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

What I expected to be a short meeting exceeded my expectations. It actually went on to about 8:45, due in part to a delayed start, about fifteen minutes, and requests for clarification on a few items. There was little discussion, but several requests for clarification.

What was surprising was the request for a recorded vote on two items, 9.4.1 and 10.3.1. Both items were approved 6 to 1, so I guess there really wasn’t an issue except in the mind of one individual. The recorded vote I guess will permit an “I told you so” at some point in the future if things don’t go as expected.

The questions of Staff raised ongoing obstruction by CN regarding the Forest Street crossing. My goodness, CN continues to demonstrate how arrogant it is when it comes to communities that it uses and abuses. There was also a summary of the most recent police quarterly report. News was mixed, some good and some not so good.

Closed Agenda Items

e) Louisa Street Wetlands. CARRIED. Nothing was brought forward to the open session of Council.

Deputations

None.

Resolutions and Direction To Staff

9.3.1 – Establishment of a 2016 Budget Schedule. Resolution. CARRIED. It has been changed slightly, refer to the Town’s webpage for the schedule. It will most certainly be revised as time passes and other priorities arise. It was noted that the budget meetings will be open to the public and input will be permitted, presumably as a deputation prior to Staff and Council discussion. Remember, once Council starts the discussion of the budget there is no additional opportunity to add in comments on particular issues. If you want to provide input you need to address Council prior to the start of formal discussions. Don’t be shy about asking to do so, they may well not formally ask if there are deputations as the budget sessions are much more casual than the regular budget discussions.

9.3.2 – Donations Policy. Resolution. CARRIED.

9.4.1 – Tender – College Drive Intersection Improvements. Resolution. CARRIED. There was some discussion about why this intersection is being redone. I guess the answer is because it represents a significant traffic hazard.

9.4.2 – Transfer of Capital Funds. Resolution. CARRIED.

9.5.1 – Consent Application No. B11/2015(PS) – PS Mall. Resolution. CARRIED.

By-laws

10.3.1 – Water and Wastewater System By-law Revisions. Being a by-law to govern water and wastewater services in the Town of Parry Sound and to repeal by-laws 2012-6174 and 2007-5063. CARRIED. Direction (Direct Staff Follow-up). That staff refund all deposits held for property owners as a credit on the next utility bill. CARRIED. This by-law took the longest to discuss and understand. The by-law introduces several changes and provides clarification on other issues. Changes/revisions include the required installation of water meters upon the sale of properties, charges for turning water on and off, and holding landlords responsible for water bills. I think it was the requirement for water meters that was the issue prompting the request for a recorded vote.

10.5.1 – Thunder Creek Subdivision, Phase 2 – Subdivision Amending Agreement with W.E.H. Developments Limited. Being a By-law to authorize a Subdivision Amending Agreement between W.E.H. Developments Limited and the Corporation of the Town of Parry Sound. CARRIED.

As per my introductory notes, the meeting didn’t end at 7:45 and I would not have won the pool, had there been one; a surprise with every meeting. There is a single meeting scheduled for mid-August. Enjoy the summer.

Taking a Peek at the Parry Sound Waterfront (Parry Sound in Colour)