REPORT ON COUNCIL
September 29, 2008
Committee of the Whole Meeting: 9:05 a.m. – 6:26 p.m.
Public Meeting and Regular Evening Meeting: 7:00 p.m. – 7:43 p.m.
All Members of Council present.
CONFIDENTIAL/CLOSED SESSION: 10:34 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. and 3:48 p.m. – 6:26 p.m.
OFFICIAL PLAN REVIEW BEGINS: Kris Menzies and a colleague made a brief presentation to Council about the Official Plan Review that is to be undertaken by their firm, MHBC Planning. They foresee no fundamental change of direction. What they are to do is “review” not “rewrite”. Over the next month or so they will consider all the mandated changes that must be made to bring the OP into conformity with Provincial and County policies. Mayor Breckenridge asked specifically about size for waterfront lots of record, and whether the allowable size for shoreline properties should be brought into conformity with the larger standard in nearby municipalities.
ONTARIO RURAL CONNECTIONS BROADBAND PROGRAM UPDATE: On September 18, 2008, the County of Simcoe submitted an application for funding to the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) Rural Connections Program. The County of Simcoe would be responsible for securing and administering two thirds of the program funding from vendors and other stakeholders. The other third would be provided by the OMAFRA grant. The expansion area would be along the western shore from Balm Beach, north and then east to and including Thunder Beach. Mayor Peggy Breckenridge protested that the area should be expanded to include the Northwest Basin.
MONTHLY PROGRESS REPORT REINSTATED: Individual Members of Council asked about the status of particular projects and reports, and then asked that the monthly progress report be reinstated.
BUDGET MEETINGS SCHEDULED: Meetings for the discussion of the 2009 draft budget have been scheduled for December 2, 2008 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and for January 19 and February 16, 2009.
MODEST ACTION REGARDING SEPTAGE: Deputy Mayor George Lawrence expressed an interest in attending the upcoming Ontario Association of Sewage Industry Services (OASIS) Rural Waste Water Treatment Expo and Conference on October 23 -25, 2008 in Orillia. This association deals directly with the Ministry of the Environment and the Ministry of Municipal Affairs. Municipalities must soon comply with new Provincial guidelines for disposal of septage. Mayor Breckenridge agreed that this would be a useful conference since Tiny does not have a sewage treatment facility and must find alternative methods of dealing with septage. Deputy Mayor Lawrence, Councillor Warren, Henk Blom, Manager of Public Works, and Dawn Lacroix, Engineering Technologist will attend the conference.
BEACH WATER QUALITY REPORT — AGAIN: The first draft of this SSEA Report was commented on in the Council Report for March 31, 2008.
In the months since March, the Severn Sound Environmental Association added three recommendations and fleshed out its original five. The new recommendations are:
The drain represented by Station BW1 (i.e. the drain at the north end of Deanlea or the south end of the Bluewater Park) should be further investigated for sources of pollution and followed up with corrective action as necessary.
Measures to reduce soil erosion and stream bank erosion through maintenance and establishment of natural vegetation buffers should be pursued for watersheds such as Lafontaine Creek….
The Township should be aware of and comment on any proposals to modify the mouth of the Nottawasaga River in order to protect beaches in the southern coast of the Township from further regional adverse effects of the River discharge.
Council has not yet discussed the eight recommendations.
CONCESSION 19W WELL/CHARLEBOIS COURT: Councillor Warren requested an update on the test well at Charlebois Court. Henk Blom, Manager of Public Works, explained that a test “hole” was dug to determine the type of soil and whether or not it would produce water. No water is being pumped, so there is no impact on surrounding wells. The Ministry of the Environment would require the Township to monitor the test well to prove that there is no negative impact on nearby wells.
TOWNSHIP WEBSITE REDESIGN: The Mayor informed Council that the County of Simcoe is asking for Website redesign feedback by October 17th. The Township’s Website is hosted by the County of Simcoe and they have requested a wish list from the municipalities for enhancements and added features for their websites. The Mayor stated that the Township was open to public input.
