Report on Council: December 12, 2011
Committee of the Whole Meeting: 9:00 am –12:07 pm; 12:45 pm -3:30 pm
Confidential closed session 3:30 pm – 4:38 pm
Regular Meeting: 7:00 pm – 7:18 pm
Mayor Millar, Deputy Mayor Lawrence, Councillors Claire, Warren and Wishart present
Various Awards to Tiny and Staff
Twelve members of Tiny staff were presented with awards for years of service, ranging from 5 years to 40 years.Council also accepted a “Blue Community” award from the Council of Canadians, symbolized by a lapel button for each member of Council. The Township of Tiny is the first Blue Community in Ontario and the third in all of Canada. The Blue Communities Project is an initiative of the Council of Canadians and the Canadian Union of Public Employees, and calls on municipalities to recognize water as a human right, to ban the sale of bottled water in civic spaces, and to support the public ownership of water utilities. Information may be found on http://canadians.org/blog/?p=10405.
By-law Department Business Model
Council reviewed a report by Steven Harvey, Chief Municipal Law Enforcement Officer, regarding the various options for a By-law Department Business Model. A discussion took place comparing surrounding municipalities’ business models, the costing for an enhanced model and enforcement issues and trends. In reviewing the by-law department’s proposed business model, Councillors Claire and Warren noted that having two officers travel together was inefficient and unnecessary because they have radio communications and are instructed to avoid confrontations and call the OPP if they need backup. Councillors felt that By-law doesn’t need more staff, since the existing staff can be used more efficiently. Hence a $76,000 increase was not seen as necessary. The Committee agreed to table the report for further discussion at a future Committee of the Whole meeting.
Farm Succession Planning
Charles Kouassi of Le conseil de la Cooperation de l’Ontario spoke regarding a farm succession planning project in Southern Georgian Bay. They have come up with strategies to stem the decrease in the number of active farms. The idea is to introduce farm owners without a succession plan to worker–shareholder co-ops that are ready to take over farming. Le conseil would also recruit, train and help 30 young Canadians to begin farming through a farm incubator. It would also recruit and help 20 farmers with their succession plans through sale, rent, lease or legacy and create farm co-ops and incubator farms to work up to the gradual transfer of farm to worker shareholder co-ops.
Balm Beach Parking
The Committee reviewed a report from Doug Luker, CAO/Clerk, regarding the Balm Beach Pay Parking Program. Pay parking is to be implemented in public areas except privately owned spaces in front of or adjacent to existing businesses. It is recommended that these spaces be signed as Customer Only parking. It is recommended that staff work with business owners to develop consistent signage. Except for all publicly owned spaces in front of existing businesses these spaces will be designated 30 minutes free parking. A clarification of paid and private parking spots in front of the Surf Restaurant needs to be made. Balm Beach Rd permit parking will be provided along the north side. Thirty minute free parking will be provided in specific areas to accommodate businesses on Balm Beach Rd. No Parking signs will be posted on side streets. Pay parking is to be installed at Parent Park. All permit parking holders will be allowed to park in either pay parking or permit parking areas without additional charge. Permit parking holders must abide by the 30 minute parking restrictions. Rates are to be set at a minimum charge of $0.25/15 minutes to a maximum of $15/day. Pay parking would be enforced 5:00 am – 10 pm with parking prohibited from 1:30-5:00 am. Pay parking will be in effect May 15 -Sept. 15. Additional no parking areas will be implemented to ensure that the overflow doesn’t encroach in neighbouring areas. The speed limit on Balm Beach Rd will be reduced to 40km/h. Accessible parking and unload and go spaces are to be provided in key locations. All parking receipts are valid through out township parks. Revenues would be used to offset costs associated with maintenance of parks and beaches. Council voted to implement the recommended program in the Spring and Summer of 2012.
Land Use Study
Council directed staff to obtain the services of MHBC Planning to undertake a Residential Land Use Study at a cost of $15,000 plus taxes and disbursements.This study will review the amount of land in the Township of Tiny that is currently designated for future development in the Township Official Plan and also review future residential development lands in the context of the Provincial Policy Statement 2005, the Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe 2006 and possible amendments, and the proposed County of Simcoe Official Plan.
Accessibility Advisory Committee
Recommendation/Municipal Administration Building
Council accepted the Accessibility Advisory Committee recommendation for the barrier-free entrance of the Municipal Administration Building and directed staff to initiate the tendering process for the proposed works.
Lafontaine Pavilion/Protective Netting
Council approved the acquisition of protective netting for the Lafontaine Pavilion in the amount of $1600; the cost to be taken from the 2011 Parks Operating Budget.
Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiatives/Township Representation
Council appointed Councillor Gibb Wishart to represent the Township of Tiny at the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiatives (GLSLCI) meetings.
No Presentation by Beausoleil First Nation on Proposed Wind Turbines
Councillor Warren inquired as to the reason why the Beausoleil First Nation did not attend today’s meeting to discuss the proposed development of a Wind Power project. Doug Luker, CAO/Clerk, reported that the Beausoleil First Nation Band has advised that they would not discuss the project at this time as it is still in the prefeasibility phase.
Discussion/Leaf and Yard Waste Collection
Henk Blom, Manager of Public Works, advised that a legal opinion for the collectionof the leaf and yard waste has been requested but has not been received. The matter was tabled pending receipt of the legal opinion for discussion.
Parks and Recreation Department Budgets
Several associations mentioned that their snack bars were broken into, adversely affecting this revenue source that helps to cover the costs of programs.
