Council Minutes - February 6, 2006

Members of the audience were: Dave Stewart, Almaguin News reporter, Ed & Jackie Shipway, Murray O’Halloran, Bruce Campbell, Jesse Kohl (Almaguin Forester) and Graham Hewitt.

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

No declarations of pecuniary interest were declared.

Mulligan – Wilson That we accept the minutes of the Council Meeting held January 3, 2006. CARRIED

Bruce Campbell made a presentation to Council regarding the “Our Community Works” campaign to raise funds for the repairs to the Burk’s Falls, Armour, Ryerson Arena. Council has agreed to send an insert with the Interim Tax Notices and will also discuss financial donations at the Budget meetings.

Jackie Shipway (Captain, Medical Response) wished to update Council on implementing the Do not Resuscitate Order Policy for our First Response Team. Council has agreed that it should be added.

Graham Hewitt (Fire Chief) updated Council on the training that has been accomplished; Defibrillator and Ice Water Rescue. The Fire Chief also discussed Automatic Aid, Dispatch, Standard Operating Guidelines, Remuneration for the Chief and Deputy Chief when attending meetings, Budget, and amending the Fire Bylaw to include the Defibrillator and Ice Water Rescue.

Glynn Robinson called for a 10 minute break

Correspondence was reviewed.

Council discussed the Round Lake Severance application and will forward the Consent Questionnaire to the Planning Board with their concerns. Council does not approve of this application.

Mulligan – Wilson That we forward a letter of support to the Chair of the Near North District School Board in their efforts to build a new Almaguin Highlands Secondary School. See Schedule. CARRIED

Wilson - Murphy That we agree with the proposal of charging per household to implement a “Hazmat” collection for all municipalities that utilize these sites. CARRIED

Business Carried forward was discussed.

Comments on the proposed Woodland Bylaw were discussed.

Staff has contacted the Township of Strong regarding sharing CBO services. Their next meeting is not until February 23^rd. Staff was instructed to contact the Town of Huntsville and Glynn Robinson will contact an Engineer to find out if that is a possible option.

Council was notified that they may approach a Library Board to make an agreement in order to apply for the Library Grant.

The outdoor toilets for the Park areas were discussed. Further information will be brought to the next meeting.

New Business was discussed.

The cleaning of the Fire Department side of the Municipal building will be discussed at the Budget meeting. Staff was instructed to obtain some quotes for two new computer systems before any new software is installed.

Bylaws were discussed

Council has decided to wait for Jason Niddery to find out if he wishes to proceed as per the Bylaw regarding his request to purchase Township property.

Wilson - Murphy That we accept first and second reading of By-law 5-2006 regarding setting Interim Tax Rates for the year 2006. CARRIED

Wilson - Mulligan With special permission of Council, we accept third reading and pass By-law 5-2006 regarding setting Interim Tax Rates for the year 2006. CARRIED

Mulligan - Murphy That we accept first and second reading of By-law 6-2006 regarding setting Tax Ratios for the year 2006. CARRIED

Mulligan - Murphy That we accept first and second reading of By-law 7-2006 regarding implementing the Mail In Vote process for the 2006 Municipal Elections. CARRIED

Recorded Vote: Yays; Murphy, Mulligan, Robinson Nays: Wilson

Mulligan – Wilson We accept 2^nd reading of By-law 17-2005 regarding Trailer Licenses. CARRIED

Reports were given.

John Murphy reported on the Cemetery Board Meeting and the Steering Committee meeting. Merv Mulligan reported on Almaguin Recycling Initiative, Park to Park, Northern Communities Investment Readiness and the Species at Risk (MNR) workshop.

Mulligan - Wilson That we continue past the 11pm curfew. CARRIED

Glynn Robinson and Cheryl Marshall reported on the Emergency Management Ontario workshop they attended in North Bay.

Council Concerns: Staff was instructed to send John Dillman a gift. The Summer Student Grant Application will be applied for with help from Caroline Loiselle from the Ministry of Recreation and Tourism. The lights for the Sign at the Community Centre needs to be replaced. Changes to the purchasing policy will be discussed at the Budget Meeting.

Council agreed that Council fees are only to be paid when meetings are attended.

The Budget Meeting will be scheduled for Monday, March 6, 2006 at 1pm in the Municipal Office.

Mulligan - Wilson That we accept the Accounts for Approval Report for the month of January, 2006 in the amount of $159,612.71. CARRIED

Murphy - Mulligan That we adjourn at 11:27pm until Monday, March 6, 2006 or at the call of Reeve. CARRIED

Minutes not approved until accepted by Council.