Citizen opposes parkland tax in LoW Twp.

By Ruth Brett
Contributor

The regular meeting of the Lake of the Woods Twp. Council was hled in Morson on May 6th 2008 with Mayor V. Pizey, Councillors J. Moen, T. Sepers, C. Fadden, and N. Gate, Clerk-Treasurer P. Giles, Road Supt. E. Pearson, Fire Chief S. McNally present. Visitors were N. Miller, D. Gaudry, B. Lundgren; with Richard and Kim McKenzie, Sharon and Bill Parsons, Dan Medwechuk, and Travis Moen all from the Fire Dept.
D. Gaudry appeared before Council regarding his consent application; Council conducted a review of the survey with minor changes being required on the south boundary. Council will have no objection to these minor changes being carried out. Gaudry also expressed his understanding of the 5% parkland tax valuation and Council assured him that they will be considering that issue later.
N. Miller, representing both the Morson Tourism Association and the Morson Bass International, updated Council on those organizations. She stated that the MTA has lost members and advertising, therefore will have budget challenges so are requesting assistance from Council. The MBI is in better shape financially and are not making a formal request for funds, however, they will need capital funds for electric supply. Council has not yet received a full financial statement from them as requested.
B. Lundgren appeared before Council with his concern about the 5% parkland tax. He stated the tax will impact on his willingness to do severances in the municipality or construct buildings on land that he intends to divide. He expressed a strong opposition to having the parkland tax in the municipality.
Bills for the month of April in the total amount of $62775.47 were approved for payment
Road Supt. E. Pearson submitted his written report and Council reviewed the recent road patrol points of interest; one of which was the issue of the “stop” sign at the intersection of Buena Vista and Vauthey roads. Councillor Sepers suggested possible names for the new road being developed by the Bernier/Neil family. In order to address the problem of animals getting into the garbage cage at Red Wing Rd, the Road Supt. placed recycle bins, with lids,inside that cage.
Council authorized the Clerk to write a letter to Stan and Marylou Peterson acknowledging their form letter of April 14th, 2008 to all council members and the Clerk-Treasurer. This concerns the issue of no building permit being applied for in 1992 for work on Peterson’s Foodtown Ltd. Council has previously addressed the matter in a letter written on Feb.7th, 2008 to the Petersons.
Council reviewed draft surveys Rommesmo/Eastman (Almers’ garage being on the proposed new lot) Mr Almers will be advised of the matter and of the requirements for setbacks from property lines.
A draft survey and letter from MTO were reviewed on the Pentney severance. MTO suggests the application be deferred, however, provisional approval has been granted. The lot on the east side of the old highway allowance will stop at the creek to allow entrance for the lot north of the creek from Hwy 621 and across the old highway road allowance.
Council has received communication from R. Morgan regarding his understanding of the parkland tax calculation. Council will advise that the payment required is based on the value of the total property.
Clerk-Treasurer Giles presented his written report and a draft budget to Council for review.
Council will hold a Public Meeting on May 27th, 2008 at 7pm in Morson to discuss the 2008 budget.
The Clerk is to see what options are available for the design of the newly acquired waterfront park. Councillor Sepers presented a proposal for the park development which included, in part, - a plan to drain the wet areas; -a design combining “best uses in relation to parking, shelters, washrooms,picnic areas, swimming areas, and boat launch”; - a plan to sell 12 - 2 acre lots ( which would finance the development and upkeep of the park). He added that this is a timely opportunity to show other developers that “the land behind lake lots is not a dead area”
OMPF funding of $120939 was received. The OPPreconciliation report and credit of $7703 from 2007 was received. The Auditor’s management letter was reviewed by Council.
Certificates for Patrick Giles and Don and Lou Ricci were received from Service Ontario in recognition of the work done to install BIZPal on the Twp. website.