Parry Sounds ~ Ideas and Opinions, In and Around Parry Sound

Well I learned a new rule last night. It takes five affirmative votes to overturn a previous decision of council. In this case it concerned Item 9.6.1, the issuance of a sign. The item was back up for review and three Councillors chose not to review the item again. Their arguments largely rested on the fact that a decision was made previously and there was no additional information provided to suggest there was an error or oversight. It seemed that the councillors who voted again reviewing the item again did not want to set a precedent of having the same issue reviewed again and again until whomever received the approval they were hopping for. I did a short deputation on the matter suggesting that if Council in fact chose to permit the sign that it be for a one or two-year period while Council and Staff developed sign standards as part of the strategic plan. But it didn’t get that far.

The Councillors reports and questions of Staff revealed little of major significance. The kids program at the library is being well received and there are problems with finding space for all of the participants. CN continues to drag its feet over approvals for the Forest Street reconstruction.

Correspondence

4.4 – Concerns regarding noisy road construction trucks going up and down Wakefield to access Brunatti’s property. The subject also of a deputation (Item 5.1).

4.5 – Mark Campbell, President of Parry Sound Glass Limited. Concerns with the proposed Consent Application No. B11/2015(PS) – PS Mall as a residential development will detrimentally affect his business. Noted and passed on to Staff and Council.

4.7, 4.8, 4.12 – Concerns about fluoridation of the Town’s Drinking Water. Noted and the subject of short remarks by Councillor Borneman who indicated that this decision, like many, was not always easy and suggested that people take a look at the presentation on this matter by Dr. James Chirico, District Medical Officer, hosted at the Town’s website.  

4.11 – Dave Garagon, Parry Sound Insurance Brokers Ltd. Concern regarding lack of notification for power outages and surges on Friday June 26, 2015. Noted and passed on to Lakeland Power.

4.13 – Concerns regarding the potential removal of the gazebo from the Town Dock. Noted and passed on to Staff and Council for a response.

Deputations

5.1 – Concerns regarding noisy road construction trucks going up and down Wakefield to access Brunatti’s property. A well presented review of the situation and the local concerns. The argument was made that Fowler, as a renter and not the owner of the property, was not permitted according to zoning by-laws to conduct commercial activities in that area. Rather than enter the property from Wakefield Street Fowler should access the property from River Street. Council listened and will doubtless respond.

5.2 – D. Graham, regarding a proposal to erect the largest hockey stick in the world at the Charles W. Stockey Centre to bring Parry Sound economic and tourism benefits. This deputation proposed erecting a 218 foot hockey stick fabricated from aluminum. Cost would be about $125,000 borne by donations and corporate sponsors. It would rise from the ground at a 45 degree angle.

5.3 – J. Bossart (me), regarding Item 9.6.1. I suggested that any decision to amend the decision regarding the issuance of signs should limit the temporary period to one, or at most two years, rather than the proposed five years to permit Staff and Council to develop and implement a sign policy for the Town.  

5.4 – E. McIntyre, regarding the anchors at Belvedere Heights. The case was made that the anchors are the property of the Town and have historic significance and should be better displayed on Town property. The point was raised that Belvedere Heights has been very difficult and demanding with regards to their relocation. Council provided support for the issue and agreed that Belvedere Heights was being difficult. It was suggested Mr. McIntyre address the Belvedere Heights Board with his concerns/proposal and that the Council members on the Board address the issue as well.

Resolutions and Direction To Staff

9.1.1 – Argyle EMS Service Delivery. Resolution. That upon the recommendation of the EMS Advisory Committee Parry Sound District EMS move to a service delivery model in Argyle that would utilize WPSHC Emergency Medical Care Assistant (EMCA) medics for eight hours a day, 7 days a week with call back for the other 16 hours of the day (2 medics on shift at all times) starting September 8, 2015. CARRIED.

9.1.3 – Seasonal Up staff in Seguin. Resolution. That upon the recommendation of the EMS Advisory Committee the Town of Parry Sound approve the up staff of an evening/night car in Seguin to consist of 8 hrs an evening/night 7 days a week until October 13. CARRIED.

9.1.4 – C12 – Smart Co Board. Resolution. CARRIED.

9.2.1 – Strategic Plan – Next Steps. Resolution. CARRIED. Councillors Horne and Marshall were assigned as Council representatives on the Strategic Plan committee.

9.3.1 – Council Remuneration Review. Direction. This item was split into two separate directions. 1. That Staff be directed to bring back a revision to the Council Compensation By-law to increase the salary of the Mayor to $31,036 effective January 1, 2016. CARRIED. 2. That Staff be directed to bring back a revision to the Council Compensation By-law to modify the per diem for members of council to include a half-day per diem of $65 and a full day rate of $130. DEFEATED.

9.4.1 – Tender – Waste Transfer Site Expansion. Resolution. That Council accept the tender from W.S. Morgan Construction Ltd. in the amount of $103,500.00, taxes extra, for the Waste Transfer Site Expansion including the relocation of the overhead door and supply and installation of new steel siding and trims, this tender being the lowest tender of four (4) tenders received. CARRIED.

9.4.2 – Tender – McFarlane Street Garage Re-roofing. Resolution. That Council accepts the tender from Incon Construction Ltd. for the McFarlane Street Garage Re-roofing in the amount of $69,932.00, HST extra, this tender being the lowest tender of three (3) tenders received. CARRIED.

9.6.1 – Motion to Amend Previous Decision – Resolution 2015-113 – June 16, 2015. That Resolution 2015-113, defeated at the Parry Sound Council Meeting held June 16, 2015, be brought forward for amendment. DEFEATED.

By-laws

10.5.1 – Site Plan Approval Application – Sound Holdings Inc. – 60 Bowes Street. Being a By-law to grant Site Plan Approval and authorize the execution and registration of a development agreement with Sound Holdings Inc. – 60 Bowes Street. CARRIED.

10.5.2 – Site Plan Approval Application – Trestle Brewing Company – 9 Great North Road. Being a By-law to grant Site Plan Approval and authorize the execution and registration of a development agreement with 1929330 Ontario Inc. – 9 Great North Road. CARRIED.

10.5.3 – Treetops Community Forest. Being a By-law to provide for the establishment of a Reserve Fund to be known as the Treetops Community Forest Reserve Fund. CARRIED. There was a request from one councillor that some limited accommodation be made for disabled people to at least be able to wait at the start of the trail while others went ahead. It was noted that the plan as presented will be subject to revision and that this suggestion will be considered.

There was more and you should tune in to the local press for additional information and the official minutes for all decisions.

Red Rockets in Flight, July 1st Delight. (Parry Sound in Colour)