This last meeting before the holidays is rather light. The more interesting items in my opinion are noted below, with comments as appropriate. In terms of issues, fluoridation continues to be a topic of nattering, it seems some are concerned that they are ‘getting the shaft’, and there is the possibility of additional internet services for McDougall.
Closed Meeting Items
c) a proposed or pending acquisition or disposition of land by the municipality or local board; (3 Potential Property Acquisitions/Dispositions). It seems the Town is active in real estate.
Correspondence
4.1 – Kris Phillips, P.S.P., R.Ph. President/Chief Compounding Pharmacist/GMP QA Consultant of OmniVet Pharma Inc. Re: Concerns regarding the addition of fluoride to the Town’s Drinking Water. Hmm – why listen to experts when there are so many amateurs who know better? Experts in this case would be individuals trained in understanding and interpreting the literature as it relates to public health issues. Also, beware those who may have a commercial interest in a particular outcome. Commercial interests generally trump those of the general public, consider pollution regulations in China, and train safety regulations in Canada and the USA.
4.2 – Doug Graham, resident. Re: The BOCC was reviewed by Mr. Kropf for its suitability for the “World’s Largest Hockey Stick” and was found unsuitable. Request for Council to reconsider the Stockey Centre.
4.4 – Marilyn Hafichuk, Lethbridge, Alberta. Re: Concerns regarding the addition of fluoride to the Town’s Drinking Water.
Deputations
5.1 – Trevor Pinn, Director of Finance and POA Court Services. 2016 Budget Overview. It’s worth catching even if only on the ‘tube’.
Resolutions and Direction to Staff
9.1.2 – The World’s Largest Hockey Stick. Direction. That Council direct staff to advise Mr. Graham that a suitable location for the erection of the World’s Largest Hockey Stick cannot be found at this time and if potential locations are identified in the future, staff will investigate the feasibility at that time.
9.3.1 – Second Quarterly KPO Summary. Resolution. That the November, 2015 KPO Summary Report, attached as Schedule “A”, be approved.
9.3.2 – Amendments to the Council Code of Conduct. Direction. That staff be directed to provide notice to the public for a 21-day period, per Council’s Provision of Notice Policy, to allow comments to be received regarding the proposed amendments to the Council Code of Conduct By-law. The amendments seem to be highlighted in the text. Take a look and as appropriate provide your comments to the Town in the specified period. In my opinion the document offers too little protection for non-elected and non-staff individuals who choose to serve on committees. After the kerfuffle almost two years ago with a local volunteer being summarily and very publicly booted from their position on a board, I cannot recommend any individual serve on committee of the Town if they actually hope to make a difference that deviates from the ‘party line’. At best it’s frustrating, at worst it’s public embarrassment. Better to stand on the outside and make points through deputations, and letters to Council and the local press. It’s harder for them to ignore you and you are less likely to be marginalized.
By-laws
10.1.1 – Rezoning Application – Z/15/5 – 100 Church Street/1 Joseph Street – Microsuite Properties Ltd. Being a By-law to amend By-law No. 2004-4653 (The Zoning By-law), as amended, for 100 Church Street/1 Joseph Street – Microsuite Properties Ltd. Resolution That Consent Application No. B28/2015(PS) – Microsuite, be supported, subject to the following conditions:
- The payment of $2,596 per newly created lot for parkland dedication fees.
- That separate water and sewer service connections be provided to each of the severed and retained lots.
- That the lands be rezoned in accordance with Zoning By-law 2004-4653 as amended.
- A right-of-way be dedicated over severed lot 1 in favour of the retained lands to permit vehicles to use the rear parking spaces on the retained property.
10.5.1 – Vianet Agreement. Being a by-law to authorize the execution of an agreement with 768812 Ontario Inc. (o/a Vianet) to facilitate installation, maintenance and use of fixed wireless antennae on the Town’s North Sector Water Tower. This may mean additional telecommunication options for the residents of McDougall.
See you Tuesday.
Local Colour (Parry Sound in Colour)
