Staff
Town council will vote tonight to increase user fees here in 2015.
If the recommendation from the Administration and Finance executive committee is approved, there will be a general 2.6 percent hike effective Jan. 1.
This increase, however, does not include any specific fees that have been identified to remain at 2014 rates (such as taxi and limousine fees), new rates established (such as a business licence transfer fee), or any user fee that required individual evaluation.
The 2.6 percent hike is a “cost of living” increase based on the published Consumer Price Index for Ontario for period of September, 2013-September, 2014.
This increase also does not apply to sewer and water rates, which will be brought forward in the new year.
The 2015 user fee schedule will be brought forward for consideration at special committee of the whole meeting Dec. 8.
In other news, 2014 “Citizen of the Year” Dr. Brian Johnstone will be recognized at tonight’s council meeting.
Linda Hamilton, the 2009 “Citizen of the Year” and a member of the selection committee, will honour Dr. Johnstone, who has confirmed his attendance.
This committee of the whole meeting will begin at 5:30 p.m., at which time council will go in-camera (behind closed doors) to discuss two items.
The public session will resume at an unspecified time, followed by the regular council meeting.
Other business on tonight’s agenda includes:
•reports/bylaws re: taxi licensing, traffic control, and term limits for appointments to town boards and committees;
•purchase card expenses for Fort Frances CAO Mark McCaig;
•travel claims for Mayor Roy Avis, Couns. John Albanese, Ken Perry, Paul Ryan, and Rick Wiedenhoeft, and councillor-elect Wendy Brunetta for the trip to Queen’s Park earlier this month;
•the presentation of a donation from the Cyclone Swim Club for swim platforms;
•a hearing for a tax adjustment at 325 Scott St.;
•a request from the local Alzheimer Society to proclaim January as “Alzheimer Awareness Month” in Fort Frances;
•a request from M. and S. Krikke to consider water bills; and
•a motion from the Fort Frances Museum Advisory Committee re: council representation and additional museum staff.
