REPORT ON COUNCIL
June 14, 2010
Committee of the Whole Meeting: 9:00 am – 1:14 pm and 1:49 pm – 2:35 pm
Regular Evening Meeting: 7:00 pm – 7:45 pm
All members of Council present
CONFIDENTIAL / CLOSED SESSION: 1.50 pm – 2:35 pm.
SEPTIC RE-INSPECTION UPDATE
Residents undergoing re-inspections this year have expressed concern about tank pump outs completed in 2008 when only those done in 2009 or later are acceptable. In response, it has been decided to give those residents until July 2011 to submit a new septic tank pump out, i.e. three years since their last pump out. Indications are that residents are satisfied with this compromise.
RURAL CONNECTIONS BROADBAND PROGRAM
As reported previously, the CRTC has an application to ensure that all parts of Ontario have high speed coverage by 2013. As an option, the provincial govenment is now accepting applications for the next segment of its program. The County of Simcoe is not eligible to apply as it received an earlier grant, but has offered to act as project manager and complete the application for all areas if Tiny Township as the lead name. Council has accepted the County’s offer. The grant is for 1/3 of the expense. In previous tranches, the carriers have paid the other 2/3 of the costs. That is less likely this time as the areas not covered have fewer households to subscribe. Council is aware of this limitation but, properly, decided to apply for the grant and ascertain next steps if they are successful.
PURCHASE OF PROPERTY OWNED BY THE NORTH SIMCOE ANGLERS AND HUNTERS
Considerable time has been spent in camera at recent meetings and we have now learned why. In the evening meeting, Council approved a motion to proceed with negotiations to purchase the property owned by the North Simcoe Anglers and Hunters on the 8th Concession Road. This includes roughly 55 acres and a modern building of approximately 6000 square feet. The primary use of the facility will be as a community centre for Wyevale and Perkinsfield. Wyevale residents have been petitioning Council for a suitable meeting location in recent months.
The purchase price will not be announced until negotiations are complete.
In another closed session Council decided to open the Wendake road allowance from Karen Road to Oriole Lane. This will permit access to two lots which are currently “land locked”.
UPDATE RE LAFONTAINE PAVILION
Staff has continued to work hard on a solution to this longstanding problem. Discussions with the federal officer responsible for the grant revealed that “substantial completion” of the project by the final date is acceptable. This means that the outer shell and the ancillary building must be erected but that not all of the inside work – i.e. washrooms, rink fencing etc — has to be complete. Given this, staff advised that a new structure of 50’ by 170′ on the new location could be constructed for approximately $585,000 including taxes. This figure represents the lowest quote received with a number of items removed. Any money left from the $660,000 total would be used to finish the project. Council suggested that further monies would not be provided and that residents could consider fundraising for outstanding items. This option eliminates the risk that retendering might not result in positive results and allows this project to move on. Council voted to proceed with this option as soon as the federal officer has confirmed the above-mentioned conversation in writing.
Staff are to be commended for the diligence they have shown on this project.
BUILDING ACTIVITY UP
The month of May 2010 continued the positive trend in activity. Monthly figures grew from $1.658 m in 2009 to $4.375 m in 2010. Year to date totals increased from $5.886 to $11.649 m.
MAYOR’S CHARITY GOLF TOURNAMENT
This event, orginally planned for June 19th, has been moved to August 21st at Balm Beachway golf course. The charity supported this year is the Huronia Museum.
HST – SOME GOOD NEWS
The Treasurer has completed an analysis of the HST impact on the township expenses and estimates, using 2009 expenses, that the township will have a net gain of about $72,000.
SUMMERAMA 2010
A Public Information Meeting will be held on July 3rd at 10.00 a.m. in the Council Chambers at the Township offices.
WEST NILE VIRUS NEWS
The Township has been assigned a “Tier 3” rating by the Dept. of Health. This is the lowest level and suggests that no actions are required but that there will be ongoing monitoring.
