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Council Minutes - July 31/07
July 31, 2007
INCORPORATED VILLAGE OF HILTON BEACH
Council Meeting
July 31, 2007
The meeting was called to order at 4:30 p.m. Present were Mayor Hore and Councillors Hope and Sullivan.
David King and Kathy Horgan of the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing were in attendance to present the report prepared by the Ministry. Ministry staff was on site in June 2006 and the report is a result of that review to that date. The report does not include lot sales and other progress made since that time. There was a preliminary review of the recommendations, acknowledging that Council and staff would require time to review it in detail at a later date. Recommendations included reduction of the operating deficit, lowering of the debt and administrative changes such as written policies where there are currently only non-written practices. Other recommendations included preparing the Council minutes in a more standard form as currently there is too much information provided, as the minutes should just report the resolutions without comment. The timeframe for implementation of the recommendations will have to be modified as several benchmark dates have actually passed due to the timing of the finalizing and releasing of the report.
The Ministry is providing funding under the Special Assistance Grant in the amount of $175,724. The deficit in 2005 was largely due to the budgeting for a grant to address the funding formula error by the Ministry of Finance that was not received in 2005 and lot sales that did not materialize when expected as well as increased interest costs due to the timing of receipt of grant payments for the three capital projects..
The by-law to authorize the agreement was tabled.
07-94 Moved by J. Sullivan Seconded by R. Hope
Resolved to give first, second and third readings to by-law #913 being a by-law to authorize an agreement for funding under the Special Assistance Grant Program.
Carried
Mayor Hore thanked the Ministry personnel for their attendance.
07-95 Moved by R. Hope Seconded by J. Sullivan
Resolved to approve the minutes of the July 4th, 2007 meeting as presented.
Carried
07-96 Moved by J. Sullivan Seconded by R. Hope
Resolved to authorize payment of Voucher #07-7 in the amount of $35,707.57.
Carried
The Problem Detail Sheet was reviewed. No items were closed and no new ones added.
The Clerks Report was noted. The summer months are particulary busy with additional staff, special events, budget and tax billing, etc.
Because of the early timing of the meeting other reports were not yet prepared.
An update was received from the Ontario Clean Water Agency regarding progress on reducing the number of call outs. The equipment responds to an interruption of even a few seconds and this results in a call out. OCWA is working with the equipment suppliers to find a long-term resolution to the power related alarming. This will reduce the operating costs without being a detriment to the systems.
Notification was received from Emergency Management Ontario regarding a meeting for municipal administration and Council members to discuss the need for emergency management and municipal responsibilities under the act.
Information was provided by the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing on a new initiative The Learning Centre which provides one stop access to the Ministrys education and training products and resources for municipalities. Four hundred and twenty-five tags will be issued.
The Ministry of Natural Resources indicated that no change would be made to the number of antlerless deer tags issued for the Island hunt this fall.
Information was received from the St. Joseph Island Planning Board regarding the sale of shore road allowance.
An invitation was received from the Township of Jocelyn to attend a meeting on the composition of the Planning Board. No date has yet been suggested for the meeting.
Council had to go into closed meeting to discuss a property sale.
07-97 Moved by R. Hope Seconded by J. Sullivan
Resolved to go into closed meeting.
Carried
07-98 Moved by J. Sullivan Seconded by R. Hope
Resolved to return to open meeting.
Carried
07-99 Moved by R. Hope Seconded by J. Sullivan
Resolved to give first second and third readings to By-law #914 being a by-law to confirm the proceedings of the Council meeting held July 31st, 2007 and confirm the taking of any action authorized therein and thereby.
Carried
07-100 Moved by J. Sullivan Seconded by R. Hope
Resolved to adjourn to meet again of September 12th, 2007 or at the call of the Mayor.
Carried
CORNFEST WALK/RUN
On Saturday, August 18th the 25th Anniversary of the St. Joseph Island Cornfest 10 km Run, 5 km Run/Walk will be held. The $5.00 entry fee from the walk goes directly to the Matthews Memorial Hospital Association. Those interested in the run can make inquiries and submit registrations to Janet McLeod, Race Director. Janets contact information is 246-0470 and HYPERLINK "mailto:sjicornfest@hotmail.com" sjicornfest@hotmail.com
APPRECIATION CORNER
To Jocelyn Recreation for the use of the wagon for Arts at the Dock and to Michael Boucher to bringing it over and returning it. The tractor and wagon are both an attraction and help to reduce traffic congestion.
To those who assisted with the set-up for Summer Festival. Special thanks to Janet Boucher, Myra Eddy and Pat Davey who did registration when the regular volunteers were called away because of a family emergency. As well thanks to the regular volunteers Jack Hore, Jake Cormier, Nick Palumbo and Mike Creedan.
To Judy Borek who has volunteered to work on the area around the all-season surface with the goal of naturalizing it. This project has been on the list for several years. The goal is to make it a natural and pleasant area for sitting and relaxing. Plants and trees of interest will be marked. It is a long-term project that will be done over a period of years.
To everyone who is supporting the Open Air Market. The profit from the table rent and produce sales this year will be used to purchase recycling containers for cans and bottles especially for special events and possibly new tables for the Market.
WATER USE
Because of the lack of rain, residents are asked to be moderate in the use of water for such things as lawn watering. At this time there is no problem but if the water table drops significantly the situation could change quite quickly. It is best to use water in moderation to ensure that there are no problems with supply.
