Council Reports: August 9, 2010

Posted on August 9, 2010 by Webmaster

REPORT ON COUNCIL

August 9, 2010

Committee of the Whole Meeting: 9:00 am – to 12:45 pm and 1:16 pm to 4:12 pm

Regular Evening Meeting: 7:00 pm – 7:19 pm

All members of Council present

CONFIDENTIAL / CLOSED SESSION: 2:06 pm – 4:12 pm. Jill Doherty of WeirFoulds was in attendance.

PHRAGMITIES UPDATE
Staff advised that they met with MNR last week at the 8th Concession road allowance beach park, which is the test site. They received verbal approval to spray and/or wick the weeds and expect written approval this week. As soon as that is obtained they will submit applications for the other municipal sites which require work.

SEPTAGE MANAGEMENT MASTER PLAN
After another long discussion (for the earlier discussion, see the Report on Council for July 26, 2010), Council decided to award the contract to RJ Burnside and Associaties Ltd. Councillor Claire and Deputy Mayor Lawrence withdrew their previous demand that this RFP be retendered. Council decided not to accept staff’s recommendation of a bid of $134,000 and accepted the Burnside bid of $87,721. Staff had based their recommendation on a superior communication plan but Council decided that, if necessary, they would hire a communication consultant to assist Burnside. They believe this will be less expensive and both firms were rated equally for their technical expertise.

LETTERS SENT TO 1,000 HOUSEHOLDS
Mayor Breckenridge advised that she was updated at a recent SSEA meeting about Drinking Water Source Protection under the Clean Water Act. According to the Township Minutes for the Committee of the Whole Meeting on August 9, letters identifying potential threats to municipal water systems have been sent to 1,000 Township of Tiny residents. Information is available at HYPERLINK “http://www.ourwatershed.ca” www.ourwatershed.ca and on the Township website.

 

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Council Reports: July 26, 2010

Posted on July 26, 2010 by Webmaster

REPORT ON COUNCIL

July 26, 2010

Committee of the Whole Meeting: 9:01 am – 12.45 pm and 1:23 pm – 3:48 pm

Regular Evening Meeting: 7:00 pm – 7:21 pm

All members of Council present

CONFIDENTIAL / CLOSED SESSION: 3:15 pm – 3:47 pm

HOSPITAL UPDATE
Paul Hendrich, the CEO of Georgian Bay General Hospital, provided an update about the Hospital. Significant progress has been made over the past year: a balanced budget has been achieved as were great improvements in Emergency Department wait times (which are now among the shortest 10% in the province). In addition a full strategic plan and long term assessment system have been introduced. He noted that the two existing facilities are aging and would require approximately $80 million to maintain over the next 20 years, according to an assessment that the Province provides to all hospitals.

BUILDING ACTIVITY
The month of June continued the positive trend in activity. June figures grew from $3,552,000 in 2009 to $5,917,000 in 2010. Year to date totals increased from $9,793,000 to $17,566,000.

McMAHAN WOODS DEVELOPMENT
Council continues to be in an awkward position as the County still has not decided on how many lots it will allow, pending receipt of the Province’s growth plan. Regardless, the County continues to ask the Township to proceed with a public meeting. Council was reluctant to do so when the issue of the allowable number of lots has not been resolved: it could be as many as 51 or as few as 20. The developer has the right to go to the Ontario Municipal Board (OMB) at this time. If the Township were to hold the public meeting then members of the public would be allowed to appear before the OMB. If a public meeting were not held then members of the public could not appear at the OMB hearing. That being the case, Council decided to proceed with a public meeting.

SEPTAGE MANAGEMENT MASTER PLAN
Council had requested staff to obtain tenders for a Septage Management Master Plan. The Master Plan would address Phases 1 and 2 of a Class Environmental Assessment Process. A Request for Proposals (RFP) was prepared and eight proposals were submitted.

A confusing discussion ensued. Councillor Claire and Deputy Mayor Lawrence were very upset that one individual was not asked to submit a proposal despite his request to be notified when the RFP was available. Staff acknowledged that this was an oversight. (We note that the information was on the Township web site and we would think that interested parties would be monitoring this site. The fact that eight companies did bid supports our thought.) The aforementioned members were insistent that the RFP process be redone.

Councillors Warren and Cornell, as well as staff, pointed out that it would be difficult to go back out with an RFP when the bids are now public information. After much redundant debate, the vote was 3 to 2 with Mayor Breckenridge voting with Councillors Warren and Cornell. The decision was for all members of Council to review the RFP for discussion at the next meeting.

PHRAGMITIES UPDATE
Staff advised that they are meeting with the Ministry of Natural Resources and the Ministry of the Environment during the first week of August to try to obtain approval to spray. If they are not successful, cutting will continue early in August.

 

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Council Reports: July 12, 2010

Posted on July 12, 2010 by Webmaster

REPORT ON COUNCIL

July 12 2010

Committee of the Whole Meeting: 9:01 am – 12:42 pm and 1:09 pm – 3:00 pm

Regular Evening Meeting: 7:01 pm – 7:13 pm

All members of Council present

CONFIDENTIAL / CLOSED SESSION: 1:09 pm – 2:07 pm with John Barzo, Andrew Heal and Alan J. Worobec. Also 2:50 pm – 2:59 pm

McMAHAN WOODS DEVELOPMENT

Officers of this development requested an oral hearing to discuss their request that a public meeting be scheduled. Council has deferred the request until they can receive a staff report. At present, Simcoe County Council still has not made a decision on the number of allowable lots.

CAWAJA BEACH PARKING STRATEGY

Members of this Beach Assocaition made a presentation at the previous meeting. They proposed to have all roads in their area designated as No Parking and to allow a maximum of 35 permit parking spots. As beach ownership at Cawaja is shared by the Association and the Township, Council did not agree with this request and instructed staff to continue to work with the community toward a mutually agreeable solution. Apparently no resolution has been reached over the past three years regarding this situation.

SITE 41 CELEBRATION

Council approved an in-kind municipal contribution for this Celebration (signs, picnic benches, garbage containers, barriers).

GEORGIAN SANDS WATERMAIN PROJECT

The first phase of this project is complete and Council decided to continue with the project until all of the available grant money is exhausted. An additional $826,452 (2/3 grant money, 1/3 township contribution) will be utilized to replace watermains on Desroches Trail, Gignac Court, Concession 16 West and Concession 15 West.

LAFONTAINE BEACH MASTER PLAN

The first public meeting was held on July 10th to seek unput from the public. According to Councillor Cornell there were approximately 60 people in attendance and the most discussed topic was better access to the water. Consultants are preparing a report and there will be a further public meeting on September 11 in the Council Chambers to discuss their recommendations and the issues which must be addressed with the relevant government agencies.

 

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Council Reports: June 28, 2010

Posted on June 28, 2010 by Webmaster

REPORT ON COUNCIL

June 28, 2010

Committee of the Whole Meeting: 9:00 am – 12:14 pm and 12:47 pm – 1:06 pm

Regular Evening Meeting: 7:04 pm – 8:35 pm

All Members of Council Present

CONFIDENTIAL / CLOSED SESSION: 12:48 pm – 1:06 pm.

LAFONTAINE PAVILIONv
Staff presented an overview of the proposed reconstruction of the Pavilion in Lafontaine at the evening meeting. Construction will start in July immediately following the Festival du Loup. Members of the Lafontaine community in the audience seemed to understand the need to raise funds to complete the structure and the ancillary building.

CHAMPLAIN CROSS SITE

Council heard two presentations about the future of this site at previous meetings and were prepared to discuss the options at this meeting. However a communication was received from the Archdiocese that owns the land stating that there would be no changes at this time.

SENIORS’ CENTRE FOR NORTH TINY?

Council received a presentation at the previous meeting outlining the need for a seniors/commmunity centre in the Sawlog Bay area of the northeast quadrant of the Township. They directed staff to ascertain whether the proposed site is suitable for a building. They also asked for clarification as to whether this would be a seniors’ center or a combined seniors’/community center.

MARRIAGE SOLEMNIZATION NOW AVAILABLE

A retired justice of the peace has moved into the Township and Council approved a by-law authorizing him to perform marriages. This is a service offered in many other municipalities.

SEPTAGE PROJECT UPDATE

Tenders have now been received for the required environmental study. The eight tenders ranged from $56,000 to $215,000. Staff, aided by a consultant, will review the bids to confirm that all parties understood the tender. Results should be available for the July 26th meeting of Committee of the Whole.

FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT

Council approved a reallocation of budgeted funds to the Legal and
Surveying Budget:

$160,000 is to be redirected by deferring the Strategic Plan Encroachment Removal 2010 capital project ($80,000) and by contribution from the Capital Expenditure Reserve ($80,000).

While we acknowledge that cost overruns are unavoidable from time to time we disagree with the transfer of capital reserves to the operating budget. At 2010 budget time Council stated that one of their objectives was to rebuild the capital reserves but that seems to be forgotten. An alternative to the reallocation would be to accept a budget overrun in the income statement, which, in our opinion, is more transparent. We also believe the discussion of the transfer should have been held during the public section of the meeting.

LAFONTAINE BEACH PARK MASTER PLAN MEETINGS

Two public meetings will be held to seek input to this master plan. The first is scheduled for July10th from 10:00 am to 12:30 pm. And the second will be held on Sept. 11th. Both will be in the Council Chambers.

BATTLE OF BRITAIN AIR SHOW

An interesting show featuring World War II aircraft will be held at the Huronia Airport on July 17 and 18, 2010.

 

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Council Reports: June 14, 2010

Posted on June 14, 2010 by Webmaster

REPORT ON COUNCIL

June 14, 2010

Committee of the Whole Meeting: 9:00 am – 1:14 pm and 1:49 pm – 2:35 pm

Regular Evening Meeting: 7:00 pm – 7:45 pm

All members of Council present

CONFIDENTIAL / CLOSED SESSION: 1.50 pm – 2:35 pm.

SEPTIC RE-INSPECTION UPDATE

Residents undergoing re-inspections this year have expressed concern about tank pump outs completed in 2008 when only those done in 2009 or later are acceptable. In response, it has been decided to give those residents until July 2011 to submit a new septic tank pump out, i.e. three years since their last pump out. Indications are that residents are satisfied with this compromise.

RURAL CONNECTIONS BROADBAND PROGRAM

As reported previously, the CRTC has an application to ensure that all parts of Ontario have high speed coverage by 2013. As an option, the provincial govenment is now accepting applications for the next segment of its program. The County of Simcoe is not eligible to apply as it received an earlier grant, but has offered to act as project manager and complete the application for all areas if Tiny Township as the lead name. Council has accepted the County’s offer. The grant is for 1/3 of the expense. In previous tranches, the carriers have paid the other 2/3 of the costs. That is less likely this time as the areas not covered have fewer households to subscribe. Council is aware of this limitation but, properly, decided to apply for the grant and ascertain next steps if they are successful.

PURCHASE OF PROPERTY OWNED BY THE NORTH SIMCOE ANGLERS AND HUNTERS

Considerable time has been spent in camera at recent meetings and we have now learned why. In the evening meeting, Council approved a motion to proceed with negotiations to purchase the property owned by the North Simcoe Anglers and Hunters on the 8th Concession Road. This includes roughly 55 acres and a modern building of approximately 6000 square feet. The primary use of the facility will be as a community centre for Wyevale and Perkinsfield. Wyevale residents have been petitioning Council for a suitable meeting location in recent months.
The purchase price will not be announced until negotiations are complete.

In another closed session Council decided to open the Wendake road allowance from Karen Road to Oriole Lane. This will permit access to two lots which are currently “land locked”.

UPDATE RE LAFONTAINE PAVILION

Staff has continued to work hard on a solution to this longstanding problem. Discussions with the federal officer responsible for the grant revealed that “substantial completion” of the project by the final date is acceptable. This means that the outer shell and the ancillary building must be erected but that not all of the inside work – i.e. washrooms, rink fencing etc — has to be complete. Given this, staff advised that a new structure of 50’ by 170′ on the new location could be constructed for approximately $585,000 including taxes. This figure represents the lowest quote received with a number of items removed. Any money left from the $660,000 total would be used to finish the project. Council suggested that further monies would not be provided and that residents could consider fundraising for outstanding items. This option eliminates the risk that retendering might not result in positive results and allows this project to move on. Council voted to proceed with this option as soon as the federal officer has confirmed the above-mentioned conversation in writing.
Staff are to be commended for the diligence they have shown on this project.

BUILDING ACTIVITY UP

The month of May 2010 continued the positive trend in activity. Monthly figures grew from $1.658 m in 2009 to $4.375 m in 2010. Year to date totals increased from $5.886 to $11.649 m.

MAYOR’S CHARITY GOLF TOURNAMENT

This event, orginally planned for June 19th, has been moved to August 21st at Balm Beachway golf course. The charity supported this year is the Huronia Museum.

HST – SOME GOOD NEWS

The Treasurer has completed an analysis of the HST impact on the township expenses and estimates, using 2009 expenses, that the township will have a net gain of about $72,000.

SUMMERAMA 2010

A Public Information Meeting will be held on July 3rd at 10.00 a.m. in the Council Chambers at the Township offices.

WEST NILE VIRUS NEWS

The Township has been assigned a “Tier 3” rating by the Dept. of Health. This is the lowest level and suggests that no actions are required but that there will be ongoing monitoring.

 

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Council Reports: May 31, 2010

Posted on May 31, 2010 by Webmaster

REPORT ON COUNCIL

May 31, 2010

Committee of the Whole Meeting: 9:00 am – 1:25 pm and 1:54 pm – 5:43 pm

Regular Evening Meeting: 7:00 pm – 7:28 pm

All members of Council present

CONFIDENTIAL / CLOSED SESSION: 11:45 am – 1:23 pm and 4:09 pm – 5:43 pm

TENDERING FOR THE LAFONTAINE PAVILION

Staff presented further details and estimates. The issue has become more confused as some councillors believe a pre-engineered building would be less expensive. Also the possibility of a non-profit entity being the general contractor so that local contractors could participate was introduced for the first time. After lengthy discussion, Council decided to tender several variants of a custom-built building and also to tender a pre-engineered structure. As council has been critical of the engineering costs, staff reminded them that this new tender would increase those costs. It will be at least another 2 months before new tenders can be ready, so the public meeting will be now much later in the summer. We hope that contractors will be willing to submit tenders, yet again.

PARKING – CAWAJA BEACH

At the previous meeting two members oif the Cawaja Propertry Owners Association presented a proposal to limit parking in their area. This proposal has been sent to staff for a report. A council member did point out that eliminating all non permit parking in that area may not be appropriate as ownership of that beach is shared: 1/3 township and 2/3 Beach Association.

NO PUBLIC USE OF WYEVALE FIRE HALL

At the previous meeting a citizen requested more access to the fire hall for the community. After discussion it was decided not to allow public use of the hall as it is never known when that facility will be needed for an emergency.
Staff continues to search for alternative facilities for community groups in that area.

FEE SCHEDULE BY-LAW

The Treasurer presented the annual fee by-law. There are no significant changes, though fees for the use of community centres appeared to increase significantly. However, earlier fees were set by the community recreation associations, rather than the township.

BUILDING PERMIT ACTIVITY UP

The statistics for April 2010 were encouraging with a value of $3.9 m, up from $1.7 m in 2009. Year to date totals also increased from $4.6 m to $7.3 m.

 

 

 

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Council Reports: May 10, 2010

Posted on May 10, 2010 by Webmaster

REPORT ON COUNCIL

May 10, 2010

Committee of the Whole Meeting: 9:01 am – 12:37 pm and 1:04 pm -3:50 pm

Regular Evening Meeting: 7:00 pm – 8:01 pm

All members of Council present during the day. Councillor Claire absent in the evening.

CONFIDENTIAL / CLOSED SESSION: 2:50 pm – 3:50 pm.

LAFONTAINE PAVILION

Recently the tenders for the new pavilion came in significantly in excess of the $660,000 budgeted. The Township, provincial and federal governments were each to provide a third of this sum. Council met in closed session on May 3 under the heading “Education and Training” to discuss alternatives which might bring the cost back to budgeted levels.
Council members were displeased with the material provided, although it appeared that staff had tendered the work in accordance with council’s direction. Staff was again directed to obtain more information, particularly regarding a pre-engineered steel structure. A decision must be made in the next month as time is running out under the terms of the grants. A public meeting very soon is contemplated.

DONATIONS TO SPECIAL EVENTS

Following up from the previous meeting, council discussed the allocation of the $6000 budgetted for special events. The Metis event will not be held in Tiny this year. After discussion council agreed to provide funding as follows: – Tiny Trails Lions Club’s Gigantic Yard Sale – $630, Le Festival du Loup – $1805, Summerama – $1920.

PAID PARKING AT BALM BEACH

A staff report regarding paid parking at Balm Beach was received. Council requested that the area covered be increased and consideration be given to using a small parkette on Balm Beach road for more parking. Staff was directed to talk to local business owners and to prepare for a public meeting to hear from local residents. Staff will provide a second report before scheduling a public meeting.

CORPORATE INSURANCE POLICYv
The Treasurer advised that the annual rate for 2010 has increased by 45%. Staff was not satisfied with the increase and the short notice provided by the broker and council directed them to tender the business. The current coverage, at the new rates, will continue until the new proposals are received and analyzed.

HOLDING “1” LIFTED FROM MANY PROPERTIES

Positive news. As a result of the septic inspection program, 688 properties had the Holding 1 designation removed. These are locations where septic systems were installed prior to 1974 and it was not known if they operated properly. The inspection program cleared these properties.

NO PARKING TO BE IMPLEMENTED IN PLAN 1596:

There is to be “No Parking” along Old Trail Road, Shades Valley Road, Glen Oak Drive and Tsirargi Avenue.

NORTH SIMCOE TRANSFER STATION UPDATE

At the evening meeting, Officials from the County of Simcoe and the Ministry of the environment provided an update re the site on Golflink Road, west of Midland. Council questioned the county official re the monitoring of the site as traces of TCE have been found. Based on their studies it appears that the plume carrying these chemicals originates outside the closed dump site. At present MOE is reviewing the monitoring devices and their locations to confim that the site is properly covered. MOE did make the point that the county is provding more monitoring than is required as this site preceded the current guidelines. County personnel also advised they are considering plans to expand the actual transfer facility as the positive increase in recycling is stressing the present capacity.

 

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Council Reports: April 12th and 26th, 2010

Posted on April 26, 2010 by Webmaster

REPORT ON COUNCIL

April 12, 2010

Committee of the Whole Meeting: 9:00 am – to 11:05 am

Regular Evening Meeting: 7:00 pm – 7:30 pm

Councillors Claire, Cornell, and Warren present. Mayor Breckenridge and Deputy Mayor Lawrence absent.

CONFIDENTIAL / CLOSED SESSION: N/A

ALESSANDRO SUBDIVISION
This subdivision, located in the north east area of Perkinsfield, was given final acceptance, and the roads therein – Asselin Drive and Lynn Street – were assumed.

PLANNING PERFORMANCE MEASURES
Statistics gathered by the Ontario government showed that Tiny’s Planning Department operates cost effectively in comparison with neighbouring municipalities.

BY-LAW ACTIVITY, FOURTH QUARTER 2009
There were no unusual trends in the quarter. The number of parking permits sold to residents was up slightly in 2009 – 2122 vs 2016 in 2008, while the number sold to non residents declined by three – from 113 to 110.

—-

REPORT ON COUNCIL

April 26, 2010

Committee of the Whole Meeting: 9:02 am – 12:42 pm and 1:14 pm -4:08 pm

Regular Evening Meeting: 7:00 pm – 7:32 pm

Present – Mayor Breckenridge, Deputy Mayor Lawrence and Councillors Claire, Cornell and Warren

CONFIDENTIAL / CLOSED SESSION: 11:37 am – 12:42 pm and 1:44 pm – 2:30 pm. Ian Rowe, of Burgar Rowe, was present for one of these sessions.

SUMMER SPECIAL EVENTS
Council reviewed the request for funding from Le Festival du Loup. They decided that they should have an indication from all organizations as to the financial contributions they expect to request before allocating the $6000 budgeted for such events in 2010. Staff advised that Summerama officials should be available for the first meeting in May. Staff was asked to contact the Métis regarding their plans and the Tiny Trails Lions Club presented their request today. As the Lions’ Gigantic Yard Sale is planned for May 29th, Council needs to make a decision at the next meeting.

DEVELOPMENT CHARGES
As the development charges by-law must be updated every five years, the Township asked Hemson Consulting to prepare a study and make recommendations. The formulas are complex and based on future growth as well as the past 10-year history. Based on these formulas, the charge for a residential building permit would decrease from $5173 to $4619. So far, Council has simply “received” Hemson’s report but has not acted on it.

TABULATORS FOR THE MUNICIPAL ELECTION
Council approved a 5-year contract for the leasing of tabulators for the upcoming election and the 2014 election. If for any reason a decision were made to revert to a manual count in 2014, the contract could be cancelled. The benefit of signing a 5 year contract is the guarantee of the same price in 2014 as in 2010.
It was disappointing to see Council approve another sole source contract without even asking if there are viable options. In the recent past two members had stated that they would not suport any more sole source deals.

BUILDING PERMIT ACTIVITY
March 2010 permits totalled $2,070,000 up from $1,779,000 in 1009. The year to date total is $3,387,000 as compared to $2,845,000 in 2009.

BEACH ACCESS PERMITS FOR CONTRACTORS
Staff confimed changes have been made to the Beach Access Permits. Contractors must now estimate the number of days required for the work. If they find that more time is required, they must apply for an extension.

SOUTHERN GEORGIAN BAY COASTAL INITIATIVE
Council approved a resolution to recognize the need to
protect, conserve and restore the Southern Georgian Bay Coastal region.
This is a similar to the resolutions passed by the Town of Wasaga Beach and the Town of Blue Mountain.
We have not seen any communication from this organization in several months and it is difficult to forecast where this initiative may go.

LAFONTAINE/GEORGIAN SANDS WATER SYSTEMS
In response to a request by Councillor Warren for an update on the public presentation for the Lafontaine/Georgian Sands Environment Assessment study, Henk Blom (Manager of Public Works) reported that to date they have been unsuccessful in finding enough groundwater to dilute the nitrates in the water and that until sufficient groundwater is found the project is in abeyance.

 

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Council Reports: March 29, 2010

Posted on March 29, 2010 by Webmaster

REPORT ON COUNCIL
March 29, 2010
Committee of the Whole Meeting: 9:01 am – to 12:20 pm
and 12:57 pm – 4:40 pm
Regular Evening Meeting: 7:12 pm – 7:30 pm
Deputy Mayor Lawrence and Councilors Claire, Cornell and Warren present all day. Mayor Breckenridge arrived at 12:17 pm.

CONFIDENTIAL / CLOSED SESSION: 2:15 pm – 3:01 pm.

SEPTIC RE-INSPECTION UPDATE
Council approved the continuation of this program. 1000 systems are to be examined this summer. Last summer, the first pass over the entire township was completed and re-inspections started again at Balm Beach for systems that had reached 20 years since their last inspection. The “shoreline” area from the Township line to the 5th Concession Road will be checked this year.
Among last year’s 1175 inspections, 300 sites had problems. The list of deficiencies requiring follow-up work is instructive:
58 lots had indications of vehicles parking or driving on the septic tank or leaching bed.
49 lots had root intrusions into the leaching bed area.
38 lots had an unsafe septic tank.
31 lots required more information from the resident.
29 lots had fire pits dug into the surface of the leaching bed.
29 lots had an outhouse that was in disrepair.
23 lots had a structure on top of the leaching bed.
17 lots had decks supported by the septic tank.
16 lots had a patio on the surface of the leaching bed.
3 lots had a boat parked on the leaching bed.
2 lots had an eaves trough drain onto the leaching bed.
2 lots had indications that the sewage was not being properly treated due to high groundwater table.
1 lot had sewage effluent breakout on the surface of the ground.
1 lot had grading/erosion deficiencies.
1 lot had a grey water system discharging directly onto the surface of the ground.
It is heartening to see that all deficiencies have been remedied for inspections done up to 2005, with only 1% outstanding for 2006 and 2007.

INTERNET ACCESS EXPANSION
The dates and areas to be covered in the County’s Rural Broadband Expansion Program are still not firm. A representative from Bell advised that there will be a followup program which should see the entire township covered by 2013. Council is asking the County to provide a map of exactly which areas are currently covered.

PURCHASE/TRANSFER OF TOWNSHIP PROPERTY
This subject was discussed in the closed session at the previous meeting as there were several outstanding requests to purchase unopened Township road allowances (including one from BGWBA to purchase Oriole Pathway). We learned that, in general, “the township will not sell or transfer any property unless there is demonstrated and tangible benefit to the public”.

OPEN AIR BURNING BY-LAW
This By-law was amended to restrict the ordinary Class A open air fires to 1 meter in diameter, with a 3 meter setback from any combustible material (tree, bush, building etc), and to forbid fires between 2 am and 8 am and when wind velocity is more than 20 km per hour. For larger areas like farms, where more extensive brush burning may be required, a larger fire is permitted with greater setbacks under Classes B and C Burning Permits.

LAFONTAINE PAVILLION
The five tenders exceeded the budget of $660,000 by a considerable amount. Council directed staff to explore a modular steel structure, which appears to be much less expensive. A community meeting will be held as soon as possible to explore the options that would meet the construction schedule. All going well, this meeting will be held on April 26th in conjunction with the evening meeting of Council.

SIGNAGE
Finally thirteen tenders are in and Council has awarded a contract to Steel Art Signs at a cost of $295,370.25 (including GST). In 2010, signs will be erected at the Main Office, 3 major parks and 4 primary township entrances. In 2011, the remaining major park (Wyebridge), 8 secondary township entrances, 4 minor parks and 10 settlement areas will be completed.

LAFONTAINE BEACH MASTER PLAN
From the six RFPs submitted, Council awarded the contract for preparation of a Lafontaine Beach Master Plan to Genius Loci.

HURONIA AIRPORT COMMISSION
Councillor Cornell reported that the Huronia Airport has been approved for Community Adjustment Funding Intake 2 in the amount of $295,000 for the construction of equipment which will generate $30,000 revenue, annually. The airport’s long-awaited business plan is to be presented to member municipalities very soon.

PARKING
Council has decided to merge pay-parking spaces and resident permit spaces at Jackson Park, and to give Resident Permit holders the right to park in any available space without paying. Signs are to read:
PLEASE NOTE: Township of Tiny Parking Permits
are valid in any parking space and are not required
to pay for parking at the Parking Machine.

BUILDING PERMITS
In February 2010 activity totalled $793,000 compared to $164,000 in 2009. The year-to-date number is $1,317,000 up from $1,066,000 in 2009.

CORRESPONDENCE
Council reviewed a letter from Dr Allan Crowe, Environment Canada, requesting support from the Township for a proposed study on beach issues, including water levels, invasive plants, E. coli, and wet vs dry beaches. Council agreed to send a letter and consider a modest level of “in kind” assistance.

NOTE: Spring Leaf and Yard Waste Pick up has been cancelled “due to timing”.

 

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Council Reports: March 8, 2010

Posted on March 8, 2010 by Webmaster

REPORT ON COUNCIL

March 8, 2010

Committee of the Whole Meeting: 9:00 a.m. – 12:47 p.m.

Regular Evening Meeting: 7:00 p.m. – 7:06 p.m.

All members of Council present

CONFIDENTIAL / CLOSED SESSION: 11:04 a.m. – 12:46 p.m.

GAS TAX

The transfer of Federal Gas Tax Revenues to cities and communities is to be continued each year until 2013. These funds are allocated on a per capita basis, using census data from 2006. Tiny will receive payments of $164,939.48 in July and again in November each year. So far this windfall has been used for an environmental surface treatment on roads.

NEW TOWNSHIP WEBSITE LAUNCHED

If you haven’t visited the Township website recently, take a look at tiny.ca. The website is lively and easy to use.

REPORTS RE PROGRESS ON TOWNSHIP PROJECTS

During the last Council’s period in office, the Clerk kept Council and the public apprised of progress on various projects in a spreadsheet that appeared once a month in the Committee of the Whole Agenda. This Council has received such information, but it has not been made broadly available. As a result of a request from Councillor Cornell (which received general support), “bi-monthly assignment sheets” will be included in the Committee of the Whole agenda.

LAND PURCHASED?

During the Regular Evening Meeting, Council received a report “regarding the Purchase of Land Requests Process” and directed staff to “Implement the recommendation contained in the said report.” We look forward to learning just what Council has decided to purchase or has decided not to purchase.

 

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