Tag Archives: BOCC

Council Agenda Preview – February 19, 2019

17 Sunday Feb 2019

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I want my 2019 Draft Budget (to the tune of I want my MTV). I can empathize with the Town’s challenges with regards to their Finance Director, but that is where senior management is supposed roll up their sleeves and get it done. Stuff happens but we still get the roads plowed, if not in the next hour or two, at least in the next six hours. Even the Director of Operations will get behind the wheel if necessary. I am concerned that we will have a budget administered to us without any public review and input. I am usually sympathetic to the challenges of running any type of operation but this is starting to have overtones of negligence.

There really is nothing of importance on the agenda. The finance folks are investing time in making sure that members of Council are properly topped up with respect to salaries (Item 9.3.1). Council and Staff are spending time on telling our neighbours what they would, and would not, like them to do with the zoning of their properties (Item 9.2.1). It’s a bit like asking your neighbour for input on an in ground swimming pool you are planning to have installed and they say they would rather you didn’t. What are you going to do?

We finally get a report from the Economic Development Officer (Item 9.3.3).

Council and Community Member remunerations are reported (Item 9.4.1). I have pasted the most relevant tables from that section at the end of this Council Agenda Preview.

One last thought: Where is the draft 2019 budget?

Closed Session

b) personal matters about an identifiable individual, including municipal or local board employees (Planning Matter); (Board Appointments).

Correspondence

4.1– Marion Cross. Recycling Policy at BOCC.

4.2– Georgian Bay Forever. Requesting partnership support regarding Divert & Capture Program: The Fight to Keep Microplastics out of our Water.

4.3– Chris Cardy. Rotary Splash Pad Positive supporters advocacy to install Splash Pad.

4.4– Anna May Gillingham. Concerns about sidewalk conditions on William Street.

Deputations

5.1– Mayor Ted Comiskey, Town of Ingersoll. Ontario Municipalities Demand of “Right to Approve” Landfill Sites in jurisdiction.

5.2– Christina Bossart, Ian Sproule. Hidden Bay March Break Camp.

Resolutions and Direction to Staff

9.2.1– Comment on Seguin Zoning By-law Amendment Application. That Council directs staff to advise the Township of Seguin that Parry Sound Council is generally supportive of regional economic development initiatives and requests that:
1. The property be rezoned to a site-specific zoning category rather than a general C3 Zone that only permits the requested uses;
2. Outlet retail uses be defined to ensure that they are not uses which would be more suitably located within the Town of Parry Sound as per Section 1 of the PPS or which would negatively impact the vitality and viability of the Parry Sound Downtown (ex. beer or liquor stores, banks or boutique retail uses);
3. Innovative technology-type uses be specifically defined in a manner which ensures they are not uses which compete with the Seguin Airport Industrial Park (in which the Town is a partner), which would be more suitably located in a serviced Settlement Area or negatively impact the environment;
4. The Zoning By-law Amendment specifically note that municipal water and sewer services will not be provided to the subject property unless the property becomes part of the Town of Parry Sound. This is to ensure the natural environment is protected and that any potential developer does not have expectations about the extension of Town of Parry Sound municipal services;
5. The appropriate studies are undertaken and implemented to ensure the protection of the natural environment, which includes the northerly waterbody (Anderson Lake) which is partially within the Town of Parry Sound, or the property be split zoned to ensure these commercial uses do not have a negative impact upon the waterfront’s features and functions; and
6. The Township of Seguin provide a notice of decision to the Clerk of the Town of Parry Sound.

9.3.1– Council Members 1/3 Tax Exemption. Direction. That staff be directed to implement remuneration increases of elected officials retroactive to January 1, 2019, as recommended in this report and consistent with Council direction as set-out in By-law 2015 – 6554.
Direction. That staff bring Council group benefits options (health/dental) for consideration to a future Council meeting.
Direction. That upon approval of Council direction regarding: remuneration increases retroactive to January 1, 2019; and consideration of Council group benefits (health, dental); staff present a comprehensive compensation by-law for Council members to a future Council meeting.

9.3.2– Bobby Orr Gift Shop Renovation. Resolution. THAT the Bobby Orr Hall of Fame gift shop renovation budget of $50,000 be approved; and the required funds be withdrawn from the Bobby Orr Hall of Fame Special Projects Reserve Fund.

9.3.3– Economic Development Report. Presentation for Council Information.

9.4.1– 2018 Statement of Remuneration to Council and Board Members. Resolution. That the 2018 Statement of Remuneration Paid to Council and Appointed Board Members, attached as Schedule “A”, be accepted.

By-laws

10.4.1– Debenture By-law. By-law 2019 – 6896. Being a By-law to Authorize the Borrowing Upon Amortizing Debentures in the Principal Amount of $4,585,451.59 Towards the Cost of the Reconstruction of William Street with Drainage Improvements, and Reconstruction of Emily St.

(Updated) Council Agenda Preview – July 17, 2018

12 Thursday Jul 2018

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UPDATE – the agenda for the 2018-07-17 meeting has been updated. The only changes as I can determine are in the Closed Meeting agenda. The additions are noted in bold font.

A light agenda for next week’s meeting week that’s out a day early. Three short comments:

Closed Session d)– the local rumour is that Clayton Harris will be named the new Chief Administration Officer (CAO).

9.1.1– relates to utility services for the redeveloped Georgian Bay Airways facility.

4.1 – no, it’s not that Stephen Covey.

Closed Session

a) the security of property of the municipality or local board. (National Broadcast Event)
c) a proposed or pending acquisition or disposition of land for municipal or local board purposes. (Waterfront Property)
d) labour relations or employee negotiations. (Contract for CAO Employment Position), (Union Negotiations)

Public Meeting

2.1.1 – Council will hold a public meeting to consider a proposed Zoning By-law amendment under Section 34 of the Planning Act, as amended. The property is 24 Albert Street, known as Part of Lot 3 on the East Side of Albert Street on Plan 104/105 or more particularly described as Part 5 of 42R9595, in the Town of Parry Sound. The purpose of the proposed Zoning By-law amendment is to provide relief from the Residential Second Density Zone. The effect of the proposed Zoning By-law amendment will be to permit the construction of two new residential units (for a total of four) and permit five parking spaces in the front yard (only three are permitted).

Correspondence

4.1 – Stephen Covey, Chief of Police and Chief Security Officer – CN Rail. Request of a resolution to declare September 23-29, 2018 Rail Safety Week

4.2 – Chris Pettinger, Co-founder, Trestle Brewing Company. Request for wayfinding signs for the Brewery within the Town of Parry Sound. Response from Staff included.

Resolutions and Direction to Staff

9.1.1 – Consent Application – B 18/2018 (PS) (Solitude Investments Inc.). Resolution. That Consent Application No. B 18/2018 (PS) (Solitude Investments Inc.), be supported.

9.2.1 – BOHF Reserve Fund Signing Authorities. Resolution. That Nicole Mullen, Stockey Centre Programming & Events Manager and Caitlin Dyer, Bobby Orr Hall of Fame Curator be designated signing authorities for the Bobby Orr Hall of Fame Reserve Fund.

9.4.1 – 2018 Suez Ultrafiltration Users’ Group Conference. Resolution. That Council authorizes the Manager of Water Systems to attend the 2018 Suez Ultrafiltration Users’ Group Conference to be held in Knoxville, Tennessee, September 16 – 18, 2018 further to By-law 2002-4549, which requires prior Council approval for attendance at seminars, conferences and conventions outside the Province of Ontario.

9.4.2 – Tender – Fleet. Resolution. That Council accept the tender from Georgian Chevrolet Buick GMC for a 2019 GMC 2500HD in the amount of $57,912.50, including taxes, delivery, and the trade-in of a 2012 F250, this tender being the only one received.

By-laws

10.1.1 – Encroachment Agreement – St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church (58 Seguin Street). By-law 2018 – 6848. Being a by-law to execute an encroachment agreement between St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church and the Town of Parry Sound.

10.3.1 – Employee Training & Development Policy. By-law 2018 – 6849. Being a by-law to adopt the Employee Training & Development Policy and to repeal Bylaw 90-3443.

Council Agenda Preview – June 5, 2018

04 Monday Jun 2018

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There are a number of items on this week’s Parry Sound Council Meeting Agenda. The full agenda with attachments can be accessed at the Town’s website. Here are a few items that caught my attention followed by a list of the agenda items from this week’s meeting agenda.

Closed Session c)– the Town continues to acquire properties for reasons unknown.

9.1.1– Pumper Truck Purchase for about $550K all in. I guess we need what we need.

9.2.2– Splash Pad. It looks as though any splash pad that is built will be located at Waubuno Beach. This seems to be the right place for it. There was some earlier discussion that the future of any splash pad would be co-located with an aquatic recreation centre. The pad, if constructed, would be located close to the beach in the corner between the parking lot and the road leading to the boat launch.

9.2.3– Lakeland Holdings Share Allocation Adjustment. The Town’s shareholding in Lakeland increases from 13.5% to 15.57% with the new generating plant coming online. And from what I understand the new plant was built on time and on budget.

9.3.1– 2019 Budget Schedule. Things will be delayed a month or so with a new council to be elected in October. The full schedule is available in the meeting agenda package.

On a separate note, the new metal roof on the Stockey Centre looks pretty sharp.

Closed Meeting Agenda Items

  1. c) a proposed or pending acquisition or disposition of land for municipal or local board purposes; (Property Purchase)
  2. e) litigation or potential litigation, including matters before administrative tribunals, affecting the municipality or local board. (Property Matter)
  3. j) educating or training council members and no member shall discuss or deal with any matter in a way that materially advances the business of the Council. (Potential National Event)

Deputations

5.1– Edith Paulus. Backyard flooding since the blasting for the building of the new School on Gibson Street, 2016

5.2– Daryl McMurray, PS Downtown Business Association. Newly adopted Strategic Plan for the Downtown.

5.3– Chris McDonald, Erin Cardy, Sound Splash Pad co-chairs. Update on their progress, current situation, and future goals with regard to the development of a Splash Pad facility at Waubuno Beach in Parry Sound.

Resolutions and Direction to Staff

9.1.1– Recommended Supplier for 2019 Fire Department Pumper Rescue. Resolution. That the Council for the Town of Parry Sound award the purchase of the 2019 Fire Department Pumper Rescue to Dependable Emergency Vehicles in the amount of $522,888.00 +HST inclusive of the trade in value of $27,000 for the current 1998 GMC Rescue and the 2000 Metalfab Pumper; and Further that Council authorize discretionary additional funding of $30,000 for possible additions to the vehicle which may be prudent upon factors identified in the Pre-Build meeting with Dependable Emergency Vehicles.

9.1.2– EMS Paramedic Response Unit. Resolution. That upon the recommendation of the EMS Advisory Committee through the approved EMS budget that the Council of the Town of Parry Sound approve the bid from Bayview in the amount of $36,400.00 +taxes for the supply of a 2018 Pickup Truck.

9.2.1– Charles W. Stockey Centre & Bobby Orr Hall of Fame Exterior Building Sign. Resolution. That Council accepts the only proposal received for the Exterior Building Sign Request for Proposals from Sign City Inc., for the Charles W. Stockey Centre & Bobby Orr Hall of Fame in the amount of $3250 + HST.

9.2.2– Splash Pad – Response to request for location. Resolution. That Council designate space at Waubuno Beach for future development of a Splash Pad as identified on Attachment #1.

9.2.3– Lakeland Holdings Share Allocation Adjustment. Resolution. That the Mayor and CAO be authorized to sign the Lakeland Holdings Ltd. Subscription of Common Shares resolution, attached as Schedule “A”.

9.3.1– 2019 Budget Team Schedule. Resolution. That Council hereby approves the 2019 Budgeting Schedule as set out in the attached Schedule “A”.

9.3.2– Purchasing of Budgeting Software Questica. Resolution. That Council authorizes to purchase the budgeting software Questica at approximately $37,000 of one-time cost and $3,000 of annual license and maintenance fee; That Council approves withdrawals from the Tax Rate Stabilization Reserve for the unbudgeted $27,000 to implement the software; and That conditions of the Procurement Policy By-law are waived.

9.4.1– Stone Pillar Gatepost Rebuild – Hillcrest Cemetery. Resolution. That Council award the repair and restoration of two stone pillars at the main entrance of Hillcrest Cemetery to Paul Langford Masonry in the amount of $17,500.00 (Seventeen thousand, five hundred dollars) taxes extra, this being the lowest of two (2) request for quotations received.

9.5.1– Fitness Trail Maintenance. Discussion.

By-laws

10.1.1– Fire Department Establishing and Regulating By-law. By-law 2018 – 6835. A By-law to Establish and Regulate a Fire Department and to repeal Corporation of the Town of Parry Sound By-laws 89-3357 and 93-3617.

10.1.2– Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) – Macklaim Drive and Dennis Drive Municipal Services Installation. By-law 2018 – 6830. Being a bylaw to authorize the execution of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between property owners along Macklaim Drive and Dennis Drive and the Town of Parry Sound.

10.2.1– G Cash Management Systems Agreement. By-law 2018 – 6836. Being a By-law to enter into an agreement with G Cash Management Systems for the continued placement of an Automated Teller Machine (ATM) at the Charles W. Stockey Centre for the Performing Arts.

Council Agenda Preview – April 17, 2018

14 Saturday Apr 2018

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This is a more interesting upcoming meeting of Parry Sound Council with a number of important issues on the agenda for review and approval. Here are the items that caught my attention:

4.3 – Boundary adjustment discussion with Seguin. See the full agenda for additional information on the resolution. The net/net is that Seguin is willing to discuss an adjustment of the Parry Sound / Seguin boundary to allow for the construction of a road from the back of the hospital to Oastler Park Drive. It’s easier to think about it as going behind the Canadian Tire and RONA and connecting up with the road behind the hospital. The Seguin resolution lists the benefits and considerations. It’s notable that they clearly state that they have no interest in assuming any costs for the road extension. That’s okay if the Town of Parry Sound can make a case to the taxpayers of Parry Sound that it is a good investment of tax dollars. I know this is a pet project of the Town and I think it’s time for the taxpayer to better understand the ‘dollars and sense’ of the project. Too little information has been shared with the Public to date.

9.1.1 – OMG. I read through the whole Downtown Business Association Strategic Plan and it is consistent with other documents I have seen in the past. I refer everyone to the story we all heard when we were children – The Emperor’s Clothes. You can only change what you can see and are willing to accept. In particular I think that the downtown retail businesses have not wrapped their heads around the reality of doing business here. With Amazon delivering in two days or less, and Barrie 75 minutes away, the consistent year-round active retail economy is pretty much limited to gas, groceries and alcohol. What does enjoy a rosy 12 month a year economy is services – medical, dental, auto repair, legal, financial, social services and the like where it takes weeks to get an appointment. Somehow the DBA hasn’t fully wrapped its head around that, and I’m not sure that there is an answer if/when they do. Retail was much simpler when it was a two-hour drive to Barrie down Highway 69, and you had to drive the Aspdin Road to get to Huntsville, and there wasn’t a Wal-Mart in town. Those times are long gone. The plan proposed by, and for, the DBA doesn’t seem to acknowledge these realities. Enhancing the Waterfront would be great, but it doesn’t change the retail environment. And even if we were to attract twice as many tourists in the summer with a beautiful waterfront what would they do? Where would they stay? Where would they eat? And can any business rationalize investing to build additional hotels, restaurants and tourist attractions if the tourist season is three months long? I suppose with a new strategic plan in hand the Town and the DBA can feel that they have done their work and they can move on to other priorities. After fifty years it seems the Toronto Maple Leafs are starting to win once again. Was that fifty-year drought a matter of back luck or was it a case of refusing to acknowledge reality and develop an effective winning strategy in the context of that reality? The business issue in Parry Sound is bigger than poor strategy and tactics. Until local businesses decide to engage and contribute, Parry Sound will continue to experience the same old, same old. I am not criticizing the people who were responsible for the new strategic plan, they showed up and did their best. A great plan depends on the involvement and commitment of the many, not the few, and a willingness to look in the mirror and acknowledge what they see, not what they want to see. The retail businesses in the DBA would like others to make things better but not change themselves, or contribute to the change. They need to stop acting like victims.

9.1.3 – The rink rebuild at the Bobby Orr Community Centre is pushed back a year.

9.2.1 – This is a more administrative point, but important. The Town it seems is a bit closer to gaining the ability to approve its own Official Plan amendments. This means shorter timelines for these approvals as the Province’s review and approval will no longer be required. It’s not clear if these Official Plan Amendments are still subject to appeal, but the documentation provided by the Town suggests that they will be.

9.4.1 – 2017 Statement of Remuneration Paid to Council and Appointed Board Members. Interesting but the information on what Council and Board members received, as indicated being summarized in Schedule A 1, is not included in the council meeting package. Actually the whole 9.4.1 section is not included. Hmmm! I’ll put in a request for the information and make it available in a separate post

10.2.1 – The Town is approving the installation of a septic system for a proposed triplex. The Town really wants more development and the resulting tax revenue. As per the CAO’s comments, “Requiring 120 meters of sanitary lines from the main to the property line would in all likelihood not result in the property being developed.”

Abridged Agenda Item List

Correspondence

4.3 – Andrea Spinney, Deputy Clerk, Seguin Township. Resolution enclosed for discussions with Parry Sound for proposed boundary adjustment.

Deputations

5.1 – Donald Sanderson and Jim Hanna, West Parry Sound Health Centre. Update on activities over the past year.

Consent Agenda

8.3 – Change of Dates for December 2018 Council Meetings. Resolution. Whereas Parry Sound’s Procedural By-law 2018-6814, stipulates that the Inaugural Meeting of Council shall be held no later than the second Tuesday in December at 8:00 p.m.; and Whereas Council’s current set of 2018 meeting dates has scheduled a Regular Council Meeting December 4, 2018; Therefore, Be It Resolved that Council for the Town of Parry Sound cancels the Regular scheduled meeting for December 4, 2018 and sets the date for the Inaugural Meeting of the 2019-2022 Council-Elect for December 11th, 2018; and Further that the scheduled Regular Meeting of December 18th shall remain unchanged.

Resolutions and Direction to Staff

9.1.1 – Downtown Business Association Strategic Plan. Resolution. That upon the recommendation of the Downtown Steering Committee, Council receive the Downtown Business Association Strategic Plan, attached to Schedule “A”.

9.1.2 – Downtown Steering Committee. Resolution. Whereas the Downtown Steering Committee was appointed with the mandate to provide stewardship to the Downtown Sustainability Plan ensuring the long-term viability of the downtown; and Whereas a number of the recommendations have been implemented including the approval of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Downtown Business Association and the Town and the development of a Downtown Strategic Plan; and Whereas the Downtown Strategic Plan recommends a number of strategic initiatives and further recommends that ad hoc/working committees be established to implement the initiatives: Now Therefore upon the recommendation of the Downtown Steering Committee, Council rescind Resolution No: 2016-207 being the Resolution approving the Downtown Steering Committee Terms of Reference and member appointments.

9.1.3 – Bobby Orr Community Centre Ice Surface Rebuild. Resolution. That Council proceed with the investigation, assessment and design phase for the Bobby Orr Community Centre (BOCC) Ice Surface Rebuild in 2018 and the actual construction in 2019; and That the 2018 capital budget for construction of the ice surface rebuild, which would be financed through a debenture, be deferred to 2019 budget.

9.2.1 – Town of Parry Sound/Parry Sound Area Planning Board. Resolution. Whereas the Town of Parry Sound has had ongoing conversations with the Minister and staff of the Ministry of Municipal Affairs as it relates to being exempted from Official The Corporation of The Town of Parry Sound Plan Amendment Approval and being released from the Parry Sound Area Planning Board; and Whereas the Province recently announced that it is proposing to expand its municipal empowerment strategy to exempt Parry Sound from Provincial Official Plan Amendment approvals.
Now Therefore be it resolved that the Town of Parry Sound supports this initiative and appreciates the Province’s proposal; And Further That a copy of this Resolution be forwarded to Minister Bill Mauro and the Northern Region of the Ministry of Municipal Affairs.

9.2.2 – Consent Application – B 10/2018 (PS) (Marynissen) – Macfarlane Street. Resolution. That Consent Application No. B 10/2018 (PS) (Marynissen) – 18 and 20 Macfarlane Street, be supported subject to the following conditions:
1. Payment for cash-in-lieu of parkland dedication for one new lot.
2. That the applicant be advised that each of the severed and retained lots have separate and individual water and sewer services.
3. That the severed and retained lots obtain relief from the Zoning By-law to ensure the newly created lots are compliant (frontage).

9.4.1 – 2017 Statement of Remuneration Paid to Council and Appointed Board Members. Resolution. That the 2017 Statement of Remuneration Paid to Council and Appointed Board Members, attached as Schedule “A”, be accepted.

By-laws

10.1.1 – Big Sound Marina/Town Dock – Lease Agreement – Department Fisheries. By-law 2018 – 6826. Being a By-law to authorize the execution of a lease agreement between the Department of Fisheries and Oceans and the Town of Parry Sound for Big Sound Marina and Town Dock.

10.2.1 – Rezoning Application – Z/18/3 – Hanna Road (Fuller). By-law 2018 – 6827. Being a By-law to amend By-law 2004-4653 (The Zoning By-law), as amended, for a property on Hanna Road (Fuller).

Council Agenda Preview – March 20, 2018

15 Thursday Mar 2018

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There are a large number of agenda items. I have ‘slimmed down’ the items to those that I think are most relevant in terms of the Correspondence and Resolutions and Directions to Staff. There has been no abridging of the Deputations and By-Laws. A few items stick out and are worth clarification or a short comment.

2.1.1 – This relates to a property that is in “Town” but doesn’t have clear access to municipal sewer services, or will be burdened with considerable expense to connect to the town system. I’m not sure I would like to have a neighbouring property, possibly a multi-residence rental property, operating a septic system behind my backyard.

9.4.2 – Weeks Construction is getting the contract for a significant portion of the Waubeek Street reconstruction. Given Fowler Construction’s performance on Emily Street it seems they were not gong to get this contract despite winning the past few.

9.5.1 – It looks as though the Splash Pad, if it goes forward, will be situated at Waubuno Beach. That makes sense to me.

10.5.1 – This concerns lease of waterfront property adjacent to the OPP facility that the Town purchased last year, presumably in anticipation of eventual waterfront development. The proposed lease is for three years so nothing is happening anytime soon.

Check out the full agenda at the Town’s website if you want to see all agenda items and details along with the supporting Staff reports.

Closed Session

(e) litigation or potential litigation, including matters before administrative tribunals affecting the municipality or local board (Official Plan Amendment No. 1 Appeal)

Public Meeting

2.1.1 – Council will hold a public meeting to consider a proposed Zoning By-law amendment under Section 34 of the Planning Act, as amended. The subject property is a vacant lot on Hanna Road, known as southern part of Lot 57 on RCP 338, or more particularly described as Parts 2 and 3 of 42R20780, in the Town of Parry Sound. The property proposed for rezoning is shown on the attached Location Map. The applicant has requested relief from the Residential Second Density Zone to permit residential development that is not on municipal sewer services.

Correspondence

4.1 – Parry Sound Recreation Complex Committee. Providing an update on appointed members and 1st meeting will be in April 2018

4.2 – Splash Pad Committee. Thanking Council for contribution and requesting a designated spot for the splashpad.

4.3 – Georgian Bay Forever. Diversion of microplastics/fibres from the waters of Georgian Bay through a pilot project

Deputations

5.1 – Georgian Bay Forever. Requesting the participation of Parry Sound in 2 pilot projects, diversion and measurement of change in quantity of microplastics in wastewater.

Consent Agenda

8.1 – 2017 Integrity Commissioners Report. Resolution. Whereas the Council, Boards and Committees Code of Conduct stipulates that the Integrity Commissioner shall file his/her annual report regarding any activities to Council no later than March 31st of each year; and That should there be no complaints/investigations for the year, in this case, 2017, then the Clerk shall report to Council accordingly; Therefore, the Clerk reports that the former Integrity Commissioner, George Rust-D’Eye and the current Integrity Commissioner Harold Elston, have reported that there were no formal complaints filed nor investigations conducted in the year 2017.

Resolutions and Direction to Staff

9.1.1 – Self Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA). Resolution. That the Council of the Town of Parry Sound accept the bid from Dependable Emergency Vehicles in the amount of $194,682.12 +taxes for the supply of 18 SCBA, 36 additional air bottles and ancillary equipment.

9.4.1. – 2017 Water System Summary Report. Resolution. Whereas the Town of Parry Sound owns and operates the Parry Sound Drinking Water System (M.O.E. Designation Number 2200000585) which has been categorized as a “Large Residential” Drinking Water System, and Whereas Ontario Regulation 170-03 (as amended) under the Safe Drinking Water Act requires, according to “Schedule 22 Summary Reports for Municipalities” that all large Municipal Residential Drinking water systems have a report prepared no later than March 31st of each year addressing the items detailed in the Regulation and is given to the members of Council in the case of a drinking water system owned by a municipality; Therefore, be it resolved that Council of the Town of Parry Sound hereby acknowledges receipt of the report titled: “Town of Parry Sound Tony Agnello Water Treatment Plan, Large Municipal Residential Drinking Water System Summary Report 2017”, as prepared by Kyle Hall, Manager of Water Systems.

9.4.2. – Waubeek Street Reconstruction Tender Results. Resolution. That upon the recommendation of C. C. Tatham and Associates, Council award the tender for Waubeek and Prospect Street Reconstruction to Weeks Construction Inc., in the amount of $5,101,291.00 plus HST, this tender being the lowest of four (4) tenders received.

9.5.1 – Splash Pad – Response to request for location. Resolution. That Council designate space at Waubuno Beach for future development of a Splash Pad as identified on Attachment #1.

By-laws

10.1.1 – West Parry Sound Emergency Plan 2018. By-law 2018 – 6813. Being a by-law to adopt an Emergency Management Program and Emergency Response Plan for the West Parry Sound Area and to meet other Requirements under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act.

10.2.1 – Disposition of Amended Procedural By-law. By-law 2018 – 6814. Being a By-law to govern and regulate the proceedings of Council of The Corporation of the Town of Parry Sound, its Committees and where applicable, its Boards and to repeal By-law 2015-6573.

10.2.2 – Separate By-law for Election Signage. Direction. That staff be directed to bring back the draft Election Sign By-law to the April 17th, 2018 Council Meeting, for disposition by Council after the 14-day public notice period so the public may have the opportunity to provide comments.

10.3.1 – Business Improvement Area (BIA) Levy By-law – Downtown Business Area. By-law 2018 – 6815. Being a By-law to adopt the estimates of the Board of Management of the Downtown Parry Sound Business Improvement Area and to strike the Tax Rate thereon for the year 2018

10.5.1 – Chantler Barging Ltd. Lease Agreement/Renewal – 3 Bay Street. By-law 2018 – 6816. Being a By-law to authorize the execution of a lease renewal agreement between Chantler Barging Ltd. and the Corporation of the Town of Parry Sound.

10.5.2 – Rezoning Application – Z/18/1 – 60 and 60a Seguin Street (Themer). By-law 2018 – 6812. Being a By-law to amend By-law 2004-4653 (The Zoning By-law), as amended, for 60 and 60a Seguin Street (Themer)

10.5.3 – Rezoning Application – Z/18/2 – 128 Gibson Street (Corkins). By-law 2018-6817. Being a By-law to amend By-law 2004-4653 (The Zoning By-law), as amended, for 128 Gibson Street (Corkins).

10.5.4 – Custodial Services for Parry Sound Fire Station. By-law 2018 – 6818. Being a by-law to authorize an agreement with Bernie Filiatrault Janitorial for Custodial Services for the Parry Sound Fire Station.

10.5.5 – Artists Round the Sound Agreement. By-law 2018 – 6819. Being a By-law to enter into an agreement with the Artists Round the Sound (ARTS) for the rental of wall space at the Charles W. Stockey Centre for the Performing Arts. Direction (For Direct Staff Follow-up): That Council direct staff to prepare a Request for Proposal for an art exhibit at the Stockey Centre at the conclusions of the ARTS Agreement.

10.5.6 – Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation Intern Agreement. By-law 2018 – 6820. Being a By-law to authorize the execution of an agreement between the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) and the Corporation of the Town of Parry Sound accepting the terms and conditions of the approval of the Bobby Orr Hall of Fame Project Development Intern.

 

Council Agenda Preview – November 21, 2017

17 Friday Nov 2017

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A few short comments on a couple of the issues before Council this week. The more important items on the agenda follow:

9.4.1 – The purchase of 65 self-watering hanging baskets.
This seems like a good idea. The current baskets demand more watering than is practical for Town Staff to provide. This purchase has the potential to significantly improve the quality of the flowers and perhaps even save time and money.

9.4.4 – Bobby Orr Community Centre (BOCC) – Gas Pipe Relocation.
This seems to be another necessary remediation for work that was not done to specifications. Keep your eyes open folks and make sure that your supplier delivers/installs what they were contracted to do. It’s too late once the job has been paid for and a problem shows up a few years later.

Closed Session

d) labour relations or employee negotiations. (Personnel Matters) (POA Court)

e) litigation or potential litigation, including matters before administrative tribunals, affecting the municipality or local board. (Zoning Matter)

Correspondence

4.1 – Gail Burrows, Parry Sound Area Chamber of Commerce. Request for funding in the 2018 budget

Deputations

5.1 – Gail Burrows, President, Parry Sound Area Chamber of Commerce. Annual Chamber of Commerce Update and Financial Request

Resolutions and Direction to Staff

9.4.1 – Self-Watering Hanging Baskets: Pre-Budget Approval. Resolution. That Council authorize staff to single source the delivery of 65 self-watering hanging baskets from Equinox Environmental Products, for a total of $9,892.01, including HST.

9.4.2 – Council Approved Sign Application – Mill Lake Boat Launch. Resolution. That the Chief Building Official is authorized to issue a permit for two signs substantially as shown on Schedule “A” attached; and According to the conditions in Schedule “B” attached; and That the permit will initially be for a five year period; and That the permit does expire if the signs are removed.

9.4.3 – Reappointment of Councillors to Committee of Adjustment. Resolution. That Councillors Borneman and Keith be reappointed to the Parry Sound Committee of Adjustment until November 30, 2018.

9.4.4 – Bobby Orr Community Centre (BOCC) – Gas Pipe Relocation. Resolution. That Council accept the change order from J. G. Fitzgerald & Sons Ltd. for relocation of the gas pipe at the BOCC in the amount of $32,153.00 excluding HST; and engineering/consulting fees; and That the project be funded from the Building Replacement Reserve.

9.5.1 – 2018 Land Ambulance Budget. Resolution. That upon recommendation of the EMS Advisory Committee the Council of the Town of Parry Sound adopts the 2018 Land Ambulance Budget in the amount of $9,477,716.

9.5.2 – Auto Pulse. Resolution. That upon the recommendation of the EMS Advisory Committee the Council of the Town of Parry Sound authorize the purchase of 10 Auto Pulse devices and ancillary equipment from Zoll Medical Canada in the amount of $173,722.59.

9.5.3 – 2018 Ambulance Purchases. Resolution. That upon the recommendation of the EMS Advisory Committee, Council approve the purchase of two ambulances from Crestline Coach in the amount of $111,392 each inclusive of the trade in value ($11,000) for our current units being replaced, to be delivered in late winter of 2018.

9.5.4 – Surplus EMS Vehicle. Resolution. That upon the recommendation of the EMS Advisory Committee, the Council of the Town of Parry Sound allocate a surplus 2011 Ford E350 Ambulance to the Whitestone Fire Department at no cost.

By-laws

10.1.1 – Contract for 2018 Municipal Election eVoting Services. By-Law 2017 – 6778. Being a By-law to authorize the execution of a contract with Intelivote Systems Inc. for the provision of an electronic voting system incorporating voting through telephone and secure internet connections for the 2018 Municipal Election.

It hardly seems worth attending the meeting this coming week. There are no items of real importance on the agenda, nor is there likely to be any significant discussion. But, the meeting may not be broadcast based on challenges with the Town’s Live Stream service.

 

Council Agenda Preview – October 2, 2017

29 Friday Sep 2017

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It’s time for another meeting of the Parry Sound Council, and there is nothing of a ‘mission critical’ nature on the agenda as far as I can see. There are a few items worth noting as summarized below.

DBA – Items 4.3 and 9.4.2 start the process of strategic plan for the Parry Sound Downtown Business Association.

Trail Link – Items 4.4, 5.2, 8.3 and 9.1.1 are all ‘linked’ with the resignation of Wendall Fisher as chair of the 8 to 80 Committee and the opening of a new trail.

Sale of CN Station – Item 9.3.1. The station, after the previous sale fell through, is being sold for the reduced price of $80,000. That’s a bargain of sorts for the right opportunity.

Bobby Orr Community Centre Upgrade – Item 9.4.1. An investment of $40,000 is required to dehumidify the facility to permit the installation of the ice surface. A climate change consequence? Perhaps we’ll just need to shorten the hockey season in Canada.

Additional items and information can be found below and in the Town’s full Meeting Agenda.

Closed Session

d) labour relations or employee negotiations. (Succession Planning & Organizational Redesign, Personnel Update)

e) litigation or pending litigation, including matters before administrative tribunals, affecting the municipality or local board. (Zoning Matter)

Correspondence

4.3 – Susan Hyrcyna, EA for Parry Sound Downtown Business Association (PSDBA). Re: Recommendation by the Board to accept the proposal received from Ontario Business Improvement Area Association (OBIAA) and Page By Page Consulting to develop a Strategic Plan for the PSDBA by working with the Downtown Steering Committee and the PSDBA Board.

4.4 – Wink Fisher, Chair – 8-80’s Committee of Council. Re: Mr. Fisher’s resignation from the Committee due to health reasons.

Deputations

5.1 – Trevor Pinn, Director of Finance and POA Court Services. Re: Demonstration of Budget Tool Software.

5.2 – Becky Pollack and Susan Woodhouse, on behalf of the Parry. Sound Active Transportation Committee Re: Request for signage support and contribution on the trail link extending from Mall Drive along Parry Sound Drive to the Nobel Trail. Also request support to name the trail link “Wink’s Link” in recognition of Wendall Fisher’s contribution to the building of this trail through his work in the Parry Sound Area Active Transportation group.

Consent Agenda

8.2 – Audited Statements for Land Ambulance and POA Court Services. Resolution. Whereas the Council for the Town of Parry Sound has previously approved the draft Consolidated Audited Financial Statements for the Town of Parry Sound for the year ending December 31, 2016; And Whereas the Town issues two supplementary statements for the Administration of the POA Court and the Administration of the Land Ambulance Service; Now therefore be it resolved that the Council for the Town of Parry Sound approves, substantially as attached as Schedules “A” and “B”, the audited statements for the Administration of the POA Services and the Administration of the Land Ambulance Service for the year ended December 31, 2016.

8.3 – Wink Fisher, Chair – 8-80’s Committee of Council. Resolution. Whereas Mr. Fisher has served on the 8-80’s Committee of Council since it’s inception; and Whereas Council is very appreciative of Mr. Fisher contribution to the 8-80’s Committee; Now, therefore Be It Resolved that Council accepts, with regret, Mr. Fisher’s resignation as Chair and member of this Committee.

Resolutions and Direction to Staff

9.1.1 – Naming of the Parry Sound to McDougall Trail Link and Signage. Resolution. That Council fully supports the naming of the ‘Link’ trail to McDougall “Wink’s Link Community Path” and that an appropriate sign be constructed at the Town entrance to the Trail to be funded from the Trials Master Plan budget at a cost of up to $1,500.

9.3.1 – Sale of CN Station – 1 Station Road. Resolution.  That Council accepts the offer of purchase from Scott Ben Michaud for the purchase of the CN station and property located at 1 Station Road, Parry Sound, in the amount of Eighty thousand dollars ($80,000.00); And further that Council directs staff to retain the services of a solicitor to prepare the final Agreement of Purchase and Sale; And further, that the net proceeds from the sale be placed in the Capital Asset Legacy Reserve fund.

9.4.1 – BOCC: Emergency Dehumidifier Replacement. Resolution. That Council authorize staff to single source the delivery and installation one (1) RefPlus DDE-2500 Ice Rink Desiccant Dehumidifier, from Cimco Refrigeration, for an approximate total of $40, 000, including HST, and that it be funded from the Building Replacement Reserve.

9.4.2 – Downtown Business Association (DBA) Strategic Plan RFP. Resolution. That upon the recommendation of the Downtown Steering Committee, Council accept the proposal from the Ontario BIA Association and Page By Page Consulting for the development of a Downtown Business Association Strategic Plan in the amount of $8,500 attached as Schedule “A”.

9.4.3 – Façade Improvement Program Recommendation – Tanis Mack and Amy Black (Pardon My Garden and a Black-Tie Affair). Resolution. That upon the recommendation of the Façade Improvement Review Committee, Council approve the Pardon My Garden and a Black-Tie Affair application, being 35 Seguin Street in the amount of $1,877.50.

By-laws

10.5.1 – Appointment of Nathan Jeffery as a Municipal Bylaw Enforcement Officer. By-law 2017 – 6772. Being a bylaw to appoint Nathan Jeffery as a Municipal Law Enforcement Officer and to repeal By-law 2002-4443.

I won’t be at the meeting this week. The online stream is so much more convenient. The seating at home is more comfortable with high speed internet available and the option to multitask. It might be fun to start live Tweeting the meetings and engage in a real time discussion of the issues as they are before Council. That might go a long way to stimulating more community participation. Just no mean Tweets.

 

Council Agenda Preview – July 4, 2017

03 Monday Jul 2017

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Summer is here and things are slowing down, but still moving along. Item 9.2.3 related to train air horn noise abatement is worth noting.

Closed Session Agenda

b) personal matters about an identifiable individual, including municipal or local board employees. (Licensing Matter)

f) the receiving of advice that is subject to solicitor-client privilege, including communications necessary for that purpose. (Zoning Matter)

j) educating or training council members and no member shall discuss or deal with any matter in a way that materially advances the business of the Council. (Performance Management)

Correspondence

4.1 – Peggy Hawthorn, Parry Sound Seniors Club. Request to waive building application fee for the new roof for their building.

4.2 – Wendy Kaufman, Manager, Community Planning and Development, Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing. Approval of Official Plan Amendment No. 1 – Oastler Park Shopping Plaza – enabling the use of the subject land for either one bank or one financial office.
It looks as though the Royal Bank move to the Oastler Park Plaza will happen. I have advised the involved parties that I am dropping my appeal of the rezoning and will not appeal the Official Plan Amendment. I will be offering my thoughts on the whole process in a blog post later this week.

4.4 – Wendall Fisher, Chair, Parry Sound Area Active Transportation. Thank you letter for recent completion of cycling lanes on William Street.

Deputations

5.1 – Greg Mason, Chair, Downtown Steering Committee. Update on activities.

5.2 – Bob Griffiths, Sail Parry Sound. Update on activities.

Resolutions and Direction to Staff

9.1.1 – POA Write-offs. Resolution. That Council for the Town of Parry Sound, hereby approves the write-offs for the Provincial Offences Act Court outlined in Schedule “A” attached.
This concerns 608 cases from 1995 to 1998 and amounts to about $161,000 in provincial offence fines (traffic and other).

9.2.1 – Monument Restoration – Hillcrest & Sylvan Acres Cemeteries. Resolution. That Council award the tender to Sanderson Monument Co. Ltd. in the amount of Fourteen thousand, two hundred and eighteen dollars and seventy-nine cents ($14,218.79) taxes (1,635.79) included, for the repair and restoration of monuments at Hillcrest Cemetery and Sylvan Acres Cemetery, this being the lowest tender of three (3) tenders received.

9.2.2 – Quotation – Waste Water Treatment Plant Clean-Out Services. That Council accept the quotation from Bartels Environmental Services Inc. in the approximate amount of $74,030, based on estimated volumes of material, taxes extra, for Waste Water Treatment Plant clean-out services, this quotation being the lowest of two quotations received.

9.2.3 – Train Whistle Cessation. Direction (For Direct Staff Follow-Up): That upon budget approval for 2018, Council direct staff to proceed with the “Procedure for eliminating whistling at public grade crossings” consistent with the requirements of Section 23.1 of the Railway Safety Act, Section 104 of the new Grade Crossings Regulations and Appendix D of the Grade Crossing Standards.
This is an interesting initiative and I encourage interested people to read the resolution and report in the agenda package available at the Town’s website. Here are links (link1, link2) to a couple of articles related to Kingston’s experience in trying to abate train whistling, actually air horn blasting. It’s an expensive process and likely will involve the installation of fencing along sections of the rail line, at the Town’s expense. But let’s see what the consulting engineer suggests if Council chooses to head in this direction.

9.3.1 – Sign Variance – 46 Bowes Street. Resolution. That the Chief Building Official is authorized and directed to issue a permit for the sign at 46 Bowes Street according to the conditions and variances on Schedule “A” attached.

9.3.3 – Façade Improvement – 2017 Terms of Reference. Resolution. That upon the recommendation of the Facade Improvement Review Committee, Council adopts the revised Façade Improvement Program Terms of Reference, attached as Schedule “A”; and That Resolution 2009-201 be rescinded.

By-laws

10.3.1 – Bobby Orr Community Centre: Snack Bar Lease Agreement. By-law 2017 – 6751. Being a By-law to authorize the execution of an agreement with Jim Cox, “Mister Chips”, for a three (3) year term to provide services at the Bobby Orr Community Centre snack bar.

10.3.2 – Parks By-Law Update & Consolidation. By-law 2017 – 6752. Being a By-law to regulate the use of Public Parks within the Town of Parry Sound and to repeal 98-4016, 2003-4640, 2006-4016 and 2006-4917.

10.3.3 – Rezoning Application – Z/17/05 – Dennis Drive – Penco Homes Limited – Lifting of “h” symbol. y-law 2017 – 6753. Being a By-law to amend By-law No. 2004-4653 (The Zoning By-law) as amended to remove a holding provision (“h” symbol”) from Lots 47-49, Plan M405 in the Town of Parry Sound. Direction (For Direct Staff Follow-up): That if the above by-law is defeated, the Director of Finance, the Director of Public Works and the Principal Planner explore the possibility of a fees and charges by-law to provide municipal water and sewer services to all the lots zoned R1(h) in plan M405.

Happy 4th of July to all of our American friends and neighbors. (In their honor I have used American spelling.)

There Be Dragons in the Big Sound, and They Look Friendly (June 2017)

Capital Investments – BOCC Ice Surface (Update)

14 Tuesday Feb 2017

Posted by in Correction/Clarification, Parry Sound

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In a recent post I provided the content of an email I received regarding the Bobby Orr Community Centre. You can find the post at this link. In the meantime I have received information from the Town relevant to the earlier post that clarifies a couple of points and suggests what is planned for the ice pad. In summary:

1. The current BOCC ice surface is 85’ x 185’. I understand that is close to what the Boston Garden (now TD Garden) was at one time (83’ x 191’), a time before there was an NHL standard size. The TD Garden is now 85’ x 200’. The budget for the 2018 upgrade to the BOCC includes an increase in size to the NHL ‘regulation’ 85’ x 200’.
2. The recent renovation mentioned in the earlier post did not involve any change to the ice pad. The current pad is the same one that was installed some 50-plus years ago. An overhaul, and upsizing seems timely. The earlier renovation involved changes to the lobby, halls, change rooms as well as the addition of meeting rooms.

I would like to thank the Town of Parry Sound for taking the time to provide information about the Bobby Orr Community Centre.

Capital Investments – BOCC Ice Surface

21 Saturday Jan 2017

Posted by in Parry Sound, Suggestions

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The text below is taken from an email I received from a reader who preferred not to provide their comments using the comments section of Parry Sounds. It is reprinted below with their permission and offers some pertinent thoughts about the proposed replacement of the Bobby Orr Community Centre arena surface. Some individuals prefer to offer their comments anonymously. I am willing to pass on their comments, with their permission, so long as the comments are relevant to the discussion and are reasonably ‘polite’. Here you go.

“The 36th G8 summit was held in Huntsville, Ontario on June 25–26, 2010. Tony Clement was forking-over money, hand over fist, to his Parry Sound/Muskoka constituency like a drunk who had just won the lottery.

Following a commitment to build a multi-million dollar community complex in Huntsville including, but not limited to, an Olympic-size pool; without even asking, Tony Clement reportedly asked Mayor Richard Adams what Parry Sound needed in terms of infra-structure. Mayor Adams reportedly replied “our Bobby Orr Arena could use some repairs and expansion. No problem. Parry Sound reportedly received well over a million dollars, including expansion of the BOCC and (HELLO), new floor. On the surface (no pun intended) this seems like an awfully short lifespan for a well constructed cement floor. Hmmm.

When Clement finished throwing-around all this Canadian tax-payer’s money, Tony and his Conservative Party successfully formed the 41st Parliament (2011-2015), which was the first time in which the Liberals did not form either the government or the Official Opposition.

But, back to the BOCC Floor Replacement.

Without even any discussion (da), they removed the existing concrete BOCC floor and replaced it with a spanking-new replacement. Great looking floor! Short lifespan.

What the idiots failed to consider, in the process, was to (at a modest minimal cost) place insulation underneath the cement floor, so as to be able to make and hold-ice when the outside temperature is warm (i.e. the Humphrey arena can have ice all summer long for Hockey Schools, etc.). Just think of the business and economic ripple-effect that could be generated if the BOCC could host 8 weeks of “Hockey Schools” (like little old Humphrey), taking advantage of the  Bobby Orr Brand, i.e. “THE HOME OF BOBBY ORR.”

But wait Jo; to compound the planner’s stupidity, they installed expensive dehumidifiers to expel the moister from the building during warmer outdoor/indoor temperatures, particularly when the ice had been laid on the cement floor. But guess what? They forgot the ground below the ice-surface was too warm and that the ice wouldn’t “set-up” in the early/late fall, and early/late spring when hockey (public skating) was still going on. There would be so much fog in the building it wasn’t practical to play hockey. Running a hockey school, in the summer months, was completely out of the question.

My point Jo, if the floor is replaced in the BOCC for god’s sake will you please tell somebody to insulate the ground, before they pour the cement.

But wait Jo, there’s more.

When Tony Clement was willy-nilly handing-out bundles of cash, just before the Conservatives formed the 41st Parliament (2011-2015); somebody should have checked to see what constituted the dimensions of a “Regular” ice surface. Had they done so, they would have determined that the BOCC ice-surface was about 185’, as much as 15 feet short of a 200’  “regulation” size ice surface. Even little old Humphrey knew that.

Note: the comment above has been edited ever so slightly for punctuation and grammar.