Approval of minutes – library board
“The meeting went really well,” said councillor Lorie Leeson. “We’re looking forward to the bake sale and upcoming weaving workshop.” The proposed budget was discussed, and the library board requested permission to discontinue the telephone (land-line) due to the high cost of service. It was felt that a cell phone would suffice. Council felt this was appropriate as long as patrons could continue to access wireless internet at the library.
Approval of Minutes – Little Schoolhouse and Museum Board
Councillor Paul Bowerman expressed concern about the possible loan of the Parks Canada-owned beaver lodge, currently displayed at the ferry terminal in South Baymouth under an agreement that ends in September of this year. A protected display case would have to be built, or interior space freed up, as the lodge is not suitable for display outdoors. The museum board will need to obtain further information. There was also concern regarding the placement of the life raft that the Owen Sound Transportation Company is donating. The museum board will be directed to ensure the water lines are not covered over. Barb Flaherty was approved as a new board member.
Mellow Movers/Triangle Club issues
Andy Bowerman of the Tehkummah Triangles Senior Citizens Club read from a letter submitted to council regarding a request from the Tehkummah Mellow Movers group for a rebate on hall rental. “We did reduce the rent three years ago,” he said. “That makes it the lowest rent on the Island.”
“We are very lucky to have the good workers and supporters,” he continued. “If we give free rent to one, we would have requests from others to do the same. Our lease states that the Tehkummah Triangle Senior Citizens Club is not a community hall, but it says it is for the betterment of seniors in the community and the surrounding area. The lease doesn’t say it is to be used free of charge as it is to be self-sufficient but non-profit.”
Mr. Bowerman suggested that Council could subsidize the rent fee if they see fit. “The seniors club has no place to turn,” he said. “We cannot ask council nor taxpayers for money to help get us out of a deficit. We have to rely on the hall rental and any fundraisers to pay our bills.”
A representative of the Mellow Movers group explained that it was for both men and women, and designed for an aging body. “Debbie (Graham, personal trainer, who runs the fitness classes) tried to work with the seniors club but it’s not working out,” she said. “If we have to disband and go to Manitowaning, the club won’t have any income from us over the year.” She also pointed out that strong healthy seniors are a vital part of any community. “We don’t want to be a burden in our community in the future,” she said. “Help us to find a suitable, reasonably priced space for our activity in our own community, Tehkummah.”
Mr. Bowerman noted that he supports the group but pointed out once again that the seniors club must be self-sustaining and earn its revenues through hall rentals. Council stated that they were willing to contribute but directed councillors Lorie Leeson and Lydia McKenna, who represent the Recreation and Leisure Committee, to first speak with Ms. Graham. “We’re all about that, betterment in the community,” said Ms. Leeson.
Gravel quotations
Four tenders were received for the supply of gravel but one was disqualified because it was received past the due date. Council accepted the lowest bid as submitted by Corbiere Construction.
Hazardous Waste Day
July 12, 2014 is the date for the Island’s annual Hazardous Waste Day. Councillor Eric Russell asked which other communities were doing this. “Everyone’s throwing it (hazardous waste) out at the dump,” he said. “This just isn’t working. We have to do something different.” Reeve Gary Brown suggested looking into other possibilities for the future. “We can look into a license for a vehicle to do this, but as far as I’m concerned, we have to do this now,” he said. Council passed the motion for Tehkummah Township to participate in the 2014 Hazardous Waste Days. Residents of Tehkummah Township will need to take their hazardous materials to the Central Manitoulin facility. Additional information will be distributed to residents.
Manitoulin Navy League donation request
Council received a request for a donation to the Navy League. It is the first such request received from this organization. Councillor Paul Bowerman suggested a $100 donation to the group. “It’s a good thing,” he said. “They’re a bunch of volunteers providing something we don’t have. It’s something for our youth to do.” Council moved to donate $100.
United Fish and Game Club support
Council approved a $100 donation to the United Fish and Game Clubs of Manitoulin.
Resolution of support for Municipality of Central Manitoulin
Council received a request for support from Central Manitoulin, and approved “that the Municipality of Central Manitoulin writes to the Ontario Minister of Natural Resources requesting that the Ministry support financially local Fish and Game Clubs for the work that clubs do in stocking fish in local lakes and rivers, and that, further, a copy of this letter be sent to other northern municipalities for their support with a request that they also send letters to the Ministry.”
Ducks Bay Road maintenance
Council moved to cut back brush at the roadside from numbers 136 to 172 Ducks Bay Road to facilitate access by emergency vehicles, and to gravel, grade, and add calcium treatment from numbers 136 to 196 Ducks Bay Road. This road will not receive winter maintenance.
Marina rates 2014
The rates for the marina at South Baymouth will remain the same as 2013 rates.
Written permission quad trails
Council passed a resolution to clear unopened road allowances that states, “whereas Council is receiving requests for written permission to clear unopened road allowances the width of a 4-wheeler or half-ton truck, council grants permission. The individuals clearing the road allowances are responsible to ensure they are within the bounds of the road allowance and not on private property.”
Swimming lessons
The number of children needing swimming lessons in Tehkummah is too small to justify an organized program this year. The township will pay registration fees for Tehkummah children to attend swimming lessons in Central Manitoulin or Assiginack upon request.
Computer purchase
Council approved the purchase of a new computer system for the Clerk-Treasurer’s office for $2,500.
Speed limit signage
There has been concern about speeding on Lakeshore Road North, between Concession 6 East and Lakeshore Road. Council passed a resolution to erect speed limit signs at the beginning and end of Lakeshore Road North. The speed limit will be 60 km/hour.
