Council Minutes

Members of the audience were: Murray O’Halloran, Food Bank Representatives - Pauline Field and Lois Cookman, MPAC Representatives - Jason Vink and Anne Haines. Dick Gibb and Graham Hewitt attended later in the evening.

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

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

Evans - Murphy We accept the minutes of the Council Meeting held Monday, February 5^th, 2007 as amended. CARRIED

The two ladies from the Burk’s Falls and District Food Bank were welcomed to the table to discuss the history of the Food Bank and the statistics for last year. The food bank has requested support to meet their needs for 2007. Council will discuss this item at budget time.

Jason Vink and Anne Haines from Municipal Property Assessment Corporation gave a presentation to Council outlining their role and what they do. They also went through the figures for our assessment, requests for reconsideration and assessment review board information. Council then had a chance to discuss some items and ask questions.

Correspondence was reviewed.

The request from Mr. H Burns for the names of property owners that had received the septic reinspection is not permitted under the Municipal Freedom of Information Act. Staff will send a letter with a copy of the letter from the North Bay Mattawa Conservation Authority reporting on the completion of this reinspection program.

Council has decided to attempt applying for the required licences from the Ministry of Natural Resources regarding the amendments to the Aggregate Resources Act.

Glynn Robinson called for a 10 minute break.

There is a change in the agenda to permit the item of reviewing the Township’s Emergency Plan earlier than stated in the agenda since the Fire Chief and Emergency Management Co-Ordinator is present. Council reviewed the plan and made some necessary changes, as well, a date will be scheduled later inorder to have a mock emergency and to follow the procedures of the Plan.

Correspondence Continued

The letter from the Assoc. of Municipalities (AMO) regarding the reporting requirements of receiving the Gas Tax was reviewed. Staff reported that this has already been this year. Council asked if these monies could be used for the plow truck purchase. Staff will investigate.

Murphy – Wilson That we execute the letter from Michael D. Turner, Auditor dated January 19, 2007 regarding the Financial Statements for the year ending December 31, 2006. CARRIED

Evans – Murphy That we support in principle the Petition and Resolution of the STRONG North Group of Kapuskasing. CARRIED

Business Carried Forward.

Mulligan – Evans That we apply to COMRIF – Asset Management Program to complete a Roads Needs Study. CARRIED

New Business was discussed.

Evans – Mulligan That we execute the letter to the Ministry of Citizenship regarding the Library Services Agreement. CARRIED

Wilson – Murphy That we apply to HRDC for a summer student grant. CARRIED

Evans – Wilson That Council has revised and reviewed the Accessibility Plan. CARRIED

Staff was instructed to price handicapped signs.

Mulligan – Murphy That we apply for the 2007 Bearwise Project Funding for 2 top loading Recycling Bins with lids. CARRIED

Mulligan – Evans That we have reviewed the Landfill Closure and cost estimate report. CARRIED

The first Budget meeting is to be scheduled and advertised for Tuesday, March 27^th at 9:30am inside the Township Office.

Wilson – Murphy We accept third and final reading and hereby pass By-law 6-2007 regarding the temporary borrowing of monies to meet the current expenditures for the year 2007. CARRIED

Evans – Murphy That we continue past the 11pm curfew. CARRIED

Reports were given.

Merv Mulligan reported on the Almaguin Highlands Economic Development Meeting, South Almaguin Economic Development Roundtable discussion meeting and the meeting at the Burk’s Falls Health Centre regarding the Blood Lab services.

Mulligan – Evans That we ask the Provincial and Federal Governments to increase funding to the local health budget so that labs can remain open in our area and that we circulate this resolution to all other municipalities in the East Parry Sound District. CARRIED

John Murphy reported on Provincial Offences Act meeting, Computer Access Site meeting, and Cemetery Board meeting. There are more volunteers wishing to sit on the Cemetery Board than the By-law permits. Council decided that they would allow as many volunteers as wished to attend the meetings.

Council Concerns:

Merv Mulligan presented some information regarding high speed internet using satellite connections. More investigation is required. Heather Wilson reminded Council that the date for the Easter Party for the kids is on Saturday, April 8^th. A recreation committee meeting will be held on March 20^th at 8pm.

Evans - Wilson We accept the Accounts for Approval Report for the month of February, 2007 in the amount of $122,027.85. CARRIED

Murphy – Evans That we go into a closed session at 11:42pm regarding employees. CARRIED

Evans – Wilson That we come out of a closed session at 12:12am. CARRIED

Murphy – Mulligan That we seek legal advice regarding a personnel issue. CARRIED

Evans - Mulligan That we hereby adjourn at 12:13am until Tues. Mar. 27^th or at the call of Reeve. CARRIED