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.
