New Horizons grant received
Jackie White, project and events coordinator with Assiginack, shared the good news with council that the municipality has been approved for a New Horizons for Seniors Grant in the amount of $11,150. The grant allows for programming and the purchase of equipment to see seniors comfortable with technology.
Ms. White explained that $5,000 is for the purchase of capital, either iPads or laptops, with the rest largely going toward instructor fees.
The programming is set to run in the fall/early winter
Librarian’s report and budget
It was another busy year for the Assiginack Public Library with the circulation of print materials at 12,363 and a total membership of 842 patrons. 2014 marked the library’s 75th year and it was a busy one, full of many events and initiatives.
Council reviewed the library’s 2015 proposed budget of $41,668, up $813 from last year’s budget. The library saw revenue of $165 in 2014.
Marina rates
The 2015 dockage rates for the Bay Street Marina will remain the same as 2014: daily, $150/ft; weekly, $7/ft; monthly, $21/ft; and seasonal, $25/ft.
Accounts for payment
Council approved accounts for payment: general, $72,473.40; and payroll, $15,891.73.
Sunsite Estates drinking water system inspection report
No issues of non-compliance were found with the water treatment plant, but a number of best practice issues and recommendations were noted.
Donation requests
Council reviewed a letter of request from the Knox United Church for its 2015 charity golf tournament to take place on Wednesday, July 15. The tournament is in support of the Knox Building Fund as well as the support of other Island charitable organizations.
Councillor Leslie Fields said she had “serious difficulty” with the request, adding that it opened the municipality up for every other church and organization like it.
“I feel the same way,” added Councillor Hugh Moggy.
“Anything that brings people into our community is great,” added Reeve Paul Moffat. “I don’t know the difference between being a church or the Lions Club.”
The motion to donate to the Knox United Church charity golf tournament was defeated.
The Manitowaning Agricultural Society wrote to council regarding its annual 139th Fall Fair set to take place September 11 and 12.
Council passed a motion to give its standard Fall Fair donation of $500.
Following lots of discussion on a donation request for Edcamp Manitoulin, council decided to table its decision pending more information on the second annual event.
Bylaw 15-08
Council passed Bylaw 15-08 to authorize an agreement with Data Fix for its voter list management.
CAO Alton Hobbs explained that Data Fix is the company that takes care of the mail-in ballots for the municipality, as well as the voter list.
Councillor Leslie Fields asked about online voting.
Mr. Hobbs responded that he didn’t think the next election year, 2018, would be the year to make the switch. “It’s not something we’d want to hang our hat on,” he added.
New museum curator hired
With the passing of Bylaw 15-09, council appointed Kelsey Maguire as the new curator for the Assiginack Museum. Mr. Maguire takes over from long-time curator Jeanette Allen.
Cardwell deficiencies
Councillor Bob Case questioned the state of Cardwell Street not one year from its transformation from Ontario’s worst road to smooth sailing roadway.
Mr. Hobbs explained that the municipal engineers had been to Manitowaning the week before and were putting together a deficiency list, including cracks, potholes and a culvert filled with gravel located near Ham’s Marine, with which to present to the construction company InterPaving, who performed the work last summer.
