Report on Council: August 10, 2015

Posted on August 10, 2015 by Webmaster

REPORT ON COUNCIL
August 10, 2015
Committee of the Whole Meeting: 9:00 a.m. – 12:07 p.m.
Regular Meeting of Council: 2:00 p.m. – 2:25 p.m.
Mayor George Cornell, and Councillors Cindy Hastings, Richard Hinton and Gibb Wishart present. Deputy Mayor Steffen Walma absent.

WOODLAND BEACH RECREATIONAL [TRAILER] PARK, PART OF LOTS 24 and 25, CONCESSION 2: Dr. Donald Stubbs gave a presentation about his Woodland Beach Recreational [Trailer] Park. He noted that he began to develop the concept of a Park providing outdoor activities for all ages “while preserving and protecting the environment” in 1999.

We recall that his original concept included paint ball, occupied prime agricultural land, and made inappropriate use of trails on the protected Nipissing Ridge. As a result of opposition from neighbours, the Township, the County, and the Federation of Tiny Township Shoreline Associations in the course of a series of Preheaaring sessions before the Ontario Municipal Board, paintball was eliminated, the Ridge was protected, and all activities were removed from agricultural land apart from an access road along the north edge of Lot 24. Holding provisions were imposed until various aspects of the Park were appropriately planned.

     The Functional Servicing Report and Stormwater Management Reports prepared for the developer were peer reviewed by R.J. Burnside & Associates. Burnside’s concerns resulted in changes, and in eliminating parts of Phase I. In the end, Burnside was satisfied with the proposed sanitary servicing, water servicing, fire suppression, stormwater management, roads, drainage, utility servicing, and protection of the Nipissing Ridge. Azimuth Environmental Consulting confirmed that the proposed development would not adversely impact winter deer yard and migration functions. Shawn Persaud provided a report on the background of the Park proposal, along with an analysis of the site plan agreement and the holding provisions.

Council gave notice of its intention to remove the various “holding” provisions, and agreed to enter into a Site Plan Control Agreement with Stubbs, so that Phase I can be initiated. The latter is to include 50 seasonal campsites with minimum frontages of 12m and minimum designated lot areas of 185 square m, one comfort station and an in ground swimming pool. [This eliminates the lodge (with its assembly hall, 3-bedroom owner/caretaker apartment, pool, laundry room, and tuck shop), recreation hall, the vehicle pumping station, the group camping area, and five, year-round, two-bedroom cabins. Presumably these elements will be added in subsequent phases.]

Phase II involves five cabin sites and 50 more tent and trailer sites. Phase III adds a further 100 tent and trailer sites, and Phase IV, the final 90 campground sites.

There is no question that this Park will impact the environment, causing the removal of most of the conifer plantation in the area designated for the seasonal campsites, though some landscape restoration is envisioned for the 20m setback from the Ridge.

DISPOSAL OF TINY’S SEPTAGE: Discussions with neighbouring municipalities and the County of Simcoe are still incomplete. Penetanguishene is interested in treating Tiny’s septage only if Tiny is willing to pre-treat its septage to meet its sewer use by-law. Midland is currently engaged in studying “the capacity of their Water Wastewater Treatment Plant to receive and treat septage” including a review of quantities generated by Tiny. So far there has been no meeting with Wasaga Beach. Neither Tay nor the County of Simcoe is a possibility. There is to be a meeting of the Class EA Project Advisory Committee once the preliminary discussions have been completed.

ANDREW DRIVE TEMPORARY SPEED CUSHIONS: As a result of a Policing Committee Resolution and in spite of a staff report, Council decided to provide Temporary Speed Cushions and signage on Andrew Drive at a cost of $7,400, and to ask the Community Policing Committee to do some follow-up to gauge their effectiveness.

ORGANICS PROCESSING: At its meeting on August 11, the Council of the County of Simcoe discussed organics processing. Seven sites at different points around the County have been identified as possibilities.

 

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Report on Council: July 27, 2015

Posted on July 27, 2015 by Webmaster

REPORT ON COUNCIL
July 27, 2015
Committee of the Whole Meeting: 9:00 a.m. – 12:44 p.m.
Regular Meeting of Council: 6:28 p.m. – 7:02 p.m.
All Members of Council Present: Mayor George Cornell, Deputy Mayor Steffen Walma, and Councillors Cindy Hastings (arrived at 11:25 a.m.), Richard Hinton and Gibb Wishart

TOWN HALL MEETING AND COMMUNITY BBQ: Saturday August 15, 2015, 10 a.m. to 12 noon, Town Hall Meeting followed by a Community BBQ, Pavillion, Perkinsfield Park.

MCMAHAN WATER SYSTEM: At the Council Meeting on June 29, Terry Hudson and Joanne Bodrucky, residents on the McMahan Water System, made a presentation to Council detailing the history of the township’s handling of the system and supplying relevant documents back to 1982 regarding ownership and assignment of costs.

     A by-law passed in 2004, which requires those on township water systems to pay both capital and operating costs whether they were charged for them at the time or not, proved to be key to Council’s approach to the issue. Where the Manager of Public Works had recommended that benefitting 22 households be required to pay the full costs incurred by the system, some $15,447 each, Council decided on a cost recovery amount in the mid-range of what users would have been paying since 2004 — $8,277.90 plus 3% interest to be amortized over nine years. The balance is to be drawn from the Water Reserve Fund.

MOBI-MAT FOR BALM BEACH: Richard Gould, member of the Accessibility Advisory Committee, made a presentation regarding a mobi-mat for Balm Beach to allow access to the beach and water to individuals using a wheelchair, stroller, or walker. Council supported the purchase of a mobi-mat for installation at Balm Beach, drawing on funds in the Accessibility Capital Reserve Fund. Funding partnerships with local organizations are to be investigated.

GREEN RIBBON CHAMPION PROGRAM: Karen Alexander of the Lake Huron Centre for Coastal Conservation (LHCCC) described the Green Ribbon Champion Program to Council. Meant to improve the quality of beach sand and lake water, the program provides advice, resources and support to shoreline residents. After registering their desire to participate online, individual property owners receive a visit from a LHCCC staff member who completes a beach health review. The resultant report describes five targets and makes recommendations for how to reach them. A Green Ribbon Champion Award is given to participants who successfully implement all the recommendations. In 2014, there were 25 participants, with six winning Awards. By July 27, 2015, 36 property owners had registered. Council decided to support Lafontaine Beach as a priority beach under the Green Ribbon Champion Program and arranged to have the program advertised on the township website.

PARKING AND EMERGENCY VEHICULAR ACCESS WEST OF COUNTY ROAD 6: Asked to supply a list of roads between County Road 6 and the shore that cannot safely accommodate emergency vehicles under the current parking conditions, Fire Chief Tony Mintoff supplied a long list, all in the first 11 concessions.

     Much of this stretch of shore is more densely populated than the township’s hamlets. Lists and maps of streets that should be signed “No Parking” are appended to Public Works Report-37-15, in the Complete Committee of the Whole Agenda for July 27, 2015, on the township’s website, tiny.ca, under Your Government / Council Meeting Agenda /

     Council directed staff “to provide an implementation plan for 2015 based on available funding and internal staff resources with consideration of cross departmental assistance regarding the signage installation, and that the implementation plan be presented at the August 10, 2015 Committee of the Whole Meeting.”

     We are relieved to hear that action is at last being taken on this important safety issue.

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Beth Brass Elson’s Walk for Water

Posted on July 16, 2015 by Webmaster

Elizabeth Brass Elson, of the Beausoleil First Nation and who took part in the fight against Site 41, is taking part in the Sacred Water Walk 2015, a journey by foot around the Great Lakes in order to raise awareness about water safety issues, specifically recent oil spills and train derailments, as well as the risks that gas pipelines present to the watershed. Starting at Matane, Quebec and ending at Madeline Island in Wisconsin from June to August this year. Donations are needed for places to sleep, food to eat and gas for identified Water Walker support vehicles.

You can find more information on the Sacred Water Walk and how to make a donation at www.waterwalkersunited.com.

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Report on Council: July 13, 2015

Posted on July 13, 2015 by Webmaster

REPORT ON COUNCIL
July 13, 2015
Committee of the Whole Meeting: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Confidential / Closed Session: 10:05 a.m. to 4:22 p.m.
Regular Meeting of Council: 5:45 p.m. – 6:05 p.m. All Members of Council Present: Mayor George Cornell, Deputy Mayor Steffen Walma, and Councillors Cindy Hastings, Richard Hinton and Gibb Wishart

CONFIDENTIAL / CLOSED SESSION: 10:05 a.m. to 4:22 p.m. The members of Council took a bus tour of the township.

NOTE: There is no longer any set start time for the Regular Meeting of Council to begin when a meeting is consolidated (usually the first meeting each month), though it usually begins roughly two hours after the conclusion of the Committee of the Whole Meeting. When the meeting is not consolidated, the Regular Meeting begins at 6 p.m.

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Report on Council: June 29, 2015

Posted on June 29, 2015 by Webmaster

REPORT ON COUNCIL
June 29, 2015
Committee of the Whole Meeting: 9:07 a.m. – 3:42 p.m.
Regular Meeting of Council: 6:10 p.m. – 6:42 p.m.
All Members of Council Present: Mayor George Cornell, Deputy Mayor Steffen Walma, and Councillors Cindy Hastings, Richard Hinton and Gibb Wishart

CONFIDENTIAL/CLOSED SESSION DECISIONS: Council decided that Glen Road, Registered Plan 958, is surplus to need, and will be sold. It authorized staff to proceed with establishing easements and/or acquisition of property, with the property owners at Mertz Corner Road-MacDonald Creek Bridge. It authorized staff to enter into discussions with affected residents regarding “Encroachments, Sale of Property for Lots 1, 2 and 3, R.P. 838 Centre Beach Road.” And finally, it selected Don Redmond of Royal LePage to sell the Maplegate Road Lots — Lots 29 and 30, Plan 51M-361.

DEPUTATIONS BY NEIGHBOURS OF BALM BEACH: Diane Leblovic objected to the Noise By-law exemptions granted to the Business Association of Balm Beach during the summer of 2015 and asked that the exemptions be withdrawn. She presented a petition with 31 signatures complaining about the exemptions. Nicholas Leblovic raised procedural issues with the Noise By-law and with oral and written submissions to Council. He pointed out that there was no time for public input regarding the Noise By-law exemptions and recommended that approvals should not be granted on the day of application.
In response to Diane Leblovic’s deputation, Council made no change to programming in Balm Beach, including the exemption to the Noise By-law, but did say that By-law staff should be directed to respond to noise complaints regarding the approved events. Council did not address the procedural issues raised by Nicholas Leblovic.

MARC’S HARDWARE IN LAFONTAINE NO LONGER TO SERVE AS A DEALER OUTLET FOR CANADA POST: After August 31, residents will have to collect parcels from Village Square Pharmacy, 101-2 Poyntz St. in Penetang, since the Hardware Store will no longer serve as a Dealer Outlet after that date.

PREPARATORY BUDGET MEETINGS FOR 2016: These are to occur at 9 a.m. on Mondays, November 2nd, November 23rd, and December 7th, 2015.

GREAT LAKES CITIES INITIATIVE (GLSLCI) CONFERENCE: Councillor Wishart and Keith Sherman (of the Severn Sound Association) attended. Wishart noted that transportation of oil on the Great Lakes and storage of nuclear waste were major topics of discussion, and that water levels were not on the agenda.

McMAHAN WOODS SUBDIVISION AGREEMENT: This proposed subdivision is to occupy Part Lot 23, Concession 4 West. As the County of Simcoe had received all the necessary clearance letters, Council was able to authorize the Subdivision Agreement between the Corporation of the Township of Tiny, the McMahan Woods Development Ltd. (the Developer), and West Ridge Development Corporation (the Mortgagee). The Agreement includes a provision to deed to the Township Block 22 for Environmental Protection, Block 23 for Parkland, Blocks 24-26 for Access, and Blocks 28-32 as a 0.3048 metre reserve. Block 21 is not part of this Agreement and remains in the hands of McMahan Woods Development Ltd.

MEETING WITH MUNICIPALITIES/SEPTAGE CLASS ENVIRONMENT ASSESSMENT: As previously requested, R.J. Burnside & Associates contacted the Township’s neighbouring municipalties (Midland, Penetanguishene, Tay, Springwater, and Wasaga Beach) about a partnership for treating Tiny’s septage. All five expressed interest. Council authorized Burnside to have preliminary meetings and prepare documentation to help Council determine the most viable partners (estimated cost $18,000).

BY-LAW FORBIDDING BARBECUING ON THE CONCESSION 8 ROAD ALLOWANCE: Deputy Mayor Walma withdrew his motion to rescind this By-law, and referred the matter to the Strategic Plan Process where it could be considered in connecton with the development of Stott Park.

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2015 Budget Report

Posted on June 18, 2015 by Webmaster

REPORT ON TINY TOWNSHIP 2015 BUDGET

Jan. 19, 2015
First Budget Meeting: 9:00 a.m. – 12:09 p.m. & 1:00 p.m. – 4:23 p.m.
Feb. 2, 2015
Second Budget Meeting: 9:00 a.m. – 12:18 p.m. & 1:00 p.m. – 4:44 p.m.
Feb. 17, 2015
Third Budget Meeting: 9:00 a.m. – 10:55 a.m.
All Members of Council Present at All Three Meetings: Mayor George Cornell, Deputy Mayor Steffen Walma, and Councillors Cindy Hastings, Richard Hinton, and Gibb Wishart
Full Complement of Senior Staff Present at All Three Meetings

Note that all references to 2014 budget figures are actual but unaudited

FIRST MEETING:
Council reviewed the operating budget prepared by staff. Staff proposed a tax rate increase of 4.53%. The meeting was well chaired by Mayor Cornell who encouraged all members to ask questions. Mr. J. Smith, manager of the Huronia Airport, made a presentation concerning the cost of runway repairs and options for dealing with them.

SECOND MEETING:
Council reviewed the capital budget.
As a result of its review of the operating budget at the first meeting, the total net budget was increased by $35,994.00 bringing the proposed tax rate increase to 4.94%.

THIRD MEETING:
As a result of decisions taken by Council during the second meeting, the operating budget was reduced by $59,000 and the capital by $33,000. Consequently at the beginning of this third meeting, the draft tax rate increase had been reduced to 3.89%.
This third meeting was focused on reducing the tax rate increase to 2% by considering recommendations brought forward by staff to reduce the operating budget by $125,000 (by cuts to the roads and fire departments) and the capital budget by $83,000.
At the end of the meeting, Council had succeeded in reducing the budget by close to $165,000 bringing the tax rate increase to 2%.

ITEMS OF NOTE REGARDING THE 2015 BUDGET:

1) Several presentations which were intended to help Council make budget decisions were made during the February 9 Committee of the Whole Meeting, regarding:
Hall’s Creek Bank Restoration,
Parking Strategy, and
Municipal Office Feasibility Study.

2) The final budget was presented to the public and adopted on March 23, 2015.

3) The following points might be made:

• Policing (Account 201)
The OPP announced in 2013 that it would be sharply increasing the cost of service to municipalities such as Tiny, but that the increase (now estimated at about $1.1 million) would be phased in 40%-40%–20% from 2015 to 2017. For many years, however, councils have over-budgeted for this cost, and the OPP has refunded the overpayment to the township in the following year, once its actual costs were known. In 2011 Council set up a Policing Reserve to hold these refunds, which has now accumulated to almost $800,000.
The first 40% of the three-year phase-in would add about $300,000 to the budget this year. However, the 2015 Budget only includes an increase of about $125,000 over last year’s Budget for OPP costs. This is not because Council is drawing on the Police Reserve, which is only planned to fall by $25,000.

Note too that the Council’s new Policing Committee will be funded from the Policing Reserve.

• Septage (Account 956 – environment / capital)
In 2014, the last Council decided to put on hold the ongoing EA while waiting to see if a partnership with other municipalities would be feasible. Therefore $297,778 was not spent and was put on hold. By resolution 061/15 Council directed “that R.J Burnside and Associates Ltd. proceed to prepare a ‘scope of work’ for the Septage Management Class EA to revisit Phase 2 and conduct further work on Alternative #3 and further that all associated works are to be included in the 2015 budget.” The previously unused money was used for this task.

• Parking strategy.
Nothing has been budgeted for the implementation of the study undertaken by the previous Council regarding the ability of roads west of County Road 6 to accommodate both parking and emergency vehicles, especially fire trucks. The cost of additional No Parking signage for any of the 80 problematic roads will have to come out of the capital reserve for roads.

• Impact of corporate insurance increase.
The Township is facing significant pressure regarding insurance costs. Consequently the cost of liability insurance in the budget increases by 13.33 %, from $510,000 plus tax in 2014 (actual) to $578,000 plus tax in 2015 (actual).

• Salaries.
The general wage increase is shown as 2.0% ($98,800). However, if vacation pay, benefits, WSIB and overtime are taken into account, the actual wages for 2015 are $5,040,600 compared with the 2014 budget figure of $4,756,100 (an increase of 5.9%).

• Reserves.

Budgeted Transfers:

 2014 budgeted
(unaudited)		2015
To General$320,324$239,236
From General$1,738,050$1,459,766
To Capital$2,245,457$2,404,723
Transfer Surplus
(unused funds)		$1,027,977

The Dec 2014 Financial Indicator Review indicates that the Township Total Reserves and Discretionary Reserve Funds as a % of Operating Expenses were at 50.4 % placing the Township as having a low level of challenge (the lower level of challenge, the better is the ability to face future needs / contigencies).

The water reserve is to increase from $3,177,817 to a projected $3,696,112. Although the water reserve is only to be used for Tiny residents connected to, and paying for, a municipal water system, this reserve is also used as a measure of the Township’s financial responsibility.

It should be noted that the budget plans a decrease in total reserves
from $9,326,941 at the end of 2014 to a projected $8,382,365 at the end of 2015.

Also, the 2015 Reserves report has been simplified from 2014 report,
which included the previous year transfer details.

Documentation:
Minutes of the 3 Budget Meetings.
Budget Drafts for All Three Meetings.
Final 2015 Budget.

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Report on Council: June 8, 2015

Posted on June 8, 2015 by Webmaster

REPORT ON COUNCIL
June 8, 2015
Committee of the Whole Meeting: 9:00 a.m. – 3:47 p.m.
Regular Meeting of Council: 5:15 p.m. – 5:50 p.m.
All Members of Council Present: Mayor George Cornell, Deputy Mayor Steffen Walma, and Councillors Cindy Hastings, Richard Hinton and Gibb Wishart

FARLAIN LAKE DEPUTATION: Doug Kirk and Pete Andrews presented the Farlain Lake Community Association’s “Lake to Sky Community Management Plan.” This was the second time the plan was presented to the Council of the day: the first, in 2013, produced no action on recommended moves that the Township should undertake. The focus of the plan is environmental, and grows out of concern for the health of Farlain Lake. Key items on the list of proposed township actions were referred to the Strategic Plan Process.

BALM BEACH SUMMER EVENTS: The Business Association of Balm Beach proposes to stage a number of small/short events at various times through the summer, none of which is scheduled to run past 9 p.m. Council accepted the proposal.

HALL’S CREEK STABILIZATION: Hall’s Creek meanders as it makes its way toward Nottawasaga Bay. One of its oxbows has been eroding its way toward Tiny Beaches Road South in the vicinity of 752 and by last year it was threatening the stability of the road. Much the most cost effective option, as the Township’s Manager of Public Works, Henk Blom, pointed out in PWR-05-15 is to relocate the road 10 metres to the west at a cost of $40,000. Enbridge relocated the gas main in 2014, at a cost of $38,500. Area residents opposed moving the road primarily because it would straighten a curve in TBRS and cause an increase in traffic speed. They supported “vegetated stone revetment,” a combination of vegetation and stone, which would stabilize the slope of the oxbow.
A subsidiary presentation by Burnside and Associates costed this solution at $185,000, and saw it as less likely than a “crib wall” to impact downstream conditions adversely, and as creating a safer slope off of TBRS, as maintaining the naturalized channel, as drastically reducing erosion along the bank of TBRS, and as leaving the tree cover largely intact. Council opted for this solution. As the budget for 2015 approved only $100,000 for this project, at its meeting on June 29, Council agreed that $85,000 would be taken from the Capital Reserve to cover the balance of the cost.

SOURCE WATER PROTECTION: For the last two years, the Severn Sound Environmental Association has been inspecting the many properties that might potentially affect the quality of water in wells that serve the township’s 16 water systems. Some 2,000 property owners were sent a notice of an Open House supplying information on the subject. The final stage mandated by the Clean Water Act comes into effect on July 1, namely the appointment of a Risk Management Official and a Risk Management Inspector charged with enforcement of the Source Management Plan. Council decided to appoint Keith Sherman and Melissa Carruthers of SSEA to fill these posts.

A STAFF REPORT ON THE MAY 27 TOWN HALL MEETING: There were some 120 attendees, thirteen of whom spoke about a wide range of subjects: the township’s invasive species strategy, dropping shoreline water levels, assistance for Giant’s Tomb cottagers with barging costs connected to the septic reinspection program, the best type of septic tanks, a survey to spark interest in bicycle trails, the potential impact of the Darby Road quarry on noise and on the aquifer, the potential impact of gravel extraction on Tiny’s water and farmland, Council’s position on agritourism and the promotion of small businesses, implementation of Wyevale Park plans and interest in plans for Stott Park, concerns about the noise by-law, parking issues at Pine Forest, and noise from Wasaga Beach. A number of these matters were referred to the Strategic Plan Process.

McMAHAN WATER SYSTEM COSTS: The cost of upgrading the McMahan water system has been tendered at $327,755 plus HST. Council decided on Full Cost Recovery from Benefitting Residents as outlined in Public Works Report PWR-17-15, costs to be finalized once the project has been completed. Reimbursement to the township is to be amortized over 20 years at an interest rate of 3%.

STRATEGIC PLAN PROCESS: A Council/Staff workshop has been scheduled for July 8, 2015 at 10 a.m. in the Council Chamber. There is to be a “Community Visioning Challenge and Interactive Workshop” session on July 11, 2015 from 9 to 11:30 a.m. at the Wyebridge Community Centre. The Township’s website is to include all strategic planning information. Right now it includes a survey for those who can’t attend the July 11 public meeting. The Strategic Plan Working Group consists of CAO/Clerk Doug Luker, Treasurer Doug Taylor, Mayor Cornell, and Councillor Hastings.

GIANT’S TOMB COTTAGERS ASSOCIATION: In response to a letter asking for subsidies connected to the Septic Re-inspection Program (one of the matters raised at the May Town Hall Meeting), Council decided that there would be no subsidies at this time.

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Report on Council: May 25, 2015

Posted on May 25, 2015 by Webmaster

REPORT ON COUNCIL
May 25, 2015
Committee of the Whole Meeting: 9:00 a.m. – 2:38 p.m.
Regular Meeting of Council: 6:00 p.m. – 6:29 p.m.
All Members of Council Present: Mayor George Cornell, Deputy Mayor Steffen Walma, and Councillors Cindy Hastings, Richard Hinton and Gibb Wishart

DATAFIX VOTER LIST MANAGEMENT SERVICE CONTRACT: In anticipation of the 2018 municipal election, the township has entered into a contract with DataFix for a list management service called VoterView. The service provides an electronic view of electoral information, and allows election officials to maintain and amend the Voters’ List as changes are received. This $7,000 service is to be paid in four annual installments of $1750 plus taxes.

STREET LIGHTING CONVERSION TO LED: Since conversion to LED streetlights was last considered early in 2014, costs have declined and rebates and projected savings have increased dramatically. The rebate offer from the Ontario Power Authority of $36,790 for lighting purchases and installations, which is available only until the end of December this year, would go a long way to offsetting the $151,000 cost of implementation. Council decided to go ahead and convert the township’s streetlights to LED. Funding is to come from the Capital Expenditure Reserve. Council also accepted the treasurer’s recommendation that the “actual savings” be funnelled “into a ‘Climate Action and Energy Plan Reserve’ . . . for future environmental and energy conservation projects.” The treasurer’s report on this project, sensitive as it is to environmental issues and the possibility of withdrawal at any stage, makes interesting reading. It’s available in the Committee of the Whole Agenda for May 25, under Staff Reports to Council, as item (g) under Administration and Finance.

WATER DEPARTMENT 2015-2020 FINANCIAL PLAN APPROVED: The Township has successfully completed all five criteria required by the Municipal Drinking Water Licensing Program for obtaining and maintaining a Municipal Drinking Water License for the next five years. By approving the Water Department’s Financial Plan (the last of the five criteria), Council is committing to the long term financial viability of the township’s 16 water systems. The report noted that “while the forecast capital expenditures for Water Department appear to be very modest between 2015 and 2020, there are significant scheduled capital requirements within the next planning cycle (2021-2026). These future capital requirements are related to the longer-term issue of nitrate concentrations for the Georgian Sands/Lafontaine water systems. It is for this reason that staff is not recommending any changes to the current Water fees within the current planning cycle.”

COUNTY COUNCIL BURSARY PROGRAM: County Council passed Deputy Mayor Walma’s motion to expand the County’s current scholarship program from $1000 to $3000 and match County municipal bursary programs up to $1000.

FIRE DEPARTMENT ACCESS FOR EMERGENCY OPERATIONS: Fire Chief Tony Mintoff’s report about the roads from County Road 6 to the western shore that pose the greatest safety concern from a firefighting operations perspective prompted Council to pass a resolution that the identified roads be considered for no parking, and that staff report back on a comprehensive implementation plan. Instead of selecting the 20 most dangerous roads as he had been asked to do in March, Mintoff submitted the full list (close to 80) that had been identified in R.J. Burnside and Associates Report of July 14, 2014.
Before this resolution was reached, discussion went round and around. Councillor Hinton declared: “The problem has been left and left and left since forever . . . A lot of people want a conclusion to this . . . We need to do something sooner rather than later. . . Let’s deal with the roads in front of us and move forward from there through the Strategic Plan Process.” Manager of Public Works Henk Blom noted that the vast majority of the roads under discussion are 20-30 foot roads with no room for parking. Worse there’s so little space that only a few roads could be widened. He feels that only 4 or 5 roads can safely be parked on at all.

NEW SIGNAGE APPROVED FOR WOODLAND BEACH: In response to a letter from the Woodland Beach Property Owners Association, asking for permission to replace existing “Welcome to Woodland Beach” signs with new ones, the association to pay for the signs, and the township to manage installation. The signs are on Township property. Council approved the proposal and directed staff to work with the Association on design, location, and installation.

CLEAN UP REQUEST FOR BELLE-EAU-CLAIRE BEACH: In response to a request from Ms. Elise Robitailled that a group of Concession 14 volunteers be organized to clean up the brush at Belle-Eau-Claire Beach and that the Township look at options for the creek that takes up a large portion of the road allowance, Councillor Wishart advised that he would refer the creek to Public Works and the brush clean up to the Recreation Department.

TINY MARSH BIOBLITZ EVENT: In response to a letter from Ms. Kate Harries of the MTM Conservation Association asking that the township sponsor the BioBlitz event at Tiny Marsh on Saturday, June 27 Council agreed to do so in the amount of $100. For more information about the BioBlitz, see the notice on the front page of the Spring/Summer 2015 Tiny Cottager, available on tinycottager.org under Issue Archives.

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Report on Council: May 11, 2015

Posted on May 11, 2015 by Webmaster

REPORT ON COUNCIL
May 11, 2015
Committee of the Whole Meeting: 9:00 a.m. – 2:44 p.m.
Regular Meeting of Council: 4:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
All Members of Council Present: Mayor George Cornell, Deputy Mayor Steffen Walma, and Councillors Cindy Hastings, Richard Hinton and Gibb Wishart

NORTHEAST COMMUNITY CENTRE — AGAIN:
Speaking for the Sunset Bay Community Association, Liesje Lancia asked that Council allow a piece of township property in the Sawlog Bay area to be used for a Community/Senior Centre since residents in the northeast are a considerable distance from the Lafontaine Community Centre and from the Swinging Seniors in Balm Beach. The property was apparently set aside for community use. Since 1999, Sunset Bay has submitted a series of proposals regarding a community centre.
What is proposed this time is a relatively small building housing a meeting room, kitchen, washrooms and a storage room where local residents could play cards, hold family get-togethers, have a day camp and a library. The building would be financed by fundraising and by grants acquired with the help of Township staff.
Council is to discuss the matter on May 27.

REQUIRED UPGRADE TO MCMAHAN WATER SYSTEM:
In 2012, the township was ordered by the Ministry of the Environment to bring the McMahan water system into compliance with the Safe Drinking Water Act. The required Environmental Assessment has been completed, the engineering design and tender documents are ready, and the project is scheduled for tendering at the end of May. After examining the way costs were handled when the township was ordered to take over two other privately run systems (the Renouf Water System in Balm Beach and the Lafontaine Water System), Staff recommended full cost recovery from the 22 benefitting residential properties, namely $14,931.47 per property. It also recommended that costs be amortized to ease the initial financial burden, as was done when the two other private water systems were upgraded.
Staff recommended against covering the cost from the existing tax base or from the water reserve fund (though we note that the properties in question have each contributed $400 to the reserve fund); it also felt that imposition of a water connection fee was inadequate as that option left some costs uncovered.
Staff is to prepare another report about financial implications and arrangements.

POSSIBLE HURONIA AIRPORT SOLAR PROJECT:
After listening to a series of reports about a possible airport solar project at this and earlier meetings, Council decided to support the airport’s application for a ground mount solar project in order to gain priority points that may result in the offer a provincial FIT (Feed-in Tariff) contract prior to other applicants. If the contract is gained, Council further decided that the Airport Commission must undertake comprehensive legal and financial reviews of the project before it would formally commit itself to this project.

OPEN AIR BURNING BY-LAW 15-027:
This By-law does not come into effect until January 2016. Note that a Class “A” Burning Permit obtained under this by-law – the only classification that does not have to be approved by the Fire Chief – allows the burning of brush and unpainted/untreated wood only, and only under carefully defined conditions. This means (among many constraints) that no such “fire shall contain rubber tires, plastic products, shingles, leaves, painted/treated wood or other materials that are known to create excessive smoke.”
Asthmatics and others who have made many deputations opposing the burning of leaves over the years may breathe a sigh of relief as of January next year.

WYEVALE PARK MASTER PLAN:
The Wyevale Park Master Plan is to be “launched” to the community on June 6th during the National Health and Fitness Day event in the Wyevale Park. The Master Plan is the result of two years’ planning. The consulting firm — PLANbyDESIGN — was guided throughout by a steering committee consisting of representatives from the Community Recreation Committee, the Accessibility Advisory Committee, the Wyevale Parks and Recreation Association, the township’s Public Works and Recreation Departments, the CAO, and Council. There were two public sessions. Surveys were completed by all students and teachers at the Wyevale Central Public School. Park concepts were displayed in Council Chambers and Wyevale Jug City for three months.
A special committee is to be struck to oversee implementation of the Master Plan.

MAYOR’S CHARITY GOLF TOURNAMENT:
Mayor Cornell announced that the Mayor’s Charity Golf Tournament is to take place on Friday, August 21, 2015 at the Balm Beachway Golf Club to raise money for a CT Scanner for the South Georgian Bay Hospital and for La Maison Rosewood, an emergency shelter in Midland that provides support for abused and homeless women and their children.

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Report on Council: April 27, 2015

Posted on April 27, 2015 by Webmaster

REPORT ON COUNCIL
Apr. 27, 2015
Committee of the Whole Meeting: 9:00 a.m. – 2:24 p.m.
Regular Meeting of Council: 7:30 p.m. – 8:18 p.m.
Mayor George Cornell, Councillors Cindy Hastings, Richard Hinton and Gibb Wishart present. Deputy Mayor Steffen Walma absent attending an information session.

FIRST TOWN HALL MEETING:
This is to take place from 7 to 9 p.m. on 27 May in the Township of Tiny Community Centre, 91 Concession Road 8 East.

2014 OPP YEAR END REPORT:
Inspector Andrew Ferguson, head of the local contingent since February, reported that collisions are down, break and enters down, and assaults down. However, false alarms are up. These are costly since they require a two-person response.
Officers are able to be on the road more since reports are dictated and sent to a database and the officers work on tablets in their vehicles.

HERITAGE WOODS SUBDIVISION AGREEMENT:
Cedar Point Canada Inc. received draft plan approval in 2009 from the County of Simcoe for a 22-lot plan of subdivision to the east of Blairhampton Properties in the northwest area of Tiny. However, Blairhampton has failed to complete the construction of Nipissing Ridge Road and the extension of services along the frontage of the proposed lots. In order to satisfy the conditions of approval and the subdivision registration requirements, CPCI has agreed to construct the road and install the services in phases. The Township is to facilitate this by recovering, from benefitted lots, an appropriate share of the cost when building permits are applied for.

ROGERS WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS INSTALLATION AT 843 CONCESSION ROAD 18 W:
This 70 meter tower will provide wireless voice and data services for subscribers to the Rogers network. It is to be located at a maximum setback from Concession Road 18 West and the neighbouring properties. However, the Rogers representative told the Georgian Highlands Association that Rogers was “just about to begin the public consultation phase which lasts between 1 and 3 months” and that if “things go fairly smoothly . . . it could be in operation mid-2016 or so.” He couldn’t be more specific than that.

CONSULTANT CHOSEN TO GUIDE THE STRATEGIC PLANNING PROCESS:
Planning Solutions Inc./MHBC has been selected to guide the preparation of a five-year strategic plan for the township. The cost is $35,000. There were 26 responses to the Request for Proposals for a committee comprised of Mayor George Cornell, Councillor Cindy Hastings, Treasurer Doug Taylor, and CAO Doug Luker to consider. A number of large ticket items have already been referred to this process.

FINANCIAL REPORT AS OF 31 MARCH:
The sensible practice of having the treasurer supply Council with quarterly reports of year-to-date actual revenue and expenditures compared to the budgeted and previous year figures has been continued. This is a highly useful report, not only supplying figures but commenting on significant variances and, where necessary, noting actions. Those interested in the way the township manages tax revenue will find this report of interest. It appears on the township website tiny.ca under Your Government/Council Meeting Agenda/Committee of the Whole Agenda for 27 April/Administration and Finance.

2015 TAXES:
Since the three components of the taxes invoiced to Tiny’s residents by the township each year have now been passed – the budgets of the township (up 2% over last year), the county, and education – tax bills can now be finalized. The amounts to be levied are:

Township $ 8,927,084
County of Simcoe 10,133,742
English Public School 5,558,658
French Public School 85,119
English Separate School 1,189,163
French Separate School 170,163
Total 26,063,931

PAY FOR MEMBERS OF COUNCIL:
Effective 1 January 2015, the basic remuneration for members of Council rose 2% (as did that for staff). The Mayor receives $34,051.28, Deputy Mayor $25,528.75, and each of the Councillors $22,132.83. This covers regular meetings of Council, voluntary attendance at association meetings and public events, and voluntary attendance at committees to which members of Council have not been appointed. In addition there is a per diem payment for attendance at committees to which they are appointed, and for special meetings of Council for orientation, budget, training and the like.

BUILDING ACTIVITY:
At the end of March, construction (valued at $851,000) was well above the level at that point of the year in 2014 (at $155,000).

CHAMPLAIN ROAD STREETLIGHTS:
Staff recommended that lights be placed at three locations on Champlain Road: 900, 1773, and 1964, and that the matter be deferred to the 2016 Budget for further consideration. The cost is $4,200 for installation plus $223.20 per year for hydro.

INVASIVE SPECIES:
Of the three types of invasive species listed in the report on the township’s “Invasive Species Management Plan” – aquatic, terrestrial, and diseases – the focus is on terrestrial, and primarily on invasive Phragmites (the species drawn to the township’s attention in 2008 by FoTTSA) and giant hogweed. It mentions garlic mustard, dog strangling vine, common & glossy buckthorn, and the emerald ash borer as secondary concerns. When residents contact staff about those, they are told to contact the Ministry of Natural Resources & Forestry or the Invasive Species Hotline.
Since 2009, the township has controlled four dense Phragmites stands with Roundup: a patch on Archer Road near the Tiny/Flos Townline, another at 2300 Tiny Beaches Road South, a third at 2020 Tiny Beaches Road South, and a fourth on the beach at Concession Road 8.
It deals with Phragmites only on public lands, and only as it is drawn to its attention by complaints from the public. For smaller stands Public Works may remove the whole plant, rhizomes and all, or it may remove the seed heads. For medium stands, it removes seed heads and asks for a “Letter of Opinion,” presumably to allow the use of Roundup. But time for this work is limited given other responsibilities.
(Unfortunately, none of these moves is effective without vigilant and regular follow-up throughout the growing season. Phragmites, which has ruined many beaches along Lake Michigan, continues to spread and threaten Tiny’s beautiful beaches. What’s needed is a vigorous information campaign, penalties for private land-owners who fail to extirpate the plant on their property, and a concerted effort to eliminate, not just manage, this pest.)
The two reported instances of giant hogweed in the last four years received effective treatment. Both were sprayed and “removed under controlled conditions.”

HERITAGE PLAQUE DESIGN APPROVED:
Council approved the design that the Heritage Advisory Committee arrived at after a year’s deliberation.

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