Report on Council: June 24, 2013

Posted on June 24, 2013 by Webmaster

Report on Council:
June 24, 2013

Committee of the Whole Meeting: 9:00 am –12:46, 1:15 – 3:11
Confidential Closed Session 1:16-1:52
Regular Meeting: 7:00 pm- 7:58
Mayor Miller, Deputy Mayor Lawrence, Councillors Warren, Wishart, Claire

 “La Petite Seduction” Program in Lafontaine

Councillor Claire announced that the program entitled “La Petite Seduction” is
scheduled to air on Radio-Canada television on Wednesday, June 26 th, 2013 at
8:00 pm. The program was filmed in Lafontaine and showcases the breath-taking
landscapes of Georgian Bay, the history, the French heritage, hospitality of the
people and of the legend of the wolf of Lafontaine.

Southern Georgian Bay Ontario Provincial Police/OPP Quarterly Report

Inspector Jacques Bois, Detachment Commander, of the Southern Georgian Bay
OPP provided a quarterly report on police activities in the area. He noted the
auxiliary unit performed a total of 274 hours in this community from January to
March; the OPP Directed Patrol Hours in Tiny totaled 779 hours for the same
period. Auxillary units are volunteers trained by the OPP to serve the community. They are used in flood areas, traffic control, road blocks and other limited activities.

He also reported on Traffic Statistics. A radar trailer is used to ascertain if traffic/speed issues exist and in Tiny the trailer is deployed in hot spots. An officer reviews the readings and geometrics can pinpoint on a map where the OPP gets complaints; where there are enforcement incidents ie. People driving without a license. Council asked if the flow of information could be streamed from the trailer to the Bylaw Officer without it being analyzed first. The Blackberry Pilot Project is being initiated and officers are starting to dictate occurrences but the size of the screen is a problem. The GPS shows where officers are located so the closest officer can be sent even if they are out of their territory. Peers in surrounding detachments are used if they are the closest.

Staff brought forward a draft resolution at the Regular Meeting of Council to receive the report as information

Bluewater Dunes Restoration Advisory Committee

Council discussed the recent resignation of all members of the Bluewater Dunes Restoration Advisory Committee and whether the Committee’s mandate and
terms of reference have been accomplished. They revisited the terms of reference and noted that the dunes had been restored and protected. Additional planting is to be done by Public Works and fencing and signage can also be done by Public Works. Protection of the dunes is a Bylaw issue. It was suggested that the Bluewater Park community be encouraged to get involved in the Township’s Volunteer Program to provide ongoing stewardship to the park.

Staff brought a draft resolution at the Regular Meeting of Council to abolish the Bluewater Dunes Restoration Advisory Committee. All in favour with the exception of Councillor Claire.

County Council Update

Mayor Millar reported that at the next County Council meeting another of a series
of special waste management discussions will take place to hopefully get some
resolve and direction on a few outstanding issues. He also reported on the housing
initiatives from the Human Services Committee meeting minutes. He expressed concerns that most of the spending at the County will not happen in North Simcoe although it contains the Correctional North Facility and when residents are discharged  they stay in the township.  North Simcoe has a need for housing requirements for marginalized citizens.

Deputy Mayor Lawrence reported that applications from other municipalities
regarding the bulk pickup will be reviewed. He anticipates that the decision will be
a general uniform service. He also noted that the Municipal Law Department
should be applying special County of Simcoe labels to the bulk garbage left at the
roadside in the Township of Tiny.

Places to Grow Implementation Fund

The Committee considered Planning & Development Report PD-041-13, June
24, 2013 from Shawn Persaud, Manager of Planning & Development, regarding the
Places to Grow Implementation Fund application with the Ministry of Infrastructure. The proposed funding is available to municipalities for projects that support or achieve the goals of the Province’s Growth Plans.

Staff brought forward a draft resolution  to authorize staff to work with the Township Planning Consultant to submit a Places to Grow Implementation Fund application to the Ministry of Infrastructure for funding to complete a Growth Management Study. This study would review options for accommodating future population and employment growth in Tiny. The study is required to determine if there are sufficient lands within the designated settlement areas to accommodate future growth and to determine the best options for settlement area boundary expansion. The study would also consider if there are areas within existing settlement areas that should be precluded from development due to environmental, servicing or other constraints. The study would provide a strategic long range growth plan for Tiny and would be an input to the Townships’s Officlial Plan review.

Beach Access Permit, Securities and Enforcement

The Committee considered Public Works Report PWR-021-13 dated June 24, 2013
from Henk Blom, Manager of Public Works, regarding possible revisions to the
current Beach Access Permit policy. The report outlined available options to be
considered when contractors/property owners are accessing private property via
municipal property. Option 2 would permit access with a security deposit of a minimum of $500. cash or a certified cheque. Securities would cover situations where corrective measures had to be undertaken by the Township. A pre and post construction site inspection fee of $175 could be charged to recover costs. If corrective actions are necessary there would be a full cost recovery including the time spent to complete all corrective and administrative work. Costs would be based on time and material. Where staff determine that additional securities are warranted due to difficult terrain, drainage works or other features they will increase the deposit as required.

Staff brought  forward a draft resolution to direct staff to draft a specific policy consistent with”Permit Access with Security Deposit” as outlined in the staff report including revisions to the existing Policy Procedure PW-01 and “beach Access Permit”, review of the existing legal opinions to ensure compliance with applicable legislation and existing by-laws to ensure enforceability of illegal or unapproved access. Staff was instructed to advise G. Gubins that his request will be deferred pending the review and adoption of the revised Beach Access Permit policy.

Cedar Point Road  and Concession 5 Speed Limit Reduction Request

The Committee considered Public Works Report PWR-027-13 and PWR-028-13  dated June 24, 2013 from Henk Blom, Manager of Public Works, in response to a request for a reduction in the speed limit along Cedar Point Road and Concession 5W. Staff brought forward a draft resolution to authorize that the speed limit remain at 80 kph and that the Southern Georgian Bay OPP be advised of the concerns expressed with speeding in the area.

Lafontaine Beach Park, Beach Water Quality Improvement

The Committee considered Public Works Report PWR-029-13 dated June 24, 2013
from Henk Blom. The Township undertook a municipal class environmental assessment to study the problem of low water levels and poor water quality. A feasibility study was completed February 2011 by Coldwater Consulting for the Township and it examined whether or not changes to the groynes at Lafontaine Beach Park could assist in improving water quality issues. Historically, the Ministry of Natural Resources issued permits to build groynes and when the lake levels dropped quickly Lafontaine Beach was left with a wet swamp on the shoreline. Results indicated that partial or full removal of one groyne and sediment capping might improve water qualtity. Detailed sediment transport analysis supported their finding that the proposed works were not expected to have any detrimental effects on adjacent shorelines. Organic soils would be covered with clean hard sands and gravels. The Department of Fisheries did not see any problems with partial removal because it would not remove fish habitat; it would simply relocate. With removal and capping in front of the Park (not private property) there would be less stagnant shallow waters and more area for swimming and beaching.

Staff brought forward a draft resolution to approve Option A – Partial Removal of one Groyne and Capping,” as outlined in the presentation by Aqua Solutions and Coldwater Consulting Ltd.

Resident Permit Parking/Concession 14W

Deputy Mayor Lawrence reported that he had received several complaints from local residents regarding the removal of parking spaces at the end of Concession 14W
Road. He pointed out that if the road allowance was brushed, permit parking
could be reinstated on one side of the road.

Staff brought forward a draft resolution  to direct staff to proceed with a road widening at Concession 14’s western end to accommodate permit parking. All costs associated with this work are to be taken from the 2013 Brushing and Tree Trimming/Ditching budgets.

During these discussions the issue of how to handle concerns from the public was brought up. If the public has an issue they should be directed by Councillors to seek the help of staff to deal with it. Council members should not go to staff to request work be done; Councillors should go to the Council meeting and ask staff to look at it at the meeting. Coucillors were also reminded that there was a motion to review roads, Concessions 1-18, at a February meeting. Roads will be examined as to whether there are opportunities to provide spots for parking; whether they should be signed with no parking. There was a reluctance to deal separately with Concession 14 because it is part of a larger plan.  There are 430km of roads and a large percentage are roads with fire access issues. The review will be ready in the fall in time to determine the strategy for the 2014 budget.

Septage Management Program

Mayor Millar reported that he would be bringing forward a motion at the Regular
Meeting of Council to expand the scope of the Septage Management Program to
include options and alternatives with inter-municipal facility partnerships and the
treatment of septage beyond the borders of Township of Tiny. He wants to investigate every avenue. Lawrence opposed this approach because he feels this would stop the process and he would like to see the process through. In August 2012 Council gave Burnside a directive to pursue a made in Tiny solution.

Staff brought forward a draft resolution at the Regular Meeting of Council to direct R. J. Burnside & Associates Ltd to expand the scope of the study to include options and alternatives which include inter-municipal facility partnerships and the treatment of Septage beyond the borders of the Township of Tiny and investigate all reasonable alternatives as per Phase II Schedule B Class EA and report back to Council. Coucillors Lawrence, Clair and Warren voted against it.

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URGENT: Restore Our Water Public Meeting

Posted on June 12, 2013 by Webmaster

Saturday July 6, 2013
10:00AM –NOON
Tiny Township Community Hall
91 Concession 8 East

FoTTSA, together with Tiny Township are sponsoring a major public meeting to update the community about unprecedented low water levels in Georgian Bay. This meeting will be a major fundraising effort to support the cost of personal and professional lobbying in Washington and Ottawa. Activities such as these are costly and will require $250,000 per year over the next few years. Your ongoing support is critical to restore our water levels.

ROGER GAUTHIER, a recently retired Senior Hydrologist who spent 30 years with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), will speak in his capacity as Chair of Restore Our Water International (ROWI). It is a new alliance of Canadian and American organizations concerned about the dire economic and ecological impacts of the low water crisis on Lakes Michigan and Huron and Georgian Bay.

According to ROWI the middle Great Lakes have now set a new record low for December and January and are in Crisis. Lake Michigan, Lake Huron and Georgian Bay are losing 10 BILLION GALLONS PER DAY due to erosion of the St Clair River!

Specifically, human alterations of the outflow and erosion of the St. Clair River bed are causing excess outflow from the Upper Great Lakes through the lower lakes and out to the Atlantic Ocean. The lower water levels have resulted in dried up wetlands, a decline in the recreational fishery and exposed shorelines are being taken over by the invasive reed Phragmites australis. Pine trees are growing where once there were wetlands.

The consequence is a rapidly deteriorating ecosystem, with fish and waterfowl dying, massive algal blooms, stranded cottages boathouses and docks, dry marinas and ships carrying 25% less cargo. The economic and environmental cost is staggering. Please attend this meeting an support the restoration of Georgian Bay!

YOUR SUPPORT IS NEEDED – PLEASE BE THERE!

http://www.restoreourwater.com

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Report on Council for June 10, 2013

Posted on June 10, 2013 by Webmaster

Report on Council:
June 10, 2013

Committee of the Whole Meeting: 9:00 am –- 11:35
Confidential Closed Session 11:00 – 11:34 am
Regular Meeting: 7:00 pm- 7:27
Mayor Millar, Deputy Mayor Lawrence, Councillors Warren, Wishart, Claire

Beach Access

Council discussed the background to providing a standard authorization procedure to allow shoreline property owners access to their property for emergency repairs to or installation of wells or septics while protecting the integrity of the beach area. In the past applicants have misled the Township in order to gain access to the right of ways to the beach. Councillor Wishart suggested that because of the low water levels perhaps Council should be more lenient in granting access if people want to move something or repair the beach or other events as deemed appropriate by the Manager of Public Works. Henk Blum makes discretionary decisions, for example the removal of sand by Concessions 1,2, 4 and 5. Mayor Millar wondered if Tiny shouldn’t have a list of authorized contractors who have demonstrated a respect for the dunes and beach and can post a performance bond. Henk mentioned that the placing of bonds can be cumbersome and if the process is too onerous then the contractors will simply ignore the official channels.

The Ministry of Natural Resources has given permission to dredge, to use machinery to pull rocks in in order to make it safer for boating. Mr. Gubins now needs permission to access Block A which is owned by the Township. In 1985 Block A was covered in water.

Councill will review Mr. Gubin’s presentation.

Metis Transit

Metis Transit is Canada’s first aboriginal owned and operated municipal style public transit. It’s costs are covered by fares and advertising. No operating funding is received from any level of government. Metis Transit came before Council to request approval for the commencement of a 6-8 month survey of the community to discern where the transport needs are. The system is designed to provide a training ground for Aboriginal, Metis and the local community by providing jobs. Community days to promote local community groups and events will be held. Routes with a 5% increase or 15% decrease will be changed. Eventually Metis Transit will link with other means of transit.

Farlain Lake Speed Issues

A data collection trailer was set up on the road and data was collected but Tiny’s Bylaw Officers only download the data and send it on to the OPP, they don’t interpret it. Since the OPP is coming to the next Council meeting it was suggested that they could interpret it beforehand and bring it to the meeting. If the data warranted it, money could be taken out of the Paid Duty Officer budget to enforce the speed limit on a few occasions and send a message to speeders.The Paid Duty Officer budget came from the considerable rebate on OPP costs which was placed into a Policing Services Reserve Account.  It was also mentioned that the communication cycle was incomplete in that the original complainant does not receive feedback on what is being done.

Narrow Roads

In discussions concerning the narrowness of certain municipal roads it was suggested that the report on parking by Public works include the state of the roads examined and if they need widening.

Confidentiality of Applicants

Mayor Millar voiced his concern regarding the lack of transparency with committee appointments. At the moment committee appointments are not subject to public scrutiny. The mayor would like to see a situation where when you apply to a public committee your application form will be made public. This may entail a redesign of the application form so that the applicant would only be required to give professional, not personal information.

 

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Report on Council for May 27, 2013

Posted on May 27, 2013 by Webmaster

Report on Council:
May 27, 2013

Committee of the Whole Meeting: 9:00 am –- 11:35
Confidential Closed Session 11:00 – 11:34 am
Regular Meeting: 7:00 pm- 7:27
Mayor Millar, Deputy Mayor Lawrence, Councillors Warren, Wishart, Claire

Simcoe County Waste Management Program

Under the new administration vacant lots are charged for waste management services.

Policing Costs

The OPP is beginning municipal consultations on Billing Reform. They want to bring greater transparency and clear communication of what is included in OPP billing to municipalities. Issues covered will be civilian governance, future legislation and opportunities for more efficient and effective OPP municipal police services. Salary increases are as follows: 5% in 2011, 2 year wage freeze, 8.5% in 2014.

Advocate policing costs be picked up by province rather than municipality. There is a wide variation to OPP costs to the municipalities. In Bancroft it is $600/capita because a provincial road which becomes a municipal road runs through town. Therefore it has to pick up the policing costs. Compare this with Tiny’s $165/capita and the province’s $250-$300/capita. Municipalities that serve as regional centres have higher policing costs than same size no-hub communities. During high profile long weekends more policing is needed.

Nitrates Levels/Lafontaine Drinking Water System

Henk Blom, Manager of Public Works, reported that recent nitrates tests for the Lafontaine Drinking Water System have exceeded the allowable limit. He stated that as a precaution, notices are being handed out today (May 27/13) advising local residents to use bottled water. The notices also advise residents against boiling the water as this could increase the nitrates levels.

Notice of Motions

Industrial Wind Turbines

The municipalities have the authority to regulate noise and the Ontario government wants to limit Industrial Wind Turbine Projects to communities that are willing hosts. The Township of Tiny has received a clear message from it’s residents that they are not willing to host an IWT. Tiny will advise the Ministry of the Environment that the township is not a willing host and has passed a bylaw to that effect.

Mayor Millar opposed this bylaw because in his view Council hasn’t debated the issue nor has Tiny heard from the public at large. He does not unequivocally support IWT but he does acknowledge that there is another side to the story which Tiny hasn’t heard from yet. As elected representatives he thinks that Council owes them a hearing, with an open mind, whether Council shares that position or not.

Mayor Millar’s  preference would have been for Tiny to exercise authority under its’ powers to regulate noise ,if, as or when needed rather than, or prior to, declaring that they are an unwilling host. There is nothing in the Green Energy Act that would keep them from doing so.

Parking

Council instructed staff to review the implementation of a Township wide parking policy and report back to Council before the 2014 Budget discussion for implementation. The policy will review the feasibility to implement a Township wide Parking by Permit (or pay parking tickets) only in designated areas; the issues of overnight parking as well as winter snow routes. In the interim all urgent issues (substandard narrow streets and roads) should be addressed in an expeditious manner.

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Report on Council for May 13, 2013

Posted on May 13, 2013 by Webmaster

Report on Council:
May 13, 2013

Committee of the Whole Meeting: 9:00 am –- 11:38am
Confidential Closed Session 9:04am-10:07am
Regular Meeting: 7:00 pm- 7:30pm
Mayor Millar, Councillors Warren,Wishart, Claire

Farlain Lake Community Management Plan

Farlain has an incorporated not for profit Association with approximately 100 members. They have developed a plan to protect the lake’s water quality. Some of the goals require the passing of Township bylaws. The Canada Geese population needs to be managed so that it does not have a negative effect on water quality. Farlain has recommended zoning regulations that would ban the feeding of nuisance wildlife. In other cases the Township will be asked to change some of their Public Works practices. When the Township cuts down aged and diseased trees on their shoreline properties the Association would like them to drop the wood into the water to create habitat. Farlain would like the Township to install an educational kiosk/sign at the Township Park to ask boaters to clean boat hulls and trailers before and after entering the lake to prevent the transfer of invasive and exotic species; to implement a stormwater strategy and direct runoff onto vegetative areas that treat, filtrate and dissipate the runoff through transpiration. Farlain would like to see the Township use the Official Plan and zoning bylaws to ensure reasonable and manageable growth; to enact a tree cutting bylaw to protect forest cover on properties within the watershed that are less than 2.5 acres to leave a healthy tree cover; to adopt a zoning bylaw to ensure that buildings and structures do not encroach into a 20 metre setback from the high water mark and a bylaw prohibiting the use of non-environmently friendly herbicides, pesticides and fertilizers within 30 metres of the high water mark. Farlain is asking the Township to revise the official plan to ensure a physical carrying capacity study is done by land developers to define the maximum amount of growth or development that can be supported indefinitely in the watershed without permanently impairing the sustainability of the lake and it’s watershed.

Clean Yards Bylaw

Council passed this by-law giving the township the ability to address dead or damaged trees, noxious weed, long weeds and grass, inoperative boats, unlicensed trailers, inoperative motor vehicles (lacking valid license plates). Under the Municipal Act there’s is a penalty of up to $100,000 or $100/day if residents fail to respond to a request for removal. They are given a reasonable deadline and if the deadline passes they are charged $100./day.

Georgian Bay Water Level Public Information Session

Coucillor Claire requested Council’s approval for a Township hosted public information session. Mayor Millar pointed out that this meeting had been announced in the Tiny Cottager . He wondered how it could have been arranged and announced prior to Council discussion or approval. Mayor Millar cautioned Council members that individual Councillors cannot commit resources of the municipality prior to full Council review and approval. He also noted that no effort was made to reach out to groups affected by the low water levels, for example Marine Operators, Businesses along the shore.

Council directed staff to organize the meeting on July 13, 2013 and Councillor Claire was appointed meeting Chairperson. All future decisions regarding this meeting should be directed to Councillor Claire.

Light Rescue Vehicles

The Fire and Emergency Services Department was authorized to purchase  two 2013 F550 Ford cabs and chassis costing $94,852,000. from Hanna Motor Sales and to contract Fort Garry Fire Trucks to construct the vehicle bodies in accordance with specifications at a cost of $171,370. for a total of $266,222 plus taxes.

Bylaw/Agreement with Beausoleil First Nation for the Provision of Fire Services for Christian Island Indian Reserve

The bylaw to provide Fire Services for the Christian Island Indian Reserve was passed.

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Report on Council for April 29, 2013

Posted on April 29, 2013 by Webmaster

Report on Council:
April 29, 2013

Committee of the Whole Meeting: 9:00 am – 12:21am, 1pm-2:30pm?
Confidential Closed Session 2:30-3:15pm?
Regular Meeting: :00 pm?
Mayor Millar, Deputy Mayor Lawrence, Councillors Warren,Wishart, Claire

Don McNalty Burnside Update on Municipal Drain #2 Woodland Municipal Drainage

Drainage is covered under Common and Statute Law. The Woodland Drain 2 is covered under Statute Law, the Drainage Act. Staff requested a look at the By-law that covers this drain and discovered one from 1967. If the drain is to be enclosed then a new by-law is required and an engineer’s report is required. Don noted however that the enclosure would only benefit one owner.

By-law Update

Summer coverage for By-law Officers is as follows: Sun. to Thursday 9 am – 11 pm, Friday and Saturday 9 am. – 3 am. starting May 17. Starting June 22 Bylaw Officers will partner with the OPP.

Waste Management

There are some wrinkles that still need to be ironed out. Where there are over 4 residential units in one building it is defined as commercial waste and Simcoe is responsible only for residential waste.

Severn Sound Environmental Association

Mayor Millar is encouraging the Association to distribute their minutes in a more timely fashion to eliminate any concerns about transparency. There is a delay because the Board meets only four times a year and the minutes are not distributed until they are approved at the next meeting. Mayor Millar also explained the public relations problem  the organization has with respect to the $300,000. deficit. The town of Midland has assumed responsibility for Severn Sound’s financial and reporting process and it’s the idiosyncrasies of their system that makes it appear as though Severn Sound has a $300,000 problem. The Auditors do not have a problem with the deficit. Mayor Millar has suggested as a good practice that the municipality that assumes the operation of Severn Sound Environmental Association arrange a letter of credit option to cover the time lag between payables and receivables.

Fill Control By-law

No controls exist over the placing or dumping or removal of fill in the municipality. The only time the placing of fill may result in action is if the fill placement causes drainage problems on adjoining property. Then the Drainage Act may come into play. Tiny is thinking of passing a by-law which would be consistent with the Environment
First philosophy of the Official Plan, in accordance with the Municipal Act. It would prohibit the placement of fill and or alteration of the grade of the land on lands zoned Environmental Protection One (wetlands, areas of natural and scientific interest ANSI or water courses). It would also prohibit lands zoned Environmental Protection 3 which applies to the Nipissing Ridge. The policy of the Official Plan is to protect this feature from development of any activity which might accelerate natural erosion or break down of the ridge.

Disposal of Septage

Tiny has completed phase 1 & 2 of the Environmental Assessment process to address the disposal of septage. The Recommended solution is the construction of new septage lagoons to deal with septage. The sludge still has to be dealt with; the dumping on the fields won’t stop.

Springwater Township needs to expand their treatment plant to accommodate growth in Elmvale. They approached Tiny to explore the possibility of expanding Elmvale sewage treatment plant to accommodate Tiny and Springwater.  There were a number of other opportunities for Tiny to partner, but Councillors Claire, Warren and Lawrence preferred to go with a Made in Tiny solution. Mayor Millar and Councillor Wishart wanted to look at the partnering option.

Huronia Economic Alliance Economic Action Plan for Healthcare

This is the first of 4 action plans that look at health care, agriculture, tourism and manufacturing economic sectors. Midland is looking at Healthcare; Tiny is looking at  agriculture; Tay is looking at tourism; and Penetang is examining the manufacturing sector.

Mayor Millar’s position is to support economic development and job creation and since Tiny doesn’t have the economic base to provide jobs (most residents work outside of Tiny) he sees that Tiny needs to take a regional perspective and support the areas that provide jobs to Tiny residents. Deputy Mayor Lawrence disagrees. He wants to keep any funding in Tiny.

Mayor Millar sees Tiny’s strategic plan as a possible model for other municipalities in terms of municipalities working together to achieve regional goals.

 

 

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Report on Council: April 8, 2013

Posted on April 8, 2013 by Webmaster

Report on Council:
April 8, 2013

Committee of the Whole Meeting: 9:00 am – 11:57 am
Confidential Closed Session: 11:45 am – 11:57 am
Regular Meeting: 7:00 pm – 7:18 pm
Deputy Mayor Lawrence, Councillors Claire, Warren, Wishart
Regrets: Mayor Millar
Deputy Mayor Lawrence in the Chair

 

Septage Management Class Environmental Study Update
Councillor Wishart reported that the Advisory Committee will be meeting on April 18 to review preliminary mapping of potential locations and treatment technology for the Class EA. This meeting is open to the public. He also reported that the Committee and the consultants have scheduled a Public Information Centre presentation (PIC #4) on the study for Saturday, June 1, 2013, from 10:00 am to 12:00 noon), to be held at the Township of Tiny Community Centre (91 Conc. East). The session is intended to present the results of the study to the public and answer ant question they may have.

Skate Park Funded by Ontario Trillium Foundation Grant
Deputy Mayor Lawrence announced that a grant of $67,000 has been received from the Trillium Foundation and will be used to purchase a mobile skate park and to hire a part-time youth coordinator and a youth leader.

Correction of the Peek A Boo trail roadway extension survey
Council considered and approved a report from Deputy Clerk Anita Weatherall to correct a surveying oversight of a one-foot reserve from the extension of Peek A Boo Trail. The relevant By-law was adopted unanimously.

 

Township Charity Golf Tournament
Deputy Mayor Lawrence asked for Council`s support of the annual golf tournament to raise funds for the Georgian Bay General Hospital Foundation in memory of Gordon Leonard. Council agreed to name the tournament the Township of Tiny Charity Golf Tournament in Memory of Gordon Leonard, and to waive the rental fee for the Wyebridge Community Centre for the event.

J. McIntosh, Barriston Law/Acquisition of Land
A confidential discussion took place with respect to a proposed or pending acquisition of land by the municipality.

 

County Council Update
Deputy Mayor Lawrence reported on two upcoming issues at the next Corporate Services Committee meeting. The first item was the term of the County Warden. The position was created to help with the workload, public relations and committee participation. It is almost a full time position. Previously it was a 1 year term and according to Mr. Lawrence the incumbents were from the Old Boys Club. The Councillors agreed the position should have a two year term because two years gives you time to establish ties with the Federal and Provincial government. A four year term could be two long if the incumbent is a problem.

The next item pertained to Economic Development Funding Options. Simcoe County has a $1.6 million surplus which they would like to share with the townships and municipalities under their umbrella. The Councillors preferred the option where Tiny would receive $50,000. from Simcoe without having to match Simcoe’s donation. Tiny’s economic Action Plan supports agricultural development.

Appointment of Keith Sherman as Township`s Clean Water Act Risk Management Officer
Council passed a motion at its Budget Meeting of November 9, 2012, to engage a Risk Management Officer/Risk Management Inspector as required under the Source Water Protection provisions of the Clean Water Act, 2008. Council voted to appoint Keith Sherman, Executive Director of the Severn Sound Environmental Association, to this position.

Accessibility Revisions to the Bluewater Beach Park Boardwalk
Council adopted a report that will implement recommendations of the Accessibility Advisory Committee for changes to bring the boardwalk up to the design standards required by Ontario legislation.

 

 

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Report on Council: March 25, 2013

Posted on March 25, 2013 by Webmaster

Report on Council
March 25, 2013

Committee of the Whole Meeting: 9:00 am – 12:10 pm, 12:45 pm – 2:22 pm, 2:45 pm – 3:07 pm
Confidential Closed Session: 2:22 pm – 2:45 pm
Regular Meeting: 7:00 pm – 7:40 pm
Mayor Millar, Deputy Mayor Lawrence, Councillors Claire, Warren, Wishart
Deputy Mayor Lawrence in the Chair for the Committee of the Whole, Mayor Millar in the Chair for Council

 

McMahan Water System Update and Proposed Work Plan
The Township has assumed operation of the McMahan water system, which is not in compliance with current standards. A temporary supply is being provided from the Bluewater System, but a long term solution is needed. Jeff Langlois of R.J. Burnside & Associates presented an overview of the options for the McMahan Water System. They are:

  1. Upgrading the McMahan system to compliance as a stand-alone system;
  2. Fragment the system and have residents install individual or shared systems;
  3. Upgrade the Bluewater System to supply McMahan and replace the McMahan system.

Council authorized Burnside to proceed with a Schedule B Municipal Class Environmental Assessment to evaluate the options and their compliance with Ontario legislation. The amount of $47,140 will be taken from the Water Reserve Fund for the EA. A Notice of Study Commencement and a Public Information Centre will occur. It would take 4-6 months from start to Notice of Completion.

OPP Quarterly Report
Inspector Jacques Bois of the Southern Georgian Bay OPP presented a summary of the 2012 Southern Georgian Bay Annual Report. Every officer now has a Blackberry to run plates and individuals. Vessel operator licenses can also be quickly checked. Soon officers will be able to dictate reports, keeping officers on the road instead of at their desks. At the end of April police marine boats will be launched for the season and the OPP will communicate with the Coast Guard and Ministry of Natural Resources on identifying shallow areas and other dangers in the water.

 

Simcoe County’s New Solid Waste Management Strategy.
Rob McCullough and Wilma Bureau of the County`s Waste Management Services presented and discussed the changes coming to solid waste collection and management in Tiny, effective April 1. The new contractor is BFI Canada, and new waste collection contracts will generate an annual savings of $2.1 million. Routes have been redesigned for efficiency and cost savings because they no longer have to follow municipal boundaries. Mondays are reserved for high seasonal areas and the remainder of the week is split into large geographic areas. Industrial, commercial and institutional locations have maximum limits on bags and blue boxes and must participate in diversion programs. BFI Canada Inc will use smaller vehicles to service smaller private roads in highly seasonal areas, and drop off locations that attract illegal dumping, animals and litter will be removed. Locations that cannot be serviced by a truck will be provided with a pass for drop off at a waste facility. The trucks are fueled with compressed natural gas which gives off fewer greenhouse gases than diesel. All vehicles have real time tracking devices. The technology tracks driving habits, and is able to provide images to verify issues with the County Contact Centre. Empty containers will be stacked inside each other. Collection on both sides of the street will occur in rural areas. Collection start up kits will be delivered to new residents. There are more on road supervisors. Bi-weekly yard waste will occur in the spring and fall for a total of 9 collections. For bulky items there will no longer be an annual free collection. From June to September customers can schedule an appointment with County Customer Service to pick up bulky items on the weekday designated for their area. A fee is paid at booking and the customer must provide a list of items (maximum 5). If there are more than 5 items the customer will be contacted to arrange another pick up and the remaining items must be removed from the side of the road until the next appointment.

County of Simcoe Official Plan – Potential OMB Hearing
Kris Menzies of MHBC Planning presented an overview of the impact of the new Simcoe County Official Plan on Tiny Township and on its implications for the development potential of Tiny’s shoreline areas. The new County OP does not provide clear direction regarding their future development. There are 3 development categories: existing lots of record, which may be in a registered plan of subdivision; lands with draft approved plans of subdivision and consents; lands that are designated as “shoreline” in the Township Official Plan but do not have a draft plan of subdivision approval nor approved consent. Council directed staff and the Township’s planning and legal consultants to approach the County of Simcoe and request that the Township Official Plan policy basis for the first two development categories be protected and designated in Simcoe’s Official Plan as a “Rural Exception”

Appointment of Integrity Commissioner
On July 9, 2012, Council considered a staff report regarding the adoption of a formal Code of Conduct and the appointment of an Integrity Commissioner. Funding for an Integrity Commissioner was approved in the 2013 budget. Municipalities are not required by law to appoint such a Commissioner, and only approximately 25 Ontario municipalities have done so. An Integrity Commissioner would have the power to access all municipal reports and information including records held by individual members of Council. They would be required to maintain secrecy in all matters that come to their attention during the course of inquiry. They have a right to initiate an inquiry after the receipt of a complaint from any individual. Reports received by Council from the IC would be made available to the public. Costs are as follows: Recruitment $500-$1,000, Training of Council and Staff $3,000, Retainer $1,000-2,500 per year, Review Code of Conduct $1,000-2,500, Hourly rate $150-350 for investigations.

Several Councillors were not convinced of the necessity for such an appointment at this time, As indicated in the legal opinion provided to Council, municipalities are not required to appoint an Integrity Commissioner nor are they required to legislate a Code of Conduct. In the absence of an Integrity Commissioner, Council would default to the voluntary “Rules of Decorum” contained in the Township’s existing Procedural By-law. The current Procedural By law contains a voluntary set of rules for Council meetings and acceptable behavior during a meeting (i.e. Rules of Decorum).

The motion to make the appointment was defeated 3-2, with Lawrence, Warren and Wishart opposed; Millar and Claire in favour.

Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiatives Update
As Council representative, councilor Wishart reported that the group is mainly concerned with the St. Lawrence River, the International Lake superior and International Niagara Boards of Control. There is an absence if discussions of the Middle Great Lakes Board’s concerns with the water levels conditions. Councillor Wishart will work to impress on the GLSCI the need to regulate the water flow out of the Great Lakes and report back to Council on a regular basis.

 

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Report on Council: March 11, 2013

Posted on March 11, 2013 by Webmaster

Report on Council:
March 11, 2013
Committee of the Whole Meeting: 9:00 am – 11:12 am
Regular Meeting: 11:30 am – 12:15 pm
Deputy Mayor Lawrence, Councillors Claire, Warren, Wishart

Regrets: Mayor Millar
Councillor Claire in the Chair for Committee of the Whole; Deputy Mayor Lawrence in the Chair for Council

Discussion of Georgian Bay Water Levels Meeting
Deputy Mayor Lawrence referred to a meeting scheduled to be held in Tiny on March 10, 20133, regarding problems and remedies for the low water levels of Georgian Bay. He stated that he preferred such meetings to be held later in the spring when as many as possible of our shoreline residents and beach associations are able to attend and participate.

Items of Public Works
A number of minor public works were discussed and approved, including:
• Final acceptance of the Peek A Boo trail roadway extension,
• Completion and acceptance of the Georgian Drive extension,
• Progress of underground works, Tiny Cove Estates Subdivision,
• Changes to the minimum maintenance standards for icy roads,

New Fees Schedule for 2013
Council passed By-law 13-017 containing several increases for various Township fees. This By-law can be viewed at the Township office or online at https://docushare.tiny.ca/docushare/dsweb/View/Collection-39435

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Report on Council: February 21, 2013

Posted on February 21, 2013 by Webmaster

Report on Council:
February 21, 2013
Committee of the Whole Meeting: 9:00 am – 10:36 am
Regular Meeting: 11:15 am – 11:37 am
Mayor Millar, Deputy Mayor Lawrence, Councillors Claire, Warren, Wishart

Councillor Claire in the Chair for Committee of the Whole; Mayor Millar in the Chair for Council

Remuneration of Council Members, Committee Members and Non-permanent Staff
Council discussed and approved increases to remuneration of students, seasonal, casual and replacement staff by 1.2%. Persons seving as members of Council appointed Committes are to receive $35 per meeting (Chair, $45); except for Committee of Adjustment, $50 per meeting (Chair, $60). Councillors receive $21,273 per annum; Deputy Mayor, $24,547; and Mayor, $32.729.

New Simcoe County Waste Collection Policies
Effective April 1, 2013, the County of Simcoe will be implementing new waste collection policies:

• The days of collection of household waste may change. Collection in most seasonal areas will remain on Mondays, but other areas may change.
• There will be nine collections of yard waste and leaves annually, dates to be announced
• Bulky waste will be collected only on a call-in prepaid basis with a fee of $35 for 5 items.

A series of workshops will be held throughout the County. The one for our area is scheduled at the Penetanguishene Memorial Arena, 61 Maria St. (Brian Orser Room) on Tuesday, March 10, 2013, at 2-4 pm and 7-9 pm.

Further information can be obtained by calling Simcoe County Customer Service at (705) 735-6901 or 1 (800) 263-3199.

Traffic Calming on Tiny Beaches Road and Park Road in Concession 1
Public Works staff and the OPP have agreed on posting larger speed limit signs and “radar enforced” tabs along this route through Woodland Beach.

Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiative on Asian Carp Invasion
Council agreed to have the full text of a resolution of the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities resolution read into the Minutes of the Council meeting. This invasive species has the potential to seriously degrade the waters of Georgian Bay and all of the Great Lakes, and is aggravated by the current low water levels.

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