THE CORPORATION OF THE TOWNSHIP OF EAR FALLS
M I N U T E S of the Regular Meeting of Ear Falls Council #2 Ear Falls Municipal Council Chambers February 5th, 2019 @ 7:00 p.m.
1 CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Kevin Kahoot called the Meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
2 ROLL CALL
Mayor Kevin Kahoot, Councillor David Carroll, Councillor Rob Eady, Councillor Wendy Pearson, Councillor Daniel Sutton, Clerk Treasurer Administrator Kimberly Ballance, and for (4) members of the public.
3 DISCLOSURE OF PECUNIARY INTEREST AND THE GENERAL NATURE THEREOF
Councillor Eady declared an interest in Item No. 8.2 as his wife is a cousin to Travis Strachan’s mother.
4 DELEGATIONS AND PRESENTATIONS
4.1 Gordon Grasley – Update on Business Venture
Mr. Grasley has been a resident of Ear Falls for the past ten (10) years, and worked at the Red Lake Gold Mine for the past fifteen (15) years. He is interested in starting a business, and has completed extensive research on Birch Syrup and the development of a Birch Syrup production facility. He has applied for, and is currently waiting on, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF) to issue a Land Use Permit (LUP) to tap 1200 to 2000 birch trees at a location that is approximately 27 km down the Long-Legged Road. He is hoping that the LUP will be in place for this season which occurs at the end of April/beginning of May subject to weather. The production process is relatively intensive due to the amount of water that needs to be removed from the birch water to produce syrup. He is working with a company, CDL, to assist in his production process as they supply equipment, filters, bottles, and labels. The world production of birch syrup is about 5000 gallons, while maple syrup is about 19 million gallons. Birch syrup wholesales for $300 / gallon or retails for $30 / 100 ml. Mr. Grasley noted that he plans to focus on organic manufacturing of birch syrup with some possible spinoffs into birch water production, birch beer and blended birch syrup with honey. The honey would also be produced locally on the LUP site.
Council requested clarification on the amount of syrup that can be removed from a tree. Mr. Grasley advised that approximately 1-3 gallons a day can be extracted, and that he is planning to use a vacuum system for extraction. The trees need to be young to produce the best syrup. He is looking to do production on site at the LUP Minutes – Regular Meeting of Council February 5th, 2019 Page 2
location.
Mr. Grasley advised that he is looking for support from Council on any grant opportunities that the municipality becomes aware of, as well as any support that it can provide in moving the LUP forward.
4.2 Jan (Dutchie) Loman – Local Citizen Advisory Committee (LCC) Update
Mr. Loman put forth a letter in support of the White Wing Road Cottage Lot project and the LCC supported it. The Minutes showing this will be sent to the Township for its records.
PART I – CONSENT AGENDA
(For the purpose of convenience and for expediting Meetings, matters of business of repetitive or routine nature are included in the Consent Agenda, and all such matters of business contained in the Consent Agenda are voted on collectively.
A particular matter of business may be singled out from the Consent Agenda for debate or for a separate vote upon the request of any Member of Council. In the case of a separate vote, the excluded matter of business is severed from the Consent Agenda, and only the remaining matters of business contained in the Consent Agenda are voted on collectively.
Each and every matter of business contained in the Consent Agenda is recorded separately in the Minutes of the Meeting.)
RESOLUTION NO. 024
Moved by Rob Eady. Seconded by David Carroll.
RESOLVED THAT the Council of the Corporation of the Township of Ear Falls hereby adopts the Items in Sections 5 – 7 of Part 1 – Consent Agenda.
Carried.
5 MINUTES
5.1 The review and passing of the Minutes of the previous Meetings.
5.1.1 January 15th, 2019 – Special Meeting of Council Minutes.
5.1.2 January 15th, 2019 – Regular Meeting of Council Minutes.
RESOLUTION NO. 025
Moved by Rob Eady. Seconded by Wendy Pearson.
RESOLVED THAT the Council of the Corporation of the Township of Ear Falls receives and files the Minutes of the previous Meetings of Council numbered 5.1.1 to 5.1.2 at the February 5th, 2019 Regular Meeting of Council.
Minutes – Regular Meeting of Council February 5th, 2019 Page 3
Carried.
C.O. 5.2 Minutes of Committees.
5.2.1 October 30th, 2018 – Ear Falls Joint Health & Safety Committee Meeting Minutes.
RESOLUTION NO. 026
Moved by Rob Eady. Seconded by Daniel Sutton.
RESOLVED THAT the Council of the Corporation of the Township of Ear Falls receives and files the Minutes of Committees numbered 5.2.1 at the February 5th, 2019 Regular Meeting of Council.
Carried.
C.O. 5.3 Minutes from other Agencies / Organizations.
5.3.1 November 13th, 2018 – Ear Falls Public Library Board Meeting Minutes.
5.3.2 November 13th, 2019 – Ear Falls Public Library Board Special Meeting Minutes.
5.3.3 November 8th, 2019 – Kenora District Services Board Regular Meeting Minutes.
RESOLUTION NO. 027
Moved by Wendy Pearson. Seconded by Daniel Sutton.
RESOLVED THAT the Council of the Corporation of the Township of Ear Falls receives and files the Minutes from other Agencies / Organizations numbered 5.3.1 to 5.3.3 at the February 5th, 2019 Regular Meeting of Council.
Carried.
6 TENDERS / PROPOSALS / QUOTES
F18 – TR 6.1 Tender – Purchase of a New 2018 – 2019 ¾ Ton 4x4 Extended Cab Chassis Pickup Truck, with a 9’ Boss V-Plow or Equivalent.
RESOLUTION NO. 028
Moved by David Carroll. Seconded by Rob Eady.
Minutes – Regular Meeting of Council February 5th, 2019 Page 4
RESOLVED THAT on the recommendation of Manager of Public Service & Operations Jeff Russell, the Council of the Corporation of the Township of Ear Falls accepts the Proposal for the purchase of a 2019 Ford F250 XLT Extended Cab 4x4 Truck with a 9’ Boss V-Plow from Dingwall Ford Sales Ltd. in Dryden at a cost of $55,519.00 plus applicable taxes and in accordance with the Proposal as attached.
Carried.
7 MISCELLANEOUS MOTIONS
7.1 Correspondence.
M06-ON 7.1.1 News Release from Ontario News re: Hazel McCallion appointed as Special Advisor to the Premier and Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing.
A16-KE 7.1.2 Letter dated December 20th, 2018 from the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services re: Provision of the District Social Service Administration Board (DSSAB) Governance and Accountability Review Final Report and an update on the next steps for this work.
RESOLUTION NO. 029
Moved by Rob Eady. Seconded by Wendy Pearson.
RESOLVED THAT the Council of the Corporation of the Township of Ear Falls receives and files the documents numbered 7.1.1 to 7.1.2 at the February 5th, 2019 Regular Meeting of Council.
Carried.
C.O. 7.2 Reports from Departments.
7.2.1 Monthly Report from Economic Development Officer Michelle Hiscox re: January.
RESOLUTION NO. 030
Moved by Daniel Sutton. Seconded by Rob Eady.
RESOLVED THAT the Council of the Corporation of the Township of Ear Falls receives and files the Report from Departments numbered 7.2.1 at the February 5th, 2019 Regular Meeting of Council.
Carried.
Minutes – Regular Meeting of Council February 5th, 2019 Page 5
*F11-CA 7.3 Submission of an Application to Canadian Parks and Recreation Association (CPRA) under the Green Jobs Proposal 2019 re: Landscape and Preservation Technicians (2 positions).
RESOLUTION NO. 031
Moved by Wendy Pearson. Seconded by David Carroll.
WHEREAS the Canadian Parks and Recreation Association, on behalf of the Government of Canada, administers wage subsidies (up to 50%) to create 1,200 Green Jobs for youth; and
WHEREAS the Township of Ear Falls has identified two (2) new summer student positions titled Landscape and Preservation Technician to assist with local garbage pick-up, help with the landscaping project at the Ear Falls Government Building, assist in maintaining flower-beds, and complete some research on community recycling programs;
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT Economic Development Officer Michelle Hiscox, is authorized and directed to apply for two (2) positions under the Canadian Parks and Recreation Association’s Summer Work Experience Green Jobs Initiative.
Carried.
A.R. 7.4 Letter dated January 24th, 2019 from the Royal Canadian Legion, Ear Falls Branch No. 238 re: Request to reduce the Rental Fee for the upstairs of the Recreation Centre to provide Bar Services for the Shamrock 2019 Hockey Tournament being held from March 22nd and 23rd, 2019.
RESOLUTION NO. 032
Moved by Daniel Sutton. Seconded by David Carroll.
WHEREAS the rental rate for the Second Floor of the Arena (with an S.O.P.) is $43.50/hour; and
WHEREAS the Ear Falls Royal Canadian Legion Branch No. 238 has proposed a rental rate of $43.50/day for the provision of Bar Services for the Shamrock 2019 Hockey Tournament on March 22nd and 23rd, 2019;
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Council of the Township of Ear Falls hereby accepts the proposal from the Royal Canadian Legion Branch No. 238 to rent the Second Floor of the Arena (with an S.O.P) at a rate of $43.50/day for the Shamrock 2019 Hockey Tournament on March 22nd and 23rd, 2019. Minutes – Regular Meeting of Council February 5th, 2019 Page 6
Carried.
C11-MP 7.5 Submission of a letter to Bob Nault, MP re: Request for support regarding access to high speed internet in the Township of Ear Falls.
RESOLUTION NO. 033
Moved by Rob Eady. Seconded by Wendy Pearson.
RESOLVED THAT Mayor Kevin Kahoot be hereby authorized and directed to submit a letter to Bob Nault, MP requesting support regarding access to high speed internet in the Township of Ear Falls.
Carried.
A.P. 7.6 Letter dated January 28th, 2019 from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry re: Invitation to participate in a roundtable session regarding the promotion of economic growth within the Forestry sector being held in Kenora on February 11th, 2019.
RESOLUTION NO. 034
Moved by Wendy Pearson. Seconded by Daniel Sutton.
RESOLVED THAT Kimberly Ballance be hereby authorized travel and attendance to the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry roundtable session regarding the promotion of economic growth within the Forestry sector being held in Kenora on February 11th, 2019.
Carried.
F11-NE 7.7 Report to Council dated January 30th, 2019 from Clerk Treasurer Administrator Kimberly Ballance re: New Horizons for Seniors Program – Senior’s Heritage Trail Project.
RESOLUTION NO. 035
Moved by Rob Eady. Seconded by David Carroll.
RESOLVED THAT the Council of the Corporation of the Township of Ear Falls receives and files the New Horizons for Seniors Program – Senior’s Heritage Trail Project Report from Clerk Treasurer Administrator Kimberly Ballance dated January 30th, 2019.
Carried.
Minutes – Regular Meeting of Council February 5th, 2019 Page 7
*H04-HE 7.8 2019 17th Annual Employee Health & Safety Workshop being held Thursday, May 2nd, 2019.
RESOLUTION NO. 036
Moved by David Carroll. Seconded by Daniel Sutton.
RESOLVED THAT the Council of the Corporation of the Township of Ear Falls approves the closure of all Municipal Departments on Thursday, May 2nd, 2019 for the purpose of education and training for all Municipal employees at the 2019 Annual Employee Health & Safety Workshop.
Carried.
*F11-JE 7.9 Jenny’s Heroes Canada Fire Service Equipment Grant Application for funding to be submitted for the purchase of new Bunker Gear for the Ear Falls Volunteer Fire Department.
RESOLUTION NO. 037
Moved by Rob Eady. Seconded by Wendy Pearson.
RESOLVED THAT Administration is hereby authorized and directed to submit an Application under the 2019 Jenny’s Heroes Canada Fire Service Equipment Grant provided by the Jenny Jones Foundation and the Ontario Association of Fire Chiefs (OAFC) for the purchase of new Fire Department Bunker Gear.
Carried.
8 BY-LAWS
Councillor Eady left the Meeting at this point.
L07-LA 8.2 By-Law No. 2210-19, a By-Law to Authorize the Sale of Plan M635, Pt Lot 25 Part 1 on RP 23R-5008 PCL 5941 to Travis Strachan.
RESOLUTION NO. 038
Moved by Daniel Sutton. Seconded by Wendy Pearson.
RESOLVED THAT the Council of the Corporation of the Township of Ear Falls hereby consider By-Law No. 2210-19 as passed.
Carried.
Councillor Eady returned to the Meeting at this point. Minutes – Regular Meeting of Council February 5th, 2019 Page 8
8.1 By-Law No. 2209-19, a By-Law to Affirm Minor Decisions by Council.
L07-LA 8.2 By-Law No. 2210-19, a By-Law to Authorize the Sale of Plan M635, Pt Lot 25 Part 1 on RP 23R-5008 PCL 5941 to Travis Strachan.
Otherwise dealt with.
A09-CO 8.3 By-Law No. 2211-19, a By-Law to Amend the Community & Economic Development Committee Policy for the Township of Ear Falls.
RESOLUTION NO. 039
Moved by Daniel Sutton. Seconded by Rob Eady.
RESOLVED THAT the Council of the Corporation of the Township of Ear Falls hereby consider By-Law Nos. 2209-19 and 2211-19, as passed.
Carried.
PART II – OTHER ITEMS
9 ITEMS FOR DIRECTION
C12-BO 9.1 Appointments to Municipal Boards and Committees.
RESOLUTION NO. 040
Moved by Rob Eady. Seconded by David Carroll.
RESOLVED THAT the Boards and Committees Appointment for the Township of Ear Falls be approved as per the attached; and
FURTHER THAT the Appointments be for the term of this present Council; and
FURTHER THAT travel and attendance to the Board / Committee Meetings be hereby authorized for the appointed representatives; and
FURTHER THAT Resolution No. 018-19, dated January 15th, 2019, is hereby repealed.
Carried.
D02-NW 9.2 Letter dated January 23rd, 2019 from the Royal Canadian Legion Branch No. 238 re: Request for donation through the Community Minutes – Regular Meeting of Council February 5th, 2019 Page 9
Well-Being Reserve Fund for the purchase of a new Automated External Defibrillator (AED) machine for the Ear Falls Legion.
Council agreed to a $1,000.00 donation and a motion will be forthcoming.
9.3 Facsimile dated January 27th, 2019 from Vermilion Bay Minor Hockey re: Request for assistance in promoting fair and equitable hockey for the children in rural northwestern Ontario.
Council discussed the facsimile received and the importance of preserving Minor Hockey in Ear Falls. Mayor Kahoot will provide support with local and regional representatives.
E03-EN 9.4 30 Hp Turbo Blower and Installation Costs for the Waste Water Treatment Plant.
RESOLUTION NO. 041
Moved by Wendy Pearson. Seconded by David Carroll.
RESOLVED THAT the Clerk Treasurer Administrator is authorized and directed to accept the offer from Ontario Clean Water Agency (OCWA) for the provision of the 30Hp Turbo Blower for the Waste Water Treatment Plant and $75,000 for installation costs.
Carried.
P.C. 9.5 Report to Council dated February 5th, 2019 from Megan Armstrong and Cassandra Matthews re: Proposed Day Care Licence Change to Family Grouping.
Council discussed the Report as presented and the options for reviewing this with the Kenora District Services Board (KDSB). Councillor Sutton will follow up with Henry Wall, Chief Administrative Officer and Sarah Stevenson, Director of Integrated Social Services.
10 REPORTS OF MEMBERS OF COUNCIL
10.1 Councillor Wendy Pearson • Councillor Training was good and the Kenora District Municipal Association (KDMA) Conference and Annual General Meeting (AGM) was very informative.
10.2 Councillor David Carroll • Agreed with Councillor Pearson that the Ministry of Municiopal Affairs and Housing (MMAH) MMAH Training was informative and the KDMA was interesting. Minutes – Regular Meeting of Council February 5th, 2019 Page 10
10.3 Councillor Daniel Sutton • Rural Ontario Municipal Association (ROMA) Conference – January 27th – 29th, 2019 • Conflict of Interest Act Presentation – by E4M • This was a very interesting presentation on the new rules coming into effect about Codes of Conduct and Integrity Commissioners. In addition to Council, all local Boards will now require a Code of Conduct. Any person can submit a request / complaint to the Integrity Commissioner free of charge and the Integrity Commissioner is required to submit a written Report to Council on their findings. There are some provisions to address vexatious complaints, but generally any Reports made by the Integrity Commissioner have to be accepted by the Council in open session. Also learned about the Integrity Commissioner protocols that should be in place for members of Council to seek advice.
• Delegation with the Ministry of Education • The Ministry advised that they had heard similar concerns from other municipalities in our district. They understand that the Kenora District shouldn’t be classified as an Urban District. Advised that the Township was welcome to reach out to Shannon Fuller, Assistant Deputy Minister, Early Years and Child Care Division, prior to presenting options / alternative delivery models to the Kenora District Services Board (KDSB) if we would like their input or advice.
• Also met with a number of other Ministries in his role on KDSB.
10.4 Councillor Rob Eady • Rural Ontario Municipal Association (ROMA) Conference – January 27th – 29th, 2019 • Local Authority Services (LAS) Presentation • Winding down the Streetlight Program now that most municipalities have completed these upgrades. Also spoke with a municipal official after this session who had a Water Treatment Plant package idea. Will provide additional information once it is received and reviewed.
• Frank Cowan Presentation • Self-driving Vehicles and other advanced technology issues that municipalities may encounter in the future.
• Delegation with the Ministry of Infrastructure • Met with the Minister and reviewed the Water Treatment Plant Low Lift Pumping Station project and they seemed to understand the difficulty faced by the municipality.
• Delegation with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry
Minutes – Regular Meeting of Council February 5th, 2019 Page 11
• Met with the Deputy Minister and Adam Bulowski, Director of Policy and Stakeholder Relations who seems well informed on the Township’s White Wing Road development project. Also discussed Moose Hunting and conservation regulations and reiterated that the Township wanted to be on the new Committee being formed to review this issue.
10.5 Mayor Kevin Kahoot • Kenora District Municipal Association (KDMA) Conference and Annual General (AGM) Meeting • Commended Councillor Sutton on his work preparing for KDMA.
11 CLOSED MEETING
N/A
12 CLOSED REPORT
N/A
13 ADJOURNMENT
13.1 RESOLUTION NO. 042
Moved by Rob Eady. Seconded by Daniel Sutton.
RESOLVED THAT this Regular Meeting of Council adjourn at the hour of 7:55 p.m.
Carried.
______Mayor
______Clerk