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Council Meeting Notes – May 19, 2015

20 Wednesday May 2015

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Last night’s meeting covered considerable ground without missing a beat. It’s worth noting that Parry Sound Council will not continue to lie down and take abuse and neglect from the railways. Last night Council agreed to draft and send a letter to the Province requesting legislation concerning the taxation of railway assets be updated and revised. If the railways feel they have the moral and legal right to do whatever they want,they should be required to pay for the privilege. And it is a privilege. Let’s see how far this goes and whether it’s the start of something much, much bigger. Perhaps we can channel Rosa Parks.

There were no surprises, except perhaps that the request for a Beerfest noise exemption was withdrawn. The meeting’s decisions with limited comments are provided in the text below. For more information and background check out the full Parry Sound Council Agenda Package available here, or my Council Preview available here.

Correspondence

4.3 – Parry Sound Area Chamber of Commerce. Re: Request for tax relief – 4th 1/4 2014 & 2015 (on this evening’s agenda Item 9.4.4). Noted and acted upon later in the meeting.

4.6 – Z. Crafts, N. Collins & G. Mason. Re: 2.3 acres of land adjacent to new Parry Sound Public School (on this evening’s agenda Item 9.4.7). A deputation was made and the issue was addressed later in the meeting.

4.7 – Minister of Transportation. Re: Highway winter maintenance. Noted.

Resolutions and Direction To Staff

9.2.2 – Taxation of Railway Properties. Resolution. CARRIED. This is the railway issue noted earlier. Council also decided to send a copy of the resolution to our Member of Parliament – Tony Clement and the railways. It was estimated that taxing the railways at the usual commercial rate could provide the Town with an additional $500,000 per year in revenue. The railways currently leverage their monopolies, and they are monopolies, to report billions of dollars annually in profits. It’s also worth noting that any taxation of the railways would also benefit our neigbouring municipalities who also ‘host’ railway tracks, trestles and building structures.

9.4.1 – Bill 73 – Town of Parry Sound Comments. Resolution. CARRIED.

9.4.3 – Parry Sound Beerfest: Noise By-law relief. Resolution. WITHDRAWN. Beerfest will not be part of this year’s Dragon Boat Festival, but should be back next year.

9.4.4 – Parry Sound Area Chamber of Commerce. Resolution. CARRIED.

9.4.5 – 2015 Municipal Assistance Program Allocations. Resolution. CARRIED. The figures were not presented at the meeting, but should be available today through the Town office.

9.4.6 – Rezoning Application – Z15-01 – General Amendment to Parking Requirements. By-law and Resolution. CARRIED (both).

9.4.7 – Request Council’s Approval in Principle for a Naturalized Park Space. Resolution. CARRIED. This proposal was well received by Council who also asked that information be supplied concerning the care and maintenance of the facility for the long term. They noted that many projects started by enthusiastic volunteers often lose community support and fall into disrepair and neglect. The group will return in the fall with a more expansive proposal following this initial show of support by Parry Sound Council.

9.4.8 – Response to Proposed MNRF Wetland Assessment for Louisa Street. Resolution. CARRIED.

9.4.9 – 2015 Rotary Dragon Boat Festival. Resolution. CARRIED.

9.5.3 – Railway Blockages. Resolution. CARRIED.

By-laws

10.5.1 – No Smoking By-law. CARRIED. Council approved a second by-law proposal that would limit smoking on Town property and facilities to designated smoking areas rather than defining a perimeter area where smoking would not be permitted. Defining a perimeter, be it 9 or 20 metres is hard for most people to understand and comply with. Permitted smoking areas are much easier to understand and enforce. An interesting aside arose during a question from Council concerning e-cigarettes and restrictions. The Town currently does not regulate e-cigarettes, nor do the surrounding communities. Does this mean you can ‘vape’ in the Bobby Orr Community Centre or the Stockey Centre? Or in the Town office? ‘Vaping’, the use of e-cigarettes is being much more popular among the younger generation because they provide nicotine, are flavoured, and make it easy to do ‘tricks’. Tricks include things like blowing smoke rings. I understand there are competitions to see who can do the best tricks with e-cigarettes. You apparently just dial-up the temperature and it makes for a heavy ‘cloud’ of ‘smoke’.

The next time Council meets, it will be free parking in Parry Sound. Free, free, free! Oh, by the way, there is no free lunch, nor is there any free parking. Somebody pays!

The North Star does a good job of carrying more detailed information on these items, including quotes and follow-up discussions with the people involved in the issue. Typically you can expect the story will be in the following Wednesday’s issue of the North Star, perhaps earlier online. So, last night’s stories will be in the May 27th issue of the North Star.

Preparing for the Dragon Boat Festival. (Parry Sound in Full Colour)

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Council Agenda Preview – May 19, 2015

17 Sunday May 2015

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Tuesday night’s Council meeting is packed with a broad range of items. With a bit of rest after the 2015 budget it seems Council is prepared to tackle some of the bigger issues facing the Town. Because there is so much on the agenda I have listed only the more interesting/important issues. The agenda summary for the meeting can be found on the Town’s website. For the full agenda with attachments you will need to contact the Town directly (oops, they aren’t open Monday, so you will have to wait until Tuesday to get a response). Or you can get a copy directly through the ‘TOPS Agenda Packages’ link at the top of this page.

I’m glad to see the Town is starting to move on the railway issues, Items 9.2.2, 9.5.3. I would like to remind people that the infamous Chicago gangster Al Capone was finally sent to prison on tax evation charges, not murder, although he was responsible for the death of many. Let’s remember that as we work with the railways. Let the railways pay for the privilege of abusing Parry Sound and other municipalities by taxing their assets. I estimate their Parry Sound assets are worth about $15 million which would mean an additional $225,000 in annual tax revenues for the Town. The railways are public companies that make billions in profits. The Big Box stores pay local taxes on their buildings and land, so do the smaller businesses downtown. Imagine what the tax revenues from the railways’ physical assets would mean to the many communities that are regularly abused by the railways’ callous approach to how their operations impact people and the environment.

There is much more on the agenda including purchase by Public Works and the annual Drinking Water Supply Report that won’t be mentioned in this post. Check the agenda package for complete information.

Correspondence

4.3 – Parry Sound Area Chamber of Commerce. Re: Request for tax relief – 4th 1/4 2014 & 2015 (on this evening’s agenda Item 9.4.4). Note – I’m a board member of the Chamber so I will state that any comments made on this site are mine alone and do not reflect the opinion or position of the Chamber of Commerce.

4.6 – Z. Crafts, N. Collins & G. Mason. Re: 2.3 acres of land adjacent to new Parry Sound Public School (on this evening’s agenda Item 9.4.7).

4.7 – Minister of Transportation. Re: Highway winter maintenance. This simply advises the Town that the Province has reviewed the recommendations of the report from the Auditor General and will be responding with an action plan within sixty days.

Resolutions and Direction To Staff

9.2.2 – Taxation of Railway Properties. Resolution. Whereas the Assessment Act, RSO 1990, c A.31 S.30 (3) states that structures, substructures, superstructures, rails, ties, poles, wires and other property on railway lands used exclusively for railway purposes shall not be assessed; Whereas the Municipal Act. O.Reg 387/98 provides a “Right of Way” in the district of Parry Sound of $38.89/acre can be levied by the municipality; Whereas the Canadian National Railway Company (CN), and the Canadian Pacific Railway Limited (CP) are publicly traded private companies with operations throughout North America; Whereas both CN and CP operate over 67 acres of rail property, including 7 bridges, which have costs well in excess of $38.89/acre; And Whereas the Province of Ontario has not updated the “Right of Way” since 1998; Now be it resolved that the Council for the Corporation of the Town of Parry Sound requests that the Province of Ontario review the methodology for the levying of municipal property tax on railway assets; And further that the Town’s preferred methodology would be to levy tax on these assets based on Current Value Assessment similar to the taxation of other commercial properties; And further that a copy of this resolution be sent to the Premier of Ontario, the Ontario Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing, the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO), the Federation of Northern Ontario Municipalities (FONOM), the Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association (NOMA), MPP Norm Miller, the City of Toronto, the Municipality of Carling, the Municipality of McDougall, the Municipality of Seguin, the Municipality of the Archipelago, the Municipal Finance Officers Association of Ontario (MFOA), the Ontario Municipal Taxation and Revenue Association (OMTRA). I’m glad to see that the Town has picked up on this issue. I hope they have the courage to move this issue forward. Yes, it will take courage. The railways, like Al Capone, are not loathe to use intimidation to get their way.

9.4.1 – Bill 73 – Town of Parry Sound Comments. Resolution. That the May 19, 2015 report, Bill 73 – Town of Parry Sound Comments, be endorsed by the Town of Parry Sound Council, and forwarded to the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing. Specifically, the Town has concerns with the following proposed modifications, and request they be omitted from Bill 73: Limiting a minor variance application for 2 years after a zoning amendment is passed in response to a privately-initiated application; Removing the ability to apply for amendments to a zoning by-law for 2 years after comprehensive zoning by-law update; and Removing the ability to apply for amendments to an official plan for 2 years after a new, comprehensive official plan comes into effect. This is why you need to read the details. Town Staff has clearly picked up on a number of issues with Bill 73 that need to be amended to allow for normal and reasonable development within the Town and all other municipalities.

 9.4.3 – Parry Sound Beerfest: Noise By-law relief. Resolution. Beerfest is back on the agenda and it coincides with the Rotary’s Dragon Boat Festival.

9.4.4 – Parry Sound Area Chamber of Commerce. Resolution. That further to a request from the Parry Sound Area Chamber of Commerce, Council provides one-time funding to the Commerce’s financial recovery efforts in the amount of $6,342.18 to be allocated to the Municipal Assistance Program budget which would result in actuals being over budget and, that the Chamber of Commerce advise Council of the outcome of its efforts to obtain financial support from the Area Municipalities. Better than a poke in the eye with a sharp stick. Enough said!

 9.4.5 – 2015 Municipal Assistance Program Allocations. Resolution. The analysis is provided only in the full agenda package. Expect that Council will make their decision in the closed session and provide the figures in open session rather than debate the merit of each group in a public forum, which would be certain to make more enemies than friends.

9.4.6 – Rezoning Application – Z15-01 – General Amendment to Parking Requirements. By-law and Resolution. That the same application fee for Cash-in-Lieu of Parking Agreements be used for “Offsite Location for Parking Spaces – Residential Renovations” as per Section 4.30 (j) iv) of By-law 2004-4653, as amended. That one year from the approval of this By-law, staff return to Council to provide an update on the standing of this Zoning By-law amendment. Staff will track complaints and the number of applicable new residential units in an effort to measure the success of this amendment, and recommend either the continuation or removal of this provision. This reduces the burden on the Town and property owners wishing to create more downtown residential units. I suspect it will largely be an ‘honour system’ that hopefully won’t be abused.

9.4.7 – Request Council’s Approval in Principle for a Naturalized Park Space. Resolution. THAT Council support in principal the request from Zach Crafts, Nicole Collins and Greg Mason as follows: i) that the 2.3 acre lot beside the Parry Sound Public School described as remain a naturalized space with a simple loop trail; ii) that the Town be the landowner of the property and act as the insurer; iii) that the Town work in partnership with the Near North District School Board to provide a joint use agreement for the school to use the property; and iv) that the Town set in place park status on the property, which will remain that way in perpetuity; and That details of the above be brought to Council by September 2015. I understand the value and merit of this request, a naturalized park next to a school is obvious. I do wonder about how much non-revenue generating property Parry Sound is expected to provide for the area public good. Parry Sound has very limited land that can be developed, yet it is home to the District hospital, retirement centre, public service offices, provincial offices, …. All of which pay little or no property taxes, but require considerable infrastructure. I believe one of the reasons for the particular aerial truck purchased by the Town related to the hospital’s needs. Yes, but these tax exempt institutions create jobs that increase the population in Parry Sound which results in more property taxes. Well not really, many of the people working at these non-taxable enterprises live in the low tax communities that surround Parry Sound. I have no issue with this proposal, I just wonder how we Parry Sound residents will recoup the cost of supporting all of these initiatives that benefit the much larger community. Seguin property taxes are one-third those of Parry Sound and they have five times the assessment and more than one hundred times the area. Sigh! Wait, one solution would be a local income tax levied on wages earned in Parry Sound that would be offset against paid Parry Sound property taxes, perhaps 0.5%. I have had that type of levy when I worked in New York City and Collegeville, PA. It helps pay for the required infrastructure to support these institutions.

9.4.8 – Response to Proposed MNRF Wetland Assessment for Louisa Street. Resolution. The Province is looking to assess and probably increase restrictions on land that can be developed in Parry Sound related to wetland protection. The Town is not in a agreement, and I agree with the Town’s position. Let’s take more land out of development and continue to take what’s left for more non-revenue generating initiatives. No, let’s not.  

9.4.9 – 2015 Rotary Dragon Boat Festival. Resolution. It’s scheduled for June 13th.

9.5.3 – Railway Blockages. Whereas the Grade Crossing Regulations outline the process for addressing the repeated obstruction of a grade crossing, And Whereas the Town of Parry Sound has documented numerous recent repeated crossing blockages in the Town of Parry Sound, Therefore be it resolved that the Town of Parry Sound considers these obstructions of the grade crossing to create a significant safety concern. Direction (For Direct Staff Follow-Up): That the Director of Emergency and Protective Services circulate this resolution to the Minister responsible as well as CN and CP to start the conflict resolution process including mediation if necessary. You go Staff. You need to stand up, or be prepared to be shot down.

By-laws

10.5.1 – No Smoking By-law. It’s back again for approval. See the council package for the details.

You need to pick your fights. In my opinion the major fights the Town should pick relate to the railways and the ‘squatters’ on the waterfront – the oil companies and the provincial offices. Little steps can lead to big gains.

See you Tuesday night.

Mid-morning sun on James Street. (Parry Sound in Black & White)

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Council Meeting Notes – May 5, 2015

10 Sunday May 2015

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Well it seems to have been a light meeting, that was perhaps because too much went on behind closed doors. I note that the meeting minutes included two items, one of which – Item 7.3, I’m petty certain didn’t need to be behind closed doors. I’ve asked for an explanation on the thinking behind this type of secrecy.

The only surprises from reading the minutes, besides the closed session items, is that a couple of items were withdrawn. They are noted below.

Update/correction – I suggested in an earlier post that Metroland Media might have given the parry sound.ca domain to the Town. This is not the case. The domain parrysound.ca along with all similar community domains using the .ca suffix were set aside by the federal government when the .ca suffix was offered to the public.

Correspondence
4.1 – Letter – Glen Murray, Minister, Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MOECC) Re: Thank you letter for the Town’s delegation at Ontario Good Roads Association Conference regarding the remediation of the Brownfield sites at the former Imperial Oil properties and the Waterfront Development Concept Plan. Circulated and Forwarded to CAO.

Deputations
5.1 – Bernadette and Erick Phillis, residents of Seguin. Re: Lack of public transportation in Parry Sound. Withdrawn. I believe this is the second time it has been withdrawn.

5.3 – Howard Wesley. Re: Booth Street Park. This concerned the rehabilitation and upgrade to the park and is on the agenda as Item 9.1.1.

Ratification of Matters From Closed Agenda
7.2 – Response to the Notice of Surplus Lands from the Near North District School Board (William Beatty and Victory Schools). That an offer to bid on William Beatty School and Victory School from the Near North District School Board by the Town of Parry Sound, be declined. Carried.

7.3 – Town Dock – Small Craft Harbours – Engineering Inspection. That upon the recommendation of the Waterfront Advisory Committee, Council request Small Craft Harbours to fund an independent third party engineering review of the Town Dock. The review is to define ‘bringing the Dock up to standard’, along with a life cycle plan for all dock components. Carried. I wonder why this wasn’t an item for discussion and review at the open session of Council. It’s important that Council not be encouraged to start ‘hiding’ things behind closed doors. It’s a problem faced by many communities, let’s keep it out of Parry Sound. I’ll let you know what the Town provides as an explanation.

Resolutions and Direction to Staff
9.1.1 – Booth St. Park Transformation. Resolution. That the proposed plan for the transformation of Booth St. Park as presented to Council at its May 5, 2015 meeting be approved. Carried.

9.4.1 – Parry Sound Beerfest: Noise By-law relief. Resolution. Withdrawn. That’s a surprise, this is a town that likes and appreciates beer. No mention is made on whether it will be added to a future meeting of Council.

9.4.2 – Joint Promotion/Marketing Plan – Former Shell Property. That upon the recommendation of the Waterfront Advisory Committee, Council direct staff to work with the owner of the former Shell property to develop a joint marketing/promotion plan in an effort to attract development to the site. Direction. Carried.

9.5.1 – EMS Operational Review. That as recommended by the EMS Advisory Committee the Evidence Based Review of System Planning & Deployment (Operational Review) by Performance Concepts be accepted by the Town of Parry Sound, as attached Schedule “A”. Resolution. Carried. Council also directed the Director of Emergency and Protective Services to engage effected stakeholders in implementing recommendation #2 of the report in the immediate future and that recommendations #1 and #3 be developed for consideration through the EMS Business Plan for 2016 implementation. 

By-laws
10.4.1 – FedNor Funding Agreement: Regional Marketing Plan. Being a By-law to authorize the execution of a funding agreement with Industry Canada/FedNor for the development of a Regional Marketing Plan. Carried.

10.4.2 – Festival of the Sound: Lease Agreement/Stockey Centre. Being a By-law to authorize the execution of a lease agreement with the Festival of the Sound for the Charles W. Stockey Centre for the Performing Arts. Carried.

10.4.1 – By-law to Prohibit Smoking. Being a By-law to prohibit smoking in and within twenty (20) metres from any entrance or exit of a building owned or leased by the Town of Parry Sound and in or within 20 metres of any municipal outdoor public place as defined in Schedule A to this bylaw and to repeal Bylaw 2012-6087. Postponed. Council wants information on how ‘this went’ down in Huntsville before making a decision.

Remember, the full minutes are available at the Town’s website as is the meeting agenda without attachments. The complete meeting agenda package, with attachments, is available at this website through the TOPS Council Agendas page.

Rust Never Rests (Parry Sound in Glorious Colour)

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Council Agenda Preview – May 5, 2015

04 Monday May 2015

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It seems to be a light meeting this week with nothing that should be controversial. There certainly won’t be the fireworks that seem to go on at the McKellar Council meetings. I’ll have to see if I can get a seat there, it looks like an entertaining evening. For the most part things have really been quiet and business-like at Parry Sound Council meetings. There doesn’t seem to the undercurrent of disdain that was apparent at times during the last term of Council.

Correspondence

4.1 – Letter – Glen Murray, Minister, Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MOECC) Re: Thank you letter for the Town’s delegation at Ontario Good Roads Association Conference regarding the remediation of the Brownfield sites at the former Imperial Oil properties and the Waterfront Development Concept Plan. This seems to be good news, the Town is starting to move on the development of the waterfront property. The Town has limited leverage but it needs to keep pushing, especially the Imperial Oil people. How about not buying gas at their stations? While Shell seems to be willing to remediate their site the Imperial Oil people, that’s Esso/Exxon, seem to believe they have an imperial right to do nothing. How about we raise their taxes 10-fold? That way they can really pay for the privilege of doing nothing.

Deputations
5.1 – Bernadette and Erick Phillis, residents of Seguin. Re: Lack of public transportation in Parry Sound. They’re back again. I hope they are able to tell us what Seguin is doing in this regard. I suspect that Seguin’s contribution is limited to their financial support for the transportation services provided by the Belvedere retirement facility. But let’s see what they have to say.

5.3 – Howard Wesley. Re: Booth Street Park. This concerns the rehabilitation and upgrade to the park and is on the agenda as Item 9.1.1.

Resolutions and Direction to Staff
9.1.1 – Booth St. Park Transformation. Resolution. That the proposed plan for the transformation of Booth St. Park as presented to Council at its May 5, 2015 meeting be approved. Also see Item 5.3 above. A number of community groups and the Town are pitching in with volunteer labour and financial support to the tune of about $26,000 to improve the park.

9.4.1 – Parry Sound Beerfest: Noise By-law relief. Resolution. No Ribfest this year, we have moved on to a Beerfest. It’s June 27th.

9.4.2 – Joint Promotion/Marketing Plan – Former Shell Property. That upon the recommendation of the Waterfront Advisory Committee, Council direct staff to work with the owner of the former Shell property to develop a joint marketing/promotion plan in an effort to attract development to the site. Direction. Good news, any step forward is a step forward. This is related to Item 4.1 above.

9.5.1 – EMS Operational Review. That as recommended by the EMS Advisory Committee the Evidence Based Review of System Planning & Deployment (Operational Review) by Performance Concepts be accepted by the Town of Parry Sound, as attached Schedule “A”. Resolution. This is a complex issue of EMS service allocation for the West Parry Sound District. I have not read the report and encourage others to do so. The summary suggests the recommendation is to implement an easy first step followed by consideration of subsequent actions in line with the consultant report after consultation with area municipalities.

By-laws
10.4.1 – FedNor Funding Agreement: Regional Marketing Plan. Being a By-law to authorize the execution of a funding agreement with Industry Canada/FedNor for the development of a Regional Marketing Plan. of 2015 Budget By-law.

10.4.2 – Festival of the Sound: Lease Agreement/Stockey Centre. Being a By-law to authorize the execution of a lease agreement with the Festival of the Sound for the Charles W. Stockey Centre for the Performing Arts. The Festival has undergone some wrenching changes of late but I’m glad to see they are renewing their lease for an additional five years.

10.4.1 – By-law to Prohibit Smoking. Being a By-law to prohibit smoking in and within twenty (20) metres from any entrance or exit of a building owned or leased by the Town of Parry Sound and in or within 20 metres of any municipal outdoor public place as defined in Schedule A to this bylaw and to repeal Bylaw 2012-6087. This tidies up the Town’s smoking by-law and aligns it with recent Provincial updates. It does show consideration for both non-smokers and smokers. As a non-smoker who grew up in a smoking household I understand the need of some to smoke, but at the same time resent being subjected to second-hand smoke. This by-law seems to tread a reasonable course between the interests of all parties.

I won’t be there on Tuesday, I have meeting in Queen’s Park, but I will post up a summary based on the Town’s meeting minutes.

Keeping an Eye on Things. (Parry Sound in Glorious Colour)

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Council Agenda Preview – February 3, 2015

31 Saturday Jan 2015

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Business as usual at Council this Tuesday. It’s not a snoozefest, but there really isn’t that much of importance on this week’s a agenda. The letters are interesting, and the agenda items move business forward, but the budget, which is not on the agenda, promises to be the centre of Staff and Council’s attention for the next month or so.

Here are the agenda items that caught my attention.

Correspondence:

4.1 – Letter. Logan’s of Parry Sound. Concerns regarding the proposed street closure from 8:00am-1:00pm every second Sunday for the months of June, July August and September 2015. This business is concerned that the closure of the street, to permit public activities such as cycling, skating, walking, etc., would severly impact their business and unreasonably inconvenience people at the First Baptist Church. They also suggest that “the potential atmosphere outside during street closures is quite conceivably incompatible with the nature of funerals”. There is mention that “This change can be viewed as a lack of consideration to the bereaved [sic]”. It will be interesting to see how this shakes out; this is a community member who I have seen ‘punch above their weight’.

4.2 – Letter. Concerns that fluoridation of the municipal water supply may be removed as Canadian dental and public health authorities continue to support the fluoridation of drinking water for good health and well being. A letter urging Council to continue with fluoridation of the Town water as is currently recommended by dental and public health authorities.

Consent Agenda

8.2 – Resolution. OPP Billing Model – Unorganized Townships. A letter to be sent to Queen’s Park in support of implementing a billing method for properties in unorganized townships. There seems to be a feeling that all communities benefiting from OPP service should pay their share.

Resolutions and Direction to Staff

9.1.1 – Resolution. Transfer to Reserves for 2014 Capital Project Carry Forwards. This seems to be a bookkeeping exercise as the funds had been budgeted in 2014 but the respective projects not yet completed, and funds spent. The total is $391,000 for the following projects:

  • Trails Master Plan $ 25,000
  • Waubuno Beach Washroom Repair $ 25,000
  • BOCC Roof Repair $150,000
  • Culvert Replacement $ 30,000
  • Bridge Repairs $ 60,000
  • Playground Equipment $ 25,000
  • BOCC Kitchen Equipment $ 5,000
  • CP Station Roof Repair $ 25,000
  • MS Office Upgrade $ 16,000

9.2.1 – Resolution. Commitment and Endorsement of Quality Management System. An important formality to have the new Council understand and acknowledge their responsibilities with respect to our water system.

9.3.1 – Direction. Rezoning Application – Z14-06 – Waltmar Inc. – 2 Oastler Park Drive. This is the dock company across from Sobey’s on Old 69. They have been in violation of zoning regulations and are required to do a couple of studies, with remediation as necessary, to ensure their use of the property is in compliance with zoning regulations. In particular there is a need for a traffic and environmental study. I suspect that Council will approve temporary use through the end of 2015. I’m not this is the message we want to send to the public and businesses. Don’t ask permission, beg for forgiveness. Let’s see how Council handles this. Staff wants to see the usual procedures followed, but realizes Council has the right and obligation to make the decision. What was it they did to the unpermitted construction on River Street last year? Let’s not have a two-tier system that depends on who you know and who you hire. There is no need to slap wrists, but let’s make regulations transparent and consistent.

9.5.1 – Resolution. 2014 Election Accessibility Report to Council. A necessary report and follow up to the 2014 Town of Parry Sound election that was in my opinion well managed and conducted.

9.5.2 – Resolution. Annual Integrity Commissioner’s Report – 2014. Nothing to see here – just move along. The Commissioner reported a total of 1 formal, 3 informal and 27 inquiries concerning complaints under the Code of Conduct. The one formal complaint, I believe it concerns Council’s actions with respect to the removal of the Chair of the Downtown Business Association, was not addressed as it fell outside the jurisdiction of the Commissioner. But it’s worth noting there were four inquiries from Staff and four from Council and nineteen from the Public.

9.5.3 – Direction. 2015 Strategic Planning Process. Basically the same as the 2011 process with an external facilitator.

9.5.4 – Resolution. Council, Board and Committee Training – Closed Meetings; Code of Conduct, Committee Policies. This is a four-hour workshop to be conducted by an external group for $4,000. It is targeted to Council and Town Committee Members, but appears to be open to all who might be interested. The intent is to hold the workshop in early April. I hope attention will be paid to reminding Staff and Council what can, and cannot, be discussed in closed sessions of Council. I suspect that considerable business is done in closed sessions that not only should be done in open session, but also would benefit from the transparency that open sessions offer.

By-laws

10.2.1 – Vianet Agreement. This permits Vianet to increase their footprint at the north water tower. An interesting aside, apparently there will be free internet access at the tower. Top? Bottom? Wired? Wireless? Public use? Staff use?

10.3.1 – Disposal of Surplus Lands: 125 William Street. Oops – this is required to tidy up the sale and merger agreement between the Town and Lakeland Power.

10.3.2 – Agreement for the delivery of Services to Former OSPCA Property. It seems that the property is being developed as a storage and preparation facility for Kate’s Kart. While it resides in Seguin it is requesting services, water and sewer, from Parry Sound.

10.4.1 – Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with West Parry Sound Health Centre and North Bay Parry Sound Health Unit. This concerns the enforcement of Parry Sound smoking regulations on the West Parry Sound Health Centre property.

10.2.2 – Shared By-law Enforcement Services with the Township of the Carling. (I believe this should be item 10.4.2, not 10.2.2.). This renews the By-Law services provided by Parry Sound to Carling Township for the Year 2015 at defined rates.

There is more; check the Town’s website for a full copy of the agenda and supporting materials. I’m not sure I will be there, there isn’t much of importance being discussed and there are no scheduled deputations.

Thunder Creek Meets the Big Sound (It’s Nicer in Colour)

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Bear Huntin’ Country?

21 Friday Feb 2014

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Tuesday night’s meeting of Council saw the passing of a consent Resolution asking the Province to allow the spring black bear hunt in Wildlife Management Areas (WMU) 46 and 49. This includes the Town of Parry Sound.  Two Councillors made the somewhat emphatic statement that there would not be any bear hunting in Parry Sound.

Well I’m glad they think that. As it stands now there are no municipal restrictions on hunting or discharging a firearm in Parry Sound. Well you could in theory be charged with a noise violation, but not for any specific type of serious firearm violation. There are more restrictions on where you can smoke in Parry Sound than there are restrictions on where you can hunt or discharge a firearm. And the penalties might be higher for smoking in the wrong place.

The provincial restrictions regarding hunting are remarkably few, so long as you are in possession of a proper license and tag, and are hunting in the appropriate season. The most pertinent regulations that I can find are are:

1. No possession of a loaded firearm within eight metres of the travelled portion of a road (or roadside fenceline where one exists) at any time AND no discharge of a firearm from or across a right of way for public vehicular traffic at any time.

2. Hunters who handle or discharge firearms without due care and attention or consideration for persons and property are liable to a fine of up to $25,000 or imprisonment for up to two years – or both. Depending on the circumstances, a person may also be subject to charges under the Criminal Code.

3. Some municipalities have by-laws restricting the discharge of firearms. In addition, many municipalities have by-laws regarding dogs, including by-laws that may affect the use of dogs while hunting. Check with the local municipal office for details.

4. A person is trespassing if the person enters onto property or engages in an activity on property where notice has been given that entry or the activity is not allowed. Notice may be given in a variety of ways; some of the common ones are verbally, signs, symbols or fences. Lands under cultivation are also considered to be notice against entry. A hunting licence does not give a hunter the right to enter private property.

That means in practice I can hunt for black bear in my own backyard which is in the middle of Parry Sound so long as I am ‘careful’. In theory a licensed hunter could also hunt in my backyard unless I saw them and advised them not to do so, or I posted a ‘No Trespassing’ sign. Our backyard is more woodlot than “area under cultivation”. And yes we have seen a black bear in our backyard, perhaps five years ago. It wandered off after a few minutes.

But what about the land around the North Shore Rugged Trail area? What about the land around Darlington Lake? These are all part of the Town and home to black bears. What about the Rose Point Trail? It’s in Seguin Township but welcomes many from Parry Sound.

Another interesting factoid, hunting is permitted in many provincial parks, but not Killbear Provincial Park. Yes there is a little bit of irony in the name, but there must be a good reason why the province permits hunting in some parks but not Killbear. Public safety perhaps?

There is no assurance that there will be bear hunting in WMU 46 and 49; that will depend on a decision by the provincial government. We have asked to be included. In case you are wondering what defines areas 46 and 49, I have pasted a portion of the province’s WMU map below. Basically WMU 46 is the area from the Severn to French rivers along the Georgian Bay coast west of Highway 400. WMU 49 is basically the area south of the Magentawan River, north of Muskoka and west of Highway 11. And no, Powassan is not in WMU 46 or 49 as was suggested Tuesday night.

Once again, I really don’t have an issue with Council’s decision Tuesday night as long as my safety can be assured as I hike within the public areas of the Town. Should we perhaps have a by-law that formally prohibits hunting within the Town limits? I can’t imagine that the penalty for a noise by-law violation can be that serious.

A last thought.  In Ontario you are more likely to be killed or injured by a hunter, or while hunting, than by a black bear. Let’s make sure we get the balance right.

 Wildlife Management Units (Province of Ontario)

WMU_46&49

Council Agenda Preview – July 16, 2013

15 Monday Jul 2013

Posted by in Parry Sound, Town Council

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It looks like a packed agenda this week, don’t expect to be out too early if any of the subjects require very much discussion. The town departments are requesting authorization to purchase new equipment that amounts to about $300,000. It’s all in the budget so I don’t expect too much time being spent on these items.

The closed session agenda includes Parry Sound Hydro Corporation and Lakeland Holding Ltd. I assume this is an update to Council about the status of discussions and the current proposal. There is an outside chance that Council may be reviewing and approving a definitive agreement or term sheet. Let’s see if anything gets brought forward to the open session of council.

Correspondence and Deputations

4.1 – a letter from Stewardship Ontario regarding funding for the Town’s Blue Box Recycling Program.

4.2 – a letter from Seguin Valley Golf Club offering a golfing discount for community First Responders.

4.3 – a letter from Joel Kennedy on behalf of his clients regarding the proposed boundary changes to the Downtown Business Improvement area. They don’t like certain aspects of the proposed change. It looks as though this whole boundary change process may take longer than the Charitable Waste Program approved last year.

4.4 – a request that Council consider adding multi-unit dwellings to the municipal by-law that prohibits smoking in work and leisure areas.

4.5 – a rebuttal by the Parry Sound Downtown Business Association regarding the request to remove Market Square Park from the proposed downtown boundary amendment.

5.1 – I’ll be making a deputation on the Memorial Trees and Plaques item that is on the agenda this evening (9.1.4)

Consent Agenda

8.1 – a resolution requesting the federal and provincial governments take a proactive role in managing and preventing outbreaks of imported forestry related diseases.

8.2 – a resolution asking the Province of Ontario to amend the Labour Relations Act, 1995, to make it clear that municipalities and other public employers are not construction employers

Resolutions and Directions to Staff

9.1.1 – Council is being asked to formally approve the purchase order for a 7-Ton Truck at a cost of about $187,000 plus HST.

9.1.2 – council is also being asked to approve the purchase order for a Stand-by Generator, for about $48,950 plus HST. I guess this is a little like an insurance policy. You hope you’ll never need to use it. Because this generator came in under budget Public Works is requesting the balance, about $21,000, be applied to replacing and upgrading electrical connections at various sewage pumping stations.

9.1.3 – this is a purchase order approval request to order the new 3/4-ton and 1/2-ton trucks. These vehicles were the subject of considerable debate earlier this year when staff was requested to investigate used vehicles. The costs for the two vehicles were $27,608 and $29,000, plus tax, including two trade-ins. These figures are well below the budgeted figures and give me confidence that should the town ever face a flood situation we have experienced people to organize the sandbagging operation.

9.1.4 – this is a request to approve a Commemorative Dedication Policy and Application. It’s also the subject of my deputation to Council. I see the proposal as well thought out but will urge the community to have a greater involvement in this program and the development of policy for the town’s parks. Many different groups are taking ‘ownership’ of the various parks in the absence of adequate Town support, and it will be important to ensure that their actions are consistent with the interests of town residents. I will be requesting the creation of a Park’s Committee to provide the Town with input and support regarding the use and development of our very precious parkland.

9.2.1 – another truck purchase request this time for the EMS group. The cost is $28,057 plus taxes for a 2013 F150 4×4 Crew Cab pickup plus another $20,000 for customization to meet their particular needs.

9.2.2 – this time it’s a request to purchase auto vehicle informatics for the District EMS vehicles, presumably communication and computer upgrades. The cost is about $62,000.

9.3.1 – request for council to support the application of a funding request to the TD Friends of the Environment to support a project in Mission Park.

9.4.1 – a direction to amend a by-law to read “actual consumption based on meter readings” related to water use and to advise customers that the next billing cycle will be delayed about a month.

9.5.1 – a change of a residential street address.

9.6.1 – a request from Councillor Borneman that the town make a donation to Lac-Mégantic, Quebec. (My note – there but for the grace of the fates go we.)

By-Laws

10.1.1 – a by-law to permit the Ministry of Transportation to repair drainage issues affecting the Highway 400/Mill Lake Pedestrian Underpass.

10.3.1 – the Downtown Business Association once again has their boundary change request before Council. I’m not taking bets on what is in, or out, of the revised area, or whether it will be finalized at this meeting. Tough decisions need to be made.

10.3.2 – the appointment of the Deputy clerk as Head under the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.

10.4.1 – an extension of the agreement with NCO Financial Services Inc. and the Town of Parry Sound to collect outstanding fines for the provincial court.

10.5.1 – the assumption of College Drive by the Town of Parry Sound.

10.5.2 – the transfer of town property behind a lot on Parry Sound Road.

That’s pretty much it. See you Tuesday.

You Have a Friend in Pennsylvania (Captured on Bay Street Last Week)

ParrySights_IMG_0231

Note: Not all agenda items are necessarily covered here. I typically skip those items that have little material impact on the town. These items include simple requests for Tag Days (permission to canvas), Awareness Weeks/Months, road closures for civic events, and the like. Want to see everything that is on the agenda? The full agenda can be found at the town’s website (http://townofparrysound.com/pagesmith/14).

Council Meeting Summary – 2012-02-07

08 Wednesday Feb 2012

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As promised the council meeting on Tuesday was very interesting. Parts are worth catching on cable if you have access.

A couple of general notes regarding the meeting. The projector still sucks, the terrible pink tint and the low contrast make it impossible for the audience and council to follow the presentation. It must also be a terrible distraction for the presenter. This situation has been going on for 2 months now. These projectors now go for as little as $400 and having two of them would ensure that the audience’s time is not being wasted. If I have a deputation to make I will beg, borrow or buy a unit to ensure my message is presented in the best ‘light’ possible.

The second note concerns attendance. I will be posting the attendance at the meetings as a way of understanding the trends regarding participation. The numbers for the February 7th meeting are: council and mayor – 7 (a full complement), staff – 9, media – 2, audience – 11. The audience figure dropped to 4 after the West Parry Sound Health Centre deputation was completed. By the end of the meeting the audience was down to two and staff was down to three. The media and council were there to the end.

Interesting and Notable Agenda Discussions and Decisions

Item 9.1.1 requesting council to approve the drafting of an agreement/terms of reference for a youth drop-in centre was approved. This does not imply funding approval. There was support on council for the initiative but concerns about funding given the $51,700 annual price tag, which could be reduced to $16,700 per year if Trillium funding and donations are received.

Item 9.1.2 regarding council approval for a revised Municipal Assistance Program (MAP) took considerable time. The issue facing council was how to help support the Salvation Army with their disposal costs. The net/net is that council wants to help the Salvation Army and similar charitable community groups manage expenses related to the delivery of valuable services to Parry Sound and the region. But the MAP does not allow for grants to be made to any charitable group that has a religious affiliation. Well, that was the unspoken ‘elephant’ in the room during the discussion. Town staff indicated that the Salvation Army did not qualify for the MAP, but never said why. Why not? If religious affiliation is an impediment to doing the right thing it needs to be stated and policy reviewed in that light.

It was also argued that the Salvation Army could not dump unusable donations at the transfer station because of restrictions on the provincial license to operate the facility. Here is the town web page listing the dos and don’ts of garbage pickup. It seems the relevant language is “No other commercial tipping accepted.” Presumably the Salvation Army garbage is considered commercial. But they are in fact just getting rid of garbage from the community that is dumped on their door. Commercial garbage in my mind is the by product of producing a service or product. Tim’s wrappers and cups are commercial waste. Left over rags and sofas dropped off are not. Let’s clear up our definitions here. And what does the town do with the Tim’s and McDonald’s and Subway wrappers that are dropped in the municipal garbage pails? Do they sort them and return them to the shops that pushed them out the door and tell them to dispose of it through commercial disposal services? I don’t think so. Let’s not be too ‘holy’ about what is and what isn’t commercial garbage. Let’s be practical.

But it seems as though council understands the issues and the balance that need to be struck. They have asked staff to return with a proposal that would allow the town to help support the costs the Salvation Army and other denominational charitable organizations that are faced with disposing of garbage related to their invaluable services to the community. I’ll be interested in seeing what staff comes up with.

Item 9.4.2 a proposal for a wider ban on smoking in public spaces, including parks, sports areas, the Fitness Trail and more was approved. It will go into effect in June 2013. This will allow for time to erect signs and educate the public concerning the restriction. It wasn’t clear to me what the penalties and warning procedure would be, but it probably will be the same as for those areas in which smoking is currently banned.

Item 9.6.1 directing council members to attend training concerning obligations under the Code was approved. See my pre-council meeting notes for more information. And no, it did not become a political issue.

Item 10.4.1 a bylaw to increase the parking meter rates from $0.50 to $0.75 per hour, and the parking ticket fees by a couple of bucks was pushed back as requested by the Downtown Business Association (DBA) until their revitalization plan was ready for presentation. Council did ask that the DBA present it’s plan in a timely manner so that the parking increase issue could be reviewed and voted upon. More information on this is available in my pre-council meeting notes.

Item 10.4.2 a proposal to revise how taxi drivers are regulated and licensed was approved. It reduces some of the burden and cost to the taxi drivers and should not negatively impact our safety and security.

Item 10.4.4 a by-law to permit the town to initiate cleanup, at the owners cost, of properties that fail to meet by-law standards for maintenance was approved. This promises to make it easier for the town to take care of issues related to by-law violations that in the past were unreasonably burdensome. There will still be the opportunity to appeal any charges before action is taken.

There were also two very good presentations from the West Parry Sound Health Centre regarding their activities and their performance, as well as a request for certain accommodations in road closures to allow for their upcoming fund raising run.

The official council meeting notes should be available in a couple of days at the Town of Parry Sound website. But these notes really don’t capture much of the thinking that went into the decisions. The best way to understand what went on is to attend.

TOPS Council Agenda Preview – 2012-02-07

06 Monday Feb 2012

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The upcoming Council meeting on the 7th has more interesting topics than I originally thought when looking at the agenda on Friday. I apologize for the late posting but the council meeting package was not available at the Library when I dropped by after lunch on Saturday which forced me to take time off work to read it this afternoon. It really would be great if the council meeting packages were provided online, even if it only included the staff analysis and recommendation documents.

Interesting and Notable Agenda Items

Item 9.1.1 requests council to approve the drafting of an agreement/terms of reference for a youth drop-in centre. This drop-in centre is expected to cost $51,700 per year with an expectation that separate funding (Trillium and donations) would reduce the town’s portion of the expense to about $16,700 annually.

Item 9.1.2 requests council approval for a revised Municipal Assistance Program. This program is funded at the level of about $20,000 per year. The revised proposal includes a new class of agencies to be supported at no more than 10% of the total budget. This new class would cover charitable surplus material disposal. Interestingly enough this will probably not cover the Salvation Army’s needs, as the recommendation suggests this group not be considered eligible because they are not non-denominational. This seems a poor recommendation for an organization that provides much to our community. Would Mother Theresa not be afforded any support by council because she was Catholic and espoused the Catholic faith? Let’s see what council decides on this issue. See my earlier blog for my take on this issue.

Item 9.4.2 proposes a much wider ban on smoking in public spaces. As a non-smoker my thoughts on reading this recommendation is that it is too restrictive. In one spot it discusses the banning of smoking on the Fitness Trail. This seems a bit too tough. It’s easy enough to avoid this type of second-hand smoke and these smokers are paying their way in some respect with the heavy taxation of cigarettes. Let’s restrict smoking in confined spaces where it is difficult to avoid inhaling second hand smoke, like entrance ways and buildings, but let’s not over regulate. Council will need to strike a fair balance.

Item 9.6.1 directs council members to attend training concerning obligations under the Code. This seems to me to be a reaction to charges leveled against one of the councilors that were not pursued by the Integrity commissioner after careful review. We will see if this becomes a political issue rather than a training issue.

Item 10.4.1 is a proposed bylaw to increase the parking meter rates from $0.50 to $0.75 per hour, and the parking ticket fees by a couple of bucks. The rates for parking and tickets have not been increased since 2000. What is interesting in the proposal is that it will be possible to park for less than 30 minutes for a quarter (20 minutes) and a dime (8 minutes). This is an attractive option if you just need to drop off, or pick up, something. The Downtown Business Association is opposing the increase and requests that it be delayed until downtown renovations are complete. While it’s possible that the increase may deter parking by shoppers, it’s more likely that it will raise the price for the downtown merchants and employees to park by their stores and feed the meters. My sense is that the increase is reasonable and an appropriate way to cover costs. I don’t believe the $0.25 increase will deter shoppers. And yes I do occasionally park downtown when running an errand, and I do put money in the meters.

Item 10.4.2 proposes changes into how taxi drivers are regulated and licensed. It seems a reasonable proposal that reduces some of the expense and burden of annual renewals.

Item 10.4.4 proposes a by-law that would permit the town to initiate cleanup, at the owners cost, of properties that fail to meet the by-law standards for maintenance. in the past the town was required to take an individual to court to address the issue. This generally took too long and was a burdensome process for the town.

There are other interesting issues that didn’t make the cut for these notes and can be found in the council meeting package. There is much more detail in these packages than is ever raised in the council meetings or is covered in the press. I urge all interested people to read the council package. It can be found at the Town Office and the Library.

See you Tuesday.