HomeMy WebLinkAboutDecember 15, 1998 - Council COUNCIL MINUTES THE CORPORATION OF THE MUNICIPALITY OF BAYHAM SPECIAL MEETING P.O. Box 160,9344 Plank Road STRAFFORDVILLE, ONTARIO Tuesday,December 15, 1998 2:00 p.m. A special meeting of Council of the Municipality of Bayham was held at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, December 15, 1998 in the Council Chambers with Port Burwell Harbour stakeholders. Present were Mayor Max Stewart, Councillors David Mason, John Nezezon and Cliff Evanitski,Administrator/Treasurer Lynn S. Buchner, and Clerk Lynda Millard. Deputy Mayor Jack Petrie was absent. Also present were Larry Martin and Gord Craig - Commercial fishing, Bruce Petrochuck —Talisman Energy Inc., Wayne Tribe—Charter boat, Mike Garry and Ron Bradfield - Marinas, Bill Baskerville and Wendy Crindland, -Long Point Region Conservation Authority. 1. CALL TO ORDER Mayor Max Stewart called the meeting to order at 2:00 p.m. 2. DISCLOSURE OF PECUNIARY INTEREST AND THE GENERAL NATURE THEREOF There was no disclosure of pecuniary interest and the general nature thereof 3. DELEGATIONS (a) Ralph Moulton, Manager, Great Lakes Water Level Information Officer presented an informative video "Living on the Edge" - of a dynamic water system, and gave a slide presentation regarding water level trends in the Great Lakes and the effects on harbours such as Port Burwell. Mr. Moulton noted that although water levels in Lakes Superior and Ontario are regulated by hydro works to protect from extensive fluctuations,those in Lakes Erie, Huron and Michigan are not. The goal is to maintain a suitable balance in seasons of both low and high water levels. He stated that Lake Erie is currently 2 inches lower than December 1989, and 112 feet lower than the December 1997 level. 4. DISCUSSION Concerns and options for solution were discussed regarding silting at the mouth of the Big Otter Creek as well as at the end of the pier: methods of removal— dredging, dragline, and prop washing, narrowing the channel, storm impacts,use of silt on roads, pit permits,removal of anchor blocks from abandoned buoys, previous studies undertaken, donations, user charges, funding availability. There was a general consensus that some form of dredging is required, although if done right away some of the benefits could be lost through winter storms. Staff were requested to check into the prescribed rates under the Ministry of Fisheries and Oceans, Small Craft Harbour lease requirements. Users were supportive of contributing fairly to dredging costs. Bruce Petrochuck advised that Talisman Energy Inc. has information available on dredging, and are willing to share with the municipality COUNCIL MINUTES 3S9 December 15, 1998 5. ADJOURNMENT 98-891 Moved by J.Nezezon Seconded by C. Evanitski "THAT the Council Meeting be adjourned at 3:30 p.m." Disposition: Motion Carried Unanimously Atif c '4,;Xr?41-ez -6Th(fia-j) M Y R CLERK