Thursday, October 16, 2003

Mr. Reg Fortune, Secretary
Stokes Bay Ratepayers Association
General Delivery
Stokes Bay, ON N0H 2M0

Dear Mr. Fortune,

RE:   Advice of Newly Elected Executive and Reciprocal Communication
        (correspondence received September 8, 2003)

The above referenced correspondence was received by Council at its meeting of September 15, 2003. At this meeting, the following recommendation was made and adopted;
“That Staff address correspondence received form the Stokes Bay Ratepayers’ Association.”
I will attempt to address your concerns as listed within this correspondence as follows;
  1. Communication with Ratepayers’ Groups

    The Municipality attempts to communicate all related Council business in a timely fashion. There are limitations associated with this timing due to adoption of minutes and the subsequent circulation of these minutes. Minutes are published within the Tobermory Press, which is a decision of the editor. Minutes are provided to the editor, subject to their space limitations and publishing dates. Minutes are also posted on the Municipality’s web-site, once adopted. Those issues that require notification in accordance with the applicable Acts are advertised separately, via the Municipality’s Notice Board (published in the Press) or in some cases, public notices are mailed to those affected residents as determined and mandated by the applicable legislative requirements.

    Correspondence received from ratepayers or any group is provided to Council and/or staff for direction or receipt. Specific issues which require Council direction or consideration are brought to Council, and the public is urged to request delegation status to the Clerk by 12:00 p.m. on any agenda day preceding the Council meeting, thereby listing that delegate on the agenda. A delegation request can be sent via fax or email, must be in writing stating the name of the delegate and the issue that the delegate wishes to bring forward. Council and staff welcome any correspondence from all residents of the municipality, be it favourable or otherwise.

  2. Tamarac Road

    Phase 1 of the Tamarac Road project has been awarded and the work has commenced. Specific details of this project can best be addressed through our Public Works Manager, William Rydall, at 793-3522.

  3. Speed Limits

    The limits within Stokes Bay are authorized by by-law. Currently, all areas are 50 km per hour within Stokes Bay, save and except for Stokes River Road, Heron Point Road and Woodstock Avenue, each being 40 km per hour. Some signs have been erected and others are expected to be placed in the near future, pending the construction within the area. Any irregularities of posted speed limits will be reviewed and corrected by the Public Works staff.

  4. Street Lights in Stokes Bay

    Though your position and comments have been noted, the street lights have been an arrangement between Council and the Stokes Bay Community Centre Group. To date, both are satisfied with the existing agreement that has been in place for several years.

  5. Lion’s Head Water System

    Council and staff have received a variety of positions dealing with funding of this project from other Ratepayers’ Groups, some in support and others in opposition. The funding is legislated Provincially, and to date, is yet to be defined. This issue will be addressed once the information is provided to all Municipalities.

  6. Taxes, Notification

    The increase of any taxes is brought forward annually. It is a legislated requirement that Council provide for a public meeting and the necessary notification of such, including the notice of its adoption, once finalized. This process was followed earlier this year, and those concerns raised by the public were considered and addressed. In addition, members of the public were invited to meet with the Treasurer personally, if they so desired.

  7. Official Standing of Ratepayers’ Groups

    Your concern is valid and has been addressed through Council and staff discussions. The municipality has many local groups/ratepayers’ associations. This is considered a positive indication of local involvement by residents on many issues as well as their commitment to community involvement through events, socially or otherwise. It has been identified of the need to maintain a registry of these groups, in an effort to maintain current information of membership composition, annual meetings, elected representation, constitutions, etc. This will be an area that will be enhanced during the incoming Council’s term.
Thank you for your questions and positions on pertinent matters to your association, and trust that your concerns were addressed to your satisfaction. Should there be any other additional information you require, please don’t hesitate to contact me directly at the office at 793-3522.

Yours truly,

Kathryn Smyth
Municipal Clerk

cc. Council/Staff