THE CORPORATION OF THE MUNICIPALITY OF HURON SHORES (03-22)
NOVEMBER 12, 2003
The regular meeting of the Council of the Corporation of the Municipality of Huron Shores was held on Wednesday, November 12, 2003 and called to order by Reeve Ted Linley at 7:00 p.m.
PRESENT WERE: Reeve Ted Linley, Councillors Gord Campbell, John Fullerton, Dennis Kirby, Archie Roach, Kent Weber and Dale Wedgwood; and Clerk Deborah Tonelli.
ALSO PRESENT:Deiter Krumbach; David Ratz; Don Dallimore; Public Works Foreman Tom Dumont; Assistant Clerk Beverly Eagleson.
ADOPTION OF MINUTES
03-22-01D. Wedgwood
A. Roach / THAT we adopt the minutes of the Regular Meetings of Council held Wednesday, October 22, 2003 as circulated. CARRIED.
03-22-02
K. Weber
D. Kirby / THAT By-law #03-44, being a By-law of the Corporation of the Municipality of Huron Shores to Adopt the Minutes of the Council Meeting held on October 22, 2003 and authorizing the taking of any action authorized therein and thereby, was read a first, second and third time and passed in open Council this 12th day of November, 2003.
CARRIED.
ADOPTION OF ACCOUNTS
03-22-03J. Fullerton
K. Weber / THAT we approve payment of the General Accounts for the period from October 23, 2003 to November 12, 2003 in the amount of $228,605.44. CARRIED.
DISCLOSURE OF PECUNIARY INTEREST:
Dale Wedgwood – Items dealing with janitorial services.
Reeve Linley – Items dealing with Village General Store.
DELEGATIONS AND PETITIONS
Dieter Krumbach – attendedto voice concerns over the increased water levels on Bright Lake this fall, to ask about the new drinking water regulations and how it will affect him as a trailer park business, the proposed public road for the Currie Subdivision adjacent to his property, and to ask how trailers on private lots was being addressed. After some discussion on these matters, some suggestions were made. Council advised that the resolve re Bright Lake water levels lies with the Ministry of Natural Resources. Clerk Tonelli once again reviewed with Mr. Krumbach what had transpired in the past, referencing file correspondence on work done in the 1960’s regarding water control on this lake, between people in that area and the MNR. She explained that there is a procedure that would take about 2 years to go through and would require studies amounting to approximately $200,000.00. Council suggested that Mr. Krumbach meet with other Bright Lake property owners to determine a common interest in the matter and investigate the possibility of establishing a cottage association that could petition M.N.R. to look into the matter. Although Council advised that there were no municipal budget dollars available to contribute to this matter, however, if an association was formed, Council could give consideration to supporting in principle, investigation into the feasibility or possibility of establishing water control measures. Councillor Fullerton advised that in previous years there have been unsuccessful attempts to control Bright Lake levels by means of the dam on Basswood Lake. He suggested that Joanne Marck of the MNR may be a good contact on this issue.
Mr. Krumbach was advised that regulations on water supply affect everyone, including businesses. All components of the legislation and regulations will be in affect by 2005 and 2006. Clerk Tonelli suggested that perhaps the Municipality could contact Algoma Health Unit to discuss the possibility of their providing a public meeting or information session to explain the legislation and regulations and how they affect business owners.
There was discussion again on the road to service the Currie Subdivision and any affect the said road may have on drainage in the area. Mr. Krumbach is concerned that future snow removal may cause damage to his property from the snow, gravel and sand, asked how a road can be built along the hydro line, and asked questions regarding the work and costs of the work to build a new entrance as well as to close the old one. Clerk advised that the subdivision proposal deems the road to be seasonal. Reeve Linley advised that at present, we do not own the road and that we can’t do anything until it is ready to be transferred to us. Clerk Tonelli advised that we have not received anything new on the items identified by Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing that have to be addressed prior to granting draft approval for the subdivision. Council and staff tried to assure Mr. Krumach that the road will have to meet specifications and criteria prior to it being transferred and that work to do same will be the responsibility of the sub-divider. Mr. Krumbach asked that if anything proceeds over the winter season on this matter, that he be contacted in Germany.
Mr. Krumbach expressed concern again about sewage from trailers on private property on Bright Lake. Again he was advised that sewage concerns are the responsibility of the Algoma Health Unit. When Mr. Krumbach referenced a trailer by-law to control trailers, he was again advised that such a by-law is extremely difficult to enforce. He agreed that the $20.00 per month fee allowed by legislation is not worth enacting such control measures. Council is still hopeful that some control may be able to be built into the new planning documents.
Mr. Krumbach asked if Council wished to see business development or residential development in this municipality. He has been considering whether he should cease to operate the business and possibly consider subdivision of his property for individual lots. While Council expressed that it would be nice to have a broad commercial base, it is not up to Council to determine whether property owners should operate businesses or develop their property for residential use. He was advised that the property owners have to investigate the possibilities and pursue what they prefer.
Public Works Report
Item 9-3 being an AMO Alert regarding the Federal Government still considering toxic designation for road salts was brought forward for discussion. Public Works Foreman Dumont advised that this shouldn’t be a problem for this municipality, as we do not apply straight salt on any of our municipal roads. The only salt utilized for winter maintenance is that contained in the winter sand being a content of approximately 3% to keep the sand from freezing. The biggest concern lies where salt is applied full strength on highways and city streets.
Mr. Dumont has been pursuing dialogue with area residents concerning possible permanent closure of a section of Round Barn Road. He hopes to soon be able to make a recommendation to Council.
Mr. Dumont has had some further discussion with landowners on the possibility of making improvements to Brownlee Road north of Ingram Road that may accommodate future winter maintenance of that section of road. Discussions involved what interested parties may be willing to contribute to the improvements.
No quotes have been received to date for proposed additional street lighting. In response to complaints on the light removed at Chiblow Lake Road in conjunction with Highway 17 improvements, staff have spoken with Northland Engineering Engineer and confirmed that the east Beharriell Street entrance light has been moved to the new entrance and that lights are to be installed on the highway at the former Forest Street entrance area and at the Chiblow Lake Road entrance. Installation dates were not provided.
As in past years, MTO has requested that the Municipality provide winter plowing and sanding and summer grading services on the unincorporated portions of Chiblow Lake Road.
03-22-04D. Kirby
D. Wedgwood / THAT we provide summer grading and winter snowplowing and sanding services on the portion of Chiblow Lake Road in the unincorporated portion of Patton Township, for the Ministry of Transportation, for the 2003/2004 season, for a fee of $80.00/hour for equipment and operator, with said service to be provided after municipal commitments have been met. CARRIED.
Council discussed a road name for the new Industrial Area Access Road. The consensus was that Industrial Road certainly informs the public of the nature of the area which may help to attract industrial and commercial businesses. Clerk Tonelli advised that if we pass a resolution for the name of the road and forward on to Susan McCooeye, Corridor Manager of MTO in Sault Ste. Marie, signs will be prepared, ready to install when road is ready to be opened.
03-22-05D. Wedgwood
K. Weber / THAT the new road being built between the existing Munroe Lane and Green Lane, in Thessalon Twp., be named “Industrial Road”.
CARRIED.
Councillor Fullerton advised that he had been contacted by Bill Gillespie who owns property on Walker Road advising that beaver dams in the area have backed water up over a section of an unmaintained portion of the old road that he uses for access to his bush lot. This section of road is utilized by the snowmobile club as part of the main trail system. The water is preventing his being able to access the bush lot. Tom Dumont advised that he had also been contacted by Mr. Gillespie and upon investigation, Mr. Dumont advised that it appears that the water level has dropped and doesn’t think water is a problem at the present time. Although we don’t maintain this portion of road, a letter will be mailed to the adjacent property owner asking that the beaver dam be monitored to prevent the water level from rising to avoid damage to the old road.
Champion Machinery advises that the new sanding unit ordered for the 1991 Tandem Dump Truck has not been delivered to North Bay yet and therefore cannot be installed until December. Foreman Dumont does not recommend installation at that time of year in anticipation of needing the truck for winter maintenance. He reported that this truck is now 14 years old and that the frame has to be stretched to install the new box. Recent information indicates that the maximum levels for exhaust emissions will likely be reduced in the next year, which may require further expenditure for engine work. In light of this, he is investigating prices to replace the cab and chassis on which the new sanding unit would be installed. The 1991 tandem could then be sold or traded as a complete unit. Based on preliminary estimates for this purchase, the expenditure can be covered from road reserves. A good trade-in value would be expected for the 1991 truck which is in exceptional condition for its age. Upon receiving further information he will bring this back to council.
Fire Department Report:
03-22-06K. Weber
D. Wedgwood / THAT we appoint Mike Bray as a Firefighter for Station 2 of the Huron Shores Fire Department as recommended by Fire Chief Eagleson. CARRIED.
Councillor Wedgwood reported that the Fire Department is holding its fall joint meeting on Monday, November 17th. He asked that staff prepare a Certificate of Appreciation for Retiring Firefighter Ray Leighton who has served over 27 years as a volunteer for the fire department.
Councillor Reports:
Councillor Wedgwood advised that his reports will have to be taken into closed session to discuss possible property purchase and identifiable individuals.
Councillor Fullerton provided an update onAlgoma Manor and reported on a meeting held on October 22 to inform the public of the strategy being followed to accommodate the renovations required at the Manor to meet new Provincial guidelines. The drawings for the architectural changes were available for the public to view. While the Huron Shores Health Advisory Committee has been involved in the discussions of the Manor changes, it is not a hospital issue. Some members of that Committee including Councillor Fullerton have been asked to participate in a transition group to make the transition as smooth as possible during construction. Mr. Fullerton advised that he is willing to participate as a representative for Huron Shores. Provincial funds are available to fund transition expenses. When the Davey Home addition is completed about April,2004, Algoma Manor residents will be moved to the old section of the Davey Home while the renovations are completed in Thessalon. The transition group is investigating how best to help the residents and how they might be able to accommodate family and physician visits during the renovation period while residents are in Sault Ste. Marie. Members of the public in attendance at the October 22 meeting were surprised at the reduction in the number of beds for the Manor. They were advised that the area still has an allocation of a total of 108 beds, and it is fully anticipated that at some time in the future, the Not-for-Profit Board that will govern the Algoma Manor will be able to access funding and loans finance an addition to bring the places available back to a total of 108. There have been meetings with staff and the union. While workers have been concerned, the union representative is optimistic and quite comfortable that concerns are being addressed. Staff from Thessalon will continue to work but will report to the Davey Home to look after the Thessalon patients during the renovation period. It is very likely that there will be changes to the laundry and kitchen staff when renovations are complete. It is not anticipated that anyone will lose their job, but there won’t be any new jobs as a result of the renovations. Councillor Fullerton assured Council that he feels quite positive about the entire matter and that things will come together. He has no doubt that Algoma Manor will continue to exist and feels quite confidant that an addition to return the facility to a 108 unit facility will happen in the future.
BUSINESS ARISING FROM MINUTES / CLERK’S REPORT
Tansy Control deferred. Clerk has not had an opportunity to contact neighbouring communities or the Agriculture and Food representative on this matter.
Clerk reported having met with Susan McCooeye of MTO to seek approval for a Trails Gateway sign location at the top of Gladstone Hill on Highway 17. Ms. McCooeye approved the site but advised that the westerly Iron Bridge sign has to be moved. Since it is no longer considered an identification sign, it must revert to a billboard sign and it cannot remain at the present site under this criteria. Her suggestion for its location is south of the truck entrance at the Red Top Inn. Council was disappointed with this recommendation and thought there should be a site closer to the highway than what she was recommending. The Historic Trails groups is anxious to have this finalized to mark the Trails Gateways. Council authorized the sign location at the top of Gladstone hill be given to the Historic Trails Group. Councillor Wedgwood will investigate an alternative site for the Iron Bridge sign.
O.P.P. Inspector McCaig advised Clerk that upon reviewing the nuisance bear call received last summer from Gisela Roemer, reporting a bear in her yard, it was determined that it was not a distraught call, and she stated that the bear had been there but had left. Therefore they provided the name and phone number of someone she could contact to have the bear removed.
GENERAL BUSINESS
8-1.By-law to regulate ATV’s on roads under municipal jurisdiction.
Allow them now and amend at a later date if rights are abused or disrespected to restrict accordingly if required.
03-22-07J. Fullerton
D. Wedgwood / THAT By-law # 03-45 being a by-law of the Corporation of the Municipality of Huron Shores to Permit All Terrain Vehicles on Municipal Roads, was read a first, second and third time and passed in open Council this 12th day of November, 2003. CARRIED.
8-2.By-law to regulate smoking in public places and workplaces.
03-22-MotionK. Weber
D. Kirby / THAT By-law # 03-46 being a by-law of the Corporation of the Municipality of Huron Shores to Prohibit Smoking in Public Places in the Municipality of Huron Shores, to become effective May 31, 2004 was read a first, second and third time and passed in open Council this 12th day of November, 2003. DEFEATED.
Council asked that the outdoor patio definition be clarified and to add a requirement of a minimum 4 metre separation distance from any outdoor patio to the main entrance, for consideration of passage at the next meeting of Council.
8-3.Resolution re: Livestock Kill - Calf Leonard Smith.
03-22-08K. Weber
D. Kirby / THAT we approve payment to Lenard Smith in the amount of $500.00 for loss of one calf as reported in his Affidavit of Loss and Livestock Valuer’s Report;
AND THAT we apply to the Ministry of Agriculture and Food for reimbursement of this amount. CARRIED.
8-4.IT Steering Committee / (i)Industrial Sites to be placed in database.
(ii)AKTA advertisement
A mail-out was sent to Huron Shores businesses advising of advertising availability in the Business Directory being developed. Stoney Burton is developing an advertisement for the Historic Trails group to be placed in the Algoma Kinniwabi TA and asked if Huron Shores wanted to advertise. Clerk Tonelli is to confirm cost before committing.
LETTERS & COMMUNICATIONS FOR ACTION
9-1.Town of Lasalle / request that new Liberal Government implement no smoking in public places.