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HomeMy WebLinkAboutNovember 15, 1999 - Special Council SPECIAL COUNCIL MINUTES THE CORPORATION OF '1'HJ MUNICIPALITY OF BAYHAM P.O. Box 160, 9344 Plank Road STRAFFORDVILLE, ONTARIO Monday, November 15, 1999 7:00 p.m. The special meeting of Council of the Municipality of Bayham,was held at 7:00 p.m. on Monday,November 1, 1999 in the Committee Room. Present were Mayor Max Stewart, Deputy Mayor John Nezezon, Councillors David Mason,Mathew Schafer and CliffEvanitski, Administrator Kyle Kruger and Deputy Clerk Maureen Beatty. 1. CALL TO ORDER Mayor Max Stewart called the meeting to order at 7:03 p.m. 2. DISCLOSURE OF PECUNIARY INTEREST & THE GENERAL NATURE THEREOF There was no disclosure of pecuniary interest and the general nature thereof. 3. ITEM FOR CONSIDERATION AND DISCUSSION The following presentations were made concerning proposed uses for the former Eden Public School: (1) Wayne Casier, Chairman,Barham Health Action Committee read a prepared statement which was submitted to all members of Council. Mr. Casier thanked Council for the opportunity to discuss the development of a working relationship with other groups to create a Community Resource Centre centralized around the former Eden Public School. He provided a brief history of the activities of the Bayham Health Action Committee since its formation in March, 1997. He made reference to a telephone survey of Bayham residents conducted by the Department of Epidemiology of the University of Western Ontario which concluded that 75% of those surveyed wanted another doctor in the community and additional health services available such as physiotherapy, dietitian, counseling services,laboratory services, etc. The Committee proposed that such a facility could be established in the former school in harmony with other community programs geared to seniors, youth, education, and day care. He added that the Elgin-St. Thomas Health Unit is interested in providing their services which would be more accessible to Bayham residents, such services may include dental and immunization programs as well as other programs currently operated in area municipalities. In addition, he stated that the YWCA of St. Thomas-Elgin has provided d letter of support about the initiative of establishing child care programs, literacy and community programs in the former school. Further support was received from the Elgin Branch of the Canadian Mental Health Association who would be prepared to place a case manager one day per week at the facility. In closing, he suggested that given the size of the building and the community interest in various suitable activities, perhaps a co-operative effort with other groups will provide for the needs of the community. In response to questions from Council Members, he agreed to look into the availability of funding from various sources. COUNCIL MINUTES 274 November 15, 1999 3. ITEM FOR CONSIDERATION AND DISCUSSION(continued) (2) Pete Matthews, Vice Chair, Eden Community Committee indicated that he was honored and excited to speak on behalf of his neighbours about their proposal to utilize the former Eden School as a Community Centre. He stated that a community meeting held on November 2nd at the Eden Baptist Church was well attended. He noted that the community is comprised of many talented individuals whose expertise can be available to assist in the operation of a community centre, independent from the two existing centres. Some local volunteer resources include building, plumbing, pipe fitting, seamstress. Suggested activities for a community centre were identified as: -polling station -150 Anniversary in Eden -funeral lunches -family reunions -boy scouts/guides -tutoring -banquets -card clubs -tournaments -games nights(generation exchange) -youth groups -prayer meetings -craft classes -resource groups (Alcoholics Anonymous, -dance classes Lions, Optimist, Scouts Canada) -women's institute -garden club The committee had discussed various ways to raise funds to successfully operate a community centre, such as barbecues, sell a brick program, corporate sponsorship, personal donations, user fees. Upon viewing the building,the group didn't believe extensive work would need to be undertaken to adhere to building code requirements. The municipality would be expected to bring the building up to code and maintain the park, however, a group of volunteers would look after maintenance and possible enhancements to the building. In summary, he indicated that the Community Committee is open to discussing co- operative uses with other groups such as the Bayham Health Action Committee. Shirley Biro, on behalf of the Lioness Club in Straffordville stated that the club would be willing to help with fundraising efforts as they are a registered charity and can make application to such government programs as the Trillium Foundation. 3) Ramona and Ron Vinnai, representing the 11 Straffordville Group Committee expressed an interest in moving scouting activities to the former Eden Public School building, as it would provide an opportunity for on site storage of equipment and supplies and allow further expansion to their programs for the benefit of youth. They stated that scouts would be available to assist with grounds maintenance. Mayor Stewart thanked everyone for their input and indicated that a decision about the appropriate use(s) for the former Eden Public School would be made in the near future. 4. BY-LAW 99-641 Moved by M. Schafer Seconded by D. Mason "THAT confirming By-law 99-88 be read a first, second and third time and finally passed." Disposition: Motion Carried Unanimously COUNCIL MINUTES 275 November 15, 1999 5. ADJOURNMENT 99-642 Moved by D. Mason Seconded by C. Evanitski "THAT the meeting be adjourned at 7:45 p.m." Disposition: Motion Carried Unanimously _ t _ .fit! MAYOR DEPUTY CLERK Date approved: _ L I