LoW Council still waiting for official word on cell towers

Ruth Brett
Contributor

The January meeting of the Lake of the Woods Township Council was held on the 3rd with Mayor Pizey, Councillors J. Moen, C. Fadden, T. Sepers, Clerk-Treasurer P. Giles and Road Supt. E. Pearson present.
Arising from the minutes, Mayor Pizey wanted it noted that Council had expressed a concern that a conflict of interest may be perceived in the purchasing of the fire trucks for the Township. The trucks are being bought from Stratton Equipment and Fire Chief C. Pollard works for that business. However, Council discussed his recommendations as Fire Chief and decided that the purchases were in the best interest of the Township.
J. Cawston for the Best Start program again did not show up, this time with no explanation.
Bills for the month of December in the total amount of $155,318.33 were approved for payment.
Road Supt. Pearson reported that all roads had been sanded. Councillors complimented him on the condition of the roads but noted that a few of the roads were still icy. It was determined that the plowing had possibly removed some of the sand. The oil furnace at the Bergland Hall burned out just before Christmas and was replaced by an electric furnace.
Councillor Sepers reported that the Rec. Committee had good ice on the rink for 3 days, before the mild weather came. There will be a social afternoon for those people aged 55 and over on January 16, 2pm at the Bergland Hall. This meeting is to determine interest in starting a Senior’s Club.
The Clerk reported that there is no official announcement on the funding for the cell towers as yet. Councillor Sepers attended a meeting with Big Grassy F.N. regarding fire protection. He stated that they have a good number of volunteers. Clerk Giles updated Council on the budget; there will be a deficit for 2005 but an accumulated surplus position at the year end. Letters from MTO were received regarding Hwy 621’s snow packed condition; it is classed as #5 and therefore must be center bare. There is still no definite word on when the Spruce Creek culvert will be corrected but it is being placed on the Ministry’s priority list for capital projects. The estimate for policing in 2006 for the Township is $57,170. The NWHU levy for 2006 remains the same; MPAC levy increased from $22,841 to $23,196; WSIB levy increased from $1.54 to $1.64. The Clerk has received from the Alcohol & Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) their direction and priorities for the modernization of charitable gaming. The MOL has introduced legislation to remove the” mandatory retirement age” for employees across Ontario. L. Nordin, representative of LoW Twp., has attended the last meeting of the Aulneau Peninsula Wildlife Enhancement Management Plan via teleconference. NOMA has passed a resolution asking the Provincial Government to make changes in the way that electricity is managed in the province, especially in Northwestern Ont. Council may make a decision on whether to support this resolution at a later date.
The Mayor reported at length on the RRDSSAB proposal to rent, lease or purchase new office accommodations. The Lake of the Woods Council will not support their proposal at this time because of uncertainty in the business sector of some communities.
Council has authorized Clerk Giles to advise Big Grassy F.N. that the Twp. is willing to enter into negotiations with them for a fire agreement.
Council agrees to allow Aishinaabeg of Naongashiing use of the Bergland dump for their contractor to dump household waste only.This for an annual fee of $2500.00. For other waste ie. furniture, metals, refrigerators, payment will be according to the user fee schedule. Persons from the unincorporated area may use the Bergland dump for the established user fees.
Council has authorized the Clerk-Treasurer, Mayor and all Councillors to attend the RRDMA Annual Conference in January.
The Mayor and Councillor Fadden have been authorized to attend the Riverside meeting, regarding Rainycrest, on January 12, 2006.
Council has authorized that municipal insurance be renewed through Jardine Lloyd Thompson of Canada Ltd.
Council has authorized a 2% cost of living adjustment to all wages and salaries, the mileage rate to be increased to .37 /km and the exchange rate on the U.S. dollar to be reduced to 10% effective January 1, 2006
Council will meet with all community groups and custodians on January 16, 2006 at 7pm at the Bergland Hall. This meeting is to make clear the responsibilities of all concerned and what the groups and custodians can expect of one another.
Next council meeting is on February 7, 2006 at Bergland.