Hilton Township Council Minutes

008


M I N U T E S

June 5, 2002 - 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 Jim See 2002-59

Seconded by David Leask

Resolved that we do accept the Agenda as presented.

Moved by Annette Fischer 2002-60

Seconded by David Leask

Resolved that we do approve the Minutes of the meetings of April 17th, April 24th and May 1st, 2002, as presented.

A number of individuals were in attendance to address the draft by-law presented at last month’s regular meeting which dealt with changes to the issuing of entrance permits. As Reg Fleming had requested to be included on the Agenda, Reeve Wood asked Mr. Fleming if he would be speaking on behalf of the group present. Mr. Fleming confirmed that the group wished to be represented by Mr. J.P. Paciocco, a solicitor present at the meeting. Reeve Wood confirmed that Mr. Paciocco had been retained by one of the individuals present to act on the group’s behalf, although his intent at this meeting was merely to address Council on the draft by-law. Reeve Wood advised that the open meeting would be closed given the legal aspects involved and while Mr. Paciocco could take part in the closed meeting, he asked the remaining individuals to leave. An objection was noted by Mr. Paciocco.

Moved by Jim See 2002-61

Seconded by David Leask

Resolved that we do enter Closed Meeting at 7:35 p.m. for the purpose of discussing legal matters.

Moved by Annette Fischer 2002-62

Seconded by Jim See

Resolved that we do return to Open Meeting at 7:50 p.m.

A revised by-law addressing entrance permits will be presented to Council at its next regular meeting to be held on July 10th, 2002. A copy of that by-law will be provided to Mr. Paciocco prior to the meeting date.

Lyn Garside, Road Superintendent, advised Council of a breakdown with the grader that could involve significant dollars to remedy. The municipality’s grader is a 1979 Champion 740 model that through a good maintenance schedule coupled with notable repairs, has remained operating well beyond its expected life. Council was advised that in good working condition, the grader could be sold for approximately $17,000. The cost of work required to fix the immediate problem ranged from a minimum of $9,200 to a maximum of $18,000. The question of carrying out the repairs or trading in the model for a newer one was discussed. Some council members felt that rather than pursue the purchase of a newer grader, which could run $75,000 - $90,000, we should just do enough in the way of repairs that would make the grader operational, and take our chances on how long it would last. Another option included asking a neighbouring municipality if they would be interested in selling their grader.

The purchase of a number of road signs was agreed upon. The signs would warn drivers of skidoo crossings as well as advise drivers of certain roads that were considered private property and not intended for use by vehicular traffic without the consent of the municipality.

The Northern Communities Capital Assistance Grant was once again reviewed. The work to be done had been planned for completion over a two-year period. This year’s amalgamated tender quote for surface treatment was so low, however, that completing all the surface treatment work this year was strongly advised. The Road Superintendent received approval to hire extra labourers to get all the jobs done this summer.

A request was received from the St. Joseph Island Hunters and Anglers Association to install a box at Twin Lakes Park. The box is to provide a place for those people fishing there to comment on their fishing results. Council had no objection.

Lyn Garside suggested to Council that he had found yet another job ideal for the newly purchased excavator. Every year, Bob and Gayle Tisdall, adjacent owners to Twin Lakes Park, have graciously allowed a section of their property to be used for additional parking for park users. Lyn advised that he could use the excavator on the municipally owned parkland to create a parking lot leading to the pavilion area. There is the potential for creating as many as eighteen parking spots. While the Tisdall’s generosity has always been appreciated, it was thought this would alleviate any concerns there has been of possible injury incurring to someone on their private property while using the public park site. Council thought it was a great idea but agreed it could not be considered a priority, given the intense construction projects already scheduled for this year.

The Road Superintendent confirmed that the individual who had been requested at last month’s council meeting to remove the culvert from the X Line had done so.

A letter was received from the owner of Part of Lot 11, Concession W, requesting an extension for building a residence on that property to meet the requirements for the operation of a home occupation.

Moved by Jim See 2002-63

Seconded by Annette Fischer

Resolved that we do allow the owner of Part of Lot 11, Concession W, to continue to operate a home occupation at that location for a period not exceeding one year from this date, as per Section 2.15 of the zoning by-law. This authorization is based on the understanding that a residence will be built on the subject land within the one-year extension period.

A proposed budget was distributed to council for their review. A date of Wednesday, June 19th was set for a budget meeting. The Clerk advised that one of the main expenditures that had still to be confirmed was the Algoma District Services Administration Board’s (ADSAB) levy. While the ADSAB’s budget had been finalized, the participating municipalities’ apportionment has yet to be established. This could pose a significant difference in the estimated expenditure.

The appointment of the municipality’s officers, servants, boards and commissions was adopted through by-law.

Moved by Jim See 2002-64

Seconded by Annette Fischer

Resolved that we do give first and second reading to By-Law No. 755 being a by-law to appoint officers, servants, boards and commissions for the year 2002.

Moved by David Leask 2002-65

Seconded by Jim See

Resolved that we do give third and final reading and pass By-Law No. 755 being a by-law to appoint officers, servants, boards and commissions for the year 2002.

Moved by Jim See 2002-66

Seconded by Annette Fischer

Resolved that we do apply for a grant under the Summer Experience 2002 program to employ two students for a period of seven weeks each for the Twin Lakes swim program.

Correspondence was received regarding the recycling site at the corner of Highway 548 and Highway 17 (Highway 17E Trading Post). It was noted that despite the steadily increasing use the site receives, it has remained in a relatively clean and tidy state. The summer is expected to result in an even greater use of the bins and it has been recommended an extra two bins be added for the summer months, and longer, if the need remains.

Moved by David Leask 2002-67

Seconded by Annette Fischer

Resolved that we do agree that the necessary two additional bins be placed at our recycling site.

Notice of a public meeting to be held Monday, June 17th at the Hilton Township Municipal Office respecting a proposed plan of subdivision was received from the St. Joseph Island Planning Board. The proposed subdivision is for the Tenby Bay area and Council was asked to provide its comments on the development. Council’s concerns centered on the road construction and provision of turnarounds as well as drainage and power easements. It was noted that the developer would enter into a subdivision agreement with the municipality to ensure all requirements would be met. Council was undecided on which lot to identify as its parkland entitlement and councillors agreed to visit the site to determine the lot best suited to its needs.

Each year, Jocelyn Township Recreation Committee puts together an entertaining fireworks display for everyone’s enjoyment. Council passed the following resolution in support of their efforts.

Moved by David Leask 2002-68

Seconded by Annette Fischer

Resolved that we do authorize a donation of $250.00 be made to the Jocelyn Township Recreation Committee’s fireworks display.

In recognition of the efforts put forth by area students, the following resolutions were passed.

Moved by Jim See 2002-69

Seconded by David Leask

Resolved that we do contribute $50.00 to the Central Algoma Secondary School 2002 Graduation ceremony.

Moved by Annette Fischer 2002-70

Seconded by Jim See

Resolved that we do agree to contribute to the St. Joseph Island Central School Grade Eight Graduation ceremonies in the form of a $25 donation for an academic or general proficiency award.

A report was received from the OPP detailing the crimes committed in our municipality for the first quarter of 2002 and the subsequent hours of police work involved.

A request was received from the Corporation of the Town of Thessalon for our municipality to contribute to the costs of a presentation to be used for the Physicians Tour 2002. The Central Algoma Rural Physicians are planning on representing area communities on the Tour, which will hold meetings in London, Hamilton, Toronto, Kingston and Ottawa. The purpose of the Tour is to keep our communities known to graduating physicians and encourage their recruitment to our area.

Moved by Jim See 2002-71

Seconded by Annette Fischer

Resolved that we do agree to contribute toward the associated costs of the Physicians Tour 2002 in the amount of $200.00.

A request was received from the Corporation of the Town of Thessalon for a contribution toward the cost of hosting the Association of Municipal Managers, Clerks and Treasurers of Ontario Zone 7 fall workshop in October 2002. Significant dollars will be saved by not having to travel any great distance to attend the workshop.

Moved by David Leask 2002-72

Seconded by Jim See

Resolved that we do agree to contribute $100.00 toward the associated costs of the AMCTO Zone 7 Workshop to be hosted by the Town of Thessalon in October, 2002.

Correspondence was received from the St. Joseph Island Economic Development Committee (SJIEDC) detailing their plans for an island-wide "Open House" for Saturday, June 29th, 2002. They are encouraging all municipalities, businesses and organizations to promote themselves with extra efforts that day. Island properties will be promoted by the Real Estate Board’s special island edition of their weekly sales bulletins. Three manned information tents will be set up at Kent’s Corners, Richards Landing and Hilton Beach. Council congratulated the SJIEDC on an excellent concept.

Moved by Jim See 2002-73

Seconded by David Leask

Resolved that we do approve the payment of Township bills for the month of May, 2002 in the amount of $64,181.81 as per Voucher No. 05-02. The bills were made up of the following: Algoma District Social Services - $34,656.94; Administration - $4,891.23; Assessment - $3,418.91; Building - $880.66; Fire - $307.65; Library - $6,740.00; Miscellaneous - $2,994.30; Museum - $1,986.90; Planning Board - $3,938.00; Recreation - $50.00; Roads - $4,317.22.

Moved by Jim See 2002-74

Seconded by Annette Fischer

Resolved that we do adjourn, Council to meet again on July 10th, 2002, or at the call of the Reeve.

_______________________________ 

Rodney I. Wood, Reeve

__________________________________

 Valerie Obarymskyj, Clerk Treasurer

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