Council Minutes

Members of the audience were: Lloyd Nelson, Allan Maki, Jeff Maki, Walter Aldridge, Paul Schaefer (CBO), Jim Jenkins, Keeley Grasser (Almaguin Forester), Sgt. Ayotte Almaguin Highlands O.P.P., Daniel Bellemare and Teresa Johnson.

Meeting was called to order at 7:30pm by Reeve Glynn Robinson.

There were no declarations of pecuniary interest from the Council members.

Murphy - Wilson We accept the minutes of the Council meetings held March 5^th, 8^th, 9^th, and 27^th, 2007. CARRIED

Paul Schaefer, Chief Building Official gave an overview of building activities for last year.

Sgt. Ayotte gave his report on Calls for Service for the first quarter of 2007. There was a decrease in calls over last year’s first quarter. There was some discussion on off road vehicle use on public roads and on private property. There needs to be an express consent/permission given to drive on private property, which includes parking lots and playground areas.

Jim Jenkins gave a brief report on the Roads Department activities.

Correspondence was reviewed.

The letter received regarding dirt bike use on playground areas by neighbourhood boys was discussed and one of the parents of the boys was present. If the skid marks and other damaged areas are not repaired than Council will have no other alternative but to not allow them use of these areas.

Evans – Mulligan That Council fully supports the resolution circulated by the Municipal Action Group regarding the Aggregate Resources Act which requests an extension to the June 30^th, 2007 deadline to September 30^th, 2007 to allow for a more thorough review. CARRIED

Mulligan – Murphy That Council contribute to Ontario’s Near North the amount of $93.24 as our 2007 Municipal Support. CARRIED

Murphy – Evans That Council supports the Ontario Forestry Coalition with regard to the new legislation dealing with the protection of Species at Risk and will send a letter to Premier Dalton McGuinty as suggested which urges the government to reconsider its approach and to hold public hearings in the affected communities. CARRIED

Wilson – Evans That Council make an application for the 2007 Summer Experience Program. CARRIED

Wilson – Mulligan That Council supports resolution #2007-52 from the Town of Parry Sound requesting the Near North District School Board to respond to the recent EQAO study for the West Parry Sound Area and how the Board intends on improving those results for future testing. CARRIED

Evans – Murphy That Council declare June, 2007 as Senior’s month in the Twp of McMurrich/Monteith and encourage all citizens to recognize and celebrate the accomplishments of our Seniors. CARRIED

Business Carried Forward.

The date for the Public meeting to discuss Sunday Gun Hunting will be Saturday, May 5^th, 2007 at 3pm inside the Community Hall in Sprucedale. The Ministry of Natural Resources and the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters will be invited.

Staff reported that applications were sent for the following: BearWise, HRDC Student, and COMRIF – Asset Management Program.

New Business: Council decided to hold the Roads Foreman Applications until later in the meeting.

Reports were given. John Murphy reported on the Almaguin Highlands Community Policing Committee meeting he attended. Merv Mulligan reported on Park to Park activities and Glynn Robinson reported on the Steering Committee and their main topic has Habitat for Humanity.

Council Concerns: Highway cleanup is scheduled for Sunday, May 6^th. We require volunteers to assist. The HAZMAT day is usually scheduled for the Saturday after the long weekend. The date will be advertised on the website when it is announced. Council has requested an update on the issue of the dirt bike use. The resolution regarding reviewing the funding for Laboratories will be sent to the Municipal Association for their Spring Meeting in Callander.

Evans - Wilson We accept the Accounts for Approval Report for the month of March, 2007 in the amount of $301,724.36. CARRIED

Glynn Robinson called for a 10 minute break.

Mulligan – Wilson That we ask the Province to review and increase the funding to the Senior Homes to the level previously promised. CARRIED

Murphy – Mulligan That we go into a closed session regarding hiring a Roads Foreman at 9:20. CARRIED

Murphy – Wilson That we come out of a closed session at 10:22pm. CARRIED

Interviews will be set up with the applicants chosen by Council.

Evans – Mulligan That Council investigate into possible funding for a feasibility study for a Seniors Retirement Home. CARRIED

Evans - Wilson That we hereby adjourn at 10:30pm until Monday, May 7^th, 2007 or at the call of the Reeve. CARRIED

Minutes not approved until accepted by Council.