March 17, 2021
Committee of the Whole Meeting: March 17, 2021: 9:00 a.m. – 3:55 p.m.
Regular Meeting of Council: March 17, 2021: 4:30 p.m. – 5:05 p.m.
All members of Council present at both meetings.
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
- Transportation Master Plan Public Survey Deadline April 16, 2021
- Joint Council Information Session North Simcoe Service Delivery Review April 19, 2021, 6:30 p.m.
- CBO Park Tree Planting May 1, 2021
- CBO Park Depaving May 15, 2021
- Visit the Township’s COVID-19 webpage at www.ca/coronavirus for municipal service impacts and updates
- Tiny Connect – Sign up now at tinyconnect.ca
SEWAGE SEPTIC REINSPECTION PROGRAM: Bill Goodale of Tatham Engineering brought Council up to date on the Township’s ongoing Septic Reinspection Program. The area inspected in 2020 included 1,354 properties in the township’s northwest quadrant. 129 lots proved to have deficiencies: 48 had root intrusions into the leaching bed area, 11 had an outdoor sink or shower with a drain discharging onto the ground, 8 needed to have septic tank lids raised to be level with the surface of the ground, 7 had indications of vehicles parking or driving on the septic tank or leaching bed, and 6 or fewer lots had 22 different issues. Follow-up work was done on outstanding issues from four previous years’ inspections. Owners of 18 properties from 2016 inspections that still hadn’t complied have been or will be taken to the Ontario Court of Justice. The areas to be inspected in the summer of 2021 are Thunder Beach, Giants Tomb Island and Balm Beach.
UNESCO GLOBAL GEOPARKS: According to Bill Kernohan, Chair of the Midland Bay Landing Development Corporation and Tony Pigott and Cam Brohman of Brand [Trade] Inc., UNESCO Global Geoparks are geographical areas where sites and landscapes of international geological significance are managed holistically for protection, education and sustainable development. The ten top areas that Global Geoparks focus on include natural resources, geological hazards, climate change, education, science, culture, empowering women, sustainable development, local and indigenous knowledge and geoconservation.
Why become a UNESCO Geopark? Such an area utilizes cultural, historic and geographical assets, helps achieve municipal strategic plan objectives, creates a regional vision and brand, results in appropriate economic growth and development, and attracts private investment and new tax revenue. The presenters will provide feasibility study updates through July 2021.
PARK AMBASSADORS: The CAO, Robert Lamb, reported that the Township of Tiny had received additional COVID relief funding from the Province. He recommended that some of the funds be used to hire extra staff again to educate park users on the rules and regulations under COVID. Council approved his recommendation.
GRACE PERIOD FOR TAX PENALTIES/CHARGES: As it had last year, Council approved a grace period for tax penalties/charges related to 2021 tax bills.
TOWNSHIP LIBRARY USE: Hitherto residents of Tiny could sign up for a free membership in any one of the libraries in Penetanguishene, Midland or Springwater. As of this year Tiny’s residents can have full access to all three libraries (funded by the Township).
COUNCIL COMPLAINTS AND INQUIRIES HANDLING GUIDELINE: Council approved Complaint and Inquiry Handling Guideline (Clerk’s Report CR-008-21). This includes entries headed Type of Correspondence, Examples, Receipt and Acknowledgement, Documentation and Tracking, and Resolution and Filing.
FoTTSA Notes: The guideline is very carefully thought-out.
NON-RESIDENT PARKING PERMITS: Council approved the provision of 50 additional Non-Resident Parking Permits for the 2021 season. This raises the number from 175 to 225 permits to be made available to residents of Penetanguishene, Midland, Springwater and Tay. Staff is to report back regarding a daily permit program.
EMPLOYEE REMUNERATION: Council approved a pay increase for township employees of 1%.
SARJEANT COMPANY’S APPLICATION FOR A PERMIT TO TAKE WATER: This is to be discussed at the April 7, 2021 Committee of the Whole meeting, and R.J. Burnside & Association is to review the proposal prior to that meeting.
COMMITTEE OF ADJUSTMENT DECISIONS: At the suggestion of CAO Robert Lamb, it was decided to incorporate the Committee of Adjustment reports into the Committee of Adjustment meeting minutes henceforth.