Council in Brief
Posted Sep 30, 2010 By Stacey Roy
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Tweet ThisEMC News - The following information came from the Sept. 27 Committee of the Whole meeting.
2009 BUDGET HAS $12,000 SURPLUS
A motion outlining a $12,000 surplus in the 2009 town budget will be coming forward to a council session following approval at the committee level. Wayne Brown, CAO/treasurer for the town confirmed the surplus at the $12,000 figure. A reconciliation statement must be sent to the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing for their records.
FIRE HALL HEATING SYSTEM REPLACEMENT
Councillors approved shortening the time period for a Request for Proposals process for a simple five-unit heating system to be used in the Fire Hall. The shortened time frame speaks to the onset of cool temperatures and the need for the fire trucks to be sheltered from the cold. The purchase is expected to be over $20,000, but staff don't feel the shortened time frame will be a problem due to the simple nature of the system. The new system will likely be installed on the main floor or roof, which ever is more economical.
WILLIAM STREET TO GET RAIL ARMS
A bylaw approving an agreement to install railway crossing arms at the William Street crossing will be coming to a future council meeting. The request has been made by Transport Canada in light of VIA Rail's upgrades to this section of the track. VIA has offered to pay the $200,000 capital cost of installation and asks the town to agree to a 50-50 split of future maintenance costs. Staff estimate this to be about $3,500 a year and will be added to the maintenance costs the town shares with VIA on other crossings of this type.
PHYSICIAN RECRUITMENT UPDATE
Elaine Mallory, director of administrative and planning services provided an update on a recent Professional Association of Interns and Residents (doctors) meeting Bob Cheetham had in Ottawa. Cheetham met and followed up with 35 individuals. Nine of these physicians have contacted him for further information. Cheetham also attended a similar event in Kingston earlier this week. An update on this venture will be coming to committee in the future.
Mallory also informed councillors that on Oct. 14 the town will have an online profile published by a community planner.
SFCI ARCH COULD RECEIVE HERITAGE NOD
The town has begun the process of designating the Smiths Falls Collegiate Institute Arch on Gould Street as heritage. The proposal came to committee this week. Rick St. Dennis said such designations often increase the value of property and should not inhibit the potential uses of the property by the owner. However, the property owner would not be able to demolish the arch without permission from the town. Chris Cummings noted that "This will be the first designation by the Municipal Heritage Committee" since its inception. Residents have until Nov. 1, 2010 to lodge their objection to this project with the town clerk.
COMMUTER SURVEY DEADLINE SEPT. 30
Completed survey's are requested back by Sept. 30, 2010. If anyone commutes or may have an interest in commuting to Ottawa they are asked to fill in the survey. It is available on-line at www.smithsfalls.ca. The form has been designed to be easy and quick to complete, yet will provide the town with valuable information.
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