TOWN OF WATSONLAKE
REGULAR MEETING MEETING NO. 12
COUNCIL CHAMBERS June21, 2011
ATTENDANCE ABSENT WITH NOTICE
RICHARD DUROCHER- MAYORL.Relkoff
RICK RELKOFF - COUNCILOR
CYNTHIA ARMSTRONG - COUNCILLOR
BEV LISTER – COUNCILLOR
HOWARD FICK – COUNCILOR (Electronically)
ADMINISTRATIONPUBLIC
STEPHEN CONWAY – CAOB.Cornell C.Larson
TERRI CLOSE – MUNICIPAL CLERKC.O’Brien J.Carlson
J.Skelton N.Moore
C.Statham G.Sundby
B.Schornick S.Bauer
T/C Skerget B.Leach
L/O Hougen L.Anderson
M.Gardiner K.Relkoff
L/R Leith M/S Boone
F.Johnson L.Gonder
D.Shawcross
P.Tubb/T.Forsberg
M.Gardiner
The meeting was called to order at 7:00 pm by Mayor Durocher.
AGENDA
MOTION 011-12-108
Moved by CouncilorRelkoff, seconded by Councilor Lister
that:
The agenda be adopted as amended to include:.
- District Heat Update
- By-Law Enforcement Update
- AYC Fall Board Meeting
- CARRIED -
MINUTES
MOTION 011-12-109
Moved by Councilor Relkoff, seconded by Councilor Lister
that:
The minutes be adopted from the last Regular Meeting of June7, 2011as presented.
-CARRIED –
CAO REPORT
MOTION 011-12-110
Moved by Councilor Relkoff, seconded by Councilor Armstrong
that:
Council accept the CAO Report.
-CARRIED –
Page 2
-Selwyn Resources Update: Administration met with representatives from Selwyn Resources. There will be an increase in prospects on future lot development and infrastructure in WatsonLake. There is the potential of competition with other Yukon communities to attract new business and enhance community prosperity in WatsonLake.
-Gussing Presentation – Administration attended a meeting to discuss a Biomass energy proposal for WatsonLake. Biomass feedstock may consist of any carbon based material such as wood, wood residuals and wood waste materials.
-District Heat Upgrade – The District heat system is under repairs and will be down until mid September.
-Upcoming Meetings – There is a meeting with Canada Tungsten on June 23rd at 9:00 am. A meeting with YECL is scheduled to take place on June 29th at noon.
-By-Law Enforcement Update: Administration updated Council on the progress made on the cleanup of properties. Two properties have been cleaned to date with an additional 8 properties under consideration. There is some opposition from property owners to comply and legal constraints must be met. A local contractor has been hired to do the work on behalf of the Town, and the costs will be added to and form part of the property taxes on those properties.
DELEGATION
Mrs. Jenny Skelton, representing the non profit groups addressed Council with concerns that there was very little notice provided to the Non-Profit groups regarding the property tax grant and the cost increase from previous years. Various programs will need to be cut as they cannot afford these extra costs.
Ms. Monica Gardiner, representing the WL Community Club addressed the $10,000 grant which the Town of Watson Lake is providing to the Liard Golf Association. Mayor Durocher explained that the grant is under consideration and a By-Law is being introduced for Council approval. Any group can apply for a grant providing it is approved by Council. The Liard Golf Association is seeking funds from other sources to assist with costs, however the $!0,000 is required for the first year operating costs. The golf course has been shut down for the past four years and there are some repairs that are required because of the lack of use over this time. Mayor Durocher believes this is a worthwhile endeavour and will be a great opportunity and asset for the community.
ACCOUNTS PAYABLE
MOTION 011-12-111
Moved by Councilor Armstrong, seconded by Councilor Relkoff
that:
The Payroll cheques #49954through #50000 in the amount of $73,456.03 be paid.
-CARRIED –
FINANCIALINFO
MOTION 011-12-112
Moved by Councilor Armstrong, seconded by Councilor Lister
that:
Council accept the Financial Statement of June 17,2011 as presented.
-CARRIED –
Page 3
BY-LAWS
MOTION 011-12-113
Moved by Councilor Relkoff, seconded by Councilor Fick
that:
By-Law 11-10, being a By-law to provide for grants, be introduced for First & SecondReading.
Mayor Durocher is in favor of this Bylaw, and excused himself from discussion as he is in conflict.
Councilor Armstrong stated her opposition to the By-Law as this business venture is outside of town limits, and town funds should not be provided for this purpose. If the Golf Association wants to invest in the golf course, they should seek other funding, or take donations from its members. Councilor Armstrong expressed concerns that Town staff are being utilized at the golf course and neglecting other duties in town.
Councilor Relkoff sees Upper Liard as part of the Community. Councilor Relkoff reiterated that he is in favor of tax relief for the non-profit groups. He did not foresee the opposition from the community on the grant for the Golf Association.
Councilor Lister expressed concerns that although she is in favor of a golf course, the persons that purchased the facility should have put up the $10,000 to operate the business.
Councilor Fick supports the Golf Course as the community is attempting to draw business to WatsonLake. There is a want and a need for this business venture. The hotel industry will benefit as there is an economic development interest regardless of where the business is located. The Golf Association requires funding to get the course operational. It will take time to apply for grants, loans etc. This investment will eventually pay off and the Town of Watson Lake will recoup the funds in the future.
-CARRIED –
Opposed: Councilor Armstrong
Councilor Relkoff
Councilor Lister
The motion was defeated.
MOTION 011-12-114
Moved by Councilor Armstrong, seconded by Councilor Relkoff
that:
By-Law 11-09, being a By-Law to amend General Maintenance and Nuisance By-Law 010-13 be introduced for ThirdFinal Reading.
-CARRIED –
NEW & UNFINISHED
SUMMER COUNCIL
MEETINGS
Council discussed the meeting schedule for July and August and agreed to hold one meeting during those months. The Council meetings will be held July 12th and August 16th.
BUILD CANADA
PROJECT
Administration informed Council that due to considerable delays by the Minister and Premier, there will be no construction this year. Therefore the Town will tender in the winter and qualified contractors will be approached by invitational tender.
Page 4
The Town of Watson Lake will proceed with replacing the water lines on Lakeview Avenue and postpone the sewage issue until the new sewage lift station is approved.
Councilor Armstrong questioned the report that was prepared by Yukon Engineering Services upon inspection of the Lakeview Avenue sanitary sewer line, and enquired whether there was recourse from the contractors that were involved with the Lakeview Avenue project. Administration advised that there is no legal case, as the CAO at the time signed off on the project.
FEES & CHARGES
POLICY
Councilor Armstrong addressed a previous motion that was tabled regarding the Recreation & Parks Fees and Charges Policy. Council agreed that the policy will remain in effect unchanged.
AYC FALL
BOARD MEETING
The AYC Board meeting is being held in WatsonLake in September. There are two dates available. Council agreed to host the AYC Board Meeting on September 24th.
QUESTION
PERIOD
Councilor Lister addressed the Landfill hours and fees. There has been opposition by the Contractors who are now being charged to haul garbage to the landfill. The Public are concerned about the limited hours at the landfill. Council advised that the hours and fees were based on recommendations by the Infrastructure Committee. The landfill is going to cost the municipality an enormous sum to operate in order to meet YTG requirements. Sustainability is essential for WatsonLake. A Solid Waste Management Strategy needs to be in place.
Councilor Armstrong questioned the problems with the swimming pool operation. Administration advised that there have been problems with the water quality, however staff are working at correcting the problem. Staff are also working on repairing the waterslide decking and steps.
ADJOURNMENT
MOTION 011-12-115
Moved by Councilor Armstrong, seconded by Councilor Fick
that:
There being no further business the meeting be adjourned at 8:15 pm.
- CARRIED -
______
Richard Durocher – Mayor Terri Close–Municipal Clerk