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Council Minutes - Nov 12/08
November 12, 2008
INCORPORATED VILLAGE OF HILTON BEACH
Council Meeting
November 12, 2008
The meeting was called to order at 7:30 p.m. Present were Mayor Stevens and Councillors Crack and Hope. Councillor Sullivan had advised that she would be late.
08-112 Moved by R. Hope Seconded by L. Crack
Resolved to approve the minutes of the September 29th, 2008 meeting as presented.
Carried
08-113 Moved by L. Crack Seconded by R. Hope
Resolved to approve the minutes of the October 6th, 2008 meeting as presented.
Carried
08-114 Moved by R. Hope Seconded by L. Crack
Resolved to authorize payment of Voucher #08-10 in the amount of $73,767.92.
Carried
The Problem Detail Summary was reviewed. The streetlights that are out or malfunctioning will be fixed. The fluctuations in the power supply are very hard on the streetlight system.
The Clerk’s Report was reviewed. The power is being put into Mariners’ Way this week. Several fall jobs need to be done such as the roof on the well pumping station. The building inspector will be asked to provide advice in response to a query from a ratepayer regarding the use of a building.
The landfill report showed that there is less material going in now that the fall clean-up period is over.
The Ministry of Municipal Affairs provided information on the Report on the Provincial Fiscal and Service Delivery Review. The responsibility for some of the services that were downloaded under the Harris Government will be uploaded. However the uploading is over a period of ten years ending in 2018. The review of the Ontario Municipal Partnership Fund which is the operating funding received by municipalities will be reviewed by 2010. This is the funding that several municipalities are now questioning as the phase-in component is considered to be punitive on some municipalities.
The list of suggested capital maintenance items for 2009 was provided by OCWA. Council asked that a clarification be requested for the well inspection.
The Township of Johnson requested assistance from each of the area municipalities to offset the ice rental costs for two events which raise funds for CASS Athletics. As CASS serves the whole area, it was thought that all municipalities should fund the fee reduction not just the Township of Johnson. Council noted that once again each municipality is asked for the same donation ($100) while the size of the municipalities varies significantly. While Council was supportive of a donation in principle it was decided to refer the request to the Recreation Committee.
Chris Jones of Meridian Planning provided a summary of the process now that the draft modifications were received from the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing on the draft Official Plan. Once they are adopted by Planning Board the Plan will be approved and the statutory appeal period will follow.
A copy of the Official Plan as amended by the Township of Jocelyn were received. They question the number of vacant lots identified by the Ministry.
AMO provided information on training sessions for the requirements on the Federal Gas Tax. While it is considered important to attend the closest session is in North Bay. No final decision was made.
Councillor Sullivan arrived.
Further information was received on the free Community Renewable Energy Workshop & Trade Show to be held in Echo Bay on November 14th. No one from Council was able to attend.
Two letters were received from ratepayers suggesting that an election be held to fill the vacant position on Council rather than appointment. Both indicated that the cost of the election would be minimal. The cost of an election, excluding staff time, would be in the $6,000 to $8,000 range. Councillor Crack had called a cross section of ratepayers asking their opinion on holding an election and she reported that no one supported the idea. Because the Village has always filled vacant positions by appointment and because of the cost, it was decided to proceed with the appointment process. One of the ratepayers also suggested that Council should have considered converting either the existing Waterfront Centre or the workshop to house the municipal office rather than build a new one.
Information was provided on the Municipal Internship Program that provides 50% of the wages up to $20,000 and a training allowance of $5,000 for municipal trainees. The possibility of other programs will be investigated as well.
The snow removal contract was up for renewal. There is a small adjustment for the increase in the price of fuel and one for the increase in the size of parking area at The Waterfront Centre to accommodate all uses.
08-115 Moved by J. Sullivan Seconded by R. Hope
Resolved to approve the snow removal schedule and renewal rates submitted by Stevens Bros Contracting.
Carried
08-116 Moved by L. Crack Seconded by J. Sullivan
Resolved to petition the Ministry of Transportation to supply 100 tonnes of treated sand for the 2008 - 2009 season.
Carried
The agreement for the divestment of the marina property to the Village had been received and reviewed. Prior to the transfer the area will have to be surveyed.
08-117 Moved by R. Hope Seconded by J. Sullivan
Resolved to give first, second and third readings to By-law #958 being a by-law to enter into an Agreement with the Ministry of Natural Resources for the divestiture of the water lot and surrounding area occupied by the Hilton Beach Marina to the Village of Hilton Beach.
Carried
Tenders for the sailboat that had been advertised by the Village were opened.
08-118 Moved by L. Crack Seconded by R. Hope
Resolved to accept the tender of Michael Walz in the amount of $525.00 for the purchase of the Grampian sailboat “Red Sky”.
Carried
Council had to go into closed meeting under the Municipal Act.
08-119 Moved by L. Crack Seconded by R. Hope
Resolved to go into closed meeting.
Carried
08-120 Moved by R. Hope Seconded by J. Sullivan
Resolved to return to open meeting.
Carried
08-121 Moved by L. Crack Seconded by J. Sullivan
Resolved to appoint Tony Marziale as Councillor for the Village of Hilton Beach.
Carried
08-122 Moved by R. Hope Seconded by J. Sullivan
Resolved to give first, second and third readings to By-law #959 being a by-law to confirm the proceedings of the Council meeting held November 12th, 2008 and confirm the taking of any action authorized therein and thereby.
Carried
08-123 Moved by L. Crack Seconded by R. Hope
Resolved to adjourn to meet again December 10th, 2008 or at the call of the Mayor.
Carried
APPRECIATION CORNER
To all those who decorated for the fall season.
To those who helped with the new flagpole at the cenotaph: Lyn Garside, Jack Hore, Nick Palumbo, Tim Keenan, John Crack, Dennis Morin and Charlie Nelson. The flagpole was installed in time for the Remembrance Day ceremony.
CHILI FESTIVAL
The Recreation Committee is holding a chili festival on Sunday November 16th from 5 – 7 with games to follow for those who wish. The fee is $5 for the supper of chili, salad, desserts and beverages. Anyone who wishes to bring a pot of chili is invited to do so. There will be tasting cups so you can try them all before deciding on the one of your choice for supper! Take out containers will be available. The chili getting the highest number of votes will win the “People’s Choice Award”. Everyone welcome.
AFTERNOON GAMES
The Recreation Committee will hold a games afternoon for those who wish to play board games or card games at the Hall. Tea, coffee and pop will be available. The first one is November 19th from 1 to 3 p.m. Everyone welcome.
