Hilton Township Council Minutes
020
M I N U T E S
Regular Council Meeting
May 14, 2003 - 7:30 p.m.
Council met in the Meeting Room of the Municipal Building on the above date. Present were Reeve Rod Wood and Councillors Annette Fischer, David Leask and Jim See. Councillor Pat Garside was absent with notice. Lyn Garside, Road Superintendent, attended as well.
Moved by David Leask 2003-72
Seconded by Jim See
Resolved that we do accept the Agenda as amended.
Moved by Annette Fischer 2003-73
Seconded by Jim See
Resolved that we do approve the Minutes of the meeting of April 2, 2003, as presented.
Third and final reading was given to a by-law establishing minimum road standards for the construction of new roads in the Township.
Moved by Jim See 2003-74
Seconded by David Leask
Resolved that we do give third and final reading and pass By-Law No. 777-03 being a by-law to adopt minimum standards for the construction of roads within the Township of Hilton.
The results of the amalgamated tender were reviewed by Council.
Moved by Annette Fischer 2003-75
Seconded by David Leask
Resolved that we do accept our share of the amalgamated tender calls as follows:
Surface Treatment - Royel Paving Lindsay $16,775.46
Calcium - General Chemical 10,242.06
Blades - Champion Road Machinery 1,397.73
Paper & Office Supplies - Grand & Toy 282.18
Culverts - Armtec 1,994.10
A concerned resident attended the meeting to bring to Council’s attention the uncontrolled commercial fishing taking place in the Tenby Bay area. Mature fish are being netted prior to spawning which will seriously threaten this resource for the future. The result will be a negative impact on sport fishing for both residents and tourists. The suggestion was made that the Minister of Natural Resources be contacted and pressured to change the existing system. If licences were required, it would provide MNR officials with some authority to limit the quota of fish being taken. It was also suggested that the support of all Northern Ontario municipalities be solicited. Further research will be initiated prior to next month’s meeting and Council will once again address the issue.
Steve Elliott, President of the St. Joseph Island Hunters and Anglers Association, presented Council with the Association’s plans for the St. Joseph Island Conservation Centre. The project is ambitious and involves renovating an existing building to include an indoor archery range, workshops, classroom and a small meeting area with full service kitchen. The facilities will be available for use by youth groups such as cubs and scouts, etc. Plans for the outdoor area include a campground for youth groups as well as a man made pond to provide a fishing location for disabled children. The costs involved in realizing these goals will be extensive and the Association was asking for a letter of support from Council to be included in its application to the Trillium Foundation. Council was impressed with the project and eager to extend its support.
Moved by Jim See 2003-76
Seconded by David Leask
Resolved that the Council for the Township of Hilton supports the St. Joseph Island Hunters and Anglers Association Inc. in regard to their efforts in creating a Conservation Centre.
The Clerk presented Council with a sample letter to be sent to the municipality’s propane supplier protesting the amount of propane deposited in the tanks at a time when the costs had spiked to .92 cents per litre. One tank had been topped up at a cost of $2600 at a time when the contents would not be used to any extent given the warmer weather. Council instructed the Clerk to send the letter and obtain quotes from other suppliers should a favourable solution not be reached with the current provider.
Lyn Garside responded to a request from Council regarding water building up over the end of the M and N road allowance. Lyn advised that the water across the road results from a beaver dam on a resident’s property. Council suggested a letter be sent to the owners requesting they deal with the problem on their property. Discussion included the possibility of passing a by-law prohibiting areas of standing water given concerns surrounding the West Nile Virus.
An invitation was received from the Township of Macdonald, Meredith and Aberdeen Additional to their grand opening of the Echo Bay Fire Hall scheduled for Saturday, May 31, 2003 at 10:30 a.m. The building was constructed in co-operation with the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund, Ministry of Northern Development and Mines and the Township of Laird.
Fire Chief, Joe Books, advised that as the result of discussion with the Ministry of Natural Resources, it was confirmed that a municipality does have the authority to override the campground exemption for open fires during a designated fire ban. The Chief will work with the Clerk in preparing an appropriate by-law.
Correspondence was received from Chris Jones, Meridian Planning Consultants, advising he would be on the Island during the period May 20-22 to continue work on the new official plan. An individual meeting with each Clerk would be included as well as meetings with the Planning Board and any available Councils.
A review of the FONOM conference was received from Councillor David Leask. He was able to attend a number of seminars addressing such topics as the West Nile Virus; Municipal Emergency Planning; Assessment Services; Official Plan Preparation; Trillium Foundation Funding for Rural Communities. Councillor Leask considered the conference well worth the time and money and encouraged other council members to attend next year.
The Clerk presented Council with a copy of a letter sent in February 2003 reminding a local resident that the temporary authorization given last year to continue to operate a home occupation on their property was due to expire in June 2003. The Clerk advised Council that no response had been received to date.
A local representative of a firm offering security services had visited the office and spoke with the Clerk regarding any need the municipality may have for such services. Reeve Wood suggested the individual be invited to an upcoming meeting of Council to further discuss the issue.
A replacement inter-municipal agreement was received from the City of Sault Ste. Marie for the provision of Provincial Offences administration.
Moved by David Leask 2003-77
Seconded by Annette Fischer
Resolved that we do give first and second reading to By-Law No. 783-03 being a by-law to enter into an inter-municipal service agreement regarding the assumption on our behalf by the City of Sault Ste. Marie of Provincial Offences Act court and administrative duties.
Moved by Jim See 2003-78
Seconded by David Leask
Resolved that we do give third and final reading and pass By-Law No. 783-03 being a by-law to enter into an inter-municipal service agreement regarding the assumption on our behalf by the City of Sault Ste. Marie of Provincial Offences Act court and administrative duties.
Correspondence was received from the Crime Stoppers of Sault Ste. Marie and the District of Algoma requesting our financial assistance in the purchase of metal Crime Stopper road signs.
Moved by Jim See 2003-79
Seconded by Annette Fischer
Resolved that we do agree to support the Crime Stopper program with the purchase of five signs at a total cost of $50.00.
The Clerk advised Council of the response received from ADNet regarding our earlier query concerning the delivery of high speed internet to our area. Emile Malvalso, ADNet representative, confirmed that our municipality would not be subjected to any financial costs if the service is implemented. The total infrastructure costs will be split between government funding and the successful vendor. There is still some question as to whether rural areas will receive full service given the extraordinary costs involved.
Councillor Fischer left the meeting at this time.
Correspondence was received from C.A.S.S. requesting Council’s contribution to its 2003 graduation ceremony. Given the double cohort, Council agreed to double its normal donation.
Moved by Jim See 2003-80
Seconded by David Leask
Resolved that we do support the Central Algoma Secondary School with a donation of $100.00 to be awarded to a deserving Grade 12 and Grade 13 Graduate.
In recognition of the upcoming Grade School Graduation, the following resolution was also passed.
Moved by David Leask 2003-81
Seconded by Jim See
Resolved that we do donate $25.00 to the Grade Eight Graduation at St. Joseph Central School.
The proposed library budget was received from the Hilton Union Public Library. An approximate $600 increase over last year’s budget could be explained through an increase in heating costs.
Moved by David Leask 2003-82
Seconded by Jim See
Resolved that we do approve the Hilton Union Public Library Budget for the Year 2003 in the amount of $7,074.00.
Correspondence was received from Tarbutt and Tarbutt Additional Council advising their municipality will discontinue payments to the District Homes for the Aged until the issue of apportionment levels is resolved. They also called for area municipalities to be included in any meetings to address the concerns of Elliot Lake and Wawa.
Moved by David Leask 2003-83
Seconded by Jim See
Resolved that we do endorse the resolution passed by the Council of Tarbutt and Tarbutt Additional that all affected municipalities be invited to any meetings scheduled to address the funding and apportionment of payments to the District Homes for the Aged.
The recommendations included in Tele-Focus Consulting’s review of our communication system were reviewed by council members. The recommendations included transferring to the ‘Centrex Plan’ offered through Bell Canada which gives businesses a preferred rate upon signing a five year agreement. Council agreed providing the consultant made all the necessary contacts to put the plan in place.
Moved by David Leask 2003-84
Seconded by Jim See
Resolved that we do adopt the changes to our communication system as recommended by Tele-Focus Consulting.
Due to some unknown reason, our municipality was left off the mailing list for the grant applications for the Summer Experience Program offered through the Provincial Government. The Clerk requested the forms and was given permission to submit them following the prescribed due date. We have historically relied on this grant to cover a large portion of our summer swim program costs.
Moved by Jim See 2003-85
Seconded by David Leask
Resolved that we do apply for a grant under the Summer Experience Program to employ two students for a period of seven weeks each for the Twin Lakes swim program.
It is Hilton Township’s turn to host the Annual Joint Council Meeting for the Island, however, the question was raised as to whether the need was there this year to call all councillors together. The Clerk was asked to canvas the neighbouring municipalities to see if there were any specific issues they wanted to discuss.
A letter was received from a local resident in regard to the disposal of oil filters at the M & N landfill site. His concern involved the ramifications of the oil seeping into ground water. The concerns outlined in the letter were discussed with the Village of Hilton Beach prior to the meeting with Council. We were assured that if there was a large quantity of oil filters in one area, it was likely they were deposited by a local automotive dealer who first completely drains the oil prior to disposal.
The 2003 Ontario Family Fishing Weekend is scheduled for Friday, July 4 through Sunday, July 6, 2003. This is a licence-free fishing weekend declared by the Province of Ontario, in partnership with non-government organizations such as the Anglers and Hunters, MNR and Resorts Ontario.
Moved by David Leask 2003-86
Seconded by Jim See
Resolved that we do authorize the payment of Township bills for the month of April 2003 in the amount of $47,819.25 as per Voucher No. 04-03. The bills were made up of the following: Administration - $13,966.44; Algoma District Services Administration Board - $17,896.00; Assessment - $3,467.36; Building – $574.67; Fire - $2,002.73; Miscellaneous -$3,604.81; Parks - $1,000.00; Recreation - $116.78; Roads - $5,190.46.
Moved by Jim See 2003-87
Seconded by David Leask
Resolved that we do pass By-Law No. 784-03 being a by-law to confirm the proceedings of this meeting.
A preliminary budget meeting will be held May 27, 2003 and the budget will be further addressed at the regular meeting to be held June 4, 2003.
Moved by Jim See 2003-88
Seconded by David Leask
Resolved that we do adjourn, Council to meet again at the Hilton Township Municipal Office on Wednesday, June 4, 2003 or at the call of the Reeve.
_____________________________
Rodney I. Wood, Reeve
_____________________________
Valerie Obarymskyj, Clerk Treasurer
************************************************************************************
St. Joseph Island Building
and By-Law Department Call: 246-1551
Randy Gardner – Building Inspector/By-Law Enforcement Officer
************************************************************************************
Fire: FIRE NUMBER = 9 - 1 – 1
It is now necessary to obtain an actual Fire Permit at the Municipal Office for Small Brush Burning and Incinerator Burning during the months of April to October.
Dump Hours: SUMMER HOURS: May 7 – November 9/03
Wednesday/Saturday/Sunday from noon till 7:00 p.m.
Recreation: Upcoming Events:
Saturday, June 21 from 1:00 – 3:00 pm at the Hilton Township Municipal Office: Registration for Swim Program – Session 1 starts June 30 and Session 2 starts July 28.
Saturday, June 28 – Yard Sale: Swim Program Fundraiser! To donate items to the yard sale, please bring them to the office on Friday, June 27th during regular office hours or from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm. Give Penny Wood a call (246-1810) if you need to arrange for items to be picked up.