Central Almaguin Economic Development Association

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Central Almaguin Economic Development Association

P.O. Box 1120 * Sundridge ON * P0A 1Z0

Phone (705) 384-5819 Fax (705) 384- 5892

Chair: Les Mahon email: Vice Chair: Merlyn Snow email:

April 17, 2008

Present:South River – Les Mahon, Jim Coleman

Machar – Edna Coughlin, Harve Pinkerton

Sundridge – Elgin Schneider, Bill de Vries

Strong – Merlyn Snow

Absent:Stephen Rawn

CABC:Fred DiSomma

Staff Present:Tera Kincaid, Recording Secretary

Michelle Brandt, Office Assistant

Guests:Paul Lecoarer: Manager of Engineering

Keith Bryer: Regional Director, MTO

The meeting was called to order at 9:00 a.m. by Chair Les Mahon

Bill de Vries introduced Paul Lecoarer and Keith Bryer. Paul informed the group that there is a policy against signs on bypass sections. Keith mentioned that the policy makers would be interested in meeting with the group for their input. Discussed the need for billboards to advertise local businesses and obtaining municipal decorative signs for the highway entrances.

Boundary Road was discussed. The MTO turned it over to the municipality. If the MTO looks after both interchanges why not look after the 1 km that’s left in-between? Surrounding areas for the new high school and EMT will use the road. The municipalities will be burdened further with the maintenance of this road. C.A.E.D.A. will continue to pursue having the MTO maintain the road. If Dunchurch is going to be plowing the roads why not include Boundary? The MTO is doing traffic counts now and will do again after the Highway is finished.

Concerns were brought up about the construction trucks damaging the roads especially now that the ½ load restrictions are in place. Construction Companies have agreed to repair them back up to standards when they are finished. The MTO has no roll in helping with the repairs. It is between the municipalities and the Construction Companies.

South River and Sundridge inquired about obtaining property from the MTO for signage. They will have to wait until BOT Construction is finished to get an answer.

Bill Thanked Paul and Keith for attending the meeting.

Minutes

The minutes of March 20th, 2008 meeting were circulated. It was

Moved by: Merlyn Snow

Seconded by: Harve Pinkerton

That the minutes of the March 20th, 2008 meeting be adopted as circulated. Carried.

C.A.B.C.

Fred DiSomma gave an update on C.A.B.C. Fred is now acting as president. They have gotten lots of positive feedback.

The new updated version of the directory is now finished. The municipalities all received a copy to look over and suggest changes. They are planning an open house in early May and hoping to have the printing done before that in hopes of introducing and networking the Intern if one is hired by then. If not, they are hoping to bring in the Intern from Powassan. They are hoping to make some changes to the directory such as adding the year, having the index include sub headings, adding maps, and having photo contests for the front cover. The directory will be available in PDF form to print off the web-site.

They are hoping to use fundraising as a means of covering the costs as opposed to fees. Coupon books, trade shows and phonebook covers were all discussed.

Fred brought up the issue of needing more funds to cover the cost of printing the latest directories.

The 2009 Plowing Match was mentioned as there will be a train running fromNorth Bay daily and people will be looking for accommodations.

Intern Joint Agreement

The Municipal Acknowledgement was briefly discussed. They will be re-advertising again shortly for an Intern.

Request for Proposal

Bill de Vries handed out a copy of the Request for Proposal draft. To be further discussed at the next meeting.

Farmers Market

Discussion about moving the Farmers Market back to the Arena this year. The Strong Agricultural Society may be interested in having one as well. Maybe they can join in with South Rivers?

Financial Report

The financial report was discussed. C.A.E.D.A. agreed to pay C.A.B.C. $500.00 to help cover the costs of printing the directory.

Moved by:Elgin Schneider

Seconded by: Harve Pinkerton

Motion Carried.

New Business

Norm Miller would like to attend a future meeting with C.A.E.D.A.

Discussion took place regarding building Permits and Building Inspector, and certain complaints which came to light. If we want Economic Development in the Area, our Council representatives should bring problem areas to the Joint Building Committee to sort out and possibly rectify. Maybe a little flexibility if we want growth in the area.

The C.A.E.D.A. meeting time has now been changed from 9:00am to 9:30am.

Moved by: Merlyn Snow

Seconded by: Bill de Vries

That we now adjourn at 11:30 a.m. until the next regular meeting Thursday May 22nd, 2008 at the Strong Office at 9:30 a.m. or at the call of the chair. Carried.

……………………………………………… ……………………………………….

Chairperson Les MahonRecording Secretary Tera Kincaid