Council Reports: Council 2006-2010 Archives

December 13, 2010

REPORT ON COUNCIL

Dec. 13, 2010>

Committee of the Whole Meeting: 9:00 am to 12:29 pm and 1:00 pm to 4:45 pm

Regular Evening Meeting: 7:30 pm – 7:36 pm

Mayor Millar, Deputy Mayor Lawrence and Councillors Claire, Warren and Wishart present

BEACH WATER QUALITY SAMPLES

A representative from the Barrie District Health Unit presented their results from last summer. These can be viewed on the Township web site under Agenda – COW – Dec. 13, 2010.
It was noted that the readings and the postings do not always seem logical but the officer explained that the readings take 48 hours to process and, sometimes, the cause has disappeared and the posting is not necessary.

SEPTAGE ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT PROCESS

At request of council, an officer of R.J Burnside attended to update council on the process. This study was awarded last August to consider our septage disposal options and some council members seemed upset with the timetable. Other members cautioned that it is important to take the time necessary to totally understand the overall situation. The process is mandated by the Ministry of the Environment and must be followed carefully. Burnside was chosen to complete the first two phases: 1. Identify the Problem or Opportunity and 2. Identify Alternative Solutions.
There was considerable discussion as to when to engage the public in the process and officers of Burnside will be at the next council meeting to finalize the schedule.

2011 COUNCIL MEETING SCHEDULE

The schedule is posted on the Township website. Please note the following changes from standard dates -

Feb. 28 meeting moved to Mar. 3

Apr. 26 meeting moved to Apr. 29

Oct 31st Regular meeting of Council will be held immediately following the COW meeting.

LIBRARY FUNDING AGREEMENT

All three of the libraries which our citizens use requested fee increases: Springwater from $75.00 to $80.00 per household, Penetanguishene from $100.00 to $110.00 and Midland from $110.00 to $135.00. The total has been capped at $150,000 and a new cap of $175,000 was proposed.
Council decided, on a split vote, to pay only the current rates, capped at $150,000.
While we applaud fiscal restraint, this decision seems somewhat punitive as rates have not been increased since 2008. Deputy Mayor Lawrence and Councilors Wishart and Claire voted not to allow an increase while Mayor Millar and Councillor Warren opposed the motion.

BUILDING PERMIT STATISTICS

Growth continues on 2010 with the month of November up to $4.084m from $3.843m in 2009. Year to date figures increased from $23.816m to $40.973m

PAID PARKING PLAN BALM BEACH

Council requested staff to move expediently with this initiative so as to have a solution by summer 2011.

LE VILLAGEOIS LOAN

This loan, due Dec. 31, 2009 has not been repaid. Staff was instructed to contact the corporation and request an update.

Posted by Webmaster at 10:58 PM

November 29, 2010

REPORT ON COUNCIL

Nov. 29, 2010

Committee of the Whole Meeting: 9:00 am to 11:29 am

Regular Evening Meeting: 7:00 pm – 7:21 pm

Mayor Breckenridge, Deputy Mayor Lawrence and Councillors Claire, Cornell and Warren present

NOVEMBER COUNCIL MEETINGS

The current council’s powers are limited until the end of the term on November 30th. They any not approve any expenditure over $50,000, which was not in the 2010 budget. Hence there will be little activity this month.

SERVICE AWARDS

Service Awards were presented to the following staff:
Glenn Desroches - 30 years service
Angela Pauze – 10 years
Laurel Trottier – 10 years
Shawn Persuad – 5 years

2011 BUDGET MEETINGS

Meetings are now scheduled – Jan. 17th, Jan. 27th, and Feb. 21st 2011. It is unfortunate that this process is so late this year. Many other municipalities have prepared a final draft for consideration by the new council(s) early in the term. It will be March before the budget is complete in Tiny.

MCMAHON WOODS

Council requested an update on the Ontario Municipal Board Appeal of the McMahan Woods Development. Staff reported that the Appeal has been filed with the County of Simcoe with respect to the subdivision application and filed with the Township of Tiny relative to the zoning by-law amendment application. In turn the County and the Township will be forwarding all documents relating to the proposed appeals to the OMB.
Eventually the OMB will schedule a hearing and we will watch carefully for that notice.

PROPOSED ROAD CLOSURE

A petition was received regarding the proposed winter road closure of Cote de la DaIle. Staff had previously advised that the road in question poses a safety issue to the road maintenance operators and the travelling public during the winter months. The petition challenges that position, queries the closure now after many years, wonders why there was no consultation and notes that other roads with steeper grades are maintained.

2011 DEVELOPMENT CHARGE

Council considered the report, regarding the Development Charge and approved the 2011 proposed development charge at $4,656 (up from $4,619) per household for residential units
and $15.91 (up from $15.78) per square meter gross floor area for non-residential units.

Posted by Webmaster at 12:19 AM

November 08, 2010

November 8, 2010

REPORT ON COUNCIL

Nov. 8, 2010

Committee of the Whole Meeting: 9:00 am - 12:17 pm and 1:28 pm – 2:21 pm

Regular Evening Meeting: 7:00 pm – 7:20 pm

Mayor Breckenridge, Deputy Mayor Lawrence and Councillors Claire, Cornell and Warren all present.

CONFIDENTIAL / CLOSED SESSION (N/A)

NOVEMBER COUNCIL MEETINGS

The current council’s powers are contained until the end of the term on November 30th. They may not approve any expenditure over $50,000 that was not in the 2010 budget. Hence there will be little activity this month.

ONTARIO – OFFICIAL PLAN UPDATE

The province has finally released the plan update that has been delaying the County Official Plan and also the Township Official Plan. There was no discussion as to when those plans would be completed but all of the information regarding the update is available at www.placestogrow.ca.

GEORGIAN DRIVE EXTENSION

This item has been before council on several occasions. The developer wrote to council requesting a postponement of work until next spring. Under the agreement he must start work by November 15th. Council decided to advise the developer that he must proceed now and complete any items which cannot be completed, due to winter weather, in the spring.

PROPOSED ROAD CLOSURE

Council considered a staff report regarding the proposed winter road closure of Cote de la DaIle. The road in question poses a safety issue to the road maintenance operators and the travelling public during the winter months. Staff was instructed to bring forward a draft resolution
at the evening meeting of Council to authorize that Cote de la DaIle be closed for winter maintenance at Concession 14 East during the winter season from November 1 to April 15. A member enquired if citizens in the area had been contacted but they had not.

GEORGIAN BAY SNOWRIDERS CLUB
A letter was received from the Georgian Bay Snowriders Club regarding the replacement of the P5 Bridge along Tiny Trail at Concession 12E.
The Club is proposing a wider bridge which will have no additional cost to the Municipality but will accommodate the trail groomer.
Staff was instructed to advise the club that the request will be deferred until such time as Council has received and reviewed the recommendations of the Trails Master Plan/Active Transportation Plan

Posted by Webmaster at 11:31 PM

October 12, 2010

REPORT ON COUNCIL

October 12, 2010

Committee of the Whole Meeting: 9:00 am – 12:57 pm and 1:28 pm - 2:21 pm

Regular Evening Meeting: 7:00 pm – 7:20 pm

All members of Council present

CONFIDENTIAL / CLOSED SESSION:

VOTERS LIST: Council raised various questions about deficiencies in the Voters List produced by MPAC. There were omissions in every category – property owners, spouses, multiple owners, seasonal and permanent. The matter will be discussed after the election.
One possible solution that occurs to us is for the Township to itself send enumeration forms to every household along with tax bills early in an election year.

GEORGIAN DRIVE EXTENSION: Heated discussion arose from an article in the Midland Free Press concerning a visit Mayor Breckenridge and Councillor George Cornell paid to a developer at Georgian Drive in the 18th Concession West.
Parts of this matter remain fuzzy. What is clear is that the developer was required to extend Georgian Drive by a particular date, that he no longer desired the extension, but had failed to follow timely and proper procedure. Instead, he waited until the last moment to try to back out of his obligations. As three members of Council were convinced that if the road were not built, the Township itself could, in future, end up having to finance the road extension, the developer was required to build the road.
The unfortunate aspect of the matter was that no way was found to avoid the felling of many trees for a road that neither the developer nor the residents of Georgian Drive want.

SEPTAGE DISPOSAL ON FIELDS: Two officials from the MoE in Barrie attended to shed light on the licensing of the spreading of septage on fields. Chris Hyde, District Supervisor, said that spreading is safe if the soil and the hydrogeological assessments are appropriate. A private owner in the 17th Concession East has had 6 hectares approved for spreading and another in the 15th Concession East has had 8 hectares approved. The latter is the property that prompted a presentation at the previous meeting of Council. The license for this property expires in November, but may be renewed.
Hyde observed that they do more follow up tests in Tiny than elsewhere and that the rate of spreading has been reduced in Tiny. He said that in future the Township would be notified when a landowner applies for a license to permit spreading.

ENCROACHMENTS AND HARASSMENT AT ASSELIN BEACH: Council received a letter from a resident in Concession 17 West, who wrote on behalf of 16 other residents. The letter outlined steps taken by these residents both last year and this to deal with alleged encroachments and described the harassing of beach users at Asselin Park. The steps taken included the submission of a map showing alleged encroachments, a list of them, a meeting with Roger Robitaille, head of Planning. The alleged encroachments include a marine railway, boats, decks, planter, flag pole, horseshoe pits, hammock, fire pits, gardens, rock walls, lighting, furniture etc.
The letter requested a site inspection to confirm the encroachments, their removal, construction of a fence to define the public parkland, and “Asselin Park” signage. Council left the matter in the hands of staff, with the understanding that legal advice would be sought and that the incoming Council would deal with the matter.

HEALTH UNIT’S SWIMMING WATER SAMPLE RESULTS FOR TINY: Following a written request from the president of FoTTSA, Councillor Claire asked for the results of the Health Unit’s sampling of swimming water at public beaches in Tiny. Council instructed staff to ask the Health Unit either to forward the sample results for the summer or to come and review the results with Council.

Following a written request from the president of FoTTSA, Councillor Claire asked for the results of the Health Unit’s sampling of swimming water at public beaches in Tiny. Council instructed staff to ask the Health Unit either to forward the sample results for the summer or to come and review the results with Council.

Posted by Webmaster at 11:56 PM

September 27, 2010

REPORT ON COUNCIL

September 27, 2010

Committee of the Whole Meeting: 9:03 am – 12:33 pm

Regular Evening Meeting: 7:30 pm – 8.30 pm

All members of Council present

CONFIDENTIAL / CLOSED SESSION: 9:37 am to 10:07 am with John Burzo of Burger, Rowe in attendance

SEVERN SOUND SUSTAINABILITY PLAN

Doug Luker, CAO, presented an overview of the Plan. There is considerable detail on the Tiny website under today’s agenda tab. The steering committee is trying to solidify a workable structure and requires $6000 per annum for the next four years from each of the eight member communities. SSEA has not been able to obtain any grant monies. This is a very ambitious undertaking and we encourage you to read the website information as there will be many opportunities for residents to participate in committees.

ACCESSIBILITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE

A comprehensive report was presented detailing many suggested improvements to township facilities. Small items that can be done right away were highlighted and major items will be considered during the 2011 budget meetings.

SEPTAGE DISPOSAL ON FIELDS

Discussion was held regarding field disposal of septage as a result of a presentation by Jurgen Pape at the previous meeting. Council directed staff to request MoE officials to attend the next Committee of the Whole meeting and address the criteria for selecting a field, the duration of a license and the methods of measuring saturation of a field.

BUILDING PERMIT STATISTICS

Strong growth over last year continues with the month of August increasing from $1,799,000 in 2009 to $6,152,000 in 2010. For the year to date the increase is from $14,607,000 in 2009 to $27,323,000 in 2010.

LAFONTAINE BEACH MASTER PLAN MEETING

The second public meeting will be held in the Council Chambers on November 6, 2010 from 10 am to noon.

NO PARKING ON BLAIR LANE (CAWAJA)

As a result of concerns expressed in a petition from the residents of Blair Lane, Council decided that there is to be No Parking on that narrow, dead-end lane.

Posted by Webmaster at 10:52 PM

September 13, 2010

REPORT ON COUNCIL
Sept.13, 2010
Committee of the Whole Meeting: 9:04 am – to 11.58 am
Regular Evening Meeting: 7:10 pm – 7:22 pm
All members of Council present

CONFIDENTIAL / CLOSED SESSION: N/A

PHRAGMITES UPDATE: Although it was not discussed at the meeting, we learned that the MoE and MNR did approve spraying and/or wicking at the 8th Concession Road Allowance parkette and this was completed early in September. As each location requires a specific proposal and approval, staff is now preparing more applications and it is hoped that all sites will be approved in preparation for a spraying program next spring.

Draft Financial Statements and Audit Committee: Glenn Ventrcek and Kathy Black of BDO Dunwoody presented their assessment of the Township's 2009 Draft Financial Statements. Municipal assets such as bridges and roads will now be listed as capital assets and will be depreciated over their useable lifespan rather than being expensed in the year that they are constructed. This is due to new provincial guidelines for municipalities and should more accurately reflect their asset base.

CHAMPLAIN COMMEMORATION: Peter Hominuk, Executive Director of La Cle d'Ia Baie, provided an update of plans for the commemoration of the 400th anniversary of Champlain's arrival in New France and Huronia in 2015. The original steering committee was not effective and is now disbanded. Funding from a Trillium Foundation grant has been spent. His goal is to present this initiative to the four surrounding municipalities in an effort to develop a new steering committee comprised of La Cle d’la Baie, Southern Georgian Bay Chamber of Commerce, North Simcoe Community Futures Development Corporation and the Wendat nation. The new committee will then seek further sources of funding.

SITE 41: At this meeting, Council passed a By-law amending the Township’s Official Plan. The amendment redesignates Part of Lots 10 and 11, Concession 2 East from the “Open Waste Disposal Site” to the original “Agricultural” designation. Once the County approves the amendment, Site 41 will be farmland once more.

Posted by Webmaster at 10:51 PM

August 30, 2010

REPORT ON COUNCIL
August 30, 2010
Committee of the Whole Meeting: 9:00 am – to 4:12 pm (The day included site visits to Woodland Beach Park, the recently acquired Hunters’ and Anglers’ building, and Blair Lane.)
Regular Evening Meeting: 7:00 pm – 9:08 pm
All members of Council present

CONFIDENTIAL / CLOSED SESSION: N/A

MAYOR’S CHARITY GOLF TOURNAMENT: Mayor Breckenridge announced that the Charity Golf Tournament attracted 66 golfers and raised more than $5,000 for the Huronia Museum and the Huron Ouendat Village.

STEWARDSHIP COMMITTEE FOR WOODLAND BEACH PARK: Community Stewardship Committees similar to the one that keeps an eye on the Bluewater Park are to be set up for each of the major shore parks after a new Council is elected. However, it was felt that a committee is needed right away for Woodland Beach Park, so an interim committee is to be struck, with terms of reference similar to those of the Bluewater Dunes Restoration Advisory Committee.

ZER0-BASED BUDGETING / DATES OF BUDGET MEETINGS: Four members of Council – Councillors Nigel Warren, André Claire, and George Cornell, plus Deputy Mayor Lawrence -- all made points in support of zero-based budgeting, and in particular in support of having one department tackle it during the next budget period. Treasurer Doug Taylor was open to the idea and the Recreation Department was selected for the experiment. According to Taylor, some of the principles of zero-based budgeting are already in play in the budget process in Tiny Township.
Budget meetings are to begin at 9 am on January 17, 2011, February 7, 2011, and February 21, 2011.

ANOTHER PHRAGMITIES UPDATE: There’s still no confirmation in writing from the relevant ministries permitting the Township to spray the Phragmites at the 8th Concession beach road allowance The Manager of Public Works (Henk Blom) knows that the plants are now in bloom. His fall back plan is to have the seed heads clipped and the plants left standing in case spraying is eventually allowed. Once permission has been received for the 8th, applications will be made for the spraying of stands of Phragmites elsewhere on Township property, so that a plan can be in place for next year. Meantime, the Works Department intends to cut the Phragmites on all Township properties on the shore.
[We hear that the Phragmites at the 8th has been treated, so permission must have been received.]

SITE 20 RESOLUTION / STATUS OF CLOSED LANDFILLS: Zoning issues regarding the closed landfill on Part Lot 15, Concession 14 West have reached a reasonable conclusion. The landfill area is to be designated and a setback of 30 metres to be established around it. Only one property is affected. The report from Genivar Consultants is to be released to the involved property owners.
The Township’s Chief Planner, Roger Robitaille, commented that of 36 closed landfills on the County’s list for Tiny Township, only 13 remain to be resolved. However, as these same landfills have been cleared a couple of times before, he has opened a file on each one for future use if needed. He intends to supply details in a report to Council.

BUILDING PERMIT ACTIVITY: July building activity was up as compared with July last year. Building activity has been vigorous this year -- $21,171,000 to the end of this July, as opposed to $12,808,000 for the same period last year.

COUNCIL AND THE COMMITTEE OF ADJUSTMENT: At this meeting, Council learned for the first time that it may, if it wishes and time permits, make a recommendation regarding a particular case to the Committee of Adjustment.

PUBLIC MEETING ABOUT THE PROPOSED McMAHON SUBDIVISION: At this well-attended public meeting regarding a proposed subdivision on the northeast corner of Concession Road 4 West and Crosslands Road, the developer’s planner Darren Vella presented the proposal – 51 lots on 35 hectares of land zoned as future development in 1977, 19 hectares of retained woodland, two entries off Tiny Beaches Road South.
Surrounding communities then presented their concerns. Tim Cane of Jones Consulting, who spoke on behalf of the Bluewater Dunes Ratepayers’ Association, raised 10 questions, among then whether the development truly conforms to the various planning documents including the Provincial Policy Statement, the County Greenlands Policy with its 20-lot maximum and the Township’s Environmental II overlay, the regional ANSI on the site, and Township policies put in place in the years since 1977.
Irene Wilson, President of Bluewater Georgina Wendake Beaches Association, spoke about the cumulative impact on the environment of development of existing vacant lots, of the 66 lot Montabello development on Concession 5, and of this proposed development of 51 lots. She questioned the validity of the traffic study, which was done on a cold May weekend rather than at a time of peak use in July or August. She asked whether the aquifer could support all this development, questioned whether pedestrian traffic to and from the beach could be managed safely, noted that the estimate of 2.5 individuals per household would probably be well below actual use in summer months.
Ian Ferguson, a resident at Bluewater Georgina Wendake Beaches, brought a map showing that the ANSI and the County Greenlands Policy cover the entire property, not just the Nipissing Ridge part of it. He quoted from a series of letters regarding the requirement that no more than 20 lots could be build on County greenlands.
Area residents, Bob Harper and Colleen Stanton, also spoke to the issue, notably about the need for more detailed testing of effluent from the closed dumps on the property.
And Kate Dewey, also an area resident, asked whether a proper archeological study had been done as many first nations artifacts had been found on the property.

Posted by Webmaster at 09:49 PM

August 09, 2010

August 9, 2010

REPORT ON COUNCIL

August 9, 2010

Committee of the Whole Meeting: 9:00 am – to 12:45 pm and 1:16 pm to 4:12 pm

Regular Evening Meeting: 7:00 pm – 7:19 pm

All members of Council present

CONFIDENTIAL / CLOSED SESSION: 2:06 pm – 4:12 pm. Jill Doherty of WeirFoulds was in attendance.

PHRAGMITIES UPDATE
Staff advised that they met with MNR last week at the 8th Concession road allowance beach park, which is the test site. They received verbal approval to spray and/or wick the weeds and expect written approval this week. As soon as that is obtained they will submit applications for the other municipal sites which require work.

SEPTAGE MANAGEMENT MASTER PLAN
After another long discussion (for the earlier discussion, see the Report on Council for July 26, 2010), Council decided to award the contract to RJ Burnside and Associaties Ltd. Councillor Claire and Deputy Mayor Lawrence withdrew their previous demand that this RFP be retendered. Council decided not to accept staff's recommendation of a bid of $134,000 and accepted the Burnside bid of $87,721. Staff had based their recommendation on a superior communication plan but Council decided that, if necessary, they would hire a communication consultant to assist Burnside. They believe this will be less expensive and both firms were rated equally for their technical expertise.

LETTERS SENT TO 1,000 HOUSEHOLDS
Mayor Breckenridge advised that she was updated at a recent SSEA meeting about Drinking Water Source Protection under the Clean Water Act. According to the Township Minutes for the Committee of the Whole Meeting on August 9, letters identifying potential threats to municipal water systems have been sent to 1,000 Township of Tiny residents. Information is available at HYPERLINK "http://www.ourwatershed.ca" www.ourwatershed.ca and on the Township website.

Posted by Webmaster at 10:15 PM

July 26, 2010

REPORT ON COUNCIL

July 26, 2010

Committee of the Whole Meeting: 9:01 am - 12.45 pm and 1:23 pm – 3:48 pm

Regular Evening Meeting: 7:00 pm – 7:21 pm

All members of Council present

CONFIDENTIAL / CLOSED SESSION: 3:15 pm – 3:47 pm

HOSPITAL UPDATE
Paul Hendrich, the CEO of Georgian Bay General Hospital, provided an update about the Hospital. Significant progress has been made over the past year: a balanced budget has been achieved as were great improvements in Emergency Department wait times (which are now among the shortest 10% in the province). In addition a full strategic plan and long term assessment system have been introduced. He noted that the two existing facilities are aging and would require approximately $80 million to maintain over the next 20 years, according to an assessment that the Province provides to all hospitals.

BUILDING ACTIVITY
The month of June continued the positive trend in activity. June figures grew from $3,552,000 in 2009 to $5,917,000 in 2010. Year to date totals increased from $9,793,000 to $17,566,000.

McMAHAN WOODS DEVELOPMENT
Council continues to be in an awkward position as the County still has not decided on how many lots it will allow, pending receipt of the Province's growth plan. Regardless, the County continues to ask the Township to proceed with a public meeting. Council was reluctant to do so when the issue of the allowable number of lots has not been resolved: it could be as many as 51 or as few as 20. The developer has the right to go to the Ontario Municipal Board (OMB) at this time. If the Township were to hold the public meeting then members of the public would be allowed to appear before the OMB. If a public meeting were not held then members of the public could not appear at the OMB hearing. That being the case, Council decided to proceed with a public meeting.

SEPTAGE MANAGEMENT MASTER PLAN
Council had requested staff to obtain tenders for a Septage Management Master Plan. The Master Plan would address Phases 1 and 2 of a Class Environmental Assessment Process. A Request for Proposals (RFP) was prepared and eight proposals were submitted.

A confusing discussion ensued. Councillor Claire and Deputy Mayor Lawrence were very upset that one individual was not asked to submit a proposal despite his request to be notified when the RFP was available. Staff acknowledged that this was an oversight. (We note that the information was on the Township web site and we would think that interested parties would be monitoring this site. The fact that eight companies did bid supports our thought.) The aforementioned members were insistent that the RFP process be redone.

Councillors Warren and Cornell, as well as staff, pointed out that it would be difficult to go back out with an RFP when the bids are now public information. After much redundant debate, the vote was 3 to 2 with Mayor Breckenridge voting with Councillors Warren and Cornell. The decision was for all members of Council to review the RFP for discussion at the next meeting.

PHRAGMITIES UPDATE
Staff advised that they are meeting with the Ministry of Natural Resources and the Ministry of the Environment during the first week of August to try to obtain approval to spray. If they are not successful, cutting will continue early in August.

Posted by Webmaster at 09:16 PM

July 12, 2010

REPORT ON COUNCIL

July 12 2010

Committee of the Whole Meeting: 9:01 am – 12:42 pm and 1:09 pm - 3:00 pm

Regular Evening Meeting: 7:01 pm – 7:13 pm

All members of Council present

CONFIDENTIAL / CLOSED SESSION: 1:09 pm – 2:07 pm with John Barzo, Andrew Heal and Alan J. Worobec. Also 2:50 pm - 2:59 pm

McMAHAN WOODS DEVELOPMENT

Officers of this development requested an oral hearing to discuss their request that a public meeting be scheduled. Council has deferred the request until they can receive a staff report. At present, Simcoe County Council still has not made a decision on the number of allowable lots.

CAWAJA BEACH PARKING STRATEGY

Members of this Beach Assocaition made a presentation at the previous meeting. They proposed to have all roads in their area designated as No Parking and to allow a maximum of 35 permit parking spots. As beach ownership at Cawaja is shared by the Association and the Township, Council did not agree with this request and instructed staff to continue to work with the community toward a mutually agreeable solution. Apparently no resolution has been reached over the past three years regarding this situation.

SITE 41 CELEBRATION

Council approved an in-kind municipal contribution for this Celebration (signs, picnic benches, garbage containers, barriers).

GEORGIAN SANDS WATER MAIN PROJECT

The first phase of this project is complete and Council decided to continue with the project until all of the available grant money is exhausted. An additional $826,452 (2/3 grant money, 1/3 township contribution) will be utilized to replace watermains on Desroches Trail, Gignac Court, Concession 16 West and Concession 15 West.

LAFONTAINE BEACH MASTER PLAN

The first public meeting was held on July 10th to seek unput from the public. According to Councillor Cornell there were approximately 60 people in attendance and the most discussed topic was better access to the water. Consultants are preparing a report and there will be a further public meeting on September 11 in the Council Chambers to discuss their recommendations and the issues which must be addressed with the relevant government agencies.

Posted by Webmaster at 08:55 PM

June 28, 2010

REPORT ON COUNCIL

June 28, 2010

Committee of the Whole Meeting: 9:00 am – 12:14 pm and 12:47 pm – 1:06 pm

Regular Evening Meeting: 7:04 pm – 8:35 pm

All Members of Council Present

CONFIDENTIAL / CLOSED SESSION: 12:48 pm – 1:06 pm.

LAFONTAINE PAVILIONv
Staff presented an overview of the proposed reconstruction of the Pavilion in Lafontaine at the evening meeting. Construction will start in July immediately following the Festival du Loup. Members of the Lafontaine community in the audience seemed to understand the need to raise funds to complete the structure and the ancillary building.

CHAMPLAIN CROSS SITE

Council heard two presentations about the future of this site at previous meetings and were prepared to discuss the options at this meeting. However a communication was received from the Archdiocese that owns the land stating that there would be no changes at this time.

SENIORS’ CENTRE FOR NORTH TINY?

Council received a presentation at the previous meeting outlining the need for a seniors/commmunity centre in the Sawlog Bay area of the northeast quadrant of the Township. They directed staff to ascertain whether the proposed site is suitable for a building. They also asked for clarification as to whether this would be a seniors’ center or a combined seniors’/community center.

MARRIAGE SOLEMNIZATION NOW AVAILABLE

A retired justice of the peace has moved into the Township and Council approved a by-law authorizing him to perform marriages. This is a service offered in many other municipalities.

SEPTAGE PROJECT UPDATE

Tenders have now been received for the required environmental study. The eight tenders ranged from $56,000 to $215,000. Staff, aided by a consultant, will review the bids to confirm that all parties understood the tender. Results should be available for the July 26th meeting of Committee of the Whole.

FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT

Council approved a reallocation of budgeted funds to the Legal and
Surveying Budget:

$160,000 is to be redirected by deferring the Strategic Plan Encroachment Removal 2010 capital project ($80,000) and by contribution from the Capital Expenditure Reserve ($80,000).

While we acknowledge that cost overruns are unavoidable from time to time we disagree with the transfer of capital reserves to the operating budget. At 2010 budget time Council stated that one of their objectives was to rebuild the capital reserves but that seems to be forgotten. An alternative to the reallocation would be to accept a budget overrun in the income statement, which, in our opinion, is more transparent. We also believe the discussion of the transfer should have been held during the public section of the meeting.

LAFONTAINE BEACH PARK MASTER PLAN MEETINGS

Two public meetings will be held to seek input to this master plan. The first is scheduled for July10th from 10:00 am to 12:30 pm. And the second will be held on Sept. 11th. Both will be in the Council Chambers.

BATTLE OF BRITAIN AIR SHOW

An interesting show featuring World War II aircraft will be held at the Huronia Airport on July 17 and 18, 2010.

Posted by Webmaster at 11:09 PM

June 14, 2010

REPORT ON COUNCIL

June 14, 2010

Committee of the Whole Meeting: 9:00 am – 1:14 pm and 1:49 pm - 2:35 pm

Regular Evening Meeting: 7:00 pm – 7:45 pm

All members of Council present

CONFIDENTIAL / CLOSED SESSION: 1.50 pm – 2:35 pm.

SEPTIC RE-INSPECTION UPDATE

Residents undergoing re-inspections this year have expressed concern about tank pump outs completed in 2008 when only those done in 2009 or later are acceptable. In response, it has been decided to give those residents until July 2011 to submit a new septic tank pump out, i.e. three years since their last pump out. Indications are that residents are satisfied with this compromise.

RURAL CONNECTIONS BROADBAND PROGRAM

As reported previously, the CRTC has an application to ensure that all parts of Ontario have high speed coverage by 2013. As an option, the provincial govenment is now accepting applications for the next segment of its program. The County of Simcoe is not eligible to apply as it received an earlier grant, but has offered to act as project manager and complete the application for all areas if Tiny Township as the lead name. Council has accepted the County’s offer. The grant is for 1/3 of the expense. In previous tranches, the carriers have paid the other 2/3 of the costs. That is less likely this time as the areas not covered have fewer households to subscribe. Council is aware of this limitation but, properly, decided to apply for the grant and ascertain next steps if they are successful.

PURCHASE OF PROPERTY OWNED BY THE NORTH SIMCOE ANGLERS AND HUNTERS

Considerable time has been spent in camera at recent meetings and we have now learned why. In the evening meeting, Council approved a motion to proceed with negotiations to purchase the property owned by the North Simcoe Anglers and Hunters on the 8th Concession Road. This includes roughly 55 acres and a modern building of approximately 6000 square feet. The primary use of the facility will be as a community centre for Wyevale and Perkinsfield. Wyevale residents have been petitioning Council for a suitable meeting location in recent months.
The purchase price will not be announced until negotiations are complete.

In another closed session Council decided to open the Wendake road allowance from Karen Road to Oriole Lane. This will permit access to two lots which are currently "land locked".

UPDATE RE LAFONTAINE PAVILION

Staff has continued to work hard on a solution to this longstanding problem. Discussions with the federal officer responsible for the grant revealed that "substantial completion" of the project by the final date is acceptable. This means that the outer shell and the ancillary building must be erected but that not all of the inside work – i.e. washrooms, rink fencing etc -- has to be complete. Given this, staff advised that a new structure of 50’ by 170' on the new location could be constructed for approximately $585,000 including taxes. This figure represents the lowest quote received with a number of items removed. Any money left from the $660,000 total would be used to finish the project. Council suggested that further monies would not be provided and that residents could consider fundraising for outstanding items. This option eliminates the risk that retendering might not result in positive results and allows this project to move on. Council voted to proceed with this option as soon as the federal officer has confirmed the above-mentioned conversation in writing.
Staff are to be commended for the diligence they have shown on this project.

BUILDING ACTIVITY UP

The month of May continued the positive trend in activity. Monthly figures grew from $1.658 m in 2009 to $4.375 m in 2010. Year to date totals increased from $5.886 to $11.649 m.

MAYOR'S CHARITY GOLF TOURNAMENT

This event, orginally planned for June19th, has been moved to August 21st at Balm Beachway golf course. The charity supported this year is the Huronia Museum.

HST – SOME GOOD NEWS

The Treasurer has completed an analysis of the HST impact on the township expenses and estimates, using 2009 expenses, that the township will have a net gain of about $72,000.

SUMMERAMA 2010

A Public Information Meeting will be held on July 3rd at 10.00 a.m. in the Council Chambers at the Township offices.

WEST NILE VIRUS NEWS

The Township has been assigned a “Tier 3” rating by the Dept. of Health. This is the lowest level and suggests that no actions are required but that there will be ongoing monitoring.

Posted by Webmaster at 11:01 PM

May 31, 2010

REPORT ON COUNCIL

May 31, 2010

Committee of the Whole Meeting: 9:00 am – 1:25 pm and 1:54 pm - 5:43 pm

Regular Evening Meeting: 7:00 pm – 7:28 pm

All members of Council present

CONFIDENTIAL / CLOSED SESSION: 11:45 am – 1:23 pm and 4:09 pm – 5:43 pm

TENDERING FOR THE LAFONTAINE PAVILION

Staff presented further details and estimates. The issue has become more confused as some councillors believe a pre-engineered building would be less expensive. Also the possibility of a non-profit entity being the general contractor so that local contractors could participate was introduced for the first time. After lengthy discussion, Council decided to tender several variants of a custom-built building and also to tender a pre-engineered structure. As council has been critical of the engineering costs, staff reminded them that this new tender would increase those costs. It will be at least another 2 months before new tenders can be ready, so the public meeting will be now much later in the summer. We hope that contractors will be willing to submit tenders, yet again.

PARKING – CAWAJA BEACH

At the previous meeting two members oif the Cawaja Propertry Owners Association presented a proposal to limit parking in their area. This proposal has been sent to staff for a report. A council member did point out that eliminating all non permit parking in that area may not be appropriate as ownership of that beach is shared: 1/3 township and 2/3 Beach Association.

NO PUBLIC USE OF WYEVALE FIRE HALL

At the previous meeting a citizen requested more access to the fire hall for the community. After discussion it was decided not to allow public use of the hall as it is never known when that facility will be needed for an emergency.
Staff continues to search for alternative facilities for community groups in that area.

FEE SCHEDULE BY-LAW

The Treasurer presented the annual fee by-law. There are no significant changes, though fees for the use of community centres appeared to increase significantly. However, earlier fees were set by the community recreation associations, rather than the township.

BUILDING PERMIT ACTIVITY UP

The statistics for April were encouraging with a value of $3.9 m, up from $1.7 m in 2009. Year to date totals also increased from $4.6 m to $7.3 m.

Posted by Webmaster at 10:47 PM

May 10, 2010

REPORT ON COUNCIL

May 10, 2010

Committee of the Whole Meeting: 9:01 am – 12:37 pm and 1:04 pm -3:50 pm

Regular Evening Meeting: 7:00 pm – 8:01 pm

All members of Council present during the day. Councillor Claire absent in the evening.

CONFIDENTIAL / CLOSED SESSION: 2:50 pm – 3:50 pm.

LAFONTAINE PAVILION

Recently the tenders for the new pavilion came in significantly in excess of the $660,000 budgeted. The Township, provincial and federal governments were each to provide a third of this sum. Council met in closed session on May 3 under the heading “Education and Training” to discuss alternatives which might bring the cost back to budgeted levels.
Council members were displeased with the material provided, although it appeared that staff had tendered the work in accordance with council's direction. Staff was again directed to obtain more information, particularly regarding a pre-engineered steel structure. A decision must be made in the next month as time is running out under the terms of the grants. A public meeting very soon is contemplated.

DONATIONS TO SPECIAL EVENTS

Following up from the previous meeting, council discussed the allocation of the $6000 budgetted for special events. The Metis event will not be held in Tiny this year. After discussion council agreed to provide funding as follows: - Tiny Trails Lions Club’s Gigantic Yard Sale - $630, Le Festival du Loup - $1805, Summerama - $1920.

PAID PARKING AT BALM BEACH

A staff report regarding paid parking at Balm Beach was received. Council requested that the area covered be increased and consideration be given to using a small parkette on Balm Beach road for more parking. Staff was directed to talk to local business owners and to prepare for a public meeting to hear from local residents. Staff will provide a second report before scheduling a public meeting.

CORPORATE INSURANCE POLICYv
The Treasurer advised that the annual rate for 2010 has increased by 45%. Staff was not satisfied with the increase and the short notice provided by the broker and council directed them to tender the business. The current coverage, at the new rates, will continue until the new proposals are received and analyzed.

HOLDING “1” LIFTED FROM MANY PROPERTIES

Positive news. As a result of the septic inspection program, 688 properties had the Holding 1 designation removed. These are locations where septic systems were installed prior to 1974 and it was not known if they operated properly. The inspection program cleared these properties.

NO PARKING TO BE IMPLEMENTED IN PLAN 1596:

There is to be “No Parking” along Old Trail Road, Shades Valley Road, Glen Oak Drive and Tsirargi Avenue.

NORTH SIMCOE TRANSFER STATION UPDATE

At the evening meeting, Officials from the County of Simcoe and the Ministry of the environment provided an update re the site on Golflink Road, west of Midland. Council questioned the county official re the monitoring of the site as traces of TCE have been found. Based on their studies it appears that the plume carrying these chemicals originates outside the closed dump site. At present MOE is reviewing the monitoring devices and their locations to confim that the site is properly covered. MOE did make the point that the county is provding more monitoring than is required as this site preceded the current guidelines. County personnel also advised they are considering plans to expand the actual transfer facility as the positive increase in recycling is stressing the present capacity.

Posted by Webmaster at 10:03 AM

April 26, 2010

April 12th and 26th, 2010

REPORT ON COUNCIL

April 12, 2010

Committee of the Whole Meeting: 9:00 am – to 11:05 am

Regular Evening Meeting: 7:00 pm – 7:30 pm

Councillors Claire, Cornell, and Warren present. Mayor Breckenridge and Deputy Mayor Lawrence absent.

CONFIDENTIAL / CLOSED SESSION: N/A

ALESSANDRO SUBDIVISION
This subdivision, located in the north east area of Perkinsfield, was given final acceptance, and the roads therein - Asselin Drive and Lynn Street – were assumed.

PLANNING PERFORMANCE MEASURES
Statistics gathered by the Ontario government showed that Tiny’s Planning Department operates cost effectively in comparison with neighbouring municipalities.

BY-LAW ACTIVITY, FOURTH QUARTER 2009
There were no unusual trends in the quarter. The number of parking permits sold to residents was up slightly in 2009 – 2122 vs 2016 in 2008, while the number sold to non residents declined by three – from 113 to 110.

----

REPORT ON COUNCIL

April 26, 2010

Committee of the Whole Meeting: 9:02 am – 12:42 pm and 1:14 pm -4:08 pm

Regular Evening Meeting: 7:00 pm – 7:32 pm

Present - Mayor Breckenridge, Deputy Mayor Lawrence and Councillors Claire, Cornell and Warren

CONFIDENTIAL / CLOSED SESSION: 11:37 am – 12:42 pm and 1:44 pm – 2:30 pm. Ian Rowe, of Burgar Rowe, was present for one of these sessions.

SUMMER SPECIAL EVENTS
Council reviewed the request for funding from Le Festival du Loup. They decided that they should have an indication from all organizations as to the financial contributions they expect to request before allocating the $6000 budgeted for such events in 2010. Staff advised that Summerama officials should be available for the first meeting in May. Staff was asked to contact the Métis regarding their plans and the Tiny Trails Lions Club presented their request today. As the Lions’ Gigantic Yard Sale is planned for May 29th, Council needs to make a decision at the next meeting.

DEVELOPMENT CHARGES
As the development charges by-law mast be updated every five years, the Township asked Hemson Consulting to prepare a study and make recommendations. The formulas are complex and based on future growth as well as the past 10-year history. Based on these formulas, the charge for a residential building permit would decrease from $5173 to $4619. So far, Council has simply “received” Hemson’s report but has not acted on it.

TABULATORS FOR THE MUNICIPAL ELECTION
Council approved a 5-year contract for the leasing of tabulators for the upcoming election and the 2014 election. If for any reason a decision were made to revert to a manual count in 2014, the contract could be cancelled. The benefit of signing a 5 year contract is the guarantee of the same price in 2014 as in 2010.
It was disappointing to see Council approve another sole source contract without even asking if there are viable options. In the recent past two members had stated that they would not suport any more sole source deals.

BUILDING PERMIT ACTIVITY
March 2010 permits totalled $2,070,000 up from $1,779,000 in 1009. The year to date total is $3,387,000 as compared to $2,845,000 in 2009.

BEACH ACCESS PERMITS FOR CONTRACTORS
Staff confimed changes have been made to the Beach Access Permits. Contractors must now estimate the number of days required for the work. If they find that more time is required, they must apply for an extension.

SOUTHERN GEORGIAN BAY COASTAL INITIATIVE
Council approved a resolution to recognize the need to
protect, conserve and restore the Southern Georgian Bay Coastal region.
This is a similar to the resolutions passed by the Town of Wasaga Beach and the Town of Blue Mountain.
We have not seen any communication from this organization in several months and it is difficult to forecast where this initiative may go.

LAFONTAINE/GEORGIAN SANDS WATER SYSTEMS
In response to a request by Councillor Warren for an update on the public presentation for the Lafontaine/Georgian Sands Environment Assessment study, Henk Blom (Manager of Public Works) reported that to date they have been unsuccessful in finding enough groundwater to dilute the nitrates in the water and that until sufficient groundwater is found the project is in abeyance.

Posted by Webmaster at 10:44 PM

March 29, 2010

REPORT ON COUNCIL
March 29, 2010
Committee of the Whole Meeting: 9:01 am – to 12:20 pm
and 12:57 pm - 4:40 pm
Regular Evening Meeting: 7:12 pm – 7:30 pm
Deputy Mayor Lawrence and Councilors Claire, Cornell and Warren present all day. Mayor Breckenridge arrived at 12:17 pm.

CONFIDENTIAL / CLOSED SESSION: 2:15 pm – 3:01 pm.

SEPTIC RE-INSPECTION UPDATE
Council approved the continuation of this program. 1000 systems are to be examined this summer. Last summer, the first pass over the entire township was completed and re-inspections started again at Balm Beach for systems that had reached 20 years since their last inspection. The “shoreline” area from the Township line to the 5th Concession Road will be checked this year.
Among last year’s 1175 inspections, 300 sites had problems. The list of deficiencies requiring follow-up work is instructive:
58 lots had indications of vehicles parking or driving on the septic tank or leaching bed.
49 lots had root intrusions into the leaching bed area.
38 lots had an unsafe septic tank.
31 lots required more information from the resident.
29 lots had fire pits dug into the surface of the leaching bed.
29 lots had an outhouse that was in disrepair.
23 lots had a structure on top of the leaching bed.
17 lots had decks supported by the septic tank.
16 lots had a patio on the surface of the leaching bed.
3 lots had a boat parked on the leaching bed.
2 lots had an eaves trough drain onto the leaching bed.
2 lots had indications that the sewage was not being properly treated due to high groundwater table.
1 lot had sewage effluent breakout on the surface of the ground.
1 lot had grading/erosion deficiencies.
1 lot had a grey water system discharging directly onto the surface of the ground.
It is heartening to see that all deficiencies have been remedied for inspections done up to 2005, with only 1% outstanding for 2006 and 2007.

INTERNET ACCESS EXPANSION
The dates and areas to be covered in the County’s Rural Broadband Expansion Program are still not firm. A representative from Bell advised that there will be a followup program which should see the entire township covered by 2013. Council is asking the County to provide a map of exactly which areas are currently covered.

PURCHASE/TRANSFER OF TOWNSHIP PROPERTY
This subject was discussed in the closed session at the previous meeting as there were several outstanding requests to purchase unopened Township road allowances (including one from BGWBA to purchase Oriole Pathway). We learned that, in general, “the township will not sell or transfer any property unless there is demonstrated and tangible benefit to the public”.

OPEN AIR BURNING BY-LAW
This By-law was amended to restrict the ordinary Class A open air fires to 1 meter in diameter, with a 3 meter setback from any combustible material (tree, bush, building etc), and to forbid fires between 2 am and 8 am and when wind velocity is more than 20 km per hour. For larger areas like farms, where more extensive brush burning may be required, a larger fire is permitted with greater setbacks under Classes B and C Burning Permits.

LAFONTAINE PAVILLION
The five tenders exceeded the budget of $660,000 by a considerable amount. Council directed staff to explore a modular steel structure, which appears to be much less expensive. A community meeting will be held as soon as possible to explore the options that would meet the construction schedule. All going well, this meeting will be held on April 26th in conjunction with the evening meeting of Council.

SIGNAGE
Finally thirteen tenders are in and Council has awarded a contract to Steel Art Signs at a cost of $295,370.25 (including GST). In 2010, signs will be erected at the Main Office, 3 major parks and 4 primary township entrances. In 2011, the remaining major park (Wyebridge), 8 secondary township entrances, 4 minor parks and 10 settlement areas will be completed.

LAFONTAINE BEACH MASTER PLAN
From the six RFPs submitted, Council awarded the contract for preparation of a Lafontaine Beach Master Plan to Genius Loci.

HURONIA AIRPORT COMMISSION
Councillor Cornell reported that the Huronia Airport has been approved for Community Adjustment Funding Intake 2 in the amount of $295,000 for the construction of equipment which will generate $30,000 revenue, annually. The airport’s long-awaited business plan is to be presented to member municipalities very soon.

PARKING
Council has decided to merge pay-parking spaces and resident permit spaces at Jackson Park, and to give Resident Permit holders the right to park in any available space without paying. Signs are to read:
PLEASE NOTE: Township of Tiny Parking Permits
are valid in any parking space and are not required
to pay for parking at the Parking Machine.

BUILDING PERMITS
In February 2010 activity totalled $793,000 compared to $164,000 in 2009. The year-to-date number is $1,317,000 up from $1,066,000 in 2009.

CORRESPONDENCE
Council reviewed a letter from Dr Allan Crowe, Environment Canada, requesting support from the Township for a proposed study on beach issues, including water levels, invasive plants, E. coli, and wet vs dry beaches. Council agreed to send a letter and consider a modest level of “in kind” assistance.

NOTE: Spring Leaf and Yard Waste Pick up has been cancelled “due to timing”.

Posted by Webmaster at 10:32 PM

March 08, 2010

March 8, 2010

REPORT ON COUNCIL

March 8, 2010

Committee of the Whole Meeting: 9:00 a.m. – 12:47 p.m.

Regular Evening Meeting: 7:00 p.m. – 7:06 p.m.

All members of Council present

CONFIDENTIAL / CLOSED SESSION: 11:04 a.m. – 12:46 p.m.

GAS TAX

The transfer of Federal Gas Tax Revenues to cities and communities is to be continued each year until 2013. These funds are allocated on a per capita basis, using census data from 2006. Tiny will receive payments of $164,939.48 in July and again in November each year. So far this windfall has been used for an environmental surface treatment on roads.

NEW TOWNSHIP WEBSITE LAUNCHED

If you haven’t visited the Township website recently, take a look at tiny.ca. The website is lively and easy to use.

REPORTS RE PROGRESS ON TOWNSHIP PROJECTS

During the last Council’s period in office, the Clerk kept Council and the public apprised of progress on various projects in a spreadsheet that appeared once a month in the Committee of the Whole Agenda. This Council has received such information, but it has not been made broadly available. As a result of a request from Councillor Cornell (which received general support), “bi-monthly assignment sheets” will be included in the Committee of the Whole agenda.

LAND PURCHASED?

During the Regular Evening Meeting, Council received a report “regarding the Purchase of Land Requests Process” and directed staff to “Implement the recommendation contained in the said report.” We look forward to learning just what Council has decided to purchase or has decided not to purchase.

Posted by Webmaster at 11:06 PM

February 26, 2010

REPORT ON COUNCIL

February 26, 2010

Committee of the Whole Meeting: 9:00 am – 12:32 pm and 1:10 pm -2:49 pm

Regular “Evening Meeting”: 3:01 pm – 3:14 pm

All members of Council present

CONFIDENTIAL / CLOSED SESSION: 1:10 pm – 2:48 pm

SALE OF UNOPENED ROAD ALLOWANCES

Concession 5 – A complex situation regarding two unopened road allowances, beach access, and several private property owners was partially resolved several years ago when a settlement was reached with owners on the east side of the traveled road. The second stage – with owners on the water side of the road -- is still under discussion. The beach that is accessed is all municipally owned. Staff is to consider the resolution proposed by landowners and report back to Council with options and a recommended solution. Members of Council will then decide on what appears to be the best option and it will then go to a public meeting.
Proposed closure and sale of the unopened road allowance between Concessions 20W and 21W abutting Lots 20 & 21 Blairhampton Properties Inc. Here the part of the road allowance nearest the water was closed and sold many years ago. What’s at issue is closure and sale to the developer of the balance (from Nipissing Ridge Road to Cedar Point Road). What happens next is a survey of the unopened road allowance, an appraisal, and then a public meeting about the matter.

2010 BUDGET PRESENTATION HIGHLIGHTS

1) An increase of 11.2% ($619,954) over last year’s operating budget. This came as a surprise to Council who hadn’t recognized the full impact of decisions made since January 28th.
Three things were blamed for the increase – a loss of $200,000 bank interest revenue because of current low rates; a hike in the Policing budget of $157,000; and “Fire wages and WSIB” which weighed in at $232,000. This last included increased activity and training for volunteer fire fighters coupled with a mandatory change in the way insurance is handled for all Township staff. The latter two items are expected to continue at this level, while the first is market related. Councillor Claire emphasized the importance of reining in the Operating Budget – but not this one (judging by the tenor of the discussion that ensued).
2) A net capital budget reduction of 2.7% or $35,801 from the 2009 budget, in spite of the fact that gross capital spending was up 49.5% or $3,365,887 from the 2009 budget. Significant infrastructure grants and use of reserves account for the difference.
Large expenditures include the Georgian Sands watermain at $3,197,590 (2/3s covered by a grant, 1/3 from water reserves); the Baseline Road bridge ($1,521,867 covered by a grant); the Lafontaine Pavillion ($639,129, 2/3 covered by grants); Balm Beach improvements amounting to more than $376,000 (probably covered by the Parkland Reserve Fund).
3) Reserves and Reserve Funds to fall by 9.8% or $709,684. (Some funds were increased, the Water Reserve Fund fell by $724,083 because of the watermain).
4) Presentation to be improved by the addition of information about grants, reserve funds, and other non-tax sources.
5) $900,000 of last year’s budget not spent. Affected projects are to be done this year. (This is an ongoing problem. We cannot remember when all budgeted projects have been completed.)
6) Average assessment $287,000 in Tiny. Average assessment increase 6.47%. Total municipal tax rate increase 1.5%.
7) According to Mayor Breckenridge County tax rate is to fall in most municipalities, but in Tiny, because of MPAC’s property assessments, it is to increase by .71%.

BUILDING PERMIT ACTIVITY

Where construction value at the end of January in 2009 stood at $902,000, this year it is only $524,000.

HIGH SPEED INTERNET SERVICE

The Treasurer, Doug Taylor, reported to your observer that Bell Alient expects to make changes to Bell’s existing towers in Tiny in April/May that will make broadband service available at a reasonable rate to all but a strip of properties across the north end of the Township. An approach is to be made to the CRTC in September by many municipalities across the province on behalf of such unserved properties, as there is a new technology that might be used.

Posted by Webmaster at 10:18 PM

February 08, 2010

February 8, 2010

REPORT ON COUNCIL

February 8, 2010

Committee of the Whole Meeting: 9:00 am –12:36 pm and 1:09 to 3:47 pm

Regular Evening Meeting: 7:00 pm – 7:40 pm

All members of Council present

CONFIDENTIAL / CLOSED SESSION: 1:10 pm – 3:47 pm and 7:40 pm – 8:20 pm
John Barzo of Burgar Rowe was present, as was Tom Moutsatsos of Hicks Morley. The evening closed session concerned “A proposed or pending acquisition or disposition of land by the municipality.”

SOLAR ENERGY
Council members briefly discussed a presentation by Mike Henderson of Dommelvalley Green Power from the previous meeting. One member enquired if consideration should be given to fitting Township buildings with solar panels. Staff was directed to consider this possibility.

COUNCIL REMUNERATION
In 2008 council approved a salary adjustment which made their remuneration comparable to that of neighbouring Councils. At that time they decided to review the situation before setting 2010 compensation. After discussion they concluded that no further action was required at this time. This appears to be a prudent approach.

WIND TURBINE UPDATE
Several members attended a meeting in Durham regarding wind turbines. Approximatley 400 people attended with major concerns centered around health and setbacks. It was reported that 43 municipalities in Ontario are proponents of an independent study regarding setbacks before any further construction is undertaken.

BEACH SIGNAGE
Further to discussions regarding Summerama, Council directed staff to proceed with signage at Kitching Land and at the acess point just north of the Sunport Motel to clearly depict the extent of Township-owned property at those locations.

STREET LIGHTS
In response to a letter from a resident who resides on Concession 18 near Georgian Drive, discussion ensued regarding the three streetlights to be erected in that subdivision. Staff advised that the lights were required if the developer were to conform with current standards. Council does not wish to change the standard but is empathic to problem of ambient light blotting out the night sky and requested staff to analyze the possibility of using different lights which would satisy the safety requirements while minimizing ambient light.

BUDGET UPDATE
A few items were finalized including provision for parking machines at Balm Beach. Parking will be carefully considered in conjunction with the Master Plan, safety, and concerns the business association may have.
After discussion Council agreed on a budget increase of 1.5% which will allow for approxiamtely $300,000 to be added to the reserve funds. The cost of living increase for staff was also set at 1.5% which is in line with the core CPI increase last year. Council also considered the impact of the harmonized sale tax and the new Ontaro rent guidelines in that decision.
Please note that individual tax bills will vary, depending on MPAC assessments and the 4 year phase in period. The final tax rate will be established by the Township before the Feb. 26th Committee of the Whole Meeting.

Posted by Webmaster at 10:47 PM

January 25, 2010

REPORT ON COUNCIL

January 25, 2010

Committee of the Whole Meeting: 9:00 am – to 12:37 pm

and 1:12 pm to 5:00 pm

Regular Evening Meeting: 7:00 pm – 7:13 pm

Mayor Breckenridge, Deputy Mayor Lawrence and Councillors Claire and Warren present. Councillor Cornell absent.

CONFIDENTIAL / CLOSED SESSION: 2:56 pm to 5:00 pm

OASIS SEPTAGE PRESENTATION
Officials from the Ontario Association of Sewage Industry Services made a presentation about septage. Also present were officials from the Ministry of the Environment. They reported that Ontario creates 27 billion litres of septage annually of which 53% is processed in treatment plants and 36% goes on land applications. There were numerous questions from Council and there seemed to be consensus from both groups that lagoons are one of the most cost effective solutions for a municipality such as ours. It is very unlikely that any of our surrounding municipalities have, or will ever have, spare capacity at reasonable prices. It was noted that, if Tiny decides to proceed with a local solution, the one chosen should be large enough to be cost effective and that could mean that a partner would be needed. It is possible that OASIS can help, in an advisory role, with the Environmental Assessment, which is the next step in the process. The last EA is more than 5 years old a new study is required by regulation.

BEACH WATER QUALITY
Officials from the Simcoe Muskoka District Health unit and the SSEA presented the 2009 sample results for beaches they monitor. There were some very high E. coli numbers and, while no specific information was available, these were attributed to sudden weather changes. Council members expressed concern that there is a one- or two-day lag between the collection of the samples and a warning posting on a beach. It was suggested that there is equipment available that can take a sample and test it on site. Keith Sherman of the SSEA is of the opinion that the suggested equipment is not very reliable but both organizations advised that they would follow-up further.
The sample results will be added in due course to the information in Water Reports, on the FoTTSA website.

CLOSED DUMP SITE 20, 14TH CONCESSION WEST
Council enquired about the Genivar study that they approved in November. The study is to complete earlier work, which was inconclusive because too few test holes were drilled. Staff advised that it is too costly to complete the work until the spring. It was noted that the reporting and progress are to be closely monitored.

JOB EVALUATION PROCESS
There was a lengthy discussion regarding the job evaluation process. Council wants to see an evaluation and salary range when approving new positions.
We note that this requirement should have been addressed during the first year of Council’s term.

Posted by Webmaster at 12:17 AM

January 11, 2010

REPORT ON COUNCIL

January 11, 2010

Committee of the Whole Meeting: 9:01 am – to 12:28 pm and 1:08 pm to 4:16 pm

Regular Evening Meeting: 7.00 pm – 7.53 pm

All members of Council present

CONFIDENTIAL / CLOSED SESSION: 1:08 pm – 2:26 pm

SUMMERAMA FOLLOW-UP

Council discussed the presentation made at the previous meeting. Specifically they decided that the beach entry points at Kitching Lane and near the Sunport Motel must more clearly identify the Township-owned area and the private property. They decided that these two entries will be signed the same as the concession road ends. Members of Council generally spoke in favour of continuing the event in 2010 and encouraged interested residents to become part of the organizing committee. It was noted that a 2010 event had been given some publicity, but Council has not approved it. The recommendation in the previous meeting’s presentation that the venue be moved to CBO Park was not discussed.
Staff was directed to consider requiring all organizations planning events to make firm proposals by March 31st.

LE VILLAGEOIS LOAN EXTENSION

The loan, which was due Dec. 31st, has not been repaid and the Villageois Corporation indicated they intend to get a mortgage in March 2010.
Council was not satisfied with the vague communication received and decided to apply the remedies laid out in the loan agreement.

CANADA POST’S NEW RURAL ROUTES

Canada Post officials presented an update to their August presentation.
To recap, new postal routes in the north end of Tiny Township are required if the post office is to conform to labour laws. In August Council said that they would like to see “Tiny Township” addresses for everyone in the Township rather than rural routes out of Penetanguishene, Elmvale, and Midland. Changing the addresses for all residents, as opposed to changing only those who are impacted by the new routes out of Penetanguishene, is a much larger project. Staff reminded Council that there is a mail-in ballot for the municipal election this fall and therefore timing could be an issue. Staff will investigate and report back.

GOVERNANCE

Members of Council noted that staff too frequently uses single source suppliers - waiving the Financial Procedures By-law. They requested a report for major categories such as engineering, fire equipment, legal, indicating such things as the current arrangement and the possibility of other sources. Several Councillors made it clear that they will not approve any future waivers.
It is unfortunate that this step was not taken early in Council’s term as some of the current purchasing arrangements have not been analyzed for many years. By the time a report is prepared and discussed the current term will be virtually over.

WIND TURBINE UPDATE

CORT (Coalition of Residents Tiny) requested Council to pass a resolution to join with five municipalities that are working to suspend construction of wind farms until the health impacts of turbines are researched and understood. Council agreed to support this request and will send delegates to all future meetings of the group.

BUILDING PERMIT DATA

The estimated value of construction in December 2009 increased to $2,073,000, substantially up from $296,000 in Dec. 2008. On the other hand, the total value of construction for the year 2009 was $25.9 millions, down from $31.8 millions in 2008. The 2009 level was the lowest since 2004.

COUNCIL MEETING DATE CHANGE

The Council meetings scheduled for February 22nd have been moved to February 26th. The Committee of the Whole Meeting will commence at 9.00 am and the Regular Council Meeting will commence at 2:00 pm. Several members of Council will be attending a conference on the 22nd.
This is an important meeting, as the 2010 budget will be presented. Based on the three budget meetings, we believe that any tax increase will be very small. However some taxes may increase as a result of the four-year “roll-in” which commenced in 2009 from the MPAC assessments. The budget data provided to date reveals a good level of fiscal prudence by staff and council.

Posted by Webmaster at 09:16 PM

December 14, 2009

REPORT ON COUNCIL

December 14, 2009

Committee of the Whole Meeting: 9:00 a.m. to 11:50 p.m.

Regular Evening Meeting: 7:00 p.m. – 7:12 p.m.

All members of Council present

Confidential / Closed Session: 11:50 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Summerama, Balm Beach – a contrary opinion
In its presentation on November 9, the organizers of Summerama stated that there were no reported negative incidents during that August 15th event. Waterfront owners south of Balm Beach felt otherwise. In their experience, the number of people using their private beaches doubled in number, and crowds used properties on either side of the 10-foot Township-owned right-of-way off Kitching Lane, one of the access points that lacks a Township sign showing the limits of public ownership.
This group of waterfront owners felt it necessary to hire security personnel during Summerama to identify disturbances, breaches of the law, and, where requested by the property owner, to ask people to move off the private beach area. In a majority of instances, requests met with “heated opposition, vulgarity, and threats of violence”. The OPP supported the efforts of the security personnel.
The owners and the security personnel observed significant and open consumption of alcohol. Owners experienced an increased level of littering. They felt that the signage defining the limits of the public beach at Balm was inadequate, especially given the assurances prior to the event. They also felt that many problems resulted from the location of the event and recommended that it be moved next year to CBO Park.

Dogs at Woodland Beach
In response to one letter asking for outright banning of dogs from Woodland Beach and several others asking for stricter enforcement of regulations regarding dogs, staff were of the opinion that “the combination of enforcement, education and signage are effective and an outright prohibition is not required at this time.” Council accepted the staff report.

New Warden of County of Simcoe
Mayor Breckenridge reported that Cal Patterson, Mayor of Wasaga Beach, was acclaimed Warden at a Special Meeting of County Council.

Simcoe Landfill Site 24 – By-law 09-079
According to Report PD-81-09, there is “an apparent plume of leachate” emanating from a closed landfill in the vicinity of the North Simcoe Transfer Station on Golf Links Road. The plume “is, or may be moving, in an easterly direction from the site”. The MoE has required the County to obtain a “Contaminant Attenuation” Zone along the access road to, and on the adjacent properties, to the northeast of the closed landfill area. [It is not clear how this “apparent plume” was discovered.]
The County of Simcoe will be monitoring the plume under lands owned by Tiny and Midland by “drilling test wells and sampling the water to analyze and to determine the potential location and type of leachate, if any, in the ground.”

Building Permit Activity for November
While year over year activity through November is down from $31 million in 2008 to $23.8 million in 2009, the monthly activity in November increased from $2.2 million in 2008 to $3.8 million in 2009.

Constraints on the proposed McMahon Woods Development
A letter from the Planning Department of the County of Simcoe says:

On August 11, 2009, the County of Simcoe received an Ecology Peer Review Site Inspection Report from SAAR Environmental, the County’s environmental peer review agent. The report concludes that all environmental matters have been dealt with to their satisfaction consistent with the Natural Heritage Policies under the Provincial Policy Statement and local and upper tier Official Plans, including in particular, the County of Simcoe Greenlands policies. Recommendations regarding the documentation and relocation of a couple of species of fern, bird habitat monitoring and tree preservation and planting plans are provided. Based on acceptable results of the EIS and subsequent site inspection, the County may permit a maximum of 20 residential lots as per the Greenlands Policy 3.7.6.

However, constraints on population growth in Tiny Township, as identified in the growth targets in the Province’s “Simcoe Area: A Strategic Vision for Growth” policy document still have to be worked through. The County concludes that at this stage, “advancement of this application through the planning stages is premature.”

Fence By-law Upheld
A private landowner whose fence stands at 2.2 metres, where Tiny’s By-law 06-001 permits a maximum height of 1.9 metres, appealed the Township’s insistence that its By-law be obeyed to the Ontario Municipal Board. The OMB supported the Township’s view and dismissed the appeal.

Posted by Webmaster at 10:13 PM

November 30, 2009

REPORT ON COUNCIL

November 30, 2009

Committee of the Whole Meeting: 9:01 a.m. to 12:35 p.m.

and 1:14 p.m. to 3:50 p.m.

Regular Evening Meeting: 7:05 p.m. – 7:55 p.m.

All members of Council present

Confidential / Closed Session: 2:45 p.m. – 3:47 p.m.

Physician Recruitment
Officials from the Southern Georgian Bay Physician Recruitment Program presented an update of their activities and made a request for 2010 funding. Their recommended donation for area municipalities is $2 per resident -- $20,954 for Tiny. This will be considered during budget deliberations.
(You may wish to respond to the Recruitment Program’s on-line poll on this matter. See HYPERLINK "http://www.misterpoll.com/polls/459486" http://www.misterpoll.com/polls/459486 The poll is available until December 31.)

Closed Circuit Television, Balm Beach
After a summer of lawless behaviour at Balm Beach, in September of 2008, Council had closed circuit television installed in Balm Beach to record activity in public spaces there. In addition, tree branches were trimmed to improve visibility and additional lighting was installed. The closed circuit television was to assist the police in the event of criminal activity. In the first year of operation, the number of calls to the police fell by almost 50% and the film records were useful in investigations into arson and theft.

Signage
Council approved the erection of 911 signs at all beach access points so that callers in an emergency can know the municipal address of that location. These will be erected over the next two years.

Leaf Burning
In response to a letter and a number of complaints, Council discussed the banning of leaf burning in considerable detail. Some members wanted an immediate bylaw to ban burning, with some a grace period for warnings rather than fines. Other members requested a consultation period before passing a bylaw.
Staff was directed to prepare a report advising of alternatives in addition to the pickups, composting, and mulching options already available. All members agreed that burning is not satisfactory in view of the environmental concerns and all agreed that this must be resolved by March 31, 2010 prior to the spring burning season.

Building Permit Activity
While year over year activity through October is down from $28.8 million in 2008 to $20 million in 2009, the monthly activity in October increased from $1.79 million in 2008 to $3.4 million in 2009.

NOTE: Site 41: On December 8, Cal Patterson, Mayor of Wasaga Beach, took over as Warden of Simcoe County from Tony Guergis. Guergis (one of the die-hard supporters of a landfill at Site 41), had campaigned for yet another one-year term, but at the last minute decided not to stand.
The County still refuses to release the Dump Site 41 calibrated computer model (MODFLOW), as required by the Information and Privacy Commissioner. Just before Guergis’s term ended, County Council voted in camera to proceed with a judicial review of the Commissioner’s order (instead of complying with the order).

Change of municipal election date: Municipal elections will take place on October 25, 2010.

High Speed Update: Bell Aliant has announced that the first phase of the Rural Connections wireless infrastructure is now in place. There will be no more construction until spring, but the remaining areas should be served by April, 2010. The map supplied by Bell shows that no infrastructure has been placed in Tiny Township so far.

Olympic Torch Relay: Between 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. on Tuesday December 29, the Olympic Torch is to proceed north of Subway Road along Highway 93 to just south of the Wyebridge Community Centre. There is to be no parking on Highway 93. One option is to arrive before 11:30 a.m., park in the municipal lot at the Wyebridge Commuity Centre at 8340 Highway 93, and walk to the Wyebridge downtown core.

Posted by Webmaster at 12:07 AM

November 09, 2009

November 9, 2009

REPORT ON COUNCIL

November 9, 2009

Committee of the Whole Meeting: 9:00 am – to 12:36 pm

and 1:11 pm to 5:32 pm

Regular Evening Meeting: 7:00 pm – 7:46 pm

All members of Council present.

CONFIDENTIAL / CLOSED SESSION: 3:33 pm – 5:29 pm.

Summerama Report –
The organizers reported that this event in Balm Beach last August was a success and made a modest profit. Attendance figures are not available as no admission was charged. They stated that there were no reported negative incidents. Council authorized staff to send a letter of support for the group’s application for a grant to support a similar festival on August 14th, 2010. Requests for in-kind and financial assistance are to be considered during budget deliberations.
A local resident has asked to make an oral presentation to provide his perspective. He is to be heard on December 14th.

Requests for 2010 Budget Consideration –
The Huronia Hospitals Foundation, the Severn Sound Environmental Association and the Southern Georgina Bay Chamber of Commerce made presentations asking to be considered for funding in the 2010 budget.

Septage and Waste –
Council briefly discussed the presentation from Superior Green Consulting regarding energy from waste that was made at the last meeting. It appears that its solution would be very costly (+$30 million). Council recommended that the company meet with the Simcoe County officials.
Council decided to hear two more submissions regarding management of septage at the next meeting to help them understand what is available.
The report from C.C. Tatham and Associates, made at the last meeting, was put forward for discussion at the budget meetings.
At the evening meeting Ray Millar spoke on behalf of Zero Waste Simcoe. This is an association that promotes “avoidance” and advocates reduction of waste by producers of goods and services. They acknowledge that all levels of government would have to pass new legislation in order to accomplish this and recognize that the higher levels of government must take the lead.

STAFF REPORTS TO COUNCIL

New Website Design –
A committee of staff members presented an updated design for the township website. It is attractive and more user friendly. They plan to roll this out early in 2010.

Balm Beach Lighting –
Staff brought a proposal to install new lighting at Balm Beach as the first step in the long-term improvement plan. After discussion they were instructed to prepare a tender for nine new light standards.

Construction and Renovation at the Main Office –
Staff presented a report that showed the work was completed under budget but several members of council were not satisfied and requested further details for the next meeting.

Beach 911 Emergency Signage –
It has been noticed that there are no signs on the township’s public beaches identifying the location if someone needed to make an emergency call. These signs would be on the waterside and provide the civic address that emergency crews need to find an access point. The standard signage would be placed at the roadside identifying the municipal address. Staff will acquire prices for these signs for the next meeting.

Posted by Webmaster at 11:00 PM

October 26, 2009

REPORT ON COUNCIL
October 26, 2009
Committee of the Whole Meeting: 9:02 am – 12:34 pm and 1:02 pm – 3:36 pm.
Regular Evening Meeting: 7:00 pm – 7:14 pm.
All members of Council present.

CONFIDENTIAL / CLOSED SESSION: 2:36 pm to 3:34 pm.

ANNOUNCEMENTS/PRESENTATIONS:
This year, the Mayor’s Annual Charity Golf Tournament raised $4500. Mayor Breckenridge presented the proceeds to representatives of Community Link North Simcoe, an organization that links people to community resources through volunteer-based transportation and support services.

SEPTAGE NEWS:
CC Tatham and Associates Ltd presented a proposal for septage handling in Tiny. There was no real detail as to the available options. Their submission about the necessary preliminary stages in deciding on a method of treatment included: an Environmental Assessment, a specialist’s studies and design, approvals and tendering for construction. The preliminary stages are projected to cost $450,000.
Council is considering trying to do the first two items very soon and asked staff for specifics and a recommendation for the next meeting.

A representative from a company called Elementa Group made a presentation of a system that uses a steam kiln to eliminate virtually all waste. The cost for a unit that would serve Tiny Township would be in the area of $30 million. This was a sales presentation

SITE 41:
Council members reported that the County has done more than the planned winterization of Site 41 and that the excavation is almost filled with only a small depression left. Our County Council members will follow up to ascertain what changed the plans.

SIGNAGE:
A proposal was received from MC3 Global Retail in response to Council queries about the firm’s $16,400 quotation to complete the engineering drawings, prepare the tender material and provide oversight of the tender proposal. All relevant detail was provided for this meeting and Council voted to spend $11,800 for completion of final art work for production and tendering. Councilor Warren requested a recorded vote. His was the only vote in opposition to the decision, as he believes excessive money has been spent on this phase. Including the above amount, the total will be more than $32,000.
It is now a certainty that no signs will be erected this year.

MCMAHON WOODS DEVELOPMENT:
This project is in a very confused state at present. Simcoe County instructed the Township to hold a public meeting, but, while the Township believes that 51 building lots would meet their zoning requirements, the County has gone from seeming to accept 73 lots to now stating that only 20 lots would be acceptable under the Greenland designation.
To further confuse the situation there is no decision regarding private wells and municipal water because of the variance in the number of lots. Staff was directed to try to ascertain from County what their final lot count would be before calling a public meeting.
In addition there is a communal well on McMahon road that services 4 or 5 residences and they should be considered for inclusion if the municipal water solution is considered. Councillors wanted assurance that all costs would be borne by the developer and not the township’s ratepayers. That seemed to be confirmed.

COMBINED LEAF AND YARD WASTE PICKUP:
Council decided to extend this service to private roads that are already serviced by Simcoe County garbage service. The remaining private roads are not accessible to big trucks and those residents will continue to have the transfer station as their only option.

HOSPITAL UPDATE:
Bob Morton, the Chair of the Board, and Paul Heinrich, the CEO, provided an update about the North Simcoe Hospital Alliance – explaining the various ways the Huronia District Hospital and the Penetanguishene Hospital have been merged. They are focused on balancing the budget, strategic planning and providing more statistics and records about service levels. In the near future data regarding service standards and results will be available on the North Simcoe Hospital Alliance website.

COPELAND CEMETERY:
Council supported the Historical & Heritage Committee’s recommendation that the Copeland Cemetery be designated as a historical site. Whether to undertake maintenance and preservation is to be discussed during 2010 budget deliberations.

Posted by Webmaster at 09:54 PM

October 13, 2009

REPORT ON COUNCIL
October 13, 2009
Committee of the Whole Meeting: 9:00 am – 1:17 pm and 1:54 pm – 2:24 pm.
Regular Evening Meeting: 7:00 pm – 8:19 pm.
All members of Council present.

CONFIDENTIAL / CLOSED SESSION: 9:27 am to 9:51 am. John Borzo of Burgar Rowe was present.

NOISE BY-LAW: Council reviewed an oral submission complaining about the noise of the outdoor music at the Surf Restaurant during the summer. The discussion was inconclusive. It appears that enforcement of the Noise By-law is very subjective.

COPELAND HILL CEMETERY: Mr. Gordon Robbins presented a comprehensive report regarding this historic cemetery and the condition of the land. It is badly overgrown but is still an active cemetery with burials as recent as 2002. Grants are available to help restore the property and staff will look into the situation. Mr. Robbins had devoted substantial time to researching the history and the persons buried there and he has a wealth of interesting information. Council will discuss the report on October 26.

SITE 41 UPDATE: Deputy Mayor Lawrence advised that he and other members of Simcoe County Council have concerns about the decision to “winterize” the property rather than restoring it to the original condition. He will address this concern at the County. The Community Monitoring Committee will continue to meet monthly at least until the Certificate of Approval is revoked.

SIGNAGE: A proposal was received from MC3 Global Retail requesting funding of $16,400 to complete the engineering drawings, prepare the tender material and provide oversight of the tender proposal. Council members were concerned that they had not received all of the deliverables from the previous contract and requested a comprehensive list of those. Action on the new proposal was deferred until the next meeting.
It is highly unlikely that signs will be erected this year. This is disappointing, as this project has dragged on much too long.

BUILDING PERMIT ACTIVITY: The figures continue to reflect the economic slowdown with the value of construction in the month of September being $1.9 million as compared to $4.6 million in September, 2008. Year to date figures are at $16.5 million in 2009 versus $27 million in 2008.

SOUTHERN GEORGIAN BAY COASTAL INITIATIVE: This organization proposes to “maintain and restore a healthy sustainable coastal ecosystem in Southern Georgian Bay through awareness and education, by protecting natural areas, rehabilitating degraded habitats, and guiding land use decisions with regional and local community input.” The details are in the COW agenda - Tab H2.
Council members expressed concerns about the composition of the steering committee: only Wasaga Beach and the Town of Blue Mountain represent the coast line from Tobermory to Port Severn. They also noted that neither the Severn Sound Environmental Association nor Georgian Bay Township had been invited to participate.
There is full support for active management of our coastlines but confusion about how many groups are involved. Mayor Breckenridge advised that she would address this at the next meeting of the Great Lakes Cities Initiative.

PROPOSED GRAVEL PIT: At a Public Meeting preceding the evening session of Council, the Sarjeant Company presented their request to open a new gravel pit in Concessions 1 and 2.
Steven Ogden cautioned Council about environmental impacts, as he believes that the surrounding area has had a significant increase in water table levels due to an existing pit in operation there. He stated that his well has overflowed for the first time ever. A second speaker, James Simpson, corroborated this and advised that ditches and road surfaces in the Carpenter Road area have been impacted. A representative from the company advised, inconclusively, that this is due to wet weather.

SEWAGE DUMP SITE, CONCESSION 15 EAST: Ms. Fran Sullivan, who owns land across the road from this site spoke of a number of negative impacts that she has encountered as septage is spread on this site. During the question period, questions were raised about the Township’s future plans and concern was expressed about current practices. Several Councillors spoke to this. There will be a consultant’s report at the next COW meeting on October 26th outlining options that can be considered for disposal of the township’s septage.

BUDGET MEETING CHANGE OF DATE: The budget meeting scheduled for January 18, 2010 has been rescheduled to January 15, 2010.

Posted by Webmaster at 04:11 PM

September 28, 2009

REPORT ON COUNCIL
Sept 28, 2009
Committee of the Whole Meeting: 9:05 am – 1:05 pm and 1:37 pm – 1:37 pm.
Closed session: 11.51 am to 1:03 pm.
Regular Evening Meeting: 7:00 pm – 7:31 pm.
Mayor Breckenridge, Deputy Mayor Lawrence and Councilors Claire and Warren present. Councilor Cornell absent on vacation.

CONFIDENTIAL / CLOSED SESSION: 11:52 am – 1:03 pm.

ORAL SUBMISSIONS TO COUNCIL:
Bayshore Senior Citizens Association –
Members of that organization, which has 593 members, presented their budget and explained to Council that provincial guidelines require that the municipality provide 20% of required funding if the organization is to qualify for provincial grants. Council will consider this during their 2010 budget deliberations.

Old Dumpsite, Part Lot 15, Concession 14W –
An environmental assessment of that site has cleared many of the 14 properties involved but further test wells, costing approximately $14,000 to $18,000, are required for the remaining six properties. An owner requested consideration for cost sharing by the Township. Council decided, at the evening meeting, to pay 75% of the costs capped at $18,000.

STAFF REPORTS TO COUNCIL:
Dates Set for 2010 Budget Meetings –
Council agreed to hold 3 all-day sessions -- Nov. 23rd and Dec. 10th, 2009 and Jan. 18th, 2010. These meetings begin at 9 am, are open to the public, and are held in the Council Chambers.

Simcoe County Waste Management By-law –
The County has passed a new, much-improved waste management bylaw. They enquired if the local municipalities would be interested in partnering with them for enforcement. Council decided (appropriately, in our view) to decline. This year more than 400 violations have been noted and the cost of dealing with them has been submitted to the County. Most concern non-collectable items left at the roadside.

Site 41 Cancelled – Mayor Breckenridge announced that County Council had cancelled Landfill Site 41. The Community Monitoring Committee will continue to meet at least until the Certificate of Approval is revoked and Site 41 has been decommissioned. They will monitor the water situation and the infilling of the site.

NEW BUSINESS:
County Council Public Relations Initiative - Tiny’s Council passed (3-1, with Mayor Breckenridge in opposition) a resolution which reads as follows:

The actual wording of the report and resolution at County Council is:

In accordance with County Council’s approval of expenditures for a public relations plan, the Corporate Communications Department has initiated work with the public relations firm, Fleishman Hillard. This will see the commencement of a campaign to elevate the public perception of the County. The County of Simcoe, as a regional service provider, delivers significant services upon which many people depend. It is important to ensure that the County manage its reputation and effectively reinforce to residents that our services are effective, cost-efficient and valued.

Obviously there is a variance in the wording. The actual campaign has not been costed but the amount of $250,000 is significant, and is in addition to an annual public relations budget of$1,100,000. County Council approved this initiative, on a weighted vote, by a relatively narrow margin – 62-44.

Posted by Webmaster at 10:39 PM

September 14, 2009

REPORT ON COUNCIL

Sept. 14, 2009

Committee of the Whole Meeting: 9:00 am. – 12:33 am and 1:13 pm to 1:39 pm

Regular Evening Meeting: 7:01 pm – 8:16 pm

Mayor Breckenridge, Deputy Mayor Lawrence and Councillors Clair and Warren present. Councilor Cornell absent on vacation

CONFIDENTIAL / CLOSED SESSION: 11.03 am to 12.20 pm. John Barzo, Burger Rowe in attendance.

ORAL SUBMISSIONS TO COUNCIL -

Georgian Shores Swinging Seniors “The Place” – Members of that organization presented their budget and explained to Council that the new provincial guidelines require that the municipal body provide 20% of required funding if the organization is to qualify for provincial grants. Last year, the municipal grant was $6,543. The new rules would require this to be increased to $9,390 for 2009/10. Council will consider this during their budget deliberations.

STAFF REPORTS TO COUNCIL -

Lafontaine Ice Rink – After a review of a staff report and discussion, Council concluded that it is not feasible to agree to delay the project until next May to allow Lyle Blair’s group to create a business plan. The risk of losing the current grant is too high and enquiries at the province suggested there is no additional grant money available. There was a lack of detail in the presentation made to Council at the Aug. 31 meeting and it is prudent to continue with the original proposal. Staff was directed to proceed with the original proposal at the evening session.

Canada Post –
Council recognizes that this is a “done deal” but will communicate to Canada Post that using the Penetanguishene civic address for all residents in the north end of the township is confusing - especially to persons living in one of the hamlets such as Lafontaine. Council instructed staff to write to Canada Post and ascertain if a more generic address, such as “Tiny Township” could be used.

County Council Update – Site 41:
Council discussed the next steps to be taken in regard to Site 41. At the County Council meeting on Sept. 22nd there will be a motion to close the site permanently and revoke the Certificate of Approval. There is some concern regarding the motivation behind this motion and a desire that all steps be taken to prevent any sale to a private entity. This will be discussed at North Simcoe Heads of Council meeting prior to the County meeting.

PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT:
Building Permits –
August construction value dropped to $1.8 million from $2.4 million last year. Year to date 2009 numbers are $14.6 million, a decrease from the 2008 total, which was $22.4 million.

Posted by Webmaster at 08:36 AM

August 31, 2009

REPORT ON COUNCIL

Aug. 31, 2009

Committee of the Whole Meeting: 9:00 a.m. – 1:02 p.m. and 1.40 p.m. - 4:01 p.m.

Regular Evening Meeting: 7:01 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

All members of Council present

CONFIDENTIAL / CLOSED SESSION: 2.43 p.m. to 4:01 p.m.

REPORTS OF CONSULTANTS AND THIRD PARTIES:

Canada Post Corporation / Address Changes – Officials of Canada Post explained that they are planning to modify up to 2400 addresses in mid November 2009. They need to eliminate the use of RR numbers and have residents use only civic addresses so that delivery routes can be changed when necessary. They must abide by the Labor Code and not have drivers working excessive hours, so periodically the routes have to be adjusted. The area impacted is from the 13th Concession to the north end of the Township. Full communication with those affected will commence soon.

Signage Again – The design, typeface and colour were finalized. The next step is for MC3 Communications to provide the detailed design and the Request for Proposal documents. Council mentioned that local firms must be invited to bid.

Balm Beach Improvements Master Plan – R.J. Burnside & Associates Limited presented a $1.4 million, detailed plan for a three-year redevelopment of Balm Beach. It includes decorative street lighting, seating areas, storm outfall relocation and treatment, a lookout and gazebo, improvements to the washroom facilities, trees, more parking, narrowing of road lanes, crosswalks, a patio seating area at storefronts. Details are available on the Township website under the Committee of the Whole Agenda for August 31, 2009. (We note that the price tag is half a million higher than that for the original Balm Beach Master Plan, which was never implemented because it was too costly.)
Deputy Mayor Lawrence noted that the washroom upgrade couldn’t wait until year three due to impending legislation regarding handicapped facilities.

SITE 41 MOTION: that the landfill be abandoned and closed: Council discussed next steps regarding Site 41. Notice has been given of a motion at County Council to close the facility permanently, but it will be very important to get the Certificate of Approval revoked so the facility cannot be sold to a private company. Council hopes to get the four northern communities together to consider a waste management program.

LAFONTAINE ICE RINK PROPOSAL: At the evening session, Lyle Blair, heading a delegation, made a presentation regarding a proposed new rink. His group wants an artificial rink as the natural ice season is shortening because of changing weather patterns. They argued that the rink is poorly situated and should be moved, possibly to land adjacent to the Caisse Populaire. An amount of $200,000 was mentioned, as was the possibility of raising private capital. According to their proposal, the Township would own the facility, but it would be operated by their private corporation. They require time to create a detailed business plan.
Staff and Council Members expressed concern that trying to change the focus of the grant that has been received to update the current facility may be problematic.

RABIES CLINIC: There is to be a rabies clinic at Perkinsfield Park on Wednesday, October 7, 2009, from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Posted by Webmaster at 06:39 AM

August 10, 2009

REPORT ON COUNCIL

August 10, 2009

Committee of the Whole Meeting: 9:02 a.m. – 1:31 p.m. and 2:01 - 5:00 p.m.

Regular Evening Meeting: 7:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

All Members of Council present

CONFIDENTIAL / CLOSED SESSION: 11:54 a.m. - 1:31 p.m. and 2:01 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

SUPPORT FOR LE VILLAGEOIS, LAFONTAINE:
A Special Emergency Meeting of the Committee of the Whole was held on July 30, 2009 to discuss a financing issue with the subject project. The project had provided letters of credit in lieu of a reserve fund to support the long-term maintenance of the water and septic systems. The project managers requested a significant reduction in the amount of the letters of credit citing costs as being onerous. Council decided that was not a prudent move considering that the project is not complete and no reserve fund has yet been established. To assist the project, they voted to provide a loan of $15,000, repayable on Dec. 31, 2009. It was confirmed that the Mayor and Manager of Administrative Services were legally entitled to make this loan.

REVISED SIGN BY-LAW:
Improvements were made to the Sign By-law making it easier for staff to administer. (The By-law forbids the placement of advertising signs on municipal road allowances and property and sets fines for those who violate it.) This is a positive step toward protecting the natural beauty of our township.

SWIMMING POOL MANAGEMENT:
As the result of a question raised by Mayor Breckenridge, Council and staff discussed issues associated with filling pools from one of the Township’s water systems and with the emptying of chlorinated pool water into the Bay or into ditches. Staff was asked to investigate and report back with recommendations.

PHRAGMITES MISMANAGEMENT:
Members of Council had observed several instances where this invasive weed was mismanaged when channels were dug and roadside weeds cut. Council directed staff in the Public Works Department to attend a training/education session on the proper identification and handling of the plant.

LONG OVERDUE SIGNAGE – STILL OVERDUE:
The latest designs were reviewed and general consensus was obtained. We hope that the design can be finalized at the next regular meeting and progress can actually be achieved.

Posted by Webmaster at 10:21 PM

July 27, 2009

REPORT ON COUNCIL

July 27, 2009
Committee of the Whole Meeting: 9:00 a.m. – 12:40 p.m. and 1:14 p.m. – 4:55 p.m.>
Regular Evening Meeting: 7:00 p.m. – 7:19 p.m.>
All Members of Council present

CONFIDENTIAL / CLOSED SESSION: 3:38 p.m. – 3:42 p.m.

ORAL PRESENTATIONS - Metis Rendezvous Planning Committee Asks for Support – Members of the Métis Planning Committee attended to ask for support for their 5th Annual Rendezvous to be held September 19th. With approximately 600 attendees, this is the largest one in Canada. Council advised the committee to present a budget and request for support in the format that has become standard for events.

STAFF REPORTS

Jackson Park Safety – At the previous meeting, citizens stated their concerns about the safety of swimmers around the boat ramp. Prior to 2007 buoys were used to keep boats and personal watercraft away from swimmers but this practice was discontinued on the advice of the Township’s insurer. Staff was directed to revisit this decision with the insurer and relevant authorities due to the concerns about public safety.

Flooded Land at the 6th Concession – At the previous meeting concerns about flooding at the closed end of the 6th concession were presented. The cause of the flooding appears to be a beaver dam on private land. Council is sympathetic but does not have the power to act. They directed staff to provide front desk personnel with a list of ministries and other authorities to contact. (There was a complaint that staff had not been responsive.)

Lafontaine Waterfront Park Master Plan to be Prepared – Council directed staff to prepare a Request for Proposal for a Master Plan to improve the waterfront park. (In a letter dated July 2, 2009, the Ministry of Fisheries and Oceans has approved, in principle, the ideas received from Council.)

Phragmites Control Update – The Township received a letter from the Ministry of Natural Resources outlining how to apply for permission to spray Phragmites. [The letter is available on www.tinycottager.org. See the Phragmites Control notice.] A separate application must be made for each address that the Township [or private land owner] wishes to treat. One application is to be filed as a test this week. As soon as it is approved, more applications will be sent. The locations will be chosen from the Study that the Severn Sound Environmental Association prepared last year.
Note: The Township’s Minutes for the July 27th Committee of the Whole Meeting still include incorrect information regarding the procedure to be followed by private landowners wanting permission to control Phragmites, even though staff was advised of the correct process (which had been verified with the Ministry) on July 29 and was reminded of the information on August 10.

Dogs on Woodland Beach - A letter was received from a resident of Woodland Beach requesting that the current by-law be amended to forbid dogs on the Woodland municipal beach. Council asked the By-law Officer to comment on this request and, in the interim, to increase the visibility of officers on that beach.

Concession 8 Road Allowance Drainage - After a lengthy discussion staff was directed to prepare a report about rerouting the drainage to the south side of the Township road allowance at the beach. Some Councillors believe that that would be beneficial.

High Speed Internet Availability – The County of Simcoe Broadband Service project is behind schedule. Concerned about the areas of the Township that this project will not cover, Councillor Cornell wants the Township to seek a “Tiny solution” with Bell Aliant for those areas. Doug Taylor, the township representative for this project, suggests that this issue be addressed with Bell at the public outreach sessions. The Mayor said she would raise these concerns at the County of Simcoe Performance Management meeting.

Posted by Webmaster at 09:46 PM

July 13, 2009

July 9 and July 13, 2009

REPORT ON COUNCIL

July 9, 2009
Emergency Special Committee of the Whole Meeting: 11:02 a.m. – 12:53 p.m. and 2:02 p.m. – 2:13 p.m.
All members of Council in attendance.
Community Monitoring Committee (CMC) members, Ron Cobbett (Chair), Anne Nahuis, and Darryl Leonard, also in attendance.

CONFIDENTIAL / CLOSED SESSION: 11:02 a.m. – 12:53 p.m. and 2:02 p.m. – 2:13 p.m. This concerned the cancellation by the County of Simcoe of the regular July 9 CMC meeting.

REPORT ON COUNCIL

July 13, 2009
Committee of the Whole Meeting: 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. – 5:35 p.m.

Regular Evening Meeting: 7:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

All members of Council present

CONFIDENTIAL / CLOSED SESSION: 3.13 p.m. - 3:42 p.m. Council discussed a confidential presentation regarding the land expropriation process by Eric Finn of Berger and Rowe.

REPORTS OF CONSULTANTS AND THIRD PARTIES:

Green Energy Act Update – Kris Menzies of MHBC Planners provided an overview of the Act and its associated Regulations & Permitting Requirements. Her presentation is available on the Township website under Committee of the Whole Agenda, July 13, 2009, Section D. The Regulations are open for comment until July 24, 2009.
Council directed Menzies to incorporate the recommendations of the Visual Landscape Guidance for Industrial Wind Energy Facilities Study, prepared by the Univ. of Guelph, into the draft Official Plan Review document, and to have the latter posted on the Township Website no later than July 24, 2009.
Council also formally requested 15 changes in the Regulations and/or Permitting Requirements.

Summerama Business Plan – An updated plan included, among other things, a revised budget. Council approved $1920 in financial assistance. The Special Occasion Permit work is almost complete and it appears that the festival will proceed subject to confirmation of insurance, policing and security. Council emphasized that approval of the Permit did not make the Township responsible for any loss; the organizers confirmed that they would make up any shortfall. And they said that signage is to restrict the event to Township property.

Ministry of the Environment Presentation re Septage – Five officials from the MoE attended and Nina Koskenoja, an Engineering Specialist from the Waste Management Policy Branch, made a presentation. It included information regarding pilot projects using a variety of technologies. Overall, the presentation was disappointing because there are no reports yet available for the pros and cons of the technologies. Also the survey data presented was flawed and the sample size was very limited. The Ministry advised that they do not like the spreading of septage, but have no plan to prohibit the practice until the capacity for processing is increased substantially.
Council recognizes that continued spreading of septage on fields is not acceptable and directed staff to start to gather data relating to lagoon technology. In another discussion late in the agenda they concluded that any joint project with another municipality probably would not succeed and would increase the project time. They believe that the Township must move ahead promptly with a “Tiny” solution. In the end, they decided to retain C. C. Tatham & Associates to prepare a plan and budget for developing a treatment facility for consideration during 2010 budget discussions.

Township Signage Proposal – MC3 Communications presented preliminary ideas regarding signage for the Township. They included a variety of form and concept options. Staff will assist Council in selecting the most appropriate option, which will lead to a more detailed design and then costing. The consultant included, at no extra charge, three new Township logos for consideration, but a majority of Council refused to discuss them.

STAFF REPORTS TO COUNCIL

North Shore Drive Road Surfacing - The regular 10-year assessment of Township roads is due in 2010 and the prospects for a hard surface on North Shore drive were discussed in that context. During the discussion, staff revealed that they do consider roads between planning cycles but generally only when a substantial amount of building has occurred. That process appears to be quite subjective. This subject will be raised again during 2010 budget discussions.

Common Reed / Phragmites – No response has been received from the Ministry of Natural Resources regarding the control of the common reed. If a response is not received by August, the Township plans to commence spraying and/or cutting, using the methods that were approved by MNR for Wasaga Beach. (This is a key issue for all residents as the reed is spreading quickly and must be controlled.)

Building Permits Decrease – Year to date totals decreased from $16,315,000 in 2008 to $9,793,000 this year and June activity was down from $4,033,000 in 2008 to $3,552,000 this year.

LANDFILL SITE 41/ONE-YEAR MORATORIUM:
Council unanimously resolved:
1. That the Council of the Township of Tiny request that the Premier of Ontario declare a one-year moratorium on the construction of the Landfill site known as Site 41 located in the Township of Tiny, County of Simcoe.
2. That a copy of this resolution be sent to the attached organization list, the Ministry of the Environment and local Provincial and Federal elected representatives.
3. That this resolution be sent to AMO asking for support and action on Provincial Waste Management.

Posted by Webmaster at 10:24 PM

June 29, 2009

REPORT ON COUNCIL

June 29, 2009

Committee of the Whole Meeting: 9.02 a.m. – 1.12 pm and 1.37 pm. – 4.06 pm

Regular Evening Meeting: 7.04 pm - 7.34 pm

All members of Council present

CONFIDENTIAL / CLOSED SESSION: 1:58 p.m. – 3:02 p.m. (Jill Dougherty, of WeirFoulds, was in attendance.)

ORAL PRESENTATIONS:
Outdoor Music at Balm Beach – John and Elizabeth Marion made a submission regarding the music on a restaurant patio in Balm Beach. They reminded Council that this issue was raised last year and that the by-law governing outdoor music should be clarified or enforced. They noted that all surrounding municipalities do not allow live music outdoors at commercial establishments.
Jackson Park/the 8th Concession – Dorene Trunk made a presentation arguing that the number of parking spaces at the 8th should be reduced given the limited space available at the shore on Township-owned land.
North Shore Drive – The Cedar Point Cottagers Association wants (and has been wanting for many years) the Township to pave or tar the gravel sections of North Shore Drive. They requested Council to review the Public Works Department’s priorities and noted that many roads with fewer residences seem to have been given higher priority.

REPORTS OF CONSULTANTS AND THIRD PARTIES:
Official Plan Update – Kris Menzies of MHBC Planners reported that the Province has delayed its approval of the County’s plan. As a result, the Township plan will probably not be finalized until June 2010. She noted that this is the time for public input and all interested parties should provide comments to Mr. Doug Luker, the CAO. She observed that residents believe that the results of The Wind Turbine Visual Impact Study that has just been completed should be incorporated into the plan. She also noted that the Province has just produced a new “Places to Grow” plan, which reduces the population growth targets for Tiny Township significantly. This document is currently in circulation for comments. The previous version set growth in Tiny at 2700 residents by 2031 whereas the revision allocates the Township only 550 additional persons by that date. Only people captured by the census are included in Tiny’s population numbers.
Summerama Business Plan – The Summerama Committee presented an update and budget for the proposed August 15 festival at Balm Beach. (The complete presentation is in the township website in the Committee of the Whole Agenda for June 29, 2009.) A long discussion ensued as there was also an oral submission from a resident who opposes the festival and there were 13 written submissions from the surrounding community, which raised concerns and asked for an opportunity for input.
Council is generally very supportive of the festival but noted that the committee had to make further attempts to address the concerns of residents. Council also noted that the financial support the committee was requesting (more than $12,000) was too high and must be reduced. There is not much time for the committee to respond.
Mayor Breckenridge noted that the township has a plan to significantly enhance Balm Beach and that it is important to increase community involvement and fund raising capability. When Council approved the proposal in principle last February, they gave the committee direction that the plan was not to include a beer tent. That is still included, however, because it is an important revenue source. Deputy Mayor Lawrence now supports the tent because he is satisfied that it will be professionally operated with appropriate safely precautions in place.

DECLINE IN BUILDING PERMITS: Year to date totals decreased from $12,282,000 in 2008 to $6,241,000 in 2009. May 2009 activity was down from $7,162,000 in 2008 to $1,658,000 this year.

CEMETERY DESIGNATED: At the request of the Historical and Heritage Committee, Council designated the municipally-owned cemetery on Cemetery Lane (the Copeland Hill Cemetery). As a result, the property is to be surveyed and the Public Works Department will provide regular maintenance.

Posted by Webmaster at 10:59 PM

June 08, 2009

June 8, 2009

REPORT ON COUNCIL

June 8, 2009
Committee of the Whole Meeting: 9:03 a.m. – 12:31 p.m. and 1:09 p.m. – 5:01 p.m.

Regular Evening Meeting: 7:03 p.m. – 7:52 p.m.
Mayor Breckenridge and Councillors Claire, Cornell, and Warren present
Deputy Mayor George Lawrence absent (on vacation).

CONFIDENTIAL / CLOSED SESSION: 4:28 p.m - 4:58 p.m.

NOTTAWASAGA PILOT PROJECT: Representatives of the Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority presented a brief overview of this project, which is an attempt to improve water quality in the lower Nottawasaga Basin. Council decided to write a letter expressing interest in joining other municipalities in this project (the others are the Towns of Blue Mountains, Wasaga Beach and Collingwood, and the Townships of Clearview and Springwater).

LE FESTIVAL DU LOUP 2009: Council agreed to the request that the Township support the event to the extent of $1,485 worth of municipal services.

DELINEATION OF BEACH ACCESS PATHS: Three or four dark red posts are to delineate each side of township-owned beach paths from Concession 1 to Concession 10, as listed in Public Works Report PWR-028-09, May 3. Signage indicating the extent of township ownership is to be placed at major access points.

SEPTAGE DISPOSAL STILL NOT RESOLVED: Mayor Breckenridge reported that the new sewage treatment plant in Penetanguishene will not be able to accept septage, and thus is not a resource for Tiny.

MORE FUNDING FOR TOWNSHIP PROJECTS: The Township has been successful in getting funding for work on the Lafontaine arena, and for paving part of the Balm Beach Road and a stretch of the Tiny Trail.

MINISTRY OF FISHERIES AND OCEANS TOUR OF THE 8TH AND LAFONTAINE BEACH PARK: As no agreement was reached during the visit of representatives of the Department of Oceans & Fisheries, Burnside & Associates will provide a report/letter regarding proposed work at Concession 8 W. In addition Staff is to write a letter to the DFO outlining proposed work at the Lafontaine Beach Park and to request a preliminary agreement regarding the proposed works.
It is dispiriting to recall that the DFO visited last year, spoke with staff, then was asked to come again this year, and that letters by consultants and staff still have to be written before anything can be done. This shilly-shallying is expensive and wastes years of time.

Posted by Webmaster at 08:53 PM

May 25, 2009

REPORT ON COUNCIL

May 25, 2009
Committee of the Whole Meeting: 9:01 a.m. – 1:22 p.m. and 1:43 p.m. – 4.33 p.m.

Regular Evening Meeting: 7:04 p.m. – 7:33 p.m.
Mayor Breckenridge, Deputy Mayor Lawrence and Councillors Claire, Cornell, and Warren present

CONFIDENTIAL / CLOSED SESSION: None.

OXFAM CANADA TRAIL WALK RE-ROUTED TO ALLENWOOD: Consultants working for Oxfam are planning a 100 km walk. They wanted to have it end at Tiny Beaches Road South and Archer Rd. Council explained that this area was not suitable as a destination for this fundraiser in terms of size and parking. The consultants were also looking at Wasaga Provincial Park at Allenwood and all agreed that was a better site.

PROPOSAL FROM CENTRAL ONTARIO ATV CLUB: This club made a presentation hoping to get approval to use parts of the Tiny Trail system and some concession roads to connect their current trails in County Forests in Tiny and Springwater. Members of Council did not appear comfortable with this proposal and it was referred to the Recreation Committee for more study.

REPORT RE THE SEVERN SOUND SUSTAINABILITY PLAN: Developed by representatives of the nine municipalities of the Severn Sound Watershed, members of the public, and many community organizations, the report was endorsed by Council. The complete document is available on the Township’s website under Council / Agenda / Committee of the Whole / May 25.
An Interim Sustainability Plan Steering Committee (ISPSC) will be established for one year beginning April 2009 to begin to implement the Plan. Partner organizations will be encouraged to help.

BY-LAW ENFORCEMENT CRITICIZED: This subject came up several times during the meeting and Council members displayed frustration that enforcement does not seem to be particularly effective. One example was the Animal Control report that said there were 336 complaints and investigations to the end of April but only 4 fines in the same period. Other comments related to drinking on the beach and uncontrolled fires.

MINISTRY OF FISHERIES AND OCEANS TOUR OF THE 8TH AND LAFONTAINE PARK: At Council’s request, officials from the MFO toured the 8th Concession Beach Road Allowance and Lafontaine Beach Park at the 16th to discuss what steps could be taken to improve them while conforming to MFO regulations. Further consideration is to be given to moving some rocks to improve access into the water at the Lafontaine Park. The problems presented by the ever-changing drainage channels at the 8th were discussed, but no conclusions were drawn.

DECLINE IN VALUE OF BUILDING PERMIT ACTIVITY: Year to date totals decreased from $5,119,000 in 2008 to $4,583,000 this year and April figures fell from $2,229,000 to $1,738,000.

Posted by Webmaster at 11:34 PM

May 11, 2009

REPORT ON COUNCIL
May 11, 2009
Committee of the Whole Meeting: 9:02 a.m. – 12:44 p.m. and 1:16 p.m. – 6:03 p.m.
Regular Evening Meeting: 7:17 pm – 7:42 pm
Mayor Breckenridge and Councillors Claire, Cornell, and Warren present. Deputy Mayor Lawrence absent, ill.

CONFIDENTIAL / CLOSED SESSION: 3:46 p.m. – 6:03 p.m.

VISUAL ASSESSMENT FOR WIND ENERGY DEVELOPMENT -- DRAFT REPORT: - James Taylor from the University of Guelph presented a comprehensive update regarding his group’s study of the impact of commercial wind turbines on views in Tiny Township. The draft report will be ready by early June when it will be circulated for feedback and then the final report will be completed. Staff will then ascertain how to incorporate this data into the Official Plan.

The report suggests appropriate setbacks from “areas under protection through policy” and from “sensitive landscapes”. If the proposed setbacks were used, there would be almost no place in the Township where a wind farm could be located. The presentation can be viewed on the Township website under Council Agenda / Committee of the Whole Agenda – 2009 / COW 09 May 11, 2009 / Complete CWC Agenda / D Reports of Consultants or Third Parties

MIDLAND LIBRARY EXPANSION: The Midland Library is planning an extensive addition to its current building, which they expect to be mainly funded by the provincial government and the town of Midland. They asked the Township to “be a partner in their application for funding from the Rural Economic Development Program”, and they are hoping for additional funding from Tiny and other surrounding municipalities. This request will be considered during 2010 budget discussions.

PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO FEE SCHEDULE BY-LAW—PARKING: Among the changes recommended in this report was the establishment of rates for the new Pay & Display Parking Machines at Woodland Beach Park and in Jackson Park. The fee proposed was $.25 per 7.5 minutes ($2 per hour), with a maximum of $15 a day and a minimum of $4. Noting that the pay back period for the new machines had not been included in the report, members of Council also observed that the quality of this report, as with other recent reports, was not satisfactory.

2009 SEPTIC RE-INSPECTION PROGRAM: This year’s re-inspections in Thunder Beach will complete the first round of septic re-inspections in the Township. The program will then return to properties in the shoreline area between Concession 9 and Concession 11 (where the program began in 2002).

SIGNAGE AT LAST? Council approved an expenditure of $18,800 to have MC3 Global Retail determine a style and design for the many Township signs that need to be replaced due to their poor condition. This is not an “image” proposal but a design for signage only. The proposal’s deliverables were not clear and are to be confirmed before the contract is let.

CHANGES AT BALM BEACH: Four temporary light standards are to be installed along the beach as a safety measure.

New concepts for parking, landscaping, lighting and a walkway will be presented at a Public Information meeting to be held on June 13, 2009 from 9:00 am to 12:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers.

Posted by Webmaster at 11:03 PM

April 27, 2009

REPORT ON COUNCIL

April 27, 2009
Committee of the Whole Meeting: 9:00 a.m. – 12:35 p.m. and 1:06 p.m. – 5:11 p.m.
Regular Evening Meeting: 7:00 p.m. – 7:24 p.m.
All Members of Council present

CONFIDENTIAL / CLOSED SESSION: 11:41 a.m. – 12:35 and 3:08 p.m. – 5:08 p.m.

NO SPRING LEAF PICK-UP: Deputy Mayor George Lawrence reported that many residents have placed bagged leaves along the roadside in anticipation of a spring pick-up. The Township only provides pick-up in the fall. Information notices will be placed in local publications and on the website to reaffirm that this service is only available in the fall.
(Seasonal residents close up the cottage at Thanksgiving before most of the leaves have fallen. Windy winters and springs swirl up debris. A spring pick-up would be a welcome service from the Township.)

BALM BEACH REJUVENATION PLAN: Cecil Gratrix and Craig Dawson of R.J. Burnside & Associates Limited and Greg Norman of Norman’s Garden Gallery presented a preliminary concept plan for Balm Beach. Suggestions included pedestrian friendly walkways, seating areas, new lighting and landscaping enhancements.

PAY & DISPLAY PARKING MACHINES: Both Woodland Beach Park and Jackson’s Point Park will have Pay & Display parking machines installed and operating as of Friday, May 15, 2009. Parking will be available for Handicapped, permit holders and pay as you park tickets. There will no longer be any open parking spaces.

BUILDING CANADA FUND AND NEW INFRASTRUCTURE STIMULUS FUND: The Township will apply for infrastructure project funding from these two funds, according to Doug Luker, Chief Administrative Officer. The BCF application is for the replacement of the Lafontaine rink/pavilion (estimated cost $660,000) and the ISF application is for the Balm Beach Road reconstruction from County Road 6 to Albert Avenue (estimated project cost $350,000) and the paving of Tiny Trails from Wye River Bridge, which is south of Concession 3 East, to Concession 12 East (estimated project cost $260,000). One third of the cost ($423,333) would be funded by the municipality from the Capital Expenditure Reserve.

MAYOR’S WALK FRIDAY MAY 29, 2009: Mayor Peggy Breckenridge invites all residents to join her in a Tiny Trail Walk on Friday, May 29th from 12:00 p.m. to 1 p.m. Please meet at the Wyevale Tiny Trail Parkette.

COMMUNICATIONS ADDRESSED TO COUNCIL: Correspondence addressed to the Mayor or Members of Council will be distributed directly to them. It will not be included in the Council Agenda unless the writer specifically requests inclusion on a public agenda (Committee of the Whole/Council Meeting). The CAO/Clerk reserves the right to withhold any correspondence from the agenda. These Agendas are published on the Internet and your comments together with your name and address may be included and appear on the Internet.

OFFICIAL PLAN REVIEW UPDATE: Kris Menzies of MHBC planning consultants reported that Tiny's OPReview has been stalled because the County is late completing its OPReview
The first priority is the Public Open House [now scheduled for Saturday, June 27, from 10 a.m. until noon, in the Wyebridge Community Centre]. At it, there will be a brief presentation explaining that the Review is to bring the Plan into conformity with senior government policies rather than a rethink of its vision and priorities. Members of the public will then be invited to give input about aspects of the current Plan that they want improved or changed.
Ms. Menzies then hopes to have a draft ready by July, to have the Statutory Public Meeting in August, and to prepare a final draft by October/November.

Posted by Webmaster at 04:11 PM

April 14, 2009

REPORT ON COUNCIL
April 14, 2009
Committee of the Whole Meeting: 9:06 a.m. – 12:12 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. – 2:32 p.m.
Regular Evening Meeting: 7.05 pm - 7.24 pm
Deputy Mayor Lawrence and Councillors Cornell and Warren present. Mayor Breckenridge and Councillor André Claire away on vacation.

CONFIDENTIAL / CLOSED SESSION: 11:04 a.m. – 12:11 p.m.

NEW PARKING BY-LAW: Staff undertook to consolidate several earlier parking by-laws together with the rules for the new Pay & Display parking machines at Woodland Beach and Jackson Park. In the course of a long discussion, Council questioned arrangements for permit parking and for disabled users. Staff is to monitor usage this summer to ascertain if the appropriate number of permit and disabled spaces have been assigned at each location.
As revisions were needed to the by-law, Council deferred its passage until next meeting. Staff was directed to acquire four parking machines under the township’s written quotation guidelines. As soon as the by-law is approved, the Province authorizes the use of this by-law, and new parking tickets are printed, the machines will be installed at Jackson Park and Woodland Park. The charge for parking at those two locations will probably be $15.00 per day. An hourly rate of $2.00 with a minimum of 2 hours is also contemplated.

NEW POSSIBILITIES RE SEPTAGE DISPOSAL: Council instructed staff to contact the Town of Penetanguishene to discuss the possibility of reserving space for Tiny’s septage at the new sewage treatment plant that is being planned there. This is only one possible solution to the future disposal of Tiny’s septage. Council requested a meeting with experts from the Ministry of the Environment to discuss other options.

BUILDING PERMIT ACTIVITY HOLDING UP: The value of year over year building permit activity is down slightly from $2,891,000 in 2008 to $2,845,000 in 2009.

FUNDING FOR LIBRARIES: Council approved the by-law to continue to fund the libraries in Midland, Penetanguishene and Springwater for families from Tiny Township who use those facilities. Funding is provided for one library per user household.

Posted by Webmaster at 10:48 PM

March 30, 2009

REPORT ON COUNCIL
March 30, 2009
Committee of the Whole Meeting: 9:12 a.m. – 12.08 p.m., 12:42 p.m. – 5:03 p.m.
Regular Evening Meeting: 7:03 p.m.– 7:26 p.m.
All Members of Council present.

CONFIDENTIAL / CLOSED SESSION: 4:23 p.m. – 5:03 p.m.

COUNCIL AND STAFF RAISES: A standard raise of 2.5% cost of living was applied to staff and council remuneration.

WOODLAND BEACH MASTER PLAN APPROVED: Concerns raised by the Woodland Beach Association have resulted in revisions to the Master Plan. Council instructed Staff to "investigate and provide a report regarding a comparable committee to the Bluewater Dunes Restoration Advisory Committee to oversee the stewardship of the Woodland Beach Park.”

GEORGIAN SANDS WATERMAIN UPGRADE: The Building Canada Fund (funded by the Federal and Provincial Governments) will provide two thirds of the project cost and Tiny Township will provide one third, $1,104,721, of the $3,314,137.31 total cost. Tiny’s portion will be funded from the Water Reserve Fund and the Roads Budget for 2010 to 2012. Scheduled roadwork in this area had been deferred until the watermain upgrade is completed. Henk Blom, Manager of Public Works Work expects work to commence in the fall 2009 or more probably spring 2010. Affected residents will be notified by the Township.

GEORGIAN SANDS AND LAFONTAINE WATER SYSTEMS ASSESSED: RJ Burnside and Golder Associates have been retained to continue the Class Environmental Assessment, which is to find ways to resolve the problem of increasing nitrate levels in the potable water supply.

PROVINCE-WIDE PESTICIDE BAN: A very positive move to reduce the level of chemicals turning up in our lakes and rivers, this ban takes effect April 22, 2009 and prohibits the sale and use of pesticides for cosmetic purposes on lawns, gardens, parks and school yards. Over 250 products will be banned for sale. There are exceptions for public health or safety reasons such as fighting West Nile Virus, killing stinging insects like wasps or controlling poison ivy and other plants poisonous to the touch.

BUILDING PERMIT ACTIVITY: Has decreased substantially from $1,992,000 for Jan-Feb 2008 to $1,066,000 for Jan-Feb 2009.

CHAMPLAIN COMMEMORATIVE TRAIL PROJECT: Councillor Andre Claire, a member of the Tiny Township Historical and Heritage Committee, announced that three historic plaques are to be placed along the Tiny Trail with funding provided by the Ontario Ministry of Culture.

Plaque #1 – The Petun – will be placed between the 1st & 3rd Concessions. Text: Throughout the late 16th and early 17th centuries, the closest allies and neighbours of the Huron/Ouendat were the Petun peoples. They were made up of two allied nations, who occupied 9 or 10 villages located immediately below the Blue Mountains, south of Collingwood. This league was believed to have been formed from one eastern neutral nation in the Don or Humber River Valley of what is now Toronto and another group, who originated in the Bay of Quinte region, about 1560-1570. They moved north and west perhaps to take a more prominent role in the fur trade and to distance themselves from their traditional enemies, the 5 nations Iroquois, who at the time were being supplied with Spanish trade goods and European weapons from a Jesuit mission in the Chesapeake Bay area.
Champlain visited with these people beginning in February of 1616. He travelled to many of the villages over the next two months, where he observed them preparing to grow tobacco. So he named them the Petuns – a 17th century French term for tobacco, and the name has stayed with them despite the fact that their own name “Tiononntate” means peoples who dwell below the mountains. Their trade of tobacco gave them an incredible bartering product to trade with the Huron and other nations within the region as it was used during many medicinal, wartime and celebratory ceremonies.

Plaque #2 – Hurons/Ouendats – will be placed between the 4th & 5th Concessions. Text: Along this trail, you are moving into the traditional homeland of the Ouendake, “in the separate lands” and the Huron/Ouendat peoples. At the time of the arrival of the Europeans, the Huron/Ouendat Confederacy consisted of four distinct nations. They were the “Attignaouantans” (Bear), the “Attinginonqulacs” (Cord), “Toboneranrats” (Deer) and “Anendahronan” (Rock). All together they had a population of about 12,000 people divided into 20 villages with an average population per village of 600 people. The Huron/Ouendat were great traders and it is suggested the French were most amazed at the way the natives arranged their hair. The old French Expression “Quelle hure” – meaning “what a hair-do” led to the French naming them the Huron. This was not the first recorded name for their people. Champlain first called them the Ochateguin, the name of their chief. By 1620, it seems the term Huron was universally accepted by the French and to this day, we call the region Huronia which is of course a part of Lake Huron. The Huron/Ouendat were strategically allied with the Petun on the Western Shores of Georgian Bay who were a great tobacco growing nation. The Huron/Ouendat traded tobacco with a variety of tribes along the north shore of the great lakes.

Plaque #3 – Ossossane – will be placed at the 7th Concession. Text: This village was the capital of the entire Huron confederacy. It forms the southern boundary of the Bear Nation. Originally this village was located around the Tiny Marsh but through time subsequent villages moved North to where it was in the time of Champlain. The coastline resembled the seaport of La Rochelle in France and was named La Conception by the Jesuits. The Huron/Ouendat referred to the village as “Ossosone” and later became the location of the first European church ever built in Ontario. Constructed in the spring of 1637, the church was moved in the fall of 1639 to Sainte Marie. The village was abandoned by the Huron/Ouendat in the spring of 1649 following the decisions of their chiefs and elders to relocate to Awendahoe (Christian Island) rather than Manitoulin Island further to the North along Georgian Bay; as preferred by the Jesuits. The village site was re-discovered in 1946 by Frank Ridley who also found the ossuary which was excavated in 1947. Frank Ridley tested the site in 1964-65 and his work and collections are on display at the Huronia Museum in nearby Midland; where you can find an impressive display of the Huron/Ouendat culture.

OPP ANNUAL REPORT: Inspector Richard Philbin, Southern Georgian Bay OPP, noted a slight increase in both the theft of motor vehicles and theft from motor vehicles. Many of these happened to unlocked cars, so please remember to lock your vehicles.

Posted by Webmaster at 10:15 PM

March 09, 2009

March 9, 2009

REPORT ON COUNCIL

March 9, 2009
Committee of the Whole Meeting: 9.03 a.m. – 12:45 p.m. and 1:23 p.m. - 6:53 p.m.
Regular Evening Meeting: 7:19 p.m. – 7:36 p.m.
All members of Council present.

CONFIDENTIAL / CLOSED SESSION: 5:33 p.m. – 6:53 p.m.

A CONSERVATION AUTHORITY FOR TINY: Council authorized the signing of an agreement between The Corporation of the Township of Tiny and the Severn Sound Environmental Association. This is part of a regional move creating a Joint Municipal Service Board whereby the Severn Sound Environmental Association is authorized to perform the functions of a conservation authority for the Towns of Midland and Penetanguishene, and the Townships of Tay, Tiny, Oro-Medonte, Severn, Georgian Bay, and Springwater, and the City of Orillia. The SSEA is to address water quality issues in the Great Lakes, to implement its long-term sustainability plan, to coordinate environmental services, to administer the Province’s Clean Water Act, and to follow its strategic and business plan.

INTENSE DISCUSSION ABOUT PROPOSED NEW STAFF POSITIONS:
1. Steve Harvey, Chief By-law Enforcement Officer, asked that a second, full-time, year round By-law Officer, be hired, and that all summer positions commence in May, rather than some in May and some at the beginning of July.
Members of Council asked why two officers were often present in a car and queried the need for a May start date when there is little activity at the beach. Out of the discussion came a clearer understanding of the way by-law staff is deployed.
In the end, Council agreed to the full time position, but kept the beginning of July as the commencement date for many summer By-law positions.
2. The Treasury Department asked that a new full time Financial/Accounting Analyst be hired to replace a contractual one, at a cost of an additional $30,000. The discussion about this took place in camera. Council agreed to the new position.
3. The Public Works Department asked that an Assistant Road Superintendent be hired. The Report supporting this request did not convince Council that the new position was justified. Instead, Council agreed to the hiring of a contract (34 weeks) Assistant Roads Superintendent.

POLICING SERVICES REFUND: As has been the case for many years, the OPP overbilled the Township in 2007. Treasurer Doug Taylor had budgeted for a refund of $150,000. The actual amount returned was $440,719. The question was what to do with the amount in excess of that budgeted – namely $290,719. Councillor Warren felt that at least some of the refund should go into a Policing Reserve. Mr. Taylor recommended that it go into the Equipment Replacement Reserve fund. In the end, it was decided to follow his advice with half of the refund but to put the balance into the Township’s Working Funds Reserve.

2009 BUDGET APPROVED:

• ASSESSMENT INCREASE: Across the Township, assessments increased in 2009 by 6.5%. Many waterfront properties experienced increases considerably greater than that and will thus pay a larger share of the Township’s tax load. A mitigating factor is thatTiny Township’s assessment per $100,000 of current value continues to be among the lowest in Simcoe County.

• The budget includes monies for Council’s STRATEGIC PLANNING PRIORITIES.

• WATER OPERATING FEES are to increase by $37.20 per year due to mandated tests for lead and a required audit of Drinking Water Quality Management Systems.

• The number of GRANTS that the Township has managed to attract is up, substantially.

• RESERVES AND RESERVE FUNDS are to increase by $1,189,655. Roughly half of this is accounted for by an Ontario Potable Water Grant of $624,830.
OVERALL, TINY TOWNSHIP BUDGETARY SPENDING WILL INCREASE BY 2.5%. Tiny accounts for about a third of overall municipal taxes. The County’s share (roughly a third) of municipal taxes is expected to be up by 3.4%, while education’s share (roughly another third) is expected to be the same as last year.
See the Spring/Summer issue of The Tiny Cottager for a more detailed discussion of how your tax dollars will be spent this year.

Posted by Webmaster at 10:09 PM

February 23, 2009

REPORT ON COUNCIL

February 23, 2009
Committee of the Whole Meeting: 9.01 a.m. – 12:33 p.m.
Regular Evening Meeting: 7:07 p.m. – 7:19 p.m.
Four members of Council present. Deputy Mayor George Lawrence absent (attending a meeting of the Ontario Good Roads Association).

CONFIDENTIAL / CLOSED SESSION: There was none.

BUDGET DISCUSSION: Staff has recommended the hiring of a full-time assistant by-law officer at a cost of about $34K, an Assistant Road Superintendent, and an additional person for the Treasury Department. Mayor Breckenridge said there must be fuller reports to justify such additions. Councillor Nigel Warren echoed this.
The total tax levy for Tiny could rise by either 2.5% or 2.75%, to be decided on March 9, the target date to pass the final budget.
County levy will likely be up about 2.5%, education has not stated yet. Capital spending will be double that of last year due to senior government infrastructure programs. Tiny must contribute 33% of the cost of these. Over $3,266,000 will go to water projects from the “Build for Canada” fund.

ANOTHER PORTABLE AT THE TOWNSHIP OFFICES: Council gave pre-budget approval for a new Office Portable and furniture and also for modest renovations to the main office (including the creation of an office for Mayor Breckenridge).

BY-LAW REPORT FOR 2008:

• “Occurrences” (in response to a complaint or from pro-active enforcement) were down from 697 in 2007 to 560 in 2008, the lowest number in the past 5 years. A few violations increased – those to do with weeds, parking, zoning, and dog control. Infractions related to noise, fires, clean yards, motorized vehicles in parks, signs, and watering were down. Charges laid were 26 in 2008 vs 16 in 2007.

• 471 beach patrols were made, with action taken in 74 patrols. The top 5 locations for “action” were: Balm Beach, 25 actions in 97 patrols; 13th Conc., 12 actions in 42 patrols; Woodland Beach, 8 actions in 47 patrols; 11th Conc., 9 actions, 34 patrols. Mayor Breckenridge observed that seasonal residents always want more beach patrols.

• Parking permit sales were down slightly in 2008. The revenue received was $30,254 from resident permits and $8,475 from non-residents. Parking machines are to be installed this year on a trial basis at Jackson’s Park and Woodland Beach Park.

• Parking tickets have steadily trended down over the past 5 years: 991 in 2008, vs. 1042 in 2007. As usual, the largest number of infractions were at Jackson’s Park, the 13th Conc., Waterview (Conc. 4), Woodland (Conc. 2), and Balm.

• Mayor Breckenridge, and Councillors Andre Claire and Nigel Warren asked that campground inspections be conducted on a pro-active basis. Steven Harvey, Chief Municipal Law Enforcement Officer, is to “provide an update relating to the licensing of campgrounds in the second quarter report of the 2009 By-law activities.”

• The need for 2 officers in patrol cars was questioned. In quiet areas such a north Tiny, only 1 is used.

• Councillor Clair requested more enforcement of the sign by-law.
We asked Steven Harvey about this and were pleased to learn that “In previous years there has been one summer officer that takes the lead on dealing with this by-law concern. This will be happening again in 2009.”
We urge anyone who notices advertising signs nailed to trees along Township roads to report their existence and location to the By-law Department at 705-526-4136.

COMMON REED / PHRAGMITES AUSTRALIS: Councillor George Cornell pointed out that the Lake Huron Centre for Coastal Conservation is hosting a workshop on ways to control Phragmites in Southampton on April 3, and said that representatives of staff and local sprayers should attend. (Note: FoTTSA will report on this workshop in the Spring Tiny Cottager.)
We learned from CAO/Clerk Doug Luker that one member of Township staff will be attending and that local sprayers are being urged to learn more about Phragmites.

Posted by Webmaster at 09:50 PM

February 09, 2009

February 9, 2009

REPORT ON COUNCIL

February 9, 2009

Committee of the Whole Meeting: 9.01 a.m. – 11:41 and 12:35 p.m. – 3:49 p.m.
Regular Evening Meeting: 7:06 p.m. – 7:29 p.m.
All members of Council present.

CONFIDENTIAL / CLOSED SESSION: 3:18 p.m. – 3:49

HERITAGE AWARD: Mayor Breckenridge presented the Ontario Heritage Trust, 2008 Heritage Community Recognition Award to resident T. Philip Adams. For many years, Mr. Adams served as Chair of the Township’s Historical and Heritage Committee, which, in 2003, published The North Simcoe Railway. In 2008, he wrote a short book titled The Natural History of Tiny Township.

SUMMERAMA FESTIVAL IN BALM BEACH? The Business Association of Balm Beach presented a proposal for a one-day festival on Saturday, August 15th and asked Council to support their application for a provincial grant. The festival sounds like a fair as it involves a ferris wheel, contests, buskers, hot air balloon, beer pavilion, concert, and fireworks. The BABB spoke of road closures and of shuttle buses ferrying people from Perkinsfield and Midland. The Members of Council supported the Festival in principle, but asked the group to prepare a financial impact report before they take a final decision about the festival.

We note that Council’s support “in principle” is a departure from its normal practice. Ordinarily presentations are heard but are not discussed or acted upon until the next Council meeting to allow everyone time for reflection.

WIND ENERGY/VISUAL IMPACT PROGRESS REPORT: James Taylor of the University of Guelph presented a progress report titled “Industrial Wind Turbine Parks: Visual Impact Assessment”. The final report will be completed in April 2009 and is expected to provide a context for consideration of commercial wind turbine applications. The final report will include maps of Tiny Township identifying the impacts of commercial wind turbines on all areas and will also include recommendations for amendments to the Township’s Official Plan.

WIND TURBINES IN SIMCOE FOREST IN TINY? Deputy Mayor George Lawrence noted that an application has been made by Anemos Energy Corporation to Simcoe County to allow part of a proposed Cedar Ridge Wind project to be placed in a County forest in the northeast of Tiny. Mr. Lawrence, aided by local residents and by the Township’s Treasury Department, produced a presentation which revealed the impact that this wind project would have on Tiny Township and on the County. [On February 11, Mr. Lawrence managed to convince the Corporate Services Committee of Simcoe County to have staff prepare criteria for evaluating all wind farm applications and to reserve any decision about the Anemos proposal until such criteria had been established.]

Click here to see the revealing letter that accompanied Anemos Energy’s application to the County of Simcoe.

SEPTIC RE-INSPECTIONS WILL CONTINUE: The program, which started in 2002, has inspected 6836 systems that were more than 10 years old. In 2009 the Thunder Beach area will be completed and re-inspections of properties will start again in the Balm Beach area, focusing on those that have become more than 10 years old in the years since 2002.

BY-LAW ADHERENCE: Council decided to send legal counsel and the Township planner to an OMB hearing that will rule on a fencing variance. The appeal relates to a fence that is 2.2 meters high – a 16% variance from the 1.9 meter limit.

We believe it is necessary for the Township to support adherence to its bylaws vigorously.

WOODLAND BEACH MASTER PLAN: The final plan was received but adoption was deferred to allow area residents time to review it.

Posted by Webmaster at 10:20 PM

January 26, 2009

REPORT ON COUNCIL
January 26, 2009

Committee of the Whole Meeting: 9.00 a.m. – 12:47 and 1:08 p.m. – 2:15 p.m.
Regular Evening Meeting: 7:07 p.m. – 7:40 p.m.
Four members of Council present, Councillor George Cornell away on vacation.

CONFIDENTIAL / CLOSED SESSION: 10:06 a.m. – 12:35 p.m. This session included a discussion with David Clark of David A. Clark Consulting Inc., who has been facilitating the relationship between the Township and the Parks and Recreation groups.

COMMENDABLE FIRE DEPARTMENT COOPERATION: Randy Smith, Fire Chief, described the various ways that five fire departments – those in Tiny, Penetanguishine, Midland, Tay and the Township of Georgian Bay -- have been and will be making cooperative use of resources.
Beyond this local group, the Chief tells us that he is Vice President of the Simcoe County Fire Chiefs’ Administration Group (which includes all Simcoe County Chiefs). This larger group is following the same cooperative path, though more slowly. Chief Smith believes that there’ll be more regionalization of fire departments in the years to come as municipalities strive to control rising costs.

TOWNSHIP WEBSITE REDESIGN: Last year, the County of Simcoe acquired new software, which allows municipalities to create and manage their own websites. Brenda Biggs, the Township’s GIS/Computer Coordinator, reported that staff has been reviewing various home page layouts used by other Ontario municipalities and has produced a draft layout design. The draft design is much livelier than the old one and includes: Quick Links, Upcoming Events, a Fire Rating logo, Tiny’s Contact Information, and a Community Calendar. A Website Content Committee is now preparing to develop and manage all areas of the website’s content. In due course, the public is to be asked for input.

REPORT ON BUILDING IN TINY FOR 2008: The total value of construction in Tiny Township in 2008 was $31,368,000, down from $35,059,000 in 2007. However, as the figure for 2007 included $7.5 million for Le Villageois, the retirement complex in Lafontaine, construction activity actually held up very well in 2008.

Posted by Webmaster at 03:33 PM

January 12, 2009

REPORT ON COUNCIL
January 12, 2009
Committee of the Whole Meeting: 9.05 a.m. – 12:48 and 1:19 p.m. – 4:02 p.m.
Regular Evening Meeting: 7:03 p.m. – 7:16 p.m.
All members of Council present

CONFIDENTIAL / CLOSED SESSION: 10:15 a.m. – 12:48 p.m.
This session included a discussion with the Township solicitor, Ian Rowe, of Burgar Rowe. It also included a session with Tom Moutsatsos of Hicks Morley.

NEGOTIATIONS WITH PARKS & REC: David Clark, of David A. Clark Consulting Inc., who has been facilitating the relationship between the Township and the Parks and Recreation groups (CBO, Lafontaine, Perkinsfield, Toanche, Wyebridge, Wyevale) reported on progress to date. Clark was already over his budget of $16,000 by $4,000. In response to Councillor Nigel Warren’s query as to who had authorized this overrun, CAO Doug Luker observed that he was allowed to make decisions up to $5,000.

Instead of giving Council a written report, Clark presented overheads, showing various points of contention and the stance of the Township and and Parks and Rec on each. There appeared to be important areas of disagreement, particularly regarding the control of finances and of bookings for the various recreation facilities.

Councillor Warren was concerned that Council had not been given a chance to absorb the Report, and, supported by Deputy Mayor George Lawrence and Councillor André Claire, insisted that no decisions be made until there had been time for consideration. In the end, Council decided to discuss the report again, later.

TWO MORE ITEMS FOR BUDGET DISCUSSIONS: Two groups approached Council for grants of taxpayers’ money. The first was the Huronia Hospitals Foundation which asked for $25,000 a year for the next two or three years. Council was told that Midland had allocated $208,750, Penetang $50,000, Tay $119,000. There was no breakdown of monies raised in each community, no comparison of populations served, so it was hard to tell whether or not Tiny Township is already contributing its share of support for local hospitals through individual donations and various fundraising initiatives, including the Tiny Cottager Challenge (which this year directed $22,000 to the Huronia Hospitals Foundation).

The second was Community Link North Simcoe, which runs a Volunteer Transportation Program to ferry people to medical appointments and the like. It wants Council to allocate $3,500 to this service. (Midland gives $4,500, Penetang $3,500, and Tay $3,500.)

For anyone who would like to support this program in a practical way, we note that more volunteer drivers are needed in Tiny, and that such drivers would be donating not only time and the use of their vehicle, but a certain amount of gasoline, as mileage repayment begins only from the point where the person is picked up until he/she is dropped back home (not for the round trip from the driver’s home and back).

These requests should cause Council to discuss whether it is appropriate to use taxpayers’ money for such requests, and if it is, just where the line should be drawn. The last Council decided that taxpayers expect their taxes to be used to support municipal services and that charities and others should have their needs fulfilled through individual taxpayers deciding to support them.

Posted by Webmaster at 11:48 PM

December 08, 2008

December 8, 2008

REPORT ON COUNCIL
December 8, 2008
Committee of the Whole Meeting: 9:00 a.m. -12:35 p.m. and 1:10 p.m. – 2:21 p.m.
Regular Evening Meeting: 7:05 p.m. – 8:47 p.m.
All Members of Council present

MCMAHAN WOODS DEVELOPMENT, LOT 23, CONCESSION 4: The proposed plan of subdivision was presented to council by Darren Vella of Innovative Planning Solutions for information purposes only, at this time. A copy of the presentation is available on the Tiny Township website – tiny.ca -- under Committee of the Whole Agenda Dec. 8, 2008 / Reports of Consultants or Third Parties / 5th report at 11:00 am.

The proposed development occupies 153.25 acres and consists of 73 (1 acre minimum) lots with walking trails, a parkette and the Nipissing Ridge portion remains environmentally protected. An application has been submitted to Simcoe County along with the following technical reports: Planning Justification, Functional Servicing, Traffic Impact Study, Hydrogeological Assessment, Archaeological Assessment, D4 Waste Disposal Assessment (since there is a closed dumpsite on the property) and Environmental Impact Assessment. The County will review the reports and may request further investigation. If this development is approved by Simcoe County, it will then be presented to Tiny Council. At that time, public meetings will be scheduled to collect taxpayer & resident input. Roger Robitaille, Manager of Planning, stated that the meetings would not be scheduled earlier than May 2009 so that weather would not prevent seasonal residents from attending meetings.

A group of residents were present and submitted, in writing, concerns about beach access, traffic, population density, adequacy of municipal water supplies, environmental issues and septage disposal. Mayor Peggy Breckenridge addressed the group and stated that these issues would be reviewed once the plan is submitted to Township for approval. Roger Robitaille stated that this application is based on the present Official Plan and that any changes in Official Plan policies will not apply. He also stated that the number of lots would probably need to be reduced to 50 and that this presentation was only a proposal. Councillor Warren questioned how the closed dumpsite, additional septage and beach access would be dealt with. Councillor Claire asked if the developers were planning on using municipal water? Darren Vella responded that they would prefer private wells, but have been asked to look at municipal water sources.

ENCROACHMENT POLICY BY-LAW EXTENSION: Current encroachment agreements have been extended for one year.

HEAVY GARBAGE PICK-UP RE-INSTATED: George Lawrence, Deputy Mayor, stated that Simcoe County has re-instated the pick-up for 2009. There is a limit of 5 items. Dates will be made available once they are scheduled.

LEAF AND YARD WASTE COLLECTION SAVINGS: This collection is to be continued for three weeks in 2009 on all roads, other than private. In 2008, the collection was done by the Township at a cost of $13,937. When the County handled this collection in fall 2007, it charged the Township $24,024. Council then asked Henk Blom, Manager of Public Works, to ascertain the cost were the township to undertake the service. His estimate of $13,215 represented a substantial saving to taxpayers, and his estimate turned out to be quite accurate.

DEVELOPMENT CHARGE INDEXING FOR 2009: Charges are to increase to $5,471 (from $4,903) per household for residential units and $22.90 (from $20.52) per square meter gross floor area for non-residential units.

COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS:

Community Recreation Committee: Bob Allen, Michelle Locke, Helen Lovejoy, Helmut Paddags, Marg Redmond, Betty Robitaille, Sheila Webb, and Councillor George Cornell

Midland Library Board: Vera M. Barycky

Penetang Library Board: Helene DeVilliers

Springwater Library Board: Rosemary Johnston

Huronia Airport Commission: Councillors Nigel Warren and George Cornell

Severn Sound Environmental Association: Mayor Peggy Breckenridge

Southern Georgian Bay Chamber of Commerce Committee: Mayor Peggy Breckenridge

Tiny Community Policing Committee: Councillor Nigel Warren

North Simcoe Landfill Site 41 Community Monitoring Committee: Deputy Mayor George Lawrence, Councillor Andre Claire. Alternate, Councillor Nigel Warren.

Springwater Recreation Advisory Committee: Deputy Mayor George Lawrence

North Simcoe Heads of Council Committee: Mayor Peggy Breckenridge and Deputy Mayor George Lawrence

Southern Georgian Bay Physician Recruitment Steering Committee: Mayor Peggy Breckenridge.

EASIER DISPOSAL OF HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE: The North Simcoe Transfer Station, 1700 Gold Link Road, Tiny Township, will now accept some hazardous waste items during regular operating hours. Acceptable materials include paint, batteries, motor oil and fluorescent light bulbs.

Posted by Webmaster at 11:44 PM

November 24, 2008

REPORT ON COUNCIL

November 24, 2008
Committee of the Whole Meeting: 9.02 a.m. – 1.07 p.m. and 1.39 p.m. – 3.39 p.m.
Regular Evening Meeting: 7.06 p.m. - 7.16 p.m.
All members of Council present

CONFIDENTIAL / CLOSED SESSION: None.

OFFICIAL PLAN REVIEW UPDATE: MHBD Planning Consultants presented a draft Background Report for the Official Plan Review. (An OP Review is required every 5 years and is an important document regarding land use.) Their next steps are to review the new County of Simcoe OPA that was approved on Nov. 25th and then meet with senior staff and council to consider both the mandatory and discretionary changes. Subsequently, a public meeting will be held to present the plan for discussion.
One immediate problem for the consultants to resolve is that the County Plan’s designation of “Rural” includes shoreline properties. As Tiny has a specific definition for “Shoreline” clarification has been sought. There is also correspondence with the County re waste disposal sites.

HEAVY ITEM PICKUP: Thanks to Deputy Mayor Lawrence and officials of other municipalities, the County of Simcoe has reinstated the annual pickup. The schedule will be published in due course.

STRATEGIC PLAN REVIEW: Council completed its discussion of Strategic Plan projects, which began on November21st. Decisions about which projects to undertake will be made during budget meetings.
The wording of the Vision Statement and the Guiding Principles were completed. These must still be approved, but the wording we heard for the Vision was: “The Township of Tiny – an environmentally focused, diverse family of communities providing a healthy lifestyle.”
There are Guiding Principles for each of five areas – Environment, Culture and Heritage, Recreation, Shoreline, and Municipal Administration. The two draft Shoreline Guiding Principles are:

“Improve access to all municipally owned shoreline properties for recreational use and enjoyment while respecting privately owned shoreline properties.

“Preserve and protect the ecology of municipally owned shoreline properties.”

MOBILE RADAR FOR TINY?: A proposal was received from the OPP recommending the purchase of a mobile radar unit for Tiny only. This will be considered during budget discussions. The unit, which is small and pulled behind a cruiser or parked at roadside, measures speeding and traffic volume.

TINY CARES: David Gravelle from the Southern Georgian Bay Physician Recruitment Program presented a report, which noted donations of $10,000 from Tiny Township, plus $21,000 from the annual golf tournament organized by Councilor George Cornell, plus $2,700 raised by the Tiny Cottager Challenge.

PARKING ON THE DECLINE: A Report from Steve Harvey, Tiny’s Chief Municipal Law Enforcement Officer, included the information that sale of non-resident parking permits declined for the second straight year. A maximum of 150 are available. In 2007 only 125 were issued and that number declined to 113 in 2008. The number of parking permits issued to Tiny residents also declined slightly from 2036 in 2007 to 2016 in 2008.

Posted by Webmaster at 09:45 PM

November 10, 2008

REPORT ON COUNCIL

November 10, 2008
Committee of the Whole Meeting: 9:02 a.m. 12:36 p.m. and 1:04 p.m. – 4:19 p.m.
Regular Evening Meeting: 7:18 p.m. – 8:11 p.m.
All Members of Council present

CONFIDENTIAL / CLOSED SESSION: 1:04 p.m. – 2:33 p.m.

PHRAGMITES CONTROL: Results of investigation by the Severn Sound Environmental Association (SSEA) have shown that “Roundup” applied by a licensed applicator is the most effective control measure for Phragmites (Common Reed). Cutting, mulching, covering with black plastic and pulling are generally ineffective. Spraying after frost has no effect since the plant becomes dormant. SSEA recommended that landowners preserve existing natural vegetation on their properties as it is more resistant to invasive species and that they learn to recognize invasive species and act quickly to prevent their spread when they appear. “Providing landowners with information on identifying Phragmites, options for controlling it, and general information on shoreline stewardship best management practices can help establish a coordinated approached to preventing the spread of invasive species.”
Council authorized the use of “Roundup” applied by a licensed applicator as a control measure for Phragmites on Township-owned property and directed staff to contact neighbouring municipalities “as a cost saving measure for best practices” and to “investigate whether the Phragmites could be classified as a noxious weed.” (That designation would give the municipality authority to require private landowners to control it.)
SSEA found Phragmites at many points along the shore of Tiny Township, both on municipally owned land and on private property. Their Report mentioned four stretches of publicly owned beach as having established stands Phragmites, namely Wahnekewening (one large patch), Cawaja (five patches), Jackson (seven patches), and Woodland (seven patches).
The full report is available at tiny.ca / Council Agenda / Committee of the Whole Agenda – 2008 / COW 19 November 10, 2008 / Complete CWC Agenda / F Staff Reports to Council / 3 Public Works / b) Public Works Report PWR-029-08 re: SSEA Survey and Control of Phragmites.

ACCESS CONTROLS TO PROTECT BLUEWATER BEACH DUNES: As a result of concerns raised by the members of the Bluewater Dunes Restoration Advisory Committee, Council directed staff to place a post and board fence at the throat of the boardwalks at Trew Avenue and Nicole Boulevard and posts at the Pinnacle Avenue entrance to restrict access by motorized vehicles.

Posted by Webmaster at 10:29 PM

October 27, 2008

REPORT ON COUNCIL
October 27, 2008
Committee of the Whole Meeting: 9:03 a.m. 12:38 p.m. and 1:08 p.m. – 4:22 p.m.
Regular Evening Meeting: 7:05 p.m. – 7:29 p.m.

All Members of Council present.

CONFIDENTIAL / CLOSED SESSION: 3:36 p.m. – 4:22 p.m.

SEPTAGE: Deputy Mayor George Lawrence reported on the OASIS (Ontario Association of Sewage Industry Services) conference in Orillia. The Province is expected to impose new rules restricting the disposal of septage. This may restrict future development in Tiny unless adequate disposal/treatment capacities are found.

HUNTING: A new Firearms Control By-Law 08-073 that prohibits the discharge of firearms, air-guns, spring-guns, cross-bows, long-bows or any other weapon on Township of Tiny municipal property was passed on October 27, 2008. Inspector Richard Philbin, OPP, has provided a news release clarifying responsible hunting practices. Private property owners who do not wish hunters to enter upon their property must post “No Trespassing “ signs. If landowners encounter someone hunting on their property without permission, the police should be notified immediately by calling the OPP Communication Centre at 1-888-310-1122. Also, the MNR has a tips line, 1-877-847-7667, should any member of the public witness inappropriate hunting behaviour. Further details are available at www.township.tiny.ca/community/residential/huntingintiny.

STRATEGIC PLANNING MEETING: Council intends to set its priorities at a final public meeting on Friday, November 14, 2008, 8:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m., in the Municipal Council Chamber.

ROADS AND PARKS TOUR: Council’s concluding tour of “Roads and Parks” was scheduled for November 6, 2008, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

NB: TREE LIGHTING AND TOY DRIVE: This event is to take place on Sunday November 30, 2008 at the Municipal Offices, 130 Balm Beach Rd. W., 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Enjoy a horse-drawn wagon ride, caroling, a craft corner, a silent auction, a visit with Santa and the tree lighting. Hot chocolate, apple cider and festive cookies will be served. The event is free with the donation of an unwrapped new toy or a non-perishable food item for the annual township Toy/Food drive. A festive caravan of Tiny Township staff and Woodland Beach firefighters will leave Woodland Beach at 5 p.m. and make their way along Tiny Beaches Road S. and then Balm Beach Rd to the Township Offices.
RALLY AT QUEEN’S PARK RE SITE 41: Noon, Friday, November 21, 2008 as the 7-day walk for water reaches Queen’s Park. For those in Tiny who want to support the walkers, buses leave Wyebridge Community Centre at 8:30 a.m. (to reserve a seat call Marlene at 705-526-1636) and Our Lady of Lourds Church, Elmvale at 8:45 a.m. (to reserve a seat call Ann at 705-322-1340) According to Ray Millar, the walk has two purposes: the first is to bring attention to the growing importance of our finite water resources and the second is to raise awareness of the ZERO WASTE initiative.

Posted by Webmaster at 08:38 PM

October 15, 2008

REPORT ON COUNCIL
October 15, 2008
Committee of the whole meeting: 9:05 a.m. – 1:16 p.m. and 1:47 p.m. – 4:46 p.m.
Public Meeting and Regular Evening Meeting: 7:00 – 7:51 p.m.
All Members of Council present.
Deputy Mayor George Lawrence arrived at 11:00 a.m. after attending a meeting at Simcoe County.

CONFIDENTIAL/CLOSED SESSION: 11:58 a.m. – 1:15 p.m.

GEORGIAN SANDS/LAFONTAINE WATER STRATEGIC PLAN: It is estimated that in about four years, nitrate levels in the Georgian Sands and Lafontaine wells will rise above allowable provincial standards.

Moreover, there may not be sufficient water for the long term needs of users of a number of water systems between the 16th and 19th Concessions. Asked to recommend options, R.J. Burnside & Associates Ltd. recommended that the Township complete a Schedule C Class Environmental Assessment. This would identify alternatives and evaluate each with respect to its environmental, natural, socio- and economic impacts. The report recommends that these possibilities be investigated:
1. Remove the nitrate through distillation, reverse osmosis and ion exchange, a relatively expensive process that produces leftover nitrates that need to be disposed of.

2. Blend the water with lower nitrate level water to reduce the levels below provincial health limits. Requires sufficient volumes of alternative water.

3. Find and eliminate the source (possibly fertilizers or septic bed discharges) of the nitrates. But this takes time and even more time is required for the solution to become effective.

4. Manage existing water system demand/and or provide additional water supply in the form of additional wells.

5. Link the water systems serving Georgian Sands, Lafontaine, Vanier Woods, Sandcastle, Tiny Cove and Georgian Highlands into a single system. Additional well capacity and/or water storage capacity may be required.
Completion of such a Class Environmental Assessment would take approximately 2 years to complete and the estimated cost is:

Class EA Process $170,000
Hydrogeological Desktop and Test Well Program $80,000
Test Pilot Program for Nitrate Removal $30,000
Total for Schedule C Class EA $280,000

This estimate would cover the cost of identifying potential well sites and drilling test wells to confirm conditions, but the cost of actually developing and testing new wells would be over and above this.

Councillors George Cornell and Nigel Lawrence questioned Henk Blom, Manager of Public Works, as to why the Charlebois Court well had been drilled. Nigel Warren also asked if any outside sources of government funding were available for this project. Henk Blom responded that Charlebois was a test well (current cost of $14,000). Well #14 is a high production well and they need a replacement source. He would investigate grant opportunities.
Nigel Warren asked why the well had been drilled before the proposed study has been authorized? He also suggested that septage spreading may be contributing to the nitrate levels.
Council received the report for 2009 budget deliberations.

TOWNSHIP FEE SCHEDULE: Anita Weatherell, Deputy Clerk, presented a Proposed Fee Schedule amending the current Schedule. When Councillor George Cornell asked if the rates were comparable to other municipalities and effective for cost recovery, he was told that this had been considered with the fee adjustments. The revised fee schedule was passed.

PROJECT MANAGEMENT AND LEADERSHIP TRAINING: Chief Administrative Officer, Doug Luker, proposed the retention of Horizon Management Services to provide a comprehensive and customized multi-year Management Training Program at the cost of $25,000 plus GST. Councillor Cornell and Deputy Mayor Lawrence both questioned why this had not been tendered, and pointed out that the Township’s Financial Procedural By-laws, which require that projects of this magnitude must be tendered, are not being followed. Luker’s response was that the tendering process would further delay the training and this vendor was providing good value. After much deliberation, the contract was approved.

GREEN BIN LINER BAGS: George Lawrence reported that the green bin program is successful. He noted, however, that if bags lining the green bin were not biodegradable, the bags wouldn’t be picked up.

NO PARKING ON TINY BEACHES ROAD SOUTH FROM TREW AVENUE TO NICOLE BOULEVARD: Public Works has been authorized to place “No Parking” signs on both sides of the road from Trew Avenue to 20 metres south of Nicole Boulevard.

PHRAGMITES/COMMON REED REPORT DELAYED: The Severn Sound Environmental Association did not submit its promised Report regarding their survey of patches of Common Reed on municipally owned land and their recommendations of what should be done to control the spread of this invasive species. The Report is expected at the November 10th meeting of Council.

Posted by Webmaster at 09:26 PM

September 29, 2008

REPORT ON COUNCIL
September 29, 2008
Committee of the Whole Meeting: 9:05 a.m. – 6:26 p.m.  
Public Meeting and Regular Evening Meeting: 7:00 p.m. – 7:43 p.m. 
All Members of Council present.

CONFIDENTIAL/CLOSED SESSION: 10:34 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. and 3:48 p.m. – 6:26 p.m.

OFFICIAL PLAN REVIEW BEGINS: Kris Menzies and a colleague made a brief presentation to Council about the Official Plan Review that is to be undertaken by their firm, MHBC Planning. They foresee no fundamental change of direction. What they are to do is “review” not “rewrite”. Over the next month or so they will consider all the mandated changes that must be made to bring the OP into conformity with Provincial and County policies. Mayor Breckenridge asked specifically about size for waterfront lots of record, and whether the allowable size for shoreline properties should be brought into conformity with the larger standard in nearby municipalities.

ONTARIO RURAL CONNECTIONS BROADBAND PROGRAM UPDATE: On September 18, 2008, the County of Simcoe submitted an application for funding to the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) Rural Connections Program. The County of Simcoe would be responsible for securing and administering two thirds of the program funding from vendors and other stakeholders. The other third would be provided by the OMAFRA grant. The expansion area would be along the western shore from Balm Beach, north and then east to and including Thunder Beach. Mayor Peggy Breckenridge protested that the area should be expanded to include the Northwest Basin.

MONTHLY PROGRESS REPORT REINSTATED: Individual Members of Council asked about the status of particular projects and reports, and then asked that the monthly progress report be reinstated.

BUDGET MEETINGS SCHEDULED: Meetings for the discussion of the 2009 draft budget have been scheduled for December 2, 2008 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and for January 19 and February 16, 2009.

MODEST ACTION REGARDING SEPTAGE: Deputy Mayor George Lawrence expressed an interest in attending the upcoming Ontario Association of Sewage Industry Services (OASIS) Rural Waste Water Treatment Expo and Conference on October 23 -25, 2008 in Orillia. This association deals directly with the Ministry of the Environment and the Ministry of Municipal Affairs. Municipalities must soon comply with new Provincial guidelines for disposal of septage. Mayor Breckenridge agreed that this would be a useful conference since Tiny does not have a sewage treatment facility and must find alternative methods of dealing with septage. Deputy Mayor Lawrence, Councillor Warren, Henk Blom, Manager of Public Works, and Dawn Lacroix, Engineering Technologist will attend the conference.

BEACH WATER QUALITY REPORT -- AGAIN: The first draft of this SSEA Report was commented on in the Council Report for March 31, 2008.
In the months since March, the Severn Sound Environmental Association added three recommendations and fleshed out its original five. The new recommendations are:
The drain represented by Station BW1 (i.e. the drain at the north end of Deanlea or the south end of the Bluewater Park) should be further investigated for sources of pollution and followed up with corrective action as necessary.
Measures to reduce soil erosion and stream bank erosion through maintenance and establishment of natural vegetation buffers should be pursued for watersheds such as Lafontaine Creek….
The Township should be aware of and comment on any proposals to modify the mouth of the Nottawasaga River in order to protect beaches in the southern coast of the Township from further regional adverse effects of the River discharge.
Council has not yet discussed the eight recommendations.

CONCESSION 19W WELL/CHARLEBOIS COURT: Councillor Warren requested an update on the test well at Charlebois Court. Henk Blom, Manager of Public Works, explained that a test “hole” was dug to determine the type of soil and whether or not it would produce water. No water is being pumped, so there is no impact on surrounding wells. The Ministry of the Environment would require the Township to monitor the test well to prove that there is no negative impact on nearby wells.

TOWNSHIP WEBSITE REDESIGN: The Mayor informed Council that the County of Simcoe is asking for Website redesign feedback by October 17th. The Township’s Website is hosted by the County of Simcoe and they have requested a wish list from the municipalities for enhancements and added features for their websites. The Mayor stated that the Township was open to public input.

Posted by Webmaster at 11:41 AM

September 29, 2008

CONFIDENTIAL/CLOSED SESSION: 10:34 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. and 3:48 p.m. – 6:26 p.m.

MONTHLY PROGRESS REPORT REINSTATED: Individual Members of Council asked about the status of particular projects and reports, and then asked that the monthly progress report be reinstated.

BUDGET MEETINGS SCHEDULED: Meetings for the discussion of the 2009 draft budget have been scheduled for December 2, 2008 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and for January 19 and February 16, 2009.

Posted by Webmaster at 11:41 AM

September 08, 2008

September 8, 2008

REPORT ON COUNCIL

 September 8, 2008

Committee of the whole meeting 9.00 a.m. – 12:44 p.m. and 1:17 p.m. – 5:27 p.m.

Regular evening meeting 7:06 p.m. - 7:24 p.m.

All Members of Council present.

CONFIDENTIAL / CLOSED SESSION: 1:55 p.m. – 5:27 p.m.

AUDITORS OKAY TINY’S FINANCIAL STATEMENTS: The external auditors, BDO Dunwoody, presented their assessment of the 2007 financial statements. In their opinion General Accepted Accounting Practices had been met and the results were satisfactory. There were four Control Weaknesses identified. All are minor in nature. Three have been corrected and the fourth was lack of a centralized purchasing system, which would be complex to implement. The CAO stated that this would be considered in conjunction with other pending projects in 2009.

COUNTY COUNCIL UPDATE: Deputy Mayor George Lawrence, who sits on the Corporation Services Committee of the County of Simcoe which deals with garbage, noted that at its next meeting he'd like to support the proposal made by another municipality that heavy pickup be reinstated. Council supported this proposal. Unfortunately, in his estimate, chances of the proposal being adopted are slim.
Mayor Breckenridge noted that the Committee considering governance changes at the County of Simcoe seemed ineffectual. 

THE SEVERN SOUND ENVIRONMENTAL ASSOCIATION'S NEW ROLE IN TINY: The Mayor informed Council that the SSEA will be administering the Water Protection Act not just for the half of our Township which lies within the Severn Sound watershed, but for the whole Township. Our fees are to rise substantially (though not as much as would have been the case were water matters deal with by the Nottawasaga Conservation Authority). If the old fee formula were applied to the whole of the Township, our fees would increase from $6,700 to $49,000, but with a proposed new formula they would increase only to $29,000. Let us hope that the proposed new formula wins the support of all of the SSEA member municipalities. 

COUNCIL TO VISIT BEACHES AND ROAD ENDS: As a result of two reports prepared by Henk Blom, Manager of Public Works, Council will spend a day on October 6th touring municipal beach areas listed below. This will allow them to which consider a number of actions, which Mr. Blom recommended be undertaken at points along the shore. Among these is a new boardwalk for Woodland Beach Park, a boardwalk at the Concession 9 road allowance from Tiny Beaches Road South to the Beach, and completion of the west leg of the Bluewater Beach Park boardwalk. Council agreed to the construction of all three, but said that the Woodland Beach boardwalk may not be installed until the Woodland Park Master Plan is approved. Council’s tour is to include:

1 Woodland Beach Lawson Road to Tamarack Trail,
2 Edmore Beach from Monica Road north
3 Concession 4 Road end and Park Block
4 Bluewater Beach and Georgina Beach from Bluewater Park to Cleopatra Resort
5 DunsFord Lane and Concession 7 Road Allowances
6 Concession 8
7 Jackson Park and ancillary beach
8 Concession 9 and Park Block
9 Balm Beach
10 Concession 11 Road End
11 Cawaja Beach frontage
12 Concession 13 Road End and Wahnekewaning Beach
13 Concession 14 Road End
14 Concession 16 and 17 area various small parks
15 TeePee Park

COMMUNICATIONS: Because Council receives numerous communications each month, Doug Luker, CAO/Clerk recommended (and Council agreed) that all be acknowledged, but active support be considered only for those items that directly impact the township.

 

Posted by Webmaster at 06:14 AM

August 29, 2008

August 8th, August 11th and August 29th, 2008

REPORTS ON COUNCIL

August 6, 2008

Special Committee of the Whole Meeting: 9:00 a.m. – 11:58 a.m. and 12:34 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.  
All Members of Council present.

STRATEGIC PLANNING SESSION: With the assistance of Richard Gerofsky, a facilitator from Focus Management, the Members of Council drew together a Vision Statement that is to help them prioritize the various objectives arrived at during four days of Strategic Planning Sessions in August-September 2007. The statement is: “Tiny -- an environmentally-focused, diverse family of communities providing a healthy and relaxed lifestyle.”
They also established a set of principles to guide future decisions in five areas, namely:

Environment:

1.1 Committed to environmental stewardship (vision, practices and procedures) and protection of our natural environment

1.2 Balance social and economic impact with our environmental practices and policies

Culture and Heritage:

2.1 Protect, nurture and enrich our heritage through respect for our distinct cultures and tradition

Recreation:

3.1 Optimum access to a wide variety of recreational pursuits to meet the needs of all residents

3.2 Work co-operatively with the community, volunteers and neighbouring communities

Shoreline:

4.1 Enhance access for all residents to Township-owned shoreline property while respecting privately owned shoreline property

4.2 Preserve and enhance municipally-owned shoreline property

Municipal Administration:

5.1 Commitment to excellence in municipal management with a focus on accountability, transparency, communication and customer service

Council also made lists of projects under the headings Mandatory, High, Medium and Lower. Among the 19 High priority items, for example, were

Office Functionality New / Addition to Town Hall

*Balm Beach Master Plan Review

Compensation Review

*Wind Turbine Study

*Internet Capabilities

*Visual Identity / Image

Communication Plan (asterisks indicate projects that are already under way)

The three Lower priority items were

Septage Strategy

Review of Legal / Consultants

Municipal Land Use Issues Resolution

For the complete Meeting Output report, see tiny.ca > Community > Resident Information > Strategic Planning Input August 29, Requested from Residents > Strategic Planning Meeting Output Dated August 6, 2008

August 11, 2008

Committee of the Whole Meeting: 9:01 a.m. – 11:31 a.m.  
Regular Evening Meeting: 6:31 p.m. – 6:40 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. - 7:11 p.m. 
Four Members of Council present. Councillor George Cornell absent.

CONFIDENTIAL / CLOSED SESSION: 10:03 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

TOWNSHIP WELL – 19TH CONCESSION: Councillor Nigel Warren asked about the expenditure of $6,562.50 on an exploratory well at Charlebois Court in Concession 19. The purpose of the well was to ascertain whether there is sufficient water there to be piped south to supply Georgian Sands and Lafontaine. This was a budgeted item: the well would be very deep and would not impact wells of local area residents.
(This exploratory well is just one in a series of moves that must be made if water is to be piped south.)
Councillor Warren asked for a total of costs to date on this project.

TINY TRAIL BRIDGES: Bridge replacement on the Tiny Trail is expected to continue over the next three years. (Bridges P16 to P7 at the north end of the trail have already been replaced with creek level footbridges. P3, south of Wyevale, has also been replaced, but at huge expense, with a bridge similar to the original railway bridge.) Bridge P6, just south of P7, is being replaced this year with a bridge similar to the footbridges north of it. Council referred the replacement of P5 to their 2009 budget discussions but it will probably go ahead with another footbridge at an estimated cost of $27,000. The projected bridge would accommodate snowmobiles but not the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs’ heavy groomer. Replacement of the existing steel and concrete bridge with a similar structure would cost approximately $243,000. Asked whether it were willing to supply the extra funds required for the strong bridge, the Association said no and is making arrangements with adjacent landowners to reroute the groomer around the new bridge.

August 29, 2008

Special Committee of the Whole Meeting: 9:00 a.m. –12:03 p.m.  
All Members of Council present.

COUNCIL WANTS RESIDENTS’ REACTIONS TO ITS STRATEGIC PLANS: Council called a public meeting on August 29 in the Wyebridge Community Centre. Attended by 200-250 residents of Tiny, this meeting heard Mayor Breckenridge present Council’s vision and its guiding principles and had a chance to read its statement of the vision and the various subtopics on large sheets of paper posted on the walls. After Mayor Breckenridge finished, the crowd was divided into four discussion groups, each equipped with huge flip pad on an easel, and each with a quickly appointed person to record that group’s reactions to the vision and principles. At the end, the four recorders presented the groups’ reactions.

A version of these reactions is now available on the Township website. This attendee noticed many inaccuracies in the recording of points made and felt that many points were expressed in such a partial manner that it is impossible to understand what was meant.

Council would like MORE INPUT FROM RESIDENTS and has provided three documents on the Township website about its Strategic Planning. See tiny.ca > Community > Resident Information > Strategic Planning Input.

Posted by Webmaster at 09:19 AM

August 8th, August 11th and August 29th, 2008

REPORTS ON COUNCIL

August 6, 2008

Special Committee of the Whole Meeting: 9:00 a.m. – 11:58 a.m. and 12:34 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.  
All Members of Council present.

Environment:

1.1 Committed to environmental stewardship (vision, practices and procedures) and protection of our natural environment

1.2 Balance social and economic impact with our environmental practices and policies

Culture and Heritage:

2.1 Protect, nurture and enrich our heritage through respect for our distinct cultures and tradition

Recreation:

3.1 Optimum access to a wide variety of recreational pursuits to meet the needs of all residents

3.2 Work co-operatively with the community, volunteers and neighbouring communities

Shoreline:

4.1 Enhance access for all residents to Township-owned shoreline property while respecting privately owned shoreline property

4.2 Preserve and enhance municipally-owned shoreline property

Municipal Administration:

5.1 Commitment to excellence in municipal management with a focus on accountability, transparency, communication and customer service

Council also made lists of projects under the headings Mandatory, High, Medium and Lower. Among the 19 High priority items, for example, were

Office Functionality New / Addition to Town Hall

*Balm Beach Master Plan Review

Compensation Review

*Wind Turbine Study

*Internet Capabilities

*Visual Identity / Image

Communication Plan (asterisks indicate projects that are already under way)

The three Lower priority items were

Septage Strategy

Review of Legal / Consultants

Municipal Land Use Issues Resolution

August 11, 2008

CONFIDENTIAL / CLOSED SESSION: 10:03 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

August 29, 2008

Special Committee of the Whole Meeting: 9:00 a.m. –12:03 p.m.  
All Members of Council present.

Posted by Webmaster at 09:19 AM

July 28, 2008

REPORT ON COUNCIL
July 28, 2008
Committee of the Whole Meeting: 9:04 a.m. – 12:05 p.m. and 12:45 p.m. – 3:31 p.m.
Regular Evening Meeting: 7:01 p.m. – 8:43 p.m.
All Members of Council present.

CONFIDENTIAL / CLOSED SESSION: 2:09 p.m. – 3:28 p.m. and 7:03 p.m. – 7:40 p.m.

POLICING ON WEEKENDS: Because of continuing activism regarding the fence at Balm Beach, Council arranged to have hourly police patrols on the last weekend in July and to have additional security during the long August weekend.

We would like to know how much this increased surveillance, which has been necessitated by the bad behaviour of a few individuals, is costing the taxpayers of Tiny Township.

CONSEQUENCE OF MESS AT 8TH CONCESSION ROAD ALLOWANCE: No sooner had the Public Works Department made the 8th Concession Road Allowance parkette pleasanter by importing sand and re-routing the drainage channel, when trucks bringing loads of sand and concrete pads for a walkway by way of the 8th road allowance to properties to the north and south made a rutted mess of the park. There were other problems as well, including the safety of children playing as the trucks passed along the beach. The upshot is that no access permits are to be issued for shore access points until after Labour Day and existing permits are to be reviewed and may be revoked. Staff is to prepare a report about requests for access across Township-owned beach lands. Where need can be demonstrated (for access to a well or a septic system) exceptions may be allowed.

OFFICIAL PLAN CONSULTANTS CHOSEN: Council selected MHBC Planning Consultants to undertake the Official Plan Review at a cost of $56,688.84.

BROADBAND OPPORTUNITY: Doug Taylor, Treasurer, reported that the Province of Ontario has allocated $30 million over 4 years to address rural broadband gaps in Ontario south of Parry Sound. The government will supply up to a third of eligible project costs, up to $1 million (ie a $3 million project). Taylor submitted the required “Intent to Apply” notice on July 17; a comprehensive application must be submitted by September 18th, 2008 and/or February 12th, 2009. The application must be accompanied by a “council resolution stating that the application is a priority for the municipality and that it commits to securing the remaining project funding.” The Treasurer estimated that the project could cost as much as $1-2 million over 2 years.

Council asked staff to contact the County of Simcoe about a possible partnership with regard to broadband.

TAXATION AND TRAILER PARKS: Council asked if any action were required to ensure that the new rules for taxing trailer parks be applied in Tiny’s trailer parks. They were assured that MPAC needs no prompting.

We note that in its Spring Edition 2008, MPAC News reported that “On January 14, 2008, the Court of Appeal, Ontario’s highest court, ruled that trailers in campgrounds are assessable in the name of the landowner.” This means that the value of trailers is now to be included in the campground owners’ “Current Value Assessment.”

Posted by Webmaster at 09:24 AM

July 14, 2008

REPORT ON COUNCIL 
July 14, 2008
Committee of the Whole Meeting: 9:03 a.m. – 12:41 p.m. and 1:07 p.m. – 5:29 p.m.  
Regular Evening Meeting: 7:00 p.m. – 7:27 p.m. 
All Members of Council present.

CONFIDENTIAL / CLOSED SESSION: 4:13 p.m. - 5:28 p.m.

NO CHANGE TO NOISE BYLAW: The Township’s Noise Bylaw prohibits noise at any time that causes neighbours to complain. Last summer there were complaints from a neighbour of the Surf Restaurant in Balm Beach about its patio music.
At the June 9 meeting of Council, the owner of the Surf Restaurant asked Council to amend the Noise Bylaw and allow commercial businesses to present outdoor music June 1 – Labour Day, until 10 pm, every day except Sundays. He emphasized that the music would be “quality music.”
On July 14, the Business Association of Balm Beach introduced itself to Council, and spoke in support of patio music. And right after its presentation, a long-time resident of Balm Beach, Diane Leblovic, spoke in opposition to the proposed amendment. She had checked with neighbouring municipalities and learned that all of them have Noise Bylaws similar to that of Tiny. She expressed a range of concerns about the requested withdrawal of the protection of the Noise Bylaw. She also pointed out that a decision about the Noise Bylaw was premature and should be considered in the context of the Balm Beach Secondary Plan discussions.
Although staff would have preferred an amendment to the Noise Bylaw specifying what would be permitted in Balm Beach and what not, four members of Council felt that the current Bylaw that forbids excessive noise and that allows the Bylaw Department to exercise discretion ought to be sufficient. They urged the community to be reasonable regarding noise levels. They were reluctant to remove the protection of the Noise Bylaw and supported the status quo. Mayor Breckenridge seemed to favour an amendment permitting quiet patio music. She volunteered to serve as mediator between the Surf Restaurant and its neighbour should the need arise.
The decision was to have By-law Officers monitor the situation and enforce the current by-law.

PROGRESS AT BLUEWATER PARK: Dawn Lacroix of the Public Works Department and Eugene Chambers, Chair of the Bluewater Dunes Recreation Advisory Committee, reported on encouraging developments at Bluewater Park. The five-year restoration plan, now in its third year, is finally having an impact. Most of the planned walkways and wooden snow fences are now in place. The Township’s Public Works Department has constructed walkways with sturdy high handrails that serve as barriers to snowmobiles and ATVs. Also, once local owners of such vehicles read informative flyers distributed by the Committee, which explained that restoration of a sensitive environment was being attempted, they co-operated. As a result, vegetation has reestablished itself throughout the park and, encouraged by the walkways and snow fencing, a front row of sand dunes has begun to re-grow.
Educative signage is not yet in place. It awaits Strategic Plan decisions about “branding” and “signage.” (See the next entry.) Identification and replacement of non-native trees in the back or upper dune area has still to be undertaken. Fundraising by neighbouring beach associations is proceeding apace, and the Committee has been looking into grants that might be acquired.
More details of the plan are available on the Tiny Township website – tiny.ca – under Public Notices.

VISUAL IDENTITY/BRANDING FOR TINY TOWNSHIP: Niels Bjerno of McKinnon Calderwood showed Council examples of “branding” which promote product or business recognition through consistent use of colours, logos, style and the like. His review of the Township’s signage demonstrated that it is inconsistent in approach, dated in appearance and lacking a common theme.
This presentation is connected to one of Council’s Strategic Objectives – namely setting the Township’s style and creating a consistent look for signage, stationery and the like.

OFFICIAL PLAN PROPOSALS: Only two firms responded to the call for proposals from planning consultants to manage the five-year review of the Official Plan and to guide the Balm Beach Secondary Plan. As the costs suggested for the Secondary Plan were prohibitive, Doug Luker, Tiny’s Clerk/CAO, asked Council to read the Balm Beach Master plan and submit comments to him regarding what should be done next.

WOODLAND BEACH PARK EXPANSION REQUIRES CAREFUL CONSIDERATION: The Minutes for this meeting of Council record that the Public Works Manager’s recommendation that Woodland Beach Park be extended “to include the beach area, owned by the Township from Woodland Beach park to Block F, Plan 725 north of Tamarack Trail pending further discussion with the Woodland Beach Property Owners’ Association and a further report to Council.”
The Minutes say nothing about referring the expanded Park back to the consultant for additional work, though that had been an aspect of Council’s discussion. We note that if the Park’s area is enlarged a number of clauses in the Township’s Official Plan come into play, most notably B3.4.5 “Large Township Parks on the Western Shoreline,” which begins:
“If…additional waterfront land is deemed to be owned by the Township … Council shall carefully consider how the use of these lands should be managed to minimize the impact of that use, and the associated parking, on the environment and adjacent residential areas. On this basis, it is a policy of this plan that Council shall consult with affected residents and other stakeholders to determine how these lands should be planned and used.”

BEACH FENCE ISSUE: Council instructed staff to draft a letter to the Attorney General and the Solicitor General of Ontario “requesting both financial and mediation assistance in resolving current beach issues” in Tiny.

NOTE:
MONDAY, AUGUST 25 MEETING OF COUNCIL CANCELLED: This meeting could not be held as several members of Council are attending the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) Conference that day.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 29, 9 AM – NOON, WYEBRIDGE COMMUNITY CENTRE: Presentation of Council’s Strategic Plans and Objectives followed by break out group reactions and input.

Posted by Webmaster at 10:42 PM

July 14, 2008

CONFIDENTIAL / CLOSED SESSION: 4:13 p.m. - 5:28 p.m.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 29, 9 AM – NOON, WYEBRIDGE COMMUNITY CENTRE: Presentation of Council’s Strategic Plans and Objectives followed by break out group reactions and input.

Posted by Webmaster at 10:42 PM

July 02, 2008

July 2, 2008

REPORT ON COUNCIL 
July 2, 2008
Committee of the Whole Meeting: 9:03 am – 12:55 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. - 3:47 p.m.  
Regular Evening Meeting: 7:08 p.m. – 7:40 p.m. 
All Members of Council present.

CONFIDENTIAL / CLOSED SESSION: 9:13 a.m. – 11:16 a.m. and 11:54 – 12:55 p.m. and 1:45 p.m. – 2:18 p.m.

BOUNDARY ACT APPLICATION(S): Jeff Cowan of Weir Foulds and Chester Stanton explained to Council that a waterfront owner may cease to have waterfront footage when water levels in the Bay change (especially where a waterfront private property boundary runs at an angle toward a road allowance). However, the owner continues to have a right to waterfront footage. The problem may be rectified by turning the lot lines and the road lines, with the help of an expert surveyor, so that the road allowance and the lot end up having the same share of waterfront as earlier. There are a number of possible angles that might be chosen when the lot lines are turned and these have to be agreed upon by the affected owners. The solution is then confirmed by an application under the Boundary Act.
Council rejected the particular proposal at hand. It is possible that other options will be explored.

ORAL PRESENTATIONS BY PAM DORION AND ELISE BOX: Pam Dorion felt that a boundary act application in her area would reduce the amount of public beach, though she produced no evidence showing that this would be so. Elise Box, representing a group called “Beaches without Borders”, also seemed to feel that the extent of publicly owned beach would be reduced by a boundary application, but again, did not produce any evidence.

SIMCOE COUNTY ASSUMES OWNERSHIP OF ROADS THAT SERVE SITE 41: To the evident relief of Council, the County has agreed to take over ownership, upgrades and mainntenance of the “main haul route” serving Site 41. The cost the County is assuming is roughly $1.8 million. Council emphasized that this move was taken only after much soul searching, and the motion emphasizes that “the Township continues to be opposed to the concept, location and construction of the proposed landfill Site”, but that they felt that the County should carry the heavy cost of road maintenance associated with the landfill site. It was noted that roads are outside the mandate of the Community Monitoring Committee.

CONSULTANT TO BE HIRED TO HELP COUNCIL ARRIVE AT AN OVERARCHING MISSION STATEMENT / VISION FOR THEIR STRATEGIC PLAN PROJECTS: The same consultants who shepherded the members of Council through its strategic planning sessions are to return and help Council arrive at an overarching “vision” and are also to assist with a number of public meetings. The cost is to be no more than $15,000. The vote to hire the consultants was 3-2 (with Deputy Mayor Lawrence and Councillor Warren in opposition on the ground that staff could offer the necessary guidance).

Posted by Webmaster at 10:45 PM

July 2, 2008

CONFIDENTIAL / CLOSED SESSION: 9:13 a.m. – 11:16 a.m. and 11:54 – 12:55 p.m. and 1:45 p.m. – 2:18 p.m.

Posted by Webmaster at 10:45 PM

June 09, 2008

June 9, 2008

REPORT ON COUNCIL 
June 9, 2008
Committee of the Whole Meeting: 9:01 am – 12:35 and 1:00 p.m. - 3:10 p.m. 
Regular Evening Meeting: 7:00 p.m. – 7:29 p.m. 
All Members of Council present.

CONFIDENTIAL / CLOSED SESSION: 1:18 p.m. – 3:09 p.m.

ASPHALTING OF THE TINY TRAILS: According to a report from the Works Department, the rise in the price of oil has increased the cost of asphalt. The plan had been to asphalt the north end of the Tiny Trail, from the gate at the border of Penetanguishese (Bridge P16) to the gate west of Bridge P7 at a cost of $30,000. Council was faced with a difficult choice – asphalt only part of the distance or find an additional $24,570. They chose the latter alternative, re-allocating funds originally budgeted for limestone screening of the Trail.

GARBAGE ISSUES: The County of Simcoe has decided to cancel the collection of bulky items which has traditionally occurred in May or June. Both Mayor Breckenridge and Deputy Mayor Lawrence argued vigorously at County that the bulky item pickup is important to many of Tiny’s residents, but failed to gain sufficient support to quash the move. The County intends to move to a voucher system (which will force residents to take their bulky items to the North Simcoe Transfer Station on Golflinks Road themselves, a serious inconvenience and expense for those who own neither a large vehicle nor a trailer. Worse this change comes at a time when many people are shifting to smaller vehicles because of rising fuel costs.)

The Green Bin organics program begins toward the end of September. At that time the County of Simcoe reduces the Township of Tiny to 1 bag of garbage per household. The logistics of getting green bins to seasonal residents is still being worked on.

AN AMENDMENT TO THE TOWNSHIP’S NOISE BYLAW?: The owner of the Surf Restaurant made an oral submission to Council asking that the Noise Bylaw be amended to allow commercial businesses to present outdoor music June 1 - Labour Day, until 10 pm, every day except Sundays.

If passed, this proposal could affect a number of centres along the shore.

The matter will be discussed on July 14.

Posted by Webmaster at 03:31 PM

June 9, 2008

CONFIDENTIAL / CLOSED SESSION: 1:18 p.m. – 3:09 p.m.

If passed, this proposal could affect a number of centres along the shore.

The matter will be discussed on July 14.

Posted by Webmaster at 03:31 PM

May 26, 2008

REPORT ON COUNCIL 
May 26, 2008
Committee of the Whole Meeting: 9:02 am – 12:38 p.m. and 1:10 p.m. - 3:56 p.m. 
Regular Evening Meeting: 7:00 p.m. – 7:16 p.m. 
All Members of Council present.

CONFIDENTIAL / CLOSED SESSION: 1:10 p.m. – 3:53 p.m.

HISTORICAL DESIGNATION FOR CONCESSION 2 RAILWAY BRIDGE? At the previous meeting of Council, Lyn Downer, Chair of the Historical and Heritage Committee of Council, urged Council to give the railway bridge over the 2nd Concession Road just east of County Road 6, formal Heritage Designation. He noted that Council has the power to create such a designation under the Ontario Heritage Act. He emphasized the historic significance in the Township of the railway of which this particular bridge was a component. He pointed to similar designations in other municipalities.

Discussing the recommendation during Committee of the Whole, Council appeared to be divided over the issue of designation, Deputy Mayor Lawrence and Councillors Claire and Warren supporting the idea, while Mayor Breckenridge and Councillor Cornell had reservations. In discussion, Councillor Cornell said that he agreed in principal, but that he wanted the proposal costed out before making a decision. Mayor Breckenridge felt that maintaining Tiny Trails railway bridges had been shown to be very expensive.

In the evening, after an in camera session, Council voted 5-0 to ask staff to “prepare a report outlining the process and implications of the heritage designation; costs involved in the rehabilitation of the bridge and the current condition of the bridge, as well as information regarding the Tiny Trail bridge(s) history and background….”

Members of the Historical and Heritage Committee were not pleased that a key discussion had been held in camera.

We note that the bridge spans one of the roads that will probably serve Site 41 and we suspect that the in camera discussion had something to do with that. Like the Mayor, we recall that huge sums were required to renovate railway bridges but we do not remember that costs associated with this particular bridge were explored. It seems prudent that costs be ascertained before a decision is made about designation.

DISCHARGE OF FIREARMS: A by-law is to be prepared to prohibit the discharge of a firearm on Township-owned land. In addition an education package is to be prepared by the local OPP, the Midhurst Ministry of Natural Resources, and hunting associations”to ensure compliance with all applicable bylaws, regulations and laws” and reported on by September/October. The Township is to encourage joint patrols by the OPP and MNR.

Posted by Webmaster at 03:33 PM

May 26, 2008

CONFIDENTIAL / CLOSED SESSION: 1:10 p.m. – 3:53 p.m.

Members of the Historical and Heritage Committee were not pleased that a key discussion had been held in camera.

Posted by Webmaster at 03:33 PM

May 12, 2008

REPORT ON COUNCIL 
May 12, 2008 
Committee of the Whole Meeting: 9:01 a.m. – 12:40 p.m. and 1:03 p.m. – 3:58 p.m. 
Regular Evening Meeting: 7:00 p.m. – 8:47 p.m. 
All Members of Council present during Committee of the Whole. Mayor Breckenridge absent during the Regular Evening Meeting.

CONFIDENTIAL / CLOSED SESSION: 12:15 p.m. – 12:40 p.m. and 2:40 p.m. – 3:57 p.m.

OFFICIAL PLAN REVIEW – SEPTAGE PROCESSING PLANT? The first move regarding the long overdue review of the Township’s Official Plan – Council approval of the draft “Request for Proposals” advertising for a planning consultant – has finally been taken. (Reviews are supposed to occur every five years and the current Official Plan was approved by the Ontario Municipal Board on August 27, 2001.) Oddly, the Balm Beach Secondary Plan is being linked with the Official Plan Review, while the Lafontaine Park Master Plan is not.
Reading the “Request for Proposals”, we were surprised to see Item 11 among the list of Proposal Parameters: “A review of the creation of a new septage processing plant in the Township of Tiny to eliminate the need of spreading subsurface sewage waste in the rural and agricultural area as well as sending it to be treated in other municipal plants.” We recall that among the Strategic Priorities that Council announced last November 26th was “Conduct research and develop strategy regarding septage treatment capability by October 2008.” We are unaware of any staff report or Council discussion of alternatives and unaware that a choice had been made among the alternatives.
The Township’s Official Plan must conform to policies in Simcoe County’s Official Plan, which is being brought up to date this year.

SEPTIC RE-INSPECTION UPDATE: This summer re-inspections are to occur in the northwest quadrant of the municipality, west from Cedar Point Road, north from Concession 16 to Concession 21, plus properties east of Cedar Point Road to Methodist Point Road in Concessions 16 and 17. The fee per re-inspection has been set at $71.95.
C.C. Tatham & Associates estimates that the first pass of the re-inspection program will be completed by the end of the summer of 2009.

STRATEGIC PLANNING SESSION IN CAMERA: Originally scheduled for May 28 (and subsequently moved to June 3), this Special Committee of the Whole meeting was held in camera on the recommendation of Clerk/CAO Doug Luker. He observed that the Municipal Act gives eight reasons for a Council to meet in camera and that this particular session qualified. Nigel Warren and George Lawrence both questioned whether this meeting should be in camera.

HUNTING IN URBAN AREAS OF THE TOWNSHIP: Representatives of the OPP and of the Ministry of Natural Resources answered Council’s questions regarding hunting and killing of coyotes, which had strayed onto private land in Tiny Township. Inspector Philbin emphasized that that the offenders were a small group, known to the police, and that by the next hunting season the OPP and the MNR expected to have an effective plan in place and to have become educated as to the relevant legislation. Both authorities assured Council that sufficient regulations are already in place and that a Township By-law forbidding hunting in urban areas was unnecessary.
George Lawrence expressed his and others’ frustration at the slow response time from Animal Control and the seeming lack of effective action by any authority.

TINY TRAILS BRIDGE OF HISTORIC MERIT? In the evening, Lyn Downer gave an oral presentation on behalf of the Historical and Heritage Committee requesting that the bridge that passes over Concession 2 just east of County Road 6 be given Heritage Designation. The presentation argued that it is “the only railway bridge in the Township that spans a concession road” and that it was “a vital part of the North Simcoe Railway” which was “instrumental in the development of the Township.”

Posted by Webmaster at 03:57 PM

April 28, 2008

REPORT ON COUNCIL 
April 28, 2008 
Committee of the Whole Meeting: 9:00 a.m. – 12:31 p.m. and 1:01 p.m. - 3:41 p.m. 
Regular Evening Meeting: 7:09 p.m. – 8:09 p.m. 
Four Members of Council present for much of the day. Mayor Breckenridge left at 2 p.m. of Committee of the Whole. Councillor André Claire absent all day.

CONFIDENTIAL / CLOSED SESSION: 12:23 p.m. – 12:31 p.m.

CRITICISM OF COUNCIL PAY INCREASES: Bob Buchkowsky, a former Councillor, met with the Clerk to discuss his concerns about Council pay increases. He had thought that the last Council’s motion that Council pay increases should be addressed toward the end of a term and put into effect after the election for the incoming Council was binding on this Council. But the Clerk assured him that Council is not bound by a motion of a previous Council.
He was invited to discuss his second major criticism – the size of the pay increases, expressed in his proposed deputation as percentage increases. Council pointed out the inaccuracy of his numbers.
We note that Mr. Buchkowsky was asked by the last Council to comment on a consultant’s recommendations regarding payment of members of Council. The consultant did not include seasonal residents when considering Tiny Township’s population and the workload of members of Council. At that time, in 2006, Mr. Buchkowsky noted:
“- The population numbers in Exhibit 2 represent permanent residents for the municipalities. If the numbers also included seasonal residents then the Township of Tiny would be in the upper end of the comparator group rather than close to the median.
“- There is a significant variance in the high and low salaries for Mayor ($31.5K & S17.5K) and Councillors ($16.3K & $7.7K) across the 12 municipalities.
“The Report provides a good statistical comparison but very little identification of reasons for the differences in salaries or the variations between Mayor/Deputy Mayor/Councillor levels.”

RESPONSE TO FOTTSA’S DEPUTATION ABOUT COMMON REED: Council approved “funding of up to $3,000 to retain a field consultant to report back on the current level of spread of the Common Reed within the Township and on public lands, and further;
“That staff work/liaise with other levels of government and agencies to research mitigation and education programming, and;
“That staff report back on the resources required to implement a Township-wide Common Reed Education and Mitigation program.”
For FoTTSA’s Deputation, click HERE.

DISCHARGE OF FIREARMS IN POPULOUS PARTS OF THE TOWNSHIP: There have been concerns about hunters’ use of packs of dogs to pursue coyotes across privately owned land. Council heard deputations from the Ontario Sporting Dog Association and from the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters. It had in hand a report from the By-law Department. The problem, as always, is that while most follow the rules and respect private property, some do not.
Many kinds of research must be done before a decision is taken about how to proceed. The Clerk will be preparing a report for Council to consider.

Posted by Webmaster at 03:52 PM

April 14, 2008

March 31 and April 14, 2008

REPORT ON COUNCIL 
March 31, 2008 
Committee of the Whole Meeting: 9:01 a.m. – 12:53 p.m. and 1:16 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.  
Regular Evening Meeting: 7:06 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. 
All Members of Council present.

CONFIDENTIAL / CLOSED SESSION: 3:43 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.

SSEA FINAL REPORT RE INVESTIGATIONS INTO BEACH WATER QUALITY: In the summer season each year from 2003 and 2007, the Severn Sound Environmental Association attempted to ascertain sources of pollution along the shores of Tiny Township. At first the focus was Balm Beach, Jackson Park, and Woodland Park and streams associated with these public beaches. Later some work was done on effluent from the Nottawasaga River, which emerges in Wasaga, south of Tiny and has a negative effect on water quality in Concessions 1-3. More recently the SSEA did work on the Lafontaine Creek, which emerges south of Concession Road 13.
For the streams, the SSEA collected data concerning such things as flow, temperature, E. coli (usually not a problem itself, but an indication that dangerous bacteria may be present), nitrates, nitrites, suspended solids, phosphorus, dissolved oxygen, conductivity and pH.
Not surprisingly, it looks as if the E. coli (and associated bacteria) in streams affects beaches near their mouths. Because the Nottawasaga River and the Lafontaine Creek are large, they have a strong impact on beaches near their mouths, but smaller creeks may also have a negative effect. Sampling showed that the streams and creeks pick up E. coli on the way through built up areas. It is encouraging to read in the Report that “It would appear that a significant source or sources of E. coli contamination to Balm Beach Creek have been eliminated through the Township’s re-inspection program.” (The Balm area was the first to be re-inspected and all septics found to be faulty have been repaired, replaced or upgraded.)
The Report recommends five actions –
Continue to inspect and abate faulty or substandard private sewage systems.
Consider treatment of storm water runoff to provide retention and reduction of solids and bacteria prior to discharge near beaches
Consider moving the stream outlets discharging directly onto the Balm and Jackson Beaches (and other beaches). Where feasible these outlets should be directed off the points where dispersion and mixing of their discharge would be accomplished more effectively.
Consider removal or modification of selected groynes in order to improve water circulation in stagnant beach areas, especially in the case of more northern beaches.
Prepare shoreline landowner guides that include care of sewage systems, the value of dune systems to beach quality and the value of naturalization rather than the development of turf grass next to beaches. Measures to protect public beach areas from the modification by adjacent landowners should be considered by the Township.
There was not enough explanation as to why most of the different kinds of stream monitoring were undertaken, and there was no recommendation that monitoring continue at intervals to keep an eye out for trends and sudden changes that might require action. Also, it would be useful if all the raw data (all the sample results, the flow results, the rain gauge measurements etc.) were compiled for future reference.
Members of Council asked many probing questions and asked Staff to report on actions that might be taken.

DEPUTATION ABOUT INVASIVE COMMON REED (PHRAGMITES AUSTRALIS): Judith Grant, on behalf of the Federation of Tiny Township Shoreline Associations, asked to give an oral presentation about actions needed regarding the invasive form of Phragmites australis (Common Reed), which has become established at points along the shore of Tiny Township. Council directed staff to prepare a report by the end of April. For the deputation, click HERE.

SECOND ANNUAL MAYOR’S GOLF TOURNAMENT: This is to take place at 1 p.m. on August 16 at the Balm Beach Golf Club. A maximum of 72 golfers may take part. The funds raised are to go to the Huronia Hospitals Foundation for needed equipment.

VISUAL IMPACT STUDY (WIND TURBINES) AUTHORIZED: Council decided to have the University of Guelph’s School of Environmental Design & Rural Development conduct a “Wind Energy Facilities Assessment” for the Township of Tiny. The study is to consider the visual impact of wind turbines. The cost of the study -- $40,430 – is to be borne by the Coalition of Residents of Tiny (CORT). Township staff is to act as Project Manager.

TOWNSHIP PROPERTY RECORDS UPDATE: Henk Blom, Manager of Public Works, reported that identification of Township-owned roads, beaches, laneways, lands, and blocks is continuing, and is complete for
66% of 22 roads, 3 beaches & 12 laneways in Concession 8
66% of 19 roads, 2 beaches and 6 lands in Concession 9
90% of 31 roads, 3 blocks in Concession 10, and
66% in Concession 11.

--------

REPORT ON COUNCIL 
April 14, 2008 
Committee of the Whole Meeting: 9:02 a.m. – 10:47 a.m.
Four Members of Council present.
Mayor Breckenridge away on vacation. Deputy Mayor George Lawrence chaired the meeting.

CONFIDENTIAL / CLOSED SESSION: None.

PLANS OF SURVEY REGISTERED BY TOWNSHIP FOR PARTS OF PLANS 735 AND 776: If we understand the maps aright, in Plan 735 this concerns the beach in front of the properties along Trew Avenue plus one lane, and in plan 776 this includes the Township-owned beach from Marina Road west to Jackson Park and north to Lundy Lane.

Posted by Webmaster at 10:14 PM

March 10, 2008

REPORT ON COUNCIL
March 10, 2008 
Committee of the Whole Meeting: 9:03 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. and 1:03 p.m. – 4:41 p.m.  
Regular Evening Meeting: 7:06 p.m. – 7:44 p.m. 
All Members of Council present.

CONFIDENTIAL / CLOSED SESSION: 1:36 p.m. – 4:36 p.m.

NEW WAYS TO DISPOSE OF SEPTAGE: One of Council’s strategic planning objectives is to arrive at a plan for the disposal of septage. The entire Township uses private septic systems, which must be pumped out at regular intervals. The resultant “septage” is spread on farmers’ fields licensed by the MOE. But the Province’s 2003 Nutrient Management Act said that such spreading was to end in 2007. And the 2005 Provincial Policy Statement makes it clear that lot creation depends on sewage treatment capacity.

When Don McNalty of R.J. Burnside Associates explained the Province’s views on septage to Council back in 2004, the only alternative envisioned, once spreading of septage became illegal, was treatment at a sewage plant. In the years since 2004, nothing was done by the municipality with regard to the disposal of septage, and the 2007 deadline passed without any action by the province.

However, according to McNalty, recently, the MOE has shown some willingness to work with stakeholders to develop new standards and technologies. Thirteen municipalities got COMRIF funds to undertake experimental disposal techniques. New, safer types of land application are being explored, involving such methods as alkaline stabilization, composting, geo tubes, dewatering trenches, reed and sand bed filers, and the use of hydrogen peroxide.

In one respect Tiny Township has been ahead of regulatory requirements – the septic re-inspection program. The Source Water Protection Act recommends septic re-inspections, and the Building Code act will soon require re-inspection.
Staff is to report on next steps.

2008 BUDGET APPROVED: Overall, Tiny’s residential tax rate is up 2.45% compared to 2007 (the Township’s third is up 2.50%; the County’s third is up 4.75%; and the education third remains unchanged). According to two charts included with the budget presentation, the Township’s share of municipal taxes per $100,000 of Current Value Residential Assessment was among the lowest in Simcoe County in 2007 and was less than a third of that imposed in Penetanguishene and Midland.

Staff began to prepare a draft budget last August. Once it was ready, as has been the custom for a number of years, Council discussed it in special meetings that were open to the public, on November 22, 2007, January 21, 2008, and February 4, 2008. Because work began earlier than usual on this year’s budget, it was possible to approve it a month earlier than usual.
Water fees for those on Township water systems remain unchanged at $200 capital and $556 operating. A strategic water supply plan to eliminate anticipated future nitrate level issues at Lafontaine and Georgian Sands is to be prepared. A new requirement – for lead testing – has increased annual costs by $75,000 and the province’s insistence that a large reserve fund be built up to replace outworn water systems in the future means that the fees are unlikely to fall any time soon.

The budget includes monies set aside for Council’s various strategic planning initiatives – much of it, at this stage, for planning studies. Among other things there is to be a Township Office functionality/needs assessment, continuation of the identification of Township-owned land, a study about future management of septage and hauled waste, and an update of the Township’s Official Plan.

Reserves and Reserve Funds are to increase by 8.4% to $4, 824,166.
Of particular interest to shore area residents are a Secondary Master Plan for Balm Beach, a Master Plan for Lafontaine Park, and implementation of the Woodland Beach Master Plan. Money has been set aside for washroom upgrades and repair at Jackson Park and Stott’s Park and for wind barrier fencing, boardwalks, and educational signage at Bluewater Beach Park. There is money for a Beach Management Plan (required, apparently, before the DFO will approve changes at beach parks).

For the complete budget presentation, go to tiny.ca -- Administration>Departments & Services>Treasury>2008 Budget Information

Posted by Webmaster at 06:14 AM

February 11, 2008

REPORT ON COUNCIL 
February 11, 2008

Committee of the Whole Meeting: 9:04 a.m. 11:42 and 12:56 p.m. – 3:18 p.m.
Regular Evening Meeting: 7:06 p.m. – 7:55 p.m.
All Members of Council present.

CONFIDENTIAL / CLOSED SESSION: 1:38 p.m. – 3:17 p.m.

OFFICIAL TREE FOR TINY TOWNSHIP: Representing the Township’s Historical and Heritage Committee, Gordon Robbins recommended that the Sugar Maple, which is featured on our national and provincial flags, be designated as the Township’s official tree. Apparently First Nations peoples who lived in Huronia when Samuel Champlain arrived early in the 17th Century were already making maple syrup, a practice that became more efficient in the mid 1600s when they were able to trade furs for nails and axes and metal pots. Once logging and lumbering began more than a century later, the sugar maple was used by the wealthy in the area and farther afield for floors because of its tight grain and strength. By the 1800s, maple syrup had become a staple of the area and was sold throughout central Ontario. Township soils allow the tree to flourish; it provides shade in parks and is hardy.
Receptive to the idea of a Township tree, Council asked staff to report about rules and procedures.

SEPTIC RE-INSPECTION UPDATE: C. C. Tatham & Associates reported that last summer’s 1205 inspections covered the entire northeast corner of the Township (everything east of Methodist Point Road and north of Concession 16 east, including Farlain Lake). Their estimate is that the first pass of the re-inspection programme (only the north west quadrant is still to be done) will be completed by the end of the summer of 2009.
Only the 2002 inspections now have no outstanding problems. A total of 34 properties from 2003, 2004 and 2005 have orders not to occupy until remedial work has been completed. Both C. C. Tatham and the By-law Department check from time to time to make sure those properties are not in use. Follow up work is also being done on unresolved issues from 2006 and 2007.
Once the entire Township has been re-inspected, it’ll be time to start back at the beginning, since many properties will, by then, not have been re-inspected for more than 10 years.

DECISION RE GIANT’S TOMB ISLAND ROAD: At the January 28 meeting of Council, Delva Lacroix made a presentation to Council on behalf of four cottagers on Giant’s Tomb Island, asking that they be allowed to purchase the part of the township-owned road allowance behind their individual waterfront lots. The road is about 1.5 kilometres in length and the proposed purchases would be spotted at intervals along it. Council decided to leave the unopened road allowance as public land and to ascertain whether the Ministry of Natural Resources wants to add the road to the abutting Provincial Park lands.

GOVERNANCE REPORT RE COUNTY COUNCIL: Mayor Peggy Breckenridge noted that Simcoe County’s CAO/Clerk has prepared a report recommending substantial changes to the County’s political governance structure, without seeking advice from a consultant in the field or from the general public. The report is to be discussed at County on March 20 at 9 am.

COUNTY TO RECYCLE ELECTRONICS: In mid-April, residents may take used electronic equipment to the North Simcoe Transfer Station for recycling any time during regular opening hours, Monday to Saturday. The usual modest weight charge will apply (the County will be running the program at a loss, but the GEEP recycling facility in Barrie will harvest the precious metals and recycle all parts of computers, printers, monitors, TVs, fax machines, modems, pagers, telephones, cameras, radios, speakers, and video equipment).

ONE BAG LIMIT COMING THIS FALL: Mayor Breckenridge drew attention to information in a letter from the Corporate Services Department of the County of Simcoe. When green bin organic collection begins this fall, the bag limit in Tiny Township (and elsewhere in the County) will be reduced from two to one. The following items are to go into the green bin:
fruit/vegetable peelings & table scraps
bones, fat, meat, chicken & fish
bread, rice & pasta
coffee grounds, filters & tea bags
vacuum bags, soiled paper towels & dryer lint
houseplants, hair & fur.
NOTE: Disposable diapers are NOT included. On the other hand, vacuum bags, dryer lint, hair & fur (all items that cannot be put into green bins in Toronto) are included in the Simcoe green bin programme.

COUNCIL SALARY INCREASES APPROVED: A report prepared by Doug Luker, CAO/Clerk, made a number of recommendations to bring Council compensation into line with that in municipalities similar to Tiny. The key recommendation was the first one:
That compensation for the Mayor’s position be adjusted to the median of the comparator group (adjusted for 2007-08 CPI) totaling $29,733, the compensation for Council members be set at 65% of the Mayor’s base compensation at $19,326 and that the Deputy Mayor’s base compensation be set at 75% of the Mayor’s position at $22,300.
While preparing the report, the Clerk/CAO learned that the Mayor’s salary was the lowest among the comparators and substantially below the median. He noted that in establishing the appropriate compensation for the Deputy Mayor and Councillors, he took into account the fact that Tiny has fewer Council positions than the comparators so that each of them carries a heavier work load.
He recommended that Council remuneration be reviewed in the last year of each Council’s term for implementation following the election of a new Council.
Members of Council were sharply divided about the report’s recommendations. Mayor Breckenridge and Councillors Claire and Cornell agreed with them, while Deputy Mayor George Lawrence and Councillor Nigel Warren expressed discomfort with the size of the increases and with the notion of voting themselves increases. The recommendations were carried 3-2.
(For the complete report, see Clerk’s Report CR-005-08 in the Regular Meeting of Council Agenda for February 11, 2008 under Reports of Staff/Committees/Consultants/Third Parties.)

Posted by Webmaster at 09:10 PM

January 28, 2008

REPORT ON COUNCIL 
January 28, 2008 
Committee of the Whole Meeting: 9:05 a.m. – 12:27 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. - 3:29 p.m.  
Regular Evening Meeting: 7:00 p.m. – 7:13 p.m. 
All Members of Council present.

CONFIDENTIAL / CLOSED SESSION: 11:23 a.m. – 11:59 a.m.

PERMIT TO TAKE WATER / SITE 41: Council had asked John Easton of Golder & Associates and Keith Sherman of the Severn Sound Environmental Association for advice now that the County of Simcoe has applied to the Ministry of the Environment for permission to draw off water from the aquifer underlying Site 41 during construction of the first garbage cell.
Easton explained that the withdrawal of water was necessary. Once the overburden of ground is removed down to the clay layer to make room for the liner and the garbage, the pressure of the water in the aquifer below will cause the clay layer to bulge upward unless the pressure is reduced by drawing off a great deal of water. (It sounds as if some dewatering of the aquifer will be necessary until the weight of the garbage equals that of the ground that is to be removed.)
Keith Sherman spoke about the impact of all that water on Macdonald Creek, a tributary of the Wye, which passes Site 41. He recommended that the water be piped to the creek, rather than into a ditch and thence to the creek, as the latter method would cause turbidity. He also recommended that the County be asked to spill the water into the creek to allow it to absorb air. Without these two measures, the dewatering exercise would have a negative impact on fish in the creek.
Members of Council expressed concerns about what would happen if things do not go as expected.
Staff is to prepare a letter to the Ministry of the Environment, raising Sherman’s and Council’s concerns.

WOODLAND BEACH MASTER PLAN: Mike Sullivan of LGL Ltd. and John Bell of John D. Bell Associates presented a slightly revised version of the draft Woodland Beach Master Plan. For details see last fall’s Tiny Cottager. Staff is to prepare a report estimating costs and implementation timelines.

CLOSED MEETING INVESTIGATOR: A recent amendment to the Municipal Act says that a person may ask for an investigation of whether it was appropriate that a particular meeting (or part of a meeting) was closed to the public. On the advice of a report prepared by Doug Luker, CAO/Clerk, Council decided to have JGM Consulting serve as “Closed Meeting Investigator”. JGM will be providing this service for municipalities across Simcoe County.

FISH HABITAT AND BEACH MANAGEMENT PLAN PROPOSED: Keith Sherman of the Severn Sound Environmental Association presented to Council an oral proposal regarding fish habitat and beach management. If we understood him correctly, he wants to assemble and correct data possessed by the Ministry of Natural Resources and the County of Simcoe showing elevation points along the whole of Tiny Township’s shore (including Farlain Lake). He then wants to create a digital elevation model of the 178 m level above sea level, the 177 m. level, and the level at 1 metre and at 2 metres depth in the Bay. He explained that more detailed plans of particular beaches showing the near shore substrate, the nature of a beach, the location of dunes and of stream discharges would be required if effective approaches were to be made to the Department of Fisheries for changes at public beaches. These detailed plans might be prepared in subsequent years. His proposed budget for the initial mapping was $25,000.

HOUSEKEEPING AMENDMENT (ZONING BY-LAW 06-001): Now that it has been working with the Township’s new comprehensive Zoning By-law for two years, the Planning Department presented a report recommending that a number of “housekeeping” changes be made to make the By-law “more complete and user-friendly.” These changes concern
• the definition of a “Bunkie”
• the definition of “Established Grade”
• the definition of “height”
• reduction in the setback of buildings and structures from laneways
• development on vacant lots with an area of less than 10,000 square feet
• and amendments to 10 zoning maps
There is to be a public meeting about these proposed changes at a time convenient to seasonal residents.

Posted by Webmaster at 06:03 PM

January 28, 2008

CONFIDENTIAL / CLOSED SESSION: 11:23 a.m. – 11:59 a.m.

Posted by Webmaster at 06:03 PM

January 14, 2008

REPORT ON COUNCIL
January 14, 2008
Committee of the Whole Meeting: 9:03 a.m. – 4:16 p.m.
Regular Evening Meeting: 7:04 p.m. – 7:17 p.m.
All Members of Council present.

CONFIDENTIAL / CLOSED SESSION: 10:30 a.m. – 12:50 p.m.

STAFF CHANGE: Steven Harvey has been appointed as the Township’s new Chief Municipal Law Enforcement Officer effective February 1, 2008.

A CONSERVATION AUTHORITY FOR TINY? According to Peggy Breckenridge, reporting on a meeting of the Severn Sound Environmental Association, the Province’s new Clean Water Act requires that all of Tiny be under the guidance of a local conservation authority. Currently, only the eastern side of Tiny Township is included in the Severn Sound Environmental Association. If the western half of the township were to be included in the Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority, the cost would be very heavy. She felt that it would be better to have the SSEA extend its coverage to include all of Tiny. Fees would probably double, but they would still be much less than the cost of being part of the NVCA.

SPREADING OF SEPTAGE ON FARM FIELDS: As a result of concerns raised by Ron Brewster who owns a farm on the 6th Concession regarding the heavy spreading of septage on nearby lands, staff was instructed to prepare a report. Apparently the Ministry of the Environment, which issues permits for such spreading, fails to monitor and control such spreading.

ASSISTANCE FOR UPGRADES TO RESIDENTIAL WELLS AND SEPTICS NEAR MUNICIPAL WELLHEADS: The Province has allocated $7 million for the next four years for protection of municipal drinking water sources. The SSEA is responsible for administering this program in our area. Keith Sherman announced that this money is to be used for
1) private well de-commissioning and/or upgrading;
2) septic system inspections and upgrades;
3) runoff and erosion protection;
4) pollution prevention review for commercial /industrial.
1) and 2) apply to all residential lots within 100 m of a municipal wellhead. Application forms will be on the SSEA website (www.severnsound.ca) soon and all work must be done by October 1, 2008. 50% funding applies, up to $6,000 for wells and $10,000 for septics. Municipalities may top up this 50%, which Sherman recommends.

BUILDING ACTIVITY SLOWED IN 2007: Although, the overall construction value for 2007, at $35,269,000, seemed to compare favourably with the overall value for 2006 at $35,059,000, the fact that $7 million of the 2007 value arose from one public building, the retirement complex Le Villageois in Lafontaine, means that regular building activity slowed considerably.

Posted by Webmaster at 10:19 PM

December 10, 2007

REPORT ON COUNCIL December 10, 2007 Committee of the Whole Meeting: 9:05 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.  Regular Evening Meeting: 7:00 p.m. – 7:26 p.m. All Members of Council present.

CONFIDENTIAL / CLOSED SESSION: 3:12 p.m. – 5:28 p.m.

CORRIE HAMELIN MEMORIAL COMMUNITY AWARD: This was awarded to Sheila Webb of Wyevale.

COST OF LIBRARY SERVICES RISES: Tiny Township households have the right to use one of the local libraries – Midland, Penetanguishene or Elmvale – at the expense of the township. The cost per user household rose again this year, up $10 to $110 (Midland), up $10 to $100 (Penetanguishene), and up $5 to $75 (Springwater).

COUNTY OF SIMCOE BUDGET INCREASE: Mayor Peggy Breckenridge reported that County Council had approved the County’s 2008 budget at an overall increase of 4.75%.

TOWNSHIP TO DO LEAF COLLECTION IN FALL 2008: Because the County charged the Township $24,024 for leaf and yard waste collection this fall, Council asked Henk Blom, the Manager of Public Works, to find out what it would cost for the Township to do its own brush, leaf & yard waste pickup. He estimated the cost for collection over a three-week period from the last week of October to mid-November, including a disposal fee at the North Simcoe Transfer Station, labour and equipment, to be $13,215.
Council authorized this “in house” collection.

ROAD SIGN CHANGES – FARLAIN LAKE ROAD E & W & ALSO CHAMPLAIN ROAD/CONC. 17: On the recommendation of the Policing Committee and the OPP, Council passed a By-law establishing the speed limit at 50 kph for Farlain Lake Road East and West, from Allport Road to Andrew Drive. Signs are to be posted. On the recommendation of a Public Works Report, Council authorized the placement of a “Yield” sign for the northbound lane of Champlain Road at Concession 17 East to ensure a safe left turn.

Posted by Webmaster at 10:15 PM

November 26, 2007

REPORT ON COUNCIL
November 26, 2007
Committee of the Whole Meeting: 9:03 a.m. – 3:17 p.m.
Regular Evening Meeting: 7:00 p.m. 7:26 p.m.
All Members of Council present.

CONFIDENTIAL / CLOSED SESSION: 11:51 a.m. - 12:49 p.m. and 3:01 p.m. – 3:16 p.m.

NEW CAO/CLERK APPOINTED: Mayor Breckenridge announced that Doug Luker is to be Tiny’s CAO/Clerk, beginning December 1.

COUNCIL SETS GOALS FOR NEXT THREE YEARS: Mayor Breckenridge presented the results of Council’s and Senior Staff’s four days of Strategic Planning discussions (August 29 and 30 and September 11 and 20). A number of initiatives and goals were established for the areas of Sustainable Development, Community Culture and Community Stewardship, namely
1) Sustainable Development:
i) Conduct research and develop strategy regarding septage treatment capability by Oct. 2008
ii) Develop strategy to successfully lobby internet service providers by June 08 (with a goal of 100% coverage for affordable high speed internet access by Dec/09)
iii) Prepare a needs assessment and office functionality plan by Dec. 2008
iv) Prepare beach park master plans – Lafontaine in 2008; a beach park secondary master plan – Balm Beach in 2009; and a municipally-owned waterfront land use strategy (acquisition, development, protection, maintenance, remediation, promotion, DFO and MNR, parking strategy) by Dec. 2008
v) Undertake an Official Plan Review to align the Township with County growth study targets by June 2009
vi) Complete a Township asset inventory to assist in asset management by Sept. 2008; and create a long term asset management plan by Dec. 2008
vii) Undertake financial impact analysis on all strategic initiatives in order to maintain financial stability and a low to moderate MMAH risk rating
2) Community Culture
i) Arrive at an image plan and strategy in order to achieve a high quality, consistent image, both within and outside the Township, and establish a brand strategy by June 2009
ii) Establish a community culture map (lifestyle, character etc.) by December 2008.
iii) Create a communication plan to improve the quality of communication with all stakeholders by March 2008.
3) Community Stewardship
i) Institute a safety services inventory and review to ensure the safe enjoyment of our community (fire, ambulance etc) by April 2008.
ii) Arrive at a plan to resolve issues regarding key municipal properties by June 2009. Do an encroachments business case analysis. Prioritize and complete the first case by June 2008. Draft a land “issues” statement for the public by March 2008.

BEACH WATER QUALITY REPORT: Jerry Capko, of the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit, gave a report that raised many troubling questions.
He began by reminding Council that he had sent a letter on August 8 saying that a geometric mean of 100 or higher E. coli for samples taken at a particular beach would no longer automatically result in a recommendation that a warning be posted. Rather, “The decision to post will be based on a wider set of parameters assessing risk than before.” As a result, there would probably be fewer recommendations that beaches be posted.
Reducing the number of unnecessary postings, he explained, was the first stage of a three-phase initiative. Often in the past a beach was posted on a Wednesday or Thursday, on the basis of Monday sampling, when samples taken Wednesday proved to have acceptable E. coli counts. Stage two was to reach an understanding of factors at each beach that would indicate that a particular location should be posted immediately, before samples taken had even been analyzed. And Stage Three was to anticipate the arrival of such conditions so that anticipatory warnings could be issued.
This past summer, the Health Unit made only one recommendation that a beach be posted as being likely to be unsafe for swimming. According to the Health Unit’s beach-by-beach list of sample results for the summer, this occurred on August 15, at Conc 2 West Lawson Rd Beach, with the advisory lifted 2 days later on August 17.
Asked whether it was safe not to resample, not to check that the assumptions were correct, Capko observed that Ontario’s standard of 100 E. coli or less in swimming water is extremely conservative. Environment Canada’s standard is 200 or less and some areas have a standard of 1000 E. coli or less. He commented that most E. coli are safe. He also said that the 100 or less standard is not a regulation, and that there is no testing for pathogens.
(He did not say anything about E. coli as an organism indicating recent fecal contamination and thus useful as an measure of the likelihood of the presence of harmful pathogens.)
Following its new policy, the Health Unit did not recommend posting at four beaches because of high results for samples taken on 9 July, when Conc. 3 W had a geomean of 854.07, Conc 7 West Beach a geomean of 634.39, Jackson Park a geomean of 628.23 and Trew Ave a geomean of 256.82. Nor did the Health Unit retest to make sure its assumptions were correct. The decision, he said, was based on past experience for that time of year at those locations.
He could not explain why the Health Unit recommended posting at Conc 2 W Lawson Rd for a geomean of 521.54 for samples taken on August 13, but did NOT recommend posting Conc 16 West Beach which had a geomean of 587.99 on the same day. Nor could he explain why Conc. 16 was resampled on August 14 while resampling was not done at Conc 2 until August 16. He could not explain why resampling was done the following day at a number of locations that had high counts when results arrived only on the afternoon of that day. Nor could he explain why the Health Unit did not change its description of the area sampled near Jackson Park when its sample locations had changed.
Bruce Beauchamp who was directly in charge of sampling results and one of four who decided whether results warranted posting could have answered some of Council’s questions, but, even though he was in the audience and his presence had been mentioned, no one asked for his views.

DATES FOR COUNCIL MEETINGS IN 2008: In general, Council meets on the second and last Monday of each month. However, Council decided to cancel the second meeting in February (due to Council’s attendance at the ROMA/IGRA Conference) and to move the second meeting in June forward to the 23rd (because of Canada Day).

MAYOR’S PIG ROAST AND CHARITY GOLF TOURNAMENT: Next summer’s Mayor’s Pig Roast has been scheduled for Saturday, July 5 and the Mayor’s Golf Tournament for Saturday, August 16th.

Posted by Webmaster at 09:26 PM

November 13, 2007

REPORT ON COUNCIL 
November 13, 2007 
Committee of the Whole Meeting: 9:00 a.m. – 3:53 p.m.  
Regular Evening Meeting: 7:00 p.m. – 7:45 p.m. 
All Members of Council present.

CONFIDENTIAL / CLOSED SESSION: 1:50 p.m. – 3:52 p.m. Jim McIntosh of legal firm of Burgar Rowe Professional Corporation was present.

STAFF CHANGES: 1) ACTING CAO/CLERK APPOINTED: Doug Taylor, the Township’s Treasurer, is to serve as Acting CAO/Clerk until a new appointment is made.

2) CHIEF MUNICIPAL BY-LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER LEAVES AND A TEMPORARY REPLACEMENT APPOINTED: Shawn Crawford has accepted a position with Orillia as that city’s Chief By-Law Enforcement Officer. As Orillia has a population of 30,000, this is clearly a good career move. We wish him well. We were fortunate to have his clear head and dedication for the period he served in Tiny.
Andrea Smith has been appointed Acting Municipal By-Law Enforcement Officer.

ONLINE PAYMENT OF PARKING TICKETS: On the recommendation of a report from Shawn Crawford, Council authorized the purchase of software to allow online payment of parking tickets (consistent with the practice in neighbouring municipalities).

POWER OF ENTRY BY-LAW: In accordance with the Municipal Act, 2001 and on the recommendation of a Report from Shawn Crawford, Council passed By-law 07-082 providing authority for the municipality to inspect land for compliance to all the Township’s By-laws. The Municipal Act says that during an inspection, a municipality may

- Require production of documents;
- Inspect and remove documents for the purpose of making copies or extracts;
- Require information from any person concerning a matter related to the inspection;
- Examine or take tests, samples or photographs necessary for the purposes of the inspection.

COUNCIL COMPENSATION DECISION DELAYED: Council has discussed a number of reports regarding Council compensation, and has heard one oral presentation urging some form of pay for performance. They decided to wait for input from the new CAO/Clerk before making a decision on the matter.

REQUEST BY CHURCH IN THE PINES FOR AN ELECTRICAL CONNECTION REJECTED: Church in the Pines, which holds services attended by 20-50 people on eight weekends each summer at Cawaja Beach, asked that an electrical connection be supplied in the park for its sole use. Apparently the property owner who has been supplying electricity turns the power off when away from the cottage. Staff recommended that the Church use a neighbouring supply or a generator, as it is inappropriate that Township resources be provided for a private group and that providing such a resource implied that property rights were ceded over the park. Council rejected the request.

REPORT ON THIS YEAR’S COMBINED BRUSH/LEAF & YARD WASTE COLLECTION: It was unfortunate that most leaves were still on the trees when the pickup was done on October 15-19. But the late fall was only one reason for a light collection of 17 tonnes. Moreau Enterprizes reported that only one in 20 homes put yard waste out for collection. The County charged the Township $2.56 per household, whether households participated or not, for a total $24,024. In his report, Henk Blom, Manager of Public Works, noted that “leaf drop off at the Transfer Station is free.”

When authorizing this experimental collection, Council was conscious that it might take some time for residents to become alert to the existence of this service. They therefore decided to have a similar collection next autumn, on November 15. After that collection they will decide whether to persist with this service. However, they also asked staff to obtain cost estimates for an “in house” (rather than a County) pick up service for 2008.

Posted by Webmaster at 10:41 PM

October 29, 2007

REPORT ON COUNCIL October 29, 2007 Committee of the Whole Meeting: 9:03 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.  Regular Evening Meeting: 7:04 p.m. – 7:28 p.m. All Members of Council present.

CONFIDENTIAL / CLOSED SESSION: 2:30 p.m. - ??? and 4:19 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Jim McIntosh of the legal firm of Burgar Rowe Professional Corporation was present.

PROPOSED AMENDMENT TO NOISE BY-LAW IN FAVOUR OF OUTDOOR PATIOS REJECTED: In response to complaints about music emanating from the patios of two businesses in Balm Beach, Shawn Crawford, Chief Municipal By-law Enforcement Officer, presented a report. It recommended that noise from outdoor patios be exempted from the Township’s Noise By-law between noon and 8:00 p.m. Sunday to Thursday, and from noon to 11:00 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. Councillor Nigel Warren enquired why not leave the By-law as it stands. Why offer a permit to make noise?

Council opposed the proposed amendment. There will continue to be a 24-hour-a-day prohibition of noise from commercial outdoor patios if it disturbs someone’s peace. Tiny’s rules regarding such noise are similar to those in neighbouring municipalities.

SOUTHERN GEORGIAN BAY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE: Council decided to ask the Chamber to place more emphasis on membership services, to require municipalities to fund less of the budget and members more, to not hire an Economic Development Officer and to review the tourism component of its activities. Council also decided to discuss the funding of the Chamber (Tiny’s share of the Chamber’s $378,142 budget is $19,740) during budget deliberations.

REPORT RE 2007 SUMMER RECREATION PROGRAMS: Bonita Desroches, Community Recreation Co-ordinator, presented a report about last summer’s camp and soccer programs. We note that 69% of camper spaces were taken up by township residents (57% full time and 12% seasonal) while surrounding townships absorbed the balance (including 13.25% participation by residents of Midland). The pattern for soccer was similar, with 72.58% of spaces occupied by township residents (53.23% full time, 19.35% seasonal), and the remaining spots occupied by residents of Penetang and Midland. The total cost to Tiny of summer camps and soccer was $23,497.67.

Neighbouring municipalities might be reminded of this sort of service when Tiny is asked for funding for libraries and arenas.

REPORT RE RECREATION MASTER PLAN / RECOMMENDATIONS: Bonita Desroches, the Township’s Community Recreation Co-ordinator has been charged with getting the Recreation Master Plan implemented. Her report focused on how to deal with co-ordinating the scheduling and booking of municipal parks and buildings (currently handled by each of six recreation associations) and how to implement new partnership agreements between the township and the associations. The new partnership agreement should (according to the report)

- Clarify roles and responsibilities
- Protect both parties from liability
- Protect the Township’s investment in Municipal parks and buildings
- Ensure that the community’s needs are met to the greatest extent possible.

Council agreed to hear from the recreation associations at its next meeting, prior to coming to any decisions.

Posted by Webmaster at 10:27 PM

October 09, 2007

October 9, 2007

REPORT ON COUNCIL October 9, 2007 Committee of the Whole Meeting: 9:05 a.m. – 5:54 p.m.  Regular Evening Meeting: 7:09 p.m. – 7:45 p.m. All Members of Council present.

CONFIDENTIAL / CLOSED SESSION: 3:47 p.m. – 5:54 p.m.

NEW CAO TO BE HIRED: As reported in the Fall Tiny Cottager, Ruth Coursey’s last day in Tiny Township was November 9, 2007. Zinner & Company (which helped recruit Ruth Coursey and also Doug Taylor, the Township’s treasurer) is to assist in recruiting at new CAO/Clerk.

CHANGES TO BY-LAW 06—01 REGARDING FENCES: After a long discussion, Council passed an amendment to the township’s general Zoning By-law concerning fences. They had before them proposed amendments drafted by staff and a consultant. Their decision was to exclude from the amendments all special provisions regarding fences in front yards and in rear (i.e. waterfront) yards on the shore, recycling bins and garbage, and recreational areas like Camp Marygrove or Camp Wildfire. The issue of “vista” on the shore is to be addressed during the review of the Official Plan.
The Amendment – By-law 07-076 -- as passed includes the following provisions:

“a) A fence shall not exceed a height of 1.9 metres;

“b) Fence height is to be calculated by taking the measurement from grade to the top of each post. No single fence post shall exceed a maximum height of 1.9 metres;

“c) Decorative caps on top of a post may encroach into the height restriction to a maximum of no more than 0.3 metres;

“d) No fence is to be constructed from ungraded used lumber, unsightly and/or deteriorating used material. In all residential zones, no fence is to be constructed from barbed wire or any device designed to transmit electric current through a fence;

“e) Fences to enclose swimming pools shall not be subject to the above provisions, however must comply with all other Municipal By-laws and Ontario Building Code regulations; and

“f) In reference to fences in Sight Triangles, see Section 4.21.”

REPORT ON COUNCIL REMUNERATION: Mayor Breckenridge read out a report from the North Simcoe heads of Council about Council remuneration. The report, which is being considered by each of the four participating municipalities, argues that the subject needs to be addressed because of
• increased responsibilities borne by Councils as a result of the new Municipal Act
• changes in technology which have caused more work (among them, the use of electronic files and laptop computers)
• increased length of Council terms of office (which were once 1, then 2 years, then 3, and now 4 years).
The longer term coupled with the heavier workload has resulted in Council members losing benefits and having to give up their regular jobs. Mayor Breckenridge noted, for example, that the hours she spends each week amount to 35 or 40 hours, and that she has not been able to continue her consulting business.
One suggestion in the Report was that members of Council be paid a percentage of MPP’s salaries. Deputy Mayor George Lawrence opposed that idea. He (and others) asked for data for comparable municipalities, and Ruth Coursey (CAO/Clerk) asked Council to pick its comparators, as assembling data is labour intensive and, in the past, Councils have been unhappy with staff’s and consultants’ choice of comparable municipalities. Council is to select comparables at its next meeting.

“TOWNSHIP PROPERTY RECORDS” UPDATE: Henk Blom, Manager of Public Works, presented a report about the current state of identification of boundaries of lands owned by the Township. He noted: “To date, the Township has identified through deeds, registered plans & reference plans a total of 300 roads (including laneways, walkways, reserves and daylighting), 14 beach areas & 38 saleable properties (parks, lots, blocks etc).”
(NOTE: We have been told that anyone who has a question about a particular property should address it to the Clerk’s Department.)

Identification is complete in the entirety of the land (right across the township) in
Concession 1 – 54 roads and beaches;
Concession 2 – 49 roads, beaches and blocks
Concession 3 – 50 roads, beaches and blocks
Concession 5 – 87 roads, beaches and blocks
Concession 6 – 21 roads and blocks
Concession 7 – 17 roads and beach
Concession 4 is 80% complete for 58 roads, 4 beach areas, and 12 properties with a survey of Bluewater to Crossland Road Beach Area underway.
Concession 8 is 66% complete with the survey of the beach block from Jackson Park to Lundy Lane 66% complete.

Some work has been done on Concessions 9 and 10 and surveys are planned for the “Beach Re: Becking, Concession 5”; Wahnekewening Beach in Concession 13; Asselin Park in Concession 17; the Beach Block at the end of Bow Road in Concession 16 and Tee Pee Point Parkette Beach in Concession 16.

LOCAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AT A CROSSROADS: As the Chamber currently has no economic development manager and its tourism manager has resigned, it was decided that the four member Mayors should consult with their Councils about the direction the Chamber should take in the future. Discussion ranged widely. Usually, businesses run and finance the local Chambers of Commerce. The North Simcoe Chamber is exceptional in having four political representatives on its board and in being financed largely by municipalities. There was some feeling that the local Chamber should be more conventional in its membership and financing. That groups like Community Futures, the County of Simcoe, the Georgian Bay Tourism Association have taken on some of the traditional roles of a Chamber suggests that the local Chamber is not doing its job well. Council felt that the Chamber should rethink its role and staffing and that the Township’s annual contribution of $20,000 is inappropriate given the modest number of participating businesses in Tiny.

TANGIBLE CAPITAL ASSETS: Treasurer Doug Taylor reported that his department is making good progress in gathering data about the Township’s capital assets and should have the necessary information entered by the deadline of January 1, 2009. Amassing this data has necessitated the hiring of extra staff, but will facilitate better management of assets.

SECURITY RECOMMENDATIONS TO BE IMPLEMENTED: Earlier this year Council approved the hiring of a consultant to perform an audit of Township data, digital protocols, servers, internet, computers, notebooks and software program and to make recommendations about ensuring the security of data. Council approved the consultant’s recommendations.

Posted by Webmaster at 09:05 PM

September 24, 2007

REPORT ON COUNCIL
September 24, 2007
Committee of the Whole Meeting: 9:00 a.m. – 8:47 p.m.
Regular Evening Meeting: 7:00 p.m. – 8:31 p.m.
All Members of Council present.

CONFIDENTIAL / CLOSED SESSION: 5:22 p.m. – 6:20 p.m. and 8:31 p.m. – 8:47 p.m.

MARK AITKEN, CAO SIMCOE COUNTY, SPEAKS TO COUNCIL RE WASTE, LANDFILLS AND SITE 41: After giving general comments about County services, Aitken supplied a little history about County landfills. Apparently problems surfaced in the 1980s all across the County – illegal dumps, garbage that spilled beyond dump sites, burning, use of quarries and the like. The County assumed responsibility for landfills in 1990 and gradually brought them up to appropriate standards. Recently the County has instituted a number of programs – blue boxes, the mining of landfills, bag limits -- that have reduced the volume of garbage going to landfills. Right now, Aitken estimated that the County would have seven years of space available, were both population and garbage flow to remain constant. But of course both will change: population will rise and garbage volume may fall when the green bin organics program begins next September. And various initiatives should further decrease the volume – diversion of wood (for wood chips), shingles (for asphalt), drywall (for kitty litter), disassembly of electronic equipment (for precious and expensive metals) and so on.
Members of Council argued that the County should be taking a leadership role in investigating new, adventurous strategies for dealing with waste – by looking to Europe for models, by investigating environmentally friendly technologies rather than landfills, by adding retrieval of methane gas to the plans for Site 41. But Aitken kept returning to the need for landfill space; he seemed not to grasp that landfills are no longer appropriate and that the County should be proactive and innovative. He was content to watch York and Durham come up with new technological solutions, and then, possibly, to follow their lead.
Regarding Site 41, Aitken reported that tests have revealed that the underlying clay layer is at the right density and moisture level across the sample area. He expects the landfill to be receiving garbage by next fall.

COMMITTEE OF ADJUSTMENT ANSWERS QUESTIONS: Appointed by Council, the Committee of Adjustment has been given the power to make decisions about requests for minor variances from the Township’s Official Plan. Judy Hibbs, Chair of the Committee, told Council that in making decisions, the Committee took into account the kind of precedent that would be set, the right of property owners to improve their properties, the views of neighbours, advice from the Township’s planning department, and, particularly, what was observed during the visits the Committee paid to each site under review. Other members of the Committee are John Kerk, Bill Sweenie, John Turner and Gibb Wishart.
Councillor Nigel Warren is the member of Council who most frequently expresses concerns about Committee decisions, so it was he who guided the discussion. He asked why the Committee regularly allows variations from the minimum lot size required by the Official Plan as long as the lot is able to accommodate both a well and a septic system – and was told that many cottages were in bad shape and needed to be replaced, and others had been in a family for a long time and expansion should be allowed, particularly if the expansion were made on the cottage’s existing footprint by adding a storey.
He asked why Environmental Protection zoning was so frequently ignored – and was told that in the view of the Committee, EP zoning was broad brush zoning, and that fine-tuning was supplied by the environmental assessments commissioned by the applicants. They said that no such assessments have been rejected.
He asked about the Committee’s views regarding applicants who put up a building or made a renovation and then asked for forgiveness of infringements of rules (something that came up frequently when an owner wanted to sell a property) – and was told that when the building was well constructed, the Committee’s impulse was to accept it, but if a deck were in the wrong place, they would insist that it be removed.
Council asked the members of the Committee to prepare a report suggesting changes to the Official Plan that would address recurrent problems.

DISCUSSION OF ORAL PRESENTATION BY JOHN AND ELLY MARION (OWNERS OF THE CONTENTIOUS FENCE IN BALM BEACH): In an oral presentation to Council earlier in September, the Marions asked questions about three matters that affected their enjoyment of their property: the introduction of live musical entertainment on the Surf Restaurant’s patio adjacent to their property; the involvement of private citizens in beach cleanups at Balm; and threats against their fence at the public meeting on fencing.
At this meeting, as Council and the CAO discussed the questions, numerous points were made. It was felt that some of the issues concerned private (as opposed to public) property matters and were thus outside the control of staff and Council. But some were definitely in the public domain. Councillor Nigel Warren asked that responses given by staff to five questions posed in the Marions’ July 27th letter be given in writing, and Mayor Breckenridge asked that Council be copied on all responses that staff makes to letters addressed to Council.
Councillor George Cornell urged everyone to see the situation at Balm Beach as an opportunity to improve community relations – possibly by implementing more of the ideas in the Balm Beach Master Plan and by getting liability insurance to cover community volunteers who want to participate in beach maintenance under township staff’s supervision. The ensuing discussion suggested that both suggestions would be pursued.
Staff and Council expressed frustration that these issues were consuming so much of their and the OPP’s time. Mayor Peggy Breckenridge urged members of the Balm community to work together.

RECREATION MASTER PLAN ADOPTED: Council adopted the Master Plan, subject to several conditions (for discussion of the proposed Master Plan, see the Report on Council for December 5, 2006):
that public consultation be sought prior to any significant expenditure or change to community recreation programs
that the Community Recreation Committee be consulted prior to the sale of existing designated parkland
that beach access be improved on existing road allowances, blocks, walkways, and that opportunities be explored for purchasing beach property for the enhancement and improvement of Township owned waterfront parks, and
that consideration be given to opening hitherto under utilized or undeveloped shoreline parkland.

BUILDING ACTIVITY DOWN: There has been a dramatic decline in building activity in the township in comparison with 2006. Where in 2006 total construction value stood at $27,440,000 at the end of August (on 453 building permits), this year the value stood at $25,334,000 (on 371 building permits), and would have been $7 million lower if not for the inclusion of one project, the Lafontaine retirement complex, Le Villageois.

BUDGET DELIBERATION DAY CHANGED: The date of the first day of budget deliberations has been changed from Monday, November 19, 2007 to Thursday, November 22, 2007 at 9 a.m. in the Council Chambers.

Posted by Webmaster at 01:29 PM

September 10, 2007

REPORT ON COUNCIL
September 10, 2007
Committee of the Whole Meeting: 9:00 a.m. – 1:42 p.m.
Regular Evening Meeting: 7:00 p.m. – 8:39 p.m.
All Members of Council present during Committee of the Whole. Mayor Peggy Breckenridge absent during the Regular Evening Meeting.

CONFIDENTIAL / CLOSED SESSION: None.

NO SUNDAY GUN HUNTING: The last Council rejected gun hunting on Sundays. Recently, Staff was asked to ascertain whether it were possible to allow Sunday gun hunting for geese management only, only to find that hunting cannot be limited to one species: it must also include small game, deer, moose, birds etc. With this information in hand, Council decided not to re-open the matter. Sunday gun hunting is still forbidden in Tiny Township.

INDUSTRIAL WIND TURBINES – A NEW APPROACH: Representatives of the Coalition of Residents – Tiny (CORT) and the Wind Power Steering Committee for Tiny Township Residents (Committee) met with members of staff and proposed that the Township engage an Environmental Consultant to investigate and provide a preliminary report on the parameters, scope and costs of a visual impact study. They suggested that a number of groups be advised of the commissioning of the preliminary report and that their participation in the study be invited, among them Ventus Energy Inc., the Beausoleil First Nation, the Provincial Ministry of Parks and Recreation, the Provincial Ministry of the Environment and the Federal Ministry of the Environment. CORT and the Committee volunteered to pay the costs of the preliminary report and of advising other groups. The thought is that a visual impact analysis could be used for projects throughout Ontario. Council decided to accept the offer.

AUDIT COMMITTEE REJECTED: Council decided not to pursue the Township auditors’ recommendation that an audit committee be established.

WOODLAND BEACH PARK MASTER PLAN: Michael Sullivan of LGL Limited presented a draft Master Plan for Woodland Beach Park. The ideas in the Plan grew out of a public information session with Woodland Beach residents on July 21.
Recommendations for improving the Park include drainage, definition of public areas, installation of “Pay as you go Parking” for non-residents, improved access to parking permits for residents, more picnic tables, garbage and recycling bins, reduction of the number of access points to give vegetation a chance to regenerate, improved access for seniors and the disabled, and more signage. There was a list of short-term actions, and another of long-term, more expensive actions.
The Plan emphasized community stewardship.

Posted by Webmaster at 09:37 PM

August 27, 2007

REPORT ON COUNCIL August 27, 2007 Committee of the Whole Meeting: 9:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.  Regular Evening Meeting: 7:10 p.m. – 7:32 p.m. All Members of Council present.

CONFIDENTIAL / CLOSED SESSION: 11:45 a.m. – 12: 27 p.m. and 4:16 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. The closed session involved Doug Christie and Russell Christie LLP.

BDO DUNWOODY AUDITORS RECOMMEND AUDIT COMMITTEE: In the course of reporting on his audit of the Township’s 2006 financials (the Municipality is in a strong financial position), Doug Holmes of BDO Dunwoody recommended that an Audit Committee be struck afresh. Such a committee might involve several citizen members and several from Council or it might be comprised entirely of members of Council. Although Major Breckenridge observed that it was difficult to find and keep citizen members of an audit committee in a township whose residents are preponderantly seasonal (63%), and although Councillor Warren opposed the idea of including outsiders in such a committee, it was decided that Clerk/CAO Ruth Coursey prepare a report presenting options for an audit committee. The committee would meet twice with the Auditors, before the audit begins and after it is completed.

DATES SET FOR 2008 BUDGET DISCUSSIONS: Staff has already begun to prepare next year’s budget. The three days when Council will consider it have been set as 19 November 2007, 21 January 2008, and 4 February 2008. Doug Taylor, the treasurer, expects to have the budget ready for adoption on 10 March 2008.

AMO CONFERENCE: Both Mayor Breckenridge and Deputy Mayor Lawrence attended the Association of Municipalities of Ontario conference in Ottawa from August 19 to 21, and both found the presentations sufficiently useful that the Mayor recommended that all members of Council, the Clerk and the Treasurer attend future conferences. Both Mayor and Deputy Mayor felt that the tour of the Plasco/Alternative Waste Disposal site, which treats garbage efficiently and with no emissions, had impressed a number of those who had supported the installation of Site 41.

SITE 41: The latest on Site 41 is that this year the County intends to spend only $100,000 of the $659,000 allotted for work on berms, temporary roads, and preparation of the first cell, holding the balance over until next year. The $100,000 is to be used for 50 truckloads of fill needed for a rough road and also a liner. Mayor Breckenridge saw the presence of this manoeuvre on the County Council Agenda as one of a number of opportunities that might be seized to urge County Council to consider options other than landfill, to underline the negative impact of methane from landfills on global warming, and the like. Indeed she emphasized several times that she intends to be vigorously vocal at County with regard to the need for fresh thinking about waste management.

CHAMPLAIN CROSS AT TOANCHE: Matthew Desroches, who is employed by the Trillium Foundation to work on preparations for the 400th Anniversary of Champlain’s arrival in Ontario which will take place in 2015, urged Council to set aside $15-20,000 to acquire the land where the Champlain Cross (or rather a succession of them) once stood in Toanche. He is also looking for $80-100,000 to restore the cross, probably through grants.
Champlain spent time at several places in Huronia, including one called Atouacha. Desroches admitted that no one knows whether the Toanche Cross marks the actual place where Champlain erected a cross to claim the land in the name of God and the King of France, but he argued that a new cross would maintain a 100 year history of commemorative crosses on that site, and that the name of the village of Toanche is suggestive.

OVERGROWN, ROCK STREWN SHORELINE CONCESSION ENDS AND PARKS: Township staff has run into difficulties in making shoreline road allowances (like the 8th) and parks (like the Lafontaine Park) useable and pleasant. The Ministry of Fisheries and the Ministry of Natural Resources have rejected plan after plan to redirect disruptive drains, to manage vegetation, and to remove rocks. They find it frustrating that some private landowners have been allowed more latitude.
Deputy Mayor George Lawrence suggested that the DFO be invited to visit some of the problem areas and make suggestions about remediation.
Clerk/CAO Ruth Coursey suggested that the township invest in engineering studies by consultants who are used to dealing with the various government bureaucracies, as they would be aware of what is allowed and what not. The Severn Sound Environmental Association was mentioned as a possibility, though there was some fear that the resources of the SSEA are overstretched. The Lake Huron Centre for Coastal Conservation was also mentioned.
Staff is to prepare a report, setting out the options, after exploratory discussions with the DFO, MNR, SSEA and one or two other possible consultants.

BOARD WALKS FOR BLUEWATER PARK: Council authorized the expenditure of $40,189.14 for wood from a grant so that the Public Works Department can begin to assemble the 16’ sections of walks that are to guide users of Bluewater Park away from fragile native vegetation and gradually growing sand dunes. The first walkway to be prepared is the one from the end of Trew Avenue through the park to the shore.

A JOINT MEETING OF COUNCIL AND THE FIRST NATIONS OF CHRISTIAN ISLAND: As a member of the Huronia Communities Foundation, Councillor George Cornell recently toured Christian Island. He was impressed by what he saw and thought Tiny should respond to the evident desire of the community there to reach out to the larger community around them. Council supported his suggestion that Council meet this fall with the Christian Island First Nations, and that the meeting be on Christian Island.

GIANT’S TOMB SUBDIVISION MOVES FORWARD: Council passed the by-law authorizing a subdivision agreement between LIMO Investments and the Township of Tiny. This allows LIMO to develop its 12-lot, 11.3 (27.9 acre) subdivision on Giant’s Tomb Island.

REMOVAL OF (H) SYMBOLS FROM MANY PROPERTIES IN TOWNSHIP: H1, H2 and H3 symbols are to be removed from many affected properties and the property owners notified.
The H1 symbol concerns Holding Provisions in Shoreline areas to do with septic systems. A huge number of these are being lifted in Concessions 1- 19, as a result of the Septic Re-inspection.
The H2 symbol concerns Holding Provisions on properties on private or unassumed roads. Ten of these are being lifted at various points in the Township.
The H3 symbol concerns the Holding Provision on properties adjacent to waste disposal sites. Three of these are being lifted in Part Lot 110, Concession 2 Old Survey.
To check whether an (H) is being removed from your property, go to “Planning & Development Report PD-10-07” on tiny.ca / Council Agenda / Committee of the Whole Agenda – 2007 / CWC 16 August 27, 2007 / F Staff Reports to Council / 2 Planning and Development / (e)

LOW-COST RABIES CLINIC: Once again, the Georgian Bay Mobile Veterinary Clinic will conduct its annual clinic. It is to take place on Wednesday October 3, 2007 from 2 – 7 p.m. at the Perkinsfield Park pavilion.

Posted by Webmaster at 09:50 PM

August 13, 2007

REPORT ON COUNCIL August 13, 2007 Committee of the Whole Meeting: 9:00 am – 6:43 p.m.  Regular Evening Meeting: 7:10 p.m. – 7:50 p.m. All Members of Council present.

CONFIDENTIAL / CLOSED SESSION: 1:37 p.m. – 6:43 p.m. The subject of the closed session was “Education and training purposes”.

OPP QUARTERLY REPORT: Inspector Philbin reported that, where last year the Midland Detachment had fewer active officers than usual, this year it is well staffed; indeed it is a little above maximum strength. As a result the OPP are once more doing directed patrols. The statistics for May, June and July were presented with comparative figures from 2006 and 2005. In almost all categories, the hours served this year increased over those in 2006. However, the 2005 numbers were even higher. Surprisingly, when asked about this, Philbin said that he didn't know why.

COMMITTEE OF ADJUSTMENT TO BE INVITED TO MEET WITH COUNCIL: Councillor Nigel Warren expressed his frustration that some decisions of the Committee of Adjustment appear not to be minor and that some decisions reached seem to violate the Township's Official Plan. Staff reminded Council that all but one member of the Committee of Adjustment has at least one term's experience, and that the Committee considers variances from the established rules. Council decided to have a meeting with the Committee after its Strategic Planning Sessions.

COMMUNITY RECREATION COMMITTEE TOURS FACILITIES: Councillors George Cornell and André Claire reported that, because at least half of the Community Recreation Committee had not served on the old Parks and Rec Committee, the new group, along with Clerk/CAO Ruth Coursey and her assistant Anita Weatherell, and the Manager of Public Works Henk Blom, toured the Township's major recreation facilities to familiarize themselves with Tiny’s resources.

HANDLING AND NATURE OF PUBLIC MEETINGS: Members of the public who attended the public meeting on fences apparently expressed frustration that members of Council did not respond to their questions. Several members of Council likewise felt uncomfortable about being unable to respond. There was some discussion about the difference between a public meeting (at which the public has its say on a subject) and a town hall meeting where there is a dialogue between individual members of the public and members of Council.

FIRE DEPARTMENT GIVES EVERY APPEARANCE OF BEING WELL-RUN: Once every month, Fire Chief Randy Smith reports on the previous month's activities, and a summary of activity for the year to date. We note that there is twice monthly training at each of the five stations, a program of Building/Property Inspections and of regular public education presentations. In July the Fire Department responded to 32 emergency calls.
Asked about CUPE's attempt to unionize the Township's Fire Department, Chief Smith commented that CUPE backed off in frustration because there was no interest. We suspect that this is so because the volunteer fire fighters feel they are well managed, effective, and well-treated.

Posted by Webmaster at 10:11 PM

July 30, 2007

REPORT ON COUNCIL July 30, 2007 Committee of the Whole Meeting: 9:00 am – 3:07 p.m.  Regular Evening Meeting: 7:01 p.m. – 7:28 p.m. All Members of Council present.

CONFIDENTIAL / CLOSED SESSION: 11:45 a.m. - 12:27 p.m. and 2:24 p.m. – 3:06 p.m.

SITE 41 AGAIN: On July 9, Council agreed that the Mayor and Deputy Mayor should call a meeting of the North Simcoe heads of Council to discuss future directions regarding waste management in North Simcoe now that County Council had agreed 16-15 (the vote was weighted, so the spread was actually greater than this appears) to fund the first stage of the dump site – i.e. the installation of berms, temporary roads and a test cell -- at a cost of $659,000.
Reporting on this meeting, Mayor Breckenridge said that Mayor Dubeau of Penetanguishene, who voted at County in support of Site 41, was persuaded to come when the agenda included growth management as well as future directions for waste management and the proposed hospital merger. Mayor Breckenridge told Council that she feels strongly that it is important to work together with our neighbouring municipalities on waste management in an attempt to mitigate as much as possible the impact of the decision by County Council to go ahead with the first stage of Site 41. Out of the meeting of North Simcoe Mayors and Deputy Mayors came the decision that a letter would be developed by Tiny and circulated for approval to the others, urging the County, in the light of the close vote, to look again at waste management and possible alternatives.
With regard to the same meeting of North Simcoe Mayors & Deputy Mayors, Deputy Mayor Lawrence reported that he felt shocked by Mayor Breckenridge’s statement at it that it was time to move on. He feels that the initial installation at Site 41 might not work out and that it is too soon to “throw in the towel.” He urged Tiny’s Council to pass a motion similar to the one that Midland’s Council passed 9-0 asserting continuing opposition to Site 41, and asked that it, like Midland’s motion, be sent to other municipalities in Simcoe County with a letter encouraging each of them to take a similar vote. That evening, on a recorded vote, all five members of Council voted in favour of the following motion:
“That notwithstanding the June 26, 2007 decision of the Council of the County of Simcoe to proceed with the initial site preparation work on Landfill Site 41, the Council of the Township of Tiny is opposed to this action and respectfully requests that the County of Simcoe invest in County recycling, investigate alternative energy and 21st Century waste management technologies and pursue the immediate development of a County wide Waste Management Strategic Plan;
“AND FURTHER THAT this motion be forwarded to all County of Simcoe municipalities to encourage each municipality to consider passing a similar resolution.”

NORTH SIMCOE HOSPITAL ALLIANCE PRESENTATION: Ron Crane, Acting Director of the Huronia District Hospital Board, came to explain to Council why his Board had recently recommended that HDH and Penetanguishene General Hospital be merged into a single Catholic corporation. He said that the long time “working relationship” between the two hospitals needed to be made more cohesive if they were to have a stronger voice in the region. Huronia District Hospital is non-denominational, and its land, building and equipment is owned by its Corporation; the Penetanguishene General Hospital sits on land owned by the Grey Sisters, while its Corporation owns the building and equipment. The Penetang hospital board, which has a $3.5 million surplus, refused to amalgamate into a non-denominational joint hospital, while the HDH board saw a joint Catholic hospital as a way of eliminating part of its $5 million debt ($3.5 million of which is in a bank loan) and as achieving a joint entity.
In response, the five members of Council asked a series of tough questions. Deputy Mayor George Lawrence asked why Council was not told that amalgamation was being discussed when, earlier this year, Council was asked for a donation of $2.50 per person in Tiny Township toward the hospitals’ capital campaign (and was told that negotiations were confidential at that stage). Councillor George Cornell asked why the Chatham-Kent amalgamation, where one hospital remained non-sectarian and the other Catholic, had not been taken as a model (and learned that the board had taken a cursory look at that situation, but not an in depth look). When Councillor André Claire asked specifically about the withdrawal of reproductive services, he was told that the LHINs would make sure that basic services were covered. Councillor Nigel Warren, who had applied to serve on the Board of HDH and had been rejected after being asked his views on abortion, asked a series of questions about the independence of the current and proposed board from Catholic control and got answers that did not accord with his personal experience. Mayor Peggy Breckenridge asked about the consultative process with the broader community and about HDH’s financial statements, observing that it was very difficiult to assess the hospital’s business case without the latter. Crane’s assertions about the actual level of HDH’s debt ($3.5 or $5 million) were unconvincing.
Council learned that if the proposed amalgamation is defeated by the membership of HDH, then nothing would change.

LEGAL SERVICES FOR TOWNSHIP: Council decided to consider whether to change the Township’s legal service providers. Staff was directed to ask for competitive proposals.
This sort of review is a good idea. During the last Council’s term of office, Burgar Rowe Professional Corporation of Barrie, which handles the Township’s day-to-day legal work, was frequently slow with its responses to requests for advice. On the other hand, we recall that Ian Rowe acted vigorously and effectively for the Township with regard to the Renouf water system.

ELECTRONIC MESSAGE BOARD: Council approved the staff recommendation that an electronic message board be purchased for the front lobby of the township offices at a cost of roughly $2,000. It will be used to make residents aware of events and other useful information. There are plans for a larger electronic sign in front of the Township Offices, but not until the property is landscaped.

PREPARATION BEGINS FOR THE TOWNSHIP’S OFFICIAL PLAN REVIEW: Shawn Persaud, of the Township’s Planning Department, presented two preparatory reports. One drew to Council’s attention recent provincial initiatives to which the Township’s Official Plan must conform, namely the “Provincial Policy Statement”, “Places to Grow: Growth Plan for the Great Golden Horseshoe”, the “Clean Water Act (Bill 43)” and the “Planning and Conservation Land Statute Law Amendment Act, 2006 (Bill 51)”. County Plans and Policy likewise govern local municipal Official Plans, notably, in the case of Tiny, the County of Simcoe’s Official Plan and the County of Simcoe Waste Disposal Sites Study. Many of these documents require the Township to focus future development in its hamlets and to safeguard its natural resources – water, prime agricultural land and the like. Persaud also noted that thoughtful decisions must be made about the Township’s growth – where, how much, and so on.
His second report listed the amount of vacant land designated for development in Tiny’s various land categories (while observing that there are constraints on development in some lots):
Shoreline (below the Nipissing Ridge, near Georgian Bay and Farlain Lake) – 695.62 hectares (1,732.49 acres)
Settlement Areas (Lafontaine, Toanche, Perkinsfield, Wyevale and Wyebridge) – 112.3 hectares (278.9 acres)
Country Residential (in the rural area) – 38.1 hectares (94.76 acres)
Employment Area (the industrial park near the public works yard and the Huronia Airport) – 111.8 hectares (276.77 acres)

POPULATION STATISTICS: Statistics Canada reported that the Census of 2006 revealed that the permanent population of the Township grew from 9,035 to 10,784. In 2006, Tiny’s permanent population occupied 4,337 dwellings (out of a total of 9,072). The median age of Tiny’s population was 46.9 years, well above the provincial median of 39.0.

SAFETY AT JACKSON PARK: In response to a letter from the Rochelle Beach Association, Councillor André Claire asked that staff prepare a report about various safety issues related to the boat launch, among them the installation of buoys and cautionary signage in the Park.

Posted by Webmaster at 11:49 PM

July 09, 2007

July 9, 2007

REPORT ON COUNCIL July 9, 2007 Committee of the Whole Meeting: 9:03 am – 2:10 p.m.  Regular Evening Meeting: 7:00 p.m. – 7:11 p.m. All Members of Council present.

CONFIDENTIAL / CLOSED SESSION: 11:41 a.m. – 12:43 p.m. and 1:31 p.m. – 2:09 p.m.

JULY LONG WEEKEND PROBLEMS: Although infractions of by-laws kept the By-Law Department extremely busy on the July long weekend, the extent of the problems was not fully evident in the report submitted by Shawn Crawford, Chief Municipal Law Enforcement Officer, largely, Council gradually discovered, because the reporting form focusses on the number of occurrences of violations rather than the number of complaints. In addition the few charges laid bore no relationship to the number of occurrences. For example, only one charge resulted from the 40 fire violations that occurred on a weekend when there was a fire ban in effect, and none for the 15 watering violations.
The explanation was that By-law lays no charges as long as people are co-operative and have no previous violations on record.
Some members of Council felt that when a by-law had been fully advertised (as was the case with the fire ban and with the prohibition against lawn watering), charges should have been laid. There is to be a discussion of whether the By-law Department should move from its current policy to one of zero tolerance.
There was an astonishing incident at Balm Beach, which was not mentioned in the report, but which was raised by George Lawrence. Apparently someone shot more than 50 firework rockets from a rental complex, which landed on the Arcade’s roof. For various reasons, it took considerable time to control this situation. In this case a charge was laid.

SUNSET BAY COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION WANTS TO BUILD A CENTRE: At the June 25 meeting of Council, Hans Merzbacher, president of the Sunset Bay Community Association, asked Council for the right to use part of the park between Sequin & Manitou for a Sunset Bay Association Community Centre.
When the request was discussed at this meeting, Clerk Ruth Coursey noted that, before it would be possible to lease parkland to the Sunset Bay Association, the Park would have to become a sixth major community park (the five community parks are Lafontaine, Wyebridge, Perkinsfield, Toanche, and CBO at Balm Beach); a Master Plan would have to be prepared; and financing of the project, including long-term maintenance, would have to be carefully considered. She noted that the two seniors’ buildings in the township – the Swinging Seniors on Balm Beach Road West and the Bayshore Seniors on Lawson in Woodland Beach – are privately owned.
The request is to be considered during the review of the Township’s Official Plan.

PUBB GROUP ASKS TO SPEAK TO COUNCIL ABOUT FENCES: Even though a public meeting about fences has been scheduled for August 11, the PUBB (Preserving the Use of Balm Beach) group, asked to make an oral submission to Council. After considerable discussion, Council decided that the PUBB group should make its presentation at the public meeting and then, if still concerned that their points had not been heard, they might speak to Council at its meeting on August 13. Some 64 individuals attended the evening meeting to protest this decision, but Council stuck by its decision.

A SECOND BRUSH AND LEAF AND YARD WASTE COLLECTION AUTHORIZED FOR FALL 2008: Council decided to authorize a brush and leaf and yard waste collection in the fall of 2008 in addition to the trial collection this fall on October 15. Their feeling was that a single collection was not sufficient to give a sense of the interest in and the cost of such a collection. By making the decision about next year now, Council ensured that next year’s collection date would be included in the County’s 2008 Curbside Collection Calendar.

Posted by Webmaster at 07:03 PM

June 25, 2007

REPORT ON COUNCIL
June 25, 2007
Committee of the Whole Meeting: 9:00 a.m. – 3:35 p.m.
Regular Evening Meeting: 7:00 p.m. – 7:15 p.m.
All Members of Council present.

CONFIDENTIAL / CLOSED SESSION: 2:30 p.m. – 3:34 p.m.

SEVERN SOUND PROPOSAL FOR INVESTIGATION INTO BEACH WATER QUALITY IN THE SUMMER OF 2007 APPROVED: The focus of investigation continues to be potential sources of bacterial contamination impacting the three beaches selected in 2003, namely Balm Beach, Jackson Park Beach and Woodland Beach. “The transport of sediment related bacterial contamination will be a particular focus of the field work as well as the continued investigation of sources in discharges and the water column.” The budget is $23,958
We note that this proposal arrived so late that Council had only two options: accept the course of action proposed or cancel it. There was no time to question its proposed goals, value or scope. We also note that the date for submission of the final report about investigation activities since 2003 is June 2008, timing that does not give Council time to make decisions about the direction that research might take in 2008.

COMMUNITY RECREATION COMMITTEE STRUCK: The Committee is to meet on the 3rd Wednesday of each month at 7 p.m. in the Council Chambers. Councillors Claire and Cornell are to the be Council representatives with Bonita Desroches as the staff liaison. The citizen appointments to the Committee are:
Bob Allan
Michelle Locke
Helen Lovejoy
Helmut Paddags
Marg Redmond
Betty Robitaille
Sheila Webb

COUNCIL MEETING SCHEDULE TO REMAIN AS IS : Clerk Ruth Coursey provided information about the by-laws governing Council meetings and also a schedule showing the hours and days when surrounding municipalities meet. The general feeling of the four new members of Council was that the status quo – two meeting days a month on the second and last Monday, with Committee of the Whole beginning at 9 am and the Regular Meeting of Council at 7 pm works well as they continue to learn their jobs and that the appropriate time to consider whether changes should be made is about a year hence.
Mayor Peggy Breckenridge drew attention to the fact that most other municipalities have shorter meetings, many of them lasting just two hours. Discussion revealed that such brevity often depended on a committee structure that was not represented in the Clerk’s comparative schedule. Apart from the decision to review their meeting schedule in a year, Council made one other decision related to meetings and that was to allow evening oral presentations to Council if a daytime time slot presented difficulties to the applicant.

BUILDING ACTIVITY DOWN: In S. Jamie Wilson’s (the Chief Building Official’s), monthly report, it became clear that building activity in Tiny is substantially down from 2006. Where 219 building permits were issued to the end of May in 2006, only 174 were issued in 2007. Not surprisingly, the total construction value, which stood at $12,202,000 at the end of last May, is also down standing at $7,905,000 at the end of May 2007.

BOATING RESTRICTION APPLICATION STALLED: Henk Blom, Manager of Public Works, reported that the views of the Office of Boating Safety, Transport Canada, have not changed since February 23, 2002, when the application to extend the 10 km speed limit from the current 30 metres to 200 metres along the entire length of Tiny’s shoreline was rejected. Transport Canada feels that· while a “large segment of landowners” were consulted, only “a very small segment of the boating population” was notified and considered· the need for the proposed restriction was not documented. “The Township has not shown the incidents of enforcement under s.43 of the Small Vessel Regulation…. The Office views the rights of the boating public to be paramount and must ensure that this right be reduced or relinquished only for exceptional necessity.”· the Township must show that there have been attempts at enforcement but that such enforcement is ineffective, and must further indicate how it will ensure that, if the application is approved, it has the resources for enforcement· the Township must investigate alternatives to placing a Boating Restriction· the Township should focus its application to a specific stretch of shore, rather than asking for a blanket restriction.Council received the report, and took no action.

HOSPITAL NEWS RELEASE DISCUSSED: A number of points were made in the course of the discussion of the proposed amalgamation of the two local hospitals – a matter of some concern to Council as it had committed $10,000 this year to support physician recruitment. Concern was expressed about birth control information not being supplied and about it being difficult to recruit doctors under the proposed Catholic structure. It was noted that the proposed amalgamation has to be ratified by the members of the Huronia District Hospital, that memberships cost $5 and that the vote is to take place within 60 days. Councillor George Lawrence observed that the doctors are disgruntled.

Posted by Webmaster at 04:26 PM

June 11, 2007

REPORT ON COUNCIL
June 11, 2007
Committee of the Whole Meeting: 9:00 am – 4:47 p.m.
Regular Evening Meeting: 7:00 p.m. – 7:36 p.m.
All Members of Council present.

CONFIDENTIAL / CLOSED SESSION: 10:42 a.m. – 1:06 p.m. and 3:27 p.m. – 4:46 p.m.

PUBLIC MEETING ABOUT FENCE STANDARDS: After considerable discussion, Council reached a decision about Fence Standards. These are to become part of “Zoning By-law 06-001”. Fences and retaining walls are to be removed from the definition of a structure and a new definition of a fence is to be included along with a new subsection about fences under “Section 4.0 General Provisions” to control the type and height of fences. There is to be a public meeting about the changes, in the Community Centre in Wyebridge on August 11 at 10 a.m.

Section 3.0 Definitions, “Structure” is to read:

“Means anything that is erected, built, or constructed of parts joined together and attached or fixed permanently to the ground or any other structure. For the purpose of this by-law, a light standard and a sign shall be deemed not to be structures.”And Definitions “Fence” is to read:“Means a composition serving as an enclosure, a barrier, or boundary delineation, usually made of posts or stakes joined together by boards, wire, or rails.”

And Section 4.0 General Provisions is to be amended to add:

4.7.1 FENCES
a) Notwithstanding any other provision of this by-law, a fence shall not exceed a height of 1.9 metres;
b) Fence height is to be calculated by taking the average measurement from grade to the top of each post. In addition no single fence post shall exceed a maximum height of 1.9 metres;
c) Decorative caps on top of a post may encroach into the height restriction to a maximum of no more than 0.3 metres;
d) No fence is to be constructed from ungraded used lumber, unsightly and/or deteriorating used material. In all residential zones, no fence is to be constructed from barbed wire or any device designed to transmit electric current through a fence;e) Fences to enclose swimming pools shall not be subject to the above provisions, but must comply with all other Municipal By-laws and Ontario building Code regulations; andf) In reference to fences in Sight Triangles, see Section 4.21.

COMMUNITY EVENTS: Mayor Peggy Breckenridge reminded everyone that the 1st Annual Mayor’s Pig Roast would take place on Saturday, July 7, 2007, from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Perkinsfield park. Contributions are to go towards the maintenance of Tiny Trails. Also the Annual Mayor’s Charity Golf Tournament is scheduled for Saturday, August 25, 2007 at 1:00 p.m. at the Balm Beachway Golf Course (250 Concession 11E/Perkinsfield) The $50 charge per person includes 9 holes of golf, a player gift bag, competition prizes and dinner. Proceeds are to be donated to Habitat for Humanity.

ACCESSIBILITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE NEEDS VOLUNTEERS: As Tiny’s population count is now over 10,000, the Township is required to establish an Accessibility Advisory Committee under the Ontarians with Disabilities Act. The Township is inviting applications from people with, and families of people with, disabilities. The Committee is to advise Council on its annual accessibility plan; to review site plans and advise on accessibility issues relating to buildings within the Municipality. Applicants must be residents of Tiny, over the age of 18, and not employed by the Township. Applications are to go to A. Ruth Coursey, CAO/Clerk, 130 Balm Beach Road West, Perkinsfield, Ontario L0L 2J0 or by e-mail to aweatherell@tiny.ca or fax to 705-526-4204.

WOODLAND BEACH PARK MASTER PLAN INFORMATION SESSIONS: On June 11, Council approved the hiring of LGL Limited and John D. Bell Associates to prepare a Master Plan for Woodland Beach Park. The consultants will conduct Information Session #1 on Saturday, July 21st, 2007 at 11:00 a.m. – Woodland Beach Park. The consultants note that the purpose of this session will be to meet with residents to discuss opportunities and challenges that the site presents. They will review existing ecological conditions and talk about some of the fundamental principles that should form the foundation of the Master Plan. They may form smaller discussion groups to talk about specific topics identified by the residents, including:
· Uses, activities and facilities on the site;
· Parking and signage for the park;
· Need for public washroom and change room facilities;
· Environmental stewardship practices;
· impact on the beach ecology (i.e. dunes and vegetation);· The adequacy of the transportation network;
· Provision of safe pedestrian movement

Information Session #2 is to take place on Saturday, September 15th, 2007 (location and time to be announced). The purpose of this session will be to present the findings of the draft Plan and to work in small groups to review various components of the Master Plan identified since the first Information Session.

ILLEGAL ACCESSORY APARTMENTS / APARTMENTS OVER GARAGES: Members of Council have repeatedly expressed concern about the many illegal accessory apartments in the shoreline area, and staff have noted that after new garages have been built and inspected, owners frequently add illegal apartments. This is a matter which is to be revisited and considered at a later date. Inadequately-sized septic arrangements are one of a number of concerns related to these apartments. A preliminary report on the matter (Planning Report PD-13-07: Accessory Apartments) includes the observation that “If the Municipality was to consider allowing accessory apartments, a full study should be conducted to examine the impact of increasing the density in the shoreline area on the groundwater resources and natural environment.”

FIREWORKS BY-LAW PASSES: The much discussed Fireworks By-law passed on a divided vote. It limits the setting off of fireworks to New Year’s Day, Victoria Day weekend and Canada Day weekend, from dusk to 11 p.m. At other times, a permit must be obtained from the Fire Chief at the Township Offices. The by-law forbids all fireworks during fire bans. All firecrackers (fireworks which explode with little or no visual effect) are forbidden. Fireworks may not be set off on Township property unless approval is first obtained at the Township Offices.
In favour, Councillor Claire, Deputy Mayor Lawrence and Councillor Warren.
Against Mayor Breckenridge and Councillor Cornell.

Posted by Webmaster at 04:26 PM

May 28, 2007

REPORT ON COUNCIL
May 14, 2007
Committee of the Whole Meeting: 9:00 a.m. - 5:54 p.m.
Regular Evening Meeting: 7:00 p.m. - 7:27 p.m.
All members of Council present. (Mayor Peggy Breckenridge absent in the morning.)
CONFIDENTIAL / CLOSED SESSION: 4:56 p.m. - 5:53 p.m.

NO REPORTS RE 2006 SWIMMING WATER INVESTIGATIONS: Under New Business, Councillor George Cornell asked that there be reports from the Severn Sound Environmental Association and from the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit about their investigative work into swimming water quality in 2006. Ruth Coursey, Clerk/CAO, said that she would check with both groups.(We wonder why the reports were not presented months ago, while there was still time to make decisions about the SSEA's research objectives this summer.)

BY-LAW ENFORCEMENT: Various by-law enforcement issues have surfaced during recent meetings of Council. In an attempt to understand the constraints faced by staff, Council asked for a report about the way By-laws are enforced. They learned that the Chief Municipal Law Enforcement Officer (Shawn Crawford) has a staff of 15 from May 1 to Labour Day, most of them students. From Labour Day to the end of October, there are two By-law enforcement officers, and for the balance of the year, only one, and he may be away on vacation or fully occupied with paperwork.

In the period when the Township has only one By-law Officer, enforcement is reactive - in response to complaints - rather than proactive. In the summer some by-laws are administered proactively - in particular parking regulations and the sign by-law (which prohibits advertising signs on Township road allowances), watering regulations in dry periods, heavy pick-up items put out at the wrong times, and some aspects of encroachment. Council will be discussing its priorities during its Strategic Priorities Sessions, and will be deciding whether the staffing of the By-law Department is adequate to deal with the job that Council wants done.

COUNCIL ATTEMPTS TO CONTROL ATVS: Council passed a motion directing the Chief Municipal Law Enforcement Officer (Shawn Crawford):- "To significantly increase patrol hours in 2007 and direct that enforcement officers have zero tolerance regarding illegal operation of motorized machines. This would result in charges being laid in all instances where there is a reasonable prospect of conviction.- "To erect additional signage and/or boulders in areas where Council feels it is necessary and appropriate.- "That the Chief Municipal Law Enforcement Officer work in conjunction with the Ontario Provincial Police to prepare a press release regarding the operation of motorized machines including ATVs in the Township.- "That the Chief Municipal Law Enforcement Officer post on the Township website the restrictions for the operation of motorized machines and applicable phone numbers in order to report complaints. [See tiny.ca / Administration / Departments & Services / By-law Enforcement / Motorized Machines]"

COMPLAINTS NO LONGER TRACKED: One of the good initiatives of the last Council was the decision to have staff record complaints. The first report revealed some problems with what was tracked. There was to be a subsequent report, fine-tuning the exercise. It was not forthcoming. When Councillor George Cornell asked how staff was coming with this issue, he learned that they had stopped tracking complaints and that the matter would be discussed during the Strategic Planning sessions. We hope it will be addressed. This was an important initiative and one that should be re-instituted, with carefully thought out guidelines and objectives.

Posted by Webmaster at 08:43 AM

May 14, 2007

REPORT ON COUNCIL
May 14, 2007
Committee of the Whole Meeting: 9:00 a.m. - 1:51 p.m.
Regular Evening Meeting: 7:00 p.m. - 7:16 p.m.All members of Council present.

CONFIDENTIAL / CLOSED SESSION: 10:52 a.m. - 1:50 p.m.

REMEMBER: LETTERS TO THE TOWNSHIP ARE PUBLIC DOCUMENTS! After some discussion of a report by Deputy Clerk, Anita Weatherell, about personal information released through the publication of letters in Council agendas, Council decided that a reminder of this fact should be included on public notices and on the Township website. In essence, those who write letters to the Township should remember that their letters are public documents, and may be made available to the general public in a number of ways, including the publication on the Township website as part of a Council Agenda. Information such as writers' addresses (home, business, e-mail) may thus become widely available.

TOWNSHIP BILLS MAY NOW BE PAID WITH DEBIT AND CREDIT CARDS: By mid June, four Debit/Credit Terminals are expected to be operational in the Township Office, for use as you pay your taxes or other charges in the Township Office.

LAND IDENTIFICATION FAR FROM COMPLETE: It seems that the announcement toward the end of the last Council's term of office that land identification land owned by the Township was complete for the shore and that subsequent work would focus on inland properties was misleading. Only Concession 1 has been completed in the thorough manner recommended by David Lambden. A report from Henk Blom, Manager of Public Works, recommended that the ongoing investigation of records related to Township-owned property proceed more briskly and somewhat less thoroughly. A thorough report of what has been done for Concessions 2 to 7, the standards applied, and the uncertainties remaining, is to be presented soon, so that Council can decide just what level of investigation should be undertaken.

PAUZE PLUME AGAIN: Included in the correspondence section of Council's Agenda was a copy of the Ministry of the Environment (MoE) Director's Order to the owner of the Eric Pauze Landfill site, in Lot 12, Concession 9. This landfill operated from 1966 until its closure in 1987. The MoE has been monitoring the site since 1980, and after a review of data in 2006, concluded that a leachate plume continues to migrate from the landfill and is affecting groundwater quality downgradient of the landfill. The owner is required to retain a geoscientist (or a similarly qualified professional engineer) who will create and implement a groundwater monitoring plan for the site. The owner is to submit a report by the end of October 2008. This shall evaluate the impacts from the site, make recommendations about the need for ongoing monitoring, and detail remedial measures. The owner may appeal the Order to the Environmental Review Tribunal.

Posted by Webmaster at 08:42 AM

April 30, 2007

REPORT ON COUNCIL April 30, 2007 Committee of the Whole Meeting: 9:00 am - 3:37 p.m.  Regular Evening Meeting: 7 p.m. – 7:27 p.m. All Members of Council present.

CONFIDENTIAL / CLOSED SESSION: 2:50 p.m. – 3:37 p.m.

MEMBERS NEEDED FOR NEW TOWNSHIP COMMUNITY RECREATION COMMITTEE: The Township is advertising seven citizen positions on a new Township Committee. Where the old Parks and Rec Committee was comprised of representatives from each of the Parks and Rec Associations and dealt with their activities, the new Committee’s focus is different. Its mandate is to advise Council on a wide variety of recreation and leisure activities – shore and inland parks, the Tiny Trail, recreation buildings and facilities (ball diamonds, buildings, rinks, tennis courts). Residents with broad interest in recreation are urged to apply to serve on this committee.

LARGE REFUND FROM OPP: Every year Tiny Township receives a refund from the OPP, primarily because the OPP does worst case scenario budgets and requires payment in advance, returning the overpayment when actual policing costs are calculated at the end of the year. But in 2006, there were staffing problems that meant that Tiny did not get as much policing as had been contracted for. This year the refund was $423,389 – some $273,389 above the anticipated $150,000. Council decided to put it into the Working Funds Reserve.

BUDGET PASSED: Tiny’s assessment base has increased this year by 2.45% to $2.341 billion, of which 96.4% is residential.

Our property taxes are divided almost exactly in thirds, 33% to the County, 33.6% to the School Board, and 33.4% to the Township. This year, the County rate increased by 4.75%, the School Board held the line at 0, and the Municipality’s increase was 2%. The overall increase in the residential tax rate is 2.24%.

The major items in the Township’s budget are (in descending order):
Policing - $1,766,013,
Capital Expenditures on Roads - $1,739,219,
Operating Expenditures on Roads - $1,541,147,
Treasury - $743,247,
Fire - $629,385,
Administration - $475,741, and
Parks Maintenance - $458,412.

Water fees remain unchanged at $200 capital and $556 operating. The continued imposition of the $200 capital charge will fund capital improvements of $581,117 and an increase in the Water Reserve Fund of $700,892.

WELL AWARE PROGRAM: Mayor Breckenridge reminded everyone of the Severn Sound Environmental Association’s “Well Aware Program”. You can find “Well Aware: A Guide for Well Owners” on the Severn Sound website -- http://www.severnsound.ca/WellAwareBooklet.pdf. For a modest fee, a Severn Sound professional will inspect your well and make recommendations. The telephone number is 705-527-5166.

Posted by Webmaster at 10:30 PM

April 10, 2007

REPORT ON COUNCIL
April 10, 2007
Committee of the Whole Meeting: 9:02 a.m. – 5:01 p.m.
Regular Evening Meeting: 7:00 p.m. – 7:23 p.m.
All members of Council present.

CONFIDENTIAL / CLOSED SESSION: 3:34 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

1st ANNUAL PIG ROAST: Mayor Breckenridge announced that the 1st Annual Pig Roast is to be held on Saturday, July 7, from 1-4 pm at the Perkinsfield Park. There will be games, prizes, displays and booths. The event is open to all Tiny residents at a cost of $1 per person and $3 per family.

SEPTIC RE-INSPECTION UPDATE: During the first five years of the septic re-inspection program (2002-2006), C.C. Tatham and Associates re-inspected all septic systems older than 10 years from the town line north to Concession Road 16.
This summer, the whole northeast quadrant of the Township will be inspected, from Methodist Point Road on the west, Concession 16 on the south, to the shore on the east and north. This area includes Toanche, Coutnac Beach, Pinery Point, Clearwater Beach, Adams Point, Sawlog Bay, Georgian Bay Estates, Kettles Beach and Farlain Lake. The fee that will be charged to each property owner is $71.95.
All problems discovered in 2002 have been remedied. As of the end of December 2006, follow up work was still required (and will be continued this year) for 11 systems inspected in 2003, 28 in 2004, 402 from 2005, and 505 from 2006 for a total of 946. The problems include (beginning with the most frequent):
- pumpouts needed
- structure or driveway over the bed or tank
- root intrusions into the bed area
- more information needed from the resident
- unsafe tank conditions (corroded tank material, deficient lids)
- improper treatment of sewage due to high water table
- improper grey water discharge
- exposed distribution pipes
- outhouses in disrepair
- decks supported by the septic tank
- grading/erosion deficiencies
- outdated pumpout records
- leaching bed too close to a well
- old system not in use and needing decommissioning
and miscellaneous others.

FIREWORKS TO BE PERMITTED ON TWO WEEKENDS ONLY: In response to various complaints about fireworks, Shawn Crawford, Tiny’s Chief Municipal Law Enforcement Officer, prepared a report and proposed changes to the Township’s Noise By-law. Discussion of various related issues made Council feel that a separate By-law was needed to deal with sale of fireworks, appropriate times for setting them off, fire-crackers, and safety. Key points in the proposed by-law for residents are
- the restriction of consumer fireworks to the hours between dusk and 11:00 pm on Victoria Day and Canada Day weekends
- the banning of fireworks during fire bans
- a ban on firecrackers (fireworks which explode with little or no visual effect)
- the need for a valid certificate from the Explosive Regulatory Division of Natural Resources Canada before displaying or setting off Display Fireworks/Pyrotechnic Special Effects and also for a Township permit

COMMITTEE INQUIRIES RE ACCOUNTS: The kind of exploratory questioning of the Township’s accounts that Councillor Nigel Warren has been pursuing has been curbed. Members of Council were told that questions are to focus on things that seem to be incorrect or out of line. Councillor Warren was told that he should address his questions directly to the treasurer rather than taking up Committee of the Whole time.
(We note that observers found his questions useful, that it seemed likely that they would gradual dwindle in number as he got full understanding of the Township’s accounting practices, and that some useful reconsideration of habitual procedures resulted from the questions.)

LEAF AND YARD WASTE COLLECTION: The Woodland Beach Property Owners’ Association wrote a letter to Council asking that there be one or two leaf and yard waste pickups each year in late spring and late fall, observing that

“The constant smoke in the shoreline communities from smoldering fires is not only a health hazard to our residents but a direct cause of greenhouse gas & pollution. There are a number of residents, many of them children & the elderly, with asthma & various lung diseases. Driving or walking along Tiny Beaches Road in the Spring & Fall can become quite a challenge if one wants to see where one is going or breathe while doing it!… Most of our residents are forced to burn as they do not have the means to compost properly or take their yard waste to a dump, nor can they find and/or pay a suitable person to do this for them.”

The County of Simcoe (which is in charge of garbage collection) offers collection of leaf and yard waste for $1.75 per unit, plus brush at $0.80 per unit, for a total of $2.55 per unit, and notes that residents may bring leaf and yard waste up to 500 lbs and brush up to 300 lbs to the County Transfer Station free of charge.
Council decided to authorize a trial one-time pickup on October 15, 2007 (a week after Thanksgiving), at a cost of $24,024, to be paid out of the garbage reserve. Leaves and garden waste are to be by the curb no later than 7 am in Kraft paper leaf bags, unwaxed cardboard boxes or open top rigid containers; brush is to be in bundles no larger than 1.2 m in length, 30 cm in diameter, individual pieces no wider than 12 cm. NO STUMPS, NO LUMBER, NO PLASTIC BAGS, NO BLUE BOXES. Unspecified tippage fees will become part of the 2008 Waste Management Fee. Staff is to report on various aspects of this experiment -- such as whether it reduces leaf burning, the level of participation, and whether yard waste becomes a by-law enforcement issue because it is put out after the appointed time – to provide a basis for Council’s deciding whether to continue with such collections in future.

DECISION RE PERKINSFIELD SCHOOL: With clear information finally in hand about environmental hazards on the Perkinsfield school site, Council decided to go ahead with purchasing the property and demolishing the school. The purchase will allow the redrawing of boundaries to eliminate the encroachment of the park onto the school grounds and of the school’s septic system onto the park. Council intends to discuss uses to which the land may be put during its strategic planning sessions at the end of May.

Posted by Webmaster at 09:45 PM

March 26, 2007

March 19+26, 2007

REPORT ON COUNCIL
March 19, 2007
Special Committee of the Whole Meeting regarding the Budget: 9:17 a.m. – 5:46 p.m.
All members of Council present.

SIGNIFICANT INCREASE IN TINY’S POPULATION: At the beginning of the meeting Mayor Peggy Breckenridge drew Council's attention to recent StatsCan population statistics, which show Tiny as one of the fastest growing municipalities in Simcoe County -- 19.4% in the last five years -- largely because of cottage conversions. Increased permanent population gives the Township greater power at County Council. When a weighted vote is called, the potential total is 122. Innisfil has 13 votes; Tiny, Wasaga, and New Tecumseth have 10 votes apiece, the remaining 12 municipalities have 9 or less (Midland has 7, Tay 5, and Penetanguishene 4). Her point was that Tiny needed to look farther afield than its immediate neighbours when seeking comparable municipalities for matters like staff and council remuneration. Tiny has the 4th largest assessment in the County.

SOME BUDGET DECISIONS REACHED ON THE 19TH:

* NO to Habitat for Humanity's request for a free vacant lot. Council was sympathetic, but conscious of the fact that a lot in Tiny costs much more than lots donated in Penetanguishene and Port McNicoll. Council decided to ask HfH to suggest other ways the Township might support its efforts.
* YES to the request for $2,000 for the "Caring for our Beaches" conference on July 13. All members of Council and several members of staff are to attend. Information about the Bluewater Dunes Park initiative will be available on one of the tables the Township will have as a sponsor of the event.
* YES to using $10,000 to hire a summer assistant to work on several policy matters for the Clerk.
* YES to Mayor Breckenridge’s request that money be set aside for two community events – 1) a pig or corn roast which would include games (possibly in the Perkinsfield Park) and 2) a Golf tournament.
* YES to continuing to assess households on municipal water systems (including vacant lots) $200 each year for the Water Reserve Fund. This fund should amount to $713,000 by the end of 2007, but the objective is $2 million. This year's piping upgrades at Georgian Sands will come out of the Fund, as have recent upgrades at all the other systems that exceeded the value of grants from other levels of government. The Province wants the Township to build a fund equivalent to the cost of replacing all of Tiny’s water systems in one year. Staff intends to argue that it is extremely unlikely that all 18 systems would fail simultaneously, so a reserve of $2 million is sufficient.
* YES to installing the remaining six survey monuments that will make it easier to establish the 178 m. line along the entire shore of Tiny.

REPORT ON COUNCIL
March 26, 2007
Committee of the Whole Meeting: 9:04 a.m. – 5:27 p.m.
Regular Evening Meeting: 7:17 p.m. – 7:41 p.m.
All members of Council present.

CONFIDENTIAL / CLOSED SESSION: 4:30 p.m. – 5:26 p.m.

BUDGET DISCUSSION: Council has been working toward a 0% increase in the Township's share of municipal taxes. The cumulative effect of the various decisions that had been taken in the course of budget discussions, including the township's success in acquiring a $69,000 grant for boardwalks in the Bluewater Dunes Park, was $27,189 above an absolutely flat-line budget. One criticism of the Township's financial picture hasbeen the lack of a general equipment reserve. Council decided to put $98,738 into this new reserve. (Later in the meeting, Councillor George Cornell asked that the whole matter of reserves be reviewed, and it was decided that this would be part of the Strategic Planning sessions late in May or early June.)

At this point it is expected that there will be an increase in the overall municipal tax of 2.24%.

DISCUSSION OF THE ACCOUNTS FOR MARCH 26: At every meeting, Councillor Nigel Warren has queried the detail of Township spending, as he attempts to understand whether the Township is taking advantage of economies of scale and whether there are anomalies in spending. At this meeting, the treasurer anticipated that he would question the large bill for toner cartridges and checked to see whether or not the price charged by the Township's usual supplier was competitive. He found that a competitor offered a better price, and so, in future, the Township will check before going to the usual source.

COUNTY WASTE MANAGEMENT WORKSHOP: The waste management workshop, which County staff will be conducting for the 32 members of County Council, has been set for May 1. The session is open to the public. The latest information is that there is to be an hour devoted to Site 41, of which 30 minutes have been assigned to the Community Monitoring Committee. According to Deputy Mayor Lawrence, County staff has imposed constraints on the CMC -- one speaker, nothing about alternatives to dumpsites, the presentation to be submitted a week in advance. Dispiritingly, without even attending the workshop, the representatives from Penetang have decided to support a dumpsite at Site 41.

OPP REPORT: Inspector Philbin reported that the Midland Detachment has been suffering "man"power shortages because two officers have been away on maternity leave and two more have been seconded to other duties. An additional problem is the time consumed by domestic calls. As a result standard patrols have had to be cut back, though calls for service have been dealt with. As the Township is charged for the actual hours of policing received, there should be a large rebate this year.

Asked about trespass on privately owned beaches, Inspector Philbin said that the police response is similar to that elsewhere in the Township. The OPP will attend, investigate, act if required, and attempt to keep the peace. As all instances are different, he could not say just how the police would act in any particular situation: there is no simple blanket policy.

FIRE DEPARTMENT AND UNASSUMED ROADS: In response to a series of questions from members of Council, Randy Smith, Tiny's Fire Chief, noted that his fire trucks cannot access many of the Township's unassumed roads and that property owners on such roads cannot get cheaper insurance rates as a result of his department's tanker shuttle accreditation. Apparently many unassumed roads that used to be accessible are so no longer, partly because of the increase in fire truck size and partly because trees have gradually put on girth, narrowing the width of roads. Moreover, there is no place for fire trucks to turn around on many unassumed roads. As property owners on unassumed roads are in the minority, the fire department has chosen not to buy smaller trucks, which might make such roads more accessible.

Posted by Webmaster at 10:04 PM

March 12, 2007

REPORT ON COUNCIL
March 12, 2007
Committee of the Whole Meeting: 9:04 a.m. – 2:25 p.m.
Regular Evening Meeting: 7:04 p.m. – 7:21 p.m.
All members of Council present.

CONFIDENTIAL / CLOSED SESSION: 11:37 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

NEW COMMUNITY RECREATION COORDINATOR: The Township’s new Community Recreation Coordinator is Bonita Desroches.

TOWNSHIP PREPARES FOR NEXT MUNICIPAL ELECTION: Council decided to accept the Clerk/CAO (Ruth Coursey)’s recommendation that the Township begin right away to use “the Municipal VoterView Application” supplied by DataFix, which would enable staff to amend the Voters’ List as changes are received in preparation for the municipal election in 2010.

COUNCIL SAYS “NO” TO WIND FARM: In December, the Township received a draft Environmental Screening Report for the Robitaille Farm Wind Park Proposal. At its March 5 meeting, Council received a request from John Douglas of Ventus Energy Inc and Martin Ince of M.K. Ince and Associates Limited to make a presentation about the proposed wind farm in order to disabuse Council of “misinformation or misunderstood information disseminated by wind opposition groups” noting that in March 2007, “Ventus Energy intends to submit applications for amendments of the Official Plan and Zoning By-Laws of Tiny Township.” At the same meeting, Council received a letter from CORT (Coalition of Residents-Tiny, Preserving the tranquillity and rural character of Tiny Township) asking that Council “take action now to ensure that any such proposal meets proper provincial criteria” and laying out a series of moves for Council to make.
At the request of Council and with the assistance of Amos Environment + Planning, Ruth Coursey, CAO/Clerk prepared a report about the approval process for this proposal (up to six wind turbines with towers up to 100 meters tall and 3-4 meters in diameter at the base, producing up to 10 MW). An accompanying map shows that the proposed turbines are now no longer located on farmland, but in a block of woodland inland from the Cedar Ridge development and from the Cedar Point cottagers.
She reported that municipalities apparently still have jurisdiction over energy projects. The new Planning Act (which removes energy projects from the control of municipalities) has been passed by the Province, but the enabling regulation exempting energy projects has not yet been put into effect. (This could, of course, change at any time.)
Since Council has power over energy projects at this point, she recommended that Council consider whether such a project were “in compliance with the general intent and purpose of the Official Plan.” The report suggests that the turbine project violates the vision and objectives in Part A of the Official Plan, because the “construction and visual impact of the wind turbines of the scale proposed will be quite pronounced, therefore compromising the intent of the Official Plan to maintain a landscape dominated by open fields and wooded areas. There will also be some measurable impact on the environment, through the removal of trees and other construction operations.”
It is, according to the report, important that the municipality state its view of the proposed project clearly and plainly at this stage.
After some discussion, Council decided to pass a resolution opposing the location of wind power generation facilities (Category B, under Ontario Regulation 116/01) anywhere in the municipality on the ground that it does not conform to the general intent and purpose of the Township’s Official Plan and to have the resolution forwarded to Ventus Energy Inc., and to all agencies listed on the Environmental Screening Report circulation list.
Council also denied Ventus’s request to make an oral presentation to Council, and decided not to have peer reviews of the Environmental Screening Report for the Robitaille Farm Wind Park.

E. COLI STUDIES AT TOWNSHIP’S BEACHES: Dr. Allan Crowe (of Environment Canada’s National Water Research Institute in Burlington) reported on various studies undertaken along the beaches of Tiny in association with the Severn Sound Environmental Association, the Ontario Ministry of Environment, and the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit from 2005 to 2007. His group wants to understand the environmental factors responsible for E. coli presence and persistence at beaches and to determine the sources of E. coli.
Groundwater studies have been undertaken at “dry” and “wet” beaches, namely
- Balm Beach (1 site at Conc. 10 and 1 at Conc. 9)
- Jackson Park Beach (1 site)
- Woodland Beach (3 sites).
Creek studies were undertaken at
- Balm Beach’s main creek
- Woodland Beach’s main creek.

For Dr. Crowe's "Results of these Studies" and "What Tiny Township can do to Reduce Levels of E. coli at its Beaches", see the document at the end of this Report on Council. For his slide presentation click HERE (pdf).
In the course of his presentation, Dr. Crowe observed that these studies challenge the Health Unit’s assumption that the presence of E. coli is evidence of recent fecal contamination by a warm-blooded animal (humans, birds, dogs etc.) since some E. coli populations appear to be long-lived and to reproduce at the beach.
He said that he believes that wet beaches are caused by people bulldozing sand dunes and planting lawns near the Bay. The latter attract geese, which like to eat lawn grass, and cause the spread of lawn or turf grass to the beach proper, attracting geese there as well.
He observed that the Ministry of the Environment no longer recommends the planting of lawns over septic beds on properties adjacent to bodies of water.

CARING FOR OUR BEACHES CONFERENCE: This day-long Conference is to take place on Friday July 13 at the Best Western Inn and Conference Centre in Midland. Its focus is the shoreline of Tiny Township and the cost is $30 for the day (including lunch) for those who sign up by a particular date, $40 for those who pay at the door. Endorsed by the Lake Huron Centre for Coastal Conservation, the Severn Sound Environmental Association and the Federation of Tiny Township Shoreline Associations, this Conference is to consider beach management issues and possible solutions, and will include the following presentations –
- The Ups and Downs of Lake Huron and Georgian Bay: making sense of water level changes by Chuck Southam, Environment Canada
- Healthy and Degraded Beach Ecosystems: a link to E. coli at Beaches? by Allan Crowe, National Water Research Institute
- Caring for Dunes: conserving one of our lake’s most vulnerable ecosystems by the Lake Huron Centre for Coastal Conservation
- Nearshore Water Quality – trends and risks by Keith Sherman, Severn Sound Environmental Association and Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit
- Achieving Success – grassroots beach stewardship by Friends of Sauble Beach

Dr. Grail Krantzberg is to be the keynote speaker. Her research interests include interjurisdictional ecosystem management, the interface of science and policy formulation, and Great Lakes remediation and protection.
Linda Lockyer, of the “Caring for our Beaches”Conference Committee, asked that the Township become a Conference Sponsor by contributing $2,000 towards Conference costs. Council decided to consider the request during budget discussions.

Two sections from Dr Allan Crowe’s Report.

What are the Results of these Studies?

1. Extent of E. coli in groundwater below beaches…
- no E. coli in groundwater below dry beach
- E. coli is consistently seen in groundwater below wet beaches at 0 – 200 E. coli / 100 mL
- E. coli levels up to 10,000 E. coli / 100 mL consistently seen in groundwater adjacent to lake (<10 m from shore) below both types of beaches
- no E. coli in groundwater below lake bottom 2 m offshore

2. sources of these E. coli…
- E. coli below wet beaches appear to come from a surface source (gulls, geese)
no evidence of movement of E. coli from septic systems through beach to lake; but improperly functioning septic systems may discharge E. coli to lake via springs
- E. coli in wave runup zone appears to come from the lake; wave runup during a storm will infiltrate into sand and - - E. coli will accumulate below the wave runup
- E. coli in this zone come from birds, runoff, streams, etc.

3. relationship between E. coli in lake and E. coli in groundwater below beach …
- little evidence of large loadings of E. coli from beaches to lake via groundwater
- high levels of E. coli in groundwater adjacent to lake comes from lake via infiltration of lake water during wave runup during a storm; but move only a few metres into beach
- following a storm, there is slow discharge of groundwater and E. coli onto shoreline
- major loading of E. coli into lake water during erosion of shoreline during storm
- essentially no discharge of E. coli into the lake through the lake bed

4. relationship between E. coli in creeks and E. coli in groundwater below beach…
- E. coli is always present in streams sampled
- E. coli levels vary seasonally (<50 E. coli / 100 mL in winter 100s E. coli/100 mL in summer)
- E. coli levels rapidly increase to 1,000s during rainfall; slowly declines over next few days
- no movement of E. coli from streams that cross beach into groundwater below beach because groundwater flow below beaches is towards the creek
- as streams meander across beach, water and E. coli from creek will infiltrate to water table below creek channel
- E. coli from septic systems adjacent to a creek will discharge into creek
- discharge from small creeks flows 10s of metres parallel to and within 1-2 m of shore line
- discharge from large rivers will flow 100s – 1000s of metres into the lake

5. persistence of E. coli in groundwater and sand below beaches…
- E. coli consistently detected in groundwater below beaches and adjacent to lake during winter, even though groundwater temperature near freezing
- E. coli can persist in the sand for months? years?
- recent science indicates that E. coli is living and reproducing in beach sand
- recent science also detected some pathogenic strains of E. coli in beach sand (O157:H7) [in Michigan]
- because the beach adjacent to the shoreline is a major reservoir for E. coli, it is likely that beaches are contaminating themselves

What can Tiny Township do to Reduce Levels of E. coli at its Beaches?
1. Because geese and gulls are the primary source of E. coli at beaches, E. coli sources can be reduced by discouraging geese and gulls from visiting beaches. Although you will never be able to prevent all geese from stopping at the beaches, especially during their migration, you can make the beach environment less attractive to geese. Geese eat turf grass, so do not allow lawns near the shoreline. Gulls eat garbage, so remove garbage from beach. Also educate the public not to feed the geese and gulls.

2. The type of vegetation found on a beach, and development of sand dunes and dry sand influence geese at a beach. Geese are attracted to areas of the beach where there is a source of food. Geese do not like beach grass; they cannot eat it and they are wary of predators hiding in the grass. Prohibit removal of sand dunes and beach grass – this leads to introduction [of] phreatophyte vegetation (cattails, sedge grass, turf grass) at beach, shallow depths to the water table (allows E. coli to infiltrate to water table). Prohibit planting lawns along shoreline (beach grass is acceptable over septic systems).

3. Although there is no evidence that properly functioning septic systems are a source of E. coli at a beach, failed septic systems and improperly located septic systems are a problem. Septic systems should not be located in areas where water table is shallow and adjacent to creeks that flow to the beach.

4. Many streams and storm water drains that discharge at the shoreline discharge into sheltered areas of the shoreline (e.g. Balm Beach, Jackson Park Beach). Move outlets to areas that have better open water exchange with the lake. Consider the use of constructed storm water ponds and wetlands to reduce E. coli before discharge to beaches; sunlight (UV radiation) and settling of sediment (E. coli like to attach to sediment) will significantly reduce E. coli in water.

5. There are a variety of techniques available that can be used to identify the sources of E. coli found in the nearshore water and sand along a beach. Two of the main “Microbial Source Tracking” methods that are gaining a lot of attention are the DNA fingerprinting technique and the antibiotic resistance techniques. While these techniques have demonstrated some success in identifying the source of the E. coli (e.g., pigs, cattle, humans, geese, beaver, deer, etc.) they are very costly and require a long time to develop E. coli libraries, typically 1-3 years. And data from one location cannot be transferred to another area (e.g., the DNA library for Toronto’s beaches is not applicable to Tiny Township’s beaches. Therefore, currently the most effective [way] to locate sources is through targeted monitoring of hot spots and tracing pathways for delivering E. coli to the beaches.

Posted by Webmaster at 10:20 PM

March 05, 2007

March 5, 2007

REPORT ON COUNCIL
March 5, 2007
Committee of the Whole Meeting: 9:07 a.m. – 3:09 p.m.
Regular Evening Meeting: 7:03 p.m. – 7:49 p.m.
Four members of Council present. Mayor Peggy Breckenridge away on vacation.

CONFIDENTIAL / CLOSED SESSION: 2:01 p.m. – 3:08 p.m.

WEST NILE VIRUS REPORT: The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit reported on findings in Tiny Township with regard to West Nile Virus Surveillance in 2006. As background, the Health Unit noted:
“West Nile virus (Wnv) is a mosquito-borne virus that is transmitted in nature through a bird-mosquito-bird cycle. Mosquitoes that bite an infected bird may transmit the virus to other birds, or to other mammals such as humans and horses. Most people who contract Wnv will be asymptomatic or will experience only mild flu-like symptoms. However in some individuals, Wnv infection can cause severe illness, and sometimes death. Since its introduction into North America in 1999, 640 human cases have occurred in Ontario.
Surveillance strategies focusing on the reservoir (birds), the vectors (mosquitoes) and incidental hosts (humans and horses) are used to identify the presence of extent of Wnv in a geographic area.” The Health Unit reports --
Dead birds: Of the 56 dead birds selected for testing from the whole Simcoe Muskoka area last summer, 11 tested positive for Wnv, and one of these was from Tiny.
Mosquito larvae: At the catch basin at 78 Tiny Beaches Road South and at the natural site at 24 Balsam Street, the sites selected for the larvae surveillance program in Tiny, no larvae were found in the summer of 2006.
Mosquitoes: Mosquitoes were trapped at a location at or near Kettles Beach on the northeast shore of Tiny.
Human surveillance: There were no reported instances of West Nile disease in Tiny last summer. (There were 41 cases in Ontario, one of them in Adjala-Tosorontio.)

PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO NOISE AND OPEN-AIR BURNING BY-LAWS WITH REGARD TO CONSTRUCTION AND FIREWORKS: Shawn Crawford, the Township’s Chief Municipal Law Enforcement Officer, explained that the Township's Noise By-Law is in force 24 hours a day, but that normal construction noise is allowed from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. all seven days of the week. He recommended that this approach be continued, as seasonal residents often want to undertake repairs and projects on the weekend.
Councillors Claire and Warren observed that they would prefer a 9 a.m. start time on weekends, and in this Deputy Mayor George Lawrence supported them. Councillor Cornell felt that there was no need for a change in the by-law: most people voluntarily limit noisy construction activities on the weekend. He noted that there were only four complaints about construction noise in 2006. The upshot was that the start time for noisy construction is to be 9 a.m. on weekends and statutory holidays.
There were a number of complaints about fireworks in 2006. They were set off at all hours of the day and on many evenings and weekends beyond the holidays when they were traditionally used. The discussion ranged beyond noise to the sale of fireworks, safety, and hours appropriate for setting them off. The consensus was that what is needed is a thorough-going fireworks by-law, limiting sale to a week prior to Victoria Day and Canada Day, setting the hours when they may be set off on those weekends, banning them from Township-owned property, and addressing safety issues.

WOODLAND BEACH MASTER PLAN: Firms qualified to complete a Woodland Beach Master Plan Study are to be invited to submit proposals. (Tiny Township’s Official Plan requires that Master Plans be completed for each of the five major shore parks. So far plans have been completed for Balm Beach, Jackson Park, and for Bluewater Park.)

POSSIBLE RECONSIDERATION OF ENCROACHMENT BY-LAW: Council decided to pay site visits to the 20 or so properties where there are existing encroachment agreements prior to discussing the Encroachment By-law.

HIGH SPEED INTERNET IN TINY: By way of supporting the online petition, Council instructed staff to send letters to Bell Canada and Rogers Communication urging that their service be extended to all areas of Tiny.

EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS EXERCISE: Fire Chief Randy Smith reported that the mock disaster exercise for the whole of Simcoe County, in preparation since last July, had taken place on February 22. It gave municipalities in the County a chance to try out their Emergency Plans. Apparently, many aspects of Tiny's plan worked well, but one that did not was the Township's communications system. Deputy Mayor George Lawrence, who observed the operation, reported that he was impressed at how well staff performed. Mr. Smith will report in detail, in due course, about “Operation ‘Deep Chill’”.

FLYING OF THE FRANCO-ONTARIO FLAG: In a letter, Richelieu Penetanguishene Inc. requested that the Township fly the Franco-Ontario flag during Francophone Week, March 19-25.
Councillor André Claire warmly supported the request. The Clerk (responding to questions from other members of Council) outlined the last Council’s reasons for not allowing any flags to be raised except the usual ones. All members of Council then agreed to raise this particular flag, as it is an official flag in the Province of Ontario, while reaffirming that no other flag raisings or declarations would be allowed.

PRESENTATION BY HABITAT FOR HUMANITY: Doug Lorriman of the North Simcoe Branch of Habitat for Humanity explained the value of its work and asked that the Township donate a lot. The matter was referred to budget discussions.

COMMITTEES: In the evening, the names of citizens selected to serve on Township Committees, were announced:
Committee of Adjustment: Judith Hibbs, John Kerk, Bill Sweenie, John Turner, Gibb Wishart
Historical and Heritage Committee: Lynn Downer, David Ladell, Jim Parrott, Gordon F. Robbins
Bluewater Dunes Restoration Advisory Committee: Eugene Chambers, Kate M. Dewey, Anthony Rovito, Victoria White
Midland Public Library Board: Paula Steven
Penetanguishene Public Library Board: Helene DeVillers
Springwater Public Library Board: Claude Richardson
Fence Viewers: Andre Maheu, Michael Therrien
Livestock Evaluator: Michael Therrien

Posted by Webmaster at 11:57 PM

February 12, 2007

REPORT ON COUNCIL
February 12, 2007
Committee of the Whole Meeting: 9:00 p.m. –6:23 p.m.
Regular Evening Meeting: 7:00 p.m. – 7:48 p.m.
All members of Council present.

CONFIDENTIAL / CLOSED SESSION: 1:07 p.m. – 1:56 p.m.

OPTIONS RE REGULATION OF FENCES IN TINY: Nick McDonald of Meridian Planning presented a report concerning the Regulation of Fences in the Township of Tiny. Tiny has an old fence by-law – 96-111 – which regulates pool fencing and nothing else. The Comprehensive By-law – 06-001, which put the Official Plan into effect in January of 2006 – says that a fence in excess of 1.8 metres (6’) is governed by the rules for structures, but supplies no rules for fences that are less than 1.8 metres in height, except in sight triangles at street corners where fences may not exceed 1 metre in height. The method that the By-law supplies for calculating the height of a fence is confusing and cumbersome.
The report recommended that, if a fencing by-law were to be prepared,
- it should be under the Municipal rather than the Planning Act,
- it should consider the issue of fencing only along the waterfront, and
- as “there is no fair and equitable way in which to develop a standard that would somehow provide for consistent treatment of fences in the shoreline/waterfront area …the only effective way to deal with the issue is to not permit new fences in the area between the wall of a dwelling facing the water’s edge and the water’s edge. Exceptions could be made to permit the replacement and repair of fences that existed at the time the By-law was passed by Council. Any new fences would require special approval.”
During Council’s discussion of the report, Councillor Nigel Warren observed that such a by-law would be seen as discriminatory, as it would apply only to shore lots, and Mayor Breckenridge emphasized that points relating to fences in the Comprehensive By-law must be fixed.
Staff is to prepare a report to assist Council in considering Meridian Planning Consultants’ report.

BLUEWATER BEACH PARK: PHASE II: In their presentation about the Bluewater Beach dunes rehabilitation project, David Leinster and Megan Hazell of AMEC reviewed the long term plans for Bluewater Park. They spoke about a five-year plan, and recommended controlling access, putting up more fencing, installing boardwalks and more signage and fenced “gardens” of native plants to demonstrate how well things grow if people don’t trample them. They also spoke of the need for education of the general public, annual spring clean-ups, monitoring, removal of alien plant species, and fundraising.
There were no recommended actions year by year and no proposed budget.
Councillor Claire spoke about the abuse of the park by those on dirt bikes, snowmobiles and ATVs and about the need for barrier fencing and board walks.

REPORT ON MUNICIPAL LAW ENFORCEMENT IN 2006: At the beginning of his Annual Report, Shawn Crawford noted that his department follows up on complaints about infractions, including those where the complainants do not leave their names, but observed that the latter get less priority. Complainants who provide their names are assured of anonymity unless they are required in court to substantiate the Township’s position on a by-law matter.
The report supplied comparative figures for 2003, 2004, 2005 and 2006.
With regard to parking infractions, some areas usually have many parking offences – among them Balm Beach, Concession 2 West, Concession 13 West, and Jackson Park. Improved signage in permit parking areas resulted in fewer complaints.
The number of heavy pick-up items left at the roadside long after pick-up day were up significantly compared to earlier years (probably, we suspect, because the heavy pick-up day occurred BEFORE seasonal residents had opened their cottages for the summer in 2006. The scheduling of Heavy Pick-up this year is better -- the week of June 4-9 for Monday collection routes and June 11-16 for Wednesday collection routes).

PROPOSED LAND ACCRETION PROCEDURE DEFEATED: As water levels drop, some problems have surfaced with regard to accreted land where Township land abuts privately owned land. CAO/Clerk, Ruth Coursey, prepared a report suggesting a procedure that might be followed when such a problem occurred.
Councillor Cornell absented himself during the discussion and the vote about the procedure.
Councillor André Claire asked that a clause about costs be removed, as, in his view, they should be apportioned on a case-by-case basis.
Deputy Mayor George Lawrence felt that affected private landowners should do a Boundary Act application rather than trying to come to an agreement with the Township. He was opposed to incurring staff costs on such matters.
Councillor Warren supported the Deputy Mayor.
Mayor Breckenridge felt that the Township would save court costs by having a procedure in place rather than simply ignoring land accretion problems.
In the evening, the proposed policy was defeated on a 2-2 vote, with Mayor Breckenridge and Councillor Claire supporting the adoption of the procedure and Deputy Mayor Lawrence and Councillor Warren opposing it.

PROPOSAL FOR GRAVEL PIT IN CONCESSIONS 1 AND 2 EAST NOT READY FOR PUBLIC MEETING YET: Staff had recommended, in its report on the extensive gravel pit proposed by the Serjeant Company for the southeast corner of the Township, that it was time to have the required public meeting.
However, it was clear in the report that some essential information had not yet been forwarded. Councillors Claire and Warren, therefore, felt it inappropriate to go to a public meeting.
Also, the County of Simcoe had raised a series of concerns about the potential impact of the proposed gravel pit on the proposed landfill at Site 41. Councillor Cornell and Mayor Breckenridge felt that nothing should be done until a final decision had been taken about Site 41.
It was agreed that a presentation by the Sarjeant Company should be delayed until after the County’s waste disposal information session and after any vote that might be taken by County Council on Site 41, and, further, that the required public meeting be delayed until full information had been made available.

ANOTHER UNDERSIZED LOT PROBLEM: When members of Council expressed concern that, on the basis of a report prepared by the Township’s Planning Department, the Committee of Adjustment had okayed a new lot that was less than half the size required by the Township’s Official Plan, Ruth Coursey, Clerk/CAO, said that a report would be prepared about ways the intent of the Official Plan could be made clear and unambiguous.

RESPONSE TO BALM BEACH VOLUNTEER IMPROVEMENT COMMITTEE PROPOSALS: In his response to the requests made by the Balm Beach Volunteer Improvement Committee (this is an independent group, NOT a committee of Council), Mr. Henk Blom, Manager of Public Works, opposed many of the suggestions, said that Township staff would complete others, justified current Township procedures, and emphasized that Township staff are to manage the work in Township parks. He stated bluntly: “private individuals not be permitted to complete work on municipal beaches. Such work was previously stopped due to Township liability for third party actions, health and safety of the third party workers and the public, and the Township not being informed of the scope of work or when work was to occur.”
Council approved the report’s recommendations.

PROPOSED SEVERN SOUND ENVIRONMENTAL ASSOCIATION BUDGET and REPORT: Keith Sherman asked Tiny Township for $33,933 as its share of the work the SSEA plans to do in 2007:
$2,300 for the third and final year of a Federation of Canadian Municipalities Sustainability study
$25,000 for beach monitoring
$12,000 for reevaluation of the Tiny Bog, and
$6,970 for SSEA operating costs.
He then presented results of investigative work in 2006 in the main stream at Balm, the stream just south of Jackson Park, the Lafontaine stream, and the stream that emerges at the shore near the 6th Concession Road West. The SSEA looked at stream temperatures, E. coli densities, and nitrates. It had also done a little more work on the Nottawasaga plume. Mr. Sherman observed that more work could be done on sources of pollution.
(NOTE: In its letter to Council about various water investigations being undertaken in Tiny Township, the Federation of Tiny Township Shoreline Associations asked that the SSEA supply details about its findings regarding one especially polluted tributary of the Lafontaine stream, about follow-up regarding the Nottawasaga River plume of silt, about what it proposes for the summer of 2007, including the objectives of the research and what could then be done to improve the situation. Almost none of this was supplied.)
Bruce Beauchamp of the Barrie office of the Simcoe-Muskoka District Health Unit noted that the Health Unit is looking for a predictive tool – a combination of circumstances that always produces high E. coli counts – as a basis for posting a beach rather than waiting two days for laboratory results.
(NOTE: In its letter to Council, the Federation had asked for the results of research undertaken last summer for the Health Unit by a Ryerson student. Nothing was said about this. Mr. Beauchamp had not seen the Federation’s letter, which went to Mr. Jerry Kapko and had not been forwarded to him.)

GEESE MANAGEMENT: Council adopted the North Simcoe Geese Management Strategies Report, decided that Terry Breckenridge and Rodger Yeatman should continue to represent the Township on the NSGMC, agreed to put aside $2,000 to cover costs, primarily of public education, and designated the as-yet-to-be-hired Recreation Coordinator as the staff resource person with regard to geese.

PAUZE PLUME AGAIN: The Federation of Tiny Township Shoreline Associations had written to the Ministry of the Environment to express concern that a recent Ground Water Quality Review near the Pauze Dump Site showed that a leachate plume continues to escape from the dump and that information in the Review had not been made available to the Simcoe-Muskoka District Health Unit, the Municipality of Tiny Township, or the public generally.
Council decided to endorse the views expressed in the letter and to send appropriate letters.

Posted by Webmaster at 08:09 PM

February 06, 2007

January 29 & February 6, 2007

REPORT ON COUNCIL
January 29, 2007
Committee of the Whole Meeting: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Regular Evening Meeting: 7:00 p.m. – 8:06 p.m.
All members of Council present.

CONFIDENTIAL / CLOSED SESSION: 3:49 p.m. – 4:59 p.m.

COUNTING TINY: Population numbers in Tiny are problematic given the split between permanent and seasonal residents. Official reports use different numbers. For most purposes MPAC’s numbers are helpful – 8,371 households (of which 4,497 are seasonal) and 13,521 properties. The average number of residents per household as calculated for the municipality’s Development Charges study is 3.05.

HIGH SPEED FOR MEMBERS OF COUNCIL: The municipality is to provide a high speed internet connection, including installation and activation, for each member of Council and pay 50% of the monthly fee incurred up to 500 kpbs (or 1,000 kpbs if that should prove necessary), but all hardware remains the property of the Municipality and is to be returned when the individual is no longer a member of Council.

2006 MUNICIPAL ELECTION REPORT: After the Municipal Election in the fall, the Federation of Tiny Township Shoreline Associations submitted a “Report on 2006 Election” to the Council of Tiny Township, commending the decision to stay with Voting by Mail, praising staff for their efficiency on Election Day, and suggesting a few changes that might improve the next election. In the following list, the changes that the Federation recommended appear in bold, followed by staff’s response:

1) Improve the Voters’ List by distributing a Voter Information Sheet to every address in the Township several months before the next election. In spite of the need for many changes in the weeks leading up to the election (2,226 electors were added to the Voters’ List, 1,463 were deleted and 14,001 entries were modified), the staff report opposed this suggestion.

2) Make more vigorous use of the Township website to emphasize key dates and to let people know about unexpected problems with the electoral process, and use the banner headline to announce the results on election night. “For the next election, consideration will also be given to populating the website with additional information as required. In response to the ‘banner headline’, due to technical reasons, this option was not available to us on Election Day, but we will pursue it for the next election.”

3) Keep the Township Office open for a number of hours on Saturdays during the election period so that those at a distance from Tiny during the work week can get problems can be dealt with. “Consideration will be given to having the municipal office open for one or two Saturdays….”

4) Make changes to the Vote-By-Mail Packages as unclear instructions resulted in many invalid votes. (Much the most serious problem with the election was the high number of spoiled ballots – some 1,218. Of these 1,040 failed to include a Voter Declaration form, 22 mailed only the declaration form, 3 sent blank envelopes, 132 included, but did not sign, the Voter Declaration form, and 21 were rejected for old-fashioned reasons such as putting marks on the ballot that identified the voter. Fortunately, the outcome of the election would not have been affected, even had all 1,218 voted for candidates other than those elected.) And the staff report? “Staff has made the election suppliers (Datafix and Dominion Voting Systems) aware of the difficulties encountered by the electors (i.e. simplifying the voter kit instructions, more emphasis on the requirement to sign the Voter Declaration Form, etc).”

5) Collect poll-by-poll information about voting patterns as was done in elections prior to this one. Staff reported that this option was not available with the company used to manage the election, but did not mention the possibility of gathering this information themselves, as was done in the past, by organizing and counting the votes by poll.

6) Supply an official, secure, well-advertised drop box at the Township Offices so that votes can be dropped off during evenings and weekends. “Consideration will be given to amending the Vote By Mail procedures to include the Township drop box as an official place to deposit the ballot packages.”

Additional interesting information in the staff report on the elections:

Total number of electors – 19,491
Voter turnout - 34%
Non-resident turnout 28.2%
Resident turnout 42.5%
Total tabulated ballots 6,623
Total spoiled ballots 1,218
Council received the Report, and presumably will revisit it when setting policies for the next election.

COUNTY'S BUDGET UP BY 4.75%: Mayor Breckenridge and Deputy Mayor Lawrence reported that they were among the few to question the proposed County budget. Mayor Breckenridge, for example, queried County’s staff’s use of the non-residential construction index as justification for the budget increase, given that 67.45% of the County’s budget goes to soft services. The Mayor and Deputy Mayor had some support in voting against the budget, but not enough. The weighted vote was 68 in favour, 38 against. (On a weighted vote, each of the 16 municipalities represented on County Council is assigned points. For example, only one municipality is assigned 14 points. Tiny and two other municipalities have the next highest number at 10 points each, while Penetanguishene gets only 4.)

COUNTY WORKSHOP ON WASTE MANAGEMENT (INCLUDING SITE 41): County staff is to present a day-long workshop in March or April on waste management issues to bring new members of County Council up to speed. Deputy Mayor Lawrence asked (and was granted) that this include a business case for the proposed Site 41 dumpsite as compared to other methods of handling the same volume of waste and also that the workshop on Site 41 include Tiny Township representatives. Deputy Mayor Lawrence also intends to ask that the costing of alternative methods of waste management include the cost of monitoring closed landfill sites.

AIRPORT COMMISSION: Councillors George Cornell and Nigel Warren represent Tiny Township on the Commission. At their first meeting, they learned that financials have finally been prepared and that a Request for Proposal for a Business Plan for the Airport had been sent out. On learning this, Tiny’s Council decided to pay the Township’s long-withheld share of the operating cost of the Airport for 2006.

REPORT ON COUNCIL
February 6, 2007
Special Committee of the Whole Meeting: 9:05 a.m. – 5:05 p.m.
All members of Council present.

Council discussed various aspects of the 2007 Operating Budget.

Posted by Webmaster at 09:27 PM

January 15, 2007

REPORT ON COUNCIL
January 15, 2007
Committee of the Whole Meeting: 1:00 p.m. – 6:33 p.m.
Regular Evening Meeting: 7:00 p.m. – 7:58 p.m.
All members of Council present (Mayor Peggy Breckenridge, Deputy Mayor George Lawrence, and Councillors André Claire, George Cornell and Nigel Warren)

CONFIDENTIAL / CLOSED SESSION: 1:04 p.m. – 2:42 p.m. and 5:50 p.m. – 6:33 p.m.

PRESENTATION BY HURONIA HOSPITALS FOUNDATION: Doris Sheriff, of the Huronia Hospitals Foundation "Our Best Care" capital fundraising campaign, asked Tiny Township to contribute $22,588 each year, for five years. (The Tiny Cottager Challenge Cup competition raised $32,000 last summer, part of a total of $207,000 raised in Tiny Township for this campaign last year.) She pointed to a history of municipal support for hospital capital needs, and said that the requested municipal contribution (like that suggested for Midland, Penetanguishene, and Tay) is based on a levy of $2.50 per resident per year for five years.

NORTH SIMCOE GEESE MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES: Terry Breckenridge, who, along with Rodger Yeatman, represents Tiny Township on the North Simcoe Geese Monitoring Committee, observed that there appear to be excessive numbers of geese in a number of areas of Tiny Township, including the stretch from the 8th to the 14th Concessions on the western shore, Thunder Beach, and Clearwater Beach. He asked that Council
- adopt the NSGMC's report
- assign a staff member to co-ordinate geese management activities
- appoint a member of Council to the problem
- request a banding program
- put $5000 into the budget for geese management
- mount a public education program about the importance of a No Feed policy and of habitat modification in problem areas on the shore,
- prohibit the feeding of geese and exempt trained dogs from the Leash By-Law through changes to the township's by-laws, and
- allow Sunday hunting.

9 A.M. START FOR COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE: After several topics had to be cut from the agenda for lack of time, Council decided that, at least for a while as new members come to terms with the complexities of their roles, Committee of the Whole should begin, not at 1 p.m., but at 9 a.m.

COUNCIL REPRESENTATION ON COMMITTEES:
Huronia Airport Commission – Councillors Cornell and Warren
Southern Georgian B ay Physician Recruitment Steering Committee – Mayor Peggy Breckenridge
Audit Committee – discontinued
Tiny Trails Committee - discontinued

GARBAGE AND RECYCLING FEES: Last year, the Township collected $244,597 in excess of the County levy, the result of an unexpected reduction in the County levy in 2006 and a refund of $73,390 from 2005. Council decided to keep the monies in reserve for the ongoing battle regarding Site 41.
The Treasurer recommended (and Council agreed) that the garbage/recycling fees be reduced this year to reflect the actual levy by the County, though doubt was expressed as to whether there would be a reduction in the fee given that recyclables are now being collected weekly rather than biweekly.

COUNTY'S BUDGET UP BY 4.75%: Our two representatives to County Council sit on different committees, Mayor Breckenridge on the Performance Management Committee and Deputy Mayor Lawrence on the Corporate Services Committee. Mayor Breckenridge reported that the proposed overall increase in the County's budget for this year is 4.75%. Some 67.45% of the County's budget supports social services, and the balance is absorbed by roads, garbage etc.

ROAD ALLOWANCE ENCROACHMENTS AT FARLAIN LAKE: Janet Wicks, the owner of Lot 19, R.P. 913, placed numerous items on the Township road allowance adjacent to her property, including a driveway, retaining walls and landscaping, which made the road allowance appear to be part of her property. Several years ago she proposed that she purchase the road allowance, only to be met with vigorous opposition from neighbours at the public meeting on the matter.
After much discussion, an agreement has been reached: allowing the retention of the armour stone retaining wall (after a handicap accessibility ramp is installed and with the provision that it then become the responsibility of the Township) stipulating that all timber retaining walls be removed and that the area be graded with topsoil and seeded, trees planted, and stakes installed and that surveys and easements be prepared at the expense of Ms Wicks.

LAND ACCRETION POLICY: The previous Council had asked the surveyor Ron Stewart of Marshall Macklin Monaghan to prepare a policy to guide staff and Council in making decisions about accreted land issues. He prepared two proposals, neither of which met with Council approval. The current Council accepted the recommendation of a staff report that the various legal and survey opinions that the Township had already received concerning accreted land be drawn together in the hope that these would provide sufficient guidance.

Posted by Webmaster at 10:44 PM

December 11, 2006

December 5+11, 2006

REPORT ON COUNCIL December 5, 2006
Inaugural Meeting: 7 p.m. – 8:20 p.m. All Members of Council present.

The swearing-in of Peggy Breckenridge as Mayor, George Lawrence as Deputy Mayor, and André Claire, George Cornell, and Nigel Warren as Councillors was a noteworthy occasion. The Council Chambers were packed with well wishers and dignitaries who watched and listened as George Restrup piped the Council-elect into the Chambers and Clerk/CAO Ruth Coursey administered the oath of office to each of the five.
Once each Councillor and the Deputy Mayor had spoken briefly, the Mayor gave a challenging speech. After describing the many component elements of the Township’s complex character, she reminded her audience that “fair and responsible” government had been a recurrent theme in the campaigns of the members of the new Council. She said that this meant “being as informed as possible, getting the facts, reading all the materials, debating the issues, having full discussion, and making decisions that are in the best interests of the community.” To be fair and responsible, the new Council had to learn how to be accountable, transparent in its decision-making, and effective in communicating with each other. More, the new Council had to relate effectively with neighbouring municipalities and other levels of government and it must establish a positive image of the Township in the minds of staff and those beyond Tiny’s borders.
The evening concluded with conversation and refreshments.

REPORT ON COUNCIL December 11, 2006 Committee of the Whole Meeting: 1:00 p.m. – 6:11 p.m.  Regular Evening Meeting: 7:00 p.m. –7:21 p.m. All Members of Council present

CONFIDENTIAL / CLOSED SESSION: 5:45 p.m. - 6:11 p.m.

CONTACTING MEMBERS OF COUNCIL: Each member of Council decided (or was to decide) on the information that staff is to give out if a constituent wants to get in touch. This information is now posted on the Township’s website. See tiny.ca / Administration / Contact Us / Mayor & Members of Council. The key facts are these:
Mayor Peggy Breckenridge, Mayor: Phone 705-790-0178; E-mail
George Lawrence, Deputy Mayor: Phone 705-526-4204; E-mail
André Claire, Councillor: Phone 705-526-4204; E-mail
George Cornell, Councillor: Phone 705-526-4204; E-mail
Nigel Warren, Councillor: Phone 705-526-4204 ext. 300; E-mail

If an issue is of sufficient importance that a member of the public needs to meet with the Mayor and the relevant member of staff, such a meeting can be arranged for a Friday afternoon by contacting Vera Finlay at 705-526-4204. If it might be useful, such a meeting may also involve the Deputy Mayor or one of the Councillors.

COUNCIL REPRESENTATION ON COMMITTEES OF COUNCIL:
Community Monitoring Committee for Site 41: Mayor Peggy Breckenridge, Deputy Mayor George Lawrence, with Councillors André Claire and Nigel Warren as alternates
Bluewater Dunes Restoration Advisory: Councillor Nigel Warren
Community Policing: Nigel Warren
Historical & Heritage: Councillor André Claire
Huronia Airport Commission: Councillor George Cornell
North Simcoe Heads of Council: Mayor Peggy Breckenridge and Deputy Mayor George Lawrence
Severn Sound Environmental Association: Mayor Peggy Breckenridge
Southern Georgian Bay Chamber of Commerce: Mayor Peggy Breckenridge

MINOR VARIANCE APPLICATION RE A LOT IN PLAN 867, CONCESSION 4: The vacant lot in question, at 6,000 square feet, is substantially smaller than the 10,000 square feet required by the Official Plan. Yet C.C. Tatham has given its approval, as it is possible to install a septic and a drilled well on the lot. Similarly small lots in the vicinity had conformed to lot size requirements by purchasing more land, and there had been an opportunity for this landowner to do the same, though not enough to get to the required size. The owner chose not to acquire the additional land. Members of Council raised many questions. However, the key fact appeared to be that the lot in question is a “lot of record,” acquired as a building lot. And when such lots meet certain tests, they slip through the standards of the Official Plan.
The Committee of Adjustment was sufficiently uncomfortable with this instance that it rejected the proposal. The matter has been appealed to the Ontario Municipal Board and the Township’s Planner will appear as a “friendly witness” in support of the application.

BUDGET DISCUSSIONS: These are public and are to take place on January 22, February 6, and, if necessary, March 19, each one beginning at 9 a.m.

DISCUSSION OF 10-YEAR RECREATION MASTER PLAN: After Jim Morgenstern of dmA Planning and Management Services summarized the Master Plan prepared by his group, Council raised a number of points including the failure to get input from seasonal population of Tiny Township, the lack of public meetings and surveys, the omission of recreation amenities like the trails and waterfront parks, and the lack of response by half of the Parks and Rec Associations to questionnaires. In the short term, Council decided to authorize the hiring of a new Parks and Recreation Co-ordinator as this individual could help guide the next phase of thinking about recreation in the Township.
As many things remain unresolved about the proposed Plan, residents with an interest in organized recreation would do well to read and consider it. We note that the assessment of needs in various areas was based on permanent residential numbers only and that the recommendation that small parcels of municipally owned land (many of them building lot size, given by developers over the years in fulfillment of the park requirement) be sold to fund recreation requirements needs very careful consideration. We recall Councillor Ray Millar’s comment that such lots are a good investment and also the protest by residents in one subdivision about the sale of one such lot as they treasured it for passive enjoyment of natural beauty.

SILVERBIRCH DRIVE FENCE: Council authorized staff, in consultation with the Township Solicitor, to initiate the removal of a fence that had been erected on a Township road allowance.

Posted by Webmaster at 10:08 PM | Comments (0)

Council Reports

Reports on Tiny Township Council Meetings

December 13, 2010

December 13, 2010

November 29, 2010

November 29, 2010

November 08, 2010

November 8, 2010

October 12, 2010

October 12, 2010

September 27, 2010

September 27, 2010

September 13, 2010

September 13, 2010

August 30, 2010

August 30, 2010

August 09, 2010

August 9, 2010

July 26, 2010

July 26, 2010

July 12, 2010

July 12, 2010

June 28, 2010

June 28, 2010

June 14, 2010

June 14, 2010

May 31, 2010

May 31, 2010

May 10, 2010

May 10, 2010

April 26, 2010

April 12th and 26th, 2010

March 29, 2010

March 29, 2010

March 08, 2010

March 8, 2010

February 26, 2010

February 26, 2010

February 08, 2010

February 8, 2010

January 25, 2010

January 25, 2010

January 11, 2010

January 11, 2010

December 14, 2009

December 14, 2009

November 30, 2009

November 30, 2009

November 09, 2009

November 9, 2009

October 26, 2009

October 26, 2009

October 13, 2009

October 13, 2009

September 28, 2009

September 28, 2009

September 14, 2009

September 14, 2009

August 31, 2009

August 31, 2009

August 10, 2009

August 10, 2009

July 27, 2009

July 27, 2009

July 13, 2009

July 9 and July 13, 2009

June 29, 2009

June 29, 2009

June 08, 2009

June 8, 2009

May 25, 2009

May 25, 2009

May 11, 2009

May 11, 2009

April 27, 2009

April 27, 2009

April 14, 2009

April 14, 2009

March 30, 2009

March 30, 2009