Well, as promised it was a light agenda but it wasn’t a very short meeting. There were a couple of unscheduled deputations on the issue of the proposed revision of the Parry Sound Downtown Improvement Area (the Downtown Business Association, aka DBA), Item 9.2.1, and Council discussion on this issue,that consumed a considerable portion of the meeting.

The council meeting was not recorded by Cogeco because of staffing issues.

Councillors and Mayor Reports, Questions of Staff

Because of the absence of Cogeco coverage some Councillors chose to defer their reports. Those that provided reports offered nothing worth noting here.

A couple of interesting points rose during the staff question period. The corner of Hillcrest/Burritt/Isabella is undergoing repairs because of drainage issues and may require a reorientation of the intersection. The Smelter Wharf boat launch could be in operation again as soon as mid-July.

Correspondence and Deputations

Late correspondence was received concerning the DBA boundary adjustments. Two letters opposed the expansion of the boundary further along Miller Street, one letter was in support of the expansion.

5.1 – a deputation proposing community investment of time and effort in the rehabilitation and upgrading of the Skateboard Park, and Town endorsement of a grant application to the Kraft Celebration Tour for park upgrades, was warmly received by Council. Direction approved to support the community group application to the Kraft Celebration Tour.

There was a two-part deputation that addressed two residents’ concerns about proposed DBA expansion along Miller Street and the impact on their property values. This was from the same individuals who provided letters that opposed the DBA expansion.

There was also a deputation by the Parry Sound Power and Sail Squadron in support of Item 8.2

Consent Agenda

8.1 – the board appointments of two current board members of HOLDCO (Parry Sound Power) were extended through the end of the year to ensure continuity in partnership discussions with Lakeland Power.

8.2 – Council proclaimed July 3rd as Canadian Power and Sail Squadrons Day in Parry Sound.

Resolutions and Directions to Staff

2.1.1 – there were no comments received in person or by letter for, or against, a zoning by-law amendment regarding property for the proposed ‘Age in Place’ development on College Drive beside Canadore College. The next stage presumably will be the drafting of a formal by-law for Council to review.

9.1.1 – Council approved a Staff recommendation to write a letter of complaint to Parry Sound Taxi regarding charges laid by the OPP against their driver(s) that weren’t reported to the town.

9.2.1 – the realignment of the Downtown Improvement Area boundaries gave rise to considerable Council discussion, largely as a result of the letters received and deputations made by two residents of Miller Street. In the end Council approved the resolution that requests the preparation of a by-law to expand the boundaries along with a second resolution that exempted the properties of those opposed to the expansion from the new Downtown Improvement Area. This is just another step towards a by-law that formally resets the boundaries. I won’t waste any more time on this issue. As far as I’m concerned it’s a ‘tempest in a teapot’ that possibly results from poor communication.

9.4.1 – Council jumped all over volunteering for a committee to review a new Town of Parry Sound sign on Highway 400. There was no wrist wrestling required, but I was surprised by the enthusiasm on the part of the Councillors.

9.4.2 – a resolution approving the 2013 Municipal Assistance Program allocations was approved. Please see the official meeting minutes for the detailed breakdown of who received how much. It’s not much money for some very deserving community groups.

By-Laws

10.2.1 – a by-law to execute an agreement for the $25,000 CN grant in support of the Mission Park rehabilitation project was carried.

10.3.1 – a by-law to formalize the 2013 levy rates for the Downtown Business Association was carried.

10.4.1 – a by-law for a five-year lease agreement extension with the Department of Fisheries and Oceans/Small Craft Harbours regarding Big Sound Marina and the Town Dock was also carried.

10.4.2 – the by-law to authorize the sale of the ‘old Pump House’ was approved by Council.

10.5.1 – a by-law to execute an agreement with the Recycling Council of Ontario was similarly carried.

That’s pretty much all there is to report. Check out he North Star for more detailed coverage of issues that caught their attention. The full meeting minutes are available at the Town of Parry Sound website.

Parry Sound at Sunset from Waubuno Beach (June 2013)
OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAThese 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.