THE MUNICIPAL CORPORATION OF THE TOWNSHIP OF ARMOUR

MINUTES

February 13, 2001

The regular meeting of the Council of the Township of Armour was held on Tuesday, February 13, 2001 at 7:30 p.m. Those in attendance were Reeve, Frank Gill, Councillors Marty Corcoran, Joanne Cripps, and Gary McFarlane. Councillor Rod Blakelock arrived at 8:00 p.m. Also attending were Ron Russell, Jerry Brandt, Jim MacKinnon, Sgt. Bill Ayotte, Linda Maurer, Lori Haggart, Sandra Reese, Dona Crawford, Carol Johnson-Comer, Jim Mahoney, Phyllis Leggett and staff, Laura Rowley, Clerk Treasurer and Les Phinney, CRS,I. The meeting was called to order at 7:30 p.m. and the minutes of the regular meeting on January 23, 2001 and the minutes of the special meeting on February 6, 2001 were adopted as circulated and amended.

DECLARATION OF PECUNIARY INTEREST:

No pecuniary interest was declared.

DELEGATIONS:

  • Sgt. Bill Ayotte, Burk's Falls Detachment, O.P.P., attended Council to give a report on activity in the municipality. Statistics reports for the period of Jan. 2000 to Jan. 2001 and from Jan. 1999 to Jan. 2000 were received and reviewed. Sgt. Ayotte explained the reports, the graphic incident statistics and answered questions of Council. He presented the detachment's business plan for 2001 and gave an overview of the five main areas of commitment for 2001.


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  • Linda Maurer attended Council on behalf of the Burk's Falls & District Historical Society. An overview of the operation of the museum was included in the agenda and Linda explained the increase in visitors in 2000, the need for summer staffing and some of the fund raising projects for this year. A resolution was passed donating $ 500.00 towards wages for a student.


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  • Sandra Reese attended Council to discuss her request for a right-of-way over municipal property in Lot 12, Concession 5. She has decided, at this time, to not continue with this means of access to Lot 13, Concession 5.


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  • Dona Crawford & Carol Johnson-Comer attended Council to introduce "The Hope Floats Project". This is a group that is organizing to support civic leaders in the pursuit of a much needed long-term care facility in our area. This group is in the initial stage of organization and is looking for support in principle for the project. A kick off fundraiser has been arranged for April 11th at the Land of Lakes Senior Public School. A resolution of support in principle, was passed.


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  • Jim Mahoney attended Council, at Council's request, to discuss By-law Enforcement. Mr. Mahoney's proposal was included in the agenda package and was discussed as well as Armour's "Dog By-law"; the need for an animal shelter; method of enforcing by-laws; and Council's intent to develop a property standards by-law. Mr. Mahoney was thanked for his presentation and Council will discuss this later in the meeting.


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  • Les Phinney, CRS,I, attended Council to discuss the road department. The following items were discussed;
    • -Road Accounts Voucher # 2-2001 in the amount of $ 30,586.00 was approved;
    • -Payment of 2001 membership fee of $ 150.00 to the Almaguin Road Superintendents Association was approved;
    • -Two letters regarding a high water problem on Ferguson Road were received & discussed;
    • -A draft contract for logging two municipal properties was reviewed, changes made and a resolution passed to advertise
      -A draft ad, job description, application and interview questions for an equipment operator was received and discussed. A resolution was passed authorizing the advertizement and the consensus of Council was that the road superintendent would conduct the interviews and recommend his choice to Council.

BUSINESS ARISING FROM THE LAST MEETING:

  • -A resolution was passed donating $ 150.00 to the 2001 Burk's Falls Winterfest.


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  • -Newspaper coverage - A quote for space for the municipality in the business section of the Huntsville Forester was received and reviewed. A quote from the Almaguin News to include a by-monthly newsletter in addition to the tender for publishing bi-monthly minutes; notice of bi-monthly meetings; two nomination notices, when applicable; and 6 subscriptions was also received and reviewed. A resolution was passed accepting the tender from the Almaguin News, less the bi-monthly news letter, in the amount of $ 267.50.
  • -Copy of an application under the SCTP Program to replace the artificial ice plant in the arena was reviewed and discussed. The application was based on the cost sharing formula and Council passed a resolution recommending that capital projects be funded equally and this resolution is to be presented at the next arena board meeting.


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  • -A by-law to establish fees for services of the Fire Department, concerns and recommended changes from the previous Council were discussed. A resolution was passed to submit the changes to the Fire Board for approval.


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  • -Property Standards. A resolution was passed declaring Council's intent to develop a Property Standards by-law & set up a committee.
  • A resolution was passed appointing Gary McFarlane, Frank Gill & Joanne Cripps to a cost sharing committee.


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  • A resolution was passed appointing Frank Gill, Gary McFarlane & Rod Blakelock to a water committee.


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  • A letter was received from the Near North District School Board concerning Council's resolution regarding the naming of the theatre at the Land of Lakes school.


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  • Letter from Steve Cripps, P. Eng., Ministry of Transportation, regarding property acquisition on the Highway 11 corridor. This letter will be discussed with MTO officials at the special meeting scheduled for February 19th.


  • Eastholme - The following documents were received & reviewed;

- letter from Eastholme dated Jan. 25/01 and a request from the Board to support a resolution for the application for 24 additional new beds and the redevelopment of the category "D" beds.

- letter from the Township of Armour to Eastholme dated Jan. 30/01 requesting further information.

- fax from Eastholme including the resolution of the Board to approve Option B and request that the municipalities support Option B, by resolution, and reply by March 2/01.

- Draft letter to the Minister of Health & Long-Term Care written by the Reeve. Council approved the circulation of the letter.

- letter from Premier Harris acknowledging receipt of Council's resolution re Eastholme.

Further information received at the meeting;

- report of cost estimates prepared by the Mayor of the Town of Kearney.

- copy of resolution from the Municipality of Magnetawan.

- reply to Armour's letter of January 30, 2001.

APPROVAL OF ACCOUNTS:

  • -The following road accounts, Voucher # 2-2001, in the amount of $ 30,586.00 was approved by resolution;

Bell Canada garage telephone $ 82.99

Bell Mobility cellular phone $ 32.75

Hydro One garage hydro - Jan. $ 413.68

Jardine OME Ltd. Vehicle & garage liability insurance $10,856.08

Champion Road Machinery parts truck # 6 $ 1,021.20

Canadian National Railways Jan. maintenance $ 728.45

Fastener Centre garage supplies $ 229.03

Hydro One garage hydro - Feb. $ 355.55

Les Phinney mileage $ 497.70

Lou Dennis Automotive supplies - all equipments $ 63.22

Mike's Service Centre gasoline $ 13.48

Northland Truck Centre parts - truck # 6 & # 1 $ 776.12

C.E.Stack Fuels diesel fuel & oil $ 2,855.48

Superior Propane Inc. cylinder rental $ 29.97

Tracks & Wheels Equipment parts - backhoe $ 671.59

Tracks & Wheels Equipment parts - truck # 2 $ 233.28

Viking Cives Ltd. Parts - truck # 6 $ 1,093.60

Viking Cives Ltd. Parts - truck # 6 $ 140.03

Workplace Safety & Insurance - January $ 268.12

Payroll January 2001 $10,223.68

  • -The following general accounts, Voucher # 2-2001, in the amount of $ 82,018.14 was approved by resolution;

Bell Canada Office telephone $ 238.78

Burk's Falls Food Bank Donation $ 500.00

Burk's Falls Presbyterian Church - In Memory - G. Stuart $ 50.00

Cintas Canada Ltd. Office supplies $ 31.05

Co-Operators Insurance employee benefits $ 414.50

FONOM 2001 membership $ 120.00

Hydro One Chetwynd Community Centre $ 72.54

Office $ 268.16

Parks $ 53.91

Jardine OME Insurance insurance $11,774.16

Liberty Health employee benefits $ 931.47

Minister of Finance 911 Central Answering Service $ 919.69

Nipissing/Parry Sound Mutual Aid Assoc. - registration $ 150.00

Pitney Bowes of Canada postage meter rental $ 169.33

Purolator Courier Ltd. freight charges - accts. payable - roads $ 32.89

Receiver General payroll deductions $ 9,531.96

ROMA/OGRA Conference registration $ 618.00

Royal Bank Visa Canpay software update $ 375.95

Card fees $ 36.00

New Councillor training - registration $ 802.25

Workplace Safety & Insurance - accts. payable - roads - Dec. $ 826.44

AHIC 2001 municipal support $ 3,576.00

Almaguin News general ad $ 53.15

Landfill accts. payable - ad $ 106.30

Almaguin News general ads $ 97.02

Assoc. of Municipalities of Ont. - 2001 membership $ 861.63

Almaguin Nipissing Travel Assoc. - 2001 membership $ 133.00

Rod Blakelock Council fees - Feb. $ 375.00

Canada Post Corp. Postal code book $ 24.49

Cintas Office supplies $ 32.20

Canadian National Railways accts. payable - roads - Dec. $ 728.45

Marty Corcoran Council fees - Feb. $ 375.00

Jim Creasor snow shovelling - Feb $ 100.00

Joanne Cripps Council fees - Feb. $ 375.00

Frank Gill Council fees - Feb. $ 433.33

Grand & Toy office supplies $ 83.14

Grand & Toy office supplies $ 420.33

Huntsville Locksmith lock repair $ 25.00

Hutcheson - Barnes Titles office expense $ 16.48

Hydro One park - Feb $ 56.31

Street light - Feb. $ 22.68

Chetwynd Community Centre $ 114.49

Office $ 264.35

Gary McFarlane Council fees - Feb $ 375.00

Ministry of Finance EHT - 2000 $ 4,480.59

Minister of Finance Ambulance - Dec. $ 2,137.91

O.P.P. - Dec. $ 9,422.00

Bev Moore cleaning - Jan. $ 80.00

Nipissing Copier meter charge - Dec. $ 62.28

Ont. Property Assessment Corp - 1st quarterly billing $ 9,624.00

Town of Parry Sound land ambulance - Feb. $ 2,137.86

Township of Perry CBO service $ 882.00

Petty Cash office supplies $ 93.22

Receiver General payroll deductions - Jan. $ 5,673.15

Russell, Christie, Miller Doherty subdivision $ 711.99

Legal expense Dec. $ 73.13

Paul Schaefer mileage - Jan. $ 159.12

Terry's ValuMart office supplies $ 42.67

Township of Ryerson defibulator supplies $ 78.64

Defibulator training $ 350.00

Woodlands Fire Services Fire extinguisher inspection $ 127.55

Whitmell's winter maintenance - landfill acct. payable $ 954.72

G.S.T. rebate $ 845.45

Payroll January $ 7,516.43

  • -The following Landfill accounts, Voucher # 2-2001, in the amount of $ 11,274.02, were approved by resolution;

Co-operators Insurance employee benefits $ 21.07

Hydro One hydro $ 156.84

Jardine OME Lrd. Insurance $ 2,259.36

Liberty Health employee benefits $ 142.84

Uniongas heat $ 431.61

Bell Canada telephone $ 64.56

Burk's Falls Home Hardware - supplies $ 17.26

Hydro One hydro $ 150.54

P.J. Marrin & Son supplies $ 46.44

Samuel Strapping Systems supplies $ 497.54

Whitmell's freight $ 925.00

Lawrence Judd packer repair $ 164.22

Whitmell's plowing & sanding $ 881.41

E.J.Williams Surveying survey $ 2,678.01

payroll Jan. $ 2,837.32

APPLICATIONS: LOTTERY:

An application for a Nevada Licence by the Emsdale Lions Club was approved by resolution.

COUNCILLOR SUBMISSION OF RESOLUTION:

  • -The following resolution moved by Gary McFarlane and seconded by Joanne Cripps was presented, read and passed

Whereas the Corporation of the Township of Armour has experienced significant difficulty with the Appointment of Proxy Voting system in the Municipal Election of November 2000,

And Whereas such difficulties have resulted in the expression of public doubt as to the validity of some of the Proxy Votes cast in the November Election as well as the procedures of validating proxies and subsequent casting of the associated vote,

And Whereas such doubt has led to pending legal action (Application Record - Superior Court of Justice) naming the Township, Township Staff and three Council members,

And Whereas Council considers such legal action as an opportunistic challenge to duly elected officials of the Township and administrative actions of Township staff during the election process,

Therefore be it resolved that Council requests the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing,

    • To execute a complete review and subsequent revision of the Appointment of Voting Proxy - Form 3 to correct a present seriously flawed system of voting,
    • To issue clear instructions to all municipalities on the administrative processes involved in the correct handling of the Proxy Vote system at the local municipal level,
    • To consider replacement of the present flawed Proxy Vote system with a workable version of the Vote by Mail system for casting absentee ballots.

Further be it resolved that copies of this Resolution be sent to all municipalities in the Province of Ontario, AMO, FONOM and local MPP and MP for their support.

BY-LAWS:

- The third reading of By-law # 4-2001 was held over until the next meeting with a request to change the word "Acting" to Deputy".

  • -By-law # 6-2001, being a by-law to appoint officers and set rates of pay for the year 2001 was read a first and second time.

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REPORTS:

  • -The following reports were given:

- Steering Committee - Jan. 25th - minutes of the meeting and Councillor report were received and a resolution passed to pay the 2001 membership fee of $ 10.00.

- Public meeting - Jan. 27th - re Hwy 11 - a copy of a letter to Stantec Consulting Ltd. outlining Council's position was received and a copy of the notice of special meeting of Council to be held on February 19th at the Katrine Community Centre.

- Fire Board - Jan. 29th - a written Councillor report was circulated outlining the meeting and the by-law issue had been discussed under business arising from the last meeting.

- Winterfest Committee - Jan. 31st - verbal report was given by Rod Blakelock and Marty Corcoran and two committee members are scheduled as delegates on the March 13th meeting of Council.

- Performance Measures - Feb. 1st - verbal report given by Gary McFarlane.

- Tri-R Committee - Feb. 1st - minutes of the meeting and Councillor report were received and a resolution passed regarding Pitch-In Canada Week.

- Amalgamation Committee - Feb. 5th - minutes of the meeting and Councillor report were received and a resolution passed agreeing to the initiation of a Plan for Amalgamation based on three phases and the set up of four sub committees. Resolutions to appoint to the four sub committees to be done at the next meeting. Also received were copies of resolutions from the Township of Ryerson and the Township of Perry.

- MHRDC - Feb. 7th - verbal report given by Rod Blakelock and minutes of the meeting given to the Clerk for copies to be circulated to Council members.

- Special Events Committee - Feb. 8th - no one attended.

- Planning Board - Feb. 12th - a written Councillor report was given to the Clerk for copies to be circulated to Council members.

- Minutes of a special meeting of the Burk's Falls Council and representatives from Fleetguard Nelson and a Press Release regarding the Nelson Plan Closure were discussed and a resolution passed supporting the Village of Burk's Falls in their endeavour to set up meeting with the MPP, MP and local municipalities regarding this closure.

CORRESPONDENCE:

- District of Parry Sound Municipal Association, notification of the spring meeting to be held Monday, May 7, 2001 in McKellar; ward director needed for Ward # 5; membership fees for 2001 in the amount of $ 100.00 are now due; and minutes from the fall meeting. Resolutions were passed approving the payment of the membership fee; appointing Frank Gill as representative on Ward 5; and authorizing the registration of three people to attend the spring meeting.

- Almaguin 2000 Development Agency, invoice for membership for 2001 in the amount of

$ 3,085.60. A resolution authorizing payment was passed.

- Burk's Falls & District Fire Board, December expenses and budget update to end of 2000. A resolution was passed authorizing the payment of an over levy in the amount of $ 2,312.51.

- Blue Sky Economic Partnership, requesting support for the establishment of a Private Land Forest Stewardship Coordinator and a Private Land Resource Stewardship Program in the Nipissing District. Support, in principle, was given.

- Town of Caledon, request for support of a resolution to explore the development of a protocol with the Peel District School Boards for the undertaking of capital projects or expansion of existing facilities. A resolution of support was passed.

- Town of Caledon, request for support of a resolution to lobby the Provincial & Federal Governments to extend funding through the Environmental Farm Plan. A resolution of support was passed.

- City of Cornwall, request for support of a resolution to request the Minister of Health to modify the funding formula for hospital facilities/services. A resolution of support was passed.

- City of Windsor, request for support of a resolution with regard to proposed changes to the Liquor Licence Act outlined in the Discussion Paper "Building Safer Communities - Safer Communities Through Co-operative Enforcement". A resolution of support was passed.

- Ministry of Northern Development & Mines, Update on the Ontario Northland Transportation Commission's Service Improvement Strategy.

- Rail Ways to the Future Committee requesting a resolution be passed regarding the protection, investment and promotion of rail as an economic development tool and to develop commuter and tourist train potential. A resolution was passed.

- RISK, a division of the Muskoka Parry Sound Health Unit, information regarding "Alcohol Liability: How it Affects You, Your Municipality and Your Community"and the implementation of a MAP policy. This issue will be looked into at a later date.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS:

  • -Discussion re advertising and hiring a maintenance person. It was the general consensus that the Groundskeeper position would be revised to include snow shovelling and maintenance. The Clerk is to prepare a draft job description for Council's review.

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NEW BUSINESS:

  • -The following assessment related correspondence was received and reviewed by Council;

- Letter from the Three Mile Lake Community Club to OPAC;

- Reply from OPAC to the Three Mile Lake Community Club;

- Minutes of Settlement from OPAC on three properties in the Township. Council had no objection to two of the properties and further information is requested on the third one.

  • -A resolution was passed approving the Treasurer's Report of Remuneration Paid to the Council in 2000.


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  • -A resolution was passed affirming that bond coverage of the employees was reviewed at the time of renewal of the municipal insurance.


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  • -A resolution was passed changing the date of the first regular meeting in March 2001 from the 13th to the 14th.


  • -Council moved into Closed Session at 12:10 A.M. and out of session at 12:22 A.M.


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  • -list of correspondence received and not on the agenda.

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RESOLUTIONS:

  • -Moved by Joanne Cripps, Seconded by Gary McFarlane, That the minutes of the regular meeting held on January 23, 2001 be adopted as circulated and amended. (Carried)


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  • -Moved by Marty Corcoran, Seconded by Gary McFarlane, That the minutes of the special meeting held on February 6, 2001 be adopted as amended. (Carried)

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  • -Moved by Joanne Cripps, Seconded by Gary McFarlane, That the Council of the Township of Armour hereby donate $ 500.00 to the Burk's Falls & District Historical Society for 2001 to be used towards wages to hire a student. (Carried)


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  • -Moved by Rod Blakelock, Seconded by Marty Corcoran, That Road Accounts Voucher # 2-2001 in the amount of $ 30,586.00 be paid as presented and the Reeve and the Treasurer are hereby authorized to sign cheques for same. (Carried)


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  • -Moved by Joanne Cripps, Seconded by Rod Blakelock, That the Corporation of the Township of Armour hereby authorize the payment of the membership fee in the amount of $ 150.00 to the Almaguin Road Superintendents Association for the year 2001. (Carried)


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  • -Moved by Marty Corcoran, Seconded by Joanne Cripps, That the Council of the Township of Armour hereby authorize the Clerk to advertise for logging on municipal property. (Carried)


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  • -Moved by Rod Blakelock, Seconded by Joanne Cripps, That the Council of the Township of Armour hereby authorize the Clerk to advertize for an equipment operator for the roads department. (Carried)


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  • -Moved by Joanne Cripps, Seconded by Gary McFarlane, That the Council of the Township of Armour hereby support, in principle, "The Hope Floats Project". (Carried)


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  • -Moved by Rod Blakelock, Seconded by Marty Corcoran, That the Council of the Township of Armour hereby donate $ 150.00 for the January 2001 Burk's Falls Winterfest. (Carried)


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  • -Moved by Rod Blakelock, Seconded by Marty Corcoran, That the Council of the Township of Armour hereby purchase news paper coverage from the Almaguin News

for the following items; publication of minutes of by-monthly council meetings; notice of bi-monthly council meeting; nomination notices, two insertions, when applicable; 6 yearly subscriptions; for the tendered fee of $ 267.50.

  • -Moved by Joanne Cripps, Seconded by Gary McFarlane, That the Council of the Township of Armour hereby recommend that any capital projects on shared services (SCTP) be funded equally by the participating municipalities. (Carried)


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  • -Moved by Marty Corcoran, Seconded by Joanne Cripps, That the Council of the Township of Armour hereby submit the proposed by-law to establish fees for the Burk's Falls & District Fire Dept. with recommended changes to the Fire Board for approval. (Carried)


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  • -Moved by Gary McFarlane, Seconded by Joanne Cripps, That the Council of the Township of Armour hereby declare their intent to develop a Property Standards By-law and set up a committee. (Carried)


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  • -Moved by Joanne Cripps, Seconded by Marty Corcoran, That the Council of the Township of Armour hereby appoint the following representatives to the Armour, Ryerson & Burk's Falls Cost Sharing Committee; Gary McFarlane, Frank Gill & Joanne Cripps. (Carried)


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  • -Moved by Joanne Cripps, Seconded by Rod Blakelock, That the Council of the Township of Armour hereby appoint the following representatives to a Water Committee; Frank Gill, Gary McFarlane, Rod Blakelock. (Carried)
  • -Moved by Rod Blakelock, Seconded by Marty Corcoran, That General Accounts Voucher # 2-2001 in the amount of $ 82,018.14 be paid as presented and the Reeve and the Treasurer are hereby authorized to sign cheques for same. (Carried)


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  • -Moved by Joanne Cripps, Seconded by Rod Blakelock, That Landfill Accounts Voucher # 2-2001 in the amount of $ 11,274.02 be paid as presented and the Reeve and the Treasurer are hereby authorized to sign cheques for same. (Carried)


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  • -Moved by Rod Blakelock, Seconded by Marty Corcoran, That the Council of the Township of Armour hereby approve the application of the Emsdale Lions Club Inc. for a Nevada Licence and the fee shall be $ 12.00 per box. (Carried)


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  • -Moved by Gary McFarlane, Seconded by Joanne Cripps,

Whereas the Corporation of the Township of Armour has experienced significant difficulty with the Appointment of Proxy Voting system in the Municipal Election of November 2000,

And Whereas such difficulties have resulted in the expression of public doubt as to the validity of some of the Proxy Votes cast in the November Election as well as the procedures of validating proxies and subsequent casting of the associated vote,

And Whereas such doubt has led to pending legal action (Application Record - Superior Court of Justice) naming the Township, Township Staff and three Council members,

And Whereas Council considers such legal action as an opportunistic challenge to duly elected officials of the Township and administrative actions of Township staff during the election process,

Therefore be it resolved that Council requests the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing,

    • -To execute a complete review and subsequent revision of the Appointment of Voting Proxy - Form 3 to correct a present seriously flawed system of voting,
    • -To issue clear instructions to all municipalities on the administrative processes involved in the correct handling of the Proxy Vote system at the local municipal level,
    • -To consider replacement of the present flawed Proxy Vote system with a workable version of the Vote by Mail system for casting absentee ballots.

Further be it resolved that copies of this Resolution be sent to all municipalities in the Province of Ontario, AMO, FONOM and local MPP and MP for their support. (Carried)

  • -Moved by Rod Blakelock, Seconded by Joanne Cripps, That leave be given to introduce a bill # 6-2001, being a by-law to appoint officers & set rates of pay for the year 2001. (Carried)


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  • -Moved by Rod Blakelock, Seconded by Joanne Cripps, That By-law # 6-2001 be read a second time. (Carried)


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  • -Moved by Rod Blakelock, Seconded by Marty Corcoran, That the Council of the Township of Armour hereby authorize the payment of the membership fee of $ 10.00 to the South East Parry Sound Steering Committee. (Carried)


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  • -Moved by Rod Blakelock, Seconded by Gary McFarlane, That we continue beyond the 11:00 o'clock curfew. (Carried)
  • -Moved by Rod Blakelock, Seconded by Gary McFarlane,

WHEREAS PITCH-IN CANADA is a non-profit, charitable organization established in 1967;

AND WHEREAS hundreds of thousands of Canadians show their civic pride each year, cleaning up neighbourhoods, ravines, waterways and illegal dump sites;

AND WHEREAS PITCH-IN CANADA promotes to Canadians that reducing, re-using, recycling and properly disposing of waste is everyone's responsibility;

AND WHEREAS PITCH-IN CANADA involves volunteers in various action programs ranging from initiating waste reduction, recycling and composting programs to cleaning up and enhancing shorelines, streams, urban and wilderness areas;

NOW THEREFORE, the Council of the Township of Armour declares the week of May 7 - 13, 2001 as "PITCH-IN CANADA WEEK" in the Township of Armour and invites all citizens in our Community to "Lend a Hand - Clean our Land!". (Carried)

  • -Moved by Joanne Cripps, Seconded by Rod Blakelock,

Be it resolved that the Corporation of the Township of Armour agrees to the initiation of a Plan for Amalgamation based on the following key stages of assessment,

    • -Exploration - Phase 1 - expected duration 6 months
  • -Transition - Phase 2 - expected duration 12 months
  • -Implementation - Phase 3 - expected duration 12 to 18 months

In addition, four (4) Sub-Committees shall be formed to assess individual and joint services with one (1) Councillor serving on each Sub-Committee. (Carried)

  • -Moved by Joanne Cripps, Seconded by Rod Blakelock, That the Council of the Township of Armour support the Village of Burk's Falls in their endeavour to set up meetings with Andy Mitchell and our Provincial representative with regards to the closing of the Nelson Muffler plant. (Carried)


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  • -Moved by Rod Blakelock, Seconded by Joanne Cripps, That the Council of the Township of Armour hereby approve the payment of membership fee in the amount of $ 100.00 to the District of Parry Sound Municipal Association for the year 2001. (Carried)


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  • -Moved by Gary McFarlane, Seconded by Joanne Cripps, That the Council of the Township of Armour hereby appoint Frank Gill as representative on Ward 5 to the District of Parry Sound Municipal Association. (Carried)


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  • -Moved by Joanne Cripps, Seconded by Rod Blakelock, That the Council of the Township of Armour hereby authorize the registration of 3 people to attend the spring meeting of the District Municipal Association to be held on May 7, 2001 in McKellar. (Carried)


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  • -Moved by Marty Corcoran, Seconded by Rod Blakelock, That the Council of the Township of Armour hereby authorize the membership fee of $ 3,085.60 to Almaguin 2000 Development Agency for the year 2001. (Carried)


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  • -Moved by Joanne Cripps, Seconded by Rod Blakelock, That the Council of the Township of Armour hereby authorize the payment of $ 2,312.51 to the Burk's Falls & District Fire Board, over levy of the 2000 budget. (Carried)


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  • -Moved by Gary McFarlane, Seconded by Joanne Cripps, That the Council of the Township of Armour hereby support, in principle, the Forestry Sector's efforts to secure a Private Land Forest Stewardship Coordinator and a Private Land Resource Stewardship Program for the Nipissing District. (Carried)
  • -Moved by Rod Blakelock, Seconded by Marty Corcoran, That the Council of the Township of Armour hereby support the resolution of the Town of Caledon to explore the development of a protocol with the Peel District School Boards for the undertaking of capital projects or expansion of existing facilities. (Carried)


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  • -Moved by Joanne Cripps, Seconded by Rod Blakelock, That the Council of the Township of Armour hereby support the resolution of the Town of Caledon to lobby the Provincial & Federal Governments to extend funding through the Environmental Farm Plan. (Carried)


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  • -Moved by Rod Blakelock, Seconded by Gary McFarlane, That the Council of the Township of Armour hereby support the resolution of the City of Cornwall to request the Minister of Health to modify the funding formula for hospital facilities/services. (Carried)


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  • -Moved by Gary McFarlane, Seconded by Rod Blakelock, That the Council of the Township of Armour hereby support the resolution of the City of Windsor with regard to proposed changes to the Liquor Licence Act outlined in the Discussion Paper "Building Safer Communities Through Co-operative Enforcement". (Carried)


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  • -Moved by Joanne Cripps, Seconded by Marty Corcoran,

WHEREAS in the recent Provincial Budget the Minister of Finance proclaimed that the budget would help Ontario to be more competitive, create more jobs, be of more help for small towns and rural development;

AND WHEREAS the budget promised funds for infrastructure and environmental investment;

AND WHEREAS neighbouring rail competitors have had rail programs in place for decades in order to provide improved market access, create economic development opportunities, improve geographic equity, reduce road and environmental costs;

AND WHEREAS transit improvements, including light-rail transit, would make our cities, towns and regions more liveable, attractive and competitive;

AND WHEREAS U.S. municipalities receive extensive senior government assistance for travel and thus being successful in light rail transit;

AND WHEREAS the investment of provincial infrastructure funds into rail renewal for both freight and transit would decongest our highways, reduce greenhouse gases and smog emissions, encourage more efficient land use, reduce road costs, generate jobs and improve market access;

THEREFORE BE it resolved by the Government of Ontario as follows:

    • -That the Province of Ontario immediately establish a Rail Renewal Task Force with a mandate and budget to protect and retain rail rights of way, invest in rail infrastructure improvement, promote rail as an economic development tool, and develop commuter and tourist train potential; and
    • -That the Province of Ontario forge agreements with railway companies operating in the Province of Ontario and municipalities to exchange property tax liability on their rail right-of-way corridors on the condition that the railways will pass title of any rail line they abandon to the province and /or local municipality at no cost, including existing rail infrastructure; and
    • -That the Province of Ontario assist, financially and otherwise, all Ontario municipalities that are interested in the enhancement of rail travel and transport in order to reduce roadway gridlock and air and noise pollution. (Carried)
  • -Moved by Rod Blakelock, Seconded by Marty Corcoran, That the Council of the Township of Armour hereby approve the Treasurer's Report of Remuneration Paid to the Council of the Township of Armour in 2000. (Carried)
  • -Moved by Joanne Cripps, Seconded by Gary McFarlane, In accordance with Section 92 (3) of the Municipal Act, the Council of the Township of Armour hereby affirm that bond coverage of their employees was reviewed at the time of renewal of the municipal insurance. (Carried)


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  • -Moved by Rod Blakelock, Seconded by Joanne Cripps, That the Council of the Township of Armour hereby change the date of the first regular meeting in March 2001 from the 13th to the 14th. (Carried)


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  • -Moved by Rod Blakelock, Seconded by Marty Corcoran, BE IT RESOLVED that the Council of the Township of Armour move into closed session at 12:10 A.M. in order to discuss personnel matters and legal matters pursuant to Section 55 (5) (d) & (e) of the Municipal Act. (Carried)


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  • -Moved by Rod Blakelock, Seconded by Joanne Cripps, That we move out of the closed session at 12:22 A.M. (Carried)


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  • -Moved by Rod Blakelock, Seconded by Marty Corcoran, That we do now adjourn at 12:24 a.m. until the next regular meeting of Council scheduled for February 28, 2001, or at the call of the Reeve. (Carried)