Council Minutes June 5, 2006

Members of the audience were: Chas Clark, Paivi Abernethy (NBPSDistrict Health Unit), Brian Hachkowski (Integrated Earth & Environmental) and Graham Hewitt (Fire Chief).

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

No declarations of pecuniary interest were declared.

Murphy– Wilson Council accepts the minutes of the Council Meetings held May 1^st, 2^nd, and 12^th, 2006. CARRIED

There was no business arising from the Minutes.

Paivi Abernathy from the North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit was present to update Council on the Smoke Free Ontario Act which came into effect on May 31^st. An Enforcement Officer was also present to answer any questions.

Chas Clark from the Muskoka Snowmobile Region was present to request a financial donation in order for the organization to attend a Toronto Snowmobile Show which attracts a large volume of snowmobilers.

Mulligan – Murphy That we support the Muskoka Snowmobile Region at the Toronto Snowmobile Show for 2006 with a one time donation of $300.00 with Chas Clark to report back to the Council with the results of the show. CARRIED

Brian Hachkowski from Integrated Earth & Environmental presented an update to Council regarding the well monitors at the Landfill Site.

Maki – Murphy That we go into closed session to discuss a possible legal matter at 8:31pm. CARRIED

Wilson – Maki That we come out of a closed session at 8:43pm.

Graham Hewitt (Fire Chief) attended to discuss the proposed Budget.

Glynn Robinson called a 10 minute break.

Fire Chief Graham Hewitt continued with his update.

Correspondence was reviewed.

Maki – Mulligan Whereas the Forestry Sector has consistently demonstrated a tremendous ability to create jobs and prosperity throughout Ontario; and

Whereas the forest industry in Ontario is at risk because it operates in one of the most expensive and least competitive jurisdictions in the world; and Whereas one of the most significant factors reducing the competitiveness are the second highest electrical rates in all of North America; and Whereas forestry stakeholders can work together with government to develop a provincial electricity policy that will help restore the industry’s ability to compete; and Whereas immediate action by the Government of Ontario on the electricity policy is critical to the future of Ontario’s economic prosperity; now Therefore it be resolved that to keep people working the Council of the Township of McMurrich/Monteith requests that the Ontario Government act immediately to implement a two-stage forestry sector energy competitiveness plan that: (a) By June, 2006 provides a $15 per MHW rebate to the forest industry sector, retroactive to January 1, 2006, on purchased electricity. (b) By September, 2006 achieves an all-in target rate of $45 per MHW to remain established for a three-year period from 2006 – 2009. The $15 rebate program will remain in effect until September, 2006 or until the all-in delivered electricity rates for each facility has been established at the target rate of $45 MHW inclusive of all generation, transmission, DRC and other charges. CARRIED

Maki – Murphy That Council agrees to make a one time financial contribution of $1000 to “Our Community Works” project to upgrade of the Burk’s Falls, Armour, Ryerson Arena to be at this time taken from Rec Budget. CARRIED

Business Carried Forward:

Mulligan – Maki We declare this meeting a public meeting to discuss the 2006 Budget. CARRIED

Line items of the Budget were updated. Policing costs were adjusted due to a credit from the previous year.

Wilson – Murphy That we close this meeting to the public. CARRIED

Maki – Murphy That Council moves into a closed session in order to discuss employees at 10:26pm CARRIED

Wilson – Maki That Council comes out of a closed session at 10:48pm. CARRIED

Wilson – Mulligan Council accepts first and second reading of By-law 9-2006 regarding adopting the 2006 Budget and setting the Tax rates. CARRIED

Council will discuss the Official Plan Modifications further at the July Council Meeting.

New Business was discussed.

Staff will advertise to receive applications for the Summer Student Grant.

Reports were given. John Murphy reported on the Provincial Offences Committee and the Cemetery Board Meeting. Merv Mulligan reported on the Marketing Almaguin, and Park to Park meetings.

Maki – Mulligan That we go beyond the 11:00 pm curfew. CARRIED

Merv Mulligan continued reporting on the Hazmat Collection Day in Strong Township.

Glynn Robinson reported on the Steering Committee meeting. Staff was directed to get the forms for background checks for volunteers of the Recreation Committee.

Bylaws were discussed

The trailer By-law will be discussed at the next meeting due to time constraints.

Council Concerns: Due to the fact that the Postmaster will be retiring in late August, staff was instructed to send a letter to Canada Post explaining the need to keep the Post Office in Sprucedale as well that there are interested parties willing to take over the job. A suggestion was made that an open top recycling bin be rented for the summer months to help with the overload. A request was suggested that a letter be sent to Union Gas regarding trail maintenance. Other items discussed were: Bear Wise training for Landfill Attendent, Fencing for around the Old Fire Hall, Round Lake Severance, new computer to be installed in office mid June and therefore request that the office be closed for the two days to facilitate training. Staff will advertise that the office will be closed on Wednesday, June 21^st and Thursday, June 22^nd. Staff will also advertise the fact that there is an agreement in place for Chief Building Official services with Perry Township.

Maki - Mulligan That we accept the Accounts for Approval Report for the month of May, 2006 in the amount of $70,759.66. CARRIED

Mulligan – Murphy We adjourn at 11:31pm until Tuesday, July 4^th, 2006 or at the call of Reeve. CARRIED

Minutes not approved until accepted by Council.