Ms. Marilyn Billings was in attendance to request that Council consider enacting a by-law prohibiting smoking in all public places and workplaces in this community. Council will consider this matter early in the new year.

Marina Manager Bill Wells was in attendance to present his annual report on municipal marina operations. Increases in both sales and profits over the previous year were noted.

Mr. Ralph Nelson was in attendance to discuss a beaver problem on the section on the K Line Road lying east of A Line Road. While only occasional limited seasonal road maintenance is provided in that area, Council agreed to have staff remove the beaver dam currently causing flooding of the subject roadway.

Council agreed to support the proposal for redevelopment of Algoma Manor. Under that proposal this municipality would make a one time contribution of $139,532 toward redevelopment of that facility and would no longer be required to provide an annual levy for support of the operations of that facility.The District Homes Board of Management will also be advised that Council wishes to have representation on the proposed new Not-For-Profit Board of Directors which will be established to operate the redeveloped Algoma Manor facility.

Council accepted a tender by R. F. Contracting for upgrades to the Richards Landing Well Pump House at a cost of $36,612.

An application for funding is being submitted under the Northern Communities Capital Assistance Program to assist with replacement of the outdoor skating rink at Tranter Memorial Park in Richards Landing. Road improvements are also being proposed for funding under that program.

Council agreed to issue a request for proposals for upgrades to the main wharf structure at the municipal marina in Richards Landing. It is anticipated that the Federal Government will fund the required work prior to transferring title to this facility to the municipality.

Lease terms for the restaurant portion of the new marina services building were discussed. Real estate management firms will be contacted for advice on appropriate market rent rates for this property.

A by-law to appoint officers, boards and committees for the next one year term was enacted.

The St. Joseph Island Planning Board will be advised that the Council of this municipality has no concerns with the final draft amendment to revise the rural policies of the Official Plan.

Council confirmed their support for the feasibility study to be undertaken in co-operation with Matthews Memorial Hospital Association on the possible development of a semi-dependant care facility in Richards Landing and pledged up to $7,500 funding toward the costs of that study.

Council endorsed resolutions by the Bar River Branch of the Federated Women’s Institutes of Ontario requesting the installation of amber flashing lights at the Highway 17/Kensington Point Road intersection; and the City of Welland proposing changes to make the fortification of land a provincial jurisdiction.

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Mrs. Jennifer Massicotte was in attendance to discuss the status of the portion of Lookout Drive recently upgraded and connected to Riverside Drive in order to provide access to the new subdivision on part of Lot 3, Concession A; and the remaining portion of Lookout Drive which is located on Crown land and is not maintained by the municipality. Council agreed to endorse a request by the Lookout Drive Road Association that the Ministry of Natural Resources close the portion of Lookout Drive lying on Crown land.

Superintendent Ross Armstrong was in attendance to provide Council with an update on activities of the public works and transportation services department. It was noted that the East Algoma Road Supervisors Association is recommending extension of the 2002 surface treatment contract of Greenwood Paving for the year 2003. Council endorsed that proposal. Council also approved issuance of a certificate of preliminary acceptance for the access road constructed by 1372185 Ontario Inc. for access to the new subdivision of part of Lot 3, Concession A. The classification of municipal roadways was also discussed.

A by-law to authorize the municipality’s Superintendent to temporarily close roads if necessary for the carrying out of repairs was enacted.

A by-law to update the municipality’s hawkers and peddlars licensing by-law was also enacted. Charitable, school and youth organizations are now exempt from the licensing requirements of that by-law.

Two proposals were received for proposed improvements to the main government wharf structure at the marina in Richards Landing. The low bidder was Thomas Young Builders Limited. Council is recommending to the Federal Government that the proposal by that firm be accepted.

Council endorsed resolutions by the County of Essex requesting the Federal Government to work with the Province to further promote economic growth in Ontario; the City of Pickering respecting the Emerald Ash Borer infestation; and the City of Thorold requesting that Hydro One Networks Inc. be changed back to a not-for-profit company and that any surplus be returned to customers in the form of a rebate.

A quotation by G. Hawdon to provide signs for improvement projects funded under the Northern Communities Capital Assistance Program, at a price of $295 each, was accepted.

The month of January 2003 has been proclaimed as national Alzheimers Awareness Month.

The opinion of one real estate management firm on the lease rate for the restaurant in the new marina services building was received. This matter will be considered further once a second opinion is received.

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