Tag Archives: budget

Parry Sound Council Compensation for 2017

19 Thursday Apr 2018

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The Town sent out an email this afternoon with the missing Attachment #1 from this week’s council meeting agenda. Here is a link to the full attachment. The key tables are presented below.

Having covered the activities of Council for more than two terms I have no issue with the remuneration our councillors receive. It’s lots of hours and lots of complaints. If you disagree, this is your chance to put forward your name for Council. I expect there will be a couple of openings. It’s a much tougher job than anyone really expects. It can be very rewarding in terms of contributing to the community, but it’s a grind. The compensation is just a way of saying thank you for the service.

Council Agenda Preview – February 6, 2016

03 Saturday Feb 2018

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As things start to heat up at Council I’m getting a little bit worried as explained below.

4.2 – This concerns the sewer flushing issues that has been the topic of previous letters but no public discussion, announcement or apparently any resolution.

9.2.2 – Why is money being put into a splashpad reserve fund without any public discussion? While I think a splashpad has merit, I don’t think it is at the point of having funds allocated to it. Council should be willing to open a reserve fund and put in a dollar if they want to indicate their support in the absence of a proper budget discussion and agreement. Putting the suggested $40,000 into the reserve without requesting other proposals for park and recreation type installations or programs is shortsighted and perhaps suggesting some sort of favouritism. I’m still a bit miffed about the decision to install the ‘musical garden’ on the Rotary Algonquin Regiment Fitness Trail at a price of $35,000 without any public discussion. I have played with the instruments, and it’s more than okay, but I am yet to see anyone else use it. Could these funds have been put to better use? We’ll never know. Staff and Council seem to treat the Parkland Reserve Fund as a ‘rainy day’ or ‘mad money’ fund. How about the Park inventory and plan we were promised a couple of years ago before going forward allocating parkland funds? (Yes, I do remember these things.) Reading the Staff recommendation, I note that this item is not a core service, it is not a goal, and it only indirectly relates to Council’s Strategic Priority. The enemy of the best is not the bad, it is the good.

I like, and in principle support, the idea of the splashpad. Let’s review and approve it appropriately. If a nod of support for the proposal is required let’s open the reserve and put in a $1,000, not $40,000.

9.5.1 – This one I think is just plain writing sloppiness. I certainly hope so. “That upon the direction of Mr. Bobby Orr, Council provide financial support”. So, Mr. Orr now directs how Town of Parry Sound Council spends our money? No, I’m sure that Mr. Orr merely supported, or recommended support for, Mr. Ideson’s participation at the Paralympics. His recommendation is as good as a direction given his substantial contributions to the Town and area, but I think he would be embarrassed by this language. Words really do matter, ask any lawyer.

Things seem to be getting a little bit loosey-goosey. I hope this is not a symptom of pre-retirement malaise. Eyes open Councillors. Staff may find it easier to recommend yes than no, especially if they don’t need to deal with the consequences of either.

Closed Agenda Items

  1. b) personal matters about an identifiable individual, including municipal or local board employees. (AMO Board relations)
  2. c) a proposed or pending acquisition or disposition of land for municipal or local board purposes. (Big Sound Marina)
  3. d) labour relations or employee negotiations. (Union Grievances, Negotiation Mandate)
  4. f) the receiving of advice that is subject to solicitor-client privilege, including communications necessary for that purpose. (Union Grievances, Negotiation Mandate)

Correspondence


4.2 Richard and Marilyn Mooder, residents. Re: Feel their concerns have not been resolved.

4.4 Form letters from one group and citizens supporting a question on the ballot for municipal election to appoint an elected official to the citizen’s Ad Hoc Wellness and Pool Recreational Committee.
Gardens of Parry Sound – Russell Becker, 3 illegible signatures, Norma Romanelli, Gloria Young, June Carlton, Glenna Hoddy, Nancy Lock, E. Robinson, Dorothy Simpell, D. Stratton, Lois Moloney, Margaret Dunnigan, Lou McLeod, ? Marshall, Deana ? Vivian Moore, Dr. Victoria Smith, Jennifer (no last name), Chris George, Lise Henderson (resident), Valerie and Colin Cramp. Total of 24 letters

4.5 Chris McDonald, resident
Re: Splash Pad Reserve and Splash Pad Development Plans

Deputations

5.1 Tricia Bain, Facilitation & Planning Coordinator, Community Living Parry Sound Re: Community Ramp Project

5.2 Peter Istvan, Member, Citizens Ad-Hoc Wellness and Pool Recreational Committee. Re: Appointment of Council Member to become a member of this Committee

Resolutions and Direction to Staff

9.1.1 – Issuance of a Request for Proposal (RFP) for a 2019 Fire Truck Purchase instead of a Tender. Resolution. That the Council for the Town of Parry Sound waive the Purchasing Policy and direct staff to proceed with a Request for Proposal for the purchase of a Fire Truck to be delivered in 2019.

9.2.1 – Request to put a Question on the Municipal Ballot Re: Pool/Complex member Appointment. Resolution. Whereas Council received a letter of request from a citizens’ Ad Hoc Wellness and Pool/Complex Committee encouraging all seven West Parry Sound Municipalities to pass a by-law by March 1st, 2018 to include a wellness/pool related question on the ballot for the 2018 municipal election as follows:

I support my municipality in appointing an elected representative to a Recreation Complex Advisory Committee to investigate and determine the feasibility of a recreation wellness and pool complex in the Parry Sound area (Yes or No);

Therefore, Be It Resolved that Council for the Town of Parry Sound put a question on the ballot for the upcoming Municipal Election asking eligible voters to appoint an elected representative to a citizens’ Ad-Hoc Wellness and Pool Recreation Committee.

Resolution. Be It Resolved That Council for the Town of Parry Sound officially appoints Mayor Jamie McGarvey as a member of a citizens Ad Hoc Wellness and Pool Recreation Committee to investigate and determine the feasibility of a recreation wellness and pool complex in the Parry Sound Area.

9.2.2 – Splashpad Reserve Fund. Resolution. That a Splashpad Reserve Fund be established; and That $40,000 be transferred from the Municipal Property / Parkland Reserve Fund to the Splashpad Reserve Fund. Direction. That further contributions to the Splashpad Reserve Fund be considered as part of the 2019 Budget process and be dependent on the extent of community fundraising support at that time.

9.5.1 – Bobby Orr Hall of Fame Reserve Fund – Donation. Resolution. That upon the direction of Mr. Bobby Orr, Council provide financial support in the amount of $2,000 to Mark Ideson and his quest for Gold at the Paralympic Games in Pyeongchang, South Korea in March to be funded from the Bobby Orr Hall of Fame Reserve Fund.

9.5.2 – Open Grant Program. Resolution. That Council approve the 2018 Open Grant Program allocations per attached Schedule “A”.

9.5.3 – Bill 139 – Update. Resolution. That the February 6, 2018, Bill 139 Report and Recommendation, attached as Schedule “A”, be accepted by Council for information purposes.

By-laws


10.1.1 – Appointment Bylaw – Allison Kreuger – Municipal Law Enforcement Officer. By-law 2018 – 6796.
Being a bylaw to appoint Allison Kreuger as a Municipal Law Enforcement Officer.

10.3.1 – Temporary Borrowing Authorization. By-law 2018 – 6797. Being a by-law to authorize temporary borrowing to meet the current expenditures of the Town of Parry Sound until taxes are collected and other revenues are received.

10.3.2 – Ontario Regulation 284/09. That Council hereby adopts the compliance report for expenses excluded from the 2018 budget outlined in the staff report “Ontario Regulation 284/09”, attached as Schedule “A”, as a requirement of Ontario Regulation 284/09 passed under the Municipal Act, 2001, as amended.

10.3.3 – 2018 Budget. By-law 2018 – 6798. Being a By-law to Adopt the Operating and Capital Budget Estimated for the Year 2018.

10.3.4 – Tax Policies – Capping and New to Class/New Construction. By-law 2018 – 6799. Being a bylaw to specify our Tax Policies, including the claw back percentage, the capping threshold parameters, the minimum tax level for new to class / new construction and to exclude certain properties from the capping program for the year 2018.

10.3.5 – Tax ratios for 2018. By-law 2018 – 6800.Being a by-law to set Tax Ratios for Municipal purposes for the year 2018.

 

 

 

 

Enhanced Snow Removal Services – Cost Estimates

16 Saturday Dec 2017

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At this past week’s budget meeting there were a few questions of Staff. One of the questions raised concerned snow removal services this year. It probably related to the snowfall we received last Sunday where the streets were pretty ‘dirty’, at least when I ventured out at about 4:00 PM. This was pretty much in the middle of a snowfall that dumped about 15 cm of snow, following a larger amount the day before. I wasn’t too surprised. Even Bowes Street was only partially plowed and there was more snow falling.

The Director of Public Works response can be heard on the Budget Meeting video available through the Town’s website on YouTube. In summary, his response was that performance met and exceeded provincial guidelines and that Staff were tapped out at that point in terms of hours worked dealing with the snowfall over the previous few days. There are regulations in terms of the hours that personnel can work, and that limit had been reached.

The discussion then turned to the possibility of hiring temporary workers to manage these snow events. It turns out that adding contract workers is not that simple in terms of existing labour contracts and the requirement to have qualified individuals. It seemed there was an interest on the part of at least one member of Council to look at increasing the level of service for snow management. Let’s take a look at what that might cost.

Before we get to the numbers, let’s remember that you can have any two of Price, Quality and Schedule. An attractive price on a quality item might require you to wait for it’s delivery because if it’s a bargain it’s probably in short supply. Or you can have a good price and quick delivery, but suffer in terms of quality. In the case of Parry Sound snow removal we are getting good quality snow removal at an acceptable price. But we don’t get it as quickly as some would like. Alternatively, we might be able to get quicker snow removal if we were willing to sacrifice quality, possibly operator, equipment, public and property safety, at the current price. If we want to get current quality levels and quicker snow removal, we will need to pay more. So how much more? Here‘s a back of the napkin calculation:

Additional Expenses:

3 Additional staff @ $100,000* – $300,000 per year
1 Additional 20-Ton Truck @$200,000 – $45,000** per year
1 2-Ton Truck with Blade @$60,000 – $15,000 per year**
1 Additional Sidewalk Plow @$170,000 – $35,000** per year
Additional Salt and sand – $15,000 per year

Total ~ $400,000 per year

This total of $400,000 per year additional cost when compared with the current snow budget of about $1 million per year seems in the right ball park.

There would be some other benefits from this increased investment in Public Works. Because the additional staff would be hired for a full year it is likely that Public Works could take on additional projects in the non-snow months, or even provide summer support for to the Parks and Recreation department, providing an overall better level of service to Town of Parry Sound businesses and residents. It might also mean that there would be less need for summer students, a savings of perhaps $30,000.

Assuming some savings in work contracted out to non-Town employees and fewer summer students, it’s possible that the burden of cost might drop to an additional $350,000 per year. On a property tax basis this would translate into a 3.5% increase in taxes. Residents paying $3,000 per year in property taxes would see an increase of perhaps $100 per year. Depending on individual assessments, some would pay more, and others less.

Before I started this short analysis I thought it would be more expensive than that. Adding more staff and getting better snow management services, plus better services all year round, might just be a bargain. If you agree, you might want to contact a member of Council and share your thoughts on where additional services are needed.

I’ll have comments on the 2018 Budget next week.

Cost Estimate Comments:

* – salary, benefits, training, vacation, etc.
** – assumed lifetime of 6-years, including interest, maintenance, fuel

In theory, the existing equipment could be used 24/7 if there was additional staff to operate the machines, and there was support for the necessary maintenance. The equipment would have a reduced lifetime when compared with the current budget. Wear and tear is more related to distance and hours, not whether a plow is pushing 10 cm or 20 cm of snow. It probably makes sense to have more equipment to provide more timely service than have one set of personnel waiting for their shift to start if more people on the streets would improve service and better meet the Public’s expectations. A broken piece of equipment upsets any well planned schedule.

Parry Sound Budget Meeting Tonight – 2017-12-12

12 Tuesday Dec 2017

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It starts at 6:00. While the discussion portion will be broadcast, the Town has suggested that the presentation portion will not be available because of technical issues. So, if you plan to watch the session live or later, be sure to download a copy of the budget document to follow along. The Town has a link to the budget at Combined Agenda.

Why bother with following the Town of Parry Sound Annual budget? The short answer is that it lets you know what the Town has planned for the next few years. Nothing gets done without a budget, and this is where the Town lays it all out, for as long as five years in terms of capital investments. For example, there is a tentative capital line entry in 2023 for an Aquatic Centre. There are a thousand stories in the Parry Sound budget and that is only one of them.

Speaking of budgets, did you read the article in the Ottawa Citizen concerning the Blind River debt, about $50 million, related to solar installations? It has a little bit of a parallel in Parry Sound, but with a better outcome. Almost 7 years ago the Town was approached about investing in a solar program on Town property. The suggestion was that the Town could make money by producing power at a lower price than it could sell it back to the Province. The Town was given an option to cover all costs, or co-invest. I attended the council meeting where the presentation was made by a consultant, and read the supporting documents. It seemed like BS to me. Lots of risk and limited payout. The meeting was held in the top of the Children’s Aid building. As the consultant was leaving, I stepped outside and asked him some more questions about the basis of the propsal, probably a little agressively as I smelled BS. I was told to leave him alone by the accompanying Town of Parry Sound Operations staff person. In the end I sent a letter to Town Staff with my thoughts. In their wisdom, Council declined not to go forward with the solar investment. It might have ended up not so different that the Blind River situation.

The Town is once again looking at investing in solar energy. This time by only supplying the land with Lakeland Power making the financial and management investment. There is still is some risk to the Town as a shareholder in Lakeland Power, hopefully it’s minimal and shared with the other investors.

Parry Sound 2018 Budget – Slight Revision

09 Saturday Dec 2017

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The Town has issued a slightly revised budget. Apparently a few of last year’s discussion items were included in the first draft and have been removed in this latest version. You can find the updated budget through this link at the Town’s website.

I was going to ask if you had a chance to provide your input to the 2018 Budget deliberations by clicking on the Budget Simulator link. But it seems the link is down as of this morning (2017-12-09). Perhaps it will go up again. I would think we should have access to the simulator at least through the end of the year. Final budget decisions will only be made in January.

Draft 2018 Parry Sound Budget Available

07 Thursday Dec 2017

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There will be a first public discussion of the Town of Parry Sound 2018 Budget next week. The meeting starts at 6:00 PM in the Town’s council chambers. If things go as usual there will be a short period at the start of the session for deputations from the Public. If you are late you will probably miss that window of opportunity and you will not have an opportunity to speak during the meeting.

I understand the meeting will be streamed live. So unless you have something to say, you may wish to catch it online – the live or recorded versions. Speak to the Town for information on how to access the feed on YouTube. It’s not easy to find the appropriate link. I’d like to suggest the Town put these meeting links directly on the homepage.

The draft budget document is now available at the Town’s website through this link. You may want to review it prior to the meeting to better understand what is being discussed. Staff and Council will have reviewed the document so things will move quickly.

Why not help Staff and Council by heading over to their interactive budget simulator and letting them know what you think. There is a question about a Splash Pad. At this point I’m in support of it. We need to start thinking about the younger folks in town. But, head over to the simulator and let them know what you think about the Splash Pad and a number of other budget related items.

Council Agenda Preview – November 7, 2017

04 Saturday Nov 2017

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Some short comments on the issues before Council this week:

4.1 – Concerns regarding the connection of services on Rosetta to incidents of wastewater overflow in their home.
I would be similarly concerned if this happened at my home. Apply enough pressure and every vent system will fail. A contractor seems to have screwed up and they need to accept responsibility.

4.2, 5.1 – Concerns about issues of safety on William Street while public is using the bike lanes.
I don’t live on William Street but it has been my experience that commercial trucks rarely respect a 40 kph speed limit. Time is money folks. I also believe in the adage, “You don’t s**t where you eat”. Adams would be advised to keep a closer tab on their drivers and their customers, or consider moving their materials operations to their McDougall facility where there is much less pedestrian and bicycle traffic.

9.3.1 – Solar field partnership RFP waiver and solar agreement.
It’s a bit of a ‘hot wire’ approach to ‘jump start’ the project but seems reasonable. This landfill site will be put to use and the Town is not on the hook for expenses, and may save a few bucks on energy costs. I am comforted by the involvement of Lakeland Holdings. Their track record to date has been pretty good.

9.3.3 – Wink’s Link Trail update. Resolution. That Council support staff recommendation to seasonally maintain Winks Link, and to allow the Snowmobile clubs to use and maintain the Link in the winter months;
I hope that Council will require the snowmobile clubs to assume responsibility for any damage and unreasonable wear and tear of the trail. I recall a situation one winter when a lamp post was knocked over on the Rotary Algonquin Regiment Fitness Trail bridge over the Sequin River that ended up the responsibility of the Town. The boards on the bridge were also replaced a couple of years ago because of damage by the snow machines. I think we should share, but let’s make sure our ‘guests’ assume appropriate responsibility.

9.6.1 – Parry Sound Official Coat of Arms.
Sure, why not?

Key Agenda Items

Closed Session

(b) personal matters about an identifiable individual, including municipal or local board employees. (CAO Recruitment), (Personnel Matter), (Former Employee)

(c) a proposed or pending acquisition or disposition of land by the municipality or local board; (Request to Transfer Lease)

Correspondence

4.1 – Richard and Marilyn Mooder, 16 Rosetta Street. Concerns regarding the connection of services on Rosetta to incidents of wastewater overflow in their home.

4.2 – Stacy Andelin, William Street. Concerns about issues of safety on William Street while public is using the bike lanes.

4.3 – Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) Opposes Proposed Changes to the Public Health System. Re: Concerns that changes to the Public Health System will completely change and dilute over time the mandate of the local public health system by integrating it with the Health care system. No analysis provided by the Expert Panel or the Ministry on the implications of this proposed integration from either a patient, program/service, or cost benefit analysis perspective was done.

4.7 – Federation of Northern Ontario Municipalities (FONOM) Re: FONOM disappointed with Decision to Cancel Energy East Project

Deputations

5.1 – Stacy Andelin, William Street. Concerns about the safety of people using the bike lanes on Williams Street.

Consent Agenda

8.1 – Amendment to Budget Schedule. Resolution. That Council hereby approves the revised 2018 budget preparation schedule as set out in Schedule “A” attached; and That Resolution 2017-144 is hereby rescinded.

Resolutions and Direction to Staff

9.1.1 – 2018 Council Meeting Dates. Resolution. That pursuant to By-law 2015-6573, Section 3, paragraph 4, Council approves Schedule “A” as attached, which provides the schedule of dates for the 2018 Regular meetings of Council.

9.3.1 – Solar field partnership RFP waiver and solar agreement. Direction.
1. That Council waive the request for proposal (RFP) that was initiated by the October 17th, 2017 Council meeting; and
2. That Council direct staff to develop an agreement with Lakeland Power and AMP Energy for the creation of a solar field on the old landfill site; and 3. That Council directs staff to consider the long-term potential use of other large, municipally owned parcels of land, for best future use.

9.3.2 – Hybrid Electric Truck Loan Opportunity. Resolution. Whereas municipalities purchase and maintain fleet vehicles in order to provide necessary services to their communities; and Whereas emerging electric vehicle and hybrid technologies have the potential to significantly improve the environmental impact of municipal fleets by reducing their GHG emissions; and Whereas municipal fleet managers make significant and costly decisions on the fleet vehicles they purchase and these vehicles may be part of municipal fleets for several years; and
Whereas more data and information is necessary to encourage municipal adoption of new green technologies and to help make decisions about the most appropriate applications; and Whereas AMO is proposing to apply to the Municipal GHG Challenge Fund to procure electric trucks which will be loaned to participants in the pilot and members to test and measure usage; Therefore, Be It Resolved That the Council of the Town of Parry Sound will participate in and support the AMO Electric Truck Pilot Project alongside other interested municipal governments, including by partnering with AMO in the application for grant funding from the Municipal GHG Challenge Fund.

9.3.3 – Wink’s Link Trail update. Resolution. That Council support staff recommendation to seasonally maintain Winks Link, and to allow the Snowmobile clubs to use and maintain the Link in the winter months; and Further to update Town of Parry Sound Bylaw #98-4016 to include Winks Link, and include the appropriate signage identifying the usage.

9.4.2 – Façade Improvement Program Recommendations. Resolution. That upon the recommendation of the Façade Improvement Review Committee, Council approves:
a) 11 James Street (SJB Construction Inc.) in the amount of $4,112.48;
b) 39 James Street (Ritchie Holdings – Parry Sound – Ltd.) in the amount of $9,022.50; and,
c) 19 James Street (Dyer) – in the amount of $8,465.69.
And further that Agreement Letters be drafted and executed by the successful applicants. And that upon the recommendation of the Façade Improvement Review Committee, Council deny the request for funding from:
d) 138 William Street (Fellowship Baptist Church); and
e) 43 Church Street (Moir).

9.6.1 – Parry Sound Official Coat of Arms. Resolution. That a Coat of Arms Ad Hoc Committee be struck to review the development of a registered Coat of Arms and Motto for the Town of Parry Sound to be submitted to the Heraldic Authority through the Governor General’s office; and That Mayor McGarvey, Councillor ___________, Ann Hurdman and ___________ be appointed to the Committee.

By-laws

10.2.1 – Approval of application for debenture. By-law 2017 – 6776. Being a by-law to authorize certain new capital works of The Corporation of the Town of Parry Sound (the “Municipality”); to authorize the submission of an application to Ontario Infrastructure and Lands Corporation (“OILC”) for financing such capital works; to authorize temporary borrowing from OILC to meet expenditures in connection with such works; and to authorize long term borrowing for such works through the issue of debentures to OILC.

As always the full agenda with attachments is available at the Town’s website. The meeting will be available live, and archived, on YouTube. Contact the Town of Parry Sound for information if you need help finding it. A search for “Town of Parry Sound council meeting youtube” should provide the appropriate link. Just be careful regarding the date or will end up with an archived meeting. Sometimes the live feed doesn’t appear until a minute or two after the usual 7:00 start time.

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 – September 5, 2017

05 Tuesday Sep 2017

Posted by in Budget/Financial, Parry Sound, Town Council

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This evening’s agenda is pretty light in terms of issues but there are a couple of proposed expenditures that are worth looking at a little closer. Item 9.1.2 concerns a new Public Water Tap that is budgeted at $50,000. I see no issue with this new amenity that is largely targeted to non-Parry Sound residents, residents can just get water at home, but I do have an issue with the proposed funding. The suggestion is that the cost be taken out of the Tax Rate Stabilization Reserve. This Tax Rate Stabilization Reserve is becoming a bit of a slush fund for municipal expenses. I don’t see why this expense can’t wait for the 2018 Budget process and be included, or not, in next year’s budget. The Tax Rate Stabilization Reserve is intended to manage the ups and downs of reviewed and approved budget expenses. Let’s not start dipping into this reserve to deal with issues unrelated to rate stabilization. Honey, the new Play Station just came out, the kids will love it. Can I use some of their university funds to pay for it? Reply: can’t it wait until Christmas when we will have saved up for this type of expense and decide if it’s what the kids really want?

The second budget related item is 9.2.3, Stockey Centre repairs in the amount of $850,000. Staff is requesting that the budget for the project be increased from the approved $700,000 and be paid for with a larger debenture. I guess it costs what it costs, but had Council known it would be this much would there have been some additional cuts when discussing the 2017 budget? And a comment on the proposal to save $10K by only putting Ice and Water Shield on the valleys and troughs. Suck it up and pay to have the whole roof done. That 35-year manufacturer’s shingle warranty isn’t worth squat; we will be lucky to get 15 years. If you won’t spring for a metal roof, at least make the best out of shingles with a full coverage of Ice and Water Shield.

Lastly, the Town is looking at selling property proximate to Canadore College. You can see the 1.5 acre lot in the image below. The sale is probably a good idea to stimulate a bit more development at the north end of Town. I hope that the proceeds of the sale will not simply be put into a slush fund. It’s too easy to cover a spending ‘problem’ by dipping into slush fund reserves and taking out debentures. It’s the same as a consumer taking on credit card debt and a home equity loan to handle what should have been saved for. It just delays the expenses and increases the cost. But it’s ‘less painful’ for some, including politicians, than exercising some self control and saying “No!”.

Closed Session Agenda Topics

  1. a) the security of property of the municipality or local board. (Potential Development Project), (Audit Questions of Council), (CP Station)
  2. b) personal matters about an identifiable individual, including municipal or local board employees (Local Board)

(c) a proposed or pending acquisition or disposition of land by the municipality or local board; (Request for Proposal)

Correspondence

4.1 – Letter from Wendall Fisher, Resident. Town’s initiative to have a report prepared regarding the cessation of train whistling at the five crossing. Mr. Fisher is not in support of this.

4.2 – Letter from Thomas Buttineau, McDougall resident. Concerns with used needles surfacing at the local beaches and playgrounds and requesting support from Parry Sound to open a Treatment Centre.

Deputations

5.1 – Giselle Bodkin, CPA, CA, BDO Canada LLP, Parry Sound’s Auditor. Re: Year End Report for The Corporation of the Town of Parry Sound

Consent Agenda

8.3 – Special Meeting of Council – Staff Succession Planning. Resolution. That ______________________ at 6:00 pm be scheduled as a Special Closed Council meeting for the purpose of staff succession planning; and That Resolution 2017-139 be rescinded.

Resolutions and Direction to Staff

9.1.2 – Public Water Tap. Resolution. That Council approve the installation of a public water dispensing system adjacent to the existing commercial bulk water station located on Parry Sound Drive, and further; That Council authorize the transfer of up to $50,000 from the Tax Rate Stabilization Reserve to finance the project.

9.2.1 – Report to commence closure of portion of Parry Sound Drive road allowance. Direction. That staff commence the procedures to stop up and close, appropriately rezone and dispose of a portion of the Parry Sound Drive road allowance.

9.2.3 – Tender – Stockey Centre Phase II Roof Repairs and Siding Replacement. Resolution. That Council accepts the tender from W.S. Morgan Construction Ltd. in the amount of $888,180.00 including HST for roof repairs and siding replacement at the Charles W. Stockey Centre for the Performing Arts and Bobby Orr Hall of Fame, this being the only tender received; and That the budgeted debenture be increased to reflect the tendered amount.

9.5.1 – Approval of Consolidated Financial Statements for the year-ended December 31. Resolution. That Council for the Town of Parry Sound does hereby approve the Draft Audited Consolidated Financial Statements for the year ended December 31, 2016 as attached in Schedule “A”.

9.5.2 – Financial Variance Report for Q2 (June 30, 2017). Resolution. That Council hereby receives and accepts the Financial Report for Q2 2017 (June 30, 2017) attached as Schedule “A”; and Further that Council hereby approves the expenses for members of Council for the period January 1, 2017 to June 30, 2017, attached as Schedule “B”.

By-laws

10.2.1 – Site Plan Amendment – M2 Developments Inc. – 12 College Drive. By-law 2017 – 6765. Being a By-law to authorize a Site Plan / Development Amending Agreement between the Town of Parry Sound and 12 College Drive (M2 Developments Inc.)

10.5.1 – Execution of Agreement with Collection Agency. By-law 2017 – 6766. Being a By-law to authorize the execution of a Customer Retention and Collection Services Agreement between A-1 Credit Recovery & Collection Services Inc. (“A-1CRCS”) and the Corporation of the Town of Parry Sound.

I won’t be at tonight’s council meeting. I figure my time is better spent digging a little deeper into the council package.

Council Agenda Preview – February 7, 2017

04 Saturday Feb 2017

Posted by in Parry Sound, Town Council

≈ 5 Comments

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Good news for those of you wanting to keep on top of what’s on the Town of Parry Sound council’s upcoming agenda; the agendas seem to be coming out on Thursday, rather than Friday. This provides people with an additional day to provide comments to Staff and Council on items on the agenda, or organize a deputation on an agenda item. But you need to be on the distribution list to get it delivered to your mailbox. Contact the Clerk at the Parry Sound Town Office to be included.

It seems to be business as usual with a hodge-podge of items on this week’s agenda. Among the more interesting items:

  • There seem to be multiple parties interested in the Old Fire Hall (5.2).
  • Activity seems to be developing activity with regard to having railways pay municipal taxes commensurate with their business activities and local community impact (8.4).
  • Treetops is back on the agenda (6.1).
  • Big Sound Marina operating agreement is up for renewal (10.1.1).
  • 2017 Budget and associated rates and policies (10.4.1, 10.4.2, 10.4.3).

As always there is more on the agenda than is noted above and below. Comments on individual items are offered below (italics). Review the full agenda with the supporting documents for more information. You can try and find it one the Town’s website or you could get it directly through this link.

Closed Session:

  1. c) a proposed or pending acquisition or disposition of land for municipal or local board purposes. (Property Matter)
  1. e) litigation or potential litigation, including matters before administrative tribunals, affecting the municipality or local board. (Zoning By-law Amendment Appeal)

Correspondence

4.1 – Kevin Baker, Harold’s Barber Shop. Re: Concerns about the rates for his installed water meter.
Commercial water rates continue to be a source of confusion. It’s basically a cost of doing business, or living, in Parry Sound; an underappreciated tax of sorts. The alternative is to set up shop in Nobel or McKellar and see how that impacts the bottom line. Taxes there are lower and you get to provide your own water and sewer.

4.2 – Stephen P. Kaegi, CAO, The Township of The Archipelago. Re: Letter addressed to Transport Canada, Marine Office and copied to Mayor and Council. Questions about the proposed operational restrictions of the Wasauksing Swing Bridge.
A pressing issue that doesn’t directly impact Parry Sound, the proposed restrictions on the operation of the bridge will impact Wasauksing and our neighbouring municipalities. Who is responsible, and who is going to pay for a new bridge, the obvious solution to the issue? Perhaps our rich neighbours can find room in their budget for the improvement, but that would of course negatively impact their low, low tax strategy.

4.3 – John Maheu, M.A.Sc., P.Eng., Executive Director of the Association of Ontario Road Supervisors. Re: Congratulations to Peter Brown, Director of Public Works, for his recent Certified Road Supervisor certification.
Does this mean Mr. Brown is now qualified to be a flag person at a road construction job ;-)

Deputations

5.1 – Brad Weiler, Community Recreation and Programs Coordinator. Re: Update to Council on Community Recreation Programing.

5.2 – Aleesha Mullen, Owner/Operator Parry Sound Bikes. Re: Review of her proposal submitted for the Old Fire Hall.
I suspect that this will be a more acceptable proposal, assuming the offer price for the property meets the Town’s expectations. It will cause less ‘after 6:00’ traffic in this semi-residential area which is a concern to local residents. Both this proposal, which I imagine is a bike shop, and Maurizio’s restaurant, are reasonable uses of the property. Let’s just make sure the building isn’t lost through neglect. What’s up for sale next? The CN Station? The Town really doesn’t have the resources or interest in fixing up and using, or renting out, either of these buildings.

5.3 – Debbie Hill, President of CUPE #2049. Re: Update to Council on the status of the CAS lock out of CUPE #2049.

Consent Agenda

8.3 – Funding Formula for Gas Tax, Resolution. Whereas the provincial gas tax funding formula has not received an increase in over 10 years, since 2006; and Whereas with the implementation of Cap and Trade January 1, 2017 it is more expensive for municipalities consuming the fuel; and Whereas the City of Owen Sound adopted a resolution to send a letter to the Minister of Transportation, the Honourable Steven Del Duca, stipulating these facts and requesting that the formulas be revisited; Now, therefore be it resolved that the Council for the Town of Parry Sound supports the City of Owen Sound and will also send a letter to Minister of Transportation to request a review of the gas tax; and Further that this resolution be forwarded to the Association of Municipalities of Ontario, the Federation of Northern Ontario Municipalities, Norm Miller, M.L.A. for Parry Sound-Muskoka and all Ontario municipalities.

8.4 – Property Taxation on Railways. Resolution. Whereas it has been identified that railway companies in the province of Ontario, do not pay a proportionate share of municipal property tax as compared to other properties in their class, or compared to any other municipal tax class; and Whereas in other provinces and jurisdictions the railway companies do remit a more equitable share of taxes to the local tax base; and Whereas taxes in other jurisdictions for railway properties are calculated using a tonmile concept; and Whereas said fees are reviewed and adjusted on a regular basis according to inflation and ongoing current conditions; and Whereas the Province of Ontario has continued to fall further and further behind in their approach to railroad property taxation over the past 112 plus years; Now, Therefore Be It Resolved That the Town of Parry Sound supports the Resolutions passed by Fort Frances, Atikokan and Marathon and calls upon the Minister of Finance for the Province of Ontario to implement a new system of municipal property taxation for railroad right-of-way properties based on utilizing a per ton-mile concept; and Further that this resolution be forwarded to the Association of Municipalities of Ontario, the Federation of Northern Ontario Municipalities, Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association, Norm Miller, M.L.A. for Parry Sound-Muskoka and all Ontario municipalities.
Yup, the railways get a ‘free ride’ from the Feds and the Provinces at the expense of local municipalities. As the Province pulls back local funding, the Municipalities need to look for alternative sources of revenue. The highly profitable railways need to start paying their fair share.

8.6 – 2016 Integrity Commissioner 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, 2016, then the Clerk shall report to Council accordingly; Therefore, the Clerk reports that the former Integrity Commissioner, Suzanne Craig, and the current Integrity Commissioner, George Rust-D’Eye have reported that there were no formal complaints filed nor investigations conducted in the year 2016.
No hits, no runs and no complaints. Call it a win.

Resolutions and Direction to Staff

9.3.1 – Bill 68, Modernizing Ontario’s Municipal Legislation Act. Resolution. That Council for the Town of Parry Sound acknowledge receipt of the attached Report and Recommendation regarding changes to the Municipal Act and the Municipal Conflict of Interest Act by the introduction of Bill 68, Modernizing Ontario’s Municipal Legislation Act.
The closed session changes in this legislation really don’t do much to ensure additional transparency. The simple action of having a “closed meeting investigator” does not make me more comfortable. The investigator can only review what is officially recorded in the closed meeting minutes, which of course does not necessarily reflect all of the discussion. I don’t question the integrity of Council; I do question whether the Public gets the benefit of all discussion and concerns that may be expressed in closed sessions that should be shared in open sessions.

9.4.1 – Ontario Regulation 284/09. Resolution. That Council hereby adopts the compliance report for expenses excluded from the 2017 budget outlined in the staff report “Ontario Regulation 284/09”, attached as Schedule “A”, as a requirement of Ontario Regulation 284/09 passed under the Municipal Act, 2001.

9.4.2 – Vacancy Tax Rebate Review. Direction. That Staff initiate the required consultation process for the modification or elimination of the Vacancy Tax Rebate, as outlined by the Ministry of Finance (once available).
This is an interesting rebate program that provides commercial property owners with an effective 30% reduction in property taxes if the property is vacant. This can lead to landlords preferring to leave a property vacant rather than use it, or rent it out. Because of provincial legislation the Town has the opportunity to redefine its local policy in this regard. The Town intends to engage with the community to understand how Parry Sound should define it’s vacancy rate policy.

9.4.3 – Co-location of Lakeland Power Customer Service. Direction. That Staff work with Lakeland Power to develop a co-location agreement which includes the redesign of the front reception office and that staff attain the services of an appropriate consultant to advise on the redesign.

9.4.4 – 2017 Parry Sound Public Library Budget. Resolution. Whereas S.24(1) of the Libraries Act requires that the Parry Sound Public Library provide its annual budget to the Council of the Town of Parry Sound; And Whereas S.24 (2) of the Act provides Council the ability to approve, reject or amend the budget; Now Therefore be it resolved that the 2017 budget for the Parry Sound Public Library, attached as Schedule “A”, is approved.

9.6.1 Request for Donation to the Treetops Community Forest. Resolution. That Council hereby will provide a grant of $____________ to the Treetops Community Forest to be funded from the 2017 Budget; and That the direction passed January 10, 2017 be amended to include the above addition.
I recall that when the project was first brought before Council there was a ‘promise’ that the project would not require funding from the Town. Well here we are with an ask for $10K. It’s hard to oppose the ask, but somehow I feel as though we been ‘duped’. I’m sure there was never an intention to come back to Council for money, but that’s too often the case with poorly planned projects. Better to ask for funding and forgiveness after reality sets in.

By-laws

10.1.1 – Extension of Agreement – Massasauga Management Co. Inc. – Big Sound Marina. By-law 2017 – 6704. Being a By-law to amend By-law No: 2014-6428, the operating agreement between Massasauga Management Co. Inc. and the Town of Parry Sound for operation of Big Sound Marina and the Town Dock, conditional on the Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada approving the operating agreement and the extension of a head lease between the Town and Department of Fisheries and Oceans or the completion of the divestiture process.

10.1.3 – Rezoning Application – Z/16/07 – 25 Mary Street – Old Fire Hall. By-law 2017 – 6706. Being a By-law to amend By-law No. 2004-4653 (The Zoning By-law), as amended, for 25 Mary Street (Old Fire Hall).
Staff recommends approval of the rezoning application.

10.4.1 – Tax Policies – Capping and New to Class / New Construction. By-law 2017 – 6707. Being a bylaw to specify our Tax Policies, including the claw back percentage, the capping threshold parameters, the minimum tax level for new to class / new construction and to exclude certain properties from the capping program for the year 2017.

10.4.2 – Tax Ratios for 2017. By-law 2017 – 6708. Being a by-law to set Tax Ratios for Municipal purposes for the year 2017.
Staff is recommending that the Town adopt the same ratios as last year with the understanding that while they seem to be in-line with other municipalities in Ontario they are outside the Province’s ‘range of fairness’.

10.4.3 – 2017 Budget. By-law 2017 – 6709. Being a By-law to Adopt the Operating and Capital Budget Estimates for the Year 2017.
No surprises here. I recommend reading the accompanying R&R in the Council Agenda Package to get a nice summary of the 2017 Budget and the factors that impact how it will play out for individual commercial and residential property owners.

10.4.4 – Scale of Cost for Property Tax Sale. By-law 2017 – 6710. Being a bylaw to establish a policy and scale of cost for the sale of land for tax arrears pursuant to Section 385 of the Municipal Act, 2001, c25.
This is an update to 1998 legislation and increases the fees payable to the Town.

Lonely Buoy

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