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HomeMy WebLinkAboutFebruary 19, 2008 - Special Council COUNCIL BUDGET MEETING MINUTES THE CORPORATION OF THE MUNICIPALITY OF BAYHAM P.O. Box 160, 9344 Plank Road STRAFFORDVILLE, ONTARIO Tuesday, February 19, 2008 7:00 p.m. The fourth budget meeting of the Council of the Municipality of Bayham was held in the Committee Room. Present were Mayor Lynn Acre, Councillors Wayne Casier,Mark Taylor and Ed Ketchabaw,Administrator Kyle Kruger, Clerk Lynda Millard and Treasurer Suzanna Mantel. Deputy Mayor Cliff Evanitski was absent 1. CALL TO ORDER Mayor Acre called the meeting to order at 7:00 p. m 2. DISCLOSURE OF PECUNIARY INTEREST& THE GENERAL NATURE THEREOF None 3. UNFINISHED BUSINESS (a) Draft 2008 budget. File: F05.08 In regard to potential cost savings, the following were provided by staff: Vienna Library- It was noted that there are no long-term upgrades planned or dollars set aside. It is unknown at this time whether the County would be interested in a third party lease arrangement. Upgrades including handicap washroom and entry, wiring, flooring, painting etc would be covered by the capital reserves for the libraries, estimated cost would be up to $10,000 . What to do with the current building is a question to address. Sidewalk snow removal services—Reduc ing services so that we only provide service in the school zones would save approximately$1,500,with an overall savings of$3,500 for 2008. No future service other than school zones would approximate $5,500 savings in 2009. Waste management—The Treasurer advised that the new household pick up rates are not as high as initially expected,resulting in an overall reduction of$14,000 or approximately 0.5 % tax rate reduction . Recycling— reduced recycling services to bi-weekly pick-up is not within the current contract which expires May 1, 2009. This would not result in costs being cut in half. Potential Savings in the 20—25%range would see reductions of$25,000 to $36,000 annually. A diversion of 10%tonnage from landfill would equal a savings of$7,500. Increased recycling creates a grant increase. Bag tags could be used to encourage increased recycling efforts. COUNCIL MINUTES -49 - February 19, 2008 Fees from bag tags would not be a revenue generator but rather offset tax rates. Another option would be to reduce the bag limit. This would require an aggressive and long- term educational advertising campaign and take time to implement fully. This approach could expect initial resistance but is not likely to last for any length of time. Howey Line—It was noted that the potential work c ould be reduced. Rather than realigning the roadway, sightlines could be improved by removing several trees and safety improved by installing guard rails. It was suggested that$20,000 remain in the budget for this work and the balance of$20,000 be removed. T his would result in a .8% tax rate reduction. Discussion followed regarding: • removal of the proposed salt shed, • Hoover Valley Road erosion problems, • repairs to the Public Works garage, • Alward Street upgrades, • utilizing $ 63,000 from the 2007 surplus against the operating budget, • sharing students between public works and parks and recreation site improvements, • utilizing a ste am pressure unit to remove wee d s in sidewalks, • uniforms for the fire department, • reductions and utility servicing to the wind interpretive centre budget, • poison ivy/weed control, • brochures and promotional advertising costs, • website improvements and co-ordination, • improved communication and action plans. 4. BY-LAW By-law 2008-025 A By-law to confirm all actions of Council 2008-096 Moved by W Casier Seconded by M Taylor "THAT confirming By-law 2008-025 be read a first, second and third time and fmally passed." Disposition: Motion Carried Unanimously COUNCIL MINUTES - 50 - February 19,2008 5. ADJOURNMENT 2008-097 Moved by M Taylor Seconded by W Casier "THAT the meeting be adjourned at 9:00 p.m." Disposition: Motion Carried Unanimously KAJ OtA_e _ t . � M.1 or MAYQt C RK Date approved:--6-1c l 4"D 9