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TOWNSHIP OF ST. JOSEPH NEWS LETTER Vol. 03-06 COUNCIL MEETING HIGHLIGHTS June 3rd , 2003 Mrs. Deanna Nadjiwon has been hired as an economic development intern on a 52 week contract. Mr. Barry Elliott was appointed as Superintendent of Water and Sewer Services. Council agreed to renew the municipality’s general insurance coverage for a one year term with Jardine OME at a cost of $33,679. This premium represents an increase of over 40% from last year, however other quotations received were even higher. The Ontario Progressive Conservative Party will be advised of Council’s objections to their proposal to require municipalities to hold referendums on any proposed future tax increases. Council endorsed a resolution by the Town of Midland requesting clarification of duties and protection from personal liability for officers and directors of municipal corporations that operate drinking water systems. A donation of $25 was authorized for the Grade 8 Graduation at St. Joseph Island Central School. Concern was expressed in regard to the safety of the foot bridge over the creek on Spring Street at the east end of Lucy Street. Municipal staff have been instructed to remove this bridge. Concerns regarding traffic exiting the golf course onto 10th Side Road without yielding the right of way were discussed. The owner of the golf course will be requested to erect a stop sign on his entrance onto that road. A by-law to authorize a tax arrears extension agreement was passed. June 17th, 2003 Mrs. Deanna Nadjiwon, the municipality’s new Economic Development Co-ordinator, was in attendance to introduce herself to all members of Council. Council authorized the purchase of a computer for use by Mrs Nadjiwon. Works Superintendent Ross Armstrong was in attendance to discuss a number of road and other works related matters. Quotations by Brian Bringleson to supply a backhoe with operator on an as needed basis at a price of $53.50 per hour, and by Rod Wessell and Son to provide roadside mowing at a rate of $48.00 per hour, were accepted. The 2003 municipal budget was adopted in the amount of $2,581,613. This budget will result in an increase in the overall residential tax rate of approximately 6%. The effect on individual tax payers will however vary depending upon changes to the assessed values of their properties. This increase was required in order to meet increased costs over which the municipality has little or no control such as power and insurance costs and the cost of area wide services. Council prevented an even larger tax increase by authorizing the use of reserves and reserve funds to offset some capital costs this year. Council agreed to continue the present joint recycling program on a month to month basis until a new contract can be agreed upon and implemented. This municipality is petitioning the provincial government to assume the full cost of testing and monitoring water systems in the Province of Ontario. Council endorsed resolutions by the County of Grey requesting financial support for those effected by the recent mad cow disease announcement, the Municipality of Central Elgin requesting the federal and provincial governments to avoid election calls when municipal elections are being held, and the Town of Tecumseh requesting extension of the deadline for risk assessment and achievement of essential program standards and adoption of emergency management program by-laws. Notice was received that this municipality’s application for funding under the Summer Experience Program was not successful, but that partial funding for two student positions has been approved under the Summer Jobs Services program. A collaborative agreement with Ducks Unlimited Canada respecting enhanced wetland mapping and evaluation for Central Algoma was authorized to be signed. Council also authorized the signing of the agreements with the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care respecting the 2003 budget for seniors services and with Fisheries and Oceans Canada respecting funding for decking and concrete repairs at the Richards Landing Small Craft Harbour Facility. The purchase of brochure and information display facilities at the marina services building was authorized. Council accepted a number of offers to purchase surplus equipment. A total of $2,128 was raised. A few specialty items which were not sold will be advertised for sale in the classifieds. Complete Council Meeting Minutes may be obtained at the Township Office and are also available for viewing at the Public Library in Richards Landing. |