Tag Archives: Taxes

Council Agenda Preview – February 19, 2019

17 Sunday Feb 2019

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

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

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

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

One last thought: Where is the draft 2019 budget?

Closed Session

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

Correspondence

4.1– Marion Cross. Recycling Policy at BOCC.

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

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

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

Deputations

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

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

Resolutions and Direction to Staff

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

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

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

9.3.3– Economic Development Report. Presentation for Council Information.

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

By-laws

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

Council Agenda Preview – January 15, 2019

12 Saturday Jan 2019

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This week’s council meeting has a number of Closed Session items that are worth noting. I’m most interested in the whole issue of “Claim Against the Municipality Regarding 2018 Municipal Election”. Oh boy. This is the same person who suggested that a high-rise development in town should not be approved because there were not enough fire department resources to handle a fire at this new development and one of the existing higher rise developments. OMG – what if we had a fire at all four of the high-rises at Silver Birch, the three high-rises at granite Harbour and the hospital. Oh, and don’t forget the old hospital development. Would one more complex really raise the threat level? Sheesh.

I note the continuing interest and complaints regarding the proposed Splash Pad (4.1, 4.2). My suspicion is that some folks are concerned that a splash pad at Waubuno Beach would delay any potential pool complex. So, putting a stop to the splash pad would be good for a pool complex. It’s a bit Trumpian. The suggestion that the splash pad be constructed at another site makes no sense. There are no other public properties in Parry Sound that have the necessary existing space, parking, supervisory staff (lifeguards) and infrastructure (bathrooms and such) to support a splash pad. Only a pool complex would have the necessary infrastructure if Waubuno Beach can be knocked out. If Waubuno Beach is eliminated, and you really want a splash pad, then you need to support the pool complex. I wonder how many of the people chiming in on the splash pad discussion have really spent time in the public spaces in Parry Sound to realize what alternate options exist. If they had they would recognize there is no real alternative. And if they really want a quiet place to live without the ‘bother’ of visitors and tourists they should move to one of the area municipalities. They could be on a lake, or the bay, and enjoy lower taxes.

There is a resolution before Council (9.2.1) to opt-in and permit cannabis stores in the Town of Parry Sound.

Item 9.2.2 raises a point that has come up before. The Town’s effective subsidizing of regional community social services by hosting a number of tax-exempt resources (public housing, places of worship, social services …) creates a burden on Town services and by extension a financial burden on Town of Parry Sound taxpayers. This resolution acknowledges and accepts the Town’s responsibilities but requests that it be able to more easily address the unreasonable burdens placed upon it by existing legislation.

Closed Session

b) personal matters about an identifiable individual, including municipal or local board employees. (Lay Appointees to Boards)
c) a proposed or pending acquisition or disposition of land for municipal or local board purposes. (Town`s Input as Interested Third Party to a Land Lease application)
d) labour relations or employee negotiations. (Municipal Office Hours during Festive Time)
e) litigation or potential litigation, including matters before administrative tribunals, affecting the municipality or local board. (Claim Against the Municipality Regarding 2018 Municipal Election)
f) the receiving of advice that is subject to solicitor-client privilege, including communications necessary for that purpose. (Claim Against the Municipality Regarding 2018 Municipal Election)

Correspondence

4.1 – Susan Telford. Request for more discussion on location of proposed Splash Pad
4.2 – Colleen O’Hare. Opposition to splashpad at proposed Waubuno Beach location.
4.3 – J. Hinchliffe. State of property after infrastructure work on 40 Waubeek Street easement.
4.4 – Harald Themer. Request for formal permission to use area at 60 Seguin Street for parking.

Deputations

5.1 – Darrin O’Brien, Gord Harrison. Appeal of municipal taxation on 86 Gibson St.
5.2 – John Myer, Rebecca Pollock. Parry Sound Area Active Transportation Current Priorities
5.3 – Ruth Beattie, Nancy Regan, Parry Sound High School Parent Council. Recommended amendments to provincial guidelines governing retail cannabis stores.

Resolutions and Direction to Staff

9.2.1 – Opt-in to permit Cannabis Retail Stores. Resolution. That Council for the Corporation of The Town of Parry Sound opts-in to permit cannabis retail stores in its community.

9.2.2 – Increasing Housing Supply. Resolution. Whereas the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Hosing has requested comments by January 25, 2019 in regard to Increasing Housing Supply in Ontario consultation document, as part of the Housing Supply Action Plan; and Whereas the Town of Parry Sound supports the goals of this document, being to expand the housing supply in Ontario, increase quality rental housing and enable home ownership; and Whereas the consultation document wishes to expand all housing types, which includes affordable housing; and Whereas Section 3(1)12iii. of the Assessment Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. A.31 provides an exemption from property taxation for any land owned by a charitable, non-profit philanthropic corporation organized for the relief of the poor if the corporation is supported in part by public funds; and

Whereas the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation (MPAC) has determined this provision has been applied to certain affordable housing initiatives in Ontario and resulted in a 100% tax exemption for some of these developments; and Whereas these developments still place a demand on municipal services and their tax relief must therefore be recouped from other property owners, resulting in increased taxation; and Whereas this Section of the Assessment Act will adversely impact the goals contained in the Increasing Housing Supply in Ontario consultation document, by creating a negative stigma towards affordable housing and a reluctance to support future affordable housing projects; and Whereas it is very difficult to monitor an exempt development over time to determine if the development has changed its mandate or operations such that it would no longer qualify for the exemption; and Whereas an appeal of MPAC’s decision to exempt a property cannot be appealed to the Assessment Review Board but must be done through a Court Application which can be time consuming and costly.

Now therefore be it resolved that the Town of Parry Sound supports increasing the overall housing supply and supports affordable housing projects; and That Section 3(1)12iii. of the Assessment Act which places an unfair tax burden upon municipalities, should be amended such that the local municipality that bears the financial burden should be permitted flexibility and the ability to determine the extent of any financial relief provided in their community; and further That a copy of this resolution be forwarded to the Honourable Steve Clark, MPP, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, Mr. Norman Miller, MPP, Parry Sound – Muskoka, the Director of the Market Housing Branch of the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing, and the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO).

9.2.3 – EMS Ambulance Replacements for 2019. Resolution. That upon the recommendation of the EMS Advisory Committee, the Town of Parry Sound approves the replacement of three ambulances to be delivered in late winter 2019; and That the supplier of record, Crestline, be awarded the contract for the supply of these three ambulances in the amount of $126,578.78 + HST each, with funding from the 2019 EMS equipment reserve fund; and That the upon delivery of the 2019 ambulances, the three being replaced be deemed surplus with two of them being donated to the First Response Teams in McKellar and Argyle, and the third being traded into Crestline for the sum of $10,000.00.

 

By-laws

10.3.1 Downtown Business Association/Town of Parry Sound Memorandum of Understanding: Downtown Standard of Care. By-law 2019-6888. Being a By-law to authorize the execution of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Corporation of the Town of Parry Sound and the Parry Sound Downtown Business Association for Downtown Standard of Care, and to repeal By-law No: 2017-6783.

Council Agenda Preview – December 18, 2018

16 Sunday Dec 2018

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I initially thought that the meeting on the 18thwould simply be a public meeting to get public opinion on the retail cannabis stores but it seems to be a full meeting of Council. I provided my written comments to the Town regarding the retail cannabis store issue a month ago. I support the establishment of a cannabis retail store presence in Parry Sound. It seems that it will be some time before Parry Sound might see a commercial presence based on a recent announcement that the Province intends to start with only 25 retail stores. I suspect that Parry Sound won’t be among the twenty-five. The local cannabis black market will be secure for at least another year or two.

The other notable issue that seems to be getting people’s knickers in a twist is the issue of a splashpad. I’ll share my thoughts on this later in the week after I’ve had a chance to hear arguments on the issue at Tuesday’s deputation portion of the council meeting.

An abridged version of the agenda is presented below. Refer to the full agenda package at the Town’s website for a complete agenda with the supporting documentation.

Closed Meeting

b) personal matters about an identifiable individual, including municipal or local board employees. (Appointments to Boards and Committees);
d) labour relations or employee negotiations; (Non-union Salary Schedule); (Personnel Update)
e) litigation or potential litigation, including matters before administrative tribunals, affecting the municipality or local board; (Assessment appeal/court application); (Planning Matter);

Public Meeting

2.1.1 Public Consultation on Permitting Cannabis Retail Stores in Parry Sound.

2.1.2 Cannabis Retail Stores and the Municipal Option to Permit or Prohibit

Correspondence

4.1 – Julia Mader, Keep Waubuno Green. Request that an alternative location to the Waubuno Beach Park be considered for the proposed splash pad.

4.2 – Colleen Moore, Parry Sound resident. Opposition to proposed splash pad and request to support pool instead.

4.3 – Peter Scotland, Parry Air H.T.G. Parking by-laws in place at lower end of James Street.

4.4 – Jim Marshall, Chair, West Parry Sound District Museum. Request for 2019 contribution of $31,800 from the Town of Parry Sound.

4.5 – Susan Hrycyna, DBA Executive Administrator. Appointment of Directors for term 2019-2022.

Deputations

5.1 – Julia Mader, Keep Waubuno Green. Request that an alternative location to the Waubuno Beach Park be considered for the proposed splash pad.

5.2 – Peter Scotland, Parry Air H.T.G. Parking by-laws in place at lower end of James Street.

5.3 – Nadine Hammond, Curator/Manager, Museum on Tower Hill. 2018 Museum statistics and 2019 Museum special exhibits

Resolutions and Direction to Staff

9.2.1 – 2019 Land Ambulance Budget. Resolution. That upon recommendation of the EMS Advisory Committee, the Council of the Town of Parry Sound adopts the 2019 Land Ambulance Budget in the amount of $9,734,405.00.

9.3.1 – Recognizing Employer Support of our Volunteer Firefighters. Direction. That Mayor and Council send a letter of appreciation to those employers that permit their employees to respond to emergency calls during work and to those who are self-employed.

9.3.2 – Support the Creation of a Founders Circle in Parry Sound. Resolution. That Council hereby supports the Parry Sound Muskoka Community Networks (PMCN) initiative to create a Founders Circle in Parry Sound by the Town becoming a member at a cost of $1,000 annually.

9.4.1 – General Insurance Renewal and Cyber Insurance. Resolution. That Council hereby approves the renewal of the Corporation’s general insurance policy with BFL Canada at the premium of $283,050 plus tax for the one-year period ending December 15, 2019; and That Council hereby approves the purchase of a cyber insurance policy from BFL Canada at the premium of $12,494.00 for the period from the policy inception date to December 15, 2019.

9.5.1 – Status Update on the Parry Sound Area Cultural and Recreation Master Plan. Direction. That staff be directed to provide a status update on the Parry Sound Area Cultural and Recreation Master Plan as part of upcoming budget deliberations, for consideration of 2019 budget allocation for a revised or new Parry Sound Parks, Recreation and Culture Master Plan.

By-laws

10.4.1 – 2019 Interim Tax Levy. By-law 2018 – 6886. 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 2019 taxation year.

The Vacancy Tax Issue – Seth Godin

24 Wednesday Oct 2018

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From a Seth Godin blog post earlier this month. It’s worth a read and it’s worth subscribing to his posts. Was he thinking about Parry Sound? No, but if the shoe fits.

Considering the vacancy tax

seths.blog · by Seth Godin, October 9, 2018 

Landlords are notorious for having a bias toward raising the rent. They’re in it for the long haul, they’ve seen downturns before, and while they’re quick to raise rents in good times, they are loathe to lower rents, even if it means sitting with an empty storefront for months at a time.

While this math might be compelling for some landlords, it’s terrible for the cities those buildings are located in.

Empty storefronts deny residents accessible services.

They lead to vandalism and other crime.

And they suck the vibrancy from the neighborhood.

They also deprive the municipality from sales tax revenue, cost jobs and take watchful eyes away from the neighborhood as well.

If we view the ability to have a well-cared for, civil neighborhood as a privilege, it’s logical to consider a vacancy tax for landlords as an incentive for them to lower rents when decreased demand happens because retailers can’t afford the old rent.

It could be something like: For any storefront that’s empty, after two months of vacancy, the landlord has to pay a tax of 20% of the average rent they’d be receiving. All the money would go to neighborhood improvements and policing.

Lower rents create new innovations, which leads to more interaction and more vibrant neighborhoods. And in the long run, it gives landlords an incentive to do what actually generates more of what they seek as well.

seths.blog · by October 9, 2018 · October 9, 2018

Council Agenda Preview – August 16, 2018

11 Saturday Aug 2018

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Reviewing the Town of Parry Sound Council Agenda and the attachments provides insights into the issues the Town faces and is wrestling with that don’t surface in most discussions or editorials. This week’s agenda is a reminder of a couple of these issues:

4.5, 10.1.2 – Intensification. The Town of Parry Sound occupies a unique position in the larger region with respect to real estate and services.

Properties represent an especially interesting dilemma. With two trans Canada train lines running through the Town with the accompanying noise and pollution, and no available waterfront property, there is little incentive for the construction of higher end residential properties in Parry Sound. If you want peace and quiet, albeit with a bit of travel for services (and limited high-speed internet) you build your dream home in one of the neighbouring municipalities. As a bonus you pay about half the property taxes that you would in Parry Sound. That leaves Parry Sound property best suited for lower cost, and higher density, development, including subsidized housing. Since there is such a shortage of lower cost rental properties in the area, renters really can’t quibble about the trains. This is neither good nor bad, it reflects market realities. There is little possibility that Parry Sound will ever be subject to gentrification. It’s all about the trains, an issue that no one wants to acknowledge and address. (Yes, there is little that can be done, but sometimes acknowledging a reality can lead to creative solutions.) The issue is that Parry Sound is undergoing the opposite of gentrification, and that’s probably not ideal, certainly not balanced. There are too many landlords, and would be landlords, in Parry Sound who want to cram as many people as possible in the smallest space possible with the lowest construction costs possible. There is nothing wrong with this approach, it makes the best possible use of the available land. This may explain in part why Parry Sound isn’t as pretty as Port Carling or Bracebridge or Huntsville. Why spend money on aesthetics if it’s a rental property? An architect with an inspired design, and a few more windows, only cost more and likely will have higher operating costs. Many of the stately older homes in Town have been renovated to permit multiple apartments, and it’s likely that more and more will be converted. Why would an individual spend the money to buy and update an older home when they can get more for less in one of the neighbouring municipalities?

Both 4.5 (subsidized housing) and 10.1.2 (triplet to quadplex) represent another step in this direction. Like putting on a few pounds, it’s best to acknowledge the change rather than ignore it or pretend our underwear has shrunk. Perhaps adding on a few more pounds is exactly what we wanted, or perhaps not.

9.3.1– Expenses: The most interesting part of this short item is the decision by Council to refinance the Smelter Wharf loan rather than pay it off as planned. I wonder what the thinking was on this? Also notable is the uncollectable amounts related to tax appeals. It seems that the Big Box stores continue to appeal for lower assessments, and the town doesn’t expect to win. From the agenda package (bold highlights are my addition):
“Total tax levy surplus in 2017 amounted $197,319, mainly due to the refinancing of the Smelter Wharf loan ($324k) which was budgeted to be paid off, and a one-time grant from the Province to compensate for the loss of tax revenue on the Lakeland Long-Term Care facility ($173k), offset by higher allowance for anticipated uncollectable tax amounts for the properties under appeals (-$240k)and winter control expenses (-$83k). During the year, staff adjusted the timing of some approved expenditures based on operational needs and resource availability. As a result, some expenditures that would be funded by reserves or reserve funds have been delayed into 2018. The delay will have no impact on the 2018 levy.”

Closed Session

(c) a proposed or pending acquisition or disposition of land by the municipality or local board; (Agreement of Purchase and Sale)

Correspondence

4.1 – Parry Sound Active Transportation Committee. Writing with concerns about the safety of St. Charles crossing on Isabella St for pedestrians and cyclists.

4.3 Parry Sound Anglers and Hunters Sportsman’s Gun Show, August 25th, 2018. Concerning denial of their request for a sandwich board sign near McDonald’s for their gun show which will be held in MacTier this year due to their temporary relocation due to scheduled renovations at BOCC.

4.5 – Parry Sound Affordable Housing Development Corporation. Requesting support in principle in the development of an affordable housing initiative on Waubeek Street in partnership with Parry Sound DSSAB.

Resolutions and Direction to Staff

9.1.1 – Application for Council Approved Sign – 21 William Street. Resolution. That pursuant to section 3.(4) of the Sign By-law, the Chief Building Official is authorized to issue a permit for a ground sign in front of 21 William Street pursuant to the following conditions and variances:
a) The appearance and size of the sign shall be substantially according to the application,
b) The setback for the sign may be as little as 1.0m from the back of the sidewalk, and
c) All other regulations in the sign by-law continue to apply except for those revised by this resolution.

9.3.1 – 2017 Year End Transfers. Resolution. That Council approves the transfers to and from Reserves as summarized in Schedule A attached; That Council approves the transfers to and from Reserve Funds as summarized in Schedule B attached; And That 2017 capital projects which were previously budgeted to be funded from reserves or reserve funds may be completed in 2018.

9.3.2 – 2017 Audited Financial Statements. Resolution. That Council for the Town of Parry Sound does hereby approve the Draft Consolidated Financial Statements for the year ended December 31, 2017 as attached in Schedule A.

9.5.1 – Sandwich Board signs for events outside of Parry Sound borders. Direction. That staff be directed to explore the option of delegating approval and terms/conditions for the placement of signs on town property to advertise events outside of the boundaries of the Town of Parry Sound to the CAO.

By-laws

10.1.1 – Declaration of Surplus Lands. By-law 2018 – 6856. Being a By-law to declare Lot 1 of Plan 63 in the Town of Parry Sound surplus to the Town of Parry Sound.

10.1.2 – Rezoning Application – Z/18/5 – 24 Albert Street (Jackson on behalf of Moore). By-law 2018 – 6857. Being a By-law to amend By-law 2004-4653 (The Zoning By-law), as amended, for 24 Albert Street (Jackson on Behalf of Moore).

10.1.3 – Big Sound Marina Agreement One Year Extension with Massasauga Management Co. By-law 2018 – 6858. Being a bylaw to amend By-law No: 2014-6428, the operating agreement between Massasauga Management Co. Inc. and the Town of Parry Sound for operation of Big Sound Marina and the Town Dock, and supersede amending By-law No: 2017-6704 conditional on the Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada approving the operating agreement and the extension of a head lease between the Town and Department of Fisheries and Oceans or the completion of the divestiture process.

10.4.1 – Establish Bobby Orr Hall of Fame (BOHF) Scholarship Reserve Fund. By-law 2018 – 6859. Being a By-law to provide for the establishment of a reserve fund to be known as the Bobby Orr Hall of Fame Scholarship Reserve Fund.

 

 

Council Agenda Preview – June 19, 2018

17 Sunday Jun 2018

Posted by in Parry Sound, Town Council

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There are a few items on this week’s agenda that caught my attention, and at least one of them had me shaking my head. A bit of commentary precedes the key agenda items.

Closed Session c) – a proposed or pending acquisition or disposition of land for municipal or local board purposes. (Two potential Property Purchases) The Town is looking at acquiring more land. I wonder what’s up. Is it related to a pool complex, the Parry sound Road extension? Let me know if you have some inkling as to where the Town is planning on spending money.

4.2– Seeking payment for damage done when a tree on town property fell on her home. My response is wow. Sometimes is easier to just accept responsibility and move on – but that might create precedent, so deny responsibility. The big organizations can do this because they have the resources to wait out the ‘little people’, (aka the taxpayer). This has to do with a tree branch that fell off a Town tree and pulled down a power line leading to a home. The homeowner is asking the Town to reimburse them for the $900 cost to have the power standard repaired. I am familiar with the situation as it took place in the home across the street from us. After more than 33 pieces of correspondence, and 3 months the claim was denied based on the contention that the tree was healthy and the branch falling down was an act of God. The Town of course proceeded to take the tree down at a cost of about $3,000 by my estimate. There was evidence that the tree was diseased but no one is willing to accept responsibility or declare the tree diseased and a Town responsibility, especially the Town’s insurer. I have attached the full correspondence thread from the agenda package through this link (40 pages). It’s a not very artful example of ‘passing the buck’. The buck it seems stops with the taxpayer.

9.1.1 – Façade Improvement Program Recommendations.There is quite a bit being invested by the Town in improving business signage.

Closed Session

  1. a) the security of property of the municipality or local board. (Boundary Matter)
    b) personal matters about an identifiable individual, including municipal or local board employees. (Internal Staff Issue)
    c) a proposed or pending acquisition or disposition of land for municipal or local board purposes. (Two potential Property Purchases)

Correspondence

4.1 – Richard and Marilyn Mooder. 16 Rosetta Street. Concerns regarding the flushing of wastewater pipes on Rosetta in 2017 as part of the annual maintenance and how it effected their house.

4.2 – Elaine Pelleboer, 7 Redwood Drive. Seeking payment for damage done when a tree on town property fell on her home. Response from Staff provided.

Deputations

5.1 – John Meyer and Teryl Faulkner, Parry Sound Area Active Transportation. Presentation of a proposed Bicycle Route on Bowes Street

5.2 – Brenda Muller of Whispering River Orchestra. Information regarding the Whispering River Orchestra and the search for a new home for the Orchestra in Parry Sound.

Resolutions and Direction to Staff

9.1.1 – Façade Improvement Program Recommendations. Resolution. That upon the recommendation of the 2018 Façade Improvement Review Committee, Council approves:
a) 93 James Street (No Ordinary Days) in the amount of $18,606.61;
b) 15 James Street (Bearly Used Books) in the amount of $6,100.00;
c) 10 Bowes Street (Sound Ideas Audiology) in the amount of $2,875.00; and
d) 25 Mary Street (Parry Sound Bikes) in the amount of $12,418.39.
And further that Agreement Letters be drafted and executed by the successful applicants.

9.1.2 – Consent Application – B 14/2018 (PS) (Downing) – 8 Edward Street. Resolution. That Consent Application No. B14/2018 (PS) (Downing) – 8 Edward Street, be supported subject to a condition which requires an easement over the drainage course in favour of the Town; and That the owner of 8 Edward Street be advised that it is their responsibility to restore the drainage course to its original abilities to dispose of stormwater should any drainage issues result from their recent alterations.
Resolution.
That the Mayor and Clerk are authorized to execute the easement documentation. That all legal costs to register the easement be paid for by the Town.

9.1.3 – Council Approved Sign Application – Georgian Bay Airways – Bay St. Resolution. That pursuant to section 3.(4) of the Sign By-law, the Chief Building Official is authorized to issue a permit for a sign on the Bay Street road allowance pursuant to the following conditions and variances:
a) The appearance of the sign shall be substantially according to the application,
b) The location of the sign shall be to the satisfaction of the Chief Building Official,
c) The Town reserves the right to remove or relocate the sign on occasion should the lands be required for municipal purposes,
d) A permit may be issued pursuant to this resolution, for the summers of 2019 and 2020 upon payment of a fee of $50 per season, and
e) All other regulations in the sign by-law continue to apply except for those revised by this resolution.

9.2.1 – 2018 International Sports Heritage Association Conference, San Francisco, California. Resolution. That Council authorizes Caitlin Dyer to attend the 2018 International Sports Heritage Association Conference in San Francisco, California September 26th – 28th, 2018, further to By-law No:2008-5173 which requires prior Council approval for attendance at seminars, conferences and conventions outside of the Province of Ontario.

9.2.2 – Council Member Pregnancy, Birth and/or Adoption of Child Leave Policy. Resolution. Whereas the Ontario government passed legislation under Bill 68, Modernizing Ontario’s Municipal Legislation Act; and Whereas the Bill received Royal Assent on May 30, 2017 and is now in effect; and Whereas a number of Ontario Regulations were provided with the Bill; one of which was the policy development of a Pregnancy/Parental Leave policy by all Ontario municipalities;
Now, therefore be it resolved that Council for the Town of Parry Sound approve the Council Member Pregnancy, Birth and/or Adoption of Child Leave Policy attached as Schedule “A”.

9.2.3 – Second Quarter Goal Plans Update. Resolution. That Council approves the June, 2018 Second Quarter Goal Plan update, attached as Schedule “A”.

9.3.1 – 2017 Annual Investment Report. Resolution. That Council accepts the 2017 Annual Investment Report and the attached Schedule “A” in accordance with Town’s Investment Policy.

By-laws

10.2.1 – Amendments to the Election Sign By-law. By-law 2018 – 6838. Being a by-law to regulate Election Signs in the Town of Parry Sound in federal, provincial and municipal elections and to repeal By-law 2018-6831.

10.3.1 – DBA Lease Agreement Renewal. By-law 2018 – 6839. Being a by-law to authorize the execution of an agreement between the Parry Sound Downtown Board of Management and the Corporation of the Town of Parry Sound for a lease renewal for use of a specified portion of the Municipal Office.

10.3.2 – By-law to specify claw back percentages for 2018 property taxes. By-law 2018 – 6840. Being a By-law to Specify the “Claw-back Percentages” in Respect of Properties in the Commercial Class for 2018 Taxation Year.

10.4.1 – Union Gas Franchise Agreement. By-law 2018 – 6841. Being a by-law to execute the Union Gas Franchise Agreement and repeal by-law 98-4008.
Resolution. That Council hereby resolve that:
1. This Council approves the form of draft by-law and franchise agreement attached as Schedule “A” and authorizes the submission thereof to the Ontario Energy Board for approval pursuant to the provisions of Section 9 of The Municipal Franchises Act; and
2. This Council requests that the Ontario Energy Board make an Order declaring and directing that the assent of the municipal electors to the attached draft by-law and franchise agreement, attached as Schedule “A”, pertaining to the Corporation of the Town of Parry Sound is not necessary pursuant to the provisions of Section 9(4) of the Municipal Franchises Act; and
3. That the Clerk be directed to provide Union Gas with four certified true copies of this resolution and attachment per their request.

 

Council Agenda Preview – April 3, 2018

30 Friday Mar 2018

Posted by in Parry Sound, Town Council

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Things are again light this coming week. A few points worth noting:

Closed Session a) – I wonder what’s up with this Oastler Park Drive property. The Town purchased this property for several hundred thousand dollars last year. I was refused information on why the Town purchased the property and its future plans. It’s our money and their secret.

4.1 – Letter / Splash Pad discussion. I agree with the writer’s question about the timing for the start of serious splash pad discussions. The concept of connecting discussions for a splash pad with a municipal pool complex seems strange for all sorts of reasons, unless of course there are thoughts about a pool complex in the vicinity of Waubuno Beach. Then it all makes sense, but I don’t think so.

10.3.1 – Ontario’s Main Street Revitalization Initiative Transfer Payment. This is a very nice $43K present from the Province that is intended for use to ‘spruce up’ the Town.

The more material items on the agenda are listed below.

Closed Session

a) the security of property of the municipality or local board (property on Oastler Park Drive, Various Economic Initiatives)
b) personal matters about an identifiable individual, including municipal or local board employees (Licensing Appeal, Recruitment)

Correspondence

4.1 – Chris Cardy, resident. Letter regarding both the proposed splash pad and the pool complex. Is asking why they cannot be dealt with separately.

4.3 – BDO Planning Report. Audit Plan for the consolidated financial statements of The Corporation of the Town of Parry Sound for the year ending December 31, 2017

Deputations

5.1 – Dianna Allen, Rick Harrington and Delaina Arnold, Parry Sound Area Food Collaborative. Raising of Backyard Chickens

5.2 – Anne Bossart. Update on Tower Hill Activities

5.3 – Stuart Morley of PSM Community Net. Graham Porter of Network Space. Town Crier WiFi Project for downtown Parry Sound.

Resolutions and Direction to Staff

9.1.1 Commencement of Fees and Charges By-law for the Installation of Water, Sewer and Storm Services. Resolution. Whereas Lots 7-15, 37-41, and 43-48 of Plan M405 are zoned with a Holding Provision which precludes development until municipal water and sewer services are delivered to the subject properties; and Whereas the majority of property owners and Town of Parry Sound Council wish to see the lots serviced to facilitate residential development. Now therefore be it resolved that Town Council:
1. Directs staff to initiate the tender process to provide water, sewer and storm sewer services to the properties;
2. Authorizes that the project will initially be paid for by the Town of Parry Sound through the General Working Reserve;
3. Directs staff to prepare a Fees and Charges By-law that will recover the costs of the infrastructure from the benefitting property owners;
4. Agrees to pay for the engineering report and legal costs of the project; and
5. Directs staff to remove the “h” symbol for all eligible lots.

9.2.1 – Election Sign By-law – Draft #2 Direction. That staff be directed to bring back the draft Election Sign By-law to the May1st, 2018 Council Meeting, for disposition by Council after the 14-day public notice period so the public may have the opportunity to provide comments.

9.4.1 – Georgian Bay Forever Request for Town assistance with a Pilot Project. Resolution. That upon the review of the documentation provided by Georgian Bay Forever, the Town of Parry Sound support, in principle, their pilot project to identify the amount of microplastics/fibres that enter the waterways from washing synthetic materials used in clothing; and That the Town of Parry Sound allow limited, guided access to the Town Wastewater Treatment Plant at times convenient to staff to take collections and samples; and That any promotion for the project be the responsibility of Georgian Bay Forever; and That Georgian Bay Forever take full responsibility for any involvement with the public related to the installation and any ongoing maintenance of any filters on private property.

9.4.1 – Tender for Grass Seed. Resolution. That Council accept the quotation from Speare Seeds for 2030 kgs of grass seed in the amount of $9,706 including HST, this quotation being the lowest quotation of five (5) received.

By-laws

10.3.1 – Ontario’s Main Street Revitalization Initiative Transfer Payment Agreement. By-law 2018 – 6822. A By-law to authorize the execution of a Transfer Payment Agreement between Her Majesty the Queen in right of the Province of Ontario (as represented by the Association of the Municipalities of Ontario) and the Corporation of the Town of Parry Sound on the Ontario’s Main Street Revitalization Initiative.

10.3.2 – Extension of Time to Pay Tax Arrears with the owner of 107.5 Church Street in Parry Sound. By-law 2018 – 6823. Being a by-law to authorize an agreement for an extension of time to pay tax arrears for property roll number 4932 050 003 15210 0000.

10.4.1 – Weeks Construction Inc. Contract – Waubeek Street. By-law 2018 – 6824. Being a bylaw to authorize the execution of a Contract Agreement between Weeks Construction Inc. and the Corporation of the Town of Parry Sound for the reconstruction of Waubeek Street.

 

Wet Dreams? Part 4

05 Monday Feb 2018

Posted by in Budget/Financial, Parry Sound, Reflections

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It was about a month ago that a CBC article arrived in my news feed. It said that one third of Canadians live paycheck to paycheck. It stunned me, although I wasn’t surprised. I don’t think that Parry Sound has any reason to believe that its residents are any better off.

A Thought Experiment

Let’s take a family in Parry Sound with two children. Let’s assume that they rent and pay $1,000 per month not including utilities. That’s not an unreasonable estimate for an apartment big enough for two or three children. Rent represents a large portion of their disposable income. Let’s also assume that a pool is built in a multi-municipal partnership and as a result Parry Sound taxes go up by 2%, a best-case scenario. That means the landlord’s taxes will go up and be passed on to tenants. Let’s assume it’s a simple 1% rent increase to cover the cost of the tax increase. A landlord has more than taxes as part of expenses. This family now is paying another $10 per month or $120 per year to support a municipal pool. If they want to use the pool they need to find another $1,000, or a month’s rent, to pay for a family membership at the pool. Can they swing this? Not if they are living paycheck to paycheck.

A Pool for Exactly Who?

Exactly who is a municipal pool intended to serve? Well, it will obviously only serve those who want to swim and have the resources to get to the pool. That’s not everyone and it may not even be a majority of residents. A pool will also serve only those who can afford a pool membership. That further shrinks the ‘pool’ of users. Everyone else will be helping to subsidize the pool for those who want to swim recreationally or competitively, are able to access it, and can afford it.

Actually, it will be only a tiny minority of people who use the pool. Any pool will operate much like a commercial gym. Gyms price their memberships to entice people to buy in, realizing that it will only be a small percentage who actually use it regularly. Most gyms are unable to properly serve all of the people who have paid for a membership if they were to show up regularly. The net/net is that the gym owner makes a profit and the people who actually use the facility are paying less than they really should because of the effective subsidy of others. In this case of a pool all taxpayers are being asked to cover the cost for what will be used by only a few. According to StatCan there are 16,000 people living in the municipalities considering participating in a pool. How many of these can you fit into a pool at one time? Or in one week?

Don’t believe or like this line of thinking? Here is a link to an article in the Washington Post that discusses the business of gym memberships. They note that one gym has 6,000 total members but only capacity for 300. That sounds about right for a pool, but with a 16,000 to 300 ratio.

All-Star Game – Magic Johnson to Darryl Dawkins for a Dunk

There is the point being made that a pool would help with the recruitment of medical professionals to the West Parry Sound Health Centre (WPSHC). That opinion was made clear a couple of years ago when the CEO of the WPSHC made a presentation of Parry Sound Town Council. After the presentation the Parry Sound CAO soft lobbed a question to the CEO asking if a pool would assist with recruitment. Like a Magic Johnson pass to Darryl Dawkins at an All-Star game, the CEO grabbed the alley oop and not only slammed it home, he broke the backboard. Beautiful. And like any All-Star Game it really didn’t make any difference.  A pool can make a difference in recruitment, but ….

Is it enough? Can a pool really make a difference? It’s an 11-million, or even 20-million-dollar bet.

Talking to others I have come to understand that perhaps the biggest reason recruitment is an issue may not be the lack of the pool, but the lack of good opportunity for two career families. Heck, it’s a problem for all families thinking of moving to the Parry Sound area, not just physicians. A physician may be married to a lawyer, or a chartered accountant, or an engineer, or a biologist, or a management consultant, or …. How easy is it for both adults to find good career advancing jobs in the Greater Parry Sound Area?

There is also the issue of educational resources. You have seen the local academic scores. Health professionals are presumably competitive academically, and probably want the best learning environment for their children. That means children learning in an environment where it is not only the teachers that challenge them, but also other students with similar goals and advantages. Do we have magnet schools for the musically or scientifically gifted? Rosseau Lake College is excellent, but as a private school has its own set of pros and cons for a parent to consider.

It’s perhaps better for physicians or top medical professionals to work in an urban centre and provide their families with all of the available benefits and cottage in the Greater Parry Sound Area. Win-win. Weekdays, a vibrant multicultural urban centre, access to educational resources, a local church, synagogue or mosque, and of course a pool and much, much more. Weekends, the relaxation and connection to nature on a lake or river in the West Parry Sound area.

Perhaps that too negative. It’s possible that a pool can help with medical professional and executive recruitment, but it needs to be part of a larger recruitment plan. Let’s see the plan.

It All About Access

How do we make a case for a pool recognizing that at this point it is largely the pet project of a relatively limited number of folks wealthy enough to take advantage of it?

The answer in my opinion is to make it accessible to children, through a school program. That doesn’t necessarily mean attaching it to the new ‘super school’. I understand that there is no room, and more importantly no budget. That’s okay. If we want the pool to be part of the community, we need to introduce children to it. Even if they only get a dozen dips in a school year it is an important experience that might have lifelong implications, and one they would not have been able to enjoy otherwise. There may be a future Olympian waiting to have their potential revealed.

That family who saw their rent go up $120 per year because of a new pool might be okay with the increase if their children we able to use the pool without any additional charge.

Lessons of the Bobby Orr Community Centre

Let’s not use the Bobby Orr Community Centre model as a template for a municipal pool. At this point the taxpayers of Parry Sounds subsidize the BOCC to the tune of several hundred thousand dollars per year. Beyond its use for meetings as well as community and private events the BOCC is primarily used as an ice rink. But as an ice rink its use is pretty much limited to organizations who pay for ice time. The organizations who pay for ice time play an important role in subsidizing the BOCC expenses and are given top priority in terms of ice time assignment. This results in other taxpayers, casual skaters, having very limited use of the facility, sometimes depending on the Mayor or Tim Hortons to cover the cost of a free skating period. People do have access to free skating at the Kinsmen Park, but that depends on the weather and the contribution of volunteers. Let’s not hope that a municipal pool would, like the Bobby Orr Community Centre, be limited to those who pay a premium or participate in programmed content while all others are relegated to Waubuno Beach, and subject to season and weather.

If a pool is a municipal resource that is subsidized by the taxpayer, the taxpayer needs to have access. A pool cannot become a resource that is reserved for those who can afford to pay more or are willing to participate in structured programs. Structured programs, swimming lessons and swim club, will be necessary, but shouldn’t preclude regular casual public access.

Concluding Comments and Suggestion

Building a pool for the right reasons and with the financial involvement of the neighbouring municipalities can make sense if it is done for the right reasons with a plan that encourages use by all. Or at the very least doesn’t create any artificial barriers.

How about we forgo any basic user fees and make it free to all municipal residents? Add in another $300,000 to the annual expense line that might come from user fees and spread the cost among the communities. You pay just a very little bit more in your taxes but that’s all it costs to access the pool unless you use the programming. That family with two kids could then afford to go for a Saturday morning swim in the middle of January.

There is an election coming up, let’s put it to the voters to decide. Let’s not leave the decision up to a few dozen individuals who raise enough fuss that they get their way. That has worked too well in the past, perhaps not to the benefit of the larger community. In Parry Sound the squeaky wheels, as long as there are enough of them, get the budget. Let’s remember the many folks who live paycheck to paycheck when we look at how tax money should be spent.

That’s it for me on this topic. I may chip in with some comments at some future point. I will be interested in watching how this initiative progresses. Nothing ventured, nothing gained.

(Disclosure: I can afford my portion of any tax increase that is part of a joint municipal pool initiative. I can also afford a $1,000 per year pool membership.)

 

 

 

 

 

 

wet Dreams? Part 3

04 Sunday Feb 2018

Posted by in Budget/Financial, Parry Sound, Reflections

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Swimming in Numbers.

In the end it’s about the numbers. There is no question in my mind that there is no one against a pool, aquatic centre or athletic complex on the basis of its contribution to the community. There may have been people for and against the Walmart on principle and not numbers. And there were people for and against fluoridation, and the numbers didn’t really matter. In the case of a pool it’s all about the numbers at the council level.

Let’s start with some numbers. These numbers can be used to tell any number of stories, but we will focus on only a couple that are relevant to a municipal pool.

The numbers in the table above are derived from a few sources, notably StatCan, MPAC, and individual municipal budgets and tax rate bylaws. The Occupied Home figures from StatCan, basically tells you how many of the properties are not used seasonally, that is they are residents and not cottagers. The MPAC Values represent the property values in the various municipalities. To make things a little easier to digest I have normalized the figures with the Town of Parry Sound being set at 1. That means all of the properties in Seguin have about four times the values of those in Parry Sound. McKellar property values total about four fifths that of Parry Sound. Some of these numbers may be surprising. Tax rates are similarly expressed relative to those of Parry Sound. For example, a person in Parry Sound paying $2,000 of municipal tax on their property would pay $540 in Seguin for a property with a similar MPAC assessed property value, $740 in McKellar and $880 in McDougall. This does not include the education tax levy which is the same in each municipality. The education portion represents about 10% of my total tax bill in Parry Sound but would represent about 35% of the tax bill of someone in Seguin or the Archipelago. We pay exactly the same rate for education taxes, but it ‘hurts’ more in a relative sense in the other municipalities.

If this is the financial backdrop for a pool project, it’s important to understand the implications for each of the municipalities. I have a pretty good idea of the more important considerations in Parry Sound and will imagine some of the dynamics and concerns in the other municipalities. At this point Carling, McDougall and the Archipelago have expressed initial interest in a municipal pool project. McKellar has declined to participate. Seguin has not yet responded as far as a I know, and I believe Parry Sound has not committed but is likely to agree to participate in looking at the options.

Town of Parry Sound

Parry Sound Town Council is generally in favour of a pool if it can be done as part of an equitable long-term sharing agreement with the other municipalities. Going alone would increase the Town levied taxes by about 12% as mentioned in an earlier post, and these taxes are already four-times that of Seguin and the Archipelago.

The Town is likely to have other concerns that would need to be addressed in any agreement. It’s obvious the pool would need to be in Parry Sound, if only for access to a secure supply of treated water. None of the other communities would be able to provide this service and the cost of building and operating a treatment facility would make the pool project too expensive. But, the Town has concerns about losing a portion of its water treatment capacity to a project that will not generate revenue. Who pays for additional capacity if at a later date capacity equivalent to that used by the pool is required for development?

There is also the prospect of losing prime real estate to another project that will not generate property taxes. The Town now has more than two dozen facilities occupying prime real estate that don’t pay taxes. This includes churches as well as social service and medical service providers. These groups enhance the quality of life for Parry Sounders, but they also enhance the quality of life of those in the surrounding communities. These facilities make use of, and raise the cost of, tax subsidized services, increasing the load on tax payers of Parry Sound.

Would a consortium of municipalities be willing to give Parry Sound a credit on the tax assessed value of a municipal pool? Assuming an ‘assessed’ value of $11+ million for a pool would suggest that if it were a business or residential property it would pay about $150,000 in annual municipal taxes. Would the consortium be willing to credit the Town that amount against their contribution? Oh, oh, I hear the howls already!

For Parry Sound a pool is not that interesting unless acceptable terms were negotiated. What might be acceptable to Parry Sound might not be acceptable to its neighbours.

The Archipelago and Seguin

I am lumping these two together because they largely share the same interests, although they might not share the same ways of thinking.

Issue one is the tax payer. The majority of Seguin and Archipelago taxes are paid for by seasonal property owners. What they want is limited services and low taxes. They are paying two sets of taxes, one for their home in ‘Hogtown’, and another for their cottage in ‘God’s Country’. They don’t need a pool, they have one they are already paying for back home. These are informed folks who do not want to pay for anything more than is absolutely necessary to ensure a road to their cottage, and rules to prevent their neighbour from building a bigger dock or ‘bunkie’ than they have. And when it comes to roads they are already paying for that last ‘mile’ of driveway to access their ‘cottage’.

There are still folks in both municipalities who live, work, and contribute to the larger West Parry Sound community. In principle, they probably would like a pool, but not if it costs that much. It’s a bit different depending on whether you live in The Archipelago or Seguin. Archipelago residents really have only one choice where to go for shopping and services – Parry Sound. Sudbury, Huntsville and Bracebridge are a bit too far. For Seguinites it’s a bit more nuanced. Given the proximity of Huntsville and especially Bracebridge, it becomes a toss-up as to whether you drive to either one of those towns or Parry Sound. It may not even be a toss-up for those in Rosseau. Once you’re in Bracebridge for a pool you have more options in terms of their recreation centre and shopping. Pay more taxes for a pool in Parry Sound that you won’t use? The eastern Seguinites will probably say no. For those in Orrville a Parry Sound pool might be desirable, if they think they will use a pool. Not all will. The situation for Archipelagians is more obvious if they want a pool. That may be why they have expressed initial interest in a community pool discussion.

Both communities offer their seasonal residents the lowest taxes possible. These are the municipalities that boast multiple multimillion dollar properties. A quick look online revealed numerous, and I mean numerous, properties with valuations in excess of $5 million each in Seguin. That $5 million dollar ‘cottage’ would pay about $18,000 in Seguin taxes (not including education taxes). Raising their taxes 2% would mean an additional $360 in taxes. That might mean foregoing a couple less bottles of fine wine, probably very fine wine. When you make this type of money though, a dollar spent on something you really don’t want hurts more than you might imagine. And if it hurts they squeal. With a ward system they have ears to squeal into.

Carling and McKellar

I’m lumping these together to save words even though McKellar has declined participation. The situation these municipalities share is similar. Heading off to Sudbury or Muskoka for a pool is not really practical. At the same time, they both have more than two-thirds of their property value owned by seasonal residents and face the same issues discussed with regard to Seguin and the Archipelago.

The property values in both of these municipalities approach but don’t come consistently close to the stratified values of the Seguin and Archipelago properties. Seasonal residents of both municipalities are likely to pushback against any increase. Perhaps in anticipation of this McKellar’s council has already declared their lack of interest and retreated to their bunker.

McDougall

McDougall is much like Parry Sound in many ways, but not all. If you have driven along Big Sound Road you realize that there are a number of million dollar plus properties, just not the multimillion properties of Seguin and the Archipelago. Parry Sound does not have these types of properties, which may explain why the ‘rich folk’ who work in Parry Sound don’t live in Parry Sound. Taxes in McDougall are also the highest in the area, but still less than half of Parry Sound’s. It’s an easy ride from McDougall, at least the major population centre of Nobel, to Parry Sound for shopping and making use of a municipal pool.

Who Pays What?

This will certainly be a point of discussion and probably disagreement. Do you share expenses on the basis of permanent population, seasonal plus permanent population, private dwelling numbers, or MPAC assessment? I’m sure the lower tax municipalities, with higher assessment values and lower populations, would prefer a population-based sharing. Parry Sound would prefer an assessment-based allocation.

Both methods of allocation are currently being used. Belvedere Heights allocates municipal contributions on the basis of MPAC assessed property values. By this measure Parry Sound, The Archipelago, McDougall and McKellar all pay about the same, plus/minus $15,000. Carling pays about $40,000 more and Seguin pays about four-times as much. This is because Seguin in particular has a massive assessment base with all of those multimillion dollar ‘cottages’.

The Reginal Health Unit on the other hand allocates municipal contributions on the basis of the MPAC 2014 population count. This makes the Town of Parry Sound the largest contributor, while the Archipelago pays next to nothing. This makes sense as health services are delivered on a per person basis, although it is likely our ‘summer visitors’ and cottagers make considerable use of the hospital, albeit not so much the health unit services.

Playing Arbitrage

The situation with McKellar is interesting to think about. They have expressed no interest in a community pool, but could we deny McKellar residents the right to use the pool? Probably not. We would just need to charge a premium for those who want to use the pool but whose municipality doesn’t provide support. It’s a tricky situation. We are likely to have visitors interested in using a pool. Some will be tourists with no relation to the community and there will be others who are friends or family of area residents whose municipalities contribute to the pool. Charge too much and the Town looks like a money grabbing community, charge too little and it will make it cheaper for other municipalities and their residents to not participate in supporting the community pool. But then again, any additional revenue is probably ‘profit’. What is the additional cost of ten visitors compared to the corresponding dollars of non-resident income?

Let’s look at the McKellar situation as an example of what communities might want to think about. If McKellar were to participate in the pool they would probably be on the hook for about $85,000 per year (permanent population basis). That would raise their taxes by a bit less than 1.5%. On a property value basis, let’ assume that for a $250,000 property, not a high-end cottage, this would amount to an increase of about $18 per year. In exchange for this the resident could purchase an annual pool pass for let’s say $1,000. Also assume the non-resident rate is $1,400, a 40% premium. For that person having McKellar in the consortium is a big savings. It’s likely that it would be a break-even event for residents if they were only to use the pool twice a year and pay a resident as opposed to non-resident single visit rate.

What about McKellar as a whole. I would be surprised that if more than 30 pool memberships were sold to McKellar residents. That would bring in $30,000 of revenue as a ‘resident’. The non-resident rate would bring in $42,000, a difference of $12,000. That’s not close to the $85,000 it would cost McKellar to participate in the consortium. McKellar would be better off reimbursing pool users the $400 cost of a non-resident membership. It would raise taxes only a fraction of a percent if the amount couldn’t be found in petty cash.

That’s what arbitrage is all about, capturing profit by exploiting the difference between prices in different markets. In theory at least, it could work to the benefit of a community like McKellar to sit outside. It would be hard to refuse McKellar residents access to the pool because McKellar isn’t party to the pool partnership or charge them the appropriate premium to cover the real benefit they are receiving.

Final Thoughts

The numbers and the individual interests of municipalities are what will drive the decision. Understand the numbers and you can perhaps better anticipate and address concerns at your local municipal level.

There is also a social issue that needs to be addressed. A municipal pool is not like roads or health services that we all use in one way or another, even if we don’t have a car or never get sick. I’ll take a look at that in the next and final installment.

 

 

 

 

Council Agenda Preview – February 6, 2016

03 Saturday Feb 2018

Posted by in Parry Sound, Town Council

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

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

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

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

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

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

Closed Agenda Items

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

Correspondence


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

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

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

Deputations

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

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

Resolutions and Direction to Staff

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

By-laws


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

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

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

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

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

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