THE VILLAGE OF BURK’S FALLS
COUNCIL MINUTES

The regular meeting of the Burk’s Falls Council was called to order at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday January 22, 2002.  All members of Council were present.

Vern and Shirley Hewitt attended the meeting to address their concerns on the sidewalks not being plowed and sanded on Ryerson Crescent or Hwy. 520 in the Village.  A letter will be sent to those property owners asking that they do not park on the sidewalks or push their snow on them. 

Diane Mehaffey and Sandy Henshall from the Library were present to give Council an update on what the Library Board and staff have achieved in 2001 and their goals for 2002.  They are working on the 2002 Budget and hope to have it in for approval for the February or March meeting.

The following Resolutions were passed:
Rex Smith - Cathy Still:
That we adopt the Minutes of the December 17, 2001 , the January 9, 2002 and January 17, 2002 meetings as circulated.

Rex Smith - Alex Millar:
That we approve the annual grant to the Burk’s Falls Cemetery in the amount of $200.00 for the year 2002.

Rex Smith - Cathy Still:
That we approve the application as presented by Elizabeth Butson o/a Nan’s Taxi to operate a Taxi business in the Village of Burk’s Falls provided all documentation is filed with the Municipal office and fees paid in full.

Joe Van Gaal - Alex Millar:
That the Council of Burk’s Falls increase the rates of pay for it’s employees by $.50 per hour effective January 1, 2002.

Rex Smith - Joe Van Gaal:
That we pay the annual membership fee to the East Parry Sound Veterinary Unit in the amount of $ 40.00.

Cathy Still - Joe Van Gaal:
That we approve the payment of the annual membership fees to the Parry Sound Municipal Association in the amount of $ 100.00 per year.

Rex Smith - Cathy Still:
That we approve our annual grant to the Huntsville Branch of the Salvation Army in the amount of $ 100.00 for the year 2002.

Joe Van Gaal - Alex Millar:
That we donate $500.00 to the Burk’s Falls & District Foodbank as our annual donation.

Rex Smith - Cathy Still:
That we have read and approve By-law No. 1-2002 being a by-law to authorize the borrowing from time to time to meet current expenditures during the fiscal year and that we authorize  the Reeve and the Clerk to sign this by-law and affix the seal of the Corporation thereto.

Joe Van Gaal - Alex Millar:
That we have read and approve By-law No. 2-2002 being a by-law to authorize the set rates of pay for the year 2002 and that we authorize the Reeve and Clerk to sign this by-law and affix the seal of the Corporation thereto.

Joe Van Gaal - A. S. Millar:
That we have read and approve By-law No. 3-2002 being a by-law to provide for interest to be charged for over due payments - Tax Arrears and we hereby authorize the Reeve and the Clerk to sign this by-law and affix the seal of the Corporation thereto.

Rex Smith - Alex Millar:
That we have read and approve By-law No. 4-2002 being a by-law to establish a charge for interest for non-payment of current taxes and that we authorize the Reeve and the Clerk to sign this by-law and affix the Seal of the Corporation thereto.

Rex Smith - Cathy Still:
That we accept the Accounts Payable as presented up to and including January 22, 2002 in the amount of $ 87,873.70 and hereby authorize the Clerk/Treasurer to issue cheques for same.

Cathy Still - Alex Millar:
That Council is aware that the Village receives some invoices that must be paid prior to Council meetings because of penalties for late payments.  Council is also aware that the Treasurer pays for janitorial services bi-weekly and employee wages every second Friday.  The Council authorizes the Treasurer to issue cheques for the above as and when required throughout 2002.  The Council also authorizes the Clerk/Treasurer to purchase necessary stationary supplies, printing supplies, stamps and other materials that are required to efficiently operate the Municipal office from day to day throughout 2002.

Rex Smith - Joe Van Gaal:
That we have seen Policy No. CP7266 for Bond Coverage for employees in the amount of $1,000,000.00 as per Section 92 of the Municipal Act. 

Rex Smith - Cathy Still:
That we have read the Resolution circulated by the Municipality of Morris-Turnberry concerning the Line Fences Act;
And That Council for the Village of Burk’s Falls is in agreement with the Resolution regarding amendments be made to the Line Fences Act to ensure  that the Line Fenceviewers Award and Line Fence Referee award shall be enforced;
And That Legislation be in place so that the costs to honour an award may be collected by the Municipality under the Municipal Tax Sales Act;
And That our Resolution of support be forwarded to the Municipality of Morris-Turnberry for their collection and presentation. 

Cathy Still - Alex Millar:
That it is obvious to everyone by now that the cancellation of the spring bear hunt took place for purely political reason and had nothing to do with bear biology.  Ontario’s own biologists were taken back by the decision to cancel the hunt.

Since the cancellation of the spring bear hunt:
1.  The Ministry of Natural Resources has removed themselves from the responsibility of controlling nuisance bears.

2.  Not only are the Municipalities deprived from the income from the spring bear hunt, but now they are burdened with the financial responsibility on controlling nuisance bears.

3.  Nuisance bears are out of control and are in record numbers.  Sows and cubs are being shot in record numbers as nuisance bears.

4.  There are more cubs orphaned now than ever before.  Bear rehabilitation centres in Ontario are full.

5.  Bears are being hit on highways in record numbers, causing great danger to travelers in Ontario.

Now Therefore Be It Resolved that for the protection of black bears and the residents of Northern Ontario that we request the Government of Ontario reinstate the spring bear hunt immediately.

Rex Smith - Alex Millar:
That by R.S.O. as amended, Chapter M 45, Section 247 (1) the Treasurer of every municipality shall on or before the 15th day of February in each year, submit to the Council of the Municipality an itemized statement of the remuneration and expenses paid to each member of Council in respect of his/her services as a member of Council, or as an officer of the Municipal Corporation in the preceding year and to each person mentioned in Subsection 244(1) in respect of his/her services as a member of the Local Board or other body in the preceding year.

Council:                                                            Mileage:

Barry Boyes      $ 6,700.00                           Barry Boyes          $ 33.69

Alex Millar         $ 5,225.00                            Alex Millar            $149.51

Rex Smith         $ 5,000.00                           Joe Van Gaal       $173.18

Cathy Still         $ 5,150.00                            Arena Board:

Joe Van Gaal   $ 5,375.00                            Karl Crozier       $1,000.00

 We have seen the itemized statement for Councillors etc to 2001 in accordance with R.S.O. Chapter M 45 Sec. 247 (1).

Rex Smith - Cathy Still:
That we do now adjourn at 10:00 p.m. until the next regular meeting of Council scheduled for February 19, 2002.

Jarvis W. Osborne

Clerk/Treasurer