Report on Council:
October 9, 2012
Committee of the Whole Meeting: 9:00 am – 12:40 pm and 1:09 – 2:08 pm
Confidential Closed Session 10:03 am – 11:47 am
Regular Meeting: 7:00 pm – 7:40 pm
Mayor Millar, Deputy Mayor Lawrence, Councillors Claire, Warren and Wishart
Ownership of Beach Area, Plan 776, Ossossane Beach
On the behalf of a group of property owners at Ossossane Beach, Mr. Fred Hacker provided a legal opinion prepared by the law firm Aird & Berlis LLP regarding the ownership of the part of the lands shown as “Beach” on Plan 776.
Following this presentation, the matter of ownership was further discussed in a closed session with Jill Dougherty of WeirFoulds. Council directed that the report from Ms. Dougherty be received, and that staff are directed to proceed as per the recommendations contained in her report.
Offer to Purchase 8330 Highway 93, Wyebridge
Subsequent to a Confidential Clerk’s Report CR-034-12 dated October 9, 2012, from Douglas Luker, C.A.O., Council voted to make an Offer to Purchase the north Section of the property at 8330 Highway 93 in Wyebridge, in the amount of the appraised value as outlined in an Opinion of Value by Swan Appraisals Inc.
Septage Environmental Assessment Update
Anne Egan and Don McNalty of R. J. Burnside & Associates Ltd provided an update on the Septage Management Class EA Study. They advised Council that Phases 1 & 2 of the Class EA study are complete and provided recommendations on the next steps of the process. Council voted that a “Notice of Study Status” be advertised indicating that Phases 1 and 2 of the study are complete. Comments will be received for a period of thirty (30) days. The Township will be proceeding with Phases 3 and 4 of the Class EA process and members of the Project Advisory Committee for Phase 3 will be considered.
Library Funding Agreement
Council voted to extend the 2012 Library Funding Agreement with Midland, Penetanguishene and Springwater libraries for a period of three (3) years.
Asset Management Planning-Grant Opportunity
Doug Taylor, Manager of Administrative Services/Treasurer, reported that an Asset Management Plan as described in the brochure “Building Together: Guide for Municipal Asset Management” from the Ontario Ministry of Infrastructure can be supported by grant monies. Council directed staff to submit a formal Expression of Interest application by October 22, 2012.
Report on Meeting with Minister of Environment on Water Levels
Deputy Mayor Lawrence provided an update on the meeting with the Minister of the Environment, the Honourable Peter Kent, which took place in Ottawa on October 2, 2012. Other attendees included Simcoe County Warden Cal Patterson, Mayor Sandra Cooper, Councillor Scott Warnock, Dr. Kellie Leitch, MP Simcoe Grey and Bruce Stanton, MP, North Simcoe. He reported that each member was given the opportunity to present their concerns, at which time Deputy Mayor Lawrence provided photos of the dead fish and birds along our shoreline and our concerns with respect to the low water levels in Georgian Bay and Lake Huron.
Huronia Economic Alliance Update
Councillor Warren requested an update on the Huronia Economic Alliance (HEA). Mayor Millar reported that the only significant role the Township plays in the HEA is the Agriculture Summit which is scheduled for January 2013. He also noted that the HEA is generally driven by the Towns of Midland and Penetanguishene. He also reported that the County of Simcoe is working on economic development in cooperation with the HEA. He concluded by advising that the HEA, in partnership with the County of Simcoe, is launching a new area Economic Development website that will include a Huronia specific business directory.
Rezoning and Redevelopment of Motel, Centre Beach Rd. Thunder Beach
Council discussed the report from Shawn Persaud, Manager of Planning & Development, regarding an application to rezone properties comprising the motel and other adjacent parcels from the Shoreline Commercial (SC) Zone to the Shoreline Residential (SR) Zone and under Zoning By-law 30-77, as amended, from the Tourist Commercial (Cl) Zone to the Residential Conversion (RC) Zone with seven lots.
A public meeting was held on September 24th, 2012 at which Peter Stubbins expressed concerns regarding the number of lots and felt that three larger lots would be more in compliance with the Official Plan and Zoning By-law. Derick Orr expressed concerns about the erosion of the stream. Marc Mullie, owner of the property, stated that the proposed development would not have an impact on the environment as the new septic systems will be located in front of the buildings and further from the creek.
Council considered and passed By-law 12-093 to enable the proposed redevelopment to occur.
Historical and Heritage Advisory Committee Resolutions
As the Council representative on the Historical and Heritage Advisory Committee, Councillor Claire presented Motions H41/12 and H42/12, passed on September 20, 2012.
Council agreed to proceed with “Step 3 – Serving Notice of Intention to Designate” in accordance with Section 29 of the Ontario Heritage Act with respect to St. Patrick`s Church in Perkinsfield.
Council did not agree with a proposal by Father John Asadoorian to transfer ownership of the Champlain Cross/Monument on Peek-A-Boo Trail to the Township.
Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiative
Councillor Warren expressed concerns with respect to an email from the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiative regarding an upcoming teleconference to renegotiate the Canada-Ontario Agreement (COA) on the Great Lakes Basin Ecosystem. This Agreement deals with financing and shaping Great Lakes programs in Canada. The teleconference is scheduled to take place on Thursday, October 18, 2012. His main concern is whether or not Councillor Wishart, being the Council representative, should engage in the teleconference and if the topics for discussion have any relevance with this area. Councillor Wishart advised that he would investigate the topics of discussion and decide afterwards if he will take part in the teleconference.
