MINUTES - REGULAR MEETING
January 23, 2007

PRESENT: Reeve Robert Rydholm
Councillor Mary-Lynne Hunt
Councillor Shirley Hunt
Councillor Brenda Spithoff
Councillor Donna Young
Road Superintendent Ken Malinoski
Clerk-Treasurer Patricia Maxwell

ALSO PRESENT:
ABSENT:


1. CALL TO ORDER

Reeve Rydholm called the meeting to order at 6:40 pm. Prior to the opening Mr. Harold Spithoff took official photographs of Council which will be placed on the website.

2. ADOPTION OF THE AGENDA

Resolution No. 2006-17

Moved by Councillor M. Hunt
Seconded by Councillor Spithoff

THAT the Meeting Agenda be adopted as circulated.
CARRIED.

3. DECLARATION OF PECUNIARY INTEREST

There were no declarations of pecuniary interest on the part of any member of Council.

4. DEPUTATIONS AND PETITIONS

There were no deputations or petitions for Council's consideration.

5. ADOPTION OF MINUTES

5.1 Minutes - Regular Meeting - January 9, 2007

Resolution No. 2006-18

Moved by Councillor S. Hunt
Seconded by Councillor Young

THAT the Minutes of the Regular Meeting of Council held on January 9, 2007 be approved as circulated.
CARRIED.

5.2 Minutes - Closed Meeting - January 9, 2006

Resolution No. 2006-19

Moved by Councillor Spithoff
Seconded by Councillor M. Hunt

THAT the Minutes of the Closed Meeting of Council held on January 9, 2007 be approved as circulated.
CARRIED.

6. REPORTS FROM MUNICIPAL OFFICERS

6.1 Road Superintendent's Report

Mr. Malinoski advised that the Department has been sanding, scarifying and plowing the roads, although there has not been much snow. They have hauled more sand to the shop from the pit. The Department will begin work on refurbishing the rails to be used for a fence at the Landfill.

The Clerk advised that the invoice from 2005 regarding the upgrade of the garage doors did not charge us for door openers. Mr. Malinoski advised that the openers were at the shop. Council directed the Clerk to contact the company and request that they install the openers.

Landfill - Council discussed the duties of the Landfill Attendant now that there is no need to count the number of bags entering the trench. Mr. Malinoski was requested to review the requirements for recycling activities with the Attendant.

6.2 Fire Chief's Report

There was no report from the Fire Chief at this meeting, however Council discussed the use of Federal Gas Tax Funds to repair and upgrade the doors at the Fire Hall. Council was in agreement with this use of funds.

6.3 Clerk's Report

The Clerk reported that there appeared to be a problem with the power to the rink, however, the ice is in and usable.

The Clerk advised that Council needed to sign the contract with Polar Mechanical for the kitchen makeup air. Council passed the following resolution:

Resolution 2007-20

Moved by Councillor S. Hunt
Seconded by Councillor Young

THAT the Reeve and Clerk be authorized to affix their signatures on behalf of the Township of Conmee to the contract with Polar Mechanical for the kitchen air makeup system.
CARRIED.

6.4 Councillor's Reports

Councillor S. Hunt provided Council with a report regarding the Thunder Bay District Health Unit meeting held on January 16, 2007. The report is on file in the office.

7. DISBURSEMENT LIST

7.1 Disbursement List No. 01B 2007

Resolution No. 2007-21

Moved by Councillor Young
Seconded by Councillor S. Hunt

THAT the Accounts in the amount of $31,838.28 as per Disbursement List No. 01B 2007 be approved for payment.
CARRIED.

8. UNFINISHED BUSINESS

8.1 Report from M. Power, NOMA re Forest Industry

Council reviewed the report from NOMA regarding the creation of the Northwestern Ontario Regional Development Authority. Council felt that this organization would duplicate the activities of other established organizations such as FedNor and NOMA itself. Council did not support this resolution.

8.2 Budget Update - December

Council reviewed the budget update. The Clerk noted that although the accounts are showing a large surplus as of this date, there are outstanding invoices and projects that will be included in the 2006 year that will reduce that surplus.

9. NEW BUSINESS

9.1 By-law No. 905 - Appoint Volunteers to Library

Resolution No. 2007-22

Moved by Councillor
Seconded by Councillor

THAT the Reeve and Clerk be authorized to affix their signatures on behalf of the Township of Conmee to By-law No. 905 being a by-law to appoint a volunteer library board.
CARRIED.

9.2 Request by Staff for Computer Loans - Item withdrawn.

9.3 OGRA Conference - no attendance this year.

9.4 By-law Enforcement Officer Salary Request

Resolution No. 2007-23

Moved by Councillor Young
Seconded by Councillor S. Hunt

THAT the By-law Enforcement Officer's remuneration be increased to $20.00 per hour and $0.40 per kilometer.
CARRIED.

9.5 Chainsaw Training - Councillor M. Hunt

Councillor Hunt advised that some members of the Fire Department require certification on chainsaw operations and suggested that they could remove the dead trees in the cemetery as practice. Council requested that the Department liaison with the Roads Department on this matter.

9.6 Letter from Auditor

Council reviewed the letter from the Auditor outlining the new accounting procedures. The Auditor advised that the new methods will take more time and therefore the cost of the audit will be higher.
9.7 Resolution Support Request re Lakehead University

Resolution No. 2007-24

Moved by Councillor Spithoff
Seconded by Councillor M. Hunt

THAT the Council for the Township of Conmee supports the resolution from the Lakehead University Student Union regarding tuition increases (copy attached).

AND THAT this resolution be forwarded to our local MP and MPP.
CARRIED.

9.8 Admin. Assistant's Report to Council re Recreation

The Administration Assistant has developed a proposal to produce a calendar for June, which is Recreation Month. This calendar will outline a recreational activity each day and will be sent out as part of the newsletter. Ms. Hilliard also proposed that Council hold a barbeque in conjunction with the Fire Department. Council approved of the concept and requested that Ms. Hilliard present further information.

9.9 LRCA Foundation Dinner and Auction

No member of Council was interested in attending this function.

10. CORRESPONDENCE

10.1 Minutes - TB. District Health Unit - December 19, 2006 - filed
10.2 Ontario Municipal Partnership Fund - Funding Formula - filed
10.3 Development Permit System and Plans of Subdivision - filed
10.4 Essentials of Municipal Fire Protection - Training Coming - file

11. ADJOURNMENT

Resolution No. 2007-25

Moved by Councillor S. Hunt
Seconded by Councillor Young

THAT we do now adjourn at 8:56 pm.
CARRIED.



_____________________
Reeve



_____________________
Clerk