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Council Minutes - Jan 14/09
January 14, 2009
INCORPORATED VILLAGE OF HILTON BEACH
Council Meeting
January 14, 2009
The meeting was called to order at 7:30 p.m. Present were Mayor Stevens and Councillors Crack, Hope and Marziale. Councillor Sullivan was absent with notice.
09-01 Moved by R. Hope Seconded by T. Marziale
Resolved to approve the minutes of the December 10th, 2008 meeting as presented.
Carried
09-02 Moved by L. Crack Seconded by T. Marziale
Resolved to authorize payment of Voucher #08-12 in the amount of $116,163.55.
Carried
The Problem Detail Sheet was reviewed. There were no changes.
The Clerk’s Report was noted. This is a busy time with year-end and the new PSAB requirements.
Several pieces of correspondence were received on the operating funding to be received in 2009. As confirmed in the letter from the Ministers of Finance and Municipal Affairs and Housing, the full amount will be received and no part will be phased-in as has been the practice. This is the policy that the Village had appealed. The result will be that instead of receiving the $84,800 announced in November, 2008 the municipality will receive $179,600. These funds can be used to reduce the deficit, reduce the debt, be used for 2009 operating thus reducing the tax rate and be set aside in a reserve. At budget time Council will determine how best to allocate the funds among these options. Now that the funding formula has been changed this level of funding will continue to be received.
Confirmation was received from AMO that the Federal Gas Tax Agreement has been extended up to and including 2013. The Village will receive $10,580 each year. The funds have to meet the requirements of the Agreement and cannot be used for general operating.
A letter was received expressing concerns on the South St. hill. It was requested that it be plowed on a priority basis when conditions require it and that it be maintained at the standard of bare pavement in winter. It was also requested that the road be widened, ditched and a walkway provided. The later is a major capital project to be considered at budget time. The snow removal and sanding will also be reviewed and discussed in conjunction with the required standards of care.
Copies of resolutions were received from the other three Island municipalities regarding representation on the Planning Board. All three suggestions are different.
A copy of the presentation made by the Matthews Memorial Hospital Association at a recent meeting as well as several other items on the subject were received. Council agreed that the emergency service provided by the Hospital is very important and should be continued.
09-03 Moved by L. Crack Seconded by R. Hope
Resolved to petition the Sault Area Hospital to maintain 24 hour emergency care as a minimum standard of care provided at Matthews Memorial Hospital.
Carried
MPAC provide summaries of their continued efforts to improve productivity and service. They also detailed concern regarding the Assessment Review Board decision that all tenanted commercial properties such as office buildings and shopping mall be assessed without regard for the tenants’ interests thus reducing the assessment an estimated 25%. This would reduce the assessment for and taxes paid by these properties which in turn would increase the amount of taxes that will be levied against the other tax classes including residential. The effect in this area would be primarily in the levies charged by the area-wide boards.
09-04 Moved by T. Marziale Seconded by L. Crack
Resolved to support the position of the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation regarding the current value assessment of tenanted commercial properties.
Carried
The Municipality of Temagami circulated a resolution petitioning the Province to delay the implementation of the 2008 assessments for one year to allow for the processing of all requests for reconsideration. The issue is that levies paid to boards such as social services and long term care are calculated on the assessment rolls as returned and there is no adjustments for reductions due to appeals. In a reassessment year these appeals can be quite significant and it means and it could result in the municipality paying more than their fair share. The school board is the only board for which adjustments are made for write-offs and supplementaries when calculating the final payment for the year.
09-05 Moved by R. Hope Seconded by T. Marziale
Resolved to petition the Ministry of Finance to allow municipalities to adjust their final payment to the DSAB and long term care facilities to reflect changes to the roll in the year as is done for the school boards.
Carried
Correspondence to and from the Ministry of Transportation regarding the condition of Highway 548. Lance Knox explained that the contractor has been made aware of the problem and has committed to reviewing the situation in the spring. The work is covered with a warranty.
Education tax rates for 2009 were provided by the Ministry of Finance. The residential and business tax rates will decrease slightly and the industrial rate will increase slightly.
The Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing provided the reporting requirements for the municipal performance measurement program.
Information was received from the East Algoma Community Development Corporation on the Enterprise Camp. This is a week long business camp for youth aged 10 to 13. The participants enjoy a variety of activities including developing a product for sale and at the end of the week selling them at a “business for a Day” in the Station Mall. They stay at Algoma University, enjoy the YMCA recreation facility as well as learn about business.
A copy of the City of Sault Ste. Marie’s submission to the Minister of Health and Long Term Care on Northern health care was received.
Councillor Crack provided additional information on the Infant and Child Development Program offered by Algoma Public Health. The services are not a duplication of other services and covers children older than six years of as well.
09-06 Moved by L. Crack Seconded by R. Hope
Resolved to support the resolution of Algoma Public Health petitioning the Minister of Child and Youth Services to provide adequate financial support to the Infant and Child Development Program of Algoma Public Health in order to maintain the important prevention services to the children and families of the District of Algoma.
Carried
The annual appointment by-law was reviewed and finalized.
09-07 Moved by T. Marziale Seconded by R. Hope
Resolved to give first, second and third readings to By-law #964 being a by-law to make appointments for 2009.
Carried
The annual statement of remuneration and expenses for members of Council was tabled.
09-08 Moved by L. Crack Seconded by R. Hope
Resolved to approve the 2008 Statement of Remuneration and Expenses for members of Council per section 284(2) of the Municipal Act for expenses paid under By-law #937.
Carried
The Fees and Charges By-law was reviewed. It was decided to charge for televisions which were not on the list. It will be passed at the next meeting.
On recommendation of the auditor to the Library Board, Council considered a resolution to authorize the transfer of funds received from a special grant to a reserve.
09-09 Moved by L. Crack Seconded by T. Marziale
Resolved to authorize the transfer $10,000 to the Reserve for Special Projects for the Hilton Union Public Library effective December 31, 2008.
Carried
Councillor Hope suggested that a clarification be made that members of the committees are not individually mentioned in the Appreciation Corner, just the non committee volunteers.
09-10 Moved by R. Hope Seconded by T. Marziale
Resolved to give first, second and third readings to By-law #965 being a by-law to confirm the proceedings of the Council meeting held January 14th, 2009 and confirm the taking of any action authorized therein and thereby.
Carried
09-11 Moved by L. Crack Seconded by T. Marziale
Resolved to adjourn to meet again on February 10th, 2009.
Carried
APPRECIATION CORNER
To everyone who committed to serve on a committee or board for the Village. Some are new and others have served for many years. When volunteers are listed in the Appreciation Corner throughout the year these members are not listed just the non members. Most committee and board members assist with every activity as well s attending the monthly meetings. A lot of the work is done behind the scenes such as purchasing, baking, preparing and clean-up.
To Karen Silver for donating the Christmas tree, to those who helped with decorating the tree beside the Library and those who participated in the carolling.
To our annual good deed person who provided $100 to be distributed to a person or persons who needs a hand-up at Christmas.
To eveyone who has had and is having a part in getting the rink up and running. This looks like a great rink winter.
To the following members of the boards and committees. All are volunteers donating many hours to serve their community.
Forbes Community Park Committee: Tanya Alexander, Lavera Crack, Tom Desjardin, Gloria Fischer, Wilfred Stevens
Hilton Beach Car Show Committee: Mike Creedan, Gloria Fischer, Jack Hore, Tony Marziale, Nick Palumbo, Jane Sullivan
Hilton Hall Expansion Committee: Lavera Crack, Gloria Fischer, Wilfred Stevens
Hilton Beach Recreation Committee: Gloria Fischer, Brandon Hunter, Tony Marziale, Julie Moore, Helen Hope, Lori Parr, Joanne Springer, Anne Woods
Hilton Union Fire Board: Robert Hope, Tony Marziale, Jane Sullivan
Hilton Union Public Library Board: Janet Coutu, Lavera Crack, Laurel Hendrick, Tracy Stevens
Lost Loon Music Festival Committee: Larry Borek, Gloria Fischer, Tammy McFadden, and George Ravlich
Rural Energy Alternatives Development: Robert Hope
SJI Advisory Committee for Seniors & Physically Disabled: John Wilkinson
St. Joseph Island Museum Board: Jane Sullivan, Lavera Crack
St. Joseph Island Planning Board: Wilfred Stevens
St. Joseph Island Policing Committee: Robert Hope
Administration/ Finance Committee: All Members of Council
Landfill Operating Committee: Robert Hope, Tony Marziale, Wilfred Stevens
GAMES AFTERNOON
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. Wednesday January 21st from 1 to 3 p.m. Everyone welcome.
“STEWS AND SOUPS” SUPPER
The Recreation Committee is holding another community supper. The theme will be “Stews and Soups”. Anyone wishing to bring a pot of either is invited to do so. The $5 admission fee will be waived for those providing a pot of stew or soup. The Committee will provide salad, pickles, desserts and beverages. Games to follow for those who wish (bring your favourite one!).
CARBON MONOXIDE BROCHURE
Brochures on the danger of carbon monoxide are available at the Village office. It details the problem, causes, symptoms, prevention and provides information on detectors.
