Staff
The Senior Retirees Against Pension and Elder Abuse (SRAPEA) will make a presentation to town council tonight asking that there be no increases to taxes, water and sewer rates, or user fees this year.
A written report from SRAPEA indicates the group also would like council to hold off on any new projects, such as the Huffman subdivision, until the dire economic situation facing Fort Frances can be stabilized and the local economy improved.
This could be facilitated through a new Community Economic Planning Group, which would study and recommend positive strategies for economic stabilization and revitalization.
It would consist of a cross-section of community sectors for the good of Fort Frances and Rainy River District.
Tonight also will see a presentation by J. McPherson of the Ontario Clean Water Agency (OCWA) re: the annual report on 2012 sewage treatment operations, as well as a report by Mayor Roy Avis regarding council appointments to various town committees and boards.
The public portion of the committee of the whole is scheduled to start at 5:50 p.m., followed by the regular meeting of council at 6:15.
Other business on tonight’s agenda includes:
•a letter from the Fort Frances Minor Hockey Association;
•a letter from the Fort Frances Voyageur Lions Club;
•a report re: a request from Fort Frances Community Garden Group;
•2012 audited statement re: the OPP office lease agreement;
•an auditor’s report of compliance re: the 2012 federal gas tax;
•a per diem claim for Coun. Andrew Hallikas re: attendance at a Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association (NOMA) board meeting;
•a report re: installation of ice at the ’52 Canadians Arena and the Fort Frances Lakers’ playoff schedule;
•a recommendation re: a presentation by A. Bedard and M. Bedard on the proposed use of the former Huffman School;
•a break-open ticket licence application from La Verendrye General Hospital Auxiliary at Sunset Schmiddy’s from May 1-Oct. 31;
•a request from the Fort Frances Police Services Board re: amendments to the current policy of flag lowering at the Civic Centre;
•a bylaw to deem Lots 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 on Plan SM-122;
•a bylaw to approve an agreement with 1113931 Ontario Inc. (Sunset Protection Systems);
•a bylaw to approve certain retirement incentive agreements; and
•a bylaw to approve an agreement with Roto Rooter Plumbing & Drain Service.
