MUNICIPALITY OF ARRAN-ELDERSLIE

 

           

Council Meeting - C#01-09

 

 

Monday, January 12, 2009

9:00 a.m.

 

Council Chambers

Municipal Administration Offices

1925 Bruce County Road 10

Chesley, Ontario

 

 

His Worship

Mayor Ron Oswald

 

 

MINUTES

 

A meeting of the Council of the Municipality of Arran-Elderslie was held on Monday, January 12, 2009 at 9:00 a.m. in the Council Chambers.

 

The following Members of Council were present:

 

Mayor Ron Oswald (Chair)

Deputy Mayor Mary Cumming

Councillor Stacy Charlton

Councillor Mark Davis

Councillor Paul Eagleson

Councillor Ross Herron

Councillor Jack Riley

 

 

The following members of Staff were present:

 

A.P. Crawford, CAO/Clerk

C. Johnston, Chief Building Official

J. Marklevitz, Treasurer

V. Weppler, Works Manager

B. McAllister, Facilities Foreman

S. McLeod, Water and Sewer Foreman

 

 

DISCLOSURES OF PECUNIARY INTEREST AND GENERAL NATURE THEREOF

 

There were no disclosures of pecuniary interest by Members of Council under the Municipal Conflict of Interest Act.

 

 

ADOPTION OF AGENDA

 

            The agenda was adopted as distributed by the Clerk.

 

 

 

 

MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING

 

Council Meeting – December 22, 2008

 

            Moved by:        Councillor Charlton

            Seconded by:   Councillor Herron

 

            That the minutes of the Council meeting held December 22, 2008 be adopted.

 

                                                                                    Carried

 

 

BUSINESS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES

 

Deputy Mayor Cumming noted that Joe Pickering would be retiring at the end of 2009.

 

 

STAFF REPORTS

 

i)        CHIEF BUILDING OFFICIAL – C. Johnston

 

            C. Johnston, Chief Building Official, reviewed his written report to Council with the following highlights:

 

§         Total building permits issued for 2008 – 159

§         Total construction values for 2008 - $12,744,969.00

§         Total building fees for 2008 - $100,630.00 (two permits ready to pick up pending payment)

§         Board of Education building progressing on schedule; partial occupancy the week of March 16 2009; demolition of the two existing buildings on site to start late April/early May 2009

§         Pending issues:

               i)    Confirmation of charges for demolition permit fees for Board of Education project;

ii)   Proposed draft by-law for fences and pool construction;

iii)   Proposed draft by-law for timing of construction of accessory buildings in advance of main structures including time limits for construction and deposit guarantees.

 

            C. Johnston also provided a verbal update with respect to the status of the Paisley Inn matter.  He confirmed that he had attended at Court on January 9, 2009, that the next court date would be February 23, 2009 to set a confirmed date for further proceedings, and advised that there was the potential for a full trial as late as November, 2009.  He confirmed that he and the Municipality’s solicitor for this matter were working to reduce the scope of issues and required court time.

 

Councillor Davis assumed the Chair at this time for the Works reports (9:35 a.m.).

 

ii)      WATER AND SEWER FOREMAN – S. McLeod

 

            S. McLeod, Water and Sewer Foreman, reviewed his written report to Council with the following highlights:

 

§         Service agreement with Oweson Water Services for Supervision of Water and Sewer Operations in Arran-Elderslie has expired.  Staff confirmed that they would research the best option for renewal to ensure value for money and provide information to Council for its next meeting.

§         Heavy rain/snow melt and power outages in late December resulted in two sewer by-passes.

§         On average, one watermain break per week since November 22, 2008; partially due to cold weather conditions.

§         Work with Henderson, Paddon & Associates Ltd. regarding the Drinking Water Quality Management Standard, Operational Plan for the municipality continues, with submission due to the Ministry in June, 2009.

§         Tender documents for Well #4 in Tara are in process with intent to publish tender call in the first week in February.  It was recommended that the plans be revised to a smaller building size with future standby power source located outside the main building.

§         Agreement to proceed with C3 Industrial Services regarding the Chesley Standpipe as soon as weather permits.

§         Confirmed that there had been no responses to the request for interest for land for sludge application.

 

            Discussion took place regarding the merits of the Geotube proposal as an option tor cleaning out Lagoon Cell #3 in Chesley in 2009.  S. McLeod was directed to work with Henderson, Paddon & Associates Ltd.  and the representative from Geotube to further investigate the process and related costs for use at the Chesley water treatment facility.

 

            S. McLeod confirmed that, if the requested provincial funding for the Chesley “Big Dig” was received, staff from his work unit would be available to oversee this project in 2009.

 

            S. McLeod confirmed that the tender for the repainting of the Chesley and Paisley water towers would be ready to issue in the near future and that anticipated costs would be included in the proposed 2009 budget.

 

iii)    WORKS MANAGER – V. Weppler

           

            V. Weppler, Works Manager, reviewed his written report with the following highlights:

 

§         Bridge S.R. #25 Elderslie – design and necessary approvals in process for twin culverts across the Calhoun Drain.

§         2009 Sterling Plow Truck received and inspected by Council prior to this meeting.

§         “Big Dig” Chesley – Henderson, Paddon & Associates Ltd.  has been instructed to move forward with design for downtown Chesley and that application be made for the necessary approvals; recommended that replacement of the 3rd Avenue S.W. water and sewer mains be included at the same time.

§         OGRA Conference – rooms have been booked at the Royal York Hotel.  Discussion took place with respect to attendees with confirmation to follow.

§         Garbage collection contract – discussion has been initiated with the contractor with respect to reducing the price back to the original contract since the price of fuel had decreased.

§         Bridge Inspection Report provided for information – 58 bridges inspected and a list of deficiencies identified which will be discussed as part of the budget process.

§         Hot water pressure washer quotes were discussed.

 

            Moved by:        Councillor Davis

            Seconded by:   Deputy Mayor Cumming

 

            That Council approve the purchase of a high pressure washer from Easy Kleen at a price of $3,220.00 including freight, plus applicable taxes.

 

                                                                                    Carried

 

 

A recess was held (10:40 a.m. – 10:50 a.m.)  Mayor Oswald assumed the Chair at this time.

  

 

DELEGATIONS

 

      i)    Grey Bruce Agriculture and Culinary Association

 

                Ruth Henrich, Director, Grey Bruce Agriculture and Culinary Association, provided information with respect to the mandate of the Association  and some of its recent activities including the November 2008 “Field to Fork” event and the 2008 Grey Bruce Agriculture and Culinary Map, which had both been great successes.  She discussed the plans for 2009 which included four additional “Field to Fork” events and addressed current issues facing the Association, including office space, staffing and funding.  She requested the support of the municipality in cash or in kind to assist with the work of the Association in promoting local agricultural and culinary economic development/tourism projects

 

            General discussion took place with respect to possible ways that the municipality could assist the Association.

 

 

STAFF REPORTS (CONTINUED)

 

Deputy Mayor Cumming assumed the Chair at this time (11:20 a.m.) for the Recreation report.

 

iv)    FACILITIES FOREMAN – B. McAllister

 

            B. McAllister, Facilities Foreman, provided an overview of his report with the following highlights:

 

§         Use of the Chesley Arena as an emergency shelter during recent inclement weather had worked well.  Discussion took place with regard to the need for a protocol to trigger the opening of emergency shelter facilities.  B. McAllister undertook to have inventories of kitchen equipment/supplies completed for all of the arenas to ensure that the required utensils and cooking equipment is in place.

§         Kinsmen Change House in Chesley is to be assumed by the Municipality for storage purposes; Staff was directed to issue a letter of confirmation with respect to this matter.

§         Compressor motor at Tara Arena was replaced at an approximate cost of $4,000.00; the water heater was also replaced.

§         Compressor motor malfunction at Paisley Arena due to power outage and related Hydro One issues; motor replacement and all repairs completed under warranty.

§         Curling Club door replacement to be carried out to ensure security of the facility; chargeback to Curling Club to be made in accordance with signed agreement.

§         Ice rentals over Christmas Break were well received and utilized by the community; recommendation to undertake a similar program during the March Break.

§         Advertising Boards in Chesley and Paisley Arenas are a concern; this issue was referred to K. Eke for investigation of future options.

 

            Discussion took place with respect to installing winter protection for the heat pump at the Paisley Medical Clinic; and the need to address the lack of alarm system and battery back up for the sump pump.

 

            Discussion also took place with respect to the 2009 proposed rental rate calculations for the various arenas.  Staff was directed to meet and report back to the next meeting of Council on proposed rate calculations for the years 2009 and 2010, with rates to take effect April 1st.

 

A recess was held (12:10 p.m. – 1:02 p.m.)  Councillor Herron assumed the Chair at this time for the Finance report.

 

v)      TREASURER – J. Marklevitz

 

            J. Marklevitz, Treasurer, responded to questions with respect to various items listed on the Accounts Payable Voucher No. 01-09 dated January 7, 2009.

 

            Moved by:        Councillor Herron

            Seconded by:   Councillor Riley

 

            That Accounts payable Voucher #01-09 in the amount of $1,121,325.56 be paid.

 

                                                                                    Carried

 

            J. Marklevitz, Treasurer, confirmed that 14 additional properties had been registered for tax sale as at the end of 2008.  She also advised that the auditors would be in attendance at the Municipal Offices on February 23, 2009 to conduct the year-end audit.

 

            Discussion took place with respect to the financial status of the various community centres and their respective operating losses for 2008.  Staff was directed to report to the next Council meeting with respect to the final figures for 2008.

 

Mayor Oswald assumed the Chair at this time (1:50 p.m.).

 

 

CORRESPONDENCE

 

The following items of correspondence on the Council Agenda were discussed:

 

6.1.1    Source Water Protection – Ontario Drinking Water Stewardship Program – Properties Eligible for Funding

 

            Council requested additional information with respect to this matter, and requested that a representative of the program staff be invited to a future meeting of Council to discuss the implications of this program.

 

 

Councillor Eagleson declared a pecuniary interest with respect to Agenda Item 6.1.2 as he is the owner of a funeral home and refrained from discussing or voting on this matter.

 

 

6.1.2    United Counties of Stormont, Dundas & Glengarry – Resolution regarding financial assistance to cover funeral expenses of needy individuals

 

            Council received the correspondence and took no further action.

 

 

6.1.3    Municipality of Clarington – Resolution regarding Modernization of Charitable Gaming Project

 

            Moved by:        Councillor Charlton

            Seconded by:   Councillor Davis

 

            That the Municipality of Arran-Elderslie supports resolution #GPA-698-08 of the Municipality of Clarington regarding a request to the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario to expedite its Modernization of Charitable Gaming Project.

 

                                                                                    Carried

 

6.1.4    Egg Farmers of Ontario – Support of Local Procurement of Eggs

 

            Moved by:        Councillor Herron

            Seconded by:   Deputy Mayor Cumming

 

            WHEREAS the Council of the Municipality of Arran-Elderslie supports practices that contribute to the creation of a sustainable environment;

 

            AND WHEREAS Ontario egg farmers currently provide our community with fresh, locally produced Grade A eggs which travel from farm to table in 4 to 7 days;

 

            AND WHEREAS Ontario egg farmers take pride in caring for their hens while offering consumers a variety of egg choice;

 

            THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the current procurement practice of eggs by the Municipality of Arran-Elderslie, produced by Ontario egg farmers, be identified as the preferred local sustainable procurement practice; and

 

            BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT the purchase of all Ontario eggs contributes to the creation of a sustainable environment which consumers and farmers benefit.

 

                                                                                    Carried

 

 

            Moved by:        Deputy Mayor Cumming

            Seconded by:   Councillor Davis

 

            That the following items of correspondence on the Council Agenda be received for information purposes:

 

            6.1.2    United Counties of Stormont, Dundas & Glengarry – Resolution regarding financial assistance to cover funeral expenses of needy individuals

 

            6.2.1    Bruce County Social Housing – Canada-Ontario Home Ownership Program

 

            6.2.2    Bruce County Planning

                        a)   notice of consent application by Murray & Audrey Trelford

                        b)  notice of open house and public meeting for updated County official plan     (complete list of modifications available)

                        c)  letters to residents

                                    i)  Grant Drost

                                    ii)  Dave Spencer

 

            6.2.3    Association of Municipalities of Ontario

                        a)  federal gas tax – four year extension funding announced

 

            6.2.4    Grey Sauble Conservation Authority – 2008 record of representative attendance

 

                                                                                    Carried

 

 

REPORTS OF MEMBERS OF COUNCIL

 

i)        Councillor Charlton

 

            Councillor Charlton provided an update with respect to a recent meeting held with the Chesley Medical Clinic Expansion Project Committee that he and Deputy Mayor Cumming had attended. 

 

            Moved by:        Deputy Mayor Cumming

            Seconded by:   Councillor Charlton

 

            That Council authorize the Heads of the various Committees for the Chesley Medical Clinic Expansion Project to undertake research and make recommendations to Council with respect to their various committee responsibilities.

 

                                                                                    Carried

 

            Moved by:        Councillor Charlton

            Seconded by:   Councillor Davis

 

            1.         That the Municipality of Arran-Elderslie waive the following fees and charges with reference to the proposed renovation/expansion of the Chesley Medical Clinic:

 

                        a)         building permit fees

                        b)         water and sewer connection charges, if applicable

           

            2.         That Council provide advance funding for the Chesley Medical Clinic project to be used toward the hiring of an architect to prepare preliminary drawings for consideration, such monies to be recouped from fundraising efforts.

 

            3.         That in the event of a fundraising shortfall for Chesley Medical Clinic project, Council undertake to provide a contingency fund to a maximum of $25,000, such monies to be applied toward the costs arising from this project at the discretion of Council.

 

            4.         That the source of funds for both the waiver of fees and the fundraising shortfall contingency fund be the Chesley Land Sale Reserve account.

 

                                                                                    Carried

 

 

      ii)   Councillor Herron

 

            Councillor Herron circulated a copy of the Grey Sauble Conservation Authority's planting report for 2008 for information purposes.  He advised that at the next meeting of Council, a resolution would be required regarding Council's position with respect to the Authority's 2009 budget.

 

 

      iii)  Councillor Riley

 

            Councillor Riley confirmed that a similar resolution of Council would be required with respect to the Saugeen Valley Conservation Authority's 2009 budget.

 

            Councillor Riley provided an update with respect to the final financial results of the 2008 International Plowing Match.  He noted that the event had been extremely successful financially which had permitted a generous distribution of the proceeds amongst those organizations who had volunteered their time and effort in support.  On behalf of the organizing committee, he presented a cheque in the amount of $5,000.00 to Mayor Oswald in recognition of the Municipality of Arran-Elderslie's support of the event.

 

 

 

 

            Moved by:        Councillor Davis

            Seconded by:   Councillor Herron

 

            That Council donate the $5,000.00 received from the 2008 International Plowing Match Committee to the Chesley Medical Clinic Expansion Project Committee as a show of Council's solid support behind this project.

 

                                                                                    Carried

 

 

      iv)  Councillor Eagleson

 

            Councillor Eagleson provided an update with respect to the number of Christmas vouchers redeemed by staff to date, and noted that they had been appreciated by all.

 

            He confirmed that the leak in the Zamboni storage room at the Tara Arena could not be addressed until such time as the weather improved in the spring.

 

 

      v)   Councillor Davis

 

            Councillor Davis advised that he had received an enquiry with respect to reducing the rental fees for a day care facility wanting to hold a pancake breakfast in February as a fundraising event.

 

            He also confirmed that he had received an enquiry regarding the feasibility of relocating the Paisley Farmers' Market onto a Municipally-owned site, and that the enquiry had already been referred to Staff for further investigation.

 

            Councillor Davis requested that additional information be provided to Council with respect to the proposed wind generation policies to be included in the amendments to the County Official Plan.

 

 

      vi)  Deputy Mayor Cumming

 

            Deputy Mayor Cumming advised that she had nothing further to report than what had already been discussed at this meeting.

 

 

      vii) Mayor Oswald

 

            Mayor Oswald reviewed his meeting schedule and other discussions he had held with members of Staff.  He highlighted certain articles in the January 2009 issue of Municipal World which he recommended for reading.

 

            He also provided information received from the Brockton and Area Health Team with regard to the Paisley Medical Clinic to the CAO for information and attention.

 

 

OTHER BUSINESS

 

      i)    Review of Committee Chairmanships

 

      Mayor Oswald noted that the mid-point of this term of Council had been reached and requested confirmation from Members with respect to their preferences for Chairmanships for the balance of the term.

 

      After discussion, the following Committee Chairmanships were confirmed for the balance of this term of Council:

 

      Finance/Personnel – Ross Herron

      Works (Roads/Water/Sewer/Cemetery) – Mark Davis

      Planning – Paul Eagleson

      Economic Development/Tourism – Stacey Charlton

      Grey Sauble Conservation – Ross Herron

      Protective Services/Saugeen Conservation – Jack Riley

 

 

A recess was held at this time (3:35 p.m. – 3:45 p.m.).

 

 

RESOLUTION TO MOVE INTO CLOSED SESSION AND GENERAL NATURE THEREOF

 

            Moved by:        Councillor Herron

            Seconded by:   Councillor Riley

 

            That Council move into closed session to consider matters pertaining to the following:

 

            a)         Litigation or potential litigation, including matters before administrative tribunals, affecting the municipality or local board, as related to the Paisley Inn; and

 

            b)         Personal matters about an identifiable individual, including municipal or local board employees.

 

                                                                                                Carried

 

Council moved into closed session and returned to open session (3:55 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.).

 

 

ADJOURNMENT

 

            Moved by:        Deputy Mayor Cumming

            Seconded by:   Councillor Davis

 

            That Council now adjourn to the call of the Mayor.

 

                                                                                                Carried

 

The meeting was adjourned at 4:35 p.m.

 

 

 

 

 

______________________________

Mayor

 

 

 

 

 

______________________________

Clerk