LoW council donates to local causes

By Ruth Brett
Contributor

The Lake of the Woods Township Council held their May meeting on the 8th with Mayor and all Councillors, Clerk-Treasurer P. Giles, Road Supt.E. Pearson, Fire Chief S. McNally and 6 visitors present.
Council sat as a committee of adjustment to consider consent application 46B0701 and an amendment to 46B0602. Clerk Giles gave the background on the files and no concerns were received from the public. Council granted consent application 46B0701, W.J. Bowman Ltd., on behalf of Jon McBride, provisional approval with five conditions attached.
Provisional Approval was also granted for amended lot lines and roadway for consent application 46B0602 for K&V Vogan.
A public meeting was held to award tenders for two contracts. The tender from M. Stintzi, being the lowest of two tenders, was accepted for the Stintzi Drain 2006. The tender from T&K Sharp, being the lowest of 3 tenders, was accepted for the COMRIF contract 06-129.
There were 4 petitions to Council.
Nancy Miller, secretary of the Morson Tourism Association, gave an update on the MTA activities and their efforts to promote the community. Council was requested to consider an increase in the funding for MTA for 2007. Council authorized a donation to that organization of $3500.00, including membership and advertising fees.
Terry Gill, along with Barb & Rich Zebleckis, spoke on the Morson Bass International’s efforts to promote their event and involve the whole community in the activities. They stated that the tournament has been reduced to two days this year. The MBI needs funding to help with the cost of the big tent. They also noted that the organization is presently working on their constitution.
Council authorized a grant of $2500.00 to the MBI.
Jody Jolicouer presented a petition from residents requesting that Council take action to have the boat ramp at Carl’s Road extended. Mayor Pizey stated that Council is waiting until communication has been received from pertinent government sources as to what can be done to improve the ramp.
Council had received a letter of request from the R.R. District Women’s Institute Museum for a donation to their new museum building fund. Council authorized a donation of $1,000.00.
Council will donate $100.00 to the R.R. Valley Giant Pumpkin Festival.
R.A. Gill Ltd. requested Council to consider their proposal for a propane tank exchange at the Morson Shopping Centre. As long as Technical Standards and Safety Authority rules apply and all safety and building requirements are met, Council has no objections to the propane tank exchange.
Bills for the month of April and in the total amount of $81,627.96 were approved for payment.
Road Supt.Pearson noted that Carl’s Rd. boat ramp is closed for safety reasons until repairs can be made.
The Roads office upstairs in the Fire Hall is finished.
The government dock project is finished except for the bumpers.Council suggested that to keep vehicles off the grass in the park at the Morson Dock, posts and chains be placed to mark off the parking areas.
The property on the south corner of Hwys 600 & 621 will be used for a wayside park; some ground work there may be necessary to facilitate mowing. A lengthy discussion took place on the road patrol findings. Rd. Supt. Pearson suggested that the grader and other equipment rates be revisited to more closely reflect operating costs. Council will discuss this at the next meeting.
Fire Chief McNally gave an update on the department and presented their budget for 2007. He stated that there is good attendance at meetings and training sessions. In 2007, they have responded to three fire calls and three controlled burns.
Karen Sepers at the Bergland Store and Tony Gill at the Morson Store have been appointed fire permit issuers.
The lower unit on the fire boat has been repaired by and costs donated by Bill Olson.
Council will authorize an application to FCC AgriSpirit Fund for Fire Dept. equipment and dry hydrants. The Fire Dept has formed a fundraising committee with plans for activities over the summer to raise money for much needed equipment.
Council will bill the Twp. of Morley for LoW Fire fighters response to a fire on Morley’s side of Fred’s Rd.
Council has authorized, subject to any other necessary approvals, the MTO and it’s contractors accessing and taking water for road construction from the Carl’s Rd. boat launch location.
Public planning meetings will be held in the summer. Notices regarding these meetings will be going out with the tax bills. Community members are encouraged to attend bringing their ideas and visions for what they would like to see happening in LoW Twp. in the next four years.
Clerk Giles reported that the CBO contract should be signed by next month.
The OPP credits of $5970 and the OMPF payment of $103,310 were received. The Clerks monthly report and draft budget was reviewed.
The tax rate for 2007 will remain the same as 2006.
The Clerk will respond to a letter received from R. Peterson regarding the boat launch on Carl’s Rd.Council has asked Clerk Giles to send a letter to local businesses asking that they consider reducing or eliminating the use of plastic bags.
The next council meeting will be another public meeting to review user fees, the budget, property standards and grader and equipment rates. That will be on Tuesday, June 5 at 7pm at the Morson Hall.