Reeve Jack Wilson welcomed all present by inviting them to join in the Lord’s Prayer.

The Reeve called the meeting to order with Council present; Rick O’Brien, Jim Sheedy, Kellard Witt, Allan Wren with regrets from Steve Bennett and Dennis Gauthier.

Also present was Darrel Ryan, C.A.O..

There was no disclosure of pecuniary interest.

MOVED BY: Kellard Witt,    SECONDED BY: Rick O’Brien
That the agenda be adopted as circulated. CARRIED.

MINUTES:

No minutes were approved.

DELEGATIONS:

• Mr. Gerald Rollins and Mr. Robert Dobson appeared before Council with reference to the BSE (Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy) situation.
• Mr. Allen Rose appeared before Council with reference to weeds at 367 Witt Road.

NEW BUSINESS

• Copier
• Storage Tank

REPORTS OF COMMITTEES

• Councillor Jim Sheedy submitted a report on Public Works & Property.
• Councillor Rick O’Brien submitted a report on Protection to Persons & Property.
• Councillor Kellard Witt submitted a report on Environment.

LAND SEVERANCES:

• B79/03
• B80/03

MOTIONS:

MOVED BY: Allan Wren,    SECONDED BY: Jim Sheedy,
That the Council of the Township of Laurentian Valley accept the 2002 Financial Statements as prepared by our Auditor Welch & Company LLP and that the Clerk publish the statements in the Pembroke Daily News as per the Municipal Act S.O. 2001, c. 25 as amended, Section 295. That the Reeve and Treasurer are hereby authorized to sign all correspondence concerning the terms of engagement of Welch & Company LLP as Auditor.    CARRIED.

MOVED BY: Rick O’Brien,    SECONDED BY: Kellard Witt
That Council support the nomination of Councillor Jim Sheedy for the office of Rural Caucus on the A.M.O. Board of Directors for 2003-2004.    CARRIED.

MOVED BY: Kellard Witt,    SECONDED BY: Rick O’Brien
Whereas, the discovery of BSE (Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy) in one Angus cow of indeterminate origin in Alberta has resulted in the closing of all export markets for Canadian beef;
And whereas, there are the no indications that export markets will reopen in the near future and, in fact, could remain closed for the next seven years or longer;
And whereas, the economic fallout of these actions have the potential to decimate the rural economy;
Therefore, be it resolved that all rural municipalities and the Rural Ontario Municipalities Association lobby the provincial and federal governments to ensure that adequate compensation and resources are made available to sustain the rural economy and provide alternate income opportunities for farm families and agri- business people that are dependant on agriculture for their livelihoods; And that a copy of this resolution be forwarded to all municipalities in Renfrew County, A.M.O., R.O.M.A., Mr. Sean Conway, M.P.P. and Ms. Cheryl Gallant, M.P.    CARRIED.

MOVED BY: Rick O’Brien,    SECONDED BY: Jim Sheedy,
Whereas, on July 10th, the B-Line Road was closed to carry out repairs to the Indian River Bridge;
And whereas, under Ontario Regulation 239/02, the B-Line Road is a Class 3 Highway; And whereas, the detour established directed traffic over Class 4 Highways for a distance of 10.1 kilometers;
And whereas, an alternate detour was available over higher classed roads including Provincial Highways for a distance of 6.8 kilometers;
Therefore, be it resolved, that the County of Renfrew Operations Committee be requested to implement a policy that would involve consulting with the lower tier municipalities prior to directing traffic over lower tier roads.
   CARRIED

MOVED BY: Jim Sheedy,    SECONDED BY: Allan Wren,
That Council approve Land Severance File No. B79/03 and B80/03.
   CARRIED.

MOVED BY: Allan Wren,    SECONDED BY: Jim Sheedy,
That the Municipality purchase a digital copier/network printer for $12,805.25 with $9,305.25 coming out of the reserves for fixed assets.
   CARRIED.

MOVED BY: Allan Wren,    SECONDED BY: Jim Sheedy,
That the 2000 gallon buried heating oil tank be removed from 460 Witt Road.
   CARRIED.

BY-LAWS:

By-Law Number 03-07-183, being a By-Law to provide for advance votes to be held prior to voting day for the 2003 municipal elections was given three readings and passed on a motion by Jim Sheedy and Kellard Witt.

By-Law Number 03-07-184, being a By-Law to amend By-Law Number 02-12-150 (K. Stalkie Rezoning By-Law) was given three readings and passed on a motion by Rick O’Brien and Allan Wren.

By-Law Number 03-07-185, being a By-Law to remove the holding zone (K. Stalkie) was given three readings and passed on a motion by Allan Wren and Kellard Witt.

ADJOURNMENT:

MOVED BY: Allan Wren,    SECONDED BY: Rick O’Brien
To adjourn the meeting. CARRIED.

REEVE: Jack Wilson,    CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER: Darrel Ryan