Town Council in Brief

Posted Jan 26, 2012 By Stacey Roy

EMC News - The following information came from the regular Committee of the Whole meeting and special council session held Monday, Jan. 23, 2012.

FUNDING TO TOWN INCREASES

Councillors gratefully welcomed the news that Smiths Falls' 2012 Ontario Municipal Partnership Fund (OMPF) dollars will be increasing by $50,600 over last year's allotment. This year the town will receive a little over $3 million. A delegation from the town will go forward to Good Roads asking the province to release reconciliation documents as early as possible.

CHINESE STUDENTS NEED BILLETS

On Feb. 7 a group of 10 Chinese youth (aged 13-15) and two adult chaperones will be arriving in Smiths Falls for a six-day visit hosted by Smiths Falls. The trip will include a visit to Parliament Hill, a Bears game and the town's winter carnival. Anyone interested in billeting one of these youths is asked to call Bob Cheetham at 613-283-4124.

COUNTY OPP COSTING APPROACH CHANGES

Mayor Dennis Staples advised councillors this week that Lanark County is looking at the possibility of moving forward with a county-wide OPP costing without 100 per cent buy in as was originally required. The communities of Carleton Place, Drummond North-Elmsley, Mississippi Mills, Perth and Tay Valley support the application while Beckwith, Lanark Highlands, Montague and Smiths Falls do not. The mayor said this change does not alter the town's position.

SITE PLAN FOR NEW CLINIC APPROVED

Council approved the site plan drawings for 46-52 Abbott Street, the location of the much anticipated Nurse Practitioner-led clinic. The outside will be finished in historic colours of tan, beige and red. The parking will be accessible to a sidewalk that wraps around the building. The project now has to apply for a building permit and address storm water management issues to go forward. The project is asking to have a five year grace period before asphalting the driveway in front of the building.

INTERIM TAX BILLS COMING

The annual interim tax bills will be in the mail by Wednesday of next week. Elaine Mallory, director of administrative and planning services urged anyone who doesn't receive their documentation within a week from this date to call the town hall (613-283-4124). This bill is split into two installments - one on Feb. 29 and the other on April 30 and allows the town some cash flow before striking their budget.

CAMERA CLUB MEETING FEB. 2

The economic development office is calling all shutter bugs to the Comfort Inn Thursday, Feb. 2, 7-9 p.m. when a preliminary meeting will be held to gauge the interest of a Camera Club. Bob Cheetham said so far six people have registered for the club.

The goal is to host a two day weekend session sometime in February that would allow members of the club the chance to photograph some of the great places in Smiths Falls.

- S.R.