REPORT ON COUNCIL:
April 28, 2014
Committee of the Whole Meeting: 9:00 am – 12:28pm
Confidential Closed Session: N/A
Regular Meeting: 7:00 pm- 7:35pm
Mayor Millar, Deputy Mayor Lawrence, Councilors Warren, Wishart, Claire
Pine Forest Beach Ratepayers Association
The Committee reviewed a presentation from the Pine Forest Ratepayers Association regarding the installation of No Parking signs on Pine Forest Drive, Prince Edward Parkway and Cody Dr. Given that there is a Parking Strategy Study underway it was recommended that the request be deferred until the study is completed. In the interim Council approved the installation of 15 minute parking signs by the mail boxes to accommodate 3 parking spots.
Financial Report as of March 31, 2014
The April 28 financial report noted that the Roads budget is almost exhausted because of the extra snow ploughing and removal in the winter months. It is difficult to predict the winter weather so it was suggested that a winter reserve account be implemented to deal with snow operations that may exceed budgeted amounts in the future. A discussion ensued regarding the proposed OPP billing model. Council directed staff to place a special insert in the tax bill indicating policing costs as a percentage of the municipal tax bill and the total municipal budget.
Draft Bylaw to Protect, Prohibit, Regulate and Control Cawaja Beach
Council reviewed the bylaw to protect, prohibit, regulate and control Cawaja Beach. The draft bylaw reflects the memorandum of understanding between the Township and the Cawaja Property Owners Association previously adopted by Council. Staff brought forward a draft resolution to consider the bylaw for formal approval.
County Council Update
Deputy Mayor Lawrence mentioned that Simcoe County is considering a tag system to improve the efficiency of garbage collection. The tag would indicate that garbage needs to be picked up and non tagged bins would not be checked. Mayor Millar added that this system will be considered upon contract renewal and at the moment is a work in progress.
Zoning Bylaw Amendment/ Medical Marijuana Production Facilities
The Committee considered a Planning and Development report from Shawn Persaud regarding a proposed zoning amendment for medical marijuana production facilities. The report provided additional information regarding the new regulations from Health Canada. It was suggested that staff not proceed with the proposed zoning bylaw permitting medical marihuana growing facilities as an agricultural specialized use and that staff prepare a report outlining the rationale for medical marihuana production facilities as an agricultural use versus an industrial use. Council directed staff to prepare a report outlining the rationale for medical marijuana production facilities as an agricultural use versus an industrial use.
Proposed Telecommunications Tower
The Committee reviewed the Planning and Development report from Shawn Persaud regarding a proposed telecommunications tower on Block 5 Concession 10 West.
The municipality is in receipt of a request from Fontur International Ltd on behalf of Bell Mobility for the proposed installation of a telecommunications tower on township land. The proposed towers are intended to supply cell phone and wireless broadband signals to those areas that remain underserviced in the township.
Staff brought forward a draft resolution at the regular meeting to permit the application to complete the required notification as per Industry Canada guidelines for the proposed installation of a telecommunications tower on the municipal property outlined above and directed staff to report back to Council once the notification process is complete.
Concession 2 East Bridge Reconstruction
Council considered the Public Works report regarding the Concession 2 East bridge rehabilitation. The report outlined the costs of three options including the removal of the existing bridge, partial rehabilitation and full rehabilitation. Councilor Clair, representative on the Heritage Advisory Committee provided the Committee with the history of the Tiny Trail bridges restoration and renovation, noting that the removal of the bridge would equal the removal of an important heritage artifact and the alteration of the Trans Canada Trail in Tiny. Any funding applications for rehabilitation would be helped by design drawings. The cost of the design drawings is included in the 2014 budget. Council voted to authorize J. Burnside and Associates to proceed with the design drawings as per Option 3 of the Public Works report. Mayor Millar voted against spending the money. Removing the bridge would make it easier to join the trail and $1 million has already been spent on the restoration of the trestle bridge.
Purchase of Two Emergency Response Vehicles
The Committee considered Emergency Services report regarding the purchase of 2 emergency response vehicles and a request to waive the procurement bylaw to single source the purchases.
The report outlined that a number of the fire vehicle manufacturers are offering very favorable pricing on new in stock pumpers with full warranty coverage. The vehicle will be available for inspection at the Ontario Association of Fire Chiefs annual education conference and trade show in Toronto in May. Savings of $20,000 to $30,000. could be realized by buying in stock vehicles versus custom built. Staff brought forward a draft resolution at the regular meeting to authorize the single source purchase of two emergency response vehicles. The Fire Chief was authorized to purchase two pumpers.
Confidential Closed Session
Mayor Millar questioned whether it was necessary to hold a closed session to discuss a confidential public works report regarding Deanlea Beach. The original correspondence from Mr. Drozd was discussed in open session at the October 13, 2013 Committee of the Whole Meeting. The Committee agreed that it could be discussed in open session. Staff brought forward a draft resolution at the regular meeting to implement the staff recommendations as outlined in Public Works Report PWR -11-14.
