Council Reports: October 13, 2009

Posted on October 13, 2009 by Webmaster

REPORT ON COUNCIL
October 13, 2009
Committee of the Whole Meeting: 9:00 am – 1:17 pm and 1:54 pm – 2:24 pm.
Regular Evening Meeting: 7:00 pm – 8:19 pm.
All members of Council present.

CONFIDENTIAL / CLOSED SESSION: 9:27 am to 9:51 am. John Borzo of Burgar Rowe was present.

NOISE BY-LAW: Council reviewed an oral submission complaining about the noise of the outdoor music at the Surf Restaurant during the summer. The discussion was inconclusive. It appears that enforcement of the Noise By-law is very subjective.

COPELAND HILL CEMETERY: Mr. Gordon Robbins presented a comprehensive report regarding this historic cemetery and the condition of the land. It is badly overgrown but is still an active cemetery with burials as recent as 2002. Grants are available to help restore the property and staff will look into the situation. Mr. Robbins had devoted substantial time to researching the history and the persons buried there and he has a wealth of interesting information. Council will discuss the report on October 26.

SITE 41 UPDATE: Deputy Mayor Lawrence advised that he and other members of Simcoe County Council have concerns about the decision to “winterize” the property rather than restoring it to the original condition. He will address this concern at the County. The Community Monitoring Committee will continue to meet monthly at least until the Certificate of Approval is revoked.

SIGNAGE: A proposal was received from MC3 Global Retail requesting funding of $16,400 to complete the engineering drawings, prepare the tender material and provide oversight of the tender proposal. Council members were concerned that they had not received all of the deliverables from the previous contract and requested a comprehensive list of those. Action on the new proposal was deferred until the next meeting.
It is highly unlikely that signs will be erected this year. This is disappointing, as this project has dragged on much too long.

BUILDING PERMIT ACTIVITY: The figures continue to reflect the economic slowdown with the value of construction in the month of September being $1.9 million as compared to $4.6 million in September, 2008. Year to date figures are at $16.5 million in 2009 versus $27 million in 2008.

SOUTHERN GEORGIAN BAY COASTAL INITIATIVE: This organization proposes to “maintain and restore a healthy sustainable coastal ecosystem in Southern Georgian Bay through awareness and education, by protecting natural areas, rehabilitating degraded habitats, and guiding land use decisions with regional and local community input.” The details are in the COW agenda – Tab H2.
Council members expressed concerns about the composition of the steering committee: only Wasaga Beach and the Town of Blue Mountain represent the coast line from Tobermory to Port Severn. They also noted that neither the Severn Sound Environmental Association nor Georgian Bay Township had been invited to participate.
There is full support for active management of our coastlines but confusion about how many groups are involved. Mayor Breckenridge advised that she would address this at the next meeting of the Great Lakes Cities Initiative.

PROPOSED GRAVEL PIT: At a Public Meeting preceding the evening session of Council, the Sarjeant Company presented their request to open a new gravel pit in Concessions 1 and 2.
Steven Ogden cautioned Council about environmental impacts, as he believes that the surrounding area has had a significant increase in water table levels due to an existing pit in operation there. He stated that his well has overflowed for the first time ever. A second speaker, James Simpson, corroborated this and advised that ditches and road surfaces in the Carpenter Road area have been impacted. A representative from the company advised, inconclusively, that this is due to wet weather.

SEWAGE DUMP SITE, CONCESSION 15 EAST: Ms. Fran Sullivan, who owns land across the road from this site spoke of a number of negative impacts that she has encountered as septage is spread on this site. During the question period, questions were raised about the Township’s future plans and concern was expressed about current practices. Several Councillors spoke to this. There will be a consultant’s report at the next COW meeting on October 26th outlining options that can be considered for disposal of the township’s septage.

BUDGET MEETING CHANGE OF DATE: The budget meeting scheduled for January 18, 2010 has been rescheduled to January 15, 2010.

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Council Reports: October 26, 2009

Posted on October 2, 2009 by Webmaster

REPORT ON COUNCIL
October 26, 2009
Committee of the Whole Meeting: 9:02 am – 12:34 pm and 1:02 pm – 3:36 pm.
Regular Evening Meeting: 7:00 pm – 7:14 pm.
All members of Council present.

CONFIDENTIAL / CLOSED SESSION: 2:36 pm to 3:34 pm.

ANNOUNCEMENTS/PRESENTATIONS:
This year, the Mayor’s Annual Charity Golf Tournament raised $4500. Mayor Breckenridge presented the proceeds to representatives of Community Link North Simcoe, an organization that links people to community resources through volunteer-based transportation and support services.

SEPTAGE NEWS:
CC Tatham and Associates Ltd presented a proposal for septage handling in Tiny. There was no real detail as to the available options. Their submission about the necessary preliminary stages in deciding on a method of treatment included: an Environmental Assessment, a specialist’s studies and design, approvals and tendering for construction. The preliminary stages are projected to cost $450,000.
Council is considering trying to do the first two items very soon and asked staff for specifics and a recommendation for the next meeting.

A representative from a company called Elementa Group made a presentation of a system that uses a steam kiln to eliminate virtually all waste. The cost for a unit that would serve Tiny Township would be in the area of $30 million. This was a sales presentation

SITE 41:
Council members reported that the County has done more than the planned winterization of Site 41 and that the excavation is almost filled with only a small depression left. Our County Council members will follow up to ascertain what changed the plans.

SIGNAGE:
A proposal was received from MC3 Global Retail in response to Council queries about the firm’s $16,400 quotation to complete the engineering drawings, prepare the tender material and provide oversight of the tender proposal. All relevant detail was provided for this meeting and Council voted to spend $11,800 for completion of final art work for production and tendering. Councilor Warren requested a recorded vote. His was the only vote in opposition to the decision, as he believes excessive money has been spent on this phase. Including the above amount, the total will be more than $32,000.
It is now a certainty that no signs will be erected this year.

MCMAHAN WOODS DEVELOPMENT:
This project is in a very confused state at present. Simcoe County instructed the Township to hold a public meeting, but, while the Township believes that 51 building lots would meet their zoning requirements, the County has gone from seeming to accept 73 lots to now stating that only 20 lots would be acceptable under the Greenland designation.
To further confuse the situation there is no decision regarding private wells and municipal water because of the variance in the number of lots. Staff was directed to try to ascertain from County what their final lot count would be before calling a public meeting.
In addition there is a communal well on McMahan road that services 4 or 5 residences and they should be considered for inclusion if the municipal water solution is considered. Councillors wanted assurance that all costs would be borne by the developer and not the township’s ratepayers. That seemed to be confirmed.

COMBINED LEAF AND YARD WASTE PICKUP:
Council decided to extend this service to private roads that are already serviced by Simcoe County garbage service. The remaining private roads are not accessible to big trucks and those residents will continue to have the transfer station as their only option.

HOSPITAL UPDATE:
Bob Morton, the Chair of the Board, and Paul Heinrich, the CEO, provided an update about the North Simcoe Hospital Alliance – explaining the various ways the Huronia District Hospital and the Penetanguishene Hospital have been merged. They are focused on balancing the budget, strategic planning and providing more statistics and records about service levels. In the near future data regarding service standards and results will be available on the North Simcoe Hospital Alliance website.

COPELAND CEMETERY:
Council supported the Historical & Heritage Committee’s recommendation that the Copeland Cemetery be designated as a historical site. Whether to undertake maintenance and preservation is to be discussed during 2010 budget deliberations.

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Council Reports: September 28, 2009

Posted on September 28, 2009 by Webmaster

REPORT ON COUNCIL
Sept 28, 2009
Committee of the Whole Meeting: 9:05 am – 1:05 pm and 1:37 pm – 1:37 pm.
Closed session: 11.51 am to 1:03 pm.
Regular Evening Meeting: 7:00 pm – 7:31 pm.
Mayor Breckenridge, Deputy Mayor Lawrence and Councilors Claire and Warren present. Councilor Cornell absent on vacation.

CONFIDENTIAL / CLOSED SESSION: 11:52 am – 1:03 pm.

ORAL SUBMISSIONS TO COUNCIL:
Bayshore Senior Citizens Association –
Members of that organization, which has 593 members, presented their budget and explained to Council that provincial guidelines require that the municipality provide 20% of required funding if the organization is to qualify for provincial grants. Council will consider this during their 2010 budget deliberations.

Old Dumpsite, Part Lot 15, Concession 14W –
An environmental assessment of that site has cleared many of the 14 properties involved but further test wells, costing approximately $14,000 to $18,000, are required for the remaining six properties. An owner requested consideration for cost sharing by the Township. Council decided, at the evening meeting, to pay 75% of the costs capped at $18,000.
STAFF REPORTS TO COUNCIL:
Dates Set for 2010 Budget Meetings –
Council agreed to hold 3 all-day sessions — Nov. 23rd and Dec. 10th, 2009 and Jan. 18th, 2010. These meetings begin at 9 am, are open to the public, and are held in the Council Chambers.

Simcoe County Waste Management By-law –
The County has passed a new, much-improved waste management bylaw. They enquired if the local municipalities would be interested in partnering with them for enforcement. Council decided (appropriately, in our view) to decline. This year more than 400 violations have been noted and the cost of dealing with them has been submitted to the County. Most concern non-collectable items left at the roadside.

Site 41 Cancelled – Mayor Breckenridge announced that County Council had cancelled Landfill Site 41. The Community Monitoring Committee will continue to meet at least until the Certificate of Approval is revoked and Site 41 has been decommissioned. They will monitor the water situation and the infilling of the site.
NEW BUSINESS:
County Council Public Relations Initiative – Tiny’s Council passed (3-1, with Mayor Breckenridge in opposition) a resolution which reads as follows:

The actual wording of the report and resolution at County Council is:

In accordance with County Council’s approval of expenditures for a public relations plan, the Corporate Communications Department has initiated work with the public relations firm, Fleishman Hillard. This will see the commencement of a campaign to elevate the public perception of the County. The County of Simcoe, as a regional service provider, delivers significant services upon which many people depend. It is important to ensure that the County manage its reputation and effectively reinforce to residents that our services are effective, cost-efficient and valued.

Obviously there is a variance in the wording. The actual campaign has not been costed but the amount of $250,000 is significant, and is in addition to an annual public relations budget of$1,100,000. County Council approved this initiative, on a weighted vote, by a relatively narrow margin – 62-44.

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Council Reports: September 14, 2009

Posted on September 14, 2009 by Webmaster

REPORT ON COUNCIL

Sept. 14, 2009

Committee of the Whole Meeting: 9:00 am. – 12:33 am and 1:13 pm to 1:39 pm

Regular Evening Meeting: 7:01 pm – 8:16 pm

Mayor Breckenridge, Deputy Mayor Lawrence and Councillors Clair and Warren present. Councilor Cornell absent on vacation

CONFIDENTIAL / CLOSED SESSION: 11.03 am to 12.20 pm. John Barzo, Burger Rowe in attendance.

ORAL SUBMISSIONS TO COUNCIL –

Georgian Shores Swinging Seniors “The Place” – Members of that organization presented their budget and explained to Council that the new provincial guidelines require that the municipal body provide 20% of required funding if the organization is to qualify for provincial grants. Last year, the municipal grant was $6,543. The new rules would require this to be increased to $9,390 for 2009/10. Council will consider this during their budget deliberations.

STAFF REPORTS TO COUNCIL –

Lafontaine Ice Rink – After a review of a staff report and discussion, Council concluded that it is not feasible to agree to delay the project until next May to allow Lyle Blair’s group to create a business plan. The risk of losing the current grant is too high and enquiries at the province suggested there is no additional grant money available. There was a lack of detail in the presentation made to Council at the Aug. 31 meeting and it is prudent to continue with the original proposal. Staff was directed to proceed with the original proposal at the evening session.

Canada Post –
Council recognizes that this is a “done deal” but will communicate to Canada Post that using the Penetanguishene civic address for all residents in the north end of the township is confusing – especially to persons living in one of the hamlets such as Lafontaine. Council instructed staff to write to Canada Post and ascertain if a more generic address, such as “Tiny Township” could be used.

County Council Update – Site 41:
Council discussed the next steps to be taken in regard to Site 41. At the County Council meeting on Sept. 22nd there will be a motion to close the site permanently and revoke the Certificate of Approval. There is some concern regarding the motivation behind this motion and a desire that all steps be taken to prevent any sale to a private entity. This will be discussed at North Simcoe Heads of Council meeting prior to the County meeting.

PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT:
Building Permits –
August construction value dropped to $1.8 million from $2.4 million last year. Year to date 2009 numbers are $14.6 million, a decrease from the 2008 total, which was $22.4 million.

 

 

 

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Council Reports: August 31, 2009

Posted on August 31, 2009 by Webmaster

REPORT ON COUNCIL

Aug. 31, 2009

Committee of the Whole Meeting: 9:00 a.m. – 1:02 p.m. and 1.40 p.m. – 4:01 p.m.

Regular Evening Meeting: 7:01 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

All members of Council present

CONFIDENTIAL / CLOSED SESSION: 2.43 p.m. to 4:01 p.m.

REPORTS OF CONSULTANTS AND THIRD PARTIES:

Canada Post Corporation / Address Changes – Officials of Canada Post explained that they are planning to modify up to 2400 addresses in mid November 2009. They need to eliminate the use of RR numbers and have residents use only civic addresses so that delivery routes can be changed when necessary. They must abide by the Labor Code and not have drivers working excessive hours, so periodically the routes have to be adjusted. The area impacted is from the 13th Concession to the north end of the Township. Full communication with those affected will commence soon.

Signage Again – The design, typeface and colour were finalized. The next step is for MC3 Communications to provide the detailed design and the Request for Proposal documents. Council mentioned that local firms must be invited to bid.

Balm Beach Improvements Master Plan – R.J. Burnside & Associates Limited presented a $1.4 million, detailed plan for a three-year redevelopment of Balm Beach. It includes decorative street lighting, seating areas, storm outfall relocation and treatment, a lookout and gazebo, improvements to the washroom facilities, trees, more parking, narrowing of road lanes, crosswalks, a patio seating area at storefronts. Details are available on the Township website under the Committee of the Whole Agenda for August 31, 2009. (We note that the price tag is half a million higher than that for the original Balm Beach Master Plan, which was never implemented because it was too costly.)
Deputy Mayor Lawrence noted that the washroom upgrade couldn’t wait until year three due to impending legislation regarding handicapped facilities.

SITE 41 MOTION: that the landfill be abandoned and closed: Council discussed next steps regarding Site 41. Notice has been given of a motion at County Council to close the facility permanently, but it will be very important to get the Certificate of Approval revoked so the facility cannot be sold to a private company. Council hopes to get the four northern communities together to consider a waste management program.

LAFONTAINE ICE RINK PROPOSAL: At the evening session, Lyle Blair, heading a delegation, made a presentation regarding a proposed new rink. His group wants an artificial rink as the natural ice season is shortening because of changing weather patterns. They argued that the rink is poorly situated and should be moved, possibly to land adjacent to the Caisse Populaire. An amount of $200,000 was mentioned, as was the possibility of raising private capital. According to their proposal, the Township would own the facility, but it would be operated by their private corporation. They require time to create a detailed business plan.
Staff and Council Members expressed concern that trying to change the focus of the grant that has been received to update the current facility may be problematic.

RABIES CLINIC: There is to be a rabies clinic at Perkinsfield Park on Wednesday, October 7, 2009, from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m.

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Council Reports: August 10, 2009

Posted on August 10, 2009 by Webmaster

REPORT ON COUNCIL

August 10, 2009

Committee of the Whole Meeting: 9:02 a.m. – 1:31 p.m. and 2:01 – 5:00 p.m.

Regular Evening Meeting: 7:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

All Members of Council present

CONFIDENTIAL / CLOSED SESSION: 11:54 a.m. – 1:31 p.m. and 2:01 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

SUPPORT FOR LE VILLAGEOIS, LAFONTAINE:
A Special Emergency Meeting of the Committee of the Whole was held on July 30, 2009 to discuss a financing issue with the subject project. The project had provided letters of credit in lieu of a reserve fund to support the long-term maintenance of the water and septic systems. The project managers requested a significant reduction in the amount of the letters of credit citing costs as being onerous. Council decided that was not a prudent move considering that the project is not complete and no reserve fund has yet been established. To assist the project, they voted to provide a loan of $15,000, repayable on Dec. 31, 2009. It was confirmed that the Mayor and Manager of Administrative Services were legally entitled to make this loan.

REVISED SIGN BY-LAW:
Improvements were made to the Sign By-law making it easier for staff to administer. (The By-law forbids the placement of advertising signs on municipal road allowances and property and sets fines for those who violate it.) This is a positive step toward protecting the natural beauty of our township.

SWIMMING POOL MANAGEMENT:
As the result of a question raised by Mayor Breckenridge, Council and staff discussed issues associated with filling pools from one of the Township’s water systems and with the emptying of chlorinated pool water into the Bay or into ditches. Staff was asked to investigate and report back with recommendations.

PHRAGMITES MISMANAGEMENT:
Members of Council had observed several instances where this invasive weed was mismanaged when channels were dug and roadside weeds cut. Council directed staff in the Public Works Department to attend a training/education session on the proper identification and handling of the plant.

LONG OVERDUE SIGNAGE – STILL OVERDUE:
The latest designs were reviewed and general consensus was obtained. We hope that the design can be finalized at the next regular meeting and progress can actually be achieved.

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Council Reports: July 27, 2009

Posted on July 27, 2009 by Webmaster

REPORT ON COUNCIL

July 27, 2009
Committee of the Whole Meeting: 9:00 a.m. – 12:40 p.m. and 1:14 p.m. – 4:55 p.m.>
Regular Evening Meeting: 7:00 p.m. – 7:19 p.m.>
All Members of Council present

CONFIDENTIAL / CLOSED SESSION: 3:38 p.m. – 3:42 p.m.

ORAL PRESENTATIONS – Metis Rendezvous Planning Committee Asks for Support – Members of the Métis Planning Committee attended to ask for support for their 5th Annual Rendezvous to be held September 19th. With approximately 600 attendees, this is the largest one in Canada. Council advised the committee to present a budget and request for support in the format that has become standard for events.

STAFF REPORTS

Jackson Park Safety – At the previous meeting, citizens stated their concerns about the safety of swimmers around the boat ramp. Prior to 2007 buoys were used to keep boats and personal watercraft away from swimmers but this practice was discontinued on the advice of the Township’s insurer. Staff was directed to revisit this decision with the insurer and relevant authorities due to the concerns about public safety.

Flooded Land at the 6th Concession – At the previous meeting concerns about flooding at the closed end of the 6th concession were presented. The cause of the flooding appears to be a beaver dam on private land. Council is sympathetic but does not have the power to act. They directed staff to provide front desk personnel with a list of ministries and other authorities to contact. (There was a complaint that staff had not been responsive.)

Lafontaine Waterfront Park Master Plan to be Prepared – Council directed staff to prepare a Request for Proposal for a Master Plan to improve the waterfront park. (In a letter dated July 2, 2009, the Ministry of Fisheries and Oceans has approved, in principle, the ideas received from Council.)

Phragmites Control Update – The Township received a letter from the Ministry of Natural Resources outlining how to apply for permission to spray Phragmites. [The letter is available on www.tinycottager.org. See the Phragmites Control notice.] A separate application must be made for each address that the Township [or private land owner] wishes to treat. One application is to be filed as a test this week. As soon as it is approved, more applications will be sent. The locations will be chosen from the Study that the Severn Sound Environmental Association prepared last year.
Note: The Township’s Minutes for the July 27th Committee of the Whole Meeting still include incorrect information regarding the procedure to be followed by private landowners wanting permission to control Phragmites, even though staff was advised of the correct process (which had been verified with the Ministry) on July 29 and was reminded of the information on August 10.

Dogs on Woodland Beach – A letter was received from a resident of Woodland Beach requesting that the current by-law be amended to forbid dogs on the Woodland municipal beach. Council asked the By-law Officer to comment on this request and, in the interim, to increase the visibility of officers on that beach.

Concession 8 Road Allowance Drainage – After a lengthy discussion staff was directed to prepare a report about rerouting the drainage to the south side of the Township road allowance at the beach. Some Councillors believe that that would be beneficial.

High Speed Internet Availability – The County of Simcoe Broadband Service project is behind schedule. Concerned about the areas of the Township that this project will not cover, Councillor Cornell wants the Township to seek a “Tiny solution” with Bell Aliant for those areas. Doug Taylor, the township representative for this project, suggests that this issue be addressed with Bell at the public outreach sessions. The Mayor said she would raise these concerns at the County of Simcoe Performance Management meeting.

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Council Reports: July 9 and July 13, 2009

Posted on July 13, 2009 by Webmaster

REPORT ON COUNCIL

July 9, 2009
Emergency Special Committee of the Whole Meeting: 11:02 a.m. – 12:53 p.m. and 2:02 p.m. – 2:13 p.m.
All members of Council in attendance.
Community Monitoring Committee (CMC) members, Ron Cobbett (Chair), Anne Nahuis, and Darryl Leonard, also in attendance.

CONFIDENTIAL / CLOSED SESSION: 11:02 a.m. – 12:53 p.m. and 2:02 p.m. – 2:13 p.m. This concerned the cancellation by the County of Simcoe of the regular July 9 CMC meeting.

REPORT ON COUNCIL

July 13, 2009
Committee of the Whole Meeting: 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. – 5:35 p.m.

Regular Evening Meeting: 7:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

All members of Council present

CONFIDENTIAL / CLOSED SESSION: 3.13 p.m. – 3:42 p.m. Council discussed a confidential presentation regarding the land expropriation process by Eric Finn of Berger and Rowe.

REPORTS OF CONSULTANTS AND THIRD PARTIES:

Green Energy Act Update – Kris Menzies of MHBC Planners provided an overview of the Act and its associated Regulations & Permitting Requirements. Her presentation is available on the Township website under Committee of the Whole Agenda, July 13, 2009, Section D. The Regulations are open for comment until July 24, 2009.
Council directed Menzies to incorporate the recommendations of the Visual Landscape Guidance for Industrial Wind Energy Facilities Study, prepared by the Univ. of Guelph, into the draft Official Plan Review document, and to have the latter posted on the Township Website no later than July 24, 2009.
Council also formally requested 15 changes in the Regulations and/or Permitting Requirements.

Summerama Business Plan – An updated plan included, among other things, a revised budget. Council approved $1920 in financial assistance. The Special Occasion Permit work is almost complete and it appears that the festival will proceed subject to confirmation of insurance, policing and security. Council emphasized that approval of the Permit did not make the Township responsible for any loss; the organizers confirmed that they would make up any shortfall. And they said that signage is to restrict the event to Township property.

Ministry of the Environment Presentation re Septage – Five officials from the MoE attended and Nina Koskenoja, an Engineering Specialist from the Waste Management Policy Branch, made a presentation. It included information regarding pilot projects using a variety of technologies. Overall, the presentation was disappointing because there are no reports yet available for the pros and cons of the technologies. Also the survey data presented was flawed and the sample size was very limited. The Ministry advised that they do not like the spreading of septage, but have no plan to prohibit the practice until the capacity for processing is increased substantially.
Council recognizes that continued spreading of septage on fields is not acceptable and directed staff to start to gather data relating to lagoon technology. In another discussion late in the agenda they concluded that any joint project with another municipality probably would not succeed and would increase the project time. They believe that the Township must move ahead promptly with a “Tiny” solution. In the end, they decided to retain C. C. Tatham & Associates to prepare a plan and budget for developing a treatment facility for consideration during 2010 budget discussions.

Township Signage Proposal – MC3 Communications presented preliminary ideas regarding signage for the Township. They included a variety of form and concept options. Staff will assist Council in selecting the most appropriate option, which will lead to a more detailed design and then costing. The consultant included, at no extra charge, three new Township logos for consideration, but a majority of Council refused to discuss them.

STAFF REPORTS TO COUNCIL

North Shore Drive Road Surfacing – The regular 10-year assessment of Township roads is due in 2010 and the prospects for a hard surface on North Shore drive were discussed in that context. During the discussion, staff revealed that they do consider roads between planning cycles but generally only when a substantial amount of building has occurred. That process appears to be quite subjective. This subject will be raised again during 2010 budget discussions.

Common Reed / Phragmites – No response has been received from the Ministry of Natural Resources regarding the control of the common reed. If a response is not received by August, the Township plans to commence spraying and/or cutting, using the methods that were approved by MNR for Wasaga Beach. (This is a key issue for all residents as the reed is spreading quickly and must be controlled.)

Building Permits Decrease – Year to date totals decreased from $16,315,000 in 2008 to $9,793,000 this year and June activity was down from $4,033,000 in 2008 to $3,552,000 this year.

LANDFILL SITE 41/ONE-YEAR MORATORIUM:
Council unanimously resolved:
1. That the Council of the Township of Tiny request that the Premier of Ontario declare a one-year moratorium on the construction of the Landfill site known as Site 41 located in the Township of Tiny, County of Simcoe.
2. That a copy of this resolution be sent to the attached organization list, the Ministry of the Environment and local Provincial and Federal elected representatives.
3. That this resolution be sent to AMO asking for support and action on Provincial Waste Management.

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Council Reports: June 29, 2009

Posted on June 29, 2009 by Webmaster

REPORT ON COUNCIL

June 29, 2009

Committee of the Whole Meeting: 9.02 a.m. – 1.12 pm and 1.37 pm. – 4.06 pm

Regular Evening Meeting: 7.04 pm – 7.34 pm

All members of Council present

CONFIDENTIAL / CLOSED SESSION: 1:58 p.m. – 3:02 p.m. (Jill Dougherty, of WeirFoulds, was in attendance.)

ORAL PRESENTATIONS:
Outdoor Music at Balm Beach – John and Elizabeth Marion made a submission regarding the music on a restaurant patio in Balm Beach. They reminded Council that this issue was raised last year and that the by-law governing outdoor music should be clarified or enforced. They noted that all surrounding municipalities do not allow live music outdoors at commercial establishments.
Jackson Park/the 8th Concession – Dorene Trunk made a presentation arguing that the number of parking spaces at the 8th should be reduced given the limited space available at the shore on Township-owned land.
North Shore Drive – The Cedar Point Cottagers Association wants (and has been wanting for many years) the Township to pave or tar the gravel sections of North Shore Drive. They requested Council to review the Public Works Department’s priorities and noted that many roads with fewer residences seem to have been given higher priority.

REPORTS OF CONSULTANTS AND THIRD PARTIES:
Official Plan Update – Kris Menzies of MHBC Planners reported that the Province has delayed its approval of the County’s plan. As a result, the Township plan will probably not be finalized until June 2010. She noted that this is the time for public input and all interested parties should provide comments to Mr. Doug Luker, the CAO. She observed that residents believe that the results of The Wind Turbine Visual Impact Study that has just been completed should be incorporated into the plan. She also noted that the Province has just produced a new “Places to Grow” plan, which reduces the population growth targets for Tiny Township significantly. This document is currently in circulation for comments. The previous version set growth in Tiny at 2700 residents by 2031 whereas the revision allocates the Township only 550 additional persons by that date. Only people captured by the census are included in Tiny’s population numbers.
Summerama Business Plan – The Summerama Committee presented an update and budget for the proposed August 15 festival at Balm Beach. (The complete presentation is in the township website in the Committee of the Whole Agenda for June 29, 2009.) A long discussion ensued as there was also an oral submission from a resident who opposes the festival and there were 13 written submissions from the surrounding community, which raised concerns and asked for an opportunity for input.
Council is generally very supportive of the festival but noted that the committee had to make further attempts to address the concerns of residents. Council also noted that the financial support the committee was requesting (more than $12,000) was too high and must be reduced. There is not much time for the committee to respond.
Mayor Breckenridge noted that the township has a plan to significantly enhance Balm Beach and that it is important to increase community involvement and fund raising capability. When Council approved the proposal in principle last February, they gave the committee direction that the plan was not to include a beer tent. That is still included, however, because it is an important revenue source. Deputy Mayor Lawrence now supports the tent because he is satisfied that it will be professionally operated with appropriate safely precautions in place.

DECLINE IN BUILDING PERMITS: Year to date totals decreased from $12,282,000 in 2008 to $6,241,000 in 2009. May 2009 activity was down from $7,162,000 in 2008 to $1,658,000 this year.

CEMETERY DESIGNATED: At the request of the Historical and Heritage Committee, Council designated the municipally-owned cemetery on Cemetery Lane (the Copeland Hill Cemetery). As a result, the property is to be surveyed and the Public Works Department will provide regular maintenance.

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Council Reports: June 8, 2009

Posted on June 8, 2009 by Webmaster

REPORT ON COUNCIL

June 8, 2009
Committee of the Whole Meeting: 9:03 a.m. – 12:31 p.m. and 1:09 p.m. – 5:01 p.m.

Regular Evening Meeting: 7:03 p.m. – 7:52 p.m.
Mayor Breckenridge and Councillors Claire, Cornell, and Warren present
Deputy Mayor George Lawrence absent (on vacation).

CONFIDENTIAL / CLOSED SESSION: 4:28 p.m – 4:58 p.m.

NOTTAWASAGA PILOT PROJECT: Representatives of the Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority presented a brief overview of this project, which is an attempt to improve water quality in the lower Nottawasaga Basin. Council decided to write a letter expressing interest in joining other municipalities in this project (the others are the Towns of Blue Mountains, Wasaga Beach and Collingwood, and the Townships of Clearview and Springwater).

LE FESTIVAL DU LOUP 2009: Council agreed to the request that the Township support the event to the extent of $1,485 worth of municipal services.

DELINEATION OF BEACH ACCESS PATHS: Three or four dark red posts are to delineate each side of township-owned beach paths from Concession 1 to Concession 10, as listed in Public Works Report PWR-028-09, May 3. Signage indicating the extent of township ownership is to be placed at major access points.

SEPTAGE DISPOSAL STILL NOT RESOLVED: Mayor Breckenridge reported that the new sewage treatment plant in Penetanguishene will not be able to accept septage, and thus is not a resource for Tiny.

MORE FUNDING FOR TOWNSHIP PROJECTS: The Township has been successful in getting funding for work on the Lafontaine arena, and for paving part of the Balm Beach Road and a stretch of the Tiny Trail.

MINISTRY OF FISHERIES AND OCEANS TOUR OF THE 8TH AND LAFONTAINE BEACH PARK: As no agreement was reached during the visit of representatives of the Department of Oceans & Fisheries, Burnside & Associates will provide a report/letter regarding proposed work at Concession 8 W. In addition Staff is to write a letter to the DFO outlining proposed work at the Lafontaine Beach Park and to request a preliminary agreement regarding the proposed works.
It is dispiriting to recall that the DFO visited last year, spoke with staff, then was asked to come again this year, and that letters by consultants and staff still have to be written before anything can be done. This shilly-shallying is expensive and wastes years of time.

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