February 14, 2011
February 14, 2011
REPORT ON COUNCIL
February 14, 2011
Committee of the Whole Meeting: 9:00 am – 12:38 pm; 1:02 pm – 4:45 pm
Planning Public Meetings: 7:00 pm – 7:08 pm
Regular Council Meeting: 7:08 pm – 7:49 pm
All members of Council present.
CONFIDENTIAL / CLOSED SESSION: 11:35 am – 12:38 pm
ONTARIO HERITAGE PRESENTATION: The morning meeting started off with a presentation of an Ontario Heritage Trust Community Recognition Certificate to Martin Lalonde for the great deal of time and energy he has devoted to preserving and celebrating the French heritage culture in this area.
REPAIRS TO BRIDGE P5: Council authorized the Georgian Bay Snowriders Club to proceed with repairs to bridge P5 on the Tiny Trail, but at their own risk and cost (some of which was to be covered by a provincial grant).
REMOVAL OF RESERVE, DEAD END LANE: Council directed staff to implement the removal of the 0.3 m reserve at the end of Dead End Lane.
LAFONTAINE BEACH PARK MASTER PLAN: Council listened to a presentation by consultants of options for the Lafontaine Beach Park Master Plan, with the favoured option being to reduce the size of two of the groynes. They expressed considerable concern over the potential cost ($92,000 is estimated just for studies leading to the feasibility and permitting of this action) and raised doubts about whether there would be significant beneficial effects from doing so while the water levels remain so low.
NITRATE ISSUE IN WATER SYSTEMS AT GEORGIAN SANDS AND LAFONTAINE: Council heard a presentation from consultants on the Class EA re the water supplies at Georgian Sands and Lafontaine, which are required to meet guidelines for nitrate content in the near future. Councillor Warren expressed exasperation that the presentation did not clearly address the source of the nitrate pollution and propose means to reduce the source inputs of the pollutant.
ROAD ALLOWANCE CLOSURE: The closure of the road allowance between Conc. 20W and 21W (abutting lots 20 and 21) was requested by Blairhampton Developments. Council authorized staff to proceed with the relevant bylaw, with Blairhampton bearing all costs.
SIMCOE COUNTY RE 4-WAY STOP AND CLEAR GARBAGE BAGS: Deputy Mayor Lawrence noted that there will soon be a report to Council from Simcoe County regarding the initiation of a 4-way stop at the intersection of County Road 6 and Concession 5 in Wyevale. He also reported on an initiative to permit clear bags to be used for recycling, in addition to the traditional blue boxes.
Posted by Webmaster at 10:10 PM
January 31, 2011
January 31, 2011
REPORT ON COUNCIL
Jan. 31, 2011
Committee of the Whole Meeting: 9:00 am to 12:10 pm and 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm
Closed session – 2:50 pm to 4.59:pm
Planning Public Meetings: 7:00 pm to 7:29 pm
Regular Evening Meeting: 7:30 pm to 7:51 pm
Mayor Millar, Deputy Mayor Lawrence and Councilors Claire, Warren and Wishart present
PLANNING PUBLIC MEETINGS
There were four public meetings held under the Planning Act prior to the regular meeting. The first three dealt with relatively minor changes to the Blairhampton properties north of Conc, 20. No persons spoke to them and no objections had been registered. Each took about five minutes.
A further issue in this area arose in the morning at the Committee of the Whole when the developer proposed the closing and stopping up and the transfer of the unopened road allowance Conc. 21W road allowance. The developer is proposing to compensate the Municipality in instalments for the transfer of the unopened road allowance in order to proceed with a draft plan of subdivision, with the final payment to be made once the land is registered on title. This matter will be further discussed at the February 14, 2011 Committee of the Whole meeting.
The fourth meeting addressed a planned extension of the Copeland Woods development, involving the creation of 19 new residential lots of 1 acre each. The current zoning as “Future Development” would have to be changed to “Estate Residential – Exception”. Access would be by a dead-end extension of Overhead Bridge Road, and the subdivision would abut the boundary of Penetanguishene. Aside from the proponent, three nearby residents spoke, expressing concerns about traffic, trees and wildlife. These and other written submissions will be considered in the further approval process.
PRESENTATIONS
The Council heard an overview of how the Mental Health Centre Penetanguishene (MHCP) will be re-developed and what it will offer in community mental health care, such as the number of beds, treatment services for support and recovery, the proposed MHCP Campus and its scope.
They also heard from the consultants working on the Trails and Active Transportation Master Plan, reporting on public consultation and the public survey responses. He outlined details such as the proposed future of Tiny Trail, on-road cycling, ATV and snowmobile usage.
MAYORS’ ECONOMIC ACTION INITIATIVE
The Mayor has been attending meetings with the Mayors of Midland, Penetanguishene and. In order to move the EAI forward, endorsement of the concept in principle by the four municipalities is required, and such a resolution was passed.
PARKING AT JACKSON AND WOODLAND BEACH PARK
There is a staff proposal to make all parking spaces at these parks available on a first come basis with Resident Permit holders being allowed to park in any available parking space without paying for parking at the parking machines. Staff was instructed to develop a comprehensive consultation process to obtain public input.
CHAMPLAIN COMMEMORATIONS
Bonita Desroches, Community Recreation Coordinator, provided a verbal update on the Champlain Commemorations in 2015. Area municipalities and others are involved in the celebration efforts and a Steering Committee includes four sub-committees in charge of fundraising, events, infrastructure and archeological/historical research. She also mentioned some of the economic benefits for the area arising from the Champlain Commemoration events.
COUNTY COUNCIL UPDATE
Mayor Millar reported that the County of Simcoe has approved its 2011 Budget, involving a 1.5% increase. He noted that he voted against the motion to approve the budget and that a motion to defer the budget approval until March to review additional savings was defeated.
APPOINTMENTS TO PROJECT ADVISORY COMMITTEE SEPTAGE MANAGEMENT CLASS EA STUDY
Various appointments are needed to the Project Advisory Committee for the Septage Management Environmental Assessment Study and the adoption of the Terms of Reference for the committee. The Terms of Reference, were adopted and as Council representatives Councillor Warren was appointed as Chair, with Councillor Wishart, as alternate Chair. In addition, staff was directed to advertise for interested parties to serve as Citizen Members on the Project Advisory Committee.
HISTORICAL & HERITAGE COMMITTEE/DOORS OPEN HURONIA
Councillor Claire reported that the Historical & Heritage Committee recommends that the Copeland Hill Cemetery be a featured site in the 2011 Doors Open Huronia. Staff was instructed to complete the "Doors Open Huronia 2011 Participation Form".
The Historical & Heritage Committee also recommends that the Copeland Hill Cemetery be designated as an historical site. Council resolved to proceed with the necessary Serving Notice of Intention to Designate" in accordance with Section 29 of the Ontario Heritage Act.
LAFONTAINE PAVILION UPDATE
Councillor Warren requested an update on the development of the pavilion in Lafontaine. Henk Blom, Manager of Public Works, reported that the structure is now complete. The Lafontaine Parks and Recreation Association is responsible for raising funds for items such as the mechanical works, the septic system and washrooms.
COUNTY EASEMENT NEAR THE NORTH SIMCOE TRANSFER STATION
Councillor Warren referred to a notice in local newspapers by the County of Simcoe in respect to a Notice of Application to Expropriate Easement over lands described as Part Lots 113, Concession 2 WPR (Pts 3 and 5, Reference Plan 51R-1305). Many residents are worried that this could be near the former Site 41 in Conc. 2. He raised the point for the benefit of the public that the subject property is not near the former Site 41 but is adjacent to the North Simcoe Transfer Station in Conc. 2, Old Survey.
Posted by Webmaster at 10:19 PM
January 10, 2011
January 10, 2011
REPORT ON COUNCIL
Jan. 10, 2011
Committee of the Whole Meeting: 9:02 am to 10:25 am, 11:27 am to 12:40 pm and 1:08 p.m. to 4:55 pm
Closed sessions – 10:25 to 11:27 am and 3:50 pm to 4:54 pm
Regular Evening Meeting: 7:30 pm – 7:34 pm
Mayor Millar, Deputy Mayor Lawrence and Councillors Claire, Warren and Wishart present
LE VILLAGEOIS PRESENTATIONv
Officers of the corporation appeared to provide several updates. They advised that all taxes are now up to date with the exception of the overdue loan of $15,000. They are working with township staff on a repayment schedule. It should be noted that MPAC has not yet assessed the buildings and tax liability from 2009 will ensue when that assessment is received. Concurrently they are attempting to complete a plan which would substitute securities for the required letters of credit as that facility is very expensive. Township staff will review that proposal with legal counsel to ascertain their comfort level as it is clear that the township must be kept in a secure position, equal to today.
They also requested a letter of support be sent to the Ontario government in support of their application to be accredited with a Supportive Housing designation. This designation allows residents and potential residents to apply for a subsidy to help them pay to live in the assisted facility at Le Villageois. Council agreed to send such a letter.
OFFICIAL PLAN / GROWTH PLAN UPDATE
The addition of the Ontario Places to Grow program has delayed the official plans for both the County and the Township for more than a year now. An Amendment (No.1) is now under discussion to the Places to Grow plan and that has to be completed before the County’s plan can be approved by the Province. Following that, the Township plan can be completed and approved by the county. Submissions re Amendment 1 must be in by January 31st but there is no clear timetable after that for the next steps as described above.
There will be many changes to the official plan as a result of the Places to Grow program and details are available on the township web site under Agenda – COW 2011 – Jan10, 2011 – Reports of Consultants or Third Parties.
Please note that this is an excellent presentation but it is 86 pages long.
LIBRARY FUNDING UPDATE
The librarians from Midland, Penetanguishene and Springwater presented their views re council’s decision not to allow any increase in funding. They are not comfortable with the decision and pointed out that their submission was made in August 2010 as the contract ended in Oct. 2010. Hence they were uncomfortable that this item had not been dealt with until now as they have already started to renew memberships. There was no explanation as to the delay.
After discussion, council agreed to reconsider their position and to bring this matter into the imminent budget discussions. In the interim, staff was instructed to discuss rates with the libraries to ascertain if there is any flexibility.
SEPTAGE MANAGEMENT – EA STUDY
R.J. Burnside and Associates presented their plan for public consultation in the first phases of the Tiny Septage Class Environmental Assessment. They hope that plans and alternatives can be completed in 2011, after which the next 3 phases may take another 1 to 2 years depending on the depth which the province requires. Again there is a good detailed presentation in the Jan 11, 2011 COW on the website.
COUNTY COUNCIL UPDATE
Deputy Mayor Lawrence reported that pre-budget discussions for all committees will take place at the next County Council. He noted that the County has included the sale of the former Site 41 property in its budget. He also stated the terminology used for the sale of the property was somewhat confusing and that he would be asking for clarification on the subject.
RETIREMENT – ROGER ROBITAILLE
Roger will retire on May 31st after 40 years of service to the township. His knowledge and customer service will be missed. He has provided exemplary support to the residents, staff and councils during that time.
Posted by Webmaster at 10:23 PM