Highlights of your Area Council Meeting for June 4, 2012:

• Chris Tzekas presented his report to Council on the legitimacy of the structures on Island 195 in GB. Basically he agreed that “passive use” of the island allowed for camping, tenting and picnicking and that there was no sound legal basis to remove the shed or privy. Council requested that he confirm his assessment with all parties involved. Council also passed a motion to ensure that all further work associated with Island 195 be approved by Council before staff get involved.
• The Township 2011 Audit was accepted. We are in better shape this year compared to last year.
• Now that Education, District and the Township have approved budgets, taxes will increase about 2.7% on average.
• The Township is taking ownership of the MNR Land Use Permit for the Go Home Lake water pump area.
• Council approved the purchase of a 16 X 20 foot stage for use throughout the Township and for rental outside. The purchase is supported by an Ont. Trillium Foundation grant.
• Staff will be advertising for five volunteers to serve on the new Planning Committee.
• The long awaited Official Plan will be released on June 18th. A public meeting for comments is scheduled for the evening of July 20 at the Baxter Community Centre.
• Council passed a motion to request the MNR to place a ban on Snapping Turtle hunting and to remove it from the “Hunted game” list.
• Mayor Braid was reimbursed for legal expenses ($3,882.96) incurred in connection with complaints filed with the Integrity Commissioner. Overall, cost recovery for the entire complaint ($18,321.06) plus Mayor Braid’s costs was deferred until Council Hanson returns next meeting.
• Nicholson road will get center line painting next spring.
• Staff will take one last stab at seeing which cottage assoc. are interested in Recreation Grants. Two previous attempts had a poor response. $5,000 is hear marked for this year.
• Staff will continue with the monthly electronic e-news publications instead of inserts in the Gazette.
• An updated Parking By-law with increased fines was approved.
• Staff will continue to work with the Go Home Lake Assoc. on their camping concerns.
• Six Mile Lake is getting a monopine Bell high speed internet tower (95 foot tower dressed up like a pine tree) on Crooked Bay Road.
• Next council meeting is June 25, 2012

Thanks for your interest. If you have questions or concerns, please contact me.

Paul M. Wiancko
Six Mile Lake
Township of Georgian Bay
705-756-1576
paul.wiancko@gmail.com