Council reviews planning board applications
The Northeast Town council reviewed two planning board applications from the Manitoulin Planning Board (MPB), leading to two corresponding motions that council had no comments or concerns with the applications. The first application was from Brad and Judy Parkinson regarding the creation of three new lots on Rockville Road. The second application was regarding a proposed severed parcel and retained parcel in the township of Bidwell by Glen Andrews and Bruce Diplock.
Donation request deferred to 2015 budget discussions
Council deferred two donations requests, one from the Little Current Lions Club and one from the Manitoulin Trade Fair, to the 2015 budget discussion.
Council donates to Manitoulin Student Aid Fund
The Northeast Town council carried a motion to donate $600 to the 45th annual Manitoulin Secondary School Awards Nights Manitoulin Student Aid Fund, towards two awards. Town CAO Dave Williamson explained to council that they could address the donation request because council had budgeted the item in its 2014 budget.
Airport report
Councillor Marcel Gauthier reviewed the October Manitoulin East Municipal Airport Commission Inc. meeting minutes with council.
“Things have slowed down,” said Councillor Gauthier. “But right now we are where we should be in our projected budget for this time of year. We have had to fix some of the runway lights because wolves had been chewing them.”
Councillor Gauthier added that the airport had two new potential clients looking for storage (in hangars).
Council supports Killarney
The Northeast Town council carried a motion to support the Municipality of Killarney regarding the new OPP billing model and a resolution requesting that the province implement a billing method “for those properties located in unorganized townships so that they contribute their fair share to the overall provincial policing costs.”
Fire Department report
Northeast Town Fire Department Chief Darren Bailey reported to the community services and public works committee that there had been 53 calls for service so far this year.
Most recently, “there was a single vehicle accident on Burnett’s Side Road on September 28, a CO alarm on Campbell Street East on October 5, a propane leak on Campbell Street West on October 7, a chimney fire on Red Mill Road on October 18 and a house fire in Sheguiandah on October 21.”
He also reported that all the apparatus and equipment was in good working order.
Community services and public works reports
Mr. Williamson explained that both Reid Taylor and Gary May were unavailable to deliver their reports as they were working on a force main break on Robinson Street.
According to Mr. Taylor’s report, the ice at the recreation centre is being used regularly and user groups are using the rooms weekly.
“Staff are completing maintenance tasks daily and are finishing the floors and painting,” continued the report. “The new dishwasher is installed and the Circus Jonathan event went over very well.”
He also reported that the marine facilities were closed for the season and that the dock disconnection and relocation was underway.
As for the public works report, grading and patching is being completed, weather permitting, and culvert replacement is being done where needed.
“The landfill is back to Tuesday and Saturday openings,” the report continued. “The docks are removed in the rural areas and we will be closing parks for the season. The equipment is working well. The new public works garage building is coming along well. They are working on the roof and the floor is to be poured this week.”
Councillor Paul Skippen asked when the new building was to be completed. Mr. Williamson responded that the company was working diligently and that the project is to be completed by December 31.
Building controls
Brock Sanftenberg reviewed the building controls and bylaw report. “To date the department issued 59 building permits with an estimated construction value of $3,452,579 (not including the municipal garage),” said Mr. Sanftenberg. “The parking is being monitored and tickets issued on violations.”
Mayor MacNevin read a letter to council regarding Mr. Sanftenberg’s good work and informed council that Mr. Sanftenberg would be leaving the Northeast Town and had accepted a job in Peterborough. Councillors congratulated Mr. Sanftenberg and wished him well in his future endeavours.
