Greater Gravenhurst Residents Association
Gravenhurst Council Notes December 16, 2009 without prejudice
The meeting is known as planning council as matters before it primarily relate to land use planning matters. There were 2 planning matters.
Overall comment:
The primary purpose of the meeting was the mandatory “public meeting” on the draft of the new comprehensive zoning by-law. In addition there was one OSRA closure and sale.
The Zoning by-law
This is the set of rules which will determine the character of Gravenhurst for the next decade. It is amongst the most important items for consideration by Council. It sets out the rules for land use and should ensure environmental and property protection for all residents.
Many written submissions were made prior to the meeting and several participants reiterated the points made in their submissions. In addition new oral submissions were heard. The overall input was that the draft is not ready to be finalized and more than tweaking is required.
The presenters were
Professional planners – they critiqued definitions, specific items and mapping of specific properties. They warned of several implementation problems if parts of the draft stay as is.
Associations - they indicated they wanted more than a cursory look at requests regarding waterfront requirements and the urban residential changes proposed. Implementation concerns were also raised. They requested further meeting with the planners to improve the document.
Individuals – they sought clarity on specific properties and also raised some of the questions which came from associations
By the end of the meeting it was clear that more work and meetings are required and that the timetable for the by-law will have to be extended. The planner was directed to follow through on this.
Questions from council were limited, although some useful questions regarding the impact of other legislation, such as the building code, on the requirements in the by-law
Prepared by the Greater Gravenhurst Residents Association (GGRA) this is a report of what happened at the council meeting; comments designed to give context and identify repeated patterns are included for the relevant items. These reports are prepared so that citizens can make informed contributions to the betterment of the town. To see background papers go to the town website.
Greater Gravenhurst Residents Association
Council Notes December 15, 2009 Without Prejudice
Prepared by the Greater Gravenhurst Residents Association (GGRA) this is a report of what happened at the council meetings; comments designed to give context and identify repeated patterns are included for the relevant items. These reports are prepared so that citizens can make informed contributions to the betterment of the town. The GGRA has been promoting greater access to information and accountability.
Council met in closed session re litigation or potential litigation, meeting with town lawyer and proposed acquisition/disposition of land. Councillor Sandy Cairns declared a pecuniary interest on 1 item.
Most of this meeting was routine matters. However, I found this to be one of the most difficult meetings that I have attended and covered for the GGRA. The total disregard for the taxpayer during the discussion, or lack thereof, regarding the new Municipal Offices was disturbing.
Community Services
Councillor Colhoun feels with the G8 coming it is incumbent upon us to make the community beautiful.
Comment – I agree that the CIB program and budget need to be examined, as to all proposed budgets. However, I found it ironic that this was discussed and questioned to the degree that it was and then when the huge cost of renovating and moving the Town Offices was brought forward there was great enthusiasm on the part of some councillors and others remained silent and provided no comments or questions.
Public Works
G8 'Gravenhurst Uptown Beautification Project' Agreement – The funding was announced April 13, 2009. A report detailing the project was sent to Tony Clement's Office on August 14. The agreement was signed in November and returned to the Town on December 4. All of the work is to be done by March 31, 2010.
Dave Saunders presented a report outlining the work to be done, delivery time and time available to complete the work. This project includes retrofitting all of the streetlights installed on Muskoka Rd. S. from Bethune Dr. to James Street and all of the streetlights and parking lot lights at the Muskoka Wharf with L.E.D. Energy efficient bulbs. Existing street lights will be replaced from James St. to Winewood Avenue and from Muskoka Rd. 169 from Bethune Dr. to the Muskoka Wharf. Streetscape furniture is included – waste & recycle containers, benches, bike poles, community kiosk units, bollard, planters, banners, festive decoration units and flag pole centres. There is concern with timing – 6 weeks to ship the lighting components which would leave only 6 weeks for the work to be done according to the funding agreement. The costs of purchasing & installing the street lighting and streetscape furniture components is fully funded by the Federal Government for $1,201,000 as per the funding agreement. Should the project not be completed within the timelines, the agreement could become null & void and the Town would have to reimburse the funds. The District of Muskoka is scheduled to reconstruct Muskoka Rd. from James St. to Winewood Ave., beginning in Sept, 2010 and competing in the summer of 2011. This would involved the removal of the new lights and furniture and they would be then be reinstalled after the District work is complete. The report states it was suggested to Minister Clement's office that the material be purchased but wait to complete the replacement of the streetlights until after the District's work is complete. However, he states that the agreement remains the same and that this is not allowed; the materials must be purchased and the work must be completed by March 31, 2010. Councillor Colhoun asked Mr. Saunders if the work can be done by the end of March if we get the lights by Feb. 15. Mr. Saunders hopes so but cannot promise – it is weather dependent. Treasurer, Ken Watson said that we can approach the Ministry and ask for concessions but he doesn't know if they will provide them. Councillor Paisley Donaldson expressed her disappointment – the Town did what they were supposed to do and is disappointed the time lines have not changed. She feels we should get as much done as we can. Mayor John Klinck feels this is a once is a lifetime opportunity. There are means and methods to do as much as you can. Now that we have the agreement let's get at it and spend as much as we can. Councillor Mark Clairmont echoed the Mayor's comments. A bylaw was passed at the later Council meeting authorizing the Mayor and Clerk to execute the Agreement with the Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities.
Corporate Services – Council moved Corporate Services up on the Agenda so that the Architect for the renovation of the new municipal office could make his presentation.
1. Presentation by Brian Bertrand re New Municipal Office – In November a report was presented. The estimated cost for the project by Montieth Building Group was $18,884,000.00. The architect recommended the municipality also carry an allowance for exterior work (to tie the existing building into the Municipal Office) of $75,000.00 plus a contingency of 10-15% of the construction cost plus applicable taxes and soft costs for a total of approximately $1,900,000.00. A debenture of $1.9 million over 20 years at the current rate of 4.81% would mean an annual payment of $150,000 including principal & interest. It also addressed the advantages of working with the current general contractor on site rather than putting the project out to tender. At that meeting Council passed a resolution directing staff to work with the architect, to investigate the cost of the renovation/construction in a reduced amount and report back to council and to negotiate through the architect with the contractor on site to renovate/construct the existing Health Unit building to the Municipal Office. The architect reported that the previous proposal was high level. They have reviewed the project and have developed a strategy to create a middle of the road/slightly upper end project. He identified 9 items that could be reduced to save money.
-Flooring – delete carpet tile and replace with carpet Savings - $10,555
-Council Chamber Ceiling – change from “Latitudes” tile to “Teqular” 1,305
-Cabinetry – change from granite tops to laminate tops 24,975
-Entry space ceiling – change from “Geometric Design” to “Teqular” 5,115
-Meeting rooms – change from standing glass walls to aluminum glass frame system 50,000
-Birch wall panels to be removed and replaced with living wall 12,950
-Removal of Skylights 25,632
-Reduction in demolition due to the design change 7,841
-Reduction in structural material and labour due to design change 10,147
Total Credit Available $148,520
This reduces the initial cost to $1,751,480.00. These figures are dependent upon the final construction documentation and market conditions. The reduced amount does not include a review of the $612,199.00 in allowance. The $612,199.00 consists of mechanical, electrical, site work, testing, controls, signage, data drops and exterior work and the architect would like to see those figures remain as they are. The letter from Monteith did say that the mechanical allowance of $291,060 and the electrical allowance of $173,139 have not been reviewed and further credit may be available. The cash allowances of $73,000 for site work, testing & controls, signage, data drops and graphics has not been reviewed and further credits may be available. The cash allowance of $75,000 for exterior works has not been reviewed and further credits may be available. Mr. Bertrand did say that the ball was in Committee's court and if they tell him what the budget is they will work towards it. Councillor Bryan Pilger asked about the skylights. Councillor Mark Clairmont would like to see the skylights back in the Council Chambers. He feels the councillors need to be comfortable in the chambers as they spend a lot of time there. Mr. Bertrand said they were asked to find savings and now we are adding back in. Councillor Bob Colhoun inquired if, by reducing, the Town would be penny wise and pound foolish. The architect said no, he is pleased with the operational layout and some of this is window dressing and aesthetics. Perhaps there could be a dormer window in the Council Chambers instead of skylights. Removing the skylights will not take away from the project. Councillor Colhoun suggested that the carpet tiles be put back in as there is a lot of traffic and the carpet tiles would be good value for the money.
At this time CAO, Cindy Maher brought forward her report. In addition to the architect's report staff tried to look at the overall project and to give the Committee a total cost associated with the project. The Town owns most of the furniture at the Health Unit building as well as the furniture at the current Town office. There has been no allowance made for new furnishings at this time. In order to determine exact pieces to be utilized and a “fit” a furniture fit would have to be completed. Architect and engineering fees are usually standard at 10% of the construction cost. However, since tender packages will not have to be prepared because the existing contractor will take on the work, these fees will be reduced to 8% of the construction cost. There is a phone system in the building but it has not been determined if this will meet the needs of the town and so a rough estimate of a phone system has been obtained at $30,000. An estimate of $10,000 has been included to physically move from the current office.
Councillor Bryan Pilger asked about servicing the debt. The cost for carrying the debit is a 1% tax increase for every million dollars borrowed. At this point in the meeting the Mayor pontificated for several minutes about the need for the Town to move to this building. He is thrilled with the customer service orientation. The new space will be a vast improvement over the current offices which are too small. There is nowhere to put summer students and they can't be trained properly. The people of Gravenhurst have the right to have a Town Office that is efficient and effective. The employees have a right to have a facility that they are proud of and enjoy going to. There is no privacy in the current building. There are issues with the Fire Department that need to be addressed. It is going to cost some money but it is needed. Council owes it to the community and the staff. To those that say the Town should not move out of the town core he says the new building is within the core. The various business nodes of town form a triangle and the public has to go through town to get to these areas. The new building will be good for contractors and for deliveries – it is right off the highway. This is a good move. Councillor Colhoun supported the Mayor's comments and suggested that serious consideration be given to putting the $10,555 back in for the carpet tiles. A resolution dealing with this was considered at the Council meeting. Comment: Not one Councillor picked up on or responded when the architect suggested that if Council put forward a budget for the project he would work towards that budget. The majority of councillors were either gung ho about the whole project or said nothing. When I queried the Treasurer, Ken Watson and the Chair of Corporate Services, Lou Guerriero after the meeting about whether there was a budget for this project I was told that you don't do that; you would never do it that way. This means not only was this NOT PUT OUT TO TENDER but also THERE IS NO BUDGET. Naturally the architect is going to go as high end as possible – the higher the cost of the construction the more money he makes. Who is minding the store? Who is overseeing this project? Why would granite counter tops be considered in the first place? When I asked about the $800 door hardware that was mentioned I was assured that included the door as well. Let's hope so. Why can't the doors that are currently in the Health Unit Building be used? We better hope that the furniture from the current Town Offices and the existing Health Unit are “comfortable” and are a fit or who knows how much that could cost. Why do the councillors need sky lights in the Council chambers? This project needs to be examined and major savings need to be found. I for one would be “proud” if the Council would be more fiscally responsible. A Town Office needs to be functional, not luxurious.
2, A letter was received from the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit thanking the Town for their support and assistance in the delivery of the H1N1 immunization clinics.
Development Services.
1. Two shore road closures were dealt with, both on the Severn River.
2. Comments from the Gravenhurst Environmental Advisory Committee regarding the proposed Comprehensive Zoning Bylaw. These were to be considered at the Planning Council meeting on December 16.
3. Minutes of the November 10 meeting of the Municipal Heritage Committee – Mayor Klinck questioned the Proposal for a Municipal Heritage Facility. Council liaison, Mark Clairmont, replied that this was a recommendation by Heritage Committee Member, Richard Tatley, and endorsed by the Committee that in future planning a Heritage Component be considered for the Carnegie Library Building. There are no specific plans at this time.
Economic Development
1. Amy Taylor presented a Transportation Committee Update. Seven people have come forward to serve on this Committee. A resolution was passed approving the terms of reference and the appointment of the following members – Allan Denne, Ardena McKelvey, Evelyn Matson, Glenn Norman, Pat Loewen, Roy Kerr, Stephen King and Tracy Wilson as the Council liaison. The first meeting was held on December 3 and the next meeting will be held in early January.
2. Ontario Trillium Foundation Funding Update – The Town applied to the Ontario Trillium Foundation in March, 2009. The initial application was deferred to July 1 due to a large intake of applications. The funding application was approved in early November. This application was made to purchase portable bleachers, staging and sound equipment to be used at various Town Events and could also be made available to other organizations for their events, at the Town's discretion. The equipment must be purchased and in use with 12 months of the Agreement. A by-law was passed at Council to authorize the Mayor and Clerk to execute an agreement with the Ontario Trillium Foundation.
3. Ontario Winter Games – this is the co-hosting agreement for the Winter Games. A by-law was passed at the Council meeting authorizing the Mayor and Clerk to Execute an agreement for the Ontario Winter Games.
COUNCIL MEETING
As well as the above noted by-laws Council also passed a by-law to deem part of a registered plan not to be registered – Saddington, Kashe Lake.
New Business
1. Community Centre & Aquatic Centre – engineering component – proposal from C.C.Tatham & Associates re site servicing and stormwater management works. Estimated fee is $25,200 excluding GST and expense. Carried.
2. Municipal Office – A resolution was passed to proceed with the construction/renovation of the new Municipal Office.
Greater Gravenhurst Residents Association
Council Notes December 1, 2009 Without Prejudice
Prepared by the Greater Gravenhurst Residents Association (GGRA) this is a report of what happened at the council meetings; comments designed to give context and identify repeated patterns are included for the relevant items. These reports are prepared so that citizens can make informed contributions to the betterment of the town. The GGRA has been promoting greater access to information and accountability.
Council met in closed session re possible acquisition/disposition of land. No resolution came forward from the closed session.
Deputations:
Greater Gravenhurst Residents Association
Community Services
COMMENT: There is a lot of anger and disappointment in the community about the design put forward. This is the only design presented to the public and considered by Council. The writer feels that Council is not communicating well with the public. Is there another way of addressing the concerns of many citizens but still keeping within the budget and space available? Is this going to provide the best range of programs to the public? We realize that many, many hours have been put into this by the Building Committee and perhaps this is the best design for our community. We also realize the time constraints to meet the funding requirements. However, the public deserves to hear the reasoning behind the design and what this is going to achieve for the community.
2. Committee passed a resolution to waive the fees for the Literacy Society of South Muskoka for their annual Family Day on February 27, 2010
3. Minutes Communities in Bloom Meetings Sept. 24 and Oct. 7.
4. Minutes of Building Committee – Centennial Centre Expansion & Aquatic Facility – November 5/09.
Public Works
Development Services
Economic Development
Corporate Services
Increase service levels only where they can be accomplished without increasing the existing budget.
Maintain 2009 staffing levels. Movement of part time staff or contract staff to full time will require justification through a separate report to the C.A.O. and will be considered during budget deliberations.
Each department is to review their preventative maintenance program to ensure the appropriate investment is being made in the maintenance of municipal assets.
Adjust non-union staff grid by the 12 month average Consumer Price Index, calculated as of October , 2009
Identify and investigate energy efficiency initiatives.
The staff report identified anticipated 2010 impacts:
Union Contracts, Outside & Inside and non union salary and wages $Impact - $136,724; Taxation Impact 1.8%
New debt payments for Medical Centre (cost of servicing) $Impact - $60,000 Taxation Impact 0.8%
New debt payments for Municipal Office Purchase (Current Health Unit Building $Impact - $240,000 Taxation Impact 3.2%
HST – 6 month impact - $Impact $100,000 Taxation Impact 1.33%
Reduction of levy subsidy from landfill sale to District - $Impact $75.000 Taxation Impact 1.0%
The treasurer notes that support to Doctor retention and recruitment, cost of new municipal office and G8 impacts to operations will need to be determined and considered in budget deliberations. These are not included in the above increases. Comment: The GGRA continues to urge restraint. The Identified Increased Costs add up to over 8% increase in the municipal taxation. Increased assessment will offset some of this but it looks like we are headed toward a hefty increase in the municipal property tax bill. Council has put themselves in this position – the heavy debt load leaves them with no flexibility.
Overall Comment: The Committee was in a giving mood despite the fact that there were applications which were problematic. There were few questions or discussion of the items presented. First, 2 applications were approved where the project is built and there is neither permit nor planning permission. Second, the committee is ignoring frontage requirements, not by small amount but by as much as 100%. This is repeated time and again.
Committee of Adjustment
Bartman Loon Lake This was before the September meeting and at that time was deferred. He applied to legalize a building and deck built without permit and to gain permission for increased shoreline development. The shoreline development area will increase by almost 50% and the factor by 90%. At the time this was queried as to whether this is minor and whether the committee should condone illegal behaviour. A site visit was made and without discussion the committee approved the request Approved
McClure Taylor Island, Lake Muskoka Here is a request to create a lot which is too small for the narrow channel on which it is located. District is opposed. Town staff have asked for the newly severed lot to be a bit enlarged, but no survey is provided. The mitigating factors on this proposal to create a severely undersized lot are enlarging the lot and shoreline development limitations. Approved
Comment: It appears that the creation of new lots trumps the OP and zoning by-law requirements for the planner and the committee. We should encourage the planners to adopt a more strict approach to these requests. There is no justification for the leniency repeatedly shown. It is this ignoring of rules in the past which has created many of the land use problems we see in the town and on the lakes.
Mortagage Insurance Company of Canada Severn River
They own 2 100 acre parcels water access on the river. They want to create 9 new lots in total. The neighbours want them to make provision for future road access. This request was ignored. Approved
Patlyn Company (Packham) Morrison Lake
Want to obtain a legal right of way over an existing private road (Cove Rd.) Approved
Sutherland Kahshe Lake
Want to obtain a legal right of way over an existing private road (FR 20T) Approved
Trott Baseline road
Wants to sever a large parcel at the corner of Baseline and Canning road. District is opposed as the area is aggregate resources. Neighbour wants it to be kept agricultural with larger lots. Staff feel an EIS on the property is required. Deferred
Khin Hla Hla Southwood Road Severn Bridge
Wants to sever a lot and then attach the severed piece to a lot at the rear. From looking at the maps and plans they are positioning this as an entrance to a possible future subdivision. Approved
Daniels Rankin Island, Lake Muskoka
He owns 2 lots. Wants to sever a potion of one and attach it to another and then to create 3 lots with the required 90 metre frontage. Approved
Comment: here we see a problem with just one part of the picture being presented. This is part of a larger application for zoning variances which came before council on the 28th. I would encourage the complete intention of the project to be shared with the committee, rather than just the narrow portion they are considering.
Levere & Cousineau Sparrow Lake
Built deck too close to the water along with stairs. Did not get the necessary permits Now wants to regularize these structures. Approved
Veroba & Ward Sparrow Lake
Has a very small lot and now wants reduced side yards approved so he can build a large 2 storey house. They want the septic on the lake side of the building just 15 metres from the water. Staff feel that the request is out of character with the area and the neighbours are opposed. Because of these reservations the applications was Deferred
Loughhead Philip Street
Requesting reduced setbacks for a storage shed. Neighbour objected. Approved
Greater Gravenhurst Residents Association
Gravenhurst Council notes October 6, 2009 without prejudice
Prepared by the Greater Gravenhurst Residents Association (GGRA) this is a report of what happened at the council meeting; comments designed to give context and identify repeated patterns are included for the relevant items. These reports are prepared so that citizens can make informed contributions to the betterment of the town. To see background papers go to the town website.
This was a long meeting with 7 deputations and updates to several projects.
Deputations:
The mayor’s golf tournament raised $30,000 which has now been presented to the Boat and Heritage centre for their education programs.
The Salvation Army will begin the Christmas kettle campaign on November 21. They need volunteers.
Solterra Co-housing developers. This real estate agent and developer informed council of a new model of shared housing for seniors. Between 5 and 14 seniors buy their bedroom and a portion of the common spaces in a house and pay monthly fees to the developer’s company for management plus fees for services such as housekeeping, laundry, cooking, maintenance, etc. The arrangement hinges on the ownership structure which is land registry tenants in common, not condominium or co-operative law.
Comment: this is like a retirement or group home with none of the safety or legislative requirements imposed on such homes, as the residents are supposedly in control of the home, i.e. there is no operator. Dependence on such a shared responsibility residence would seem to leave the seniors with no protection for their investment or person. When asked about zoning requirements the response was there are none as it is equivalent to a family residence. When asked what the sales pitch is she did not answer. There is one under development in Bracebridge. This could be a long term time bomb for residents and the operator because senior needs and capacities change with time and the model appears to be built on other assumptions. The zoning issue means that the planning department will have to consider this in the new zoning by-law.
Southwood Church two of the deputations were to save the church. They were moving and emotional arguing about the importance of this historic gem on a well travelled route. To date $25,000 plus labour has been pledged to restoration. The church structure is not as bad as portrayed and it should be restored and preserved. It needs to be designated. The delegations asked that the council rescind the earlier decision to demolish the church. This was done later in the meeting. The only councillor to oppose the motion to rescind was Bob Colhoun.
Comment: the Southwood church, if restored, could be a heritage and economic development resource for the community if it is used in contexts such as events, heritage tours, cultural tours and trail development. It needs to be restored and designated and then the heritage committee needs to make sure that the events planning and the heritage tours include it. For example; the town could have a thanksgiving weekend event, tours of the fall colours and a harvest thanksgiving festival at various sites, including the Southwood Church. Put the wonderful Severn Bridge WI ladies with the Southwood group and traditional thanksgiving suppers could be organized. Have the farmers market do a special thanksgiving market at the site that weekend. Then add a guided night sky visit to the Torrance Barrens dark sky preserve. I bet that this could draw many visitors to our area. It only requires imagination, planning and the involvement of others.
Transportation After Evelyn Matson proposed that the town implement a heritage themed trolley to link the wharf, uptown and south end shopping areas the seniors centre decided that they were interested in a broader transportation option for seniors. They asked the town to strike a committee to look at transportation needs and develop a plan. This was approved.
Torrance Barrens Dark Sky Preserve Mike Silver talked to the council about the need for a dark sky by-law as without one the preserve could be lost. Private signs and commercial lighting are becoming a big problem. A by-law creates a level playing field for businesses, is enforceable, conveys standards and helps preserve an economic resource. The Preserve has a high national and international profile and is a tourism generator. There is an event October 17 and special sky viewing after dark. He offered to help with drafting a by-law.
Updates
Centennial Centre expansion and the new aquatic facility. A committee has been struck including non town members to advise on design. There will be a public open house for input as well. The architect is chosen and the $1.6 million contract will be signed.
Communities in Bloom The town won 5 blooms this year at the national awards. The lowest score was in the category of trees and urban forestry. We need an inventory of the trees. The winter lights will not be in competition this year.
The tornado Most of the cleanup is done. The free brush tipping has expired. Cost to date for public works is $109 thousand. Outstanding bills include equipment rental, contractors’ services and outstanding work. This exceeds the current budget so other activities will be adjusted.
Gull Lake Rotary Park lost 30 mature pines and other trees. A tree replanting dedication program will be put in place so people can donate to the cost of replacement trees. Name plaques will be made for the donors. Costs of replanting will be $26 thousand. The pine logs from the trees taken down will be rough sawn on site with a portable saw mill, the lumber will be used in the new centennial centre and also the public will be asked for suggestions. There is approx. $10 thousand worth of lumber. Community services has spent approx $25 thousand on their clean up.
Muskoka Road Streetscape the agreement for the G8 money is now awaiting Federal approval and signature. The lighting and street furniture will be the same as that on the already built south end. LED bulbs will be installed in the existing and new lights.
Ontario Youth Winter Games 5 sites in town need 150 volunteers
Zoning by-law open house about 60 to 70 people attended. There will be a draft by-law in about a month available for the public.
New Business
A by-law was enacted prohibiting stopping on Edward Street between Muskoka Road South and Clarence Street. The new south end plaza has generated a lot of traffic on the street.
A shore road closure on Kahshe Lake was approved. the land is now surplussed.
The condominium approval for the Moonlight Bay Condo on Gull Lake was extended
The new town logo will be launched in 2010.
Budget Lou Guerriero asked council to tell him what kind of public input they want for the 2010 budget. He implicitly indicated that the 2009 model did not work well. T. Pilger suggested that there should be a public forum earlier in the process. Mark suggested electronic input.
Comment: if public input is to be of use it must be based on sound information and occur early enough in the process that it can be included. It could probably be best done department by department in a public forum where understanding and comment could be gained and then the overall reviewed. There is no reason that face to face and electronic should be treated as exclusive options.
Greater Gravenhurst Residents Association
Gravenhurst Council Planning Notes September 22, 2009 without prejudice
Prepared by the Greater Gravenhurst Residents Association (GGRA) this is a report of what happened at the council meeting; comments designed to give context and identify repeated patterns are included for the relevant items. These reports are prepared so that citizens can make informed contributions to the betterment of the town. To see background papers go to the town website.
The meeting is known as planning council as matters before it primarily relate to land use planning matters. There were 6 planning matter plus 2 other business items.
The planning matters
Loon lake Chaim
He wants to build onto his cottage towards the lake. The addition will place the cottage 4 metres (12 feet) closer (21.7 to 17.7 metres setback) and he will add a deck to reduce the total setback to 16.8 metres. The lot is small and the result is a significant increase in the shoreline development. He will also build a garage within 1 metre of the side lot line.
The neighbours wrote asking that he be required to provide a survey as the current survey markers are inaccurate and have been known to move. This request was not put into effect. T.Pilger did ask who is responsible if the lack of a survey creates an encroachment. It is the applicant. Approved
Kahshe Lake Burnt Island Newton
This is a designation change from open space to residential waterfront. An aquatic impact assessment recommended 30 metre setback and a dock location. The KLRA had no objection. Approved
South Muldrew Lake Smallfield
In anticipation of the change in setback they applied for and got a site plan on title with a 20 metre setback. The necessary zoning was approved along with a fee waiver.
Silver Lake Redpath
As with Smallfield above a site plan agreement was registered with a 20 metre setback instead of 30 metres. Zoning provision and fee waiver were Approved
Sunny Lake Seck
They want to build a 2d shed 25 metres back from the shore. The house is only 20 metres and the decks are 16 metres back so no greater lake impact results. Approved
Loon Lake Roth and Deller
The OMB overturned a previous council decision refusing a severance on Berkishaw Island. The result: the existing dwelling on Henry Island is permitted and a new lot and dwelling are approved for Berkishaw Island and the existing structures will be recognized. The neighbours are very unhappy. The necessary by-law was Approved
Other business
The Wharf
A new storage building will be constructed behind the ambulance building at James and North Muldrew Lake Road along with a driveway and a parking lot for 6 vehicles.
The Centennial Centre Expansion
It has been decided to hire a project construction manager for the expansion project to represent the town’s interests. It has also been decided to request proposals from those interested in operating the facility.
Advertisements will be placed immediately in the local papers and in Toronto papers seeking expressions of interest and proposals. The decisions will likely be made October 9th and a special meeting of council might be necessary October 13. town staff, the architect plus reps from the town advisory committees, the senior and day care centres and hockey will be invited to comment and input.
There will likely be public input sessions as well.
They want to move this project along as fast as possible.
Greater Gravenhurst Residents Association
Council Notes September 15, 2009 Without Prejudice
Prepared by the Greater Gravenhurst Residents Association (GGRA) this is a report of what happened at the council meetings; comments designed to give context and identify repeated patterns are included for the relevant items. These reports are prepared so that citizens can make informed contributions to the betterment of the town. The GGRA has been promoting greater access to information and accountability.
Council met in closed session re litigation or potential litigation and re land acquisition or disposition matter. This had to do with the Home Building Centre property and the Centennial Centre expansion and aquatic centre. A resolution was brought forward at council.
Deputations:
Community Services
Development Services
Economic Development
Corporate Services
Council
As well as the already noted resolutions , Council passed a by-law to authorize the Mayor and CAO to execute an agreement with the Minister of Energy and Infrastructure and Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs for Building Canada Fund – Communities Component. This is for the grant money for the Centennial Centre Expansion and Aquatic Centre.
A resolution was passed regarding 290 Church Street (Home Building Centre property) to enact a termination notice of the lease. Mayor Klinck explain that the six month notice falls into place with the Home Building Centre plans for their new building and for the expansion of the Centennial Centre. There is flexibility on the part of Home Hardware and the Town.
Meeting adjourned
Greater Gravenhurst Residents Association
Gravenhurst Committee of Adjustment September 16, 2009 without prejudice
Prepared by the Greater Gravenhurst Residents Association (GGRA) this report relates what happened at the meeting; comments designed to give context and identify repeated patterns are included for the relevant items. These reports are prepared so that citizens can make informed contributions to the betterment of the town. The GGRA promotes greater access to information and accountability. To see background papers go to the town website.
The committee of adjustment deals with minor variances. The applications were straightforward and only one had issues. Six of the 7 applications were speedily approved.
Barkway Hopkins
He wants to grant a right of way for the neighbours. The existing driveway crosses his lot. Approved
Pine Lake Alafogiannis
They want to decrease the side yard distance for a new larger cottage that they are building. Plus they want to increase the shoreline development permissions to build a boathouse. The vegetation on the lot has been denuded. The lot is one of several with small frontages on this area of Pine Lake. This area of the lake is registering higher on phosphate levels than the areas with larger frontages and adequate vegetation. Approved
Comment; these people built a 2 story garage with no permit and put habitable space above, this is not permitted. When the town refused them permission after the fact they change tactics and decided to attach the garage to the house, this is why the larger cottage with a breezeway. The lack of vegetation on the lake side of the property is serious given the phosphorus situation on the lake. A request was made by the public to impose a condition that a re-vegetation plan be developed using native plants prior to final permission. This did not get incorporated. Pine lake does not have site plan control requirements.
Brown and Greavette Streets Holstock
They want to increase the size of the rear deck and recognize the location of a shed which is too close to the lot lines. A neighbour objected as the information circulated was inaccurate. They might relocate the shed. Deferred
Loon Lake Tufts
They want to extend the existing open deck and go 2.4 metres closer to the lake. This is to increase deck size and add steps. They will also be putting stairs down the rock to the lake. Approved
Lake Muskoka Burden
Numerous variances are being asked for: shoreline development factors and area, setbacks from the water for a sleeping cabin and the cottage and new decks plus permission to have 2 boathouses. This property is old development and most of the buildings are nonconforming. It is the proposed additions which brought this situation forward. The lot is large, but is a point of land, which makes for the setback situations. The neighbours support the application. Approved
Muskoka Bay Christoff
The want to connect existing decks at the side and front of the cottage. This would mean that a corner of the deck would be 4 instead of 6 metres from the lot line. The cottage siting is such that this would not affect the neighbour and there is lots of vegetation. Approved
Pine lake Kinnear
This is another old property with existing nonconforming buildings. In this case 2 old cottages. They want to put an addition on one of the cottages which would bring it only 29.2 metres from the water instead of the required 30. The property is heavily vegetated and there would be no impact on the water quality or on the neighbours. Approved
Greater Gravenhurst Residents Association
Council Notes September 1, 2009 Without Prejudice
Prepared by the Greater Gravenhurst Residents Association (GGRA) this is a report of what happened at the council meetings; comments designed to give context and identify repeated patterns are included for the relevant items. These reports are prepared so that citizens can make informed contributions to the betterment of the town. The GGRA has been promoting greater access to information and accountability.
Council met in closed session re 2 litigation matters and 1 property matter. No resolutions came out of the closed session. Councillor Guerriero was absent as he was away on holidays.
Greater Gravenhurst Residents Association
Gravenhurst Council notes August 25, 2009 without prejudice
Prepared by the Greater Gravenhurst Residents Association (GGRA) this is a report of what happened at the council meetings; comments designed to give context and identify repeated patterns are included for the relevant items. These reports are prepared so that citizens can make informed contributions to the betterment of the town. The GGRA has been promoting greater access to information and accountability. With the change to minimize the content of the town minutes these notes are the most complete record available to the public. To see background papers go to the town website.
This meeting is called planning council and most of the meeting was devoted to zoning changes for individual properties. The exceptions were: the closed session was about litigation and the council decided to pay for the tipping fees for those affected by the tornado.
The items heard were
Sharpe Street W. Webb & Campbell
The former church on the corner of Sharpe and John has been converted into a residence. It is designated residential and zoned accordingly. They want to change the designation and zoning to commercial to enable a purchaser to have flexibility. There is no off-street parking. As the property is adjacent to commercial properties, this was Approved
Harvie Street 6032176 Canada Inc.
The little plaza, formerly site of Pizza Station, is gradually being converted to apartments, 9 in total. This application is to add the remaining 3. There were concerns about parking, room for emergency vehicles to access the rear and snow removal. Approved
Lake Muskoka Taylor island Sher
They want permission to build a sleeping cabin 12 metres back from the water. Staff see it as OK as the site is heavily vegetated. The neighbours object as the channel is narrow and there will be an impact from more buildings closer to the shore. The drawings submitted show a boathouse and dock development as well. There is no indication of stairs or other decks within the shoreline development area. The total shoreline development area allowed is 1500 square feet. The drawings show greater square footage. Council did not do the math as to the totals. Staff like the applications the neighbours do not.
Comment: this is a piecemeal application so the applications will have to be watched as the drawings show greater square footage. Will council remember or will staff remind them? Approved
Severn Bridge Southwood Road Martin
He wants to sever his lot and have it rezoned to the residential community zone. 2 new lots will be created with 90 metre setbacks because of the rail line. Approved
Kahshe Lake O’Brien
This is an estate shared by siblings who want to sever the 2 existing old cottages into 2 lots. Building locations at the waters edge will be recognized. New septic systems will be a condition of the severance. Approved
Gull Lake Hill
This is the property right adjacent to the highway at the narrows. The 2 existing lots which have inadequate frontage will be recognized. Approved
Reay Road Stanhope investments
This is the KOA property. The CofA approved the creation of a new lot for storage purposes and now the zoning change to allow storage and to recognize the existing inadequate setback from the road is Approved
Severn River Mortgage Insurance Company of Canada (Seaton)
The large lot on the Severn was approved by the CofA for creating 4 new additional lots. Now these need rezoning to recognize an Environmental Protection zone and the rest as waterfront residential. Approved
Severn River Flanagan
This long protracted severance process continues. After completion of an environmental Impact study Mr. Flanagan received approval to create 4 new lots with conditions as to dock location and size. Parks Canada, the Trent-Severn Waterway authority, will not approve the very long docks required. Mr. Flanagan is asking that the conditions relevant to docks on the property be amended to allow no docks or boathouses on the new lots. The long saga is now hopefully finished as this was Approved
Greater Gravenhurst Residents Association
Gravenhurst Committee of Adjustment August 19, 2009 without prejudice
Prepared by the Greater Gravenhurst Residents Association (GGRA) this report relates what happened at the meeting; comments designed to give context and identify repeated patterns are included for the relevant items. These reports are prepared so that citizens can make informed contributions to the betterment of the town. The GGRA promotes greater access to information and accountability. With the change to minimize the content of the town minutes these notes are the most complete record available to the public. To see background papers go to the town website.
The committee of adjustment deals with minor variances. The applications were straightforward and had few issues and only one application was deferred.
Muskoka Beach Road Schofield Holdings
This is a previous application which was held until the District could specify required conditions. These are now received and agreed to. The severance was Approved
Muskoka Beach Road Jones
They have a large backlot with a narrow driveway entrance. They want to sever a portion of the lot and sell it to the neighbour where it will be deemed (attached) to his lot. Approved
Kilworthy Mastaler
They want a severance but the property needs cleanup as it is littered with old vehicles and boats. This condition is applied and the severance. Approved
Reay Road Stanhope Investments
They want to sever a portion of this large property to create a lot for storage buildings. This is an existing use. Approved
Silver Lake Road Adams
He received approval for a severance a year ago, but did not fulfill the conditions in the required one year time. This reapplication is required. Approved
Muskoka Beach Road Watson
The applicant is the town treasurer and he owns lots in the Muskoka Beach community. He has put two of them together and wants to build a large house and hence requires side and front yard reductions and extra lot coverage. The neighbour objects as he opposes the reduced setbacks and wants tree cover to be kept. Approved
Barkway Road Seehaver
He wants reduced setbacks for an existing house and a proposed porch addition. Approved
Lake Muskoka Taylor Island Sherlock
This is a small frontage lot on the island facing the mainland at a narrow passage. He wants to build a large boathouse and docks. The neighbours object as it will interfere with their swimming area and the variance is not minor, it will double the shoreline development area and factor. The staff recommended that this be Deferred. The committee agreed.
Muskoka Bay Allen
This property is close to the narrows. They want to rebuild their boathouse and go slightly larger, add stairs and a deck to the cottage only 12 metres setback. Approved
Clearwater Lake Dawe
He is replacing his cottage and wants to build the existing 17.9 metres from the water. Other buildings and the dock require 0 metre setbacks. An encroachment on the neighbouring property will be removed. Approved
Greater Gravenhurst Residents Association
Gravenhurst Council notes August 18, 2009 without prejudice
Prepared by the Greater Gravenhurst Residents Association (GGRA) this is a report of what happened at the council meetings; comments designed to give context and identify repeated patterns are included for the relevant items. These reports are prepared so that citizens can make informed contributions to the betterment of the town. The GGRA has been promoting greater access to information and accountability. With the change to minimize the content of the town minutes these notes are the most complete record available to the public. To see background papers go to the town website.
Special note: see the item about Fine Films and the dates for the movies.
The public consultation date for the ward options will be October 3 at the Opera House.
This was an uneventful and routine meeting except for the discussion about how to handle cases where people have built without a permit.
Fine Films is a new organization come together to present in Gravenhurst award winning films which do not get shown in the commercial theatres. This is similar to Spinning Reels in Bracebridge and Reel Alternatives in Huntsville. They will be using the Opera House for 8 screenings and are requesting that the rental fees be waived this year, so they can establish and then assess their success. The dates are September 15, October 20, November 17, January 19, February 16, March 16, April 20 and May 18. Tickets cost $6.00 in advance at Penny Varney’s or $7.00 at the door. A season’s pass is $48. Council approved the fee waiver
Comment: what a great project. Good movies in town the third Tuesday of the month. It also promotes use of the town “gem” the Opera House. And it is at a very reasonable cost.
Muskoka community network They are funded by FedNor to provide better internet access in Muskoka. They gave an update: the uptake on the new towers has been faster than predicted, they will be adding more. Education and a free technology update service are also available for those who register at www.mcnet.ca
Bob colhoun commented that service speeds seem to degrade at times. The response was that this is at peak use times and that the service has already been upgraded once.
Ryde Community Co-operative Provided a report on the active use of the centre and gave a donation to the town.
Centennial Centre expansion and the new aquatic facility. The scope of the project was outlined and they are now at the stage of interviewing the 5 architectural firms which have expressed an interest. A resolution to form committee to interview the applicants in the next week was passed. The members are: Mahar, Broderick, Klinck, Cairns and a representative of the Simcoe Muskoka YMCA.
Comment: Your reporter asked Broderick and Donaldson about making sure the Federal and Provincial governments’ expectation re “shovels in the ground by September” is clearly communicated to the public. Broderick said that having an architect hired is sufficient. Donaldson will clarify more.
Communities in Bloom updated their program.
Development Services matters.
3 of the 4 items were carryovers from previous decisions. They were for fee waivers
Kahshe Lake – Paige. He received permission to sever a large lot, acquire the OSRA in front of 45 metres and buy an original road allowance along the property boundary. The severed lot will be given to the Muskoka Heritage Trust so the land, which is a large cranberry marsh, will be preserved in its natural state. As he is making this donation of land Mr. Paige has asked for a waiver of all the town fees – the planning fee, the purchase fee for the OSRA and the road allowance. Total is estimated at more than $13,000. He has incurred other costs for surveys etc.
Bob Colhoun expressed concern that Mr. Paige will be getting a charitable donation receipt and now wants more. This was responded to by the President of the Heritage Trust who explained that if there is a benefit from the process, such as fee waivers, no charitable receipt will be given.
Klinck stressed that the town will net more in taxes than they are giving away and stressed the importance of the property being preserved for people and animals and birds etc. It is an important natural area on Kahshe Lake. The waiver was approved
Riley Lake and Severn River. These two requests for fee waiver were based on the fact that errors were made in mapping and calculations at the time of first application. This required the applicants to do more than is usually necessary and incur fee costs. Approved
Building without a permit.
This long standing issue has been raised at planning related meetings as this is where the infractions become public. Planning matters and permit requirements and enforcement under the building code are separate items. So the discussion focused on what to do about those people who build without permits.
Right now the Chief Building Official (CBO) exercises a lot of discretion regarding these situations. There is a low level of punitive enforcement, although the law allows for significant fines and persecution and even removal of structures.
The manager of development services presented 6 options, which are not mutually exclusive. These are stay with the status quo, move to a regime of zero tolerance, flag files and make this public, require better documentation such as a survey, raise public awareness by information and education, and increase fees if an infraction is found.
The discussion showed a polarized council, those who thought that the extensive, and lax, discretion of the current regime is OK - Klinck, B. Pilger and Clairmont, those who like discretion but want less - Guerriero and those who want much tighter enforcement with much less discretion - Colhoun, T. Pilger, Wilson. Cairns did not express an opinion on the discretion issue.
Everyone but Clairmont thought better information/education is needed. Most agreed to extra penalties. These will come through the fees by-law.
Comment: it was clear that council members themselves do not know what is permitted without a permit. This more than makes the case for better information being available. There was a complete lack of statistics to document the problem such as number of instances and the scope of the infractions, i.e. a full building vs. a repair to a roof or a contractor vs. a homeowner and his family project. Until there is data it is virtually impossible to develop meaningful strategies for addressing the problem as decisions will be based on opinion not fact and clearly there are very different opinions around the table. The question of building without adhering to the approved permit was not raised. Nor was the submission of false information
The new website is now operating. Cairns is having trouble navigating it.
The Draft TOR for the economic strategy committee were tabled. Not discussed.
Opera House fee waiver requests
See Fine films above approved
Muskoka midwives lost money on their fundraiser to cover insurance costs. Now want the waiver of $264. refused.
Fire Route 11J (Kahshe Lake) will be renamed Russels Lane
Questions from the public
Can the movies be in the afternoon too?
A property standards matter needs action
Will the ward review be based solely on population? The mayor explained that the consultant is looking at several parameters including population and will present options to council along with a recommendation. The public consultation is October 3 at the Opera House.
Greater Gravenhurst Residents Association
Council Notes August 6, 2009 Without Prejudice
Prepared by the Greater Gravenhurst Residents Association (GGRA) this is a report of what happened at the council meetings; comments designed to give context and identify repeated patterns are included for the relevant items. These reports are prepared so that citizens can make informed contributions to the betterment of the town. The GGRA has been promoting greater access to information and accountability. With the change to minimize the content of the town minutes these notes are the most complete record available to the public. To see background papers go to the town website.
There was no closed session today. Councillor Colhoun was absent as he was in Toronto.
DEPUTATIONS
There was a presentation to Wayne Hodgson. He has successfully completed the Ice Making and Painting Technologies course. This is recognized as a component of the Ontario Recreation Facilities Association's Professional Designation program.
A representative of Can West Shows, who put on the In Water Boat Show and Ribfest, appeared with some concerns and suggestions for next year. He was requesting more flexibility next year. Parking was a major concern – the temporary “no parking” signs on some streets and the overall lack of parking. A fishing tournament booked for the same weekend caused chaos. The exhibitors with trucks & trailers received parking warnings and some were ticketed. The organizers were informed on the Friday of the event that uniformed police officers were required at the lights – the organizers were required to pay for this and felt it was not necessary. They want more electrical power in the field for next year. The concerns will be considered when staff sit down and go over the event with the organizers.
COMMUNITY SERVICES
The current rate for 2009 as approved in the budget is $82.00 per hour plus GST. GMHA had requested a further subsidized ice rental rate of $60.00 per hour and a new Mite rate of $50.00 per hour. The current prime time rate is $105.10 plus GST. Debbie compared Gravenhurst's rate to Bracebridge, Huntsville and Orillia. She feels part of the reason for GMHA's financial shortfall is that they are asking for too much ice time for the numbers of players that they have. Bracebridge's minor hockey uses some non-prime time, such as early morning, and thus the fees are not as high. Gravenhurst minor hockey does not book any non-prime time. Several councillors felt there is merit is continuing to dialogue with the interested parties to come up with a solution for next year. They are particularly supportive of the Mite program which will encourage young kids to join hockey. Most felt that it is too late in the year to change fees for this year as the 2009 budget was based and approved on the existing fees.
PUBLIC WORKS
DEVELOPMENT SERVICES
CORPORATE SERVICES
The review will be conducted according to the principles the citizen representatives laid out in their deputation of July 24. These are: equity or parity, simplicity, accountability and accessibility, communities of interest, population growth, straightforward boundary lines and appropriate size of council. The consultants' report is to provide options and make a recommendation to Council.
The clerk presented 2 motions to council. The first was to hire a consultant to conduct a review for a cost between 10 and 25 thousand dollars. The second was to exempt her from the requirement to tender the service due to the tight time frames.
Detail report.
The discussion opened with a brief summary of the situation and of the need for immediate action. The time line proposed would have a public open house on October 3 to look at the options and provide comments. The final report and council vote would be October 20.
Councillors had the following discussion:
Sandy Cairns: she felt staff did not have the time to do this. But thought spending 25 thousand was not right.
Mark Clairmont: wants to deal with it internally. A committee of council could look into options. Wanted to table an amendment to just change the number of councillors in certain wards. (reporter note: he voted against this change when it was proposed in a formal motion on April 7) He perceives that this is about the public thinking that councillors are not doing a good job and this offends him. He misses the whole point about equity and fairness. He feels that there will not be an OMB challenge. He verbally opposed the contract then changed his mind to support it and agreed to waive the tender process.
Paisley Donaldson: Council still does not get the message. The citizens have given clear direction. It is time to review the wards. Just get on with it. Council has shown it cannot make a decision. This has been in the strategic plan for 2 terms of council. We have done this to ourselves and now must deal with it.
Lou Guerriero: Council has no choice under the municipal act. Council must act. People are not questioning the performance of individual councilors.
John Klinck: feels the expert will make a fair assessment and he will come back with several options and Council will make the decision. Citizens have executed their right and it will cost more to go to the OMB than to do this study. He feels that there is a strong chance of an OMB challenge if council does not act. People are still asking where they can sign the petition. They want this change.
Bryan Pilger: opposed to spending money. Does not see the need for change. Could have all councillors elected at large and no wards.
Terry Pilger: reviewed the petition which says the citizens want the boundaries changed. Council cannot be wishy washy about this.. If the public doesn't like what council does they can still go to the OMB. He thinks council can do this work with staff support as it will not take much time. At the vote stage he emphasized procedural matters such as the order of the vote and whether the chair has a vote.
Tracy Wilson: wants to know why cost has gone up to 25 thousand. (reporter note: this was the original estimate of the clerk at budget time)
How they voted
Those who voted to let the contract: for Cairns, Clairmont, Donaldson, Guerriero, Klinck. opposed were B. Pilger, T. Pilger and Wilson.
Those who voted to let the contract without tender: for Cairns, Clairmont, Donaldson, Guerriero, Klinck. opposed were B. Pilger, T. Pilger, Wilson.
Comment:
The proposal to review and change the wards now goes back 2 council terms, 6 years. Councillors have delayed on and refused to make change and turned down proposals for change. They are now trying to introduce 2 red herrings into the discussion: the first that this public request for change is an attack on their competence and second that the town's tender process must be adhered to. Neither of these concerns address the petition request. They put themselves in this position of tight time frames. The public is concerned about fairness and equity not the individual performance of councilors.
Why are the Pilgers, Clairmont and Wilson still opposed to change? There was lot of huffing and puffing and heated debate and not much listening or opening of minds.
We will keep you posted on the process as it continues.
Remember the public open house October 3
COUNCIL MEETING -
As well as the above noted by-laws and resolutions Council passed by-laws to appoint a Deputy Fire Chief (David Eidsness), to deem part of a registered plan not to be registered (Kenneth John Watson and Heather Louise Watson- Muskoka Beach Rd.), and to deem part of a registered plan not to be registered (Carolyn Ann Percy and Michael Howard Percy and Shirley and Douglas Coultis – Laidlaw Ave.)
Council was adjourned.
Greater Gravenhurst Residents Association
Gravenhurst Planning Council Notes July 28, 2009 without prejudice
Prepared by the Greater Gravenhurst Residents Association (GGRA) this is a report of what happened at the council meeting; comments designed to give context and identify repeated patterns are included for the relevant items. These reports are prepared so that citizens can make informed contributions to the betterment of the town. The GGRA has been promoting greater access to information and accountability. With the change to minimize the content of the town minutes these notes are the most complete record available to the public. To see background papers go to the town website.
The meeting is known as planning council as matters before it primarily relate to land use planning matters.
7 applications were heard. All were approved, with little or no discussion.
The following is a brief summary of each.
Comment: only one comment is justified. That pertains to the application from Ward on Kahshe Lake. The KLRA requested that specific provisions prohibiting future decks and enclosing the approved addition be added. There was no discussion of the request nor did Council do anything in response to this request. This reporter does not understand this not listening to citizens input and requests.
The applications
North Muldrew Lake Phillips
Permission given for a 2d sleeping cabin and reduced setback to the lake.
Severn River Clark
Permission given to enclose part of an existing deck thereby moving closer to the river.
West Gravenhurst, Revel Street Gateway Homes
Previous holding provisions for access to water and sewer and completion of an Environmental Impact Study will be removed
Riley lake Harris and Lappalainen
Prior town error in calculating the lot coverage will be corrected and increased coverage will be legal.
Kahshe Lake Ward
They want to roof over a portion of their lakeside deck. This means going closer to the lake than permitted by the by-law. See comment above
Severn River Lazier
After they bought the property they discovered that decks and the muskoka room were poorly built and built without permits. They now need approval for exceeding the lot coverage.
Severn River Dear
This undersized lot has floodplain and setback issues. They want to build a new home and siting had to be approved.
Greater Gravenhurst Residents Association
Council Notes July 21, 2009 Without Prejudice
Prepared by the Greater Gravenhurst Residents Association (GGRA) this is a report of what happened at the council meetings; comments designed to give context and identify repeated patterns are included for the relevant items. These reports are prepared so that citizens can make informed contributions to the betterment of the town. The GGRA has been promoting greater access to information and accountability. With the change to minimize the content of the town minutes these notes are the most complete record available to the public. To see background papers go to the town website.
Council met in closed session before the Committee of the Whole to deal with a personnel matter and litigation or possible litigation. No resolutions came out of the closed session.
This meeting was held at the Severn Bridge Community Hall. Mayor Klinck introduced members of Council and Clerk, Candace Thwaites introduced staff members in attendance.
Greater Gravenhurst Residents Association
Gravenhurst Council notes July 15, 2009 without prejudice
Prepared by the Greater Gravenhurst Residents Association (GGRA) this report relates what happened at the meeting; comments designed to give context and identify repeated patterns are included for the relevant items. These reports are prepared so that citizens can make informed contributions to the betterment of the town. The GGRA promotes greater access to information and accountability. With the change to minimize the content of the town minutes these notes are the most complete record available to the public. To see background papers go to the town website.
The committee of adjustment deals with minor variances. The applications were straightforward and had no issues and all applications were speedily approved.
Kahshe Lake McCauley, et al.
The application is to create 3 new lots from a large parcel and to grant rights of way to these lots and existing cottages. One of the lots has deficient lot frontage. And 2 have too little area according to the OP. The existing dwellings are legal non-conforming. The new lots will be water access and have provision for parking and boat mooring. The KLRA supported the application. Approved
Kahshe lake Brody & McCauley
There is an encroachment by McCauley on Brody. They are proposing to trade areas of land to right this problem. 2 severances and then deeming (attachments to the adjacent lot) were Approved
Kahshe Lake Witbeck
This large parcel is crossed by a private section of road. The parcel will be severed into 2 large lots. The road is used by others and the town gains title to the road. Approved
Kahshe Lake Newton
They want to create one new lot on Burnt Island. The shoreline is high quality fish habitat, so an Aquatic Impact Assessment has been done. Setbacks will be 30 metres, a natural buffer will be maintained, an envelope for shoreline structures, dock or boathouse 2 metres offshore, has been identified and construction mitigation measures must be employed. With these conditions the new lot is Approved
The KLRA supported the application.
Muskoka Beach Road Schofield Holdings
A 44 metre frontage will be severed into 2 lots. This is consistent with the urban intensification goal of the OP. Approved
Riley lake Phillips
He wants to add a deck to the front of the cottage, a replacement to a previous deck. This will decrease the setback from 21 metres to 18 metres. Approved
Home Hardware Stores
They have a site plan for their new location at 169 and Musquash Road. The need reduced set backs from Musquash Road, the one concern was from Cyril Fry whose wife owns lots in close proximity. She is worried that the new configuration could cause water to drain onto her property. She was reassured by the planner and the franchisee that the site will be laid out to ensure drainage is away from that part of the property and towards the intersection with 169. Approved
Greater Gravenhurst Residents Association
Gravenhurst Council notes July 7, 2009 without prejudice
Prepared by the Greater Gravenhurst Residents Association (GGRA) this is a report of what happened at the council meetings; comments designed to give context and identify repeated patterns are included for the relevant items. These reports are prepared so that citizens can make informed contributions to the betterment of the town. The GGRA has been promoting greater access to information and accountability. With the change to minimize the content of the town minutes these notes are the most complete record available to the public. To see background papers go to the town website.
Overview: The Council meeting was once again fairly routine and speedy. The most interesting items were the planning report on the Commercial Core Zone.
Veridian presented a cheque to K.P. Manson School for $3,000 to purchase a smart board and a projector. This is the 4th such donation which is a condition of their purchase of Gravenhurst Hydro.
The youth centre presented an activity report. There appears to be a monthly event along with ongoing afterschool activities. Attendance is growing and the centre is open over the summer.
Wharf rental fees will be modified to allow for half day and hourly rentals.
The in-water boat show does not need D dock, so it will be available for public boaters. Rib fest will be the same weekend.
The town is assuming parts of 2 private roads. Part of Osprey Drive (leads to Pine Lake) for seasonal maintenance. Part of Davis Drive in Severn Bridge for year round maintenance. This latter is the result of a multiple lot severance on Davis which had as a condition the upgrading of the road and its subsequent assumption by the town. Costs were not provided.
Discussion: there was concern about whether the snowmobile trail is affected by the Osprey Drive maintenance. Also who will notify the District re garbage pick-up? Apparently it is up to the residents to contact the district.
The Muskoka Road streetscape project update was provided. The type and style of the lights and furniture as used in the south end will be continued up the street.
Discussion included: when will the money from the G8 flow? Will costs be within the 1.1 million grant? Will the street lighting be used on Bay and Brock too? Will there be an automated watering system for the hanging baskets? Can we sell the old streetlights as members of the public have expressed interest?
The project will be co-coordinated in stages with the District rebuild of muskoka Road.
Commercial Core Zone.
A planning report was tabled showing the background to this designation and use and providing options for council to consider. The options included status quo, eliminating multiple residential provisions, having a commercial residential mix via the zoning by-law, restricting the zone to commercial only, and changing the size of the area to reduce it. When asked the EDO commented, but talked about the broader commercial zone. He did not speak to the specifics of what has been learned about losing the old part of town as commercially viable.
Discussion: T.Pilger – perhaps we need a 2d look at the planning here. Where is the zoning by-law at? Response – completed by thanksgiving. He like option 2 eliminating residential, and shrinking the commercial core zone to preserve the businesses. We are putting a huge investment in the main street but are risking the viability of downtown.
Klinck – we need to maintain the commercial viability of the main street. If we loose commercial use we risk losing the main street. But for the old Canadian Tire and IGA buildings perhaps residential is a good use. Can we use the zoning by-law to place special provisions to keep the commercial? Response yes it could be done and is appropriate.
Clairmont – condos on the main street are not necessarily bad. To act now is premature.
Guerriero – current situation is flexible, use zoning.
Comment: this is the result of public and councillor concern about residential intruding into the commercial area of town and therefore diminishing the viability of the commercial core. The approach taken was strictly a planning one. The longstanding issue is one of the hollowing out of destination services, such as food, liquor, hardware, etc. in the downtown and the resulting potential for loss of its commercial viability. It is not a simple problem and we risk loosing the old town as the problem is being fragmented and treated solely as a planning problem.
Shore road closure, Cockburn Island
This island has been inhabited since 1927 with much of the island being shore road allowance and a small part being crown land and in the ownership of private individuals. The owners will get to buy the OSRA once the crown land issue, ongoing since 2004, is resolved. The fee will be <$2,000.
The Opera House will get a new ticketing system costing approx. $10,000 as the existing one is obsolete and no longer supported. An additional per ticket processing fee of $4.75 will be charged to pay for the system and cover the ongoing per ticket charge of the vendor. The new system will allow for online sales and may result in lower box office staffing costs.
It is not known if this will increase attendance. The marketing of the new service is not yet planned for.
The G8 planning meetings are ongoing.
A new animal control officer was appointed.
Greater Gravenhurst Residents Association
Gravenhurst Council notes June 23, 2009 without prejudice
Prepared by the Greater Gravenhurst Residents Association (GGRA) this is a report of what happened at the council meetings; comments designed to give context and identify repeated patterns are included for the relevant items. These reports are prepared so that citizens can make informed contributions to the betterment of the town. The GGRA has been promoting greater access to information and accountability. With the change to minimize the content of the town minutes these notes are the most complete record available to the public. To see background papers go to the town website.
Planning Council
The matters considered were for exemptions to the zoning by-law. With the exception of a noise by-law exemption.
Comment; most of the applications were to permit buildings closer to the lake than the required 30 metres setback. And consequently the shoreline development factors would also be exceeded. This stems from the fact that old severances and plans of subdivision created lots which are much too small to meet today’s environmental knowledge and standards. Hence, buildings are closer to the lake than is now recommended and sometimes the only possible siting is closer than the 30 metres, because of topography or lots being too shallow in depth so the buildings cannot go back from the water. These exemptions will all have site plan control applied to preserve vegetation.
Planning applications
Clein Muskoka Bay.
Want permission to build a bath house and storage shed to the side of the house. The lot is shallow, the cottage is 10 metres from the water. The shed will be 22.4 metres back. Approved
Beckberger South Muldrew Lake
This very small vacant lot required a site evaluation report to indicate where a building envelope can be properly sited. The terrain and size of the lot both create problems. The new cottage will be 15 metres from the water and the septic system will be a tertiary type. Approved
Cormier Riley Lake
Another small lot, 30 by 35 metres. Mr. Cormier built a small deck in front of an addition, the deck was not within the building permit. He is also exceeding the permitted lot coverage and shoreline development factors. The neighbours wrote in saying that the deck is OK and should be approved. Approved
Graham North Muldrew Lake
They put in a foundation in 1998 and at the time placed a sun room 1.2 metres closer to the water than the existing non-conforming cottage. The request for final occupancy permit triggered the need for this application to regularize this situation. Again topography contributes to the problem. Approved
Montgomery Lake Muskoka
His deck was destroyed by snow in 2008, prior to the 30 metre setback change to the zoning by-law. The deck was set back 20 metres, the cottage 25 metres. He now wants to replace the deck with and enclosed addition. Approved
Gibson Silver Lake
This lot was created before the 30 metre requirement and is too shallow to permit a proper setback. The rear setback will be decreased from the by-law requirement. The lake side setback will be between 20 and 30 metres. Approved
Two applications were not on lakes
Schuetter Southwood
He received permission to sever his large 60 hectare parcel of land into 7 lots. At that time it was identified that part of the property is wetland. This area is now being rezoned EP, Environmentally protected. Approved
Councillor Donaldson asked a good question as to how the protection of the EP area will be enforced.
A road closure near Southwood. The applicant owns 2 properties on either side of an unopened road allowance. It will be closed and sold to the applicant.
The Wednesday night water-ski show sponsored by Boston pizza will have a noise by-law exemption. Someone opposed the exemption because of the noise from last year. So staff will speak to the sponsor and monitor the situation.
Greater Gravenhurst Residents Association
Gravenhurst Council notes June 16, 2009 without prejudice
Prepared by the Greater Gravenhurst Residents Association (GGRA) this is a report of what happened at the council meetings; comments designed to give context and identify repeated patterns are included for the relevant items. These reports are prepared so that citizens can make informed contributions to the betterment of the town. The GGRA has been promoting greater access to information and accountability. With the change to minimize the content of the town minutes these notes are the most complete record available to the public. To see background papers go to the town website.
Overview: There were many items on the agenda but not a lot of discussion except for the proposal to rescind the ACBS boat show exclusive use of the docks which brought out once again the blinkered and short term thinking that seems to dominate some councilors when it comes to the wharf development. Whatever the commercial interests want is great. The rest is to be ignored or seen as obstructive. Think about the proposed docking fees. If you visit the wharf you see the consequences.
The Chamber of Commerce provided an update on its accomplishments: events such as the antique car show and the dockside festival and the Santa clause parade, member development and education, and promotion activities.
The only question was from Mark Clairmont who asked about the information Kiosk in Kinsmen Park. He was reminded that last year council decided to not fund this visitor information service. The issue is now being looked at by the EDO.
Main Street Ontario application to ministry of agriculture food and rural affairs. The principles and activities for the plan were briefly outlined. The cost to the town will be up to 150 thousand over 3 years.There were no questions or comment by council.
The Economic Development Advisory committee was approved. The advertisement for 9 members will be placed soon.
The Recreation and Leisure Guide will be printed by for the town at no cost if the printer can have the advertising revenue. The fact that those taxpayers who use the Washago post office do not receive the guide was pointed out to staff and this will be corrected. The lease on the sports shop at the arena will be extended to March 2010. The assumption is that the construction for the new facility will begin at that time.A kayak trailer was approved for purchase. The winning bidder was higher but will offset the higher quote by paying for advertising on the trailer and the kayaks.
Comment: the town does not have a policy regarding advertising on town property or vehicles. There is an ethical question about using taxpayer equipment for advertising. This is even more egregious here as there are competing businesses which pay taxes to the town and the winning company is from out of town. Council asked no questionsThe town has asbestos in some buildings and an asbestos management program is needed. Information and procedures have been developed. Training is to come.An increase in cemetery fees was approved and enacted into by-law.
The Wharf, D Dock changes. You will recall that the town approved 20 short term rental arrangements for D dock, adjacent to the Boat and Heritage Centre, on May 19. This required several changes to by-laws for fees, parking, and permits. The lease arrangement for the wharf marina management provides for a 20% commission for rentals and a 30% commission for enforcement. The costs of the new arrangement to the town will be 5 thousand dollars for printing and signs.
There was one question about whether the commission fee for enforcement will encourage abuse of the enforcement process. The response indicated that staff believes that customer service considerations will override mere revenue concerns. But this will be monitored.
ACBS boat show. As part of the rentals of D docks the question arose as to what will happen for the 72 hours associated with the ACBS Boat show since in 2007 the ACBS was granted exclusive use of the docks for the show. The proposal is to rescind this 2007 by-law.
Discussion: the positions of those opposed to the rescinding by-law were: the mayor stressed that this is a premiere event for the town and feels that ACBS should retain exclusive use of all docks. Donaldson felt the same. She referred to the contributions made by the ACBS to town non-profit organizations. She also indicated that in the past when there were rented docks in the Bay the owners moved their boats to temporary docking for the show duration with no complaints. Cairns supports Paisley and later pointed out that public boat traffic during the show deters the owners of these valuable antiques from participating. T. Pilger felt that since this is a late notice the status quo should be left for this year. Those in favour of rescinding: Colhoun feels the D Docks are not needed for the show. Guerriero sees this as just pushing off the problem to later on, proceed and see what happens, D dock is not even within the show site.
Ambivalent: Clairmont who agrees that this is late for this decision but wanted to know if D dock is needed by the ACBS. The answer was yes; in 2007 would-be participants were turned down for lack of space.On the recorded vote the idea was rejected. Those who wanted to rescind the ACBS by-law were Clairmont, Colhoun, Guerriero and Wilson.Those who wanted to keep the current exclusive use were Cairns, Donaldson, B. Pilger, T. Pilger and Klinck.
Comment At the time of the initial ACBS request for exclusive use several points were made: the safety and security of the site, the potential for damage to the very unique and expensive boats donated for show purposes by the owners, the requirement for adequate docking for the classic boats, the contribution of the ACBS to the town and the contribution of the show. All of this seems to be forgotten in the expediency of the moment. The ACBS has also in the past provided for alternate docking for attendees. Is there any reason that moorings couldn’t be established by the town? Is there a reason that D dock renters could be informed of the non-availability for the show duration – they could use their trailers for that timeframe.
The approach to the problem reflects the blinkered and short term thinking that seems to dominate when it comes to the wharf development. It also reflects the failure to think through decisions as to consequences and to plan in advance to mitigate negative consequences of decisions. The result is money and effort wasted and a constant game of catch-up.
The Boston Pizza Wednesday water ski show is continuing. Ad noise exemption and waiver of the 800 dollar fee were approved.
Small short term events or demonstrations are permitted at the wharf and a policy for application process was approved.
Comment: this is a solution in search of a problem. More rules and controls and bureaucracy. The cause of this procedure - a 13 year old asked if she can play her guitar at the wharf. Staff get real. Just say yes and tell her not to obstruct traffic or interfere with other events. Rules and forms are not the answer. The KISS principle should be applied to this municipality and its staff.
The Committee of Adjustment is reappointed for another year.
The Ministry of Municipal Affairs wrote to the town stating that the setting of fees for building code inspections is the discretion of the town. The limitation is that they cannot make a profit, but they can use a surplus in any one year to create a reserve fun for slow years.
Comment:the town runs an approx. 250 thousand deficit on this activity. The mayor made the suggestion to ask the Province, even though he was told at the time of the department report that the town had this authority. This was a ploy to defer any decision on raising fees. Those people who profit from a service should pay the costs. It is a very simple principle. In this case the building inspection function should operate at closer to recovery of costs. But the costs must also be kept under control.
The final tax bill can now be issued. Look forward to it.
An insert announcing the events associated with the designation and formal opening of the arch with a historic walk about and then joining the pirate fest and the fireworks at the wharf will be included. The lease with HISSO re the Boat and Heritage Centre is being modified because of the way MPAC classified the property. Civil marriage services will be expanded beyond the town hall and one Friday a month. The mayor announced his first golf tournament. Muskoka Bay golf course will be provided and the monies raised will go the education programs at the Boat and Heritage Centre. Cost $225, date August 10th.
By-laws to implement the above were passed
Greater Gravenhurst Residents Association
Council Notes May 26 and June 2, 2009 Without Prejudice
Prepared by the Greater Gravenhurst Residents Association (GGRA) this is a report of what happened at the council meetings; comments designed to give context and identify repeated patterns are included for the relevant items. These reports are prepared so that citizens can make informed contributions to the betterment of the town. The GGRA has been promoting greater access to information and accountability. With the change to minimize the content of the town minutes these notes are the most complete record available to the public. To see background papers go to the town website. .
PLANNING COUNCIL MAY 26, 2009
This meeting dealt with strictly routine matters. Four zoning amendment applications and two shore road closures were dealt with. The only two of any significance were:
Allen – near Southwood Rd. The Allens applied to rezone their lands from Rural Zone to the Rural Zone subject to Special Provision 758, in order to exempt the property from the requirement that all properties have frontage on a street maintained by a public authority. The lands are landlocked and thus no building permit can be issued for any structures. A License of Occupation allows the applicants to occupy a portion of an unopened road allowance for the purpose of constructing a driveway on Town lands.The driveway is not publicly maintained and there is concern that is would not be suitable for emergency vehicles. The Rural Zone permits a house, farm, bed and breakfast, garden centre and hunt camp. Staff recommended that the by-law be amended to permit a storage shed only. The owner was agreeable to this. If he decides to build other structures in the future the road and driveway would have to brought up to town standards. The by-law was passed with the suggested amendment.
Kempenfeldt Theatre Productions -Sam Cook Rd. (Three Mile Lake and Kashe Lake)- Application was submitted concurrently with a consent application which proposes to add land to another lot. No new lots are proposed. The consent application was considered at the Committee of Adjustment. This zoning amendment would recognize the proposed minimum lot frontage of the retained lot. The retained portion of the property is already developed with a house and a doc. No further development is proposed at this time. There are no structures on the parcel that the land is to be added to. One question that arose was whether the portage between the two lakes would be affected. The portage between Three Mile and Kashe Lakes is protected under provincial statutes. The by-law was passed at council, as were the other by-laws for zoning amends for Speicher (Housey's Rapids Rd) and Ferguson (Art Crisp Road) and the two shore road closures (McWhirter -Kashe Lake) and Grant/Seaton -Severn River)
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE AND COUNCIL JUNE 2, 2009
Council met in closed session before the Committee of the Whole to deal with legal matters. No resolutions came out of the closed session. Councillors Sandy Cairns and Bryan Pilger were absent due to illness.
COMMUNITY SERVICES
PUBLIC WORKS
DEVELOPMENT SERVICES
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
CORPORATE SERVICES
The only business at the Council meeting was the GHS Request for Noise Exemption.
The meeting was adjourned.
Greater Gravenhurst Residents Association
Gravenhurst Council notes May 19th, 2009 without prejudice
Prepared by the Greater Gravenhurst Residents Association (GGRA) this is a report of what happened at the council meetings; comments designed to give context and identify repeated patterns are included for the relevant items. These reports are prepared so that citizens can make informed contributions to the betterment of the town. The GGRA has been promoting greater access to information and accountability. With the change to minimize the content of the town minutes these notes are the most complete record available to the public. To see background papers go to the town website.
The most significant items were the Economic Development Strategy and The 2008 Financial Report from the auditors. The closed session dealt with litigation, property and matters pertinent to an individual. The property matter was approval to list the ‘doctors’ building on Muskoka Road south. Listing price is 359 thousand. It was purchased by the town for 449 thousand. A loss of 25% taking commissions into account.
Overall Comment: small behaviours cumulate to create an overall impression and perspective. After watching staff and council for a time we see that dominant corporate culture appears to be one of least effort, resistance to the new, resistance to the stated priorities and lack of clear reporting and information plus questionable decisions on financial matters. The historic and cultural resources of the town are not appreciated. Policies and practices reflect backroom pressure rather than an overall vision or direction. Processes that can create change are not welcomed. Change will not occur until this “culture” is changed.
Deputations
Judy Coward Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) re the Main Street Ontario Program.
This is a funding program provides up to $150,000 over 3 years to revitalize downtown areas in small communities. The goal is to have them economically viable through organizational development, marketing and promotion and improvement of the physical streetscape. The EDO with the BIA has filed an expression of interest and will hear back in late June. Questions from council included: TPilger, where else has this been done and is there a web site to get more information, Donaldson asked what percentage of applications are successful and Clairmont asked 2 important questions – what are the measures of success, what do we see physically and whether the town hasn’t already done some of this – yes the BR&E provides data.
Comment; this is a good approach for the downtowns, but the competition for funds is high. Some of the ideas and approaches could be implemented without extra funding if the town is willing to make a commitment to the downtown. Such a commitment would involve a change to the OP, a change in staff attitudes, a change in current programs. The BIA could legitimately argue for some financial assistance if they would put together a substantive plan. Our downtown deserves better support from the town
Updates on activities
Opera House: A brief report on the summer programming was prepared. See the brochure for details
Trails: the TransCanada trail is being rerouted through Gravenhurst. It is now strictly rural. It is proposed that it be rerouted from the million dollar bridge over highway 11 down North Shore and Bethune into the downtown core, to the wharf then up along the Bay to the Chamberlain trail and on up Muskoka Beach Road. The route looks good and was approved. Council was concerned about snowmobiles and ATVs in town. The signage will be properly posted to show the restrictions.
2 shore road closures were approved
The arch – the May 15 deadline was missed. It will be up May 25.
Marketing the plan is on track. Expenditures this year $84,000
Leases : the lease to the Vets office at the station was renewed for 5 years.
Wharf: a proposal to lease 20 spaces on the existing docks at the wharf has been negotiated with COIP and was approved. Parking will be over by the condos. This was presented in the context of interest from Marriott investors and the Muskoka Bay Club. There will be a 7 day limit at $175. Management will be with the Wharf Marina operator for 20% of the rental. No security or other facilities will be provided
As part of the discussion it emerged that more than 3 dozen have expressed interest in seasonal docking. So watch for the expansion of the docks adjacent to the Peninsula. The public sure lost that battle.
Grant requests
Council approved 3 more applications for funding, one to Main Street Ontario (see above), one to the G8 and one to the Recreational Infrastructure program.
The Opera House needs rehabilitation and improvements. They are applying for $388,000 to 2 grant programs – the G8 funds from the feds and the Province’s recreational infrastructure program. Let’s hope they get the money. It is needed.
Comment; The G8 funds have been on the table for many many months. Why is it so late in the process that the town puts forward the Opera House? Does this reflect the low priority the administration places on this extraordinary Gravenhurst resource or is it administrative performance issues? Remember, we missed the first tranche of the infrastructure program.
Provincial Recreational Infrastructure program. The town is asking for $8 million from this program with a priority list. The list starts with Gull lake park rehabilitation and continues with 6 more, the Opera House and the trail crossing at Beaver Creek at the bottom. It was made clear that this is the town staff priorities but council did not question the order and approved the application.
Comment: see my above comment regarding the priority for our Opera House and historic buildings such as Carnegie Centre. This is a recurrent situation. The Heritage Committee will have to get active on these buildings.
Economic Strategy The draft strategy was tabled. In sum the EDO wants an advisory committee of business people to provide feedback, to use the Muskoka centre property as a centre for hospitality and tourism, add health related tourism to our mix, to build on the community heritage and arts resources. The business nodes need to be connected The mayor asked how he sees this draft getting out for discussion. Response was that he wants to advertise for an advisory committee.
Comment: there are a lot of suggestions in the draft, but no specific focus or priorities. Since we cannot do everything, the EDO should be asked to identify 2 things, the quick payoffs and then the top 2 priorities. All the EDO effort should be focused on these. Perhaps the committee could help if it keeps its attention on this.
The Consolidated Financial Report. This is the audited statement for 2008. The report shows that the town spent for its operations $10 million dollars, an increase of 10.4% over 2007. Revenue was 12.1 million, the tax portion of this increased by 9.4% between 2007 and 2008. Of the surplus of 2.1 million 1.6 million went to the reserves and 500 thousand to the capital fund. This fund operated as follows: 2.2 million in revenues from grants and fees and 7.1 million in spending. The 4.9 million difference between revenue and expenditure was partially funded by internal transfers but 3 million is still unfinanced.
The community reinvestment fund, the remnant of the Hydro sale, diminished by 22% to 2.4 million. The money for the hydro debt is in another reserve and will be paid off this year. The reserves are being kept up by higher taxation.
Comment: these statements confuse the town’s finances and hence reduce accountability. The terminology being used is not that generally used. There are references to notes which when referred to do not contain the items being referenced. It is virtually impossible to find out what the liquid assets of the town are.
This is reflected in the lack of questions from council members.
The overall taxes go as follows: 30.8% to the town, 25.8% to education and 43.4% to the District.
Greater Gravenhurst Residents Association
Gravenhurst Council notes May 5th, 2009 without prejudice
Prepared by the Greater Gravenhurst Residents Association (GGRA) this is a report of what happened at the council meetings; comments designed to give context and identify repeated patterns are included for the relevant items. These reports are prepared so that citizens can make informed contributions to the betterment of the town. The GGRA has been promoting greater access to information and accountability. With the change to minimize the content of the town minutes these notes are the most complete record available to the public. To see background papers go to the town website.
This was a very uneventful and routine meeting except for the update on Music on the Barge.
4 new public works staff were introduced. 3 at the wharf and one mechanic.
Fred Schulz Music on the Barge
This is the 50th anniversary of the opening of the barge by the Queen and Philip. This season starts June 21 with a grand opening celebration. There will be afternoon events and the concert at 7:00 PM. Fred gave a picture of some highlights; 11 shows, 4 new ones and popular old ones. This summer will be the group Tanglefoot farewell concert. Special folding chairs are being made for sale at the concerts as a fundraiser. It looks worth putting on your Sunday night calendars.
Family Literacy Fun Day – Sandy Inkster gave a big thank you to Council for the fee waiver for this event. There were 85 kids and 88 adults attending for a good day of promoting literacy.
Morrison Lake Rinaldo Shore Road Closure
They have a dock, deck and shed on town land built by previous owners. They have asked to buy a portion of the Road Allowance leading to water. At a previous meeting Council hesitated because they didn’t have a sense of how the town would maintain public access. As only a portion of the Road allowance will be sold to the Rinaldos and there is also a town owned lot on the other side of the allowance staff recommended the closure Approved
Major Equipment Purchases
A compact cab tractor, 2 pick ups and a sweeper. The sweeper generated some discussion as to the schedule of who would get swept first and last. The priorities were explained by the manager public works. Purchases approved
Appointments
5 appointments were approved: 2 to the wharf board, 1 to the Library Board and 3 seasonal by-law officers. Watch where you park.
Sparrow lake Franklin and Levere
The unopened Road Allowance between their lots and the OSRA in front of this road allowance will be closed and sold to these guys. 20 metres to Franklin and 10 metres to Levere. This should be the end of this sorry saga. See earlier council reports for the history.
Farmers’ market The lease for the next 3 years was approved after a lengthy negotiation process with staff. Vehicles will still be allowed on the field. This has been a source of damage in the past. Between May 20 and June 17 the market will be held in the parking lot to minimize this damage. Rent starts at $5,500.
Greater Gravenhurst Residents Association
Gravenhurst Council notes April 21, 2009 without prejudice
Prepared by the Greater Gravenhurst Residents Association (GGRA) this is a report of what happened at the council meetings; comments designed to give context and identify repeated patterns are included for the relevant items. These reports are prepared so that citizens can make informed contributions to the betterment of the town. The GGRA has been promoting greater access to information and accountability. With the change to minimize the content of the town minutes these notes are the most complete record available to the public. To see background papers go to the town website.
Overall Comment: Most of the business of the meeting was very routine – leases to farmers market and marina, 1st quarter financial reports from the departments and committee reports. The most interesting items were the proposal for the use of the Gull Lake rocks property and the announcement of the special meeting about the proposed aquatic centre and gym.
Deputations
Don Thur of Knots and Bowls, a craftsman who works with burled and unique wood, presented a gift bowl to the town. The bowl is made of 8600 year old wood from a buried white pine thought to have originated in Gravenhurst and moved north by the glaciers then buried so the wood was preserved. If readers want to see a totally unique piece it is on display in the municipal offices.
Kendari Developments. They are going to ask the Federal and Provincial governments for 60 million dollars towards the cost of building a summer musical events venue on the Gull Lake property. Lovely architectural concept drawings were presented showing a 3,800 seat outdoor amphitheater with 200 additional seats on grass plus an 800 to 1,000 seat recital hall. The idea is that Great Gulf will run this as a private summer theatre venture bringing in big international performers to town for 45 concerts over the summer. Operating revenue will be in the 15 to 16 million range and they estimate 200 to 250 thousand visitors to town a year. Council supported the proposal in principle and will be asked to waive development charges and fees.
Comment: most of these arts festivals require public operating subsidies, never mind the huge public capital contribution. This could be a boon or a white elephant for Gravenhurst. We will see how the funding unfolds. Your writer wonders if this is a way to get other uses for the lands than residential as now required, i.e. is this a classic “bait and switch”? You will recall that 3 Associations, GGRA the GSLRA and the MLA, representing the residents and taxpayers opposed a previous proposed development designation. Keep watching.
2010 Ontario Winter Games, March 4-7, 2010. An update was presented emphasizing the Gravenhurst area activities, opening ceremonies at the wharf, man’s hockey, curling, weightlifting and shooting will be held in town. The Gravenhurst winter Carnival will be the same weekend. The town has contributed to the 1.3 million dollar budget in anticipation of the income from the participants and spectators.
Routine Items:
Variance reports from the departments showed that expenditure is in line with projections.
Leases will be renewed for the wharf marina and the farmer’s market. The Berlett, white Pine, property lease was not yet returned signed.
The new town website is 85% developed. Responsibility for the ongoing maintenance will be with Economic Development.
Events Insurance, a report was presented showing that organizations using the town facilities can save money if the town provides for overall coverage. The costs will be recouped as part of the fee for use of the facilities. Council decided to proceed. Comment: the gentleman from the town’s insurance company spoke at length to this item. He proved that the ad about unintelligible insurance explanations is factual. Council looked to be as baffled as this writer.
The Municipal offices will close between Christmas and New Years. The Accessibility Committee work plan for this year along with the BIA budget were presented and approved.
2 Fee waiver requests were approved. They are the BIA Fashion Show and the GHS welcome to incoming students.
Trails the update showing work to be done and this summer’s projects was presented. Most interesting is the proposal for an “Amazing Race” type event from Gravenhurst to Huntsville along the trial network. They need volunteers for the committee.
Dock Maintenance. A report and schedule were presented along with costs and details as to work needed now and in the future.
Greater Gravenhurst Residents Association
Gravenhurst Planning Council Notes April 22 nd, 2009 without prejudice
Prepared by the Greater Gravenhurst Residents Association (GGRA) this is a report of what happened at the council meeting; comments designed to give context and identify repeated patterns are included for the relevant items. These reports are prepared so that citizens can make informed contributions to the betterment of the town. The GGRA has been promoting greater access to information and accountability. With the change to minimize the content of the town minutes these notes are the most complete record available to the public. To see background papers go to the town website.
The meeting is known as planning council as matters before it primarily relate to land use planning matters.
Applications heard
Severn River Flanagan
Mr. Flanagan received permission last year to sever a large lot into 5 lots. But as the waterfront is part of a Provincially Significant Wetland he had to have an Environment Impact Study completed to protect the significant environmental features of the property. The EIS consultant indicated that there were sites for buildings, but that the use of the waterfront should be controlled. The proposed by-law is to define the size and location of docks and dock access walkways and to prohibit boathouses. As the water is heavily vegetated and shallow for a long distance from shore the dock walkways will have to be between 80 and 100 feet long with floating docks. The property is on the Trent-Severn waterway and Parks Canada also restricts shoreline structures.
Mr. Flanagan was concerned that the draft by-law does not exactly reflect the consultant’s report and this could cause problems in the future. As a consequence the by-law was deferred so that the necessary changes could be made.
Simpson Road Jansen
Last week the Committee of Adjustment approved this property being severed. The necessary by-law to deal with undersize lot and frontage and prohibit residential use was approved.
3 Original shore road closures were approved. A deeming to attach an OSRA to the adjacent lot was approved
Baseline Road Trott
Last week the Committee of Adjustment approved the severance of this property provided the environmental protection zoning is applied to the wetland areas and any residence is set well away from the adjacent farm operation. The by-law to effect these provisions was approved.
Greater Gravenhurst Residents Association
Gravenhurst Council Notes March 24, 2009 Without Prejudice
Prepared by the Greater Gravenhurst Residents Association (GGRA) this is a report of what happened at the council meetings; comments designed to give context and identify repeated patterns are included for the relevant items. These reports are prepared so that citizens can make informed contributions to the betterment of the town. The GGRA has been promoting greater access to information and accountability. With the change to minimize the content of the town minutes these notes are the most complete record available to the public. To see background papers go to the town website.
The meeting is known as planning council as matters before it primarily relate to land use planning matters. There were 2 items which were carryovers from previous meetings.
Planning Applications 4 were heard and Zoning By-laws 5 were passed plus one interesting deputation was heard
Riley Lake Hearne
They have an existing cottage set back 11.5 metres with a deck in front of this setback. The deck is setback 8.3 metres from the lake. They are planning an addition and want to have a reduced setback of 9 metres. And the deck setback will be recognized. The rationale for recommending this is that it will have minimal aesthetic impact and as some of the addition will be on the existing deck vegetation will not be removed. They staff want site plan control Approved
Discussion. Only Mark Clairmont asked a question about the lack of justification for the addition going closer to the water as there appeared to be adequate alternative siting. Also the deck may exist but why is there nothing in the file to show its age or that it is permitted.
Comment: Here we go again! Build a deck which brings the setback closer to the water, and then at a later stage argue for the right to cover it. Staff are not presenting the lake health rationale which is the basis of the setback requirements.
Southwood Jim Wood Lane Wood
They are asking for approval to sever a 2 acre lot from one of the old 100 acre farm properties. The abandoned trailer/mobile home and old vehicles on the lot must be removed as a condition of severance Approved
SRC on Morrison Lake Approved
Carryover items
D & M Corporation James Street condos
This 10 acre property is back with a full Environmental Impact Study suggesting the following: 8 acres of the property should be place in an environmental protection zone and 1.8 acres is suitable for siting a 40 unit 4 story condo. This building and its parking will be on the south side of the Leo trail adjacent to the existing condo now completed on James Street. The neighbours objected the first time this was before Council and were present again. Their previous objections were to traffic, height, driveway location, noise, pedestrian safety, condition of James Street and impact on the creek and wetlands. The EIS addresses this last concern and the driveway is being relocated. The Leo trail will be shifted, so that part of the trail can be used for the new driveway. The buildings will be located closer to the east boundary of the property and the snowmobile and pedestrian trails will be well signed. The building will be no more than 4 stories high. The previous hearing heard obstacles to using the existing condo driveway and these were repeated. This time the public comments focused on safety on the walking path which will be crossed by the driveway, the size of the building, the noise and safety encountered during the past construction – will this be repeated- and safety on James street where the driveway enters.
Discussion: Dnaldson asked about smell and pollution for the ponds to control runoff. Response vegetative controls and infiltration will control runoff.
Cairns asked if the trail coordinator and Leos looked at the proposed relocation of the trail. She made a very constructive suggestion that James Street pedestrian safety could be improved with a pedestrian light at the crosswalk. The response is that the community services department was consulted with.
Colhoun feels that the developer has tried to meet the original concerns and that noise while building cannot be helped.
T.Pilger asked about a peer review of the EIS. Response was that staff did not see this as necessary.
Wilson asked if a traffic study also looks at pedestrian safety. The response is that the planner has never seen this done. Also she asked how the town can be assured that the building height will not go more than 4 stories.
Clairmont asked for an explanation of how the runoff will be controlled. Also how can we be assured that the environment will be OK. He also asked why entry from John Street was not looked at. In response the planner explained the use of vegetation and infiltration techniques to trap pollution and also the rezoning and buffer areas will protect the creek.
Donaldson asked how species at risk will be protected. The scientist responsible for the EIS explained that the direction of movement of these species would naturally be away from the building and parking areas proposed.
T.Pilger has concerns about the building height and scale and does not feel this is being addressed. Also the traffic study is dated.
B.Pilger doesn’t like the 2d driveway at the corner.
Donaldson echoed the height concerns and feels it should be limited.
After all this discussion the by-law received no amendments and was Approved
the vote was recorded Clairmont, T.Pilger, B.Pilger and Wilson opposed. The rest approving with the mayor breaking the tie.
Comment: It is too bad that the height limitation was not incorporated into the by-law after all the discussion. To this reporter this project is good development if done right. This kind of housing is needed and good for the downtown. The developer is taking 80% of the land and placing it in an environmental zone which will give it good protection and the EIS specified buffers and controls which can be enforced.
Gateway Homes
This low income development on Revell Street was deferred previously because of concerns about the environmental impact study. In order to expedite the process staff is recommending rezoning the property as previously discussed with a condition, a holding provision, and so no development will proceed until a satisfactory EIS is completed and approved.
Discussion
T.Pilger wanted assurance that the applicants are aware of the implications of this provision
Donaldson is concerned that this project move forward.
Clairmont wanted to know who did the 1st report and why the staff are not satisfied. The response indicated that the endangered species component was not addressed and suggested the councillor compare the Gateway and D & M EIS reports to see why they ad reservations.
Deputation
The MLA presented the results of the water quality testing for 2008 on 5 lakes in Gravenhurst. Areas of concern were highlighted as follows: elevated coloform and E.Colii levels at sites in Muskoka Bay, at the mouth of the Hoc Roc river and upstream. High phosphorus levels were found in Muskoka Bay, the Hoc Roc and North Mudlrew Lake. suggestions were made about actions and follow up that town staff could take. The full copy of the summary and technical reports were given to the mayor for the town. Questions were asked and answered.
It will be interesting to see what action results as the areas where high readings were found need investigation.
Greater Gravenhurst Residents Association
Council Notes March 17, 2009 Without Prejudice
Prepared by the Greater Gravenhurst Residents Association (GGRA) this is a report of what happened at the council meetings; comments designed to give context and identify repeated patterns are included for the relevant items. These reports are prepared so that citizens can make informed contributions to the betterment of the town. The GGRA has been promoting greater access to information and accountability. With the change to minimize the content of the town minutes these notes are the most complete record available to the public. To see background papers go to the town website. .
Prior to the Committee of the Whole and Council meetings a closed session was held. Councillor Bryan Pilger was absent due to illness.
DEPUTATIONS
DEVELOPMENT SERVICES
Staff put forward several options and recommended allowing Levere/Cousineau be allowed to purchase a portion of the road allowance giving them what they requested plus correcting the encroachment of the retaining wall. This would not interfere with public access to Sparrow Lake. It was also recommended that Committee deny Franklin's request to purchase another 6.7 metres of shoreline and allow him to purchase the shore road allowance in front of his property. This would require Mr. Franklin to remove part of a deck which encroaches on town owned property. Mr. Franklin was requesting that the town include a triangle of land that would allow him to keep his deck as it is. The final recommendation by staff was to allow Franklin to enter into a Ten Year Licence of Occupation with the Town to allow him to continue to access his property over the town owned road allowance. Again much discussion took place. Councillor Terry Pilger did not want to sell any property that leads to water. Councillor Colhoun proposed that, since this particular access is very rocky and hazardous and there is a town owned lot nearby where the public can access the lake, that Committee go back to the original proposal to close the Road Allowance and Shore Road Allowance and split them in two. Staff confirmed that they had no objections to this option. In a recorded vote the resolution was passed with only Councillor Terry Pilger voting no. COMMENT- We hope that this will not set a precedent for closing and selling Road Allowances leading to water. We realize that Council feels this particular area is not easily accessible by the public but Council needs to preserve the public's right to utilize the waterfront. Also, I wonder how Mr. Franklin feels about having to remove structures from town owned property that he is now going to be able to purchase.
COMMUNITY SERVICES
PUBLIC WORKS
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
CORPORATE SERVICES
COUNCIL
Council Minutes Mar 3rd, 2009 – Terry Pilger spoke regarding the resolution adopting the 2009 budget – he asked that in 2010 that Councillors receive earlier material submitted by the public re the budget. He brought up that questions were asked of the 2009 budget and were not responded to. He want these questions answered next year. COMMENT: Can this be seen as encouragement that public input will be actually welcomed and not dismissed as it was this year?
Two by-laws were passed – Establishment of the BIA Board and the second appointing the Directors for the Gravenhurst Business Improvement Area for the 2006-2010 term of Council – Frances Garner, Irene Humber, Connie Johnston, Colleen Knapp, Brandon McGregor, Rick Rawlings, Judy Terry and Penny Varney.
New Business
Meeting Adjourned and Council returned to Closed Session.
Greater Gravenhurst Residents Association
Council Notes March 3, 2009 Without Prejudice
Prepared by the Greater Gravenhurst Residents Association (GGRA) this is a report of what happened at the council meetings; comments designed to give context and identify repeated patterns are included for the relevant items. These reports are prepared so that citizens can make informed contributions to the betterment of the town. The GGRA has been promoting greater access to information and accountability. With the change to minimize the content of the town minutes these notes are the most complete record available to the public. To see background papers go to the town website.
The meeting was primarily about the budget. Just to get you in the mood, the overall budget has increased by 3.6%. The salaries wages and benefit portion went up 8.5%. The reserves are being depleted by $545,308 or 15.3%.
Before we get to the budget here is a brief summary of what occurred
We heard that the Winter Lights received an award for the category of towns with 10 – 25,000 in population. Veridian, as part of the sale agreement for Gravenhurst Hydro, gave money to Gravenhurst Public School for the start up costs for putting on their musical production. One Kids Place, a treatment centre for kids with disabilities asked for a grant of $287,000 toward their capital campaign.
Building permits and Inspections Fees cost $283,000 more to administer than revenues. Mark Clairmont asked if fees can be raised. The response: fees are set by council and can be raised. A review is being done to put it in the context of fees at other municipalities. The Mayor wants to raise the issue at the AMO level to deal with the Province
Comment: if this can be done at the municipal level why raise it to the Province? What is gained by going to AMO?
A company wants to build a new industrial plant, employing 12- 14 men on highway 11 south. It will produce a new durable building siding. The land is zoned industrial and has been so for many years. The MOT wants a 34 metre setback and also a traffic study.
The Mayor says we need to support this as it brings jobs. He was echoed by T.Pilger. Clairmont wanted to know how this fits in with the new OP requirements for the highway strip. Response: this doesn’t, but the zoning pre-dates the OP so there is a right to this use. There will be a small retail component and showroom. Site Plan Agreement Approved
Municipally Directed Studies. The development department received permission to introduce a new approach for municipally directed studies, as described in the February 24 notes. Still no information about staff time implications and council did not ask for any.
Logo/Branding The EDO took the committee through the focus group work and asked council to choose between 2 resultant options. Council liked Option B. Colhoun, Cairns (she asked that they add a Muskoka chair), Guerriero, Donaldson and Wilson spoke in favour. To see the options go to the town web site.
Minutes of the Heritage Committee, Environmental Committee, the BIA and the Library Board were tabled.
THE BUDGET
This was the big item for the evening and took over 3 hours of chatter. I will report according to topics discussed although it should be noted they were unable to focus on ay one topic and finish it without digressing.
Overall comments from council
T. Pilger liked the level of detail. Although did he did not refer to the details in his later remarks
Donaldson is proud that the increase was held down as past increases have been too high. She questioned the 350,000 for the arch (this was raised by the public in letters sent in to council) and was told that this was a “typo’. It has been reduced to 207,500.
Comment: the council resolution last August specified that 10,000 was to be put into reserves for the arch for possible repairs or refurbishing. This does not appear in the budget, nor did any councillors ask about this even though it was mentioned in writing by the public. Do they read public comment?
At this point the Mayor referred to the list of issues and comments raised by the treasurer. His points on the town website, page 54 of the agenda.
1-5 were not discussed. These items were: a note that the winter games dollars are included, the marketing plan has been scaled back, street lighting replacement and repairs is included, a grant to the Chamber of Commerce is included.
6 the request for 350,000 to the South Muskoka Memorial Hospital was turned down. Discussion was as follows:
the mayor thinks we have put a lot of money into medical services to get the new doctors’ building in place, buying their office buildings, 1.8 million for infrastructure, $1 rental for the land etc. plus we are paying 100,000 last year and this year for hospital imaging equipment at the clinic . To give money for the hospital itself is outside of our jurisdiction.
Clairmont supports giving money to the hospital even if it means raising taxes by 6 or 7%. He sees it as an important resource.
Donaldson supports the mayor’s position.
Colhoun referred to his support at the District for 3 million to the Barrie Cancer Centre, but does not see giving money to SMMH.
Wilson feels the Province should fund the hospitals.
T.Pilger wants to give money to SMHH but feels the Province is not doing enough.
Cairns feels the 100,000 toward imaging is enough.
Comment: Not one of the council addressed the real issue here, ‘what role does the property tax base have in funding medical services?’. Only the mayor hinted at it with his jurisdiction comment. This funding is not within their legal mandate, which they have already overstepped by giving the close to 2 million for the new consolidated medical practice. This is a very slippery slope with huge implications for realty tax payers. See the request from One Kids Place. And who else?
It was agreed that there will be no more extra money for SMHH this year.
7. A payment of 120,700 on the debenture for the new city hall has been included. It was proposed to add a 2d payment for 2009. This was later approved with Donaldson and B.Pilger opposing. Colhoun liked the idea. It was not voted on during discussion. This debenture is for the costs of buying and renovating the Health Unit building and the infrastructure towards the new clinic building. The annual payment will be over 250,000 to carry the debenture. Since the money has not yet been received, the payment for 2009 is half the annual cost. This debenture cost will be approx. 2.5% of the town budget for the next few decades.
8. BIA funding request of 20,000 for administration this would be a budget add on.
The mayor sees no need for this as they already have a surplus from their levy (see comment below) and the town provides additional contributions to the downtown.
B.Pilger wanted to know the use of the money
Cairns agrees with the mayor. The streetscape engineering project will also impact the BIA area.
T.Pilger, feels that they can continue within their levy
Colhoun feels that the BIA is about beautification and that they duplicate ED and Chamber functions.
Wilson agrees with the mayor
Clairmont is the only councillor who spoke up for the downtown. He asked about the benefits of having a vibrant downtown – no one responded – and asked about business failures if we fail to promote it.
In the course of this discussion it emerged that the BIA wants to delay the reconstruction of Muskoka Road by the District as it would cause too much disruption. They would like improved street lighting, low energy and dark sky friendly, recycling bins and bike racks. The streetscape engineering could be done to recommend phasing reconstruction. Colhoun and T.Pilger indicated that we should talk with the District.
Comment: Regardless of the merits and need for the 20k no one expressed a concern for and vision of the downtown and what would make it ‘work’. Clairmont came close but even he did not articulate what needs to be done.
Comment: The BIA has a levy or extra tax on business in the area which it can use as it sees fit. Both the BIA and the Chamber jeopardize their capacity to influence the town council and administration as long as they also ask for and receive grants from the town. Self interest eventually overrides public interest. Everyone in Gravenhurst looses when supposedly independent organizations put themselves in a position of being dependant. They should both be encouraged to rely on themselves and their membership for resources.
9. a housekeeping measure allocating funds within public works.
10. no dollars provided for Olympic torch relay costs. Costs are unknown
11. Wharf 100,000 has been requested for a storage building (90k) and a garbage building (10k) at the wharf. The 90k is recommended and included in the draft budget and was not queried or discussed. The 10k was discussed as it was not included in the budget draft.
Colhoun is a strong proponent of this item.
B. Pilger wanted size and cost information.
Donaldson is opposed as she understood that as part of the original requirements the businesses have to manage their own garbage. This appears to be the result of one business not having this facility.
Cairns feels that the businesses affected should pay the costs.
Clairmont asked if this isn’t a parallel situation to the BIA request – we say we provide extra so they should solve their own problem. He suggested that we lease the footprint and let them build the building themselves. Cairns agreed.
It was decided that the garbage building will not be funded.
Comment: The estimate for the garbage building is approx $100 per square foot, no heating or plumbing or… does this strike anyone else as high?
12. Efficiency and Effectiveness Review 100,000 was put into the budget. The mayor likes the idea but thinks the money should be cut to 25,000. He wants to use the other 75,000 to reduce the tax increase.
Donaldson wants to keep the 75,000 on the table for later project discussion
T.Pilger asked the basis of the 100k figure, it is a full blown study as small scale one could cost 25k.
B.Pilger and Cairns are opposed to such a study.
Wilson agrees that 25k is appropriate.
Colhoun is opposed to the study as he feels that the town will then have to implement the recommendations and they might not like that.
Comment: The GGRA asked for this type of study a year ago and suggested that they start small, so this year we commented that we do not see the 100k being justified. It is worth noting that Cairns and B.Pilger seem obsessed with this study and its implications. They returned to it several times during other topics. What do they fear? They fail to see that one department has already implemented changes as a result of new leadership and a new view of how business can be done and as a result of has cut costs by 10%. More than anything this is a good case example of what can be done. It could go organization wide if it were not blocked.
13. the Ward Review has 10,000 included in the budget.
B.Pilger and T.Pilger see no need and voiced their opposition. Guerriero wants to keep the money in so that there are options should they decide to review the existing boundaries. The mayor argued strongly that this is an issue of fairness and equity. “It is our decision to make it (the unequal distribution of voters) right”
Comment: good for the mayor. The council opposition comes from those who benefit from the inequity. Fair representation is a keystone to democracy.
14 – 17 not discussed.
The council then went on to pass the budget with revisions as discussed.
Overall comment: the nature of the material presented in the agenda package and the chair’s handling of the ‘discussion’ ensured that the substantive questions raised by the public were not addressed. These questions include; rate of increase in spending, depletion of reserves, addition of staff, high percentage increase in corporate services, i.e. administration, budget, internal inconsistencies about repayments to reserves and the use of the reserves to cover up increased operating costs. Written public input was not referenced to except by Donaldson and the mayor. Do members read the input? Do they want public input? At the end of the meeting after the budget was passed and there was a request for queries to be addressed we were told rudely that they had no obligation to take input into account. There seems to be a problem in distinguishing between listening and considering ideas and feeling threatened by suggestions.
Greater Gravenhurst Residents Association
Council Notes February 24, 2009 Without Prejudice
Prepared by the Greater Gravenhurst Residents Association (GGRA) this is a report of what happened at the council meetings; comments designed to give context and identify repeated patterns are included for the relevant items. These reports are prepared so that citizens can make informed contributions to the betterment of the town. The GGRA has been promoting greater access to information and accountability. With the change to minimize the content of the town minutes these notes are the most complete record available to the public. To see background papers go to the town website.
The meeting is known as planning council as matters before it primarily relate to land use planning applications. There was one additional item.
Zoning amendment requests and by-laws
They are proceeding in their planning. This is a large, potentially 120 unit, affordable housing project west of Revell Street. The project will be a mix of singles, towns, semis and multiple unit buildings. The storm water management plan has been developed and areas of the property will be left natural plus there will be an area for a park. There will be a slight reconfiguration of the roads to accommodate the subdivision plan. At present the land is zoned R 1, single family. The application will change this to R 3 to allow for the mixed housing types proposed. And the natural areas will be rezoned EP.
One neighbour expressed concern that components of the Environmental Impact study were missing and that the area had species at risk. It was asked, and the Gateway people agreed that the approval be deferred pending this being completed
Questions: Colhoun what is the most economical form of housing
Clairmont – what is the density or number of owners phase 1 will have 20 units, phase 2 60 units and later phases to create from 120 to 140 units.
On the recommendation of staff this item was deferred
They want to remove an existing cottage and replace it with a cottage set back 20 metres not the required 30 metres. They have a 2d legal cottage on the property and they want to add to it thereby reducing the setback from the lake from 15 metre to 12. 8 metres. The property also has 2 docks. Staff report indicates that there is no justification for the reduced setback on the 2d cottage. The KLRA and neighbours correspondence and presentations show that the 2d dock was constructed without a permit in 2008. The initial staff proposal to approve the 20 metre set back and the 2 docks and confirm that there are 2 cottages was modified. There will be only one dock, the 2d cottage will not go closer to the lake and the new cottage will have a reduction from the 30 metre requirement. In winter the septic inspector could not see if there was a suitable site and asked for deferral. The shoreline area will be re-vegetated. Approved
Council comments focused on the docks, their size and location (Pilgers,Donaldson). Colhoun wanted to know why not a 30 metre setback for the new cottage and Cairns wants to ensure that re-vegetation does not mean a lawn, instead plant shrubs and native plants. Wilson asked about the septic inspector’s request for deferral and was assured that no permit would be issued without a suitable septic site.
He wants to sever a lot opposite to industrial park for a 2d residential lot. The property right now is zoned rural so needs to be rezoned R1. Approved
He wants to enclose a small area of his deck. This will bring the cottage from 21 metres setback to 20 metres and will cause a further exceeding of the shoreline factors. When the house was built it conformed to the zoning by-law, the change to 30 metre setback requires this application. Approved
The committee of Adjustment recommended this severance in January. Now the by-law will recognize the small area of the 2 lots, an easement, reduced setbacks and that it is not on a year round road Approved
Other business
The planning department brought forward a proposal to modify the methodology for “expert studies” required by the town. At present when such a study is required the applicant has the study done by a consultant of their choosing and then the town has it peer reviewed. The applicant pays for both stages. The new proposal is to let the applicants continue with this approach or to choose to use a consultant selected by the town via an RFP. The consultant will work with the town staff and no peer review will be needed.
Questions
T. Pilger how often does a peer review result in different opinion 50% of the time.
Donaldson how much staff time and cost will this take?
Colhoun could you provide a list of companies for the applicant to choose from as opposed to an RFP.
The idea has been referred to Development Service Committee for further discussion.
Comment: The intent of this proposal is to save applicants time. Why? If they are planning big projects they have expertise and long lead times. Smaller projects still need time and thought and applicants should plan for this stage as well. My review of the 12 stages for the proposed process indicates that the town will have additional costs - legal costs for the agreement with the applicant, staff time for the RFP, meeting and selecting consultants, review of the RFP, review of the report. Does the town staff necessarily have the expertise to review the reports which will come in? Note the 50% factor with peer reviews. Bob Colhoun proposed an optional approach which could save staff time. Significant further information on demands on town staff should be provided before a decision is made.
Greater Gravenhurst Residents Association
Council Notes February 19 2009 Without Prejudice
Prepared by the Greater Gravenhurst Residents Association (GGRA) this is a report of what happened at the council meetings; comments designed to give context and identify repeated patterns are included for the relevant items. These reports are prepared so that citizens can make informed contributions to the betterment of the town. The GGRA has been promoting greater access to information and accountability. With the change to minimize the content of the town minutes these notes are the most complete record available to the public. To see background papers go to the town website. .
Prior to the Committee of the Whole and Council meetings a closed session was held to discuss possible acquisition/disposition of land, litigation or potential litigation and personnel matters. Councillor Wilson was absent, Councillor Cairns was out west representing the town at Winter Lights and Mayor John Klinck was away on vacation.
Councillor Donaldson declared a pecuniary interest regarding the Emergency Generator Capital Project. This was a short meeting and was mostly routine business.
COMMUNITY SERVICES
PUBLIC WORKS
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Lance Sherk introduced Amy Taylor, the new Events Co-ordinator & Facilitator.
CORPORATE SERVICES
Councillor Guerierro reported that the 2009 draft budget had been distributed to Councillors. It will be available on the Town website Friday, Feb. 20 and also will be available for pickup at the front desk of the Town Offices. Council is seeking input from the public. A special email address has been initiated for the public to send comments – 2009budget@gravenhurst.ca. Written comments may be dropped off at the Town office addressing the envelope budget 2009. COMMENT – THE GGRA ENCOURAGES MEMBERS TO STUDY THE BUDGET AND MAKE YOUR THOUGHTS KNOWN. WE WOULD LIKE YOU TO FORWARD YOUR THOUGHTS AND CONCERNS TO US – email dwallis@encode.com or you can contact Lola Bratty 687-9178 or Ross Ashforth 687-3130.
Committee of the Whole was adjourned.
COUNCIL MEETING
Council passed the three above noted by-laws, adjourned and returned to closed session.
Greater Gravenhurst Residents Association
Council Notes February 3, 2009 Without Prejudice
Prepared by the Greater Gravenhurst Residents Association (GGRA) this is a report of what happened at the council meetings; comments designed to give context and identify repeated patterns are included for the relevant items. These reports are prepared so that citizens can make informed contributions to the betterment of the town. The GGRA has been promoting greater access to information and accountability. With the change to minimize the content of the town minutes these notes are the most complete record available to the public. To see background papers go to the town website.
Overall Comment: with the exception of the Ward Review and the budget items this was one of the most uneventful meetings in a long time. The input from public organizations, The Muskoka Watershed Council and The Friends Organization, were informative. But the normal business was routine. Perhaps this is a good thing as sometimes organizations need periods to adjust and plan. That might explain also why these notes are late. Secondly, it is important that you know the budget is being released for public comment. We will have a little over one week to respond. This is your chance. The town spends 10 million of your dollars each year. Do you like where they go? Do you want changes. Get your copy of the draft budget at the town hall or go on line and send your comments to the councillors. The GGRA will be preparing input so if you want your ideas included send them to the secretary Laurie Wallis. Her email is dwallis@encode.com
Council Meeting
Deputations
Norma Bush the town personnel officer has completed her HR professional training at the highest level.
The Muskoka Watershed Council provided a brief update. Questions from the councillors
were as follows:
B.Pilger the eco-driver program should include snowmobiles (and ATVs?)
T. Pilger what is the position on aggregate resources? Response: we see a need for an overall strategic plan for these as aggregates conflict with recreation and tourism needs. Comment: no hint was given as to responsibility for this strategic plan District or local government. So it will probably go ….
Clairmont who determines lake thresholds? Will these be re-evaluated? Response: there are dollars for such a review in 2011.
Clairmont where do you stand on the draft tree cutting by-law? Response: we support it. We see the need for a forest health program including such a by-law. Forests support the environment and the economy and should be kept healthy and sustainable.
Klinck where is road salt in the storm water management program? Response: Salting roads is sometimes needed and vegetative buffers are important to protect the surrounding land.
The Friends Organization. They own the old bowling alley building and will be renovating to provide low cost apartments for seniors or others who need support, such as emergency call, housekeeping etc. There will be 7 units plus a space for a “day away” program and a respite unit. They want a letter of support from council to go to the Ministry of Health. They will get same.
Questions B.Pilger who finances this? Response: they have a bequest and also the ministry of Health.
T. Pilger what kind of care will be provided? Response: will vary according to need.
Clairmont how do you compare to a retirement residence? Response: this is different because more services will be provided – more than a retirement residence but less than a long term care setting.
Comment: this is a very important addition to the town. It proves another level of residential options for people whose needs are not yet at the LTC stage, but who need some supports. This plus the commitment to moderate rents and the day away facility will benefit many Gravenhurst families.
Dave Levere Sparrow Lake
Regular readers will recognize this name. He and his neighbour have been trying to get their hands on town property for several years. The neighbour, Franklin, so that he could sever his lot and Mr. Levere so that he could enlarge his. The two of them have disputed each other’s claims in prior meetings and from the point of view of this writer it would seem that their relationship is anything but harmonious.
Levere’s request to buy a portion of the road allowance leading to water has been on file for 2 years. Franklin got his severance for undersized lots and is no longer interested, but is still using the road allowance as a driveway as he has not complied with conditions of the severance. Levere wants 15 feet of the road allowance and requested being on an agenda for a meeting.
Klinck we will review the file and get it on an agenda
T. Pilger – I thought we had dealt with this, not to sell any portion of this road allowance.. What is the status of the application? Staff says they are waiting for Franklin to withdraw his application.
Colhoun do you want 15 feet of the OSRA too? Response “we are not interested in the rocky shore”
Comment: Road allowances leading to water should not be sold by the town. Over many years of growth pressure these access points will become important for future residents. There is repeated pressure on the council to dispose of shoreline and access roads. But if we do so we will give up a future public benefit for town residents, with no real gain for today. There has been too much short term thinking in the past related to the lakes and development and many of the problems now seen result from this kind of thinking. We should continue to urge council to hold fast to their rule of not selling these public lands.
Development Services presented statistics as to activity.
OMB appeal – the town lost an appeal of a rezoning for a sheet metal business on Winhara. So the necessary by-law was drafted and approved.
Economic Development
The wharf board minutes for December 16 were provided.
The 2010 Ontario Winter Games have decided that weight lifting, curling, men’s hockey air rifle shooting competitions will be in Gravenhurst. The opening ceremonies will be at the wharf. Town is providing 18,00 dollars
Corporate Services
Accessibility - An outline of the upcoming new requirements under the 2001 Accessibility legislation, which is phasing in these changes over 2 decades, was provided. The deadline for full accessibility is 2025.
Appointments to the committee were approved.
Ward Review
67 responses were received with a great variety of preferences, mostly redraw the boundaries.
Council discussion:
B.Pilger this should be a ballot question in 2010 elections
T. Pilger supports his brother
Clairmont where are we on this?
Colhoun his constituents want no change to boundaries.
Klinck he wants to see change. He has been told so by many electors. The composition of council should reflect the community and be fair to all electors. We need to redraw the lines, council can be smaller. Council has to tackle this.
Wilson – response is sad. It doesn’t reflect the community at large. Put it to a ballot. Comment: Did she do anything to talk this up, poll her consituents? Or just adopt a passive approach?
Guerriero – this is an opportunity to think about how this administration should work. He doesn’t want a patch work approach.
This will be brought forward to March 3.
Comment: it is interesting that those who stand to loose are resistant and critical. There is no reason that there cannot be 3 representative wards with 2 councillors plus a mayor. John Klinck is right the council should be representative of today’s population, not 19th century townships whose lines were drawn before settlement. In the opinion of this writer 67 responses is amazing. Ward reviews are amongst the least sexy topics around. And while this was before the public we were seeing the US election, the economic meltdown, the fiscal/political/constitutional crisis in Ottawa plus Christmas and numerous power failures. Still with all this 67 people gave input . If this includes you congratulations and thanks. An important way to change the stagnant quo is to make structural changes.
Budget
The treasurer and Guerriero promised that it will be available on Friday February 20 for the public to review and will be tabled March 3 at which time the public can comment.
This is your chance. The town spends 10 million of your dollars each year. You can input on this spending. A copy of the draft budget is available at the town hall or on line. You can send your comments to the councillors or if you want them included in the GGRA input send your ideas to Laurie Wallis at dwallis@encode.com .
A cleaning contract for the town hall will be renewed without tendering due to short time frames. Only Clairmont opposed this process change.
Cruickshank was appointed to represent the town at an OMB hearing for a Sparrow lake application challenging the refusal of reduced setbacks.
End of meeting
Greater Gravenhurst Residents Association
Council Notes January 27, 2009 Without Prejudice
Prepared by the Greater Gravenhurst Residents Association (GGRA) this is a report of what happened at the council meetings; comments designed to give context and identify repeated patterns are included for the relevant items. These reports are prepared so that citizens can make informed contributions to the betterment of the town. The GGRA has been promoting greater access to information and accountability. With the change to minimize the content of the town minutes these notes are the most complete record available to the public. To see background papers go to the town website. This report has been prepared without prejudice.
The meeting is known as planning council as matters before it primarily relate to land use planning matters. There were 2 items which are carryovers from previous meetings.
Southwood Road Angela Baker
She received a severance provided that an area of the property is rezoned as an Environmental Protection Zone. The amendment to zoning by-law 94-54 passed.
Riley lake Overdyk
They first requested permission to take their cottage closer to the lake than the current 6.7 metres. This was denied and they were sent back to revamp their application. Based on the revised plan permission for a decreased setbacks was granted. The required by-law was passed
Shoreroad Closures
The OSRAs on 2 Sparrow Lake properties were closed and will be sold to the adjacent owners.
Deeming By-law
Lake Muskoka Linda Sommerville The lot she owns will have a previously severed parcel from an adjacent lot added to it.
G8 meeting
Council was updated on Muskoka wide media, reservation and website projects relevant to the G8 summit in 2010. Costs of $200 thousand will be requested of the Federal Government. A fourth and most needed project is Customer Service training for business owners and staff who will be dealing with foreign visitors and media. Cost 50 thousand for development and then will vary according to number of trainees. In addition a proposal with ideas as to what Gravenhurst can specifically do was tabled. These will include hosting the Chinese delegation, enhanced Bethune facility, a memorial to Dr. Bethune, train station and Carnegie Centre upgrades, better street lighting and walking trails and signage including in the Chinese language. No costs were given, but Ottawa will be asked for the funds.
Closed session dealt with a property matter.
New Applications
South Muldrew Lake Turney
To provide an easement over a driveway and abutting land to provide access and hydro services. Approved
Southwood Road Scheutter
The applicants want to create 2 new residential lots. The 200 acre parcel now has 6 lots so the total will go up to 8 lots. This exceeds what is permitted in the Official Plan. There are wetlands on the property and the railway and a hydro line cross the property. Staff are recommending an Environmental Protection zone be applied to the property to protect the wetland. In their opinion this will then conform to the intent of the OP policies. CN requested an easement for environmental noise and vibration. The committee refused this request. Approved
Comment: We are pleased that the committee refused to have the town apply CN’s requested easement. Fist should the town be applying conditions relevant to another organization? Who would enforce them? Second does the committee have enough information about the legal implications of this kind of condition?
Pine Lake Terry
Asking for consent for a right of way over an existing private road, Road 1000. this will legally recognize existing access to the property. Approved
Comment: Road 1000 has been in use for many years. It crosses an unopened road allowance at right angles, so a license of occupation will be required. The applicant will be required to pay the town $530 for this licence for 10 years. What about the other 16 users of the road. Will they have to pay too?
Gravenhurst Council Meeting Notes Jan to Dec 2010 Click Here to go There
Gravenhurst Council Meeting Notes Jan to Dec 2008 Click Here to go There
Gravenhurst Council Meeting Notes May To Dec 2007 Click Here to go There