THE MUNICIPAL CORPORATION OF THE TOWNSHIP OF ARMOUR

MINUTES

November 9, 2004

The regular meeting of the Council of the Township of Armour was held on Tuesday, November 9, 2004 at 7:30 p.m. Those in attendance were Reeve, Richard Thomas; Councillors, Marty Corcoran, Bob MacPhail and Rod Blakelock, Councillor Brandt was absent ; delegates, Norm MacKinnon and Ryan Worral, from Greer Galloway Group, Manal Kasim, Paul Lecoarer, and Michael Trickey, from Ministry of Transportation, Ron Russell, Paul and Linda May- Smith; guests, Karen Kowalchuk, Nancy Shaw, Gordon Isbister, Phyllis Leggett, Ed Robinson, Jessie Kohl from the Huntsville Forrester; staff, Les Pninney, CRS-I, and Wendy Whitwell, Clerk-Treasurer.

CONFIRMATION OF THE MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS MEETING:

The minutes of the regular meeting October 26, 2004 were approved as circulated.

DECLARATION OF PECUNIARY INTEREST:

  • -None.

DELEGATIONS:

  • -Norm MacKinnon and Ryan Worral, Greer Galloway Group gave a detailed presentation regarding the municipal structure appraisal completed on the bridges this year. A total of ten bridges were checked with eight showing very little change. Two bridges, # 1 - Ferguson Road and # 9, Pevensey Road show some deterioration and will require attention. Ryan's presentation to Council included detailed photo images of the two bridges, what options are available, next steps, and estimates for maintenance and/or replacement. Funding opportunities were discussed. Norm and Ryan will provide a quote for further services. Council thanked Norm and Ryan for the informative presentation.

  • -Manal Kasim, Paul Lecoarer, and Michael Trickey, Ministry of Transportation, attended at Council's request to discuss correspondence and concerns the municipality has with the four laning project. Specific items discussed included:

- when can the Township expect the surplus properties which have been purchased for the original highway design, and no longer needed, be put back on the market? Council reiterated their serious concerns with the length of time this is taking, and the negative impact this reduced assessment is having on the finances of the municipality. No anticipated time could be given by MTO.

- deer and moose crossing concerns south the Burk's Falls. MTO believe the design of the new highway, with the wide cleared area, loss of trees, and better sight lines will address these concerns. Drivers are advised to reduce speed and use caution at dusk and after dark.

- the need for more rest areas for the traveling public, in particular, transport trucks. An area for trucks has been constructed in the Novar area, with one on the north and southbound lanes. MTO indicated rest areas are still being considered, but the Ministry does not wish to compete with commercial operators.

- discussion regarding interchange locations and connecting roads. Council reviewed a preliminary map provided by MTO on November 9th. After a lengthy discussion it was decided that a working meeting would be scheduled with Council and MTO in early January to discuss specifics. MTO will have a complete map indicating the details of all interchanges located in the Township, and connecting roads.

  • -Ron Russell, regarding zoning amendment for Concession 3, Part Lot 12.

Council reviewed a sketch and discussed verbal comments from the planner. A resolution was passed.

  • -Paul Smith, regarding zoning amendment for Concession 9, Part Lot 9. Paul supplied well test results from October 21, October 27, November 1, and November 4th. Test results indicate no coliformes and no e.coli. Paul also provided a sketch indicating the proposed house location on one lot. Council reviewed comments and a map from municipal planner indicating the official plan setbacks from landfill and sewage lagoons in relation to the Smith's property. The clerk was instructed to request written comment from the municipal planner on the Jagger Hims hydrogeologic evaluation dated October 8, 2003.

  • -Les Phinney, CRS-I, attended to discuss the following road issues:

- budget review

- road accounts voucher # 11-2004

- CNR crossings will be worked on later this week. Les is working with CN to facilitate these repairs.

- winter sand is now ready

- Commercial Drive and Terry's Valuemart parking lot, safety concerns discussed.

BUSINESS ARISING FROM A PREVIOUS MEETING:

  • -Councillor Corcoran reported on problems at the washroom building at Doe Lake municipal park, including extensive damage to the ladies washroom door which will not shut properly. The washrooms have been drained and closed for this year. Councillor MacPhail will check and board up the door if required.

ACCOUNTS FOR APPROVAL:

  • -general accounts voucher # 11-2004 in the amount of $ 76,404.42 was approved for payment by resolution.


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  • -road accounts voucher # 11-2004 in the amount of $ 24,491.71 was approved for payment by resolution.


  • -landfill accounts voucher # 11-2004 in the amount of $ 6,806.01 was approved for payment by resolution.

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BY-LAWS:

  • -By-law # 34-2004, being a by-law to enter into a lease agreement for 12 Three Mile Lake Road with Brian Williamson, Canadian Shield Log Home Craftsmen was read a third time.

  • -By-law # 35-2004, being a by-law to confirm the proceedings of Council was read a first, second and third time.

REPORTS:

  • -Fire Brd, October 27th, Marty and Richard gave verbal reports.

    • -Steering Committee, October 28th, Marty and Richard gave a verbal report on the presentation regarding the Kearns Disintegrator.


    • -Tri R, November 3rd, Bob and Richard gave a verbal report. We are receiving many compliments on the recent improvements and tidiness of the site. Annual monitoring well tests will be completed soon.


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    • -Planning, November 8th, Richard gave a verbal report.


    • -Budget to September 30th was reviewed by Council


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    • -Parry Sound District Social Services Administration Board 2004-2006 manuals were distributed.


    • -By-law officers report, September 30th was reviewed.


    CORRESPONDENCE:

    • -letter received from the Golden Horseshoe American Pit Bull Terrier Club, regarding the proposed breed specific legislation currently being considered by the Province.


    • -Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing, announcement regarding a new program - "Long Standing Service Recognition of Municipal Politicians" . Criteria includes: must be currently serving, and have twenty-five years or more as of January 1, 2004.


    • -Ministry of Northern Development and Mines, Honourable Rick Bartolucci, recapping the successes of the first year of his appointment.


    • -City of Timmins, request for support of a resolution to designate the Timmins and District Hospital as a regional referral hospital and adjust funding accordingly. A resolution in support was passed.


    • -Township of Ryerson, invitation to the grand opening of the new Midlothian Road Bridge, Saturday, November 20th, 1:00 p.m. at the bridge, followed by a reception at the Young at Heart Senior's Centre, Burk's Falls.


    UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
    • -District of Parry Sound Municipal Association, resolution for consideration regarding the Muskoka-Parry Sound Health Unit. A resolution was passed.

    • -AMO Alert, regarding Regulation 170/03. Copy of the highlights included in the AMO Task Force recommendations forwarded to the Ministry of Environment. AMO will continue discussions with MOE regarding implementing the recommendations.


    • -Ministry of Transportation, copy of draft survey, Part of Lot 11, Concession 3, property required by the Ministry for highway purposes. This property has been advertised as surplus to the needs of the municipality, and a resolution was passed.


    NEW BUSINESS:
    • -ROMA/OGRA Conference, February 20 - 23, 2005, information package was reviewed by Council. Further information will be provided on workshop sessions at a later date.


    • -Ministry of Natural Resources, public notice regarding the Burk's Falls Dam - Class Environmental Assessment Study. Comments are being received until November 30, 2004. Council have no comments to submit.


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    • -Letter to Council from Sylvia Gethons - Green regarding the Huntsville Animal Shelter. Armour currently has a contract with the Almaguin Animal Shelter to December 2005.


    • -Burk's Falls, Armour, and Ryerson Special Events Committee, copy of the terms of reference and list of officers for the 2005 year. The clerk will forward a reply.


    • -Near North District School Board, information regarding the initiative called "Community Use of Schools" program, and copy of a community recreation and use agreement.


    • -Staff report regarding the purchase of a photocopier, prices for purchase and leasing, and the results from demonstrating two machines. The clerk was instructed to prepare a resolution for the next meeting as per the recommendation included in the staff report.


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


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    • -Resolution to move into closed session.


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    • -Resolution to move out of closed session.


    RESOLUTIONS:
    • -Moved by Rod Blakelock, Seconded by Bob MacPhail, That the minutes of the October 26, 2004 meeting be approved as circulated. (Carried)


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    • -Moved by Bob MacPhail, Seconded by Marty Corcoran, That the Council of the Township of Armour hereby agree in principal to the proposed re-zoning of Part Lot 12, Concession 3, as per the sketch supplied, and which will afford relief to the adjacent property owner (Stevenson). (Carried)


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    • -Moved by Rod Blakelock, Seconded by Bob MacPhail, That Road Accounts Voucher # 11-2004 in the amount of $ 24,491.71 be paid as presented and the Reeve and the Treasurer are hereby authorized to sign cheques for same. (Carried)
    • -Moved by Rod Blakelock, Seconded by Bob MacPhail, That General Accounts Voucher # 11-2004 in the amount of $ 76,404.42 be paid as presented and the Reeve and the Treasurer are hereby authorized to sign cheques for same. (Carried)
    • -Moved by Marty Corcoran, Seconded by Rod Blakelock, That Landfill Accounts Voucher # 11-2004 in the amount of $ 6,806.01 be paid as presented and the Reeve and the Treasurer are hereby authorized to sign cheques for same. (Carried)
    • -Moved by Rod Blakelock, Seconded by Marty Corcoran, That By-law # 34-2004 be read a third time, signed and the seal of the Corporation affixed thereto and finally passed in open Council this 9th day of November, 2004. (Carried)
    • -Moved by Bob MacPhail, Seconded by Rod Blakelock, That leave be given to introduce a bill # 35-2004, being a by-law to confirm the proceedings of Council at its meetings. (Carried)


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    • -Moved by Bob MacPhail, Seconded by Rod Blakelock, That By-law # 35-2004 be read a second time. (Carried)


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    • -Moved by Bob MacPhail, Seconded by Rod Blakelock, That By-law # 35-2004 be read a third time, signed and the seal of the Corporation affixed thereto and finally passed in open Council this 9th day of November, 2004. (Carried)


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    • -Moved by Rod Blakelock, Seconded by Marty Corcoran, That the Council of the Township of Armour hereby support the resolution from the City of Timmins and hereby urge the Ontario Government to designate the Timmins and District Hospital as a Regional Referral Hospital Facility, and funding levels be adjusted accordingly. (Carried)


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    • -Moved by Rod Blakelock, Seconded by Bob MacPhail, WHEREAS the Province of Ontario has announced that Dr. Sheela Basrur, Chief Medical Officer of Health will exercise her authority to assume the powers of the Muskoka-Parry Sound Board of Health;


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    AND WHEREAS Patricia Buchanan has been appointed Transition Director, and it is important for the residents of the District of Parry Sound that during and after the transition of service delivery to the North Bay and District Health Unit that their concerns be addressed;

    NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT:

    1. There be no job loss experienced by those providing health unit services in the Parry Sound District communities;

    2. There be no loss in the availability of health unit services or local facilities in the communities in Parry Sound District;

    3. Representation on the Health Unit Board be adequate to provide meaningful voice for the people of Parry Sound District. This would necessitate that representation be done by other than population or determined by a formula which considers seasonal population and financial contributions;

    4. Access to the Board be available in an appropriate and reasonable manner, unlike what has resulted from the creation of the Near North District School Board;

    5. The disposition of assets and liabilities of the Muskoka-Parry Sound Health Unit be done in a fair and equitable manner, with Parry Sound assuming none of the liabilities for fixed assets located in the District of Muskoka; and

    6. All costs of transition of the Muskoka-Parry Sound Health Unit and the merging with the Simcoe and North Bay Health Units be assumed by the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care;

    AND FURTHER that this resolution be forwarded to the Minister of Health and Long Term Care, and the Transition Director. (Carried)

    • -Moved by Marty Corcoran, Seconded by Rod Blakelock, That the Council of the Township of Armour hereby resolve that the Council of the Township of Armour does hereby declare the lands surplus to the needs of the municipality:

  • Part Lot 11, Concession 3, Township of Armour, District of Parry Sound, shown as indicated on Schedule A. (Carried)

    • -Moved by Marty Corcoran, Seconded by Rod Blakelock, That the Council of the Township of Armour hereby authorize the Reeve and Clerk to enter into a property purchase agreement with the Ministry of Transportation, regarding Part Lot 11, Concession 3, Township of Armour. (Carried)


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    • -Moved by Marty Corcoran, Seconded by Bob MacPhail, That we continue beyond the 11:00 o'clock curfew. (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 11:06 p.m. in order to discuss matters pursuant to Section 239 2 (e) of the Municipal Act. (Carried)


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    • -Moved by Rod Blakelock, Seconded by Marty Corcoran, That the Council of the Township of Armour move out of the closed session at 11:27 p.m. (Carried)


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    • -Moved by Marty Corcoran, Seconded by Rod Blakelock, That we do now adjourn at 11:28 p.m. until the next regular meeting of Council scheduled for November 23, 2004 at 7:30 p.m. or at the call of the Reeve. (Carried)