August 17, 2020
Committee of the Whole Meeting (through electronic participation): August 17, 2020: 9:00 a.m. – 3:04 p.m.
Regular Meeting of Council: August 17, 2020: 6:40 p.m. – 7:35 p.m.
Mayor George Cornell, Deputy Mayor Steffen Walma, and Councillors Cindy Hastings, Tony Mintoff and Gibb Wishart were present at both meetings. Mayor Cornell vacated the Committee of the Whole Meeting from 9:55 a.m. – noon; Deputy Mayor Walma left the Committee of the Whole Meeting at 1 p.m.
Announcements:
- Visit the Township’s COVID-19 webpage at ca/coronavirus for municipal service impacts and updates.
- Tiny Connect – Sign up now at tinyconnect.ca
- Weekly construction project updates now available on the Township website
- Mayor’s Charity Golf-a-thon – launched July 1 – September 30, 2020
- Virtual Town Hall Meeting – September 17 2020, 7:00 – 8:30 p.m.
- Terry Fox Run – September 20, 2020
Water Rate and Usage:
After hearing a presentation by Jamie Witherspoon of WT Infrastructure Solutions Inc., regarding his review of the Township’s Water Rate and Usage Policy, and after considering the Public Works Report regarding the Water By-law and Fee Review, Council authorized staff to raise the annual municipal water fees starting in 2021, to include a water metering pilot project for Wyevale and the Industrial, Commercial and Institutional and Multi-residential properties in the 2021 budget deliberations, and to amend the municipal water by-law based on recommendations from WT Infrastructure Solutions Inc. The latter recommended that the water rate should be increased from $793.20 per year to $1070 per year and that the increase be phased in over two years. It also recommended that water meters be considered in order to encourage water conservation, and that current restrictions should not be significantly changed though a list of minor changed could be considered.
Target Date for Reopening the Township Offices: September 14, 2020.
Council Meeting Schedule for Remainder Of 2020: Council will continue to meet every third week for the balance of 2020.
Face Coverings By-law: Council passed a by-law requiring face coverings in indoor public spaces in the Township of Tiny.
Advisory Committees of Council: These are to recommence as required.
ATVs In Tiny:
After considering a staff report, Council decided to proceed with a Trial ATV Route for a one-year period. The route includes Concession Road 4 W from 339 Concession Road 4 W to Simcoe County Road 6, Concession Road 4 E from County Road 6 to Dawson’s Side Road, Dawson’s Side Road from Concession Road 4 E to Concession Road 2 East, Concession Road 2 E from Dawson’s Side Road to Baseline Road S and Baseline Road S from Concession Road 2E to the Townline with Springwater. Constraints on the use of ATVs are many, including prohibition of use between sunset and sunrise the following day and between November 30 and April 30. Many of the constraints concern licenses, speed, helmets, AND children under the age of eight
FoTTSA Letter Re Gypsy Moth Infestation:
In a letter dated July 22, the Federation of Tiny Township Shoreline Associations (FoTTSA) expressed concern about the prevalence of gypsy moth egg masses and caterpillars that defoliated trees along Tiny’s shore. It urged that the scope of the problem be accurately surveyed and asked that there be aerial spraying next spring with BTk of areas with significant infestations. Council decided to refer the matter to the Severn Sound Environmental Association and County of Simcoe Forestry for consideration.
FoTTSA Letter Re High Water Levels and A Declaration Of Climate Emergency:
FoTTSA’s July 22 letter supported the Township’s request that the International Joint Commission reduce water outflow from Lake Superior, urged the Township to ask the federal government to undertake a study to ascertain the conveyance capacity of the St. Clair River and urged the Township to declare a climate emergency. In response, Council directed staff “to provide an update to FoTTSA regarding measures taken to date in this matter”.
Charities to Be Supported By The 2020 Mayor’s Charity Golf-A-Thon:
Angels with Backpacks, Big Brothers Big Sisters of North Simcoe, Boys & Girls Clubs of North Simcoe, CHIGAMIK Community Health Centre, Gateway Centre for Learning, Hospice Huronia, Huronia Community Foundation, Quest Art School + Gallery, Scientists in Schools, Sisterna Music Academy, We Are The Villagers, Wendat Community Programs, Wye Marsh Wildlife Centre.