Councillor Dale Scott appointed deputy mayor
Following a long-standing tradition of rotating the position between wards, Central Manitoulin Councillor Dale Scott was appointed to the position of deputy mayor on a motion made by outgoing deputy mayor Councillor Patricia MacDonald and Councillor Derek Stephens. “You did a good job,” said Mayor Richard Stephens in commending Councillor MacDonald.
Cancer Society donation
On a motion made by Councillor Ted Taylor, seconded by Councillor Patricia MacDonald, council voted to donate $250 to the Canadian Cancer Society East Manitoulin Branch.
Art Tour donation
On a motion made by Councillor Derek Stephens and seconded by Councillor Linda Farquhar, council voted to donate $250 to the Manitoulin Fine Arts Association in support of its annual Art Tour.
“If anyone hasn’t been on the tour and is interested in art, I strongly recommend it as time well spent,” said Councillor Stephens. “It’s a very enjoyable tour.”
“People might think it is just paintings,” said Councillor Patricia MacDonald, “but there are many different artisans on the tour. There is something for everyone.”
“Some of the needlepoint is fantastic,” rejoined Councillor Stephens.
“It draws people from all across the Island and off-Island too,” agreed Councillor Ted Taylor.
Financial reports accepted, money moved to reserves
On a motion made by Councillor Patricia MacDonald and seconded by Councillor Dale Scott council voted to approve the financial reports of the Office and Administration Committee ending February 29, 2016.
On a motion made by Councillor Dale Scott and seconded by Councillor Ted Taylor, council voted to accept the financial report for the Finance and Economic Development Committee ending February 29, 2016.
On a motion made by Councillor Linda Farquhar and seconded by Councillor Dale Scott, council voted to accept the cheque register ended February 29, 2016 in the amount of $486,572.90.
On a motion made by Councillor Dale Scott and seconded by Councillor Ted Taylor, council approved the transfer of $212,528.94 from the working reserves to the Capital Reserve Fund.
Councillor Patricia MacDonald suggested that it was good that the municipality is keeping the funds in the capital reserves rather than in the operating reserves, even if it is really just semantics in how it appears on the budget.
Councillor Dale Scott agreed, suggesting that it expressed “a philosophical view.”
Councillor Derek Stephens shared that in his experience how expenses are shown doesn’t commit the council. “It doesn’t mean anything,” he said.
Succession plan accepted
On a motion made by Councillor Ted Taylor and seconded by Councillor Dale Scott, council voted to accept the 2016 updated succession plan and to continue to review the plan annually.
“This is an ongoing process,” noted Mayor Stephens, adding that the council knows “we have the staff in place.”
Council rebuffs Northeast Town’s plan to leave Planning Board
On a motion by Councillor Patricia MacDonald and seconded by Councillor Derek Stephens, council voted to support the continuation of the Manitoulin Planning Board with all members, including the Town of Northeastern Manitoulin and the Islands.
“I have always stated that the Island has to stick together,” said Councillor Stephens. “I think keeping Little Current in the Planning Board is good for all the Island. Keep Little Current here.”
“I know it’s a contentious issue,” said Councillor Dale Scott. “NEMI feels they can do the job better than what they are getting. NEMI feels it is too expensive.”
“As you know I have been elected vice-chair of the Planning Board at the last meeting,” said Mayor Richard Stephens.
“I don’t see why we should reinvent the wheel,” said Councillor Stephens. “I would like to keep the Planning Board together.”
Manitoulin Planning Board minutes accepted
On a motion moved by Councillor Patricia MacDonald and seconded by Councillor Ted Taylor council voted to accept the February 23 minutes of the Manitoulin Planning Board as presented.
Council defers decision on assisted living proposal
Council deferred decision on a motion moved by Councillor Linda Farquhar and seconded by Councillor Derek Stephens to provide guidance to the board of the Manitoulin Centennial Manor on a proposal from Dr. Roy Jeffery to transfer a piece of Manor property to facilitate a plan to build a multi-unit not-for-profit assisted living facility.
While councillors universally expressed both support and a recognition of the need for assisted living on Manitoulin, a number of councillors expressed that a six-unit facility would fall far short of the Island’s needs. It was unclear where members of council came up with the number six, but during discussion it became clear that council needed a better understanding of the details of the proposal, particularly in how the project would be of benefit to the Manor, and the matter was referred to the property committee with the caveat that Dr. Jeffery be invited to present to the committee.
There was some consideration of referring the matter to the Manitoulin Municipal Association, but that body’s lack of binding decision-making power made that option less palatable both to the Manor and to the council.
Fire call dispatch agreement authorized
On a motion moved by Councillor Derek Stephens and seconded by Councillor Dale Scott council authorized the CAO/clerk to enter into an agreement with the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care to have the Sudbury CACC dispatch fire services.
