Golden gala
Manitoulin Centennial Manor board member Wendy Gauthier made a deputation to council last week, requesting the donation of the Little Current Recreation Centre hall for the Manor’s 50th anniversary Golden Gala on May 6, 2017.
“The event will include live and silent auctions, draws, dinner and dance,” said Ms. Gauthier. “Presently we have a large number of community volunteers who want ensure that this event is both a success in commemorating this special 50th anniversary and as a fundraiser for the Manor.”
Northeast Town Mayor Al MacNevin explained that council has a policy of not making decisions on deputation requests until the following meeting, but noted that council has supported the Manor in the past and was sure that council would continue to support the long-term care home.
Councillor Paul Skippen commended Ms. Gauthier on helping to organize the gala.
Application consent
Council reviewed a planning application from James and Linda Ferguson to sever a plot of land to create two new lots. Mr. Williamson explained that the Manitoulin Planning Board was looking to council to see if they had any comments or concerns with the application.
Council discussed how it would make sense for the couple to rezone the property prior to it being severed and recommended that staff contact the proponents.
Council carried a motion that it had no concern with the application.
Declaration of poppy week
Councillor Dawn Orr put a motion on the table to proclaim October 28 to November 11 ‘Poppy Week,’ seconded by Councillor Laurie Cook. The motion read: “Whereas the poppy has been widely recognized as a symbol of remembrance since it was first adopted in 1921; whereas, by wearing the poppy we demonstrate our gratitude to those who gave their lives for the freedom we enjoy; whereas the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 177, Little Current, has been honouring veterans in our area for over half a century through the distribution of poppies; therefore I, Al MacNevin, Northeast Town mayor, do hereby proclaim the days October 28 through to November 1 as Poppy Week and ask that all citizens pay tribute to those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the name of freedom by wearing a poppy during this period.”
The motion was carried.
Fixing Our Felines
Council reviewed a letter from Fixing Our Felines, a cat rescue group in Manitowaning.
The letter urges the Northeast Town council to support efforts in its own municipality to help cats, as they get many calls from members of the Northeast Town.
Councillor Cook suggested that council look into setting something up like the Central Manitoulin Animal Welfare Fund.
Councillor Michael Erskine pointed out that the Central Manitoulin Animal Welfare Fund was started by a Northeast Town community member. The Central Manitoulin Animal Welfare Fund is administered by Central Manitoulin, but is funded through donations and is for animals across Manitoulin.
Councillor Erksine also noted that there are people in the Northeast Town who are currently involved in cat/animal rescue.
Library board
The Northeast Town council carried a motion to accept the resignation of Little Current Library board member Dorothy Atchison with regret.
Councillor Cook, council’s representative on the board, commented that the board is stabilized and looking for a new librarian and will be looking at recruiting a new board member.
Christmas dinner
Kelly Timmermans of Country 103 requested that council donate the use of the recreation hall and kitchen for a community Christmas meal. The meal would be provided to any community members who wish to attend, free of charge, or those who are able to could donate. Councillor Cook made a motion to donate the space, seconded by Councillor Erskine. Council carried the motion to donate the use of the hall and kitchen with a value of $470.
Award nomination
Councillor Marcel Gauthier suggested that council nominate Island artists Ivan Wheale for the Premiers Award of Excellence in Art.
“The award is to recognize outstanding artists in Ontario,” said Councillor Gauthier. “He is a great candidate for the award.”
Council agreed that Mr. Wheale was a good candidate and carried a motion for him to be nominated. Councillor Gauthier volunteered to fill out the required nomination paperwork.
Budget
Town CAO Dave Williamson walked council through some of the suggested changes to the 2017 municipal budget made by a councillor. He recommended that council review the suggested changes and that he would talk to the managers about them as well and then there could be a discussion at the next administration and finance meeting.
He also noted that there had been a suggestion to build a sidewalk on Hardbargain Road next year instead of Draper Street. He said that staff had suggested Draper Street because of the route children take to school, but if it was the will of council the sidewalk project could be switched to Hardbargain Road.
“There are 23 young kids on Draper Street,” said Councillor Bill Koehler, stating that he felt it should not be changed. Councillor Paul Skippen agreed.
Mr. Williamson also brought to council’s attention that since the new salt shed had been broken into two projects––the base this year and structure next year—the contractor had come forward and offered a $6,000 deduction if the town decided to build it all this year. The committee made a recommendation to council that staff contact the contractor and have the entire salt shed built this year, realizing the $6,000 savings.
There were also discussions concerning the amount council was putting into reserves. In a recorded vote, committee carried a motion to recommend to council that staff look into putting an extra $20,000 into reserves in the 2017 budget, bringing the contribution to reserves up to $100,000.
In the recorded vote, Councillors Laurie Cook, Bruce Wood, Marcel Gauthier, Dawn Orr and Melissa Peters voted in favour of the motion, while Councillors Paul Skippen and Bill Koehler and Mayor MacNevin voted against it.
Financial report
Town Treasurer Sheryl Wilkin reviewed the accounts receivable with council. For water and sewer, she said that there were $146,329.51 made in payments last month. She also noted that there were currently 37 accounts over $400, of which 27 were due to the billing due date of October 31, five individuals whose water/sewer had been disconnected, and in five cases, payment arrangements had been made.
For taxes, Ms. Wilkin said there were $270,664.54 made is payments last month.
