LoW Council gives permission to hold bass tourney at Morson dock

Ruth Brett
Contributor

The Lake of the Woods Township council held their regular meeting on Jan. 11, 2005 at Bergland. Present were Mayor V. Pizey, Councillors J. Moen, C. Fadden, T. Sepers, B. Lundgren, ClerkTreasurer P. Giles, Road Supt. E. Pearson, Fire Chief W. Detwieler, and 4 visitors.
Mr. J. Fisher, on behalf of Morson Bass International, reported on the plans for the Morson Bass tournament to be held in August at the Morson government dock. He outlined the need for volunteers and for financial assistance. Mr. Fisher stated that any profits will be reinvested into the community and this includes a long term plan for development of a park at the government dock area. He further stated that other groups in the community are to be involved as well..with booths, etc. Concerns were expressed by some members of council and council wants an overall plan in place before they consent to any major changes.
Fire Chief Detwieler updated Council on the Fire Dept. and presented a draft budget for 2005. He also advised council that most firefighters are concerned whether or not to respond to house fires in unincorporated areas and First Nations. Clerk Giles had discussed this issue with District Fire Chief Richardson and it is council’s decision whether or not LoW firefighters can respond outside the municipality.
Bills for the month of December in the amount of $63,796.82 were approved for payment.
Road Report: Supt. Pearson reported on the roads in the township. Council has asked that he bring forth any issues with the use of roadside permits so that council can deal with forfeiture of deposit if the use is unauthorized or if there is damage to the roadside.
Supt. Pearson informed council that the furnace at the Bergland Hall keeps going out. Council asked him to check on the furnace malfunction and also to investigate the proper use of the propane heater and the air exchange system in the hall and report back to council.
Council has authorized Clerk Giles to arrange for the printing of dump permit cards which will be issued by the dump attendant at Morson and Bergland dumps.
Council has authorized the Fire Dept. to respond to any house fires at First Nations or unincorporated areas when dispatched. The Fire Chief’s compensation was set by Council.
Council has authorized Councillor Sepers to approach Big Island and Big Grassy First Nations to discuss the issue of garbage disposal.
Council authorizes Clerk Giles to advise the Morson Bass International that they may use the government dock and parking area for their Bass Tournament. Under the supervision of Road Supt. Pearson, they may use gravel from Vauthey pit and remove trees from the proposed parking area.
Council authorized the allocation of $25,000.00 to Working Capital Reserve.
Councillor Sepers reported on the issue of the establishment of a recreation committee which will answer to Council. He wants to ensure that the whole community has a chance to be on the proposed committee. Clerk Giles is to advertise for people interested in forming a recreation committee and a cemetery committee. Names are to be submitted to the Clerk by Feb.1, 2005.
By-Law # 139, being the Emergency Mutual Assistance By-Law was enacted.
By-Law # 140, being the 9-1-1 CERB Services Agreement By-Law was enacted.
Mayor Pizey, J. Moen, C. Fadden and Clerk Giles are authorized to attend the annual RRDMA meeting in Barwick on Jan.29, 2005
Council will adopt the amended Bid Protest and Bid Irregularities Policies next meeting as well as consider the Workplace Harassment/Discrimination Prevention Policy.
Councillor Moen brought up the concern about the community safety issue due to the number of break and enters in the Morson area lately. Clerk Giles is to write to Sgt. Dennis requesting action by the OPP.