Council in Committee took a full day to get through a 583-page Agenda package on August 6. Here are some matters of interest.
Tax arrears substantially decreased
Council was so pleased with a tax collection update from Deputy Treasurer Janice Brisson Zelney that they invited Zelney into the meeting so they could compliment her in person. Zelney has so far succeeded in reducing the amount of tax arrears owing at December 31 2018 from $1,301,551.36 to $582,086.71. As of August 6 the sum of $719,464.65 had been collected.
Combermere Lodge Limited (Chippawa Shores) public meeting
A rezoning and Special Council meeting regarding the Combermere Lodge Limited Plan of Subdivision and Plan of Condominium will be held at 6 p.m. on Monday, August 29 at the Paul J. Yakabuski Community Centre, Barry’s Bay.
Other meeting dates
Council set a date of Thursday Sept. 26 at 9 a.m. to hold a meeting about Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act (EMCPA) compliance. Mayor Love suggested this date could also be used to review/debrief the response during the 2019 spring freshet.
Fire fighters equipped with radios
MV Fire Chief Corwin Quade told Council that all 35 fire fighters are now using the new handheld radios. He said it was a huge improvement.
Main Street Revitalization Funding – Combermere gazebo
Council directed staff to meet with Councillor Peplinski and stakeholders before the Council meeting on August 20 regarding a suitable gazebo at the Combermere boat launch so that there would be time to apply for rezoning this season.
Road naming by-law
Before passing an updated roads naming By-Law, Council will decide the name of the road leading to Madawaska Valley District High School. They asked Renfrew County District School Board for suggestions but since most of those related to a wolf theme Council will review previous suggestions to see if it is possible to honour a community leader who had an impact on the school/students.
Water Tower roof repairs
Council accepted a tender from Zuracon Construction for $19,051.80 including HST to replace the shingles and do related repairs on the Water Tower. Mayor Love confirmed that Operations Manager Hilary Kutchkoskie had discussed the repairs with the Station Keepers to ensure that those who “have a historical interest have concurred that this is a good thing and we should be doing it in this way.” CAO Klatt said the quote had been revised to include a Station Keepers’ recommendation for the fascia.
Photo madawaskavalley.ca
