Report on Council: February 11, 2013

Posted on February 11, 2013 by Webmaster

Report on Council:
February 11, 2013
Committee of the Whole Meeting: 9:00 am – 12:21 pm; 12:50 pm – 1:34 pm
Regular Meeting: 7:00 pm – 7:27 pm
Mayor Millar, Deputy Mayor Lawrence, Councillors Claire, Warren, Wishart

2013 Budget Presentation
Council received and discussed a presentation from Doug Taylor, Manager of Administrative Services/Treasurer, of the 2013 operating and capital budgets, and the reserve accounts. Mayor Millar asked that his objection to the Septage Management and EA be noted, but given that this program had been previously approved, he will vote to approve the budget overall.

Appointment of members of the Septage Management Study Committee
By a vote of 4 -1 (Mayor Millar opposed), Council voted to re-appoint the members of the Study Committee for Phases 3 and 4 of the Study, subject to their acceptance.

Septic Re-inspection Program
Rex Meadley and Bill Goodale of C,C, Tatham & Associates reported on the 2012 re-inspection program. Some 1260 inspections were carried out, with 114 systems requiring follow-up work. In 2013, re-inspections will concentrate on the northeast quadrant of the Township, including Toanche, Farlain Lake and Champlain Toad. There will also be follow-up from 666 lot owners who have not submitted pump-out records or responded to previous deficiency orders. They noted that Ontario Regulation 315/10 has now come into force and Tiny has had to modify its inspection program so that all systems in well head protection zones are inspected every 5 years. It has come to the attention of Tiny that some seasonal residents don’t receive letters regarding the re-inspection program and the requirement to submit a septic/holding tank pump out report. To remedy this, staff is proposing that a notice be left on initial inspection of properties where no one is home stating that the owners need to submit the report. Common problems of septic systems include: roots clogging the system, driving on the bed, fire pits on bed. Some owners have been taken to court for failure to comply.

Sustainable Severn Sound
Luke Raftis, Sustainability Coordinator, gave an update on the past year’s activities. The organization has developed a template for municipalities to develop tree bylaws. In conjunction with Lakehead University it provided a forum for students to present their research results and thereby engage youth in environmental concerns. It put on sustainability for small business workshops in North Simcoe. It launched an invasive species awareness campaign. Some garden centres still sell invasive species.

MHBC Planning report and the County Official Plan
Kris Menzies of MHBC Planning appeared before Council to present her concerns regarding Simcoe County’s Official Plan. Given that Tiny’s predominant development pattern is along the shoreline, Kris would like to discuss with the County its rationale for removing the Shoreline designation in Simcoe’s Official Plan. Tiny would look to discuss a strategy for proceeding with future growth and development within the shoreline communities. Tiny wants to review the need for full or communal services for residential lots associated with country recreational facilities that take advantage of natural features, including water bodies. Council directed the Township Solicitor, Barriston LLP, to apply for party status to address shoreline property issues at the Ontario Municipal Board hearing scheduled for March 5.

Policing Costs for 2012 and Estimate for 2013
Doug Taylor, Manager of Administrative Services/Treasurer, reported that the Township’s OPP policing cost was $1,765,345, but a rebate of $125,573 based on actual services was received. This will be put into a Policing Services Reserve account. The OPP’s estimated cost for 2013 is $1,692,734 (Tiny’s initial budget estimate was $1,818,307).

Proposed Changes to Parking on Concession Roads 1-18
Given residents’ concerns about on-street parking and the Fire Chief’s need for sufficient road width for Emergency Access of vehicles, staff have recommended the following changes to parking on concession roads.
Concession 4 West: No parking both sides of road to County Rd. 29
Concession 5 West: No parking extended .2km
Concession 9 West: No parking both sides for 600 m. to base of ridge
Concession 11 West: No parking both sides to Brook Ave.
Concession 14 West: No parking
Concession 17 West: No parking to Poplar Dr.
The total cost of signage is estimated at $9,000 for material and labour to be taken from the capital reserve fund. Costs for mailing a notice of proposed changes to affected residents is estimated at $300. All signage can be placed starting April 1, 2013.

Council also discussed special concerns about parking at Cawaja Beach, the Bluewater Subdivision and the Pennorth and Lackie Crescent areas. Henk Blom, Manager of Public Works, had provided reports on all three areas but Councillors felt that further consideration was needed and voted 3 – 2 (Mayor Millar and Councillor Wishart opposed) to defer these reports.

Discussion of Chair Rotation for Committee of the Whole Meetings
Mayor Millar asked Council members if they would be agreeable to chairing future meetings of the Committee of the Whole on a rotating basis. This is allowed by the Township`s Procedural By-law. With the exception of Council Wishart, Councillors agreed to do so, and the February 21, 2013 meeting will be chaired by Councillor Warren.

Download article as PDF
Posted in Reports on Council: 2010-2014 | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Report on Council: January 14, 2013

Posted on January 14, 2013 by Webmaster

REPORT ON COUNCIL:
January 14, 2013
Committee of the Whole Meeting: 9:00 am – 12:09 am
Regular Meeting: 1:35 pm – 2:16 pm
Deputy Mayor Lawrence, Councillors Claire, Warren, and Wishart

Regrets: Mayor Millar

In the absence of Mayor Millar, Deputy Mayor Lawrence took the chair for both meetings

Severn Sound Environmental Association 2012 Review
Keith Sherman, Executive Director, provided an overview of SSEA activities within the Township of Tiny in 2012 including healthy streams project; tree distribution; tributary monitoring (Wye, Lafontaine, Copeland); stream temperature and benthos monitoring (Wye, Lafontaine, Copeland); Source Water Protection; Ontario Drinking Water Stewardship Program for source protection; Tiny bog evaluation to document the extent of the bog; and Provincial Groundwater Monitoring Network. Tiny has significant drinking water threats. SSEA is working on rescuing wells on public property that are no longer used, from abandonment so that they can be outfitted for monitoring water quality.
He also presented a cheque in the amount of $7,938.73 from the Ontario Drinking Water Stewardship Program/Early Response Program Grants for well repairs to Georgian Bay Estates and Bluewater water systems.

New 2013 Recreation and Related Fees and Affordable Recreation By-law
Council considered Clerk’s Report CR-001-13 dated January 14, 2013 from Bonita Desroches, Community Recreation Coordinator, regarding proposed 2013 Recreation and Related Fees and Affordable Recreation. Council passed By-law 13-004 which revises the policy “Fees and Charges” of the Recreation Department Policies and Procedures and ensures more Council responsibility for facilities and funds.

Audio Recording of Council Meetings
Council reviewed a legal opinion dated January 8, 2013 from Adrianna Pilkington of Barriston Law relating to the audio recording of Council in-camera sessions, and resolved to authorize the audio recording of all in-camera meetings. In addition, staff was directed to prepare in-camera procedures.

By-law to Address Environmental and Financial Impacts of Wind Farm Developments
As he indicated at the December 10, 2012 Council meeting, Deputy Mayor Lawrence presented information regarding the installation of industrial wind turbines (IWTs) within the Township of Tiny. Deputy Mayor Lawrence noted that the role of Council is to represent the well-being and interests of the municipality when faced with the development of IWTs by developers. He pointed out the negative impact on property values and the high cost to decommission IWTs after their life span. He introduced a proposed by-law (By-Law No. 13-008) to protect residents and the Township from such impacts. Among other provisions, it ensures that installers are held financially responsible for taking down turbines after their useful working lifetime through a Standby Letter of Credit in the amount of $250,000 for each turbine to cover decommissioning costs. This Standby Letter of Credit must be signed by the proponent and/or the land owner. It also sets a building permit fee of $50,000 per megawatt to cover the costs to the township. Council enacted the by-law at the Regular Meeting of Council.

Septage Management Class EA Study/Phases 3 & 4
At the December 10, 2012, Council meeting, Councillor Warren requested that consideration be given to award the contract for Phases 3 & 4 of the Septage Management Class EA Study to R. J. Burnside & Associates Limited as outlined in their presentation to Council at the November 26, 2012 meeting. Councillors Warren and Wishart confirmed they would be willing to continue as Council representatives for Phases 3 and 4. Council agreed to award the project to R. J. Burnside & Associates Limited.

Final Draft 2013 Municipal Budget
Council considered Treasury Report TR-003-13 dated January 14, 2013 from Doug Taylor, Manager of Administrative Services/Treasurer, the final draft of the 2013 Municipal Budget. D. Taylor outlined the changes as discussed during the December 3, 2012 Budget meeting and incremental changes proposed by staff. Council voted to defer the presentation of the 2013 Municipal Budget to the February 11, 2013 Council meeting in the absence of the Mayor.

Road Conditions in the Sawlog Bay area
Councillor Wishart reported on the conditions of the crescents in the Sawlog Bay
area. He reported that during a snow/ice thaw (January 12-13), the crescents were impassable. Henk Blom, Manager of Public Works, reported that he would investigate the matter.

County of Simcoe Invited to Explain New Waste Management Program
Councillors brought forward a motion that staff from the County of Simcoe Waste Management Department be invited to attend a future Regular Committee of the Whole meeting to discuss the new waste management program.
The new program will eliminate the current heavy garbage pickup and replace it with a new scheme.

Download article as PDF
Posted in Reports on Council: 2010-2014 | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Report on Council: December 10, 2012

Posted on December 10, 2012 by Webmaster

REPORT ON COUNCIL:
December 10, 2012
Committee of the Whole Meeting: 9:05 am – 11:35pm
Regular Meeting: 11:50 am – 12:10 pm
Mayor Millar, Deputy Mayor Lawrence, Councillors Claire, Warren, Wishart

Council Meeting Schedule for 2013
Council will meet as usual on the second and last Mondays of each month, with the exception December 23. Meetings of the Council will follow immediately on completion of the Meeting of the Committee of the Whole on the following dates: February 21, March 11, October 15, November 12, and December 9.

Proposed Audio Recording Procedure
Council considered Clerk’s Report CR-050-12 dated December 10, 2012, from Anita Weatherell,
Deputy Clerk, regarding a Proposed Audio Recording Procedure. They directed staff to obtain a legal opinion regarding whether or not closed meeting audio recordings would be subject to the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (MFIPPA) and whether audio recording of open Council meetings should commence on January 14, 2013. Council also resolved that the closed meeting legal opinion be considered in a public meeting prior to recording same.

Discussion of Oral Submission from AWARE Simcoe re Conservation Authority
Council discussed Sandy Agnew’s presentation at the November 26, 2012 meeting regarding the advantages of becoming a member of a Conservation Authority. The consensus of Council is that the Township will remain with the Severn Sound Environmental Association, as the Township is thoroughly satisfied with the work provided by SSEA.

Invasive Species Management Report
Council considered Public Works Report PWR-043-12 dated October 29, 2012 from Henk emergencyBlom, Manager of Public Works, regarding a proposed Invasive Species Management Plan for invasive, nuisance and noxious weeds. Several options were presented including the control on public property and/or private property; to retain the services of a biologist/botanist as a staff member and/or consultant; to retain the services of a “Contract Applicator” or train and certify a staff member; and/or to create a by-law to enforce the control of invasive and nuisance species on property. Due to the magnitude of the report, Council requested time to absorb the information presented for discussion at a future meeting.

Emergency Services Activity Report for October, 2012
Council considered Emergency Services Report ESR-017-12 dated December 10, 2012 from Tony Mintoff, Fire Chief, summarizing the Fire Department activities for October, 2012. The Department responded to 28 emergency response call-outs during the month of October including 2 structural fires; 3 non-structural fires; 6 Motor Vehicle Accidents; 3 Carbon Monoxide Detector Activations; 5 ambulance assists or first responders; 3 Public Hazards; 3 Fire Alarms and 3 others. The report also noted activities relative to inspections/prevention/enforcement (2) and information public services and department training.

Download article as PDF
Posted in Reports on Council: 2010-2014 | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Report on Council: November 26, 2012

Posted on November 26, 2012 by Webmaster

REPORT ON COUNCIL:
November 26, 2012
Committee of the Whole Meeting: 9:00 am – 12:39 pm
Confidential closed session 12:39 pm – 12:47 pm
Regular Meeting: 7:08 pm – 8:08 pm
Mayor Millar, Deputy Mayor Lawrence, Councillors Warren, Wishart

Regrets: Councillor Claire

AWARE Simcoe Presentation: Advantages of Forming a Conservation Authority
On behalf of AWARE Simcoe, Sandy Agnew provided an overview of the advantages of municipal membership in a Conservation Authority (CA) in North Simcoe. He noted that there are two CAs in the County of Simcoe: Nottawasaga Valley CA and the Lake Simcoe Region CA. The Conservation Authority is a group of environmental planners, engineers, ecologists, hydrogeologists, fishery biologists with the legal authority under the Conservation Authority Act 1946, to manage regulated areas, ie. hazardous, prone to flooding or natural heritage features. They provide environmental and planning expertise to landowners, developers and member municipalities and ensure federal and provincial legislation and policies, municipal and conservation authority policies are taken into account when development occurs within natural heritage and natural hazardous areas. They protect residents from loss of life, property damage, social disruption and encourage a coordinated approach to land use and water management. They work to maintain or improve water quality to ensure pollution is minimized or eliminated and encourage responsible management and protection of environmentally sensitive areas ie. shoreline and wetlands. If Tiny had a Conservation Authority the Wye Marsh Wildlife Centre could become an interpretive centre with secure funding through a municipal levy. Conservation Authorities do watershed reports and heritage mapping which can be used to identify and protect natural areas and plan restoration projects.
Simcoe County report CAR12-001 outlined inconsistencies in planning review services across Simcoe, especially in North Simcoe. In Tiny most of such work is done by consultants whereas in Wasaga Beach only 25% is done by consultants because they have a CA. In Collingwood most of the work is done by a CA. A CA in North Simcoe would provide a more consistent plan review approach throughout the County; legislated protection for streams, wetland, shorelines, natural heritage areas, natural heritage mapping; environmental education programming combined with the Wye marsh and flood and erosion prevention. Severn Sound is an environmental association, a municipal agency under the town of Midland with no legislated powers. Severn Sound is coming to the end of their 5 year strategic plan in 2013. Perhaps now is the time to review the best way to protect the environment of Simcoe County.
Council resolved to receive the presentation as information.

Georgian Bay General Hospital: Southern Georgian Bay Physician Recruitment Update
David GraveIle, Physician Recruitment and Retention Officer, presented an outline of the Southern Georgian Bay Physician Recruitment Program including its “Vision – Every resident has timely access to a primary care physician”. Twenty-one physicians have been recruited and 14-18 more family physicians need to be recruited in the next five years. Under the Northern and Rural Recruitment and Retention Initiative physicians recruited for Tiny, Penetang and Tay receive $80-120,000 in financial incentives. Starting 2013 they will receive $40,000 in loan forgiveness from the Federal government. Neverthelss, the Ministry of Health Long Term Care Policy is stalling recruitment, controlling the distribution of physicians with no consideration for replacement ratios.

Septage Management Class EA Study Phases 3 and 4 Scope of Work
Anne Eagan, P. Eng., Project Manager, and Don McNalty, P. Eng., of R.J. Burnside Associates addressed Council regarding the scope of work for Phases 3 & 4 of the Septage Management Class EA Study.
Mayor Millar moved that Council direct staff to isolate and separate the activity and cost related to the ” Septage Treatment Class EA Phases 3 and 4″ project from the 2013 Municipal Budget, including the current draft budget and any subsequent drafts, so that Council may have the opportunity to consider approvals for the septage project and 2013 Municipal Budget independently of each other. The motion was defeated 3-1.

County Council Update: Heavy Garbage Pickup Changes
Deputy Mayor Lawrence reported on a discussion with County staff regarding the new heavy garbage structure which will be implemented starting in April 2013. He stated he would set up a meeting with Township and County staff to assess how the arrangements for the heavy garbage pickups will be carried out.

Township-Wide Parking Strategy
Deputy Mayor Lawrence requested that Council consider changes to parking along the western shoreline of the Township. He asked that consideration be given to replace open parking with permit parking with the exception of the Township major parks.

Indexing of Development Charges
Councillor Warren moved that Treasury Report No. TR-019-12 dated November 26, 2012, regarding the 2013 Development Charge Indexing, be received; and that Council approve the 2013 proposed development charge at $4,943 (up from $4,856) per household for residential units and $16.89 (from $16.59) per square meter gross floor area for non-residential units. The revised rates are effective January 1, 2013. Carried 4-0

Accessibility Advisory Committee/Bluewater Beach Park Boardwalk
Council accepted the Accessibility Advisory Committee’s recommendation of a 15-metre extension of the boardwalk westward at the beach level to increase accessibility to the beach

Parks & Recreation Associations Memorandum of Understanding: Confidential Staff Report
Mayor Millar moved that Confidential Clerks Report CR-033-12 and its accompanying Schedules 1 through 7, more specifically, Appendix 1 – Recreation Master Plan Update Appendix 2 – Legal Opinion date January 24, 2008 from the law firm of Burger Rowe Appendix 3 – Memorandum of Understanding dated March 29th, 2010, between the municipality and various Parks & Recreation Associations Appendix 4 — Financial Reporting Policy Statement Appendix 5 — A memorandum dated April 17th, 2008, prepared by Burger Rowe providing an overview of the statutory requirements for maintaining a non profit corporation. Appendix 6 — A fiscal year end accounting form Appendix 7 — A facility permitting policy statement A memorandum dated October 23, 2012 from the Ontario Municipal Insurance Exchange. be released immediately and made available to the public. He stated that Sharing of Clerks Report CR-033-12 with the public at this time would help people understand the rationale Council used in coming to the decision reflected in Motion 648/12 at their in camera meeting of October 29th, 2012.
Section 239 (2) of the Municipal Act allows that a meeting of Council may be closed to the public under any or all of 7 enumerated exceptions. Council relied upon one or more of the enumerated exceptions when first considering the matter on October 29th, 2012. Council held frank discussion during the aforementioned meeting and the Mayor felt that release of Confidential Clerks Report CR-033-12 would neither prejudice the position of the municipality nor infringe upon the privacy rights of others.

Councillor Warren requested a recorded vote.
Mayor Millar In Support
Deputy Mayor Lawrence Opposed
Councillor Warren Opposed
Councillor Wishart Opposed
Councillor Claire (absent)

Multi-Year Accessibility Plan
The Committee considered Clerks Report CR-045-12 dated November 26, 2012 from Sue Walton, Sr. Administrative Coordinator, regarding a multi-year accessibility plan. The report outlined that the Township has moved from an annual plan to a multi-year plan being a requirement of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005, Integrated Accessibility Standards (IAS). The multi-year plan outlines the actions undertaken by the Township to achieve its accessibility priorities and goals over the next few years. Council approved that plan at the Regular Meeting of Council.

Download article as PDF
Posted in Reports on Council: 2010-2014 | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Report on Council: November 13, 2012

Posted on November 13, 2012 by Webmaster

Report on Council:
November 13, 2012
Committee of the Whole Meeting: 9:00 am – 1:00 pm
Confidential closed session 1:00-1:45 pm
Regular Meeting: 7:00 pm – 7:39 pm
Deputy Mayor Lawrence, Councillors Warren,Wishart and Claire

Regrets: Mayor Millar

In the absence of Mayor Millar, Deputy Mayor Lawrence took the chair for both meetings

Georgian Bay Snowriders Club Permission to Utilize Tiny Trail for OFSC Use
On behalf of the Georgian Bay Snowriders Club, Bob Campbell addressed members of Council requesting a land use agreement for the use of Tiny Trail for snowmobiling. Council agreed, and directed staff to prepare the necessary agreement and by-law for consideration at the next Council meeting.

Draft Comments on revised MMHA Provincial Policy Statement
The Ministry of Municipal affairs and Housing Provincial Policy Statement is reviewed every 5 years by the Ministry. They requested that comments on the draft be submitted by Nov. 23, 2012. Kris Menzies of MHBC Planning was retained to undertake a review of the Provincial Policy Statement (PPS). She found that there are no large issues that the municipality needs to be concerned about but some clarifications would be helpful. Tiny felt there was a need for greater recognition of local needs and municipal decision making. The province needs to provide greater financial and technical planning support to Tiny. There is also a need to revise servicing policies to permit development on individual/partial services in rural settlement areas. The Province needs to clarify the status of “privately owned marinas” and the term “harbor” with respect to “marine facilities”. Policies to address source water protection need to be added. The policies require future direction and guidelines to address “climate change”. “Settlement areas” need to define the difference between urban and rural settlement areas. At the moment if a land owner has a natural heritage area there is no procedure for severing and donating it to the municipality. Natural heritage or natural hazard features need to be recognized as a permitted use of lot creation in prime agricultural areas.

A draft letter containing these comments was reviewed. Council authorized Doug Luker, CAO/Clerk, to forward the letter to the Provincial Planning Policy Branch as the Township’s formal comments on the draft Provincial Policy Statement.

Commemorations Champlain Commemorations
Council considered a report from Bonita Desroches, Community Recreation Coordinator, regarding the submission of a funding application to the Trillium Foundation on behalf of the Commemorations Champlain Commemorations committee. The report noted the Township of Tiny would take the lead for the funding application and that a Memorandum of Understanding would be created to clearly identify the roles of the other participating municipalities in the event the funding is received. Council agreed to authorize sending the funding application to the Trillium Foundation

County Council Update – Heavy Garbage Pickup
Deputy Mayor Lawrence expressed concerns with the new heavy garbage pickup process which will be implemented by the County of Simcoe on April 1, 2013. He questioned how the Township Municipal Law Enforcement Department will distinguish between heavy items left at the roadside for County pick-up and items left on the roadside without the County’s consent or knowledge. He also noted that the Township will require clarification on the process (i.e. when someone has ordered and paid for a pick-up).

Report on Seminars: Sierra Club and Asian Carp Ecological Risk
Councillor Wishart reported on the threat of Asian Carp. Bighead and Silver Carp have been found in the Mississippi River. These fish are voracious bottom feeders who would take food away from Canada’s fisheries. They will significantly reduce the number of native fish in the Great Lakes region and will negatively impact the delicate food web. The reduction of these native fishes would reduce the number of predatory fishes. Preventing the establishment of carp is critical because once here these fish can survive and overwinter. Suitable spawning conditions exist in up to 57 Canadian Rivers and extensive wetlands are available for nursery habitat. We need to focus on preventing the introduction of these species into Canadian waters. The most likely entry point to the Great Lakes is via the Chicago Area Waterway System into Lake Michigan. The natural divide needs to be restored by blocking the Chicago drainage canal.

Communications Received re Canadian Wind Energy Association
Al Taylor sent a letter in response to the letter Tiny Council received on Oct. 29, 2012 from the Canadian Wind Energy Association. This wind power developer lobby group claimed that there are no property value losses with wind power. Mr. Taylor pointed to the 32% property value losses in Shelburne on residences within 2 km of the Industrial Wind Turbines and even higher losses on Wolfe Island. He also pointed to the Sellers Property Information sheet used by Ontario Realtors. The sheet has a section designed to divulge any characteristics of a property that may affect the buyer’s interest, such as whether any wind power facilities are proposed near the property for sale. It also asks about quarries, garbage dumps and flooding.

Correspondence re Impact of Low Water Levels on Georgian Bay
Councillors Warren and Claire expressed concern that the above-mentioned joint letter from the Mayors of the Towns of Midland and Penetanguishene and the Townships of Tay and Tiny dated October 25, 2012 in regard to “Impact of Low Water Levels on Georgian Bay” was neither received nor discussed by the Township of Tiny Council prior to issuance.

In the absence of the Mayor, Councillor Claire inquired about the communication process to other members when a member of Council is not able to attend a Council meeting. Doug Luker, CAO/Clerk, stated that the Township does not have a formal notification process, however staff will forward an email to all members of Council asking that members advise staff in the Clerk’s Department and they in turn will advise the rest of Council.

Moved by Warren, Seconded by Claire: that Council directs staff to send a follow-up letter to the recipients of the October 25th letter to indicate that it was neither received nor discussed by the Township of Tiny Council prior to issuance.

Councillor Wishart requested a recorded vote. The Motion carried, 3 in favour, 1 opposed (Wishart).

Termination of Negotiations for Wyebridge Property
Council discussed and voted on a Motion (Warren/Claire) to direct staff to terminate negotiations in regard to land acquisition near the Wyebridge Community Centre.

Councillor Wishart requested a recorded vote. The Motion carried, 3 in favour, 1 opposed (Wishart).

Download article as PDF
Posted in Reports on Council: 2010-2014 | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Important Meeting re: Water Levels

Posted on October 30, 2012 by Webmaster

There is an important meeting on Saturday, November 10th at 9:30am, held by the Sierra Club Great Lakes Section.

All those concerned with the Water Levels issue should attend!

For more information, including RSVP information and a map to the location (held in Toronto near Leslie/401) see this PDF:

http://tinycottager.org/site/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/Nov10meeting.pdf

We hope to see you there!

Download article as PDF
Posted in Administrative Update | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Report on Council: October 29, 2012

Posted on October 29, 2012 by Webmaster

Report on Council:
October 29, 2012
Committee of the Whole Meeting: 9:00 am – 12:23 pm and 2:50 – 2:52 pm
Confidential Closed Session 1:01 pm – 2:50 pm
Planning Act Meeting 7:00 – 7:07 pm
Regular Meeting: 7:07 pm – 7:28 pm
Mayor Millar, Deputy Mayor Lawrence, Councillors Claire, Warren and Wishart

Public Works storm preparedness
In view of the pending storm, Henk Blom, Manager of Public Works, reported that plans were in place to manage power outages, felled trees and washouts. Fuel supply was topped up, generators were ready and (local) operators of the Water Department were available to ensure the water systems were operating properly.

Out of the Cold Program Donation
Mayor Millar reported that the Out of the Cold Program organization was hosting a “sleepover” to raise awareness to the program. He noted the area Mayors were asked to attend the event and to make a donation. The Committee agreed to make a $500 donation to the program.

County Council Update
Mayor Millar reported that the 2013 budget will be discussed at the October 30 County Council meeting. He noted that no consensus was reached on the County governance issue at the October 15, 2012 meeting. Deputy Mayor Lawrence expressed his concerns with the potential reduction in staff at the North Simcoe Transfer Station which is proposed in the 2013 County Budget.

Lafontaine Beach Park Budget Discussion
Henk Blom, Manager of Public Works, reported that funds for the Lafontaine Beach Park were incorrectly calculated because 3 continuous projects were put under one. Council authorized the reallocation of funding from the Balm Beach Pedestrian Sidewalk to the Lafontaine Beach Park Master Plan in the amount of $64,000.

Tiny Beaches Road South Traffic Calming
Henk Blom, Manager of Public Works, reported on the proposed reduction in the posted speed limit on Tiny Beaches Road South and Park Road to 30 km/h. Council decided to defer this matter pending discussions with the Woodland Beach Association and the Southern Georgian Bay Ontario Provincial Police regarding the proposed speed limit. One of the issues is that the width of Tiny Beaches Rd in Woodland Beach is not up to current standards.

Septage Management Class EA Process
Council voted to retain the services of R. J. Burnside and Associates Ltd. to define the scope of work required and develop a detailed cost estimate to be presented to Council. Burnside is familiar with the project, the concerns of the public and Council and has completed some minor work for Phase 3. The Township Procurement Bylaw permits Sole Source selection of a consultant by Council at Council’s discretion.

Tiny-Flos Townline Boundary Road Guardrails
The Tiny-Flos Townline Road is subject to a Boundary Road Agreement between the Township of Springwater and the Township of Tiny which stipulates a 50% cost sharing. Staff brought forward a draft resolution at the Regular Meeting of Council to authorize a payment in the amount of $24,668 plus HST toward the construction of guardrails on two bridges/culverts on the road.

McMahan Road Water System
Councillor Warren requested clarification of the status of the McMahan Road Water System. Henk Blom, Manager of Public Works, explained that the McMahan Road Water system is a privately operated water system located on municipal property within the McMahan Road, Davidson Crescent and Tiny Beaches Road South and is connected to approximately 20 homes. The well supply and pump house are located within the right of way of Davidson Crescent. The operator has a 99 year lease with the Township which started about 1960. The Ministry of Environment’s position is that if a water system is located on municipal property it therefore considers the Township as the owner. He reported that MOE will be issuing an Order to the Township requiring that the operation of the system be done in accordance with current MOE Regulations.

Accessibility Reserve Fund
As Council representative on the Accessibility Advisory Committee (AAC), Mayor Millar presented a motion to allocate $50,000 to the 2013 budget for the acquisition of six (6) automated doors and the design and construction of a lowered service counter at the reception area of the municipal office. Council authorized the allocation of $50,000 to the Accessibility Reserve Fund.

Proposed Parking Lot for Wyebridge Park
Mayor Millar requested the Committee’s input on the proposed acquisition of a parcel of land adjacent to the Wyebridge Park at 8800 Highway 93 to potentially serve as a parking lot. Mayor Millar noted that the Opinion of Value considered on October 9th, 2012 contained incorrect value information. Swan Appraisals Inc. has since forwarded a revised Opinion of Value for the subject property. The Committee agreed to defer this matter pending an in-camera discussion of the Memorandum of Understanding between the Township and the six Parks and Recreation Associations. The parcel of land is difficult to valuate because it doesn’t meet the normal requirements: it cannot bring in income; there is no replacement value because it has no building and it has no entrance so it has no market value. Under the memorandum of understanding there is nothing to prohibit Parks and Recreation from capital spending.

Review of Parks and Recreation Associations Memorandum of Understanding
While the Council of the Township of Tiny recognizes the positive contribution that the volunteer Parks and Recreation Associations have made to the development and operation of Township facilities and programs for many years it is the intention of the Township to continue this relationship under a new governance model given the increasing demands related to facility programs, operation, risk management and Occupational Health and Safety. Council will direct staff to notify the Associations that the Township will not be renewing the existing Memorandum of Understanding Agreement. Staff will give the Associations a 90-day notice in accordance with the Memorandum of Understanding Agreement. Staff will meet with the Associations individually to determine what role they are willing or able to play within the Township’s Volunteer Management Program in providing recreation programs to their respective communities .Staff will report back to Council on the outcome of these discussions.

Pickup of Heavy Garbage
As of March 31, 2013 Simcoe County will start to pick up heavy garbage when residents phone them. This is only a short term program. Eventually residents will have to pay for removal of items. Unfortunately, individuals are dumping garbage on some properties without the knowledge of seasonal owners who then are being charged when the Township removes the garbage. It has been suggested that owners form an organization and hire a caretaker to supervise the properties and remove unwanted items.

Planning Act Meeting
Council received a report by Shawn Persaud, Manager of Planning and Development, to sever and rezone a 228 sq,m. portion of the farm at 702 Conc. 17W from Agricultural to Limited Service Residential. This change would recognize the existing residence, designated 700 Conc. 17W. No opposition was recorded and Council will deal with the matter in due course.

Download article as PDF
Posted in Reports on Council: 2010-2014 | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Report on Council: October 9, 2012

Posted on October 9, 2012 by Webmaster

Report on Council:
October 9, 2012
Committee of the Whole Meeting: 9:00 am – 12:40 pm and 1:09 – 2:08 pm
Confidential Closed Session 10:03 am – 11:47 am
Regular Meeting: 7:00 pm – 7:40 pm
Mayor Millar, Deputy Mayor Lawrence, Councillors Claire, Warren and Wishart

Ownership of Beach Area, Plan 776, Ossossane Beach
On the behalf of a group of property owners at Ossossane Beach, Mr. Fred Hacker provided a legal opinion prepared by the law firm Aird & Berlis LLP regarding the ownership of the part of the lands shown as “Beach” on Plan 776.

Following this presentation, the matter of ownership was further discussed in a closed session with Jill Dougherty of WeirFoulds. Council directed that the report from Ms. Dougherty be received, and that staff are directed to proceed as per the recommendations contained in her report.

Offer to Purchase 8330 Highway 93, Wyebridge
Subsequent to a Confidential Clerk’s Report CR-034-12 dated October 9, 2012, from Douglas Luker, C.A.O., Council voted to make an Offer to Purchase the north Section of the property at 8330 Highway 93 in Wyebridge, in the amount of the appraised value as outlined in an Opinion of Value by Swan Appraisals Inc.

Septage Environmental Assessment Update
Anne Egan and Don McNalty of R. J. Burnside & Associates Ltd provided an update on the Septage Management Class EA Study. They advised Council that Phases 1 & 2 of the Class EA study are complete and provided recommendations on the next steps of the process. Council voted that a “Notice of Study Status” be advertised indicating that Phases 1 and 2 of the study are complete. Comments will be received for a period of thirty (30) days. The Township will be proceeding with Phases 3 and 4 of the Class EA process and members of the Project Advisory Committee for Phase 3 will be considered.

Library Funding Agreement
Council voted to extend the 2012 Library Funding Agreement with Midland, Penetanguishene and Springwater libraries for a period of three (3) years.

Asset Management Planning-Grant Opportunity
Doug Taylor, Manager of Administrative Services/Treasurer, reported that an Asset Management Plan as described in the brochure “Building Together: Guide for Municipal Asset Management” from the Ontario Ministry of Infrastructure can be supported by grant monies. Council directed staff to submit a formal Expression of Interest application by October 22, 2012.

Report on Meeting with Minister of Environment on Water Levels
Deputy Mayor Lawrence provided an update on the meeting with the Minister of the Environment, the Honourable Peter Kent, which took place in Ottawa on October 2, 2012. Other attendees included Simcoe County Warden Cal Patterson, Mayor Sandra Cooper, Councillor Scott Warnock, Dr. Kellie Leitch, MP Simcoe Grey and Bruce Stanton, MP, North Simcoe. He reported that each member was given the opportunity to present their concerns, at which time Deputy Mayor Lawrence provided photos of the dead fish and birds along our shoreline and our concerns with respect to the low water levels in Georgian Bay and Lake Huron.

Huronia Economic Alliance Update
Councillor Warren requested an update on the Huronia Economic Alliance (HEA). Mayor Millar reported that the only significant role the Township plays in the HEA is the Agriculture Summit which is scheduled for January 2013. He also noted that the HEA is generally driven by the Towns of Midland and Penetanguishene. He also reported that the County of Simcoe is working on economic development in cooperation with the HEA. He concluded by advising that the HEA, in partnership with the County of Simcoe, is launching a new area Economic Development website that will include a Huronia specific business directory.

Rezoning and Redevelopment of Motel, Centre Beach Rd. Thunder Beach
Council discussed the report from Shawn Persaud, Manager of Planning & Development, regarding an application to rezone properties comprising the motel and other adjacent parcels from the Shoreline Commercial (SC) Zone to the Shoreline Residential (SR) Zone and under Zoning By-law 30-77, as amended, from the Tourist Commercial (Cl) Zone to the Residential Conversion (RC) Zone with seven lots.

A public meeting was held on September 24th, 2012 at which Peter Stubbins expressed concerns regarding the number of lots and felt that three larger lots would be more in compliance with the Official Plan and Zoning By-law. Derick Orr expressed concerns about the erosion of the stream. Marc Mullie, owner of the property, stated that the proposed development would not have an impact on the environment as the new septic systems will be located in front of the buildings and further from the creek.

Council considered and passed By-law 12-093 to enable the proposed redevelopment to occur.

Historical and Heritage Advisory Committee Resolutions
As the Council representative on the Historical and Heritage Advisory Committee, Councillor Claire presented Motions H41/12 and H42/12, passed on September 20, 2012.
Council agreed to proceed with “Step 3 – Serving Notice of Intention to Designate” in accordance with Section 29 of the Ontario Heritage Act with respect to St. Patrick`s Church in Perkinsfield.
Council did not agree with a proposal by Father John Asadoorian to transfer ownership of the Champlain Cross/Monument on Peek-A-Boo Trail to the Township.

Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiative
Councillor Warren expressed concerns with respect to an email from the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiative regarding an upcoming teleconference to renegotiate the Canada-Ontario Agreement (COA) on the Great Lakes Basin Ecosystem. This Agreement deals with financing and shaping Great Lakes programs in Canada. The teleconference is scheduled to take place on Thursday, October 18, 2012. His main concern is whether or not Councillor Wishart, being the Council representative, should engage in the teleconference and if the topics for discussion have any relevance with this area. Councillor Wishart advised that he would investigate the topics of discussion and decide afterwards if he will take part in the teleconference.

Download article as PDF
Posted in Reports on Council: 2010-2014 | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Correction: The Tiny Cottager pg. 14

Posted on September 26, 2012 by Webmaster

On page 14 of the Fall 2012 Edition of The Tiny Cottager, the Report on Council entry for “Beach and Local Issues” requires a correction. The first sentence should read:

“Discussions are still underway regarding a Memorandum of Understanding between the Cawaja Property Owners Association and the Township concerning beach use and parking.”

The Tiny Cottager editorial staff regrets the error and apologizes for any inconvenience.

Download article as PDF
Posted in Administrative Update | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Turkey Supper at Wyevale United Church October 6th

Posted on September 24, 2012 by Webmaster

Wyevale United Church is having a Turkey Supper on Saturday, October 6th.

There are three sittings: 5 p.m, 6 p.m., and 7 p.m.
Adults are $15, age 6-12 are $7 and under 6 years are free.
Tickets are available at Wyevale Jug City or 705-322-2845.
Home made pie servings are unlimited at the end of each session.
Happy Thanksgiving!

Download article as PDF
Posted in Administrative Update | Tagged , | Leave a comment