Davis                                                        Seconded by: S. Charlton

that we do support the City of Waterloo May 12, 2008 resolution calling upon the Provincial government to clarify and confirm that the 2008 Municipal Road and Bridge Infrastructure Investment is in fact a one time infusion of funds versus an annual contribution and that if this is the case, that the Provincial government provide long term and sustainable infrastructure funding to assist the City of Waterloo and all upper, lower, and single tier municipalities in addressing their infrastructure roles and responsibilities.

                                                                                    Carried

 

Moved by: P. Eagleson                                                   Seconded by: M. Davis

that we do support The Nation Municipality Jun 9, 2008 resolution petitioning the Ontario Government to amend the Clean Water Act to incorporate a provision for compensation for those landowners who suffered loss of land use and/or enjoyment of land as a result of source protection initiatives under the Act

                                                                                    Carried

 

Moved by: R. Herron                                                       Seconded by: M. Davis

that we do support the petition by John Black & Sheila Dowler to extend the McCannell drain in conjunction with the cleanout already in process by Engineer Dave Rosner.

                                                                                    Carried

 

Moved by: P. Eagleson                                                   Seconded by: J. Riley

that we do support the Township of O'Connor June 9, 2008 resolution requesting the federal government to commit to meeting the demands for the Canada Summer Jobs Program by guaranteeing a set number of positions and increasing funding accordingly.                                                       Carried

 

Moved by: M. Davis                                                        Seconded by: J. Riley

that we declare the Paisley BeefFest 2008 to be a community festival for the purpose of liquor licensing

                                                                                    Carried

 

Moved by: P. Eagleson                                                   Seconded by: J. Riley

that we do support Peter Julian, MP, Burnaby-New Westminster requesting support of his draft motion to ban the use of polybrominated diphenylethers (PBDE) flame retardants as supported by the International Association of Fire Fighters Canadian Operations                                                      Carried

 

Moved by: M. Davis                                                        Seconded by: S. Charlton

that we do support the Drinking Water Source Protection May 20, 2008 resolution recognizing that any land use restrictions causing an economic impact will be addressed as the need for compensation arises.

                                                                                    Carried

 

Moved by:  S. Charlton                                                   Seconded by: M. Davis

that, with respect to Chesley's Sewage System Improvement project #104166, we authorize video inspection of 4,000 metres of sanitary sewers as part of the design process for the project to determine the scope of the work necessary to meet the objective.                                                         Carried

 

Moved by:  R. Herron                                                      Seconded by: P. Eagleson

that we donate $100 to the local Canadian Legions and the Military Family Services Program for the picnic/BBQ in August at the Tara Legion.                                                         Carried

 

Moved by: S. Charlton                                                    Seconded by: M. Davis

that the Mayor and Clerk are hereby authorized to have signed the Agreement of Landlord with respect to C.A. Bancorp Inc lending to Everus Communications Inc., being the tenant of the Municipality re internet apparatus attached to the Chesley water tower.                                                     Carried

 

Moved by: P. Eagleson                                                   Seconded by: J. Riley

that Council hereby approves payment of $326.77 being the unpaid balance of invoice #17960 for Jim Alexander's May 23, 2008 arena rental.                                                          Carried

 

Moved by: J. Riley                                                          Seconded by: R. Herron

that we approve the quotation from Stinson Electric Ltd. in the amount of $3,892.95, plus tax, for the installation of new perimeter fluorescent lighting in the Chesley arena prior to ice time this fall.

                                                                                    Carried

 

Moved by: J. Riley                                                          Seconded by: M. Davis

whereas the Municipal Solicitor has confirmed by letter dated May 7, 2008, that it is the responsibility of the Municipality to provide for building and property standards processing and inspection and ensuring that proper records be kept, by the Municipality, for its future use;

and whereas the public proceeds, administered by the Municipality, from building inspection are used to fund the building inspection process;

and whereas the records created during the building and property standards inspection services are public information and must be available to the public and to other Municipal Staff who regularly respond to property compliance requests;

now therefore, we confirm that all records created during the building and property standards inspection processes are the property of the Municipality and shall be safely stored in the municipal office at all times unless signed out temporarily for inspection purposes;

and that any record temporarily signed out shall be returned to the municipal office within two days or an explanation provided as to why it cannot be so returned, such as an active file.

                                                                                    Carried

 

Moved by: R. Herron                                                       Seconded by: S. Charlton

that we go into closed session with the Clerk/CAO to discuss identifiable individuals.

                                                                                    Carried

 

Moved by: M. Davis                                                        Seconded by: P. Eagleson

that we return to regular session.                                     Carried

 

Moved by: J. Riley                                                          Seconded by: M. Davis

that we do now adjourn to the call of the Mayor.                Carried

 

Adjourned at 3:30 pm