Council amends zoning bylaw
The Northeast Town council held a special meeting to discuss amending zoning bylaw 2014-31 and 2014-32, changing the definition of a ‘concerted dwelling’ to limit the number of units in a multiple residence in a residential area.
During the council meeting that followed, council carried a motion to amend the bylaw, limiting the number of units in a multiple residence home in a residential area to one to two units maximum.
Council recommends Manor donation to McLean’s Mountain Wind Limited Partnership
Council reviewed a donation request from the Manitoulin Centennial Manor, requesting council’s support in the Manor’s donation application to the McLean’s Mountain Wind Limited Partnership.
Last year, council supported a $10,000 donation to the Howland Seniors’ Hall renovation, the first of 20 annual $10,000 donations from the McLean’s Mountain Wind Limited Partnership’s road use agreement with the Northeast Town, which council can allot to different community organizations and projects.
Manor Administrator Michelle Bond requested $10,000 towards the purchase of a Carendo hygiene shower chair, “which would benefit our residents greatly by allowing us to meet their immediate needs in a dignified manner.”
“This chair would allow our staff to provide full care to our residents in terms of peri-care, wound care, bathing, dressing and toileting which will decrease behaviours, improve incontinence, reduce agitation and make it safer for our residents and staff,” the letter continues.
Town CAO Dave Williamson told council that through staff discussions with Ms. Bond, the actual chair price would be close to $9,700.
Council agreed that donating the money towards the Manor and assisting the community’s seniors would be an excellent use of the funds, but requested a change to the wording of the motion that council would support the donation for the purchase of the chair “up to $10,000” with the understanding that if the chair was only $9,700, the additional money could be donated to another cause.
Council carried a motion to support the donation. Mayor Al MacNevin told council he would contact McLean’s Mountain Wind Farm manager Rick Martin to arrange a time for the partnership donation committee to meet in the near future.
Town lends support to 2014 Miss Manitoulin
The Northeast Town council reviewed a donation request from Miss Manitoulin 2014 Katie Harper, asking for $200 towards her entry fee in the Miss North Ontario Pageant.
“I am very pleased and excited to be an ambassador for Manitoulin Island and look forward to representing the Island at various events throughout my term, as well as at the Miss North Ontario 2015 Pageant,” wrote Ms. Harper.
“She is a lovely girl from Little Current,” said Councillor Bill Koehler. “I saw her out this summer at public events and she carried herself well and was well spoken. She is a credit to our community and I think this is a worthwhile donation.”
Council agreed and carried a motion to donate $200 to Ms. Harper towards her entry fee into the Miss North Ontario Pageant.
Council supports Child Care Worker and ECE Appreciation Day
Council carried a motion to proclaim Child Care Worker and Early Childhood Educator Appreciation Day on Wednesday, October 29.
“Child care workers have a huge impact on our children’s earliest attitudes and I appreciate the hard work that they do,” said Councillor Michael Erskine.
“I agree with Councillor Erskine,” said Councillor Dawn Orr. “I respect these people and the work that they do.”
November marks Lung Month
“In November, the Ontario Lung Association and our partners will engage in a series of information and outreach initiatives designed to inform and educate all Ontarians about how to protect and care for their lungs and to advocate for a comprehensive Ontario Lung Health Action Plan,” states a letter to council from the Ontario Lung Association.
Council carried a motion to proclaim November 2014 as Lung Month.
October 20-26 declared Waste Reduction Week
The Northeast Town council carried a motion to declare the week of October 20-26 as Waste Reduction Week.
Councillor Marcel Gauthier said that supporting this week was very important because of the big impact recycling has on the lifespan of the Northeast Town landfill.
Airport reassessed and owes $15,000 in back tax levy
During the Manitoulin East Municipal Airport report, council learned that the airport was recently reassessed by MPAC and that $15,000 is owed in back tax levy—$5,000 from the Northeast Town and $10,000 from Assiginack Township (based on the locations of the buildings).
The money to pay the back tax levy will be taken from the airport reserves, but will be reflected in the 2015 airport budget as the manager will try to build back the reserve funds, noted Mr. Williamson.
Little Current Public Library report
Councillor Christina Jones delivered the Little Current Public Library report. She noted that the 2015 budget had been handed in already thanks to the hard work of the board. She also noted that the library would be seeking funds for a new children’s computer.
Fire Report
Northeast Town Fire Chief presented the September fire department report to council.
He reported a call for assistance for a boat taking on water at the Little Current town dock on August 23, an outdoor burning complaint on Vankoughnet Street West on September 2, a lift assist at the Cosby Subdivision on September 7, a fire alarm at Little Current Public School on September 8 and again on September 12 and a burning permit fire that was left burning through the night on Highway 540 on September 13.
He also reported that there had been 48 calls for service to date and that the apparatus and equipment is in good working order.
Community services report
Reid Taylor presented the community services report. He said that the ice is in at the recreation centre and is being used regularly. User groups have returned for room rentals and staff are completing maintenance tasks daily.
“Staff are finishing floors and painting,” said Mr. Taylor. “As well, the new dishwasher is being installed and the main hall capital project is complete.”
As for the marina, Mr. Taylor said that staff are servicing boats and maintaining facilities on weekends.
“Seasonal boats are beginning to haul out every week,” he noted. “The docks will be prepped for moving in October once clear and the marina facilities will close down on October 12.”
“The washroom facilities are being monitored and maintained as required,” Mr. Taylor concluded. “Playgrounds are being maintained and inspected and planning for building winterizing and shutdowns will begin shortly.”
