(you can read the entire report by clicking on the title above)
Le Villageois Presentation; Official Plan/Growth Plan Update; Library Funding Update; Septage Management – EA Study; County Council Update; Retirement – Roger Robitaille
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.
