Report on Council: August 27, 2012

Report on Council:
August 27, 2012
Committee of the Whole Meeting: 9:00 am – 12:33 pm
Regular Meeting: 7:00 pm – 7:58 pm
 Deputy Mayor Lawrence, Councillors Claire, Warren and Wishart
Regrets: Mayor Millar
In the absence of Mayor Millar, Deputy Mayor Lawrence chaired the meetings

Champlain Commemorations Huronia 2015
Gregory King, Chair of the Infrastructure Committee for the Commemorations, addressed the Committee requesting municipal assistance in the celebration of Champlain Commemoration 2015 marking the 400th anniversary of Champlain’s visit to Huronia. He noted that the bulk of funding for programs and events will likely be provided by the federal and provincial governments, but at this time, he is requesting that each municipality (Midland, Penetanguishene, Tay and Tiny) set aside in their next three or four (2013, 2014, 2015 and 2016) budgets to assist in the Commemorations. Staff was instructed to bring forward a draft resolution at the Regular Meeting of Council to further discuss the funding request during the 2013 budget deliberations.

Bill 32, Great Lakes Shoreline Right of Passage Act, 2011
The Committee reviewed a request by Dominic Mifsud to make an oral submission regarding the Right of Passage legislation. Because the Bill is still at the first reading in the Legislative Assembly of Ontario, staff was instructed to bring forward a draft resolution at the Regular Meeting of Council to deny the request.

Solar Farm Support Letter
At the August 13, 2012 Regular Committee of the Whole meeting the Committee discussed the request by Trevor Lindsay for municipal support for the Hay Solar Farm.. A legal opinion from Barriston Law with respect to this matter was also received and reviewed, and on this basis staff was instructed to bring forward a draft resolution to advise the requester that Council is not prepared to endorse his request.

Wyevale Intersection Pedestrian Signal and School Zone Warning Signs
Two tender submissions were received for the signals and signs in Wyevale. Henk Blom, Manager of Public Works, reported on the result of the tender call, and staff was instructed to bring forward a draft resolution at the Regular Meeting of Council to award the contract to Walkers Electric 2000 in the amount of $70,743.08 (including HST).

Emergency Services Report
If an ambulance is delayed for 15 minutes or more the fire department is dispatched for medical emergency calls. There were 2 fire calls and 16 medical assists for the period ending July 31, 2012. Volunteers are paid for a minimal of 3 hours when dispatched. If a truck is dispatched to a fire and the owner does not have a permit they are charged $500 per vehicle.

Petition from R. Doering re: Road Allowance between Conc. 18 and 19, Thunder Beach.
Under a court order, the fence partially blocking access to the road allowance between Concessions 18 and 19 is allowed to remain.

Municipal Investments Limited
Deputy Mayor Lawrence referred to a letter dated August 12, 2012 from J. Axler of Municipal Investments Limited regarding a proposed development on Blocks B & C, Registered Plan 1371. Staff was instructed to advise Mr. J. Axler to contact the County of Simcoe for his proposed development. Municipal Investments has brought forward this proposal with every council since the 1960’s.

Cabell Road/Park
Deputy Mayor Lawrence inquired if the park at the end of Cabell Road was municipally owned. If it is not then should the signage and fencing be removed? Doug Luker, CAO/Clerk, advised that this matter will be included in the in-camera session on the September 10, 2012 Regular Committee of the Whole agenda for further discussion.

IJC’s International Upper Lakes Study Report
Councillor Warren suggested that Committee discuss the IJC’s International Upper Lakes Study report with respect to the lake levels in the upper lakes, and the General and Specific Comments and Recommendations outlined in the report. Council directed staff to forward a letter to the Great Lakes St. Lawrence Cities Initiative (GLSLCI) expressing concerns regarding Recommendation #1 contained in the IJC’s International Upper Lakes Study report; and further that a copy of the joint municipal letter regarding the Great Lakes water levels be forwarded to the GLSLCI.