Country Fest organizers granted extended beer tent hours
After hearing a deputation from Country Fest organizers Kelly and Craig Timmermans earlier last month, the Northeast Town council carried a motion amending the Timmermans’ site plan agreement with the town to extend their beer tent hours from 11 pm to 1 am on the Thursday, Friday and Saturday night of Manitoulin Country Fest in August.
Council opposes Sheguiandah Post Office hour cuts
The Northeast Town reviewed a letter from Canada Post, the second they had received last month, informing council it would be cutting service hours at the Sheguiandah Post Office, including closing the office altogether on Saturdays starting April 19 and reducing the hours from 8 am to 4 pm to 8 am to 12:30 pm Tuesdays through Fridays and 8 am to 1 pm on Mondays.
Council carried a motion opposing the changes and requesting staff to send a letter to Canada Post expressing council’s objection to the change in service.
Northeast Town council reviews reports
The Northeast Town council reviewed both the 2013 landfill annual monitoring report and the annual water treatment plant reports for the Little Current and Sheguiandah sites.
Town CAO Dave Williamson reported a few small problems outlined in the landfill report, but assured council that they would be addressed.
As for the water treatment plant reports, the only major problem was a faulty flow meter at the Little Current plant, which had already been fixed by the time the report was presented to council.
Council supports municipal recall election legislation
Council reviewed a letter from the Town of Aurora asking for the Northeast Town’s support in the introduction of municipal recall election legislation.
If the legislation was to come into effect provincially, elected municipal officials could be voted out of their position prior to serving their four-year elected term.
The Northeast Town council carried a motion to adopt Aurora’s resolution, supporting the introduction of the legislation.
Northeast Town donates to anti-drowning campaign
After reviewing a letter from the Manitoulin Injury Prevention Coalition towards the purchase of promotional towels for its anti-drowning campaign, the Northeast Town council agreed to donate $200 towards the cause.
Northeast Town to get new tourist attraction
Council accepted a donation from the Manitoulin detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police for an oversized Adirondack chair.
The 900 pound chair, featuring a plaque with an anti-downing message, will be placed somewhere in the Northeast Town and act as a tourist attraction for photo opportunities.
Though council accepted the donation, the location of the new chair has yet to be decided.
Fire department report
Northeast Town Fire Department Chief Darren Bailey reviewed the February/March fire department report with council.
Mr. Bailey reported that the department responded to a chimney fire on Manitou Lane on February 21, a house fire in Rockville Road on February 22, a chimney fire on Robinson Street on February 23, another chimney fire in Sheguiandah First Nation on February 24, a carbon monoxide call on Tehkummah Street on February 28 and a house fire in Sheguiandah First Nation on March 1.
Council, for his department’s hard work, congratulated Chief Bailey earlier that day (Thursday, March 20) for putting out the fire at the Little Current public works building.
Community services and public works reports
Reid Taylor reported that the recreation centre was being well used by user groups and customer rentals.
He also reported that town staff had been busy completing daily maintenance and repair tasks and getting ready for upcoming events such as Island Skate on the weekend of March 28.
Mr. Reid noted that the ice season had been extended to April 17 due to the weather and usage.
Gary May told council that snow and ice control was still underway by the public works department and that staff was preparing for the spring thaw.
“Several frozen culverts and waterlines have been reported,” he added.
Building controls and bylaw enforcement report
Brock Sanftenberg reviewed the building control and bylaw enforcement report with council.
He reported that there had been two building permits with a value of $20,000 in the last month and that follow-up inspections were being conducted.
“I was also excited to have received a few inquiries regarding the Hayward subdivision,” said Mr. Sanftenberg.
As for bylaw enforcement, Mr. Sanftenberg said that parking was being monitored and tickets issued as required and that he was registered for a municipal law enforcement foundations course in May.
