Planning Board discussion
After reviewing the Manitoulin Planning Board minutes, Assiginack council discussed the draft Official Plan as well as the Northeast Town’s request for a weighted vote system.
Reeve Brad Ham explained that board members have been invited to put a list of concerns forward regarding the draft Official Plan (OP) and now have to wait and hear from the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing (MMAH).
“What comes first?” Counillor Les Fields asked of the Northeast Town request, “Say we’ll do it and then ask the MMAH, or ask first?”
Reeve Brad Ham explained that the Planning Board decided to first create a plan and then go to the ministry for approval.
The reeve explained that a municipality could only ask for a weighted vote if the matter arises in that particular municipality.
“It’s just ideas and discussion now, nothing on paper,” he added. “There’s a great fear that smaller municipalities’ votes would disappear, but that’s not true.”
“I think it will work out alright, as long as the MMAH approves it,” the reeve said.
Bustling Manitoulin East Airport
Council noted the business of the Manitoulin East Airport of late after reviewing the commission’s minutes from June 2. The airport, it was said, ran out of airplane fuel twice on account of the business of the runway. Much of the traffic was attributed to the tarmac being used for the Attiwapiskat evacuees where waiting ambulances transported elders to the Wikwemikong Nursing Home and points beyond. The airport also played host to a fly-in last month.
Cheque register approved
Council passed a motion approving payment in the amount of $165,292.25, general, and $18,515.50, payroll.
Hydro poles impede Cardwell work
Council received a letter from Hydro One notifying them of the line relocation design and cost estimate to replace/relocate four hydro poles along Meredith and Arthur Streets.
The estimated labour is 162 hours and directly affects the construction along a portion of the Cardwell Street project.
Reeve Ham asked roads superintendent Ron Cooper whether this would affect the Cardwell Street project. Mr. Cooper responded he had “a bad feeling” that it would hold back crews.
Councillor Fields asked whether area subcontractors could do this work, but the reeve explained that no, it had to be Hydro One crews, according to conversations with the Crown company.
Hazardous Waste Day
Household Hazardous Waste Day for Assiginack residents will be held on Saturday, July 12 between 1 and 4 pm at the Mindemoya Roads Building, 7 Lakeshore Road, Mindemoya.
Burns Wharf overpayment
After receiving a letter from the Burns Wharf Theatre Players, council passed a motion to issue a cheque in the amount of $900 to the group due to overpayment during the installation of new lighting during the summer of 2013.
Clerk Alton Hobbs explained that he reviewed the invoices and noted that the municipality did in fact overcharge the theatre group.
“Rather than explain all this to our auditor, I’d just as soon have a council resolution,” Mr. Hobbs said.
Motion carried.
Gravel and sand tender stirs debate
After reviewing tenders for gravel and winter sand, council had much debate over to go with what they know, or to take a chance on the new guy, as the top two lowest tenders, between CC Construction and Calvin Pearson Construction, came within $50 of one another. Council had been dealing with Mr. Pearson for the past two years.
Council agonized over Mr. Pearson’s excellent gravel and winter sand, debating the merits over choosing the lowest bid against the product they know.
After a first vote fell apart, council decided to go with the lowest tender of CC Construction at $55,709, noting that the roads super can also reject the load if he is not pleased with the quality upon delivery.
Roller Mills think tank
Following the June 8 Roller Mills ‘think tank,’ which was comprised of Elwood and Marilyn Wohlberg, Peter Baumgarten, Christianna Jones, David Smith, Hugh Moggy, Brian Sprack, Debbie Robinson, Paul Moffat and Will Beck, future considerations of both the mill, the waterfront, Manitowaning racetrack and Burns Wharf Theatre were discussed.
The group noted that, first and foremost, the completion of upgrades to the Burns Wharf Theatre is needed in order to comply with safety and accessibility requirements (barrier free access, washrooms, etc.). As the theatre is a proven success each summer, it was decided that this should be first on the list of priorities above all else with the group discussing possible funding sources to see this work accomplished.
As for the Roller Mill, some ideas brought forward were: a restaurant with a closed-in balcony to view the harbour; a studio theatre on the second floor; a walkway from the theatre to the Roller Mill; boutique shops on the main floor; workshops offered by area artisans á la St. Jacobs; an event room in the first floor; restore the property as a tourist attraction; conversion to seniors apartments; a drop-in centre and a dance hall.
On the topic of the waterfront, ideas such as a boardwalk and waterfront trail, a waterslide, playground equipment and a water sport park with canoes, kayaks and paddleboats were brought forward.
As for the racetrack and fairground, go-carts, a carousel, a pioneer days festival, bike rentals, an antique car show and a midway (as was housed in the past) were all suggestions made by the think tank.
Change to farm tax rate
Council passed bylaw 14-16, amending bylaw 14-13 which named the farm class tax rate. Mr. Hobbs explained that there was a slight mistake in the original tax bylaw that would have amounted to 0.0005 cents for residents who are charged the farm rate.
