The Mayor declared the meeting open at 5:30 p.m..

Council Members Present:

Mayor Christine Ellis,

Councillors Jason Cottrell, Kelly Elik, John Newstead, Merlyn Snow.

Declarations of Conflict/Pecuniary Interest: None declared

Delegations:

Mike Piraino attended the meeting to discuss the agreement in place pertaining to a building located on his property. Mr. Piraino advised that at this time he cannot provide council with a definite decision as to what the building will be used for and requested an extension on the Agreement. Council discussed this issue and a resolution was passed.

John McBride, Lanny Dennis and James Gordon representing Fowler’s Construction attended the meeting to discuss the quarry property. They provided council with the completed studies required, advised council they would be in the process of applying for the ARA license with the Ministry of Natural Resources and would be pursuing the Zoning By-law Amendment. Council advised the reports will be sent to the Municipal Planner and his comments would be provided within the 30 days permitted.

Guests in the audience included – John MacLachlin and Sig White, Iris Smith- Detta and Jim Detta were in attendance to speak on the Zoning By-Law Amendment.

Discussion Items:

Permit Agreement – Resolution passed

Dimestore Fisherman update –Council has received confirmation of partial funding provided from RTO12. The date of February 15, 2011 has been set to have a meeting with local service groups and businesses to discuss this project. Invitations to attend the meeting will be sent out.

Road closing application was considered and council felt that the applicant should be contacted to determine if they are still interested in purchasing this property provided they pay all legal costs.

Roads Budget draft was presented. It is felt that it should go back to the committee for further consideration.

Councillor Snow reported on the Showcase Almaguin Seminar he attended along with the Courtney Chapman, Office Staff. Councillor Snow also updated council on Friends of Mikisew and their meeting scheduled in February.

Councillor Elik reported on the Recreation Committee meeting, advising the committee will be holding a Family Day on February 20, 2011 from 2:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. with an outdoor skating rink, music, hot dogs, hot chocolate, snow sculptures. Councillor Elik also advised that Public Skating time and dates have been set up at the Arena, they are posted on the door and on the answering machine.

Councillor Cottrell expressed concern with Snowmobile Clubs using the snow banks and culverts. The clerk was directed to send a letter of concern to the Clubs.

The Mayor addressed council to discuss a Deputy Mayor appointment. It was agreed that the Deputy Mayor would change at the beginning of each year during their term of Council. The names were placed in a hat and a random draw was held. A resolution was passed.

The following resolutions were passed:

R2011-023

Kelly Elik – Jason Cottrell:

Therefore be it resolved that the Council for the Township of Strong adopt the Minutes of the January 25, 2011 meeting as circulated. Carried

R2011-0024

Merlyn Snow – Kelly Elik:

Therefore be it resolved that the Council for the Township of Strong accept the Accounts Payable as presented up to and including January 25, 2011 in the amount of $ 59894.06

And hereby authorize the Clerk/Treasurer to issue cheques for same. Carried

R2011-025

Merlyn Snow – J. D. Newstead:

Therefore Be It Resolved that the Council for the Township of Strong hereby agree to a one year extension of the Permit Agreement with Mike Piraino to be reviewed January 31, 2012 – provided there are no complaints from adjoining property owners. Carried

R2011-026

Merlyn Snow – J. D. Newstead:

The Council for the Township of Strong have read By-Law No. 2011-001 Being a by-law to authorize the borrowing from time to time to meet current expenditures during the fiscal year having read the by-law a First and Second time on January 11, 2011

And that this by-law received final reading on January 25, 2011;

And that Council for the Township of Strong authorize the Mayor and the Clerk to sign this by-law and affix the Seal of the Corporation thereto. Carried

R2011-027

Merlyn Snow – J. D. Newstead:

The Council for the Township of Strong have read By-Law No. 2011-002 Being a by-law to impose an interest charge expressed as a percentage per month for non-payment of tax arrears having read the by-law the required readings,

Therefore the Council hereby authorize the Mayor and the Clerk to sign this by-law and affix the Seal of the Corporation thereto. Carried

R2011-028

Kelly Elik – Merlyn Snow:

The Council for the Township of Strong have read By-Law No. 2011-003 Being a by-law to impose an interest charge expressed as a percentage per month for non-payment of current taxes having read the by-law a First and Second time on January 11, 2011

And that this by-law received final reading on January 25, 2011;

And that Council for the Township of Strong authorize the Mayor and the Clerk to sign this by-law and affix the Seal of the Corporation thereto. Carried

R2011-029

J. D. Newstead- Jason Cottrell:

The Council for the Township of Strong have read By-Law No. 2011-004 Being a by-law to provide indemnification for members of council, local boards, committees and employees with respect to certain actions or proceedings arising from their duties having read the by-law a First and Second time on January 11, 2011

And that this by-law received final reading on January 25, 2011;

And that Council for the Township of Strong authorize the Mayor and the Clerk to sign this by-law and affix the Seal of the Corporation thereto. Carried

R2011-030

Jason Cottrell – J. D. Newstead:

The Council for the Township of Strong have read By-Law No. 2011-005 Being a by-law to provide for an Interim Levy and the payment of Interim taxes for 2011having read the by-law a First and Second time on January 11, 2011

And that this by-law received final reading on January 25, 2011;

And that Council for the Township of Strong authorize the Mayor and the Clerk to sign this by-law and affix the Seal of the Corporation thereto. Carried

R2011-031

Merlyn Snow – Jason Cottrell:

Therefore be it resolved that the Council for the Township of Strong hereby adjourn the regular meeting of council at 7:00 p.m.;

And that Council declares the Public Meeting Open to discuss a zoning by-law amendment.

And that this by-law received third and final reading at the regular Council meeting on January 25, 2011. Carried

R2011-032

Jason Cottrell – J. D. Newstead:

Therefore be it resolved that the Council for the Township of Strong hereby Close the Public Meeting at 7:10 p.m. and returns to the regular meeting of council. Carried

R2011-033

Kelly Elik- Jason Cottrell:

Therefore be it resolved that the Council for the Township of Strong have read By-law 2011-006 being a by-law to amend By-law 93-1307- Zoning By-law with respect to lands legally described as part 3, parcel 23108, RP10101, located in Part of Lot 24, Concession 12, in the Township of Strong have read the by-law the first and second time on January 11, 2011; Carried

R2011-034

Merlyn Snow – J. D. Newstead:

Whereas the NE LHIN has determined that Health Care is adequately covered in East Parry Sound; and

Whereas the 12 municipalities in East Parry Sound feel that this is an unfair statement as $1.8 million has been removed from the Almaguin Highlands Health Care with no alternate programs added and current programs cannot handle current case loads;

And Whereas the unique needs of this rural area were not considered in the LHIN’s report and we strongly feel that we need a health care entity governed and operated by a local board;

Now Therefore Be It Resolved that the Township of Strong enact as follows:

That we join with supporting Municipalities of the Almaguin Highlands in the operation of the newly incorporated Almaguin Highlands Health Centre to work towards improved health care for seasonal, permanent residents and visitors to our area.

And that our resolution be sent to:
Minister of Health – Deb Matthews,
MP – Tony Clement

MPP – Norm Miller

NE LHIN – Peter Vaudry – Lousie Paquette – Leah Welk Carried

R2011-035

J. D. Newstead – Merlyn Snow:

That we insert a line in our 2011 budget for $ 5,000.00 (Almaguin Highlands Health Centre Project). Carried

R2011-036

Kelly Elik – Merlyn Snow:

Therefore Be It Resolved that the Corporation of the Township of Strong hereby approve an ad in the Almaguin News in the amount of $ 65.00 plus HST in the special edition “ Salute to our Volunteers”. Carried

R2011-037

Kelly Elik – Jason Cottrell:

Therefore be it resolved that the Township of Strong hereby appoint John Newstead as Deputy Mayor for the year 2011 and for 2012- Merlyn Snow, 2013 – Kelly Elik, 2014 – Jason Cottrell. Carried

R2011-038

Kelly Elik – J. D. Newstead:

Therefore be it resolved that the Council for the Township of Strong hereby approve the 2.5% wage increase for the Chief Building Official and Building Inspector effective January 1, 2011. Carried

R2011-039

Kelly Elik- J. D. Newstead:

Therefore be it resolved that as per By-law 2007-1545, Section 28, council agrees to extend the Council meeting past the 9:30 curfew. Carried

R2011-040

Kelly Elik – Merlyn Snow:

Therefore Be It Resolved that the Corporation of the Township of Strong hereby adjourn at 9:35 p.m. until the next regular meeting of council on February 8, 2011. Carried

The above Minutes will not be adopted by council until the next regular meeting of Council on February 8, 2011.

________________________________________________________________________

Mayor, Christine Ellis Clerk/Treasurer, Linda Maurer