Minutes of a Regular Meeting of Council of the
Corporation of the Township of Pelee
held at the Royal Canadian Legion Hall
on June 1, 2015
Present:
Mayor:
Deputy Mayor:
Councillors:
Staff:
Richard Masse
Dave DeLellis
Darlene Wiper
Dayne Malloch
Peter Letkeman
Wayne Miller, CAO
Katrina DiGiovanni, Deputy Clerk
Michelle Feltz, Deputy Treasurer
1.) Agenda
Mayor Masse presented the Agenda with the following additions and corrections:
4a.) Glen Miller, OPP Inspector
b.) Shoreline Vegetation Management
Moved by:
Darlene Wiper
Seconded by:
Dave DeLellis
2.) Minutes
a.) The minutes for the Regular Meeting of Council held on May 20, 2015 were presented and
adopted.
Moved by:
Dayne Malloch
Seconded by:
Pete Letkeman
Carried.
b.) The minutes for the Closed Meeting session on May 20, 2015 were presented and adopted.
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Regular Meeting of Council
Moved by:
Dayne Malloch
Seconded by:
Pete Letkeman
3.) Disclosure of Pecuniary Interest
None.
4.) Petitions and Delegations
a.) Glen Miller-OPP
Mayor Masse introduced Inspector Glen Miller, who came to speak on an incident that occurred
on the Island. Inspector Miller stated that the situation that occurred last Wednesday, was
currently under criminal investigation, so he was not able to speak specifically. Inspector Miller
thanked the CAO for contacting him on the matter and further stated that Essex command did
receive a briefing note, which drew attention to the situation due to multiple 911 calls that were
received from Pelee. Inspector Miller commented that from that point information was gained
from different sources to get a better understanding of the events. Inspector Miller stated that this
was deemed to be a very serious situation and concern had been expressed by the community as
to the OPP not immediately responding to the situation. Inspector Miller stated he was
disappointed that officers did not make an attempt to respond to the incident and a review of the
situation will take place to gather as much information as possible. Inspector Miller apologized
about the lack of response and stated that there are protocols in place that will be followed in the
future. He continued to state that the relationship with the community is very important and that
a serious look will be taken to move forward positively. Inspector Miller stated he was ultimately
responsible but is confident through discussions that in a similar situation there would be a quick
a response as possible. Inspector Miller also stated that the obligation is the same to this
community as any other, despite the unique situation of Pelee.
Mayor Masse thanked inspector and stated that it meant a lot to the community for him to speak
on the incident. Mayor Masse stated that when meeting with the policing committee, the incident
should be looked at thoroughly, including what the rights and responsibilities of citizens who are
in a similar situation.
Deputy Mayor DeLellis commented that this was a learning experience to better understand how
to respond appropriately to a situation like this in the future and to have best practices in place so
everyone involves knows how to respond. Mayor Masse addressed the Inspector and asked if
they could have guidelines in place for the policing committee so members know what they can
do and what they are allowed to do. Inspector Miller stated that the policing committee is very
important, and there will be a meeting in the near future to discuss expectations and how
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situations should generally be responded to by the OPP.
b.) Shoreline Vegetation Management
Mayor Masse asked the parties present to speak on vegetation management to begin their
presentation. Michelle McCormack gave a brief introduction on the subject and then introduced
John Ambrose to speak. John Ambrose began to speak on trees, species at risk, and stated 3 main
areas he would like to cover; how to better manage the shoreline to allow shade trees to grow,
how to protect special trees and to reexamine the current practices. John Ambrose outlined tree
species and the result of current roadside management. He stated that there was potential to
recognize trees and allow them to grow into shade trees. John Ambrose began to outline the
practices that Hydro One uses when pruning and cutting trees. Mr. Ambrose began to discuss the
incidence of wind on the Island and the protection that trees can provide and further outlined
weather issues in relation to tree coverage. He stated that there are a lot of people with
knowledge and that there are volunteers that want to plant trees.
Sandra Laranja began to speak about tourism in relation to her business and stated that she was
not present on behalf of the tourism committee. She stated that the current techniques used is
confusing for tourists when the Island is advertised as an ecological gem. Ms. Laranja stated that
she would like to help out and be able to have curb appeal to attract more of the Island’s target
audience. Ms. Laranja stated that business owners put effort into the Island in different ways and
would like to work together with the Township.
Janet Chesterfield thanked council for letting the group speak and stated a possible solution may
be to have a dialogue with the roads department and to have the volunteers identify certain
species of trees to not be cut down. Mrs. Chesterfield suggested setting up a quarterly meeting
with representatives on both side to identify and clearly mark, newly planted and pruned trees.
Mayor Masse stated that he would address concerns about the presentation, stating that he was
not in support of the presentation, because there are certain things that have to go on in the
community for safety and efficiency measures. Mayor Masse further stated the Island is already
20% conservation area, which has significantly reduced the tax base. Mayor Masse suggested
that energy be focused on revitalizing the lands that have already been designated as conservation
areas because there is a lot of work to be done.
Mayor Masse stated that with over 60 km of roads it is hard to manage the entire area by pruning
trees and that work is done the most efficient way with the manpower that the Township has.
Deputy Mayor DeLellis agreed with the need to be efficient and the balance between having treed
areas and being able to see the lake from the west shore. The Deputy Mayor further agreed with
the Mayor about the native areas that are already designated on the Island. Councillor Malloch
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agreed with the sides of the road needing to be maintained, and the concern for safety in the
winter, and further stated that he believed the road crew was doing everything they could to best
manage the situation. Councillor Letkeman stated that there should be a compromise somewhere
and suggested that if trees were tagged and made easily identifiable and the thick undergrowth
was cut down, then those trees may be able to be left to grow. Further discussion continued on
the subject about the presence of tree species and current practice and the possibility of
identification. Mayor Masse stated that when trees begin to encroach on the road allowance they
will be cut down.
Further discussion continued on the subject. Mayor Masse stated that unless 3 councillors were
in support of the presentation than the initiative would not be supported. Mayor Masse further
outlined issues of importance. Councillor Malloch stated that there was not enough financial or
physical manpower to change current practices. Mrs. Chesterfield stated that they just wanted to
tag trees along the West Shore Rd. Councillor Malloch stated that if the area completely
surrounding a tagged tree was cut and maintained by volunteers, then the road crew may be able
to work with that; but that overall with the limited resources and the amount of work that has to
be done, there isn’t enough time to change practices. Deputy Mayor DeLellis stated that with the
work that has to be done on ditches and drains, there will have to be many trees removed to
improve the flow of water. Deputy Mayor DeLellis stated that if trees were in front of a property
owner’s property and maintained by the owner then those trees may be able to be saved, if clearly
identified. Councilor Malloch stated he did not see a solution, unless in front of property owner’s
property they could maintain the area within 15 feet of the trees. Councillor Malloch further
stated that he believed that a discussion needed to be had with the Roads Superintendent.
Mayor Masse stated that administration and the Roads Superintendent would have a conversation
about possible solutions and when a solution was arrived at, a letter would be sent to the group.
5.) Old Business
a.) Canada 150 Grant Application
The CAO stated that the deadline was quickly approaching for the submission of the grant and
from the feedback from the last meeting the grant was going to include 5 items for improvement
to the Heritage Centre, including, heating and cooling, washrooms and a new roof. The CAO
stated that Kim Gardner had put together figures to complete the necessary work and it would
cost approximately $300,000. The CAO further outlined the cost for each requested item. He
further commented that the prices are just estimates and if the roof was dropped there would have
to be approximately $100,000 raised. Councillor Malloch inquired as to why it was suggested to
drop the roof, and further discussion continued on the remainder of the items and possible
solutions. Further discussion continued on proposed work and estimates, as well as possible
solutions for funding. Councillor Malloch inquired if the Township’s portion could be financed,
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but the CAO commented that would not be the best idea. Councillor Letkeman commented that
this was an important building and the first thing people see when they come off the boat.
Councillor Letkeman supported applying for the full amount and the Mayor and Deputy Mayor
agreed.
The following Resolution was passed:
Resolution 2015-64:
Moved by:
Dave DeLellis
Seconded by:
Pete Letkeman
“Be it Resolved that the Council of the Corporation of the Township of Pelee hereby authorizes
the CAO to file the Canada 150 grant application for the Heritage Centre in the amount of
$150,000.
Carried.
6.) New Business
a.) Financial Statements
Mayor Masse introduced Mike Cowan from BDO to go over the 2014 financial statements.
Mr. Cowan highlighted the audit report letter about what was being audited and management and
the auditor responsibilities. Mr. Cowan outlined the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position
and outlined requirements under the Public Sector Accounting Board (PSAB).
Mr. Cowan then moved on to the Income Statement and highlighted areas of importance and
explained accumulated revenues and expenditures. Mr. Cowan continued to outline various
statements and highlighted changes and reasons for current balances.
Further discussion ensued on asset management and the depreciation and amortization of tangible
capital assets and useful life. Mr. Cowan further outlined the accumulated surplus and how the
figure was arrived at and what it represented. Mr. Cowan then outlined segmented revenues and
expenses as well as special area charges, and trust funds representing the cemetery funds.
The CAO highlighted the pre-PSAB statements and stated that it best reflects what you see in the
budget and what is used to prepare the Financial Information Return.
The following Resolution was passed:
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Resolution 2015-65:
Moved by:
Darlene Wiper
Seconded by:
Dave DeLellis
“Be it Resolved that the Council of the Corporation of the Township of Pelee hereby agrees to
accept the 2014 Financial Statements as presented”.
Carried.
b.) Appointments for Economic Development Advisory Committee
The CAO stated that 3 community members and a member of council would be on the committee
as well as having Janice Hensel from the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing to be a
liaison, he further stated that three applications were received from the public.
The following Resolution was passed:
Resolution 2015-66:
Moved by:
Dayne Malloch
Seconded by:
Pete Letkeman
“Be it Resolved that the Council of the Corporation of the Township of Pelee hereby supports the
applications of the Economic Development Advisory Committee and further that Clayton Walls,
Bruno Friesen and Danny Ricci be appointed to the Committee and further that Dave DeLellis be
the Council representative and further still that Janice Hensel from MMAH be the administrative
liaison”.
Carried.
7.) Correspondence
None.
8.) Disbursements
The Mayor presented disbursements to Council.
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Councillor Wiper addressed the Bell and Rogers internet accounts and the Deputy Clerk clarified
what they represented and why there were two providers. Deputy Mayor DeLellis asked why
there were so many mobility lines, and the Deputy Clerk stated they were actually the landlines
but labeled incorrectly.
The following resolution was passed:
Resolution 2015-67:
Moved By:
Dayne Malloch
Seconded By:
Dave DeLellis
“Be it Resolved that the Council of the Corporation of the Township of Pelee hereby resolves to
pay disbursements as presented and attached in the amount of $143,972.29”.
Carried.
9.) Boards and Committees
a.) Tourism Committee Minutes
The CAO presented the Minutes from the Tourism Committee Meeting from May 7, 2015 and
they were accepted.
The following Resolution was passed:
Resolution 2015-68:
Moved by:
Darlene Wiper
Seconded by:
Dayne Malloch
“Be it Resolved that the Council of the Corporation of the Township of Pelee hereby accepts the
Tourism Committee Minutes from May 7, 2015”.
Carried.
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10.) Councillor and Miscellaneous Reports
a.) Drainage
Deputy Mayor DeLellis commented on the amount of rain that has fallen recently and
informed Council about the breakdown at the Curry Marsh Pump house and further
commented that it would need extensions because of overflowing water that will have to be
discussed with the drainage committee.
b.) Half Marathon
Mayor Masse thanked staff for cleaning up all the fallen trees prior to and after the half
marathon due to the high winds. He also thanked the Roads Department for cutting the sides
of the roads and making everything look good for the half marathon.
c.) Docks
Councillor Malloch stated that some of the docks came apart during the last storm and that a
couple of pins had come loose, but are still being held in place by the chain and anchor
system. He further stated that the Marina Manager had ordered needed parts to fix the issue.
The CAO stated that the new docks had also lost pins, and that the Kehoe Marine was going
to come back and fix them. Deputy Mayor DeLellis stated that some railings needed to be
installed and asked if the final payment would be deducted this amount. The CAO stated it
was not in the scope of their work and that Bailey Inc. was going to come and fix them. The
CAO stated that the cost of the new docks will come in slightly under budget by $6000.
11.) In Camera
12.) By-Laws
a.) Mayor Masse introduced By-Law 2015-15 being a by-law to adopt the 2015 Budget
Estimates.
The following Resolution was passed:
Resolution 2015-69:
Moved by:
Darlene Wiper
Seconded by:
Dave DeLellis
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“Be it Resolved that the Council of the Corporation of the Township of Pelee hereby adopts ByLaw 2015-15 being a by-law to adopt the 2015 Budget Estimates”.
Carried.
b.) Mayor Masse introduced By-Law 2015-16 being a by-law to set the 2015 Tax Ratio’s.
The following Resolution was passed:
Resolution 2015-70:
Moved by:
Darlene Wiper
Seconded by:
Dayne Malloch
“Be it Resolved that the Council of the Corporation of the Township of Pelee hereby adopts ByLaw 2015-16 being a by-law to adopt the 2015 Tax Ratios”.
Carried.
c.) Mayor Masse introduced By-Law 2015-17 being a by-law to set the 2015 Tax Rates.
The following Resolution was passed:
Resolution 2015-71:
Moved by:
Darlene Wiper
Seconded by:
Dayne Malloch
“Be it Resolved that the Council of the Corporation of the Township of Pelee hereby adopts ByLaw 2015-17 being a by-law to adopt the 2015 Tax Rates”.
Carried.
d.) Mayor Masse introduced By-Law 2015-18 being a by-law to confirm proceedings.
The following Resolution was passed:
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Resolution 2015-72:
Moved by:
Dave DeLellis
Seconded by:
Dayne Malloch
“Be it Resolved that the Council of the Corporation of the Township of Pelee hereby adopts ByLaw 2015-18 being a by-law to confirm proceedings for this June 1, 2015 meeting”.
Carried.
Rick Masse, Mayor
Wayne Miller, CAO
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