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Council Minutes - Apr 8/09
April 8, 2009
INCORPORATED VILLAGE OF HILTON BEACH
Council Meeting
April 8, 2009
The meeting was called to order at 7:30 p.m. Present were Mayor Stevens and Councillors Hope and Marziale. Absent with notice were Councillors Crack and Sullivan.
Great Lake Power personnel were in attendance to provide their annual update. Dan Richards gave information on some of the programs – the Great Refrigerator Round-up, the Look-up program and the Look-out program are in effect. Information on these programs was provided and is available in the Village Office. New rates will be in effect as has been circulated with the power bills to all consumers. The average residential rates will decrease by 2.32%. Smart meters will be installed for all consumers by the end of 2010. This is a government legislated program aimed at reducing power consumption by encouraging people to use power in the off-peak periods as it will be at a reduced rate. Anyone moving a building is encouraged to obtain a moving permit. Applications will be available at the Village Office. Jennifer Rose indicated that no major work will be done in the Village this year. If anyone has a tree that may interfere with the power lines, they are asked to call Great Lakes Power and their crew will fall it safely. Emphasis is now being put on reduced use of herbicides and on establishing “corridors for life” along the power lines for species at risk. Council thanked the delegation for the presentation.
09-33 Moved by R. Hope Seconded by T. Marziale
Resolved to approve the minutes of March 18th, 2009 as presented.
Carried
09-34 Moved by R. Hope Seconded by T. Marziale
Resolved to authorize payment of Voucher #09-03 in the amount of $219,359.08.
Carried
The voucher was larger than normal as there are several large payments – Algoma District Services Administration Board for one quarter ($26,345.78), Algoma District School Board for one quarter ($10,625.00), annual insurance payment ($29,822.04), Desjardin Construction ($76,152.10 and new pedestals and pump-out system for the marina that is funded by a grant ($45,465.00) as well as the smaller items.
The Problem Detail Sheet Summary was reviewed. One new item was added – “Dead End” signage for Mariners’ Way. Several items should be completed once the snow is gone.
The Clerk’s Report was reviewed. There is a new grant for accessibility renovations and improvements. The hall is a prime building as there is no accessibility to the lower level for those with walkers or wheelchairs and there are no automatic door openers. A list will be prepared of work that needs to be done and quote sought for Council’s consideration. This is timely as there are new minimum standards that will come into effect in 2010 that must be met.
The annual report on the sewage system was received from OCWA. There were no deficiencies.
The results of the recent round of lead testing were reviewed. None exceeded the allowable limit.
The annual report on usage for the recycling depots was received from the Township of Tarbutt. Even with the withdrawal of the Township of St. Joseph, the tonnage increased by 5%. All classes of material experienced an increase. The usage is calculated on a per household basis and the Village is credited with twenty-four tonnes. This program certainly is helpful in preserving all of the area landfills.
A query was received from the Township of Hilton regarding maintenance of the landfill road. A letter will be written indicating that the Village had not considered changing the road maintenance arrangement and ask that the rates for 2009 be provided.
Notification was received from the Ontario Provincial Police that the recent contract with their staff will require an increase in the levy. This will be reconciled in March, 2010.
The Township of St. Joseph requested a donation on behalf of the Matthews Memorial Hospital public relations committee for $500. While the Village maintains that each municipality paying a flat rate is not fair to the smaller ones, Council thought that the Hospital was an important service and agreed to this level of donation.
09-35 Moved by R. Hope Seconded by T. Marziale
Resolved to donate $500 to the Public Relations Committee that is working to keep Matthews Memorial Hospital open.
Carried
An invitation was received from Ray Stortini to the dedication ceremony for the new lighthouse in Richards Landing on May 30th at 2 p.m. The public is welcome.
Great Lakes Power is changing the method of charging for the streetlight system. The method will change from the current Regulated Price Plan to the Hourly Ontario Electricity Price Plan. It should reduce the costs ad the lights are not metered and the night rates are lower. The change takes effect on May 1st, 2009.
The Algoma District Services Administration Board annual meeting will be held on April 23rd.
A copy of correspondence by a Township ratepayer to Mike Brown, MPP regarding the condition of Highway 548 was received. Both Councils had addressed this problem with the Province.
The need for improvements to passenger rail service in the North was raised.
09-36 Moved by T. Marziale Seconded by R. Hope
Resolved to support in principle the resolution of the East Algoma Chiefs Mayors and Reeves Council petitioning the Federal and Provincial Governments to improve the passenger rail service in Northern Ontario.
Carried
The issue of the Northern Communities Grant was raised again by the City of Sudbury.
09-37 Moved by R. Hope Seconded by T. Marziale
Resolved to support in principle the resolution of the City of Sudbury petitioning the Province to increase the northern Communities Grant by $50 per household.
Carried
A renewal of the agreement for administration of the Provincial Offences Act was received from the City of Sault Ste. Marie. The City administers this service for sixteen area municipalities and two First Nations.
09-38 Moved by R. Hope Seconded by T. Marziale
Resolved to give first, second and third readings to By-law #970 being a by-law to enter into an agreement with the City of Sault Ste. Marie for the administration of the Provincial Offence Act.
Carried
Council had to go into closed meeting to discuss personnel issues.
09-39 Moved by R. Hope Seconded by T. Marziale
Resolved to go into closed meeting.
Carried
09-40 Moved by R. Hope Seconded by T. Marziale
Resolved to return to open meeting.
Carried
09-41 Moved by T. Marziale Seconded by R. Hope
Resolved to hire David Leishman as marina manager.
Carried
09-42 Moved by R. Hope Seconded by T. Marziale
Resolved to advertise for a person to perform maintenance duties on a casual basis.
Carried
09-43 Moved by T.Marziale Seconded by R. Hope
Resolved to give first, second and third readings to By-law #971 being a by-law to confirm the proceedings of the Council meeting held April 8, 2009 and confirm the taking of any action authorized therein and thereby.
Carried
09-44 Moved by T. Marziale Seconded by R. Hope
Resolved to adjourn to meet again on May 13th, 2009 or at the call of the Mayor.
Carried
APPRECIATION CORNER
To Elaine and Tom Carlson for the birdhouse which will be installed the area of Memory Lane.
To those who have made suggestions for Council’s consideration for the community plan. It is not too late to submit yours. The ideas will be reviewed and a summary will be included in the final tax bill for further ratepayer input on the priorities for the plan.
To anyone who supported the Boucher Benefit in any way. This was a joint effort by the Jocelyn Recreation Committee and the Hilton Beach Recreation Committee with help from many others. It was a tremendous success and is appreciated by the family.
REPAIR AND MAINTENANCE
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
The Village will hire a person to do small repair and maintenance jobs in the Village.
This is a casual position and the number of hours will vary from time to time.
Jobs will include repair and maintenance of buildings including tasks such as building steps to the hall kitchen, work within the library, roof repairs to the water and sewage facilities, setting the timers for lights, maintenance of playground equipment.
Please include a resume stating your qualifications and interest in this position. Also indicate if you have any tools to complete this type of jobs.
Applicants should apply in writing to the Village Office, 3064 Hilton Rd., Box 25, Hilton Beach by 4:30 p.m. on April 24th, 2009.
Only those applicants selected for an interview will be contacted.
