Tag Archives: Infrastructure

Trestle Logic

15 Thursday Jun 2017

Posted by in Parry Sound, Safety, Suggestions, Train

≈ 3 Comments

Tags

, , ,

When entering a parking structure in the Big Smoke have you noticed how there is generally a bar of some sort hanging from a couple of chains that you are required to drive under? There is also a sign that advises you the maximum vehicle height that can safely park in the structure. But, because people don’t like to read signs, or they don’t have a good sense of heights and numbers, the hanging bar acts as a check. If there is a bump as you pass under the bar you know that you have bigger problems ahead. Time to back up and park somewhere else.

So what do you think would happen if a parking garage posted the correct maximum height sign but set the bar a foot higher? Do you think people would look at the sign and think that the bar is set too high? Or would they simply ignore the sign and see if they fit under? If they are driving a vehicle that is a bit higher, perhaps a pickup truck with a camper unit on the back, they would probably inch forward cautiously, and once they passed under the hanging bar, assume they are okay and drive into the garage. Surprise!

This is basically the situation on William Street in Parry Sound and the CN trestle where there have been three ‘decapitations’ complete and partial in the past year. As you approach the trestle there is a frame structure about 15 feet in front of either side of the trestle. The sign on the trestle says that the maximum height is 10’6”. That seems like enough information to warn the truck driver with an 11’ height to take another route. What would you think if I told you that the clearance of the trestle, where the trucks hit the trestle, is greater than 11’, offering drivers a considerable margin of error. But perhaps 10’6” is actually more reasonable. As you look at the photo below you realize that there is a drop down as the truck travels under the trestle but the box of the truck would still be at the higher road level. That would lead to an angle which might actually make it an effective 10’6”, even if it’s actually three-quarters of a foot higher directly under the trestle.

The problem is not just professional drivers not knowing the height of their rig, or not paying attention, it’s also the support frame about 15 feet in front of the trestle. This structure has a clearance of 13’. I can well imagine that a truck driver might cautiously approach this 13’ frame and, discovering that they are able to get under it, assume they can fit under the trestle. It’s a bit of an optical illusion the way the road dips down, suggesting there is more clearance than there is.

The answer it seems is pretty simple. Suspend a bar on chains under the two support frames at 10’6”, much as you see in parking garages. A truck would pretty quickly figure out that they weren’t going to fit if they heard a thump well before they ventured forward and tore the top off their trailer.

We have had three such incidents just this year. You would think that CN would have figured it out by now that something needs to be done.

Has the Town received a formal report from CN attesting to the integrity of the trestle? Three dings in the past year and many more over the past few decades could mean there is unrecognized structural damage. But, it seems the railways always find it cheaper to apologize and make repairs after the fact than practice prevention.

 

Council Agenda Preview – June 6, 2017

04 Sunday Jun 2017

Posted by in Parry Sound, Town Council

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

, , , , , , , ,

This week’s meeting of Council is light on ‘meaty’ issues, but sets the path for some  important future initiatives. I have listed a few of the more interesting items in the sections below, with comments as appropriate.

But first, a few comments on this past week’s Special Meeting of Council to Review Strategic Priorities. From my perspective, it seemed much like a made for show production. The meeting lasted about 35 minutes and was for the most part very formalized. This followed a 60 minute closed session where I imagine all of the relevant discussion was held and general agreements were reached. The ‘Dotmocracy’ process was conducted with little surprise, and even less prioritization. A suggestion to the organizers, if there are five topics for review, provide the users with only three green stickers. That will help folks to make some decisions in terms of what really is a priority. It has been noted that the enemy of the best is the good. Obviously, none of the projects, which included last year’s priorities and this year’s new ones, were likely to be outright rejected, especially if there was previous discussion in Closed Session. So which of the 5 strategic priorities were both important and urgent? I couldn’t tell from the voting or the discussion. One of the best ways to find yourself in debt is to decide that a new car, a new snow machine, braces for the nine-year old, and a nice winter vacation are all 6 Green priority items. Sometimes you need to decide what is really, really the most important, and most urgent.

Here are the Dotmocracy results from Tuesday night:
Great North Road Infrastructure – 6 Green
Parry Sound Road Extension – 6 Green
Closed Item A – 6 Green
Innovation Park – 4 Green, 2 Yellow
Tourism – 3 Green, 3 Yellow

So what is Closed Item A? It seems to be something new, and an initiative that requires Town infrastructure investment. I have an idea of what it might be, but I may be totally wrong. What do others think it might be? Here are some clues:

  1. It ranked among the top of strategic priorities. So it is ‘important’, at least for now.
  2. It’s something new, or at least something that has once again become a priority.
  3. It’s unlikely to be the casino project. That would largely be addressed with the Great North and Parry Sound Road priorities.
  4. The Town recently spent about $1 million on the boathouse properties on the waterfront.
  5. The Town also spent about a quarter million dollars on property across Oastler Park Drive from the Canadian Tire.
  6. The Town last year entered into a memorandum of understanding regarding access and future servicing with the folks at Beatty Big Sound Property. This relates to the property north of the Smelter Wharf.

If you have any ideas you can provide a comment to this blog post or, if you prefer privacy, send me an email at parrysounds@gmail.com. I will share your thoughts but keep your name confidential. Let’s use the “wisdom of the crowd” to see if we can figure this one out.

If you want to skip forward to the more interesting agenda items here is what I suggest: 8.1, 9.2.1, 9.2.2, 9.6.1 and 9.6.2.

Closed Session

b) personal matters about an identifiable individual, including municipal or local board employees (Licensing Appeal, Appointment)
c) a proposed or pending acquisition or disposition of land by the municipality or local board; (Request to Transfer Lease)
d) labour relations or employee negotiations. (Performance Review, Director of Emergency and Protective Services)

Correspondence

4.1 – Debbie White, Co-founder World Oceans Day. Raising awareness of World Oceans Day June 8, 2017 asking Parry Sound to recognize and support the need to protect our water, waterways and oceans for the life they give us and offering ways to educate the public on ways to protect our waters.

4.2a&b – Cheryl Gallant, MP Renfrew-Nipissing-Pembroke. Removal of the tax-exempt portion of remuneration paid to local officials and the Municipality of East Ferris’ resolution. East Ferris Resolution in support of Ms. Gallant.
See 8.1 below for comments.

4.3a&b – Marlene Bisson. Questions about the Service Line warranty program, water and wastewater and tax concerns with responses from J. Boggs & T. Pinn

4.4 – Parry Sound Friendship Centre. Invitation to Mayor & Council to attend their 50th Anniversary celebration June 17th.

Deputations

5.1 – Vanessa Backman, Parry Sound Tourism. Providing an update on Parry Sound Tourism for 2017

5.2 – Margaret Walton. Regarding Habitat for Humanity.

Consent Agenda

8.1 – Removal of the tax-exempt portion of remuneration paid to local officials. Resolution. That Council for the Town of Parry Sound supports the letter from Cheryl Gallant, Member of Parliament for Renfrew, Nipissing, Pembroke and the resolution from East Ferris, attached as Schedules “A” and “B” which are against the removal of the tax- exempt portion of remuneration paid to local officials as stipulated in the 2017 Federal Budget; And further that copies of this resolution be forwarded to Premier of Ontario Kathleen Wynne, Local MP Tony Clement, Local MPP Norm Miller and the West Parry Sound Area municipalities.
This tax-exempt issue concerns the current situation that about 1/3 of the remuneration received by members of Council is not subject to tax. This is intended to compensate these individuals for their out-of-pocket expenses related to discharging their duties as a Councillor or Mayor. Since most councillors serve in addition to their regular jobs, the tax on this 1/3 of their council remuneration would be rather significant. I believe that members of Council currently are reimbursed for any significant travel expenses, and in some cases receive honoraria for serving on certain boards, so it may be time for this little perk to disappear. If they want to avoid the additional tax burden they should just tuck this amount into their RRSP.

Resolutions and Direction to Staff

9.2.1 – Revised Organization Chart for Development and Leisure Services Resolution. That Council approve the revised Organization Chart for the Department of Development and Leisure Services, per Schedule “A” attached; and That Resolution No: 2013-207 be rescinded.
The actual change here is a matter of tidying up the organogram for Development and Leisure Services. But the organogram is interesting, especially the large number of staff, full and part-time associated with the Stockey Centre. That certainly helps explain why the Town wants to keep it non-union. Click on the image below to see the ‘big picture’.

9.2.2 – 2017 Municipal Assistance Program. Resolution. That Council approve the 2017 Municipal Assistance Program allocations per Schedule “A” attached.
The numbers will be decided in closed session and announced in open session.

9.4.1 – Booth Street Park Water. Resolution. That a water service be installed to the Booth St. Community Park to be funded from the Parks Reserve.

9.6.1 – Train Whistle Cessation. Direction. That the Director of Public Works be directed to bring forward a report and recommendation for the July 4, 2017 Council meeting regarding train whistle cessation.
This is an interesting new initiative. Can they perhaps also look into having the railways better service their ‘greasers’ to reduce the amount of squealing as the trains round corners? We have a few curves in Parry Sound if you haven’t noticed.

9.6.2 – Potential Hotel Tax. Direction. That the Director of Finance be directed to bring forward to the September 5, 2017 Council meeting, pending release of regulations, a report and recommendation regarding a potential hotel tax.
Another interesting initiative. The Town almost totally depends on property taxation for revenue. If more tourists come to Parry Sound and spend more money it doesn’t translate into more revenue for the Town. That may explain why the Town has invested little in the Downtown with the exception of free parking. The bulk of new revenue will come from new construction like the Breakers project at the Smelter Wharf. Adding a hotel or hospitality tax would deliver a new and additional source of revenue. Better to get it in place now before any additional investment is made in capacity. Eventually a restaurant tax?

By-laws

10.2.1 – Bobby Orr Community Centre: Pro Shop Lease Agreement. By-law 2017-6743. Being a by-law to authorize the Mayor and Deputy Clerk/CAO to execute an agreement with 4 Sports Inc., for the purpose of Pro-Shop operation at the Bobby Orr Community Centre for a one (1) year period.

10.3.1 – On Call Municipal Law Enforcement Officer. By-law 2017-6744. Being a By-law to authorize the Mayor and Deputy Clerk/CAO to execute a service contract with Cameron Marshall for the provision of On Call Municipal Law Enforcement Services.

10.3.2 – Appointment Bylaw – Chris Everitt, Earl Smallwood, Tom Evans, Cameron Marshall, Municipal Law Enforcement Officers. By-law 2017-6745. Being a bylaw to appoint Chris Everitt, Earl Smallwood, Tom Evans, Cameron Marshall as Municipal Law Enforcement Officers.

10.5.1 – Business Improvement (BIA) Levy by-law – Downtown business area. By-law 2017-6736. Being a bylaw 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 2017.

Columbine on the North Shore Rugged Trail (May 2017)

 

 

 

Parry Sound 2016 Annual Report

30 Thursday Mar 2017

Posted by in Budget/Financial, Parry Sound, Reflections

≈ 5 Comments

Tags

, , , , ,

The Parry Sound 2016 Annual Report came out yesterday, or at least it was in my mail yesterday. It’s an interesting read and does a good job of summarizing what was accomplished and where the money was spent.

It’s nice to think that as a town we really don’t need any improvements or investments, and that taxes should be frozen, or even reduced. Like any living organism, or organization, growth and renewal require ongoing investment. While you may be perfectly happy with that new kitchen you installed in the 70s, residents and businesses do expect services and facilities to be maintained and refurbished as necessary.

The reality is that as a community we provide, and pay for, services and infrastructure that are a necessity for our low tax neighbours. Our neighbours seem to have problems rationalizing an investment in the high speed internet they insist is critical for their future. But when your neighbour provides most essential services why not look to the Province and Canada to provide for things that Parry Sound doesn’t?

I realize that people are frustrated by the municipal tax load carried by Town of Parry Sound residents and businesses. After attending some five years of council meetings and budget discussions I am unable to accuse Council and Staff of making unwise investments. There are any number of expenditures that I disagree with, but these are nickel and dime items in terms of the whole budget. Even if you consider all of the nickel and dime issues they don’t add up to a loonie. My sense is that if you want Parry Sound services and low taxes, move to McDougall or Seguin. Consider Carling and McKellar if you don’t mind the longer drive to Parry Sound. You will be coming here for one thing or another, pretty much every day.

Council Agenda Preview – March 21, 2017

19 Sunday Mar 2017

Posted by in Parry Sound, Town Council

≈ Comments Off on Council Agenda Preview – March 21, 2017

Tags

, , , ,

There appears to be very little of material importance on this week’s agenda. There is a letter requesting future zoning by-law amendments to permit chickens (4.5). There are a couple of capital related items on the agenda, one that was in the approved 2017 Budget (9.5.3) and one that wasn’t (9.5.2 – materials for repairs to the Town docks off of McIssac way for transient boater use).

Thinking about attending this week’s meeting of Council? It’s a good idea. I’m pasting below today’s comments from Seth Godin that seem relevant. (Note: I recommend Seth’s Blog, it’s short and arrives daily, as a wonderful source of insight and reflection.)

Showing up
Some people show up when they need something.

Some people show up before they need something, knowing that it will pay off later, when they need something.

And some people merely show up. Not needing anything, not in anticipation of needing something, but merely because they can.

Closed Session

c) a proposed or pending acquisition or disposition of land for municipal or local board purposes. (Development Potential)

Correspondence

4.1 – Honourable Dipika Damerla. Minister of Seniors Affairs. Re: 2017 Senior of the Year Award

4.2 – Zack Crafts and Nicole Collins, Treetops Community Forest Re: Thank you card for the Town’s assistance and financial support for the Treetops Community Forest project.

4.5 – Wave Weir, McKellar Township. Re: Requesting future amendment to the Zoning By-law include allowing Parry Sound residents to have backyard hens.

4.6 – Petition – Signed by 22 residents of Macklaim Drive and provided by Bill Heitman Re: Requesting “that Parry Sound take the necessary steps to have the speed limit of Macklaim Drive and Dennis Drive reduced to 40 km/hr for the safety of the walkers both young and young at heart”.

Consent Agenda

8.3 – Support for Parry Sound Area Municipal Airport Application for RED Funding. Resolution. Whereas on the 21st day of August, 2000 the Corporation of the Town of Parry Sound and the Township of Seguin entered into an Agreement for the operation, control and management of the Parry Sound Area Municipal Airport; and Whereas, as per Paragraph 13. of the said Agreement, The Corporation of the Town of Parry Sound and The Corporation of the Township of Seguin hold title to the Airport lands; and Whereas, the Parry Sound Area Municipal Airport Commission has prepared an application to the Rural Economic Development (RED) Program for funding for the Airport Economic/Strategic Plan and related studies; and Whereas the Parry Sound Area Municipal Airport Commission passed Resolution 2017- 28, attached as Schedule “A”, requesting the Township of Seguin to act as the lead applicant for the RED program funding; and Whereas the Township of Seguin passed Resolution 2017 – 097, attached as Schedule “B”, approving the Township of Seguin to act as the Contract Agent on behalf of the Commission and its member municipalities to the conclusion of the referenced Project; And Further that in the event there are cost overruns for this project, the Township of Seguin will provide financial assistance to the Parry Sound Area Municipal Airport Commission as required; Now, Therefore Be It Resolved that Council for the Corporation of the Town of Parry Sound is in full support of the application for RED funding and the management of it’s application by the Township of Seguin.

Resolutions and Direction to Staff

9.1 – Sign Variance – 48 Bowes. Resolution. That the Chief Building Official is authorized and directed to issue a permit for the sign at 48 Bowes Street according to Schedule “A” attached.

9.3.1 – Blue Sky Net – Support for Innovate to Connect Project. Resolution. Whereas access to affordable and reliable broadband networks is an important part of everyday life and; Whereas communities outside urban centres face challenges in accessing internet service levels comparable to those in cities due to factors such as remote location and challenging terrain and; Whereas access to Broadband is key to economic, education, social and health development and; Whereas much of the West Parry Sound Area currently has little or less than 5mbps broadband coverage; Therefore, Be It Resolved That Council for the Town of Parry Sound supports Blue Sky Net’s application for funding under the (Innovation, Science and Economic Development) program, Connect to Innovate (CTI).

9.3.2 – WPS Smart – Support for Innovate to Connect Project. Resolution. That Council of the Town of Parry Sound does hereby support the West Parry Sound SMART Community Network Inc., in their application for Government of Canada’s Connect to Innovate Program.

9.3.3 – Lakeland Networks – Support for Innovate to Connect Project. Resolution. That Council of the Town of Parry Sound does hereby support Lakeland Networks in their application for Government of Canada’s Connect to Innovate Program and authorizes the Mayor to sign the letter, attached as Schedule “A”, in support of this application.

9.4.1 – 2016 Statement of Remuneration Paid to Council and Appointed Board Members. Resolution. That the 2016 Statement of Remuneration Paid to Council and Appointed Board Members, attached as Schedule “A”, be accepted.

9.5.1 – Noise Exemption – Cascade Street Generation Project. Resolution. That Council grant Bracebridge Generation an exemption to By-law 2009-5301, a bylaw to prohibit and regulate noise within the municipality to allow their contractor to work on the Cascade Street generation project on Sunday, March 26 and Sunday, April 2 between the hours of 09:00 and 19:00 and further; That Council grant the Director of Public Works the authority to permit the contractor to work during prohibited days and times as may be requested by Bracebridge Generation in the future and as may be deemed necessary in order to avoid significant delays to the project completion.

9.5.2 – Shopper’s Dock Replacement. Resolution. That Council approve the transfer of $10,000 from the Infrastructure Replacement Reserve to the Operating budget to fund the construction of new shopper’s docks.

9.5.3 – Quotation – Madvac LN50. Resolution. That Council approve single sourcing and accept the quotation from Joe Johnson Equipment for one new model Madvac complete with a 48″ hydraulic raise and lower vacuum head in the amount of $57,800, taxes extra.

By-laws

10.1.1 – Approval of Funding Agreement – New Horizons for Seniors Program Ontario Spokesperson: April McNamara, Manager of Parks and Recreation By-law 2017 – 672. Being a By-law to authorize the execution of a Letter of Agreement between Her Majesty the Queen in right of the Province of Ontario, represented by the Minister of Transportation for the Province of Ontario (the “Ministry”) and the Town of Parry Sound (the “Municipality”) Related to Funding Provided by the Province of Ontario (the “Province”) to the Municipality under the Dedicated Gas Tax Funds for Public Transportation Program

10.1.2 – Cash-in-lieu of Parking Agreement – Z/17/02 – 25 Mary Street – Aleesha Mullen. By-law 2017 – 6722. Being a By-law to authorize the execution of a cash-in-lieu of parking agreement between 25 Mary Street (Aleesha Mullen) and The Corporation of the Town of Parry Sound

10.1.3 – Revised Site Plan Control By-law. By-law 2017 – 6723. Being a By-law to designate a Site Plan Control Area for The Corporation of the Town of Parry Sound and repeal By-law 2015-6545.

I won’t be showing up this week. I’m making a presentation in the Big Apple for a client.

 

Parry Sound’s Business Stimulus Plan – v2016

01 Wednesday Mar 2017

Posted by in Parry Sound, Town Council

≈ Comments Off on Parry Sound’s Business Stimulus Plan – v2016

Tags

, , , , , ,

The recently issued Town of Parry Sound 2017 Key Objectives document presented and approved at a recent council meeting contained a couple of items that I thought were notable. In particular I noted the objective of having the Town gain control over the approval of Official Plan Amendments. At present the Town needs to get approval from the Province for these changes. As I have written earlier (Item 9.3.1) I don’t think this is a good idea. If Council can choose to make changes to the Official Plan against the stated opinions of the town’s residents and businesses we are likely to see some unpleasant surprises. At a recent Council meeting it was mentioned that this objective was previously approved by Council as part of the Official Business Plan. I have since tracked down a copy of that document.

The document is part of Resolution 2016-77 that was approved as part of the 2016-04-19 meeting of Parry Sound council (Item 9.6.1). Links to this open agenda document can be found hosted here on Parry Sounds.com. It’s worth taking a look at what the Business Stimulus Team has planned for Parry Sound. It explains a number of the initiatives listed in the 2017 Key Objectives document and the 2017 Budget. The original agenda package version includes the attachments not found in the approved by-law that was sent to me.

I have highlighted areas of interest, to me at least, in an annotated version of the approved by-law. Take the time to at least look over one of the documents and see if there is anything you are supportive of, or are concerned about. In either case, contact a member of Council and let them know what you think. Without input from the public they will do what they think is in the best interests of the community.

Capital Investments – BOCC Ice Surface (Update)

14 Tuesday Feb 2017

Posted by in Correction/Clarification, Parry Sound

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

, , ,

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.

Budget 2017 – Big Plans

19 Thursday Jan 2017

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

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

, , , , ,

While the 2017 Budget is largely in the can, there are a few financial related issues that may be of interest to Town of Parry Sound ratepayers. In addition to the capital budget items defined in the 2017 Budget, the budget meeting on January 10th also unveiled some longer range capital expenditure possibilities. Possibilities is probably the best way to describe these capital expenditures. There is no agreement that these investments will be made, and if they are, there is no firm commitment as to when they will definitively arrive.

The table below is taken from the January 10th budget meeting.

parry-sound-projects-p-3-2017-01-10

A few initial thoughts on the planned expenses.

BOCC Floor Replacement: Likes roads, facilities need ongoing maintenance and from time to time major investments. That’s why ice time isn’t free.

Champagne Street: This may be related to plans for future development in the area, whether or not it is a casino. The street is so short that it’s hard to imagine it would cost $1.5 million to refurbish the street for it’s current users. This would be a major artery servicing a casino or a condo development.

Property Purchase: $4 million, hmmm! I wonder where this might be. My sense is that it would be on the waterfront area between the Town Dock and Big Sound Marina. There are rumours that the OPP are planning a new facility off of the 400, and perhaps Service Canada and the MNR people are planning to leave. That might mean the Town has to come up with some cash to purchase the land so that these organizations can afford new facilities. But it’s only a guess. I don’t think that it relates to the former Shell or imperial Oil properties on the other side of the harbour, but its only my best guess.

Parry Sound Road Extension: The connection to Oastler Drive (Old 69). This seems to be a critical element in the Town’s strategy to open up the south east side of Town for future development. It would be the major access route for a casino, and/or and Innovation Park, and/or industrial development of the properties on the Seguin side of the road that have made overtures to join Parry Sound. At the very least it will keep the Fowler salt trucks off Bowes Street.

Great North Road: This is the stretch of road between Bowes Street and Champagne Street. It’s due for an update/upgrade.

Innovation Park: This is a project discussed in general terms at an open meeting earlier in 2016. I understand that it would be located on Parry Sound Road across from the Weeks facility, another reason for the Parry Sound Road extension.

There you have it, the near term thinking of the Town Council and Staff with regards to the the next phase of capital investments. Add up the figure and these investments are likely to add an additional 11% or so to your tax bills by 2021. It’s possible that the impact will not be so great if some of the older debentures are paid off in the interim. Add to that another 1.8% per year increase for the Infrastructure Reserve fund and you could be looking at 2021 Parry Sound taxes being about 20% higher than the 2017 tax levels. Add in a lowball estimate of a 2.5% annual increase for the usual inflationary and service improvements and you are looking at your tax rising by about 30% over the next 4 years.

The chart below is from the January 10th presentation and summarizes the projected changes in the Town’s annual debt servicing costs if the proposed projects are undertaken.

parry-sound-debt-p6-2017-01-10

All of this suggests that the Town may be looking at a casino development as the answer to it’s continually increasing taxes. (Seven comes eleven, baby needs a new pair of shoes, or in our case roads). Right now Parry Sound pays about 3 times the municipal taxes of Seguin and Carling on an assessed value basis. That may stretch to a 4 times figure by 2021.

If you have any thoughts about where this is headed you may want to speak to Council.

Here is a link to the full January 10, 2017 presentation.

Council Agenda Preview – January 17, 2017

15 Sunday Jan 2017

Posted by in Parry Sound, Town Council

≈ Comments Off on Council Agenda Preview – January 17, 2017

Tags

, , , , , , , , ,

Fill Out This Form with Your Name and Contact Information to Win Big. No Purchase Required.

This seems to the essence of Item 9.1.1 – Waterfront Casino and Hotel Conference Centre. You can’t win if you don’t enter, and Parry Sound would like to get lucky. In principle there is no downside, Council still needs to hear from the ‘community and ratepayers’ before being in a position to make any type of formal commitment to a casino and the required infrastructure upgrades. At this point I am open minded about the whole project. It’s not in my backyard, and there is no one in my immediate family that has a gambling addiction. Having lived in New Jersey I am familiar with the rise and fall of Atlantic City. It certainly starts out with the best of hopes and intentions.

Another item of economic development interest concerns Items 2.1.1 and 5.1, the Old Fire Hall. With the recent decision by Council to put the Old Fire Hall up for sale it appears from the zoning amendment and the deputation that we may soon have the opportunity to enjoy wood fired pizzas in the Old Fire Hall.

There are a number of additional issues on the agenda that advance and tidy ongoing matters. Comments are provided below in italics.

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. The subject property is the old Fire Hall and is located at 25 Mary Street, or the southeast part of Market Square park, Plan No. 2, north side of Mary Street.
The applicant has requested to amend the Special Provision 26.28 (SP26.28) Zone to permit a restaurant, a seasonal outdoor eating space and an accessory liquor licensed premise that is subordinate to the main use. No new structures are proposed and the proposed uses would be within the existing structure. Currently, the Zoning By-law only permits upper floor dwelling units, a retail store, a business or professional office, a medical or dental clinic, a publishing establishment, a club and a public use. The building is currently vacant

Correspondence

4.1 – Bill Millar, McDougall resident. Re: Mr. Millar has some concerns over the proliferation of highway signage on highway #400 in our area.
I agree. At one point I thought about taking photos of all the signs between Parry Sound and the Airport and then hosting an online ‘ugliest sign’ contest. There are some real ‘winners’ in the bunch.

4.4 – Nancy Cunningham, 64 Gibson Street. Re: Although she feels that a restaurant at the old Fire Hall would be a good use of the property she has concerns about noise, lighting, refuse and the façade of the building.

4.5 – Zack Crafts and Nicole Collins, Co-Chairs of Treetops Community Forest Re: Requesting a $10,000 donation to the Treetops Community Forest Project.
I guess this request comes as no surprise.

4.6 – Rebecca Pollock, Manager Georgian Bay Biosphere Reserve. Re: Requesting Council’s support for appropriate signage along highway 400 that tourist and residents know that, “You Are Now Entering a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve”.

Deputations

5.1 – Ben Mascioli, Owner/Operator of Maurizio’s Inc. Re: Revitalization Plans for the Old Fire Hall.

Consent Agenda

8.2 – Resignation from the Parry Sound Downtown Business Association Board of Directors. Resolution. Council accepts, with regret, the resignation of Dan DiNicolo, representing 30K Networks, from the Parry Sound Downtown Business Association Board of Directors, effective immediately. Council extends their thanks and appreciation to Mr. DiNicolo for volunteering his time to the Downtown Business Association.
Well that didn’t last very long. Lead, follow or get out of the way, and don’t take too long making a decision on which it is.

8.4 – Support for Biosphere Reserve Signage along highway #400. Resolution. Whereas Parry Sound is fortunate to be located within a world biosphere reserve designated by the United Nations; and Whereas these UNESCO landscapes should be showcased to tourist and residents alike along the highway #400 corridor using themed area signage; Now, Therefore Be It Resolved That the Mayor be directed to prepare a letter to the Minister of Tourism and Transportation supporting the Georgian Bay Biosphere Reserve’s request to have themed signage located along the highway #400 corridor; and Further that a copy of this letter be send to Norm Miller, M.L.A. for Parry Sound-Muskoka.

Resolutions and Direction to Staff

9.1.1 – Waterfront Casino and Hotel Conference Centre. Resolution. That Council support in principle Shawanaga First Nation’s idea of developing a Casino and Hotel Conference Centre on the Town’s waterfront; and That a Public Meeting be held at a future date to allow the public to provide comments regarding the proposed project.

9.1.2 – ATV Update. Resolution. That Council acknowledge receipt of the ATV R&R submitted by Taylor Elgie, Principal Planner, attached as Schedule “A”.
The report is mostly positive with four reports of ATVs on the Rotary Algonquin Regiment Fitness Trail. I have also seen e-bikes with young riders on the trail.

9.4.1 – 2016 Asset Management Plan. Resolution. That Council hereby receives the December 31, 2016 Asset Management Plan for the Town of Parry Sound prepared by Public Sector Digest Inc. Direction (For Direct Staff Follow-Up): That Staff prepare an implementation plan for the Asset Management Plan recommendations and bring back to Council for approval.
A substantial 120-page document that is worth reading from start to finish, but I suspect in the end fewer than five people in total will bother, even if they are paid to do so. This report underlies the recommendation of Staff, and the agreement of Council, to increase the annual levy by 1.8% to build an infrastructure reserve.

9.4.2 – Provincial Offences Act (POA) Court 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.
The total is $6,202.99.

9.6.1 – Belvedere Heights Parking Ad-hoc Committee. Direction. That a Belvedere Parking Ad-hoc Committee be established consisting of:
– two Town representatives
– two Belvedere representatives
– two DSSAB representatives
– two Belvedere neighbourhood residents
That Council appoint Mayor McGarvey, Peter Brown, Director of Public Works and alternate Councillor _______________ to the Belvedere Parking Ad-hoc Committee as the Town’s representatives.

By-laws

10.1.2 – Site Plan Amendment Application – 1793951 Ontario Inc. / Greystone Project Management Inc. – 11 Salt Dock Road. Being a By-law to grant Site Plan Approval and authorize the execution and registration of a development agreement with The Breakers at Granite Harbour/1793951 Ontario Inc./Greystone Project Management Inc. – 11 Salt Dock Road and repeal By-law 2016-6661.
It looks like business is good and the developers want to add another floor to at least one the of the new buildings.

10.3.1 – By-law to Establish the Parry Sound Public Library and its Composition. By-law 2017 – 6698. Being a By-law for the establishment and composition of a Public Library Board for the Town of Parry Sound.

10.4.1– Appointment of External Auditor. By-law 2017 – 6699. Being a By-law to appoint auditors for the Corporation of the Town of Parry Sound and to repeal By-law 2012-6148.
BDO Canada will be the Town’s new auditors. I’m happy to see the change only because it is good practice to change auditors every five or ten years so that a new set of eyes are looking at the books.

10.4.2 – 2017 Interim Tax Levy. By-law 2017 – 6700. Being a By-Law to provide for an interim tax levy, for the payment of taxes, and for penalty and interest at 1 1/4 percent per month for the 2017 taxation year.

As always, please refer to the full agenda package found at the Town of Parry Sound website for a complete listing of agenda items and the supporting documents. Consider finding the documents at the Town’s website as your daily puzzler. It’s there, you just need to figure out where.

Dang, it looks more like boating season than ice fishing season.

redwood1890-20170113-dsc_1690

 

Budget 2017 – The Principles of Sausage Making

14 Saturday Jan 2017

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

≈ 3 Comments

Tags

, , , , , ,

A bit of this and a bit of that, throw it into a grinder, add a bit of spice to mask things, and squeeze into casings. Yum. Tastes great, even if it seems a bit pricey. But, don’t ask about exactly what it’s made from – you really don’t want to know.

Parry Sound Council this past week reached agreement on the details of the 2017 Budget. As discussed in an earlier post, Council managed to find ways to hit the low end of the original budget target. That still means taxes will be up about 5% or more for most residential properties, but it quite easily could have been higher.

What’s In?
The budget included a number of new initiatives as well as some older issues that couldn’t be put off any longer. What’s in includes:

  1. Funding for an Economic Development Officer for a three year period. Council seemed very upbeat with respect to a candidate they had identified to take the position. ($75,000/year annualized, contract salary and marketing materials)
  2. Funding for a Recreation Programmer, permanent full-time. ($84,000, annualized staffing and program delivery costs)
  3. Funding for a tourism intern. ($12,000, staffing and materials)
  4. Repairs to the Stockey Centre roof. ($700,000 to be debentured)
  5. MADVAC, a vacuum cleaner on wheels for the downtown. ($60,000)
  6. Repairs to the retaining wall at Louisa/Bowes Street. ($160,000, from reserves)
  7. Human Resources position increased to five days per week.
  8. Parry Sound Road extension feasibility study. ($100,000, from reserves)
  9. Great North Road design. ($900,000, from reserves)

What Not?
Some expenses were cut and others were reduced. Here are the more notable cuts and/or reductions:

  1. Cut – Repairs to the Old Fire Hall. (more on this below)
  2. Cut – Staff position and resources to expand hazardous waste collection and disposal. ($68,000)
  3. Cut – Isabella Street sidewalks and water services upgrade.
  4. Reduced – Waubeek Street revitalization limited to Avenue Road to Prospect Street, including Prospect Street and the services to the Coast Guard Station.
  5. Reduced – Downtown facade improvement program reduced to $25,000 for 2017.

Old Fire Hall
An Old Fire Hall revitalization was originally budgeted as a $250,000 expense for 2017 (debentured). In the closed session of council on Tuesday the decision was apparently made to sell the Fire Hall. It makes sense, the building is in serious need of repair and as such really doesn’t provide any value as is for the Town. There was an earlier suggestion that the Town would renovate the hall and then lease it out, probably for a restaurant type use. Instead of paying for repair and renovation and then hoping for a lessee, the decision is to sell the hall. I’m not privy to the business case but it makes sense.

What is a little worrying is the Town’s reliance on selling land and properties to cover the cost of normal operations. In the past five years the Town has sold Parry Sound Power, lots on William Street, the Old Pump House and other smaller properties. This year we will be selling the Old Fire Hall. What’s next? What has become of these funds? The millions we received for Parry Sound Power were put into a reserve and to the best of my understanding has been siphoned off bit by bit. One million of that reserve is earmarked for design and engineering plans for Parry Sound Road and Great North Road. I’m told that it is effectively a loan and will be replaced when the project starts and is debentured.

Using the Parry Sound Power funds to front money for a large infrastructure project makes sense. I probably makes more sense than taking a loan to fund the project. It’s a bit like taking a loan from your RSP to pay for the downpayment on a new house. As long as you pay it back in a reasonable timeframe there is no foul.

My bigger concern is the Town’s reliance on selling assets the past five years to meet annual expenditures. It has probably shaved about 3% or 4% off our tax rates which is a good thing. But is it a bit like selling the family silver to cover the mortgage payment. Yes, you don’t regularly use Grandma’s silver, but once it’s gone, it’s gone. And it will be much, much more expensive to try and get it back. It’s like pawning a ring or a guitar, you can never buy something similar for anything close to what you can sell it for. So what are we going to sell next to make ends meet? The North Shore Road allowance?

Overall I’m okay with the budget. The 5% increase in taxes I’ll see in 2017 is something I can afford. I’m not so sure that everyone is in a similarly comfortable position. Don’t bitch about taxes unless you actually invest some time and effort understanding the choices facing Staff and Council, and then share your thoughts. Your opinion may not make a difference, but put together a dozen opinions and I suspect Council will start paying attention. The Citizen’s Finance Committee went nowhere, because the members didn’t bother to show up for the budget meetings. You don’t get the budget you deserve or want, you get the budget other’s think you need.

Addendum:

Once the final draft of the budget is made available I’ll provide a summary of the key points, most notably where the money is going. I am planning to comment on the updated capital projects list presented at last Tuesday’s budget once the document is made available. I had hoped it would be online by Friday. I will follow up with Staff on Monday to get a copy that can be shared with the public. It’s interesting, and so very expensive. One item was a $4 million property purchase. Another related to an Innovation Centre. Big plans and presumably big budgets. Does that translate into big taxes?

2017-11-29 Parry Sound Budget Meeting Notes

30 Wednesday Nov 2016

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

≈ 4 Comments

Tags

, , , , , , , ,

I noticed that none of you were in attendance yesterday evening at the Town of Parry Sound’s first open budget meeting. If you don’t like the menu perhaps you should  spend some time in the kitchen talking to the cook.

The 2017 budget is likely to lead to a 4.5% or so increase in taxes. There are a couple of reasons for this. The first is a normal increase in the cost of existing services, as well as some service enhancements. This accounts for about a 2.5% increase. The second reason is the recommendation of Town Staff to establish a reserve fund for major infrastructure projects. This amounts to a recommended 1.8% increase. A 3.6% figure would be better but seems a bit too steep. The whole issue of infrastructure investment is a major issue in Canada and the USA. You may have heard about President-Elect Trump’s promise to invest $1 Trillion in US infrastructure. The question is where he hopes to find the money. The same infrastructure challenge faces Canada, Ontario and Parry Sound. We are better off than most communities who are facing a 5-8% annual increase in tax rates to make up for their past decisions to forego infrastructure investments in exchange for lower taxes.

It also doesn’t help that the overall assessment of properties has dropped by 3%. This has implications for the tax rate, but not the total levy. It shouldn’t directly ding people in terms of their overall tax bill, except those of you condo dwellers who saw a slight assessment increase. But, that increase in taxes will be phased in over the next four years, so it may not even be noticeable in 2017.

Yes, the general provincial and federal grants have dropped over the years, but that’s not a significant overall budget issue as we have done well in securing infrastructure funding support. They take with one hand but give with the other. Ultimately the higher level governments feel we should be truly self-funded, just as you hope with your kids (eventually), which is why we need to look closely at what facilities and services we are able and willing to pay for, without government handouts. I see that our neighbors want $25 million or so from the province and the feds for an internet infrastructure. They may get it, but if it’s that important why aren’t they funding it themselves? Perhaps they feel it’s critical infrastructure that should be ‘given’ to them. Well I feel the same way about the proposed Waubeek Road reconstruction, and the extension of Great North Road. We need to be prepared to carry the costs of those infrastructure projects we judge as critical and hope that the province agrees and kicks in a portion of the funds, not hope they pay for it all.

There is a clear choice for those of you who feel that taxes are too high in Parry Sound, move to the neighboring communities where property taxes are 25% to 60% lower on assessed value. There are fewer local services and much less infrastructure, but the taxes are lower and you can always drive to Parry Sound for your shopping and services. Don’t worry about the bears, we have them here already. After spending time going over the budget and listening to the presentation and discussion last night I am happy to defend the implications of the draft budget. Sometimes you have to spend more to just stay in the same place.

You may see me get a bit more animated if there is any serious discussion of an aquatic centre in Parry Sound lacking a clear plan of how that expense will not end up on my tax bill. Without considerable regional participation it would add another 5-8% to our tax bills for just operating expenses, plus another 5% for the debenture to cover the cost of construction assuming a reasonable time of facility life term for the debenture, not a thirty year daydream. Town Staff did decide to defer investment in a ‘splash pad’ beyond 2017. Splash pad? This was the suggestion of a councillor no longer on Council, and to date I have never seen a plan for where it might be installed, a firm budget for construction and maintenance, and a plan for how it would be operated (season, time, …). We have enough trouble maintaining a couple of small fountains and we want to operate a splash pad?

Back to the budget, you need to go over it to understand the implications. There are four areas of new discretionary spending that Council has been asked to decide on:

  1. Recreation programmer.
  2. Economic development officer.
  3. Tourism intern.
  4. Enhanced transfer station service (mostly increased hazardous waste service).

All four have merit. If you have a question or comment about the budget be sure to pass it on to Council. The next meeting, when I expect many of the decisions will be made, is scheduled for December 13th, 6:00 PM in the council chambers. Let Council know what you are thinking and come on down on the 13th to see how budgets are discussed and agreed.

Note: The North Star attended the budget session so I expect they will share some of their observations and thoughts in Friday’s Beacon Star and next week’s North Star. With James King having left Moose-FM is seems they are no longer covering Parry Sound Council events. On the upside there is a proposal before Council to budget $2,500 for audio visual equipment to permit council meetings to be made available over YouTube, including these smaller budget type meetings. That would be an important step forward in ensuring transparency in local government.

Yes, there was much more, but nothing too critical in my opinion. If you want to know what goes on you should attend; admission is free.

And no, there was no mention of the casino project. Better perhaps that werestrict our ‘pipe dreams’ to water services for the near future at least.

Budgets are All About Getting Things to Line Up

redwood1890-_dsc4834