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Council Minutes - Apr 9/08
April 9, 2008
INCORPORATED VILLAGE OF HILTON BEACH
Council Meeting
April 9th, 2008
The meeting was called to order at 7:30 p.m. Present were Mayor Hore and Councillors Hope, Stevens and Sullivan. Councillor Crack was absent with notice.
08-33 Moved by W. Stevens Seconded by R. Hope
Resolved to approve the minutes of the March 12th, 2008 meeting as presented.
Carried
08-34 Moved by J. Sullivan Seconded by W. Stevens
Resolved to authorize payment of Voucher #08-03 in the amount of $117,272.27.
Carried
The Problem Detail Sheet Summary was reviewed. Now that the snow is going some of the jobs that were added during the winter can be accomplished. No items were added.
Three representatives of Great Lakes Power were in attendance to provide their yearly update. A new requirement is in place where anyone moving an oversize load, including a building, must complete a GLP application. Smart metering is being introduced in certain areas of the province but is not available here yet. The meters will be read hourly. There will be some tree removal in the Village including the work that was not completed a couple of years ago. No major capital work will be done this year in the Village.
The Clerk’s Report was noted. March was consumed with preparation for the audit, grant applications, interim taxes and other administrative functions.
The 2007 summary report on the water treatment plant was received from OCWA. There were no problems identified.
The monthly maintenance reports for the sewer and water systems were received from OCWA.
The lead testing results were provided. Of the twenty samples taken in the residences only one was slightly elevated on the first test but it was normal on the second. Thus flushing would eliminate the problem. Another round of samples will be taken in the summer.
The Township of Tarbutt and Tarbutt Additional provided the numbers for the recycling depot. The numbers were up in all categories except paper from 2006. The 2006 figure was an anomaly as it spiked significantly from previous years and fell in 2008, but was higher than all previous figures except 2006.
Mayor Hore provided a report on the recent Annual General Meeting of the North Channel Marine Tourism Council. NCMTC has launched a new website and all members will be able to provide updated information.
The Minister of Public Infrastructure Renewal announced that the application for funding to construct an addition onto The Waterfront Centre was approved. The top floor will house the municipal office and the lower level three rental units. The full funding of $490,000 was approved and has been received. No amount will be contributed by the municipality. The building will be constructed as soon as possible with an anticipated fall completion. Once things are somewhat settled, an application will be made for an intern position for a recent university or college graduate to work for the period of at least one year. This will be full funding for the position which will provide significant assistance to the clerk and experience to the young person.
AMO provided an update on the Canada-Ontario Infrastructure Funding programmes.
The Ministry of Finance provided information on the Investing in Ontario Act which will, if passed, provide a portion of the Province’s 2007 - 2008 surplus that exceeds $800 million to municipalities on a per-capital basis for capital projects.
Confirmation of the annual operating grant was received from the Ministry of Finance. A total of $101,800 will be received which is up from the $93,700 in 2007. It is estimated that there will be a benefit of $5,400 for uploaded Ontario Disability Benefit levy and $4,400 for the Public Health Benefit. $84,000 is being withheld, due to the phase-in adjustment, from the total of $185,800 calculated as receivable by the Province. Municipalities are still waiting for the reconciliation of this grant for the years 2006 and 2007.
Notification was received from the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing that Kathy Horgan has accepted a position in another ministry.
A copy of the Revised Transfer Payment Accountability Directive was provided to all provincial transfer payment recipients.
Information was received on the Central Algoma Road Safety (CARS) committee on their third road rally to be held on May 31st. There is a limit of 15 teams in the rally. Council will try to put together a team. If anyone is interested in participating, please contact the Village Office.
The City of Ottawa circulated a resolution suggesting that the Province should cover a portion of the costs of assessing properties in Ontario as school taxes are also calculated using the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation information.
08-35 Moved by R. Hope Seconded by J. Sullivan
Resolved to support the resolution of the City of Ottawa petitioning the Province of Ontario to pay a proportional share of MPAC costs related to education property taxes.
Carried
New regulations under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act will com into effect for municipalities on January 1, 2010. The City of Port Colborne circulated a resolution requesting the Province to provide assistance with the costs of implementing these requirements.
08-36 Moved by W. Stevens Seconded by R. Hope
Resolved to support the resolution of the City of Port Colborne petitioning the Province to develop and provide a fair funding mechanism to assist municipalities and other provincially funding public sector organizations to comply with the provisions of O.Reg. 429/07 which establishes new accessibility standards.
Carried
The levy was received from the Algoma District Services Administration Board. It is down 3.8% due to some provincial uploading. A surplus from 2007 will be distributed at a later date.
A request for financial support for the physician recruitment drive was received from the Matthews Memorial Hospital Association.
The by-law setting the ranges for salaries and wages considered at the recent meeting was finalized.
08-37 Moved by J. Sullivan Seconded by W. Stevens
Resolved to give first, second and third readings to By-law #937 being a by-law to appoint the officers and servants for the year and to fix their salaries, wages and honouraria.
Carried
The fees and charges by-law as finalized was presented for approval.
08-38 Moved by R. Hope Seconded by W. Stevens
Resolved to give first, second and third readings to By-law #938 being a by-law to establish and require payment of various fees and charges.
Carried
The by-law to accept the funding in the amount of $15,765. under the 2008 Municipal Road and Bridge Infrastructure Investment program was considered. The funding level was calculated by the Province considering the number of bridges, number of lane kilometres of roads, the surface of the roads (gravel, surface treatment, asphalt), etc.
08-39 Moved by R. Hope Seconded by J. Sullivan
Resolved to give first, second and third readings to By-law #939 being a by-law to enter into an agreement for funding under the Municipal Road and Bridge Infrastructure Investment Program.
Carried
Council had to go into closed meeting to consider the recommendation of the two hiring committees.
08-40 Moved by W. Stevens Seconded by J. Sullivan
Resolved to go into closed meeting.
Carried
08-41 Moved by J. Sullivan Seconded by R. Hope
Resolved to return to open meeting.
Carried
08-42 Moved by W. Stevens Seconded by J. Sullivan
Resolved to accept the recommendations of the hiring committee for the marina attendant and the grounds maintenance/marina attendant positions.
Carried
08-43 Moved by R. Hope Seconded by W. Stevens
Resolved to accept the recommendations of the hiring committee for the capital asset valuation position.
Carried
08-44 Moved by W. Stevens Seconded by J. Sullivan
Resolved to give first, second and third readings to By-law #940 being a by-law to confirm the proceedings of the Council Meeting held April 9th, 2008 and confirm the taking of any action authorized therein and thereby.
Carried
08-45 Moved by R. Hope Seconded by W. Stevens
Resolved to adjourn to meet again on May 7th, 2008 or at the call of the Mayor. Carried
BURNING PERMITS
Burning permits are required from April 1 to October 31. There is no charge and may be obtained at the Municipal Office. A permit is issued for the season and a new one is required each year.
Remember to take precautions when burning and have the necessary equipment such as a hose, rake and shovel, available.
APPRECIATION CORNER
To Darren Moore and his helpers who worked so hard to maintain the rink this winter. Unfortunately it was not an easy winter to have a rink. All of th effort is greatly appreciated.
To those who attended the March potluck. It was a fun community event. More potlucks to come in the fall.
To the Lost Loon Music Committee for organizing another concert. Fred Eaglesmith will be appearing at the hall on July 4th.
VILLAGE BROCHURES
The new Village brochures are printed. If anyone is travelling and would like to take some please come by the Village Office. As well if you are planning a family function and need some for guests, please come to the Office.
