Beach Water Quality Samples; Septage Environmental Assessment Process; 2011 Council Meeting Schedule; Library Funding Agreement; Building Permit Statistics; Paid Parking Plan Balm Beach; Le Villageois Loan
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.
