Council Minutes - Feb 9/10

February 9, 2010

INCORPORATED VILLAGE OF HILTON BEACH
Council Meeting
February 9, 2010

The meeting was called to order at 7:30 p.m. Present were Mayor Stevens and Councillors Crack, Hope, Marziale and Sullivan.

10-08 Moved by R. Hope Seconded by T. Marziale
Resolved to approve the minutes of the December 29th, 2009 meeting as presented.
Carried

10-09 Moved by L. Crack Seconded by R. Hope
Resolved to approve the minutes of the January 13th, 2010 meeting as presented.
Carried

10-10 Moved by J. Sullivan Seconded by R. Hope
Resolved to authorize payment of Voucher #10-01 in the amount of $44,677.62.
Carried

The Problem Detail Sheet Summary was reviewed. One item was added – a hole where bats may be able to enter the building will have to be plugged before spring.

The Clerk’s Report was reviewed. The work to prepare year-end is underway. The fridge in the hall kitchen has stopped working and has been declared to be unrepairable. Replacement of this unit as well as the one behind the bar was included in the Stimulus Grant application. The Recreation Committee had decided at the recent meeting that they would pay the Village portion of the fridge as the Recreation Committee is a high user of the kitchen. Insulation in the hall will also be evaluated for inclusion under the grant as there appears to be considerable heat loss through the roof of the old section.

The Ministry of Finance advised that the operating grant will be lowered from the $179,100 received in 2009 to $159,300. The difference is expected to be off-set by reductions in several of the social assistance program levies. This will be confirmed when the levies are received from the Algoma District Services Administration Board. This information will be needed prior to setting the 2010 budget.

Correspondence was received from the Algoma District Services Administration Board expressing concern over funding for employment programs that have assisted persons in this region.

10-11 Moved by R. Hope Seconded by T. Marziale
Resolved to support the resolution of the Algoma District Services Administration Board protesting the disbandment of the Self Employment Program and changes to the Second Career Program by the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities.
Carried

Algoma Family Services provided information of treatment services to children and youth in the area. Councillor Crack indicated that she would be writing a letter of support as she has interest in and knowledge of these issues.

The Village’s information in North Channel Marine Tourism Council brochure was reviewed and minor changes were made. The Hilton Beach Marina will once again participate in the pump-out program where boaters who pay for five pump-outs at any one of the fourteen participating North Channel marinas will get the sixth one free. Starting in 2010 the card will not expire at the end of the year. Councillor Hope indicated an interest in attending the Annual General Meeting in April in Spanish.

Correspondence was received from FONOM on the impact of several challenges facing the resource based businesses in the North. Council thought that these are actually in the Federal and Provincial jurisdictions and are very complex issues.

Consideration was given to the fees charged for Official Plan and Zoning Bylaw amendments. Other Island municipalities have raised their fees to reflect increasing costs. It was decided to do the same at the next meeting. The new rates are Official Plan Amendments - $500, Zoning By-law Amendments - $250 and $600 when both are required to be amended.

The annual tax ratio by-law was tabled. These ratios have not changed for several years. It establishes the ratio between residential, multi-residential, commercial and industrial properties.

10-12 Moved by J. Sullivan Seconded by T. Marziale
Resolved to adopt By-law #992 being a by-law to establish tax ratios for 2010.
Carried

Cost estimates were received from Tulloch Engineering for proposed extensions of the water and sewer systems to service property owners who have requested these services. Council had requested this work to be done to be prepared for any grant funding that became available that would make the projects viable for the ratepayers. The usual turnaround time for these grants is so short that unless the preliminary work has been done it is impossible to access the funding and the costs are such that the funding is requires for the project to proceed..

The possibility of having some sort of recognition of the 100th Anniversary of the founding of the Summer Community in 2011 was discussed. It was thought that this would be an important milestone to mark. Details will be developed at a later date.

Several items were received from the Algoma Manor regarding the transfer of the Algoma Manor assets to the new entity. There are certain procedures that have to be followed and it appears that there will be a time delay. There will be a meeting on February 18th to bring the municipalities up to date. The Mayor and Clerk will attend.

10-13 Moved by R. Hope Seconded by J. Sullivan
Resolved to adopt By-law #993 being a by-law to confirm the proceedings of the Council meeting held February 9th, 2010 and confirm the taking of any action authorized therein and thereby.
Carried

10-14 Moved by L. Crack Seconded by R. Hope
Resolved to adjourn to meet again on March 9th, 2010 or at the call of the Mayor.
Carried








APPRECIATION CORNER


To everyone who participated in the Soups and Stews Community Supper. There was an excellent turnout and the food was varied and delicious.

To Jake Cormier who made two emergency trips to solve computer problems keeping downtime to a minimum.


RECREATION EVENTS


Chocolate Everything!: Sunday Feb 14th. From 1 to 3 p.m. If you would like to bake something please do so. You can have it judged or just donate it for the fundraiser. Judged items have to be brought to the hall between 9 and 10 a.m.

Family Day: Feb. 15th starting at 2 p.m. at the rink. There will be skating and games followed by a BBQ and hot chocolate. Fun for all ages.

Sushi Making Workshop: Instructor – Helen Hope. Feb 20th at the Hall starting at 9 a.m. Cost $10. Learn how to make delicious and attractive sushi appetizers. These small appetizers are made with cooked rice and small pieces of veggies, egg and/or raw or cooked fish. Call the Office 246-2242 to register.

Safe Food Handling Course: Taught by Sault College and certified by Algoma Public Health. Cost is $94.03 per participant. This is an excellent course for anyone who prepares and serves food for the public. Pre-registration is required. Please call the Office at 246-2242 by 4:30 on Feb 23rd.

Community Suppers: The next scheduled supper with games to follow is on March 20th. The theme will be Mexican. Admission is free to those who bring a dish and the charge is $5 for those who don’t. There is always a tremendous variety and it is a great community event. The theme for April will be Italian with the date to yet be set.

“Working with Clay” Workshop: Instructor - Sandra Hodge. Learn to make garden stones or wind chimes. Cost is $10. Call the Office 246-2242 to register.



WATER SERVICE LINES

Because of the lack of snow there is a chance that water service lines form the curb stop to the house may freeze. It is recommended that water be run pencil thin to avoid the line from freezing. As spring approaches it seems that the danger increases as the frost is driven down. It does not have to be a big flow to prevent the problem so just run it pencil thin.