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Council Report, 5 January 2011 By Holly Franklin The first concern addressed was the Suncor Development at the corner of Pinebush and Townline Rd., Cambridge. Councillor Stokley asked if we should have a representative from Council at the hydrogeological meeting. Mayor Lever replied that the meeting will be quite technical, and that Stan Denhoed will report back to council. The OMB hearing is planned for April 2011. Dennis is concerned that the GRCA has lost the focus of the original people (Puslinch and North Dumfries) who expressed concern about below-water taking of aggregate by the gravel companies. Puslinch’s Building Superintendant will discuss MURF issues at the next Council Meeting. One of those issues is liability insurance. A delegation of Friends of Mill Creek gave an upbeat presentation about their organization and its work. Doug Auld, Larry Halyk and Don McKay gave an interesting overview of the organization’s past and on-going monitoring and rehabilitation of Mill Creek. The Friends are made up of members of the community from various backgrounds and professions. They think that the reason they are so successful at this work is that they “leave their baggage at the door.” Larry Halyk, who is with the MNR, works on the aquatic restoration of Mill Creek; the blueprints for this restoration are done by Paul Rice, and are science-based. Under the Mill Creek’s stewardship programme, 4 local students are hired each summer for various restoration projects. This part of the project is funded entirely by the community. The silt and debris from Highway 401 has been eliminated and the trout population is improving both in terms of numbers and health. Dennis said that when the budget review takes place at the end of March, Council will consider the FCM’s request for money. Councillor Sue Fielding stated that she would be willing to improve on the current amount the Township contributes ($2500 per year). When asked if the programme would come to a close in the foreseeable future, Larry replied that the mess from the 401 project will most likely be another 20 years to clean up. Official Public Meeting: Zoning by-law amendment application by the Donkey Sanctuary (the Padys). The Padys have sold the property currently used by the Sanctuary to the Donkey Sanctuary of Canada. They would like to increase the amount of land used by the Sanctuary, and to have it zoned separately from the remainder of the property, still owned by the Padys. The by-law amendment carried. There were no comments from the public. Return to regular Council Meeting: Bruce Donaldson, lawyer, made a presentation on behalf of the developer of the property at the northeast side of McLean Road and Brock Rd., just north of the GO Station. The developer is asking for an H symbol zoning (Holding symbol) to allow him/her to market the property with certain conditions. A plan of subdivision won’t be done until there is a buyer – it is not known what a buyer will want to buy at this point in time. Wayne commented that we need to know the conditions of the H symbol and that we should move toward a public meeting on this matter. Report of Road Superintendent, JimHowlett. Councillor Schmidt remarked that the report for payment was “rather condensed.” And Councillor Roth commented that it would be good to get a report on these expenses before the Council meeting. Mayor Lever said that the reporting procedures will be changed to reflect whether we are on budget when the budget process is reviewed at the end of March. By-Laws passed: In favour of Mini-Lakes’ request for the removal of the H (holding) symbol. In favour of a penalty charge for non-payment of current taxes. In favour of interest charges to be added to tax arrears. In favour of interim tax levies for 2011. Council adjourned for a Closed Meeting. Next regular council meeting at 7:30 Wednesday evening, 19 January 2011. |