Duane Hicks
In the last regular meeting of 2008, Fort Frances town council has a full agenda tonight with three public meetings regarding a variety of issues.
Scheduled for 7:10 p.m. is a public meeting regarding a proposed zoning bylaw amendment to accommodate the development of a solid wood waste recycle operation on property in the industrial park.
The purpose of this meeting is to receive public comment prior to a zoning bylaw amendment, as required under the Planning Act.
The property, located on Eight Street West between Keating Avenue and Wright Avenue, was approved for sale to applicant Mike Carmody back on Nov. 17. But the sale was conditional upon a successful rezoning, as well as a stopping up and closing of a portion of Seventh Street West and an abutting laneway.
A second public meeting, scheduled for 7:20 p.m., regards the proposed amendments to implement revised or new Financial Incentive Programs to the Community Improvement Plan.
These incentives, first presented to council by Economic Development Officer Geoff Gillon this past fall, are a means to encourage the revitalization, rehabilitation, and redevelopment of properties.
A bylaw to adopt these amendments also is on the agenda at tonight’s council meeting.
The third public meeting tonight is to get input on the 2009 user fee schedule.
As previously reported, user fees for most services are to go up about three percent, but a few will go up even more, such as bag tags (which will jump from $1.50 to $1.75 each).
The bylaw to adopt the 2009 user fee schedule is on council’s agenda tonight, which will go into effect Jan. 1 if passed.
Tonight’s council meeting is scheduled to start at 7:20 p.m. It will be preceded by the committee of the whole, which will meet at 5 p.m. but is expected to be in-camera until 6:30.
Business on the in-camera agenda will include multiplicities of litigation, a potential legal matter, a letter of understanding, and a potential property acquisition.
Business on today’s committee of the whole agenda will include:
•a request for proposals regarding fire and rescue communications;
•a janitorial tender;
•an access to recreation policy;
•a report regarding the temporary closing of Cross-Runway 3/21 and Taxi Bravo at the airport;
•the Nov. 2008 drinking water systems monthly summary report;
•a report regarding capital financing;
•a BIA request for a yearly electrical credit;
•a Police Services Board request for a prize donation;
•a report regarding terms of reference and recruitment strategies for physician recruitment;
•a travel expense and per diem claim for Coun. Sharon Tibbs; and
•a report on the 2009 preliminary budget.
Business on tonight’s council agenda includes:
•a request to proclaim January as “Crime Stoppers Month” in the Town of Fort Frances;
•a letter from the Rainy River District School Board regarding the disposition of surplus real property (this is an offering to sell the town properties at 1050 Walker Ave., as well as in Miscampbell and Carpenter);
•a bylaw to approve the minutes of council for 2008;
•an invitation to attend the Zone 1 meeting of the Ontario Association of Police Services Boards here Jan. 21-23; and
•a letter from Sandra Brunetta requesting support for the Loncar family.
