Q: Information and Council’s direction in regards to a the Quarry Expansion on Switch Road.
A: There are two applications currently in process with the Township in regards to the proposed expansion of the Fleming Quarry owned by Fowler Construction. In order to expand the existing quarry into the property to the north known as 7723 Rama Road, an Official Plan Amendment and Zoning Bylaw Amendment are required to be approved by the municipality and the County of Simcoe. The intent of the expansion is to license an 8.70 ha. portion of the 29.72 ha. property for aggregate extraction. The license has been applied for under the Aggregate Resources Act and is regulated by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry.
A Public Meeting was held on May 28, 2018 and since that time, the Township has had the required studies submitted by Fowler Construction peer reviewed by consultants the Township retained to do the reviews. At this time, the peer review comments have been forwarded to MHBC Planning, who are the agents for Fowler Construction, to work with their team to amend any reports that require amendments and any additional works and studies required. Once the studies and works are completed and resubmitted to the Township, additional reviews will take place.
All comments received at the Public Meeting are also being addressed by Fowler Construction and their consultants and responses will be made available when they are completed. Until such time as the Township and our consultants are satisfied with the amended reports and work completed to date, no further reports or recommendations will be brought back to Council for consideration. No decisions have been made at this time.
There is a road agreement that needs to considered as this is something that the Manager of Municipal Works will require.
Q: Information and Council’s direction in regards to a contaminated dumpsite that may be on Concession B-C.
A: There are no known contaminated dump site on Concession B-C at this time.
Q: Where are the locations of polling stations (computers set up), what time will they be open for residents to use them. How will this information get to residents. Taking into consideration that some voters to not use the web.
A: During the last week of September, Voter Instruction Letters will be mailed to all eligible electors advising them on the following:
- Phone number to call to vote by telephone
- Web address to visit to vote by internet
- Voter Help Station information, including locations and times it will be open
- Help telephone number for those requiring additional assistance when voting
If a voter does not receive a Voter Instruction Letter, please direct them to contact the Ramara Administration Office.
Q: How much money the municipality has at this moment that is available to be spent to start any new infrastructure projects? And how much do we have in reserves?
A: Any money for infrastructure projects would be in the 2018 Capital Budgets of each department, which can be found in the 2018 Budget on our website. Infrastructure projects are budgeted for in the annual budget or will be considered when grants are available.
The 2018 10 year Capital Forecast is available on the website.
Reserves
The Township has worked diligently to build reserves in the last few years. It is necessary to carry a healthy reserve balance in order to fund unexpected situations, and to plan for the future capital purchases.
Due to the previous depletion of reserve funds, the Township has restricted operating expenses t to replenish these reserves. The Township will be in the position in the very near future to start to budget annually for capital purchases. Having healthy reserves will ensure funds are there when capital purchases need to be made.
Total amount in reserves at the end of 2017 can be found on our website in the 2017 financial statements posted on the website:
RESERVES
Proposed Balance at end of 2018 - $3,828,070
RESERVE FUNDS
Proposed Balance at end of 2018 - $469,164
DEFERRED REVENUE - OBLIGATORY RESERVE FUNDS
A requirement of the Chartered Professional Accountants Canada Public Sector Accounting Handbook, is that obligatory reserve funds be reported as deferred revenue. This requirement is in place as legislation and external agreements restrict how these funds may be used and under certain circumstances these funds may possibly be refunded. The balances in the obligatory reserve funds of the Township are summarized below:
To end of 2017
Development charges $1,238,819
Parkland $100,899
Federal gas tax $287,912
$1,627,630
Q: Information and Council’s direction in regards to the Fill Bylaw.
A: The fill bylaw is being reviewed and updated. We anticipate a draft of the proposed revisions will be going to Committee of the Whole for input & consideration on October 1st.
Q: Can we see a copy of short term rental bylaw that was given for lawyer review?
Q: What should I do if I find out someone is not on the Voters’ List?
A: An eligible elector who is not on the Voters' List must complete an EL15 Form to be added. Individuals must visit the Ramara Administration Centre to complete the EL15 Form and present the appropriate identification to be added to the Voters' List. Individuals may also complete the EL15 Form ahead of time and bring it in when they attend the office to present their appropriate identification.
If the person is unable to attend during business hours, we will be having extended hours in October for residents so they may be added to the Voters' List and receive their Voter Instruction Letter. We also have Voter Information Pamphlets available which have EL15 Forms on the back for candidates to pass out when campaigning. This pamphlet is available online and in small quantities at the Ramara Administration Centre.
Q: What is the Township’s relationship with the L.S.R.C.A. - Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority and the direction the situation is currently heading in?
A: At this time our relationship with the L.S.R.C.A. is basically business as usual. Discussions are ongoing related to the Townships desire to be removed from the membership.
