COBDEN — Council agreed to purchase a projector that will be compatible with the Ipads to be purchased for council later in the year.
Councillor Charlene Jackson said this system is used in Laurentian Valley, where she is treasurer, and “works fabulously” and is easy to use.
“You can use it for all kinds of things,” she said.
As an example, she noted that when using the Ipads, if there’s a map to be used, it can be projected onto the large screen via the projector.
“It works pretty slick,” Coun. Jackson said. “There is enough money in the budget to cover the Ipads and these items.”
Councillor Chris Olmstead said this is a “fantastic idea,” as it will be more efficient for council in the future when members are using Ipads.
Reeve Terry Millar wanted assurances that Buske Office Equipment, who will be supplying the projector, has the “technical abilities” to operate the equipment.
Coun. Jackson noted it installed the equipment in Laurentian Valley and added, “It’s extremely simple to operate.”
Reeve Millar said this concern is due to what some people believe is secrecy of council. He noted that he has received correspondence, as have other council members and staff, saying this council is conspiring against residents because sections of the Feb. 4 committee meeting were deleted.
He noted nothing was deleted. The proper recording equipment had not yet been installed and, since council had announced it would begin recording at the Feb. 4 meeting, alternative arrangements had to be made. Instead of a camera, a cell phone was used and the batteries had died during the meeting. While getting changed, there was a portion of the meeting that was missed.
“There was nothing secret about it,” he said. “There was no conspiracy.”
Coun. Jackson said the CAO responded appropriately to the letter. She further noted this council is to be commended for recording all its meetings, since there’s not many that do that.
“Whitewater has gone above and beyond to be transparent,” she said. “Let’s move forward. Don’t focus on the past. Staff tried to put something in place.
“We are leading the way and we can be proud of that.”
Mayor Hal Johnson said he knows of only one other municipality that is not live-streaming and they went through similar growing pains.
“When Ford developed the car, he had problems too,” he said.
CAR SALES ALLOWED
Council agreed to allow Hayden McLaughlin to sell vehicles at his garage business in downtown Beachburg. Chief Building Official Doug Schultz said Mr. McLaughlin provided a site plan showing there are only two parking spaces he is allowing for the sale of vehicles.
“It’s not a big dealership,” he added.
Councillor Dave Mackay noted, “Hayden’s a reasonable and honest guy. It’ll be good.”
Coun. Olmstead said Mr. McLaughlin was being respectful by asking for approval to operate this business, since there is no zoning in Beachburg, no permission is required from council.
MANAGER’S REPORTS
TREASURER’S REPORT: Jenna Barr has been hired as the summer student for the administrative office.
The bill for the Beachburg Medical Centre is now at zero, noted treasurer Marsha Hawthorne.
The Upper Ottawa Valley Medical Recruitment bill is now at zero as well.
PUBLIC WORKS: Staff was busy thawing culverts under roads and entranceways; fixing washed out culverts and roads; brushing alongside the roadway with the excavator was completed on Pleasant Valley Road and Powers Road.
BUILDING AND BYLAW REPORT: The renovations and addition at the Foresters Falls branch of the Whitewater Public Library has gone over budget by less than $2,500.
Mr. Schultz told council the contractor had to go through an extra five inches of concrete for the plumbing. And because of the extra concrete, the walls had to be constructed to the correct level, he added.
He noted the library board has opted to go with a different air condition/heating system in the branch, which it will be pay for itself.
There are new signs installed for parking regulations near Cobden District Public School. However, he noted there’s more to be erected.
Following a question from Coun. Olmstead, Mr. Schultz said he can give the number of permits for the year compared to a year ago in monthly reports.
REEVE: Reeve Millar noted the prayer will continue to be said at county council, however, legal advice is being sought.
Councillor Daryl McLaughlin questioned why a prayer wasn’t recited prior to the start of tonight’s council meeting.
Chief Administrative Officer Christine FitzSimons said council agreed to revolving prayers between the Lord’s Prayer, the non-denominational prayer and a moment of silence, which was what happened prior to tonight’s meeting.
NOTES
*Council agreed to put forth a motion that arenas over the age of 30 years receive provincial funding. The idea for the motion came from the Township of Bonnechere Valley who has concerns with its arena.
The initiative to approach the provincial government will be through the Eastern Ontario Wardens Caucus.
CAO FitzSimons said she saw an article regarding this issue in a local paper and thought if there’s a louder voice from several municipalities, rather than just one, it might be heard.
Coun. Mackay agreed.
“In most communities, the arena is the cultural centre of the community,” he said.
* Council agreed to provide a document for Art Cobb and Elmer Winters to each sign regarding remuneration for summer work.
Mr. Cobb is the volunteer co-ordinator of the Cobden Tourist Booth and Mr. Winters takes care of the washrooms, stocking the facilities and performing small maintenance duties as requested.
Mr. Winters will receive the same pay as last year of $2,300 and $15 an hour for repairs requested by environmental services manager Steve Hodson.
Mr. Cobb will receive $1,750, which is $250 more than last year, as well as $15 for any small repairs he is requested to do courtesy of Mr. Hodson.
* The request from Doug Pilgrim to erect a gospel tent at Cobden Park this year has been tabled.
The request asked that the tent be erected at its former location, which is right beside the presbyterian church.
The reason being that it was located further into the park, which made it difficult for those with mobility issues to get to the tent due to uneven ground.
Coun. McLaughlin was concerned that it is being set up in a prime location during the long weekend.
As well, he requested that locates for underground wires be put into the motion.
He believes last year was the first time there was a request to have the tent erected during a long weekend.
He asked the motion be tabled until more information regarding the history of this gospel tent be available as part of the discussion.
Council agreed.
*H&H Construction was awarded the tender to rehabilitate the parking lot at the rear of the municipal office.
