Duane Hicks
The combination of several issues and the overall economic atmosphere have come together to create “the perfect storm” town council has had to face in 2012, and will continue to weather in 2013, said Mayor Roy Avis.
“I know it’s been a very eventful year,” he said at Monday night’s council meeting.
“I know that going forward, it’s going to be very eventful,” he added.
Resolute Forest Products has applied for a reassessment of its mill property here and depending on the decision of the assessment review board, the loss of tax revenue could affect services, the mayor warned.
The 239 layoffs by Resolute Forest Products due to the indefinite idling of the kraft mill and #5 paper machine last month also was a blow to the community.
“Council is working to find a solution to this issue both with Resolute and senior government,” Mayor Avis pledged.
He noted the economic situation has not been made any better by the fact the loonie has been steadily at par with the U.S. dollar, on some days exceeding it in value.
“This affects our local merchants and the commodities we produce for export,” he explained.
The town also is in the midst of reviewing its sewer and water agreement with Couchiching First Nation while the Pither’s Point Park land claim will continue to be front and centre going forward.
The province also wants to reduce the number of electrical local distribution companies in Ontario in favour of larger regional utilities.
“This would mean a very adverse effect on service delivery and the cost of power for this community,” Mayor Avis said.
But the mayor noted council has accepted the challenges before it and will strive onwards, adding administration has provided assistance and direction in the past year and looks forward to working with them next year.
“We can only hope for a better 2013,” he remarked, wishing the community a “Happy New Year.”
Also at Monday night’s meeting, council:
•saw Mayor Roy Avis appoint Coun. Paul Ryan to the Integrated Community Sustainability Steering Committee for a term ending Nov. 30, 2014;
•directed that the Rainy River Future Development Corp. be tasked with providing specific financial data related to starting and operating a possible Fort Frances Community Foundation;
•agreed to a recommendation of the Administration and Finance executive committee to authorize 30 15-second “Holidays Greetings” on 93.1 The Border for a cost of $189 plus HST;
•agreed to a recommendation of the Administration and Finance executive committee to write-off an uncollectable accounts receivable for Customer #10657 in the amount of $124.84;
•agreed to a recommendation of the Administration and Finance executive committee to refer Safe Communities Rainy River District’s 2012-13 per capita request, in the amount of $3,976, to the 2013 budget process for further discussion;
•approved the adjustment of 2012 taxes for property at 814 Scott St.;
•referred a motion from the BIA Board of Management to amend its membership bylaw to the Planning and Development executive committee for its recommendation (the board is asking council to reduce its number of members appointed by council from 13 to nine);
•passed a bylaw to approve the minutes of council from Dec. 13, 2011-Dec. 10, 2012; and
•received a letter of appreciation from the Fort Frances Lakers Junior ‘A’ hockey team.
