New trackless
Council passed a motion authorizing town staff to spend up to $14,000 to purchase a trackless for the public works department when one within that price range comes on the market.
Annual water system report
Mr. Williamson reviewed the Little Current and Sheguiandah Water Treatment reports with council.
Mr. Williamson noted that overall, operations were going well at both sites.
Council carried motions to accept both reports.
Jailhouse laneway
The Manitoulin Sea Cadets sent a letter to council requesting that the laneway at the old jailhouse in Little Current, which is used as the office space for the Manitoulin Sea Cadets, be plowed by town staff.
Mr. Williamson explained that the lease agreement between the town and Manitoulin Sea Cadets specifies that the Sea Cadets are responsible for the care of the property, which would include the clearing of the laneway.
The letter noted that the laneway had been cleared by town staff in the past. Mr. Williamson noted that if this had been done, it was not authorized by the municipality.
Council asked staff to contact the Sea Cadets and “correct the misunderstanding.”
Manitoulin Trade Fair
Council reviewed a letter from the Manitoulin Trade Fair 2017 requesting the town to sponsor the event.
Responding to inquiries from council, Mr. Williamson explained that town staff does a number of tasks to help with the preparation of the Trade Fair.
Council decided not to sponsor the event with a monetary donation in lieu of town staff helping with the preparation ofr the Trade Fair and various elements during the event at the Little Current Recreation Centre.
Military Service Recognition Book
A request came to council for the municipality to purchase an advertisement in the Royal Canadian Legion’s Military Service Recognition Book.
Mr. Williamson told council that staff had the funds set aside in its advertising budget to purchase the advertisement, opposed to council making a donation. Council deferred the matter back to town staff.
Accounts receivable
Town Treasurer Sheryl Wilkin walked council through the accounts receivable reports for water/sewer and taxes.
For water/sewer, Ms. Wilkin reported $215,454.20 made in payments in February. She noted that there were currently 18 accounts over the $400 limit. Of the 18 accounts, two had been disconnects, four were over the limit due to penalty added for February, in seven cases financial arrangements had been made and five accounts will be receiving letters of disconnection.
For taxes, there were $1,285,442.31 made in payments in February.
She noted that the next due date for taxes was on April 28.
Library bylaw
Council reviewed proposed bylaw (2017-13), the Establishment of a Library. Mayor Al MacNevin explained that the town may have had a bylaw from when the library was originally established, but that staff was unable to find it and that it would have been from pre-amalgamation (between Howland and Little Current). Council reviewed a draft bylaw prepared by staff and discussed several changes. Mayor MacNevin noted that he will be taking the draft bylaw to the library board for their feedback prior to it returning to the council table for final input and passing.
