Duane Hicks
Library board chair Joyce Cunningham was named the town’s 23rd “Citizen of the Year” at last night’s council meeting.
Cunningham, who helped spearhead the effort to get the new public library built here over the past 15 years, said she was “unbelievably surprised but extremely honoured” when she was notified that she was chosen.
“Congratulations Joyce,” said Mayor Roy Avis. “Every time I drive down Second Street, I see how nice the building looks.
“It’s a huge asset to this community.”
Cunningham is to be honoured officially at the town’s annual appreciation banquet next Friday (Nov. 19), although she will not be able to attend.
“We are working on that slight little problem, since I happen to be the chair of the Ontario Library Service North board and I’ll be in Sudbury,” Cunningham noted, adding perhaps a representative could read out a speech for her or they could use Skype (Internet-based conferencing).
A total of 17 “Citizen of the Year” applications, including multiple ones for Cunningham, were submitted by the Oct. 22 deadline.
The selection committee, consisting of Bill Gushulak (“Citizen of the Year 2000”), Mayor Avis, and Coun. Sharon Tibbs, then met to choose the one they felt was most deserving.
The identities of the other nominees will not be revealed.
Also at last night’s meeting, council:
•heard a presentation from Cunningham, who reviewed library board activities over the past four years (the term of the current library board, along with other town committees, ends Nov. 30);
•heard a presentation from Trish Law, GIS maintenance expert, regarding “Getting Connected with GIS in Fort Frances”;
•did not support a Township of Alberton resolution regarding fire service training;
•awarded a tender for the operation and maintenance of the landfill site for the next five years to Tom Veert Contracting Ltd., at a monthly operational cost of $14,500 plus HST;
•approved financial support for “Meals on Wheels” in the amount of $15,500 (this is for 2011 operations);
•received a financial request from the Fort Frances Volunteer Bureau for the annual community Christmas dinner;
•approved a Sunset Country Travel Association membership request in the amount of $1,513, plus GST;
•agreed to have Mayor Avis send a letter of commendation to J.W. Walker School for its community environmental stewardship initiatives; and
•received minutes of settlement for 564 Elm Ave. and 1084 Cornwall Ave.
