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

Note: This post was edited 2013-05-25 with respect to item 9.4.2. The difference in cost between the black/grey and red stone dust is on the order of $2,000, not $200 as I originally posted.

Well that was a short meeting, one hour from start to finish. There was little discussion (little was needed).

Councillors and Mayor Reports, Questions of Staff

Council and mayor have been busy in the last couple of weeks attending meetings and events.

It was noted that there is some concern about the integrity of the retaining wall between the fire station and the Trinity Anglican Church. Engineers have been brought in to take a look and a report will be available in a few days.

There was mention of another movie being shot in Parry Sound, “A Very Larry Christmas”. No details on the plot were provided. What Parry Sound really needs is to host a remake or sequel to ‘Slapshot’ (1977), perhaps following up the various team members some thirty-five years later.

Correspondence and Deputation

4.3 – the letter seeking information about the former St. Joseph’s Hospital for development was circulated to council and passed on to staff for follow up.

Consent Agenda

A total of six tag day and awareness day/week/month items were approved. See the official minutes for details.

Resolutions and Directions to Staff

9.2.1 – council approved bank signing authority and credit cards for council members and senior staff.

9.2.2 – council approved an additional refund of about $4,600 for water and sewer charge over-payments for the years 2007 through 2010 for 12 Belvedere Avenue.

9.3.1 – a resolution to approve a site plan amendment for 18 Belvedere Avenue was carried.

9.3.2 – council approved the sale of two lots on MacFarlane Street, for $15,000 and $14,000.

9.3.3 – a request to remove a fence requirement for the new gas bar at 80 Bowes Street received some discussion. Apparently the adjoining property owner objected to the complete elimination of the fence and a shorter (lengthwise) fence was agreed and approved by council.

9.3.6 – council approved the sign proposed for the new Pioneer gas bar on Bowes Street.

9.4.1, 9.4.2 – approvals for the purchase of grass seed, fertilizer, gravel, top soil and crusher dust received some discussion. There was a question from council whether the town should just order black/grey crushed stone rather than black/grey and red crushed stone, saving $2,000 (~$20.00 a tonne). It was explained that the red crushed stone was used on the fitness trail and added to its comfort (cooler in summer) and improved its appearance. Council in the end approved the resolutions as presented which included ordering both colours of crushed stone. Taking a walk on the Rotary and Algonquin Fitness Trail this morning I think the slight increase in cost is appropriate. The ‘reddish’ paths are quite attractive and distinctive.

By-Laws

10.5.1 –  council approved the appointment of Dave Thompson, Director of Emergency and Protective Services/Fire Chief, as Fire Chief, Chairperson of the Community Emergency Management Committee (CEMC) and as the Staff Resource Representative for the Emergency Medical Services Advisory Committee with Peter Brown as the alternate for the CEMC

These notes review only those portions of the council meeting that I see as having greater importance or general community interest. Please see my earlier Council Agenda Preview post for more discussion and details concerning the various agenda items.

The official minutes from council meetings are available at the Town of Parry Sound website, no later than the Friday following the meeting. The full council proceeding are available on video through Cogeco. Schedule details are available from the town office (705-746-2101).

Some Good Local Advice. (May 2013)