HomeMy WebLinkAboutJanuary 05, 1998 - Council INAUGURAL COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
THE CORPORATION OF THE
MUNICIPALITY OF BAYHAM
P.O. BOX 160
STRAFFORDVILLE, ONTARIO
January 5, 1998
7:00 p.m.
The Inaugural Meeting of Council of the Corporation of the Municipality of Bayham was held at
7:00 p.m. on Monday, January 5, 1998 in the Council Chambers. Present were, Mayor Max
Stewart, Deputy Mayor Jack Petrie, Councillors David Mason, John Nezezon and Ken Nesbitt,
Administrator/Treasurer Lynn S. Buchner, Acting Clerk Maureen Beatty and a number of
interested citizens and media representatives.
1. CALL TO ORDER
Acting Clerk Maureen Beatty called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
2. PRAYER
On behalf of Council, Pastor Tom Beecroft, Straffordville United Church was in attendance
for the purpose of providing a prayer.
3. DECLARATIONS OF ELECTED OFFICES AND OATHS OF
ALLEGIANCE
Acting Clerk Maureen Beatty administered the Declarations of Office and Oaths of
Allegiance in accordance with the provisions of the Municipal Act in the following order:
Mayor Max Stewart
Deputy Mayor Jack Petrie
Ward 1 Councillor David Mason
Ward 2 Councillor John Nezezon
Ward 3 Councillor Ken Nesbitt
At this point, the gavel was handed over to the Mayor.
4. STATEMENTS BY MEMBERS
Members of Council provided brief statements as follows:
Mayor Stewart welcomed those in attendance and stated that the municipality is faced
with many challenges as it enters a new era as a single community. He added that the
opportunity is present to put differences aside and work to better the life of all residents in
the area. He was hopeful about future projects which include road improvements
throughout Bayham and Port Burwell, anticipation of provincial funding to assist with
resolving the water/sewage issues in the Hamlets of Straffordville and Eden. He also hoped
that a solution to sewage contamination of Big Otter Creek can be determined. In
summary,he added that Council would strive to minimize tax increases, but with provincial
downloading of responsibilities onto municipalities such as the cost of rural policing, it
would be a difficult task. Mayor Stewart indicated he was pleased to represent the
Municipality of Bayham at the County of Elgin and welcomed comments.
Deputy Mayor Jack Petrie stated that he was very pleased to be a member of Council and
he intended to work for the benefit of all residents in the Municipality of Bayham.
INAUGURAL COUNCIL 2 JANUARY 5, 1998
MINUTES
4. STATEMENTS BY MEMBERS (continued)
Councillor David Mason stated that he was both proud and excited to be a part of building
of the new Municipality of Bayham. He added that there was always a community of
interest throughout the three municipalities,now they would share a common destiny. The
Municipality must think,plan and act as one community. He stated that given the financial
pressures of provincial downloading, the Council must be business-friendly and promote
both tourism and economic development as there are many opportunities throughout the
community through entrepreneurship.Additionally,there are many opportunities for
retirement living. He stressed the need for Council to take a strategic path toward
development and fiscal responsibility.
Councillor John Nezezon stated that Council is faced with quite a challenge. But patience
and co-operation between Council members, staff and volunteer fire departments will go a
long way to meet this challenge. He added that he will be striving to work for the benefit of
the community.
Councilor Ken Nesbitt thanked everyone and his wife for the support offered to him. He
also expressed appreciation to the Transition Board for all of their work in preparation for
the new Council. He noted that he was learning a lot from other Council Members and had
expertise in some municipal roles that would be beneficial.
At 7:22 p.m.Mayor Stewart called a Recess- Council resumed at 7:35 p.m.
5. CONSIDERATION OF BY-LAWS
98-01 To authorize Borrowing
98-02 To Adopt a Procedural By-law
98-03 To Establish Rates and Fees
98-04 To Appoint an Auditor
98-05 To Authorize the Administrator/Treasurer to enter into an agreement with
ONE Investment Group
98-06 To Authorize the Mayor and Administrator/Treasurer to execute a Credit
Agreement with Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce
98-07 To Authorize the Mayor and Clerk to execute an Agreement with the City
of St. Thomas for the provision of Emergency Dispatch Services
98-08 To Appoint Municipal Officers and Employees
98-09 To Adopt a Board and Committee Structure
98-10 To continue participation in the OMERS Retirement Program
98-01 Moved by J. Petrie
Seconded by J.Nezezon
"THAT By-laws 98-01, 98-02, 98-03, 98-04, 98-05, 98-06, 98-07,98-08, 98-09 and 98-10
be read a first and second time."
Disposition: Motion Carried Unanimously
98-02 Moved by J.Nezezon
Seconded by D.Mason
"THAT By-laws 98-01, 98-02, 98-03, 98-04, 98-05, 98-06, 98-07,98-08, 98-09 and 98-10
be read a third time and finally passed."
Disposition: Motion Carried Unanimously
INAUGURAL COUNCIL 3 JANUARY 5, 1998
MINUTES
7. ADJOURNMENT
98-03 Moved by J. Petrie
Seconded by D. Mason
"THAT the Council Meeting be Adjourned at 7:58 p.m."
Disposition: Motion Carried Unanimously
Y 4 R CLERK