the Municipality of Kincardine!
Transcription
the Municipality of Kincardine!
TH HE CORPORATIION OF THE MU UNICIPA ALITY OF F KINCA ARDINE Coun ncil Agenda a 1.0 Page 1 of 13 Wednesda ay Septemb ber 18, 2013 3 CALL TO O ORDER Mayor Larry L Krae emer will call c to Orrder at 5:00 p.m. o on Wednesday Septemb ber 18, 2013, the Reg gular Meetin ng of the C Council of T The Corporation of the Municipality M of Kincard dine in the Council Chambers a at the Muniicipal Administtration Centtre. 2.0 ROLL CA ALL Mayor La arry Kraemer Deputy Mayor M Anne e Eadie Councillo or Ron Coriistine Councillo or Maureen n Couture Councillo or Kenneth Craig Councillo or Jacquelin ne Faubert Councillo or Candy Hewitt Councillo or Mike Leg ggett Councillo or Randy Roppel R Staff Pre esent er Murray Clarke, C Chie ef Administrrative Office Jennifer Lawrie, Deputy Clerk Karen Kieffer, Direc ctor of Parks and Recrreation B Roxana Baumann, Treasurer 3.0 AMENDM MENTS, AD DDITIONS OR DELET TIONS TO//FROM THE E AGENDA A 4.0 DISCLOSURE OF PECUNIAR RY INTERE EST AND T THE GENE ERAL NAT TURE THEREO OF Name Item of o Busines ss N Nature of IInterest 5.0 PUBLIC FORUM 6.0 ADOPTION OF MIINUTES OF O REGULA AR AND S SPECIAL M MEETINGS S OF COUNCIIL Motion #09/18/13 # Moved by: ed by: Seconde THAT the e Minutes of o the Coun ncil meeting gs held on S September 4, 2013 an nd Septemb ber 11, 2013 3 be adopte ed as printe ed. 7.0 PRESEN NTATIONS AND PETIITIONS None no oted. TH HE CORPORATIION OF THE MU UNICIPA ALITY OF F KINCA ARDINE Coun ncil Agenda a 8.0 Page 2 of 13 Wednesda ay Septemb ber 18, 2013 3 CONSEN NT AGEND DA (Items lis sted under the t Consen nt Agenda a are conside ered routine e and are enacted in one motiion. The ex xception to this rule is that a Coun ncil membe er, the Chieff Administra ative Office er or a citize en may requ uest one orr more item ms to be remov ved from th he consent agenda a forr separate d discussion a and action.)) 8.1 Ad doption off Consent Agenda A Motion #09/18/13 # Moved by: Seconde ed by: THAT Co ouncil appro ove the rec commendattions contaiined in the consent agenda dated d Wedn nesday Sep ptember 18 8, 2013 atta ached to this agenda a and direct sta aff to procee ed with all necessary n a administrattive actionss (with the exception n of the following items which willl be added to the Com mmittee of tthe Whole diiscussion agenda of_.) 9.0 MOTION NS & NOTIC CE OF MOT TIONS 9.1 No otice of Mo otion 9.2 Ro oad Dedica ation Motion #09/18/13 # Moved by: ed by: Seconde THAT Co ouncil appro ove road de edication re equests to b be included d on the consent agenda for considerattion as set o out in Repo ort No. PL 2 2013-11. 9.3 o Firearms s Diischarge of Co ouncillor Ro oppel proviided this mo otion for Co ouncil’s con nsideration. Motion #09/18/13 # Moved by: Seconde ed by: WHEREA AS By-law 4608 (form mer Town off Kincardine e) passed o on the 21st d day of June 1984 1 is a by y-law to pro ohibit and re egulate the e discharge of guns or other fire earms in the e geographic Town of Kincardine e; AND WH HEREAS Municipal Ac ct Section 119 allows ffor a municiipality, for the purpose of public sa afety, to pro ohibit or reg gulate the d discharge o of guns or o other firearms, air guns, spring s guns s, cross bow ws, long bow ws or any o other weapon; AND WH HEREAS on n Decembe er 12, 2012 the Committee of the Whole dire ected staff to develop a re eport addressing hunting in the re esidential areas along the TH HE CORPORATIION OF THE MU UNICIPA ALITY OF F KINCA ARDINE Coun ncil Agenda a Page 3 of 13 Wednesda ay Septemb ber 18, 2013 3 shoreline e and staff have h contacted the Miinistry of Na atural Reso ources for consultattion regarding this issu ue; AND WH HEREAS co oncerns from m citizens ccontinue to be receive ed; NOW TH HEREFORE E BE IT RESOLVED T THAT staff b be directed d to provide a report regarding inv voking Municipal Act se ection 119 in residential areas in the Municipa ality includin ng up to a 300 3 metre ssetback. 9.4 Kiincardine Centre C for the Arts Co ouncillor Fa aubert prov vided this m motion for C Council’s con nsideration n. Motion #09/18/13 # Moved by: Seconde ed by: THAT sta aff be direc cted to prep pare a reporrt for Counccil initiating a second phase off renovation n and repairr actions off the interior of the Kincardine Ce entre for the Arts with these actions to be guide ed by the Fa acilities Report, t Arts Co ommittee fivve year plan n presented d to consultattion with tenants and the Council; AND FURTHER TH HAT the mo onies neede ed for these e actions be e taken out of the Centre for the Arts A reserve e fund. 9.5 So ocial Netw working Pollicy Motion #09/18/13 # Moved by: Seconde ed by: THAT Co ouncil adop pt Policy No o. GG.1.15 – Social Ne etworking P Policy as presente ed in Reportt No. CSC 2013-05. 2 9.6 Co ommerciall Alcohols Motion #09/18/13 # Moved by: Seconde ed by: THAT Co ouncil appro ove the currrent sewerr discharge fee for the once-throu ughwater used by Commercial Alc cohols, exclluding the ssurcharge ffor 2013 forr v und der the exis sting fee strructure and d that it be e effective this excess volumes billing ye ear. 10.0 CONSID DERATION OF BY-LA AWS THE CORPORATION OF THE MUNICIPALITY OF KINCARDINE Council Agenda 10.1 Page 4 of 13 Wednesday September 18, 2013 FIRST AND SECOND READINGS OF BY-LAWS LISTED UNDER SECTION 10.0, CONSIDERATION OF BY-LAWS OF THE WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 18, 2013 MUNICIPALITY OF KINCARDINE AGENDA Motion #09/18/13 Moved by: Seconded by: THAT the following by-laws be deemed to be read a first and second time: i) the “OPA #7 to the Municipality of Kincardine Official Plan By-law”; ii) the “Road Dedication 2013 By-law”; iii) the “Inverhuron Gateway Sign Encroachment Agreement By-law”. 10.2 BEING A BY LAW TO ADOPT AMENDMENT NO. 7 TO THE OFFICIAL PLAN OF THE MUNICIPALITY OF KINCARDINE Motion #09/18/13 Moved by: Seconded by: THAT the “OPA #7 to the Municipality of Kincardine Official Plan By-law” be deemed to be read a third time, finally passed and numbered as By-law No. 2013 – 10.3 BEING A BY-LAW TO AUTHORIZE THE ACCEPTANCE OF CERTAIN DEEDS OF LAND AND TO ASSUME AND DEDICATE THE SAID LANDS FOR ROAD PURPOSES Motion #09/18/13 Moved by: Seconded by: THAT the “Road Dedication 2013 By-law” be deemed to be read a third time, finally passed and numbered as By-law No. 2013 – 10.4 BEING A BY-LAW TO AUTHORIZE THE SIGNING OF AN ENCROACHMENT AGREEMENT (3128 Bruce Road 15, Inverhuron) Motion #09/18/13 Moved by: Seconded by: THAT the “Inverhuron Gateway Sign Encroachment Agreement By-law” be deemed to be read a third time, finally passed and numbered as By-law No. 2013 - TH HE CORPORATIION OF THE MU UNICIPA ALITY OF F KINCA ARDINE Coun ncil Agenda a 11.0 Page 5 of 13 Wednesda ay Septemb ber 18, 2013 3 COMMIT TTEE OF THE T WHOLE (all de elegations will be he eard follow wing relevantt reports) 11.1 Move Into Committee C of the Who ole Motion #09/18/13 # Moved by: Seconde ed by: That Cou uncil move into Comm mittee of the Whole and d upon com mpletion retu urn to Counc cil. 11.2 Ite ems for Dis scussion from f Coun ncil Meeting g Ite ems from th he consent agenda as required. 11.3 Re ecreation Services S (A A) REC 2013-11 2 Subject:: Phragmite es Managem ment Plan Attachm ment: Phrag gmites Management P Plan Report Summary: S H Centtre for Coasstal Conserrvation and The Lake Huron Janice Gilbert G have completed d the Invasivve Phragmites Manag gement Plan n for the Municipality of Kincardine. K Staff is reccommendin ng that Cou uncil acceptt the Plan and d then direc ct staff to review it and include reccommendations for phragmittes control through t the e annual bu udget proce ess. Origin: 2012 2 Capita al Budget Existing g Policy: N//A Analysis s: The Mun nicipality of Kincardine received a Letter of O Opinion valid till Dec 31, 2012 2 and were w advise ed by the M MNR that on nce a detaile ed managem ment plan was w comple eted for Kincardine, we e could resubmit the applicatio on along with the man nagement p plan for review for a lon nger term Letter of Opinion. The Lake e Huron Ce entre for Co oastal Consservation an nd Janice G Gilbert (Wettland Ecologistt) prepared d the plan and submitte ed both the e plan and tthe applicattion to the MN NR in June of 2013. We W were no otified Augu ust 6th, of ap pproval to sspray for phrag gmites for th he next five e years, effe ective until July 31, 20 018. Phragmittes is an ag ggressively spreading non-native e, invasive g grass. Due to the exten nsive area to t be contro olled along the Municipality of Kin ncardine shoreline e, Phragmittes manage ement will h have to be d done in stages and will THE CORPORATION OF THE MUNICIPALITY OF KINCARDINE Council Agenda Page 6 of 13 Wednesday September 18, 2013 extend over a number of years. Available funding, weather conditions, wildlife presence, and lake water levels are all main factors affecting the amount of acreage that can be controlled during one growing season. The goal is to bring the infestation of phragmites under control, once this occurs, it will be significantly more cost effective to implement a monitoring and rapid response control program to ensure Phragmites densities do not return to pre-control conditions. In the plan, the coastline was divided into 16 manageable sections or Blocks using features that provided logical boundary lines. Within some blocks, Phragmites formed a dense, almost continuous cell along the shoreline while in others it was sparse and patchy. Approximately 68 ha of the coastal wetland currently has Phragmites present. Of this, approximately 25.6 ha has dense Phragmites cells present. The Management Plan is designed to be implemented over the next four years. 2013 – 13.70 ha; cost $20,000 2014 – 13.80 ha; cost $27,000 2015 – 37.70 ha; cost $42,200 2016 - 2.90 ha; cost $9,000 Total – 68.10 ha; cost $98,200 There will also be on-going maintenance costs thereafter that can be included into the annual operating budgets. Council passed Resolution # 08/14/13 on August 14, 2013 which referred to the financial commitment by Council in developing the phragmites management plan, the costs required for herbicide and prescribed burns referenced in the plan from 2013-2016, and the request for financial assistance for phragmites control within the Municipality. Community Plan and Integrated Community Sustainability Plan (ICSP) Considerations: To ensure the assets of the Municipality of Kincardine continue to be well promoted, valued, enhanced and supported. Financial Considerations: It is estimated that the Management Plan can be implemented for $98,200 over the four years, with Council approving the yearly allotment during the annual budget process. On-going maintenance costs would also likely occur thereafter and would be included in the annual operating budgets. THE CORPORATION OF THE MUNICIPALITY OF KINCARDINE Council Agenda Page 7 of 13 Wednesday September 18, 2013 Options: 1. For Council to accept the Phragmites Management Plan as presented and direct staff to review it and include recommendations for phragmites control through the annual budget process. 2. For Council to accept the Phragmites Management Plan and not proceed further. Preferred Option: Option one – For Council to accept the Phragmites Management Plan as presented and direct staff to review it and include recommendations for phragmites control through the annual budget process. Date to be considered by Council: At the October 2, 2013 Council Meeting CAO’s Comments: I concur C O W RECOMMENDATION 11.4 Mayor’s Update 11.5 Other Areas of Responsibility (A) TRE 2013-12 Subject: Kincardine Shoreline Pipeline Debt Attachments: Powerpoint, Map Report Summary: Staff has been requested by Council to revisit the issue of the Kincardine Shoreline Pipeline Debt and to develop possible solutions to eradicate this debt. This report addresses Council’s request. Origin: 2004 Kincardine Shoreline Pipeline Construction Program Existing Policy: By-law 2005-142 Analysis: In 2004, the Municipality of Kincardine undertook the construction of a shoreline water pipeline project at a net cost after grants of $4,868,163. The total system capacity was 836 Equivalent Residential Units (ERU’s); however connection to the pipeline was not mandatory. As a result, only 358 ERU’s were connected or paid at inception in the form of a lump sum payment or over 2 years, and 204 ERU’s would be paid over a period of 15 years. This left 274 ERU’s in 2004 that did not connect or pay for the pipeline, leaving an unfunded capital outlay (or stranded debt). There remain ~ 251 ERUs that are not connected or paid, and a stranded debt amount of $1,514,347 as of December 31, 2012. THE CORPORATION OF THE MUNICIPALITY OF KINCARDINE Council Agenda Page 8 of 13 Wednesday September 18, 2013 The original pipeline connection fee was $6,102 per property and $379 for a fire charge. Through by-law 2005-142, an incremental premium would be applied to the capital charges on an annual basis, in addition to CPI. As of January 1, 2012, this premium has reached its cap of 100% and therefore the connection charge for 2013 (including reserve fund contribution) is set at $14,070. It was anticipated that over time, and through the implementation of a premium, more connections to the pipeline would be made. However as of July 2013, there were 251 remaining ERU’s that still have not paid or connected. Since 2005, there have been 23 hook-ups at an average rate of 3 connections per year. There have also been 7 connections resulting from severed lots (average of 1 per year), which are subject to the original capital cost of $6,102 + CPI (no premium), which further reduces the overall debt. Based on these average connection rates and at the current capital charge of $14,070, it would require 108 ERU’s to hook up to the pipeline to extinguish the debt. At an average connection rate of 3 per year, it would take 36 years (ignoring the additional interest charges incurred on the stranded debt). Severed lot connections would reduce this time period, however not significantly (~4-5 yrs). Financial Considerations The difference between the interest received and the interest paid to external financial institutions will continue to increase the outstanding debt The premium has reached the 100% maximum (double the amount of the original capital charge), and therefore the incentive to hook-up is now significantly reduced. Cash flow is constrained by the current arrangement, as principal and interest payments must be funded from cash derived from other sources. Several options to resolve this issue were last presented to Council in May 2010. At that time, Council had decided to defer the matter until the Inverhuron Environmental Assessment was completed, as it was expected that additional information would be available to facilitate further discussion and an eventual decision. Due to the delays experienced with the Inverhuron project, this matter has not been re-opened for discussion since 2010. In June 2013, staff was directed by Council to revisit the options to eradicate the pipeline debt. The following options are being presented to Council for consideration: 1. Mandatory Payment & Connection: THE CORPORATION OF THE MUNICIPALITY OF KINCARDINE Council Agenda Page 9 of 13 Wednesday September 18, 2013 Implement mandatory connection and payment such that all properties with a dwelling must pay and be connected to the pipeline and fund their capital charge including CPI adjustment (but excluding the premium). As of January 1, 2013, this would amount to $5,802 base + $1,082.87 CPI + $300 reserve fund contribution = $7,184.87 capital charge. Furthermore: All remaining vacant lots will be assessed the above capital charge, plus the fire capital charge of $379 + CPI. As of January 1, 2013 this amounts to $449.74. To ensure fairness, a refund of the premium charge would be refunded to the 23 property owners that connected between 2005 and present. Property owners would have the option of paying the capital charge in a lumpsum by December 2014, or would have the option of financing the amount over a 10-year period through the municipality. At the current interest rate available to the municipality through Infrastructure Ontario, property owners can expect to pay ~$900/year over a 10-year period. If all remaining 251 ERU’s are required to pay the capital charge of $7,185, this would generate $1,803,435. Once the premiums for the 23 property owners were refunded (~ $60K), and in isolation of any additional interest charges, there would be $1,743,435 in funds generated which should be sufficient to extinguish the debt. Any residual would be transferred to reserve funds. 2. Mandatory Payment Only (not mandatory connection): This option would implement mandatory payment only to extinguish the stranded debt, but allow the physical connection to be optional. Although this would allow property owners the ability to continue using private wells, the Municipality would not benefit from additional revenues that would otherwise be generated from the fixed and metered consumption rates. 3. Fund the stranded debt through reserve funds: The balance in the water reserve funds (Funds 24, 28, 68) at the end of 2013 is estimated to be $5.213 million. This is more than sufficient to extinguish the current stranded debt amount of $1.514 million. These reserve funds, however, were generated by existing water users. A full-cost recovery system was established to ensure that all future capital and maintenance costs of the existing infrastructure would be sufficiently funded through these water rates. A lump sum payment out of water reserve funds to fund the stranded debt would significantly reduce the funds available for such future costs, and would very likely necessitate rate increases in the future. Staff is not in support of this option. THE CORPORATION OF THE MUNICIPALITY OF KINCARDINE Council Agenda Page 10 of 13 Wednesday September 18, 2013 4. Status Quo: This option would continue on with optional connections at the existing pipeline capital charges as per by-law 2005-142, at a current 2013 capital charge of $14,070. This option is not recommended, as based on the current trend of 3 connections per year on average, it would take at least 30 years to extinguish the debt. 5. Deferral: Deferring the decision on the pipeline debt issue until the completion of the Inverhuron Environmental Assessment still remains an option. At this time, the project would be further ahead and more information would be available. This would also ensure that consistency between the two projects was achieved. Additional Considerations: A large number of Inverhuron residents were provided with water servicing in conjunction with the Kincardine pipeline project but chose not to connect due to non-mandatory connection policies. In 2011, Council has supported several Guiding Principles for the new Inverhuron pipeline project, including support for mandatory connection policies and creating consistency between the new Inverhuron pipeline project and the Kincardine shoreline water pipeline project. This includes providing a consistent capital charge among all water customers, and ensuring that connection for all properties from both the previous pipeline project and the new Inverhuron pipeline project are made mandatory. A base water rate capital charge for customers to be serviced through the new Inverhuron project is estimated to be $7,700. This amount, which is based on current construction costs, is comparable and consistent with the mandatory payment amount in Option 1 of $7,185 (which is based on historical costs plus inflation). Capital contributions from customers to be serviced through the new Inverhuron project will not be applied to the stranded pipeline debt. Capital contributions from water customers in Inverhuron that chose not to be connected to the Kincardine pipeline will be applied to the outstanding stranded debt. Community Plan and Integrated Community Sustainability Plan (ICSP) Considerations: N/A Financial Considerations: As discussed above. Options: 1. Mandatory Payment & Connection 2. Mandatory Payment only (not connection) 3. Funding through reserve funds THE CORPORATION OF THE MUNICIPALITY OF KINCARDINE Council Agenda Page 11 of 13 Wednesday September 18, 2013 4. Status Quo 5. Deferral Preferred Option: Option 1 – Mandatory connection and payment Date to be considered by Council: October 2, 2013 CAO’s Comments: I concur C O W RECOMMENDATION (B) TRE 2013-14 Subject: S. 357/358 Applications – Cancellation or Reduction in Property Taxes Attachments: S. 357/358 Applications Listing Report Summary: The attached provides a list of property owners that have applied for a cancellation or reduction and refund of taxes under specific circumstances including but not limited to change in the use of a property, demolition or the property being substantially unusable for a period of at least 3 months. Individuals make application to be reviewed and approved by Council and any applicant may make representation on their application. Council is being asked to approve this application as matters arising. Origin: Municipal Act, S. 357 and S. 358 Existing Policy: None Analysis: Section 357 of the Municipal Act provides a process for property owners to apply for a cancellation, reduction and refund of taxes under specific circumstances including but not limited to a change in the use of a property, demolition or fire, the property being substantially unusable for a period of at least 3 months or a gross and manifest error in the preparation of the assessment roll. The deadline to apply is February 28th of the year following. Section 358 of the Municipal Act provides a process for property owners to apply for a cancellation, reduction and refund of taxes resulting from a gross and manifest error in the preparation of the roll that is factual in nature (i.e. not an error in judgment in assessing the property). The deadline to apply is between March 1 and December 31 of a year and can apply to taxes levied for one or both of the two years preceding the year in which the application is made. The Act requires that Council hold at least one meeting by September 30th of each year with 14 days prior notice being given to property owners so they can make TH HE CORPORATIION OF THE MU UNICIPA ALITY OF F KINCA ARDINE Coun ncil Agenda a Pag ge 12 of 13 Wednesda ay Septemb ber 18, 2013 3 represen ntations at the meeting g and 14 da ay notice following the meeting off Council’s decision.. Property owners the en have 35 days from the date off Council’s decision to o appeal the e decision to the Asse essment Re eview Boarrd. The partiiculars of th he applications are inccluded in the attached document.. In the opinion of staff, all write-offfs meet the e criteria set out in the Municipal A Act. The totall of the write e-offs if all are approvved are $3,7 705.08 with h the municipal share be eing $775.22. Process s Change: Staff is also a requestting that du ue to the ad dministrative e nature of processing g the S.357/35 58 applicatio ons, going forward the ese write-offfs be reporrted on the consent agenda unlless a mem mber of the public requ uests a dele egation concerning their application. Commun nity Plan and a Integra ated Comm munity Sus stainability y Plan (ICSP) Conside erations: Complying C with w the Strrategy of “A Assuring Re esponsible A And Sustaina able Management Of Municipal M Financial Re esources”. Financia al Considerations: All write-offs meet the cconditions u under the A Act. Approvin ng them willl result in re educed reve enues of $7 775.22 for tthe Municipa ality. Options: 1. Ap pprove the write-offs w ass presented d and allow w future S. 357/358 applications to be reported d on the consent agen nda (un nless a mem mber of the e public requests a dellegation). 2. Ap pprove the write-offs w ass presented d and do no ot allow futu ure S.3 357/358 ap pplications tto be reportted on the cconsent agenda. 3. Ap pprove some/all write-o offs in a diffferent amount Preferred Option: Option 1 Date to be b conside ered by Co ouncil: Mattters Arising g CAO’s Comments C : I concur C O W RECOMME R NDATION 12.0 MATTER RS ARISING G FROM COMMITTE C E OF THE WHOLE 13.0 MEMBER RS OF COUNCIL GENERAL AN NNOUNCEMENTS TH HE CORPORATIION OF THE MU UNICIPA ALITY OF F KINCA ARDINE Coun ncil Agenda a Pag ge 13 of 13 14.0 CLOSED D SESSION N IF REQUIIRED 15.0 RS ARISING G FROM CLOSED C SE ESSION MATTER 16.0 CONFIR RMATORY BY-LAW B Wednesda ay Septemb ber 18, 2013 3 Motion #09/18/13 # Moved by: Seconde ed by: THAT th he By-law to confirrm the pro oceedings of the C Council of The Corporattion of the Municipaliity of Kinc ardine of S Septemberr 11, 2013 and Septemb ber 18, 201 13 be deem med to be rread three times, fina ally passed and numbere ed as By-law w No. 2013 3 -. 17.0 SCHEDU ULING OF MEETINGS S 17.1 Co ouncil Mee etings October 2, 2 2013 ar Council Regula October 9, 9 2013 Planning/Corpora ate Servicess October 16, 1 2013 Regula ar Council Novembe er 6, 2013 Regula ar Council Novembe er 13, 2013 Planning/Corpora ate Servicess 17.2 No otice of Pu ublic and Special S Mee etings None notted. 18.0 ADJOUR RNMENT Motion #09/18/13 # Moved by: Seconde ed by: THAT thiis Council adjourn a at 5:00 0 p.m. 5:00 0 p.m. 5:00 0 p.m. 5:00 0 p.m. 5:00 0 p.m. TH HE CORPORATIION OF THE MU UNICIPA ALITY OF F KINCA ARDINE Council C Minu utes 1.0 Page 1 of 17 W Wednesdayy Septembe er 4, 2013 CALL TO O ORDER Mayor La arry Kraem mer called to o Order at 5 5:00 p.m. o on Wednessday Septem mber 4, 2013,, the Regu ular Meetin ng of the Council off The Corp poration off the Municipa ality of Kincardine in the Co ouncil Cha ambers at the Muniicipal Administtration Centtre. 2.0 ROLL CA ALL Council Present arry Kraemer Mayor La Councillo or Maureen n Couture Councillo or Kenneth Craig Councillo or Jacquelin ne Faubert Councillo or Candy Hewitt Councillo or Mike Leg ggett (arrive ed at 5:10 p p.m.) Councillo or Randy Roppel R Council Absent Deputy Mayor M Anne e Eadie Councillo or Ron Coriistine Staff Pre esent Murray Clarke, C Chie ef Administrrative Office er Donna MacDougall M , Clerk Gagan Sandhu, S Director of Public Works Stephen Murray, Co oordinator of o Commun nity Service es and Speccial Projects 3.0 AMENDM MENTS, AD DDITIONS OR DELET TIONS TO//FROM THE E AGENDA A Resolutiion # 09/04 4/13 - 02 Moved by: Maureen Couture C Seconde ed by: Kenneth Craig C THAT Co ouncil appro ove the following addition to the A Agenda: i) 14.0 Closed C Session – THA AT Council move into cclosed sesssion to con nsider a pro oposed or p pending acq quisition or disposition of land by b the municipality or lo ocal board (Annex). Carried. 4.0 DISCLOSURE OF PECUNIAR RY INTERE EST AND T THE GENE ERAL NAT TURE THEREO OF Name Item of o Busines ss None dis sclosed. N Nature of IInterest TH HE CORPORATIION OF THE MU UNICIPA ALITY OF F KINCA ARDINE Council C Minu utes 5.0 Page 2 of 17 W Wednesdayy Septembe er 4, 2013 PUBLIC FORUM 1. Maria anne Stewa art, Allan Mo oore, Betha any Collins – Pinwhee els for Peacce and upcoming u events for Community C Living 6.0 O REGULA AR AND S SPECIAL M MEETINGS S OF ADOPTION OF MIINUTES OF COUNCIIL Resolutiion # 09/04 4/13 - 02 Moved by: C Maureen Couture Seconde ed by: Kenneth Craig C THAT the e Minutes of o the Coun ncil meeting gs held on A August 07, 2013 and A August 14, 2013 be adopted as s printed. Carried. 7.0 PRESEN NTATIONS AND PETIITIONS None no oted. 8.0 CONSEN NT AGEND DA (Items lis sted under the t Consen nt Agenda a are conside ered routine e and are enacted in one motiion. The ex xception to this rule is that a Coun ncil membe er, the Chieff Administra ative Office er or a citize en may requ uest one orr more item ms to be remov ved from th he consent agenda a forr separate d discussion a and action.)) 8.1 Ad doption off Consent Agenda A Resolutiion # 09/04 4/13 - 03 Maureen Couture Moved by: C ed by: Jacqueline e Faubert Seconde THAT Co ouncil appro ove the rec commendattions contaiined in the consent agenda dated d Wedn nesday Sep ptember 4, 2013 attacched to this agenda an nd direct sta aff to procee ed with all necessary n a administrattive actionss with the exception n of the following items which willl be added to the Com mmittee of tthe Whole diiscussion agenda of September S 4 4, 2013: 6.0 Co ommunicattions 6.11 Je eff Leal Min nister of Rurral Affairs R Re: Launch h of the renewed Rura al Ec conomic De evelopmentt (RED prog gram. (A17 7) Carried. TH HE CORPORATIION OF THE MU UNICIPA ALITY OF F KINCA ARDINE Council C Minu utes 9.0 Page 3 of 17 W Wednesdayy Septembe er 4, 2013 MOTION NS & NOTIC CE OF MOT TIONS 9.1 No otice of Mo otion None notted. 9.2 ommunity Investmen nt Grant Po olicy Co Resolutiion # 09/04 4/13 - 04 Moved by: C Kenneth Craig Seconde ed by: Candy He ewitt THAT Po olicy G.G. 3.5, 3 Allocation of Comm munity Gra ants be ame ended including changing g the title to o Communitty Investme ent Grants. Carried. 10.0 CONSID DERATION OF BY-LA AWS 10.1 FIIRST AND SECOND READINGS R S OF BY-LA AWS LISTE ED UNDER R SECTION N 10 0.0, CONSIIDERATION N OF BY-L LAWS OF T THE WEDN NESDAY SE EPTEMBER 4, 2013 MUNICIPA M LITY OF K KINCARDIN NE AGENDA A Resolutiion # 09/04 4/13 - 05 Moved by: Candy He ewitt Seconde ed by: Randy Ro oppel THAT the e following by-law be deemed d to be read a ffirst and se econd time: i) the “Huro on-Kinloss Water W Agreement Ame endment (2 2013) By-law w”. Carried. 10.2 BE EING A BY Y-LAW TO AMEND BY Y-LAW NO O. 2004-185 5, BEING A BY Y-LAW TO O ENTER IN NTO AN AG GREEMENT T WITH TH HE CO ORPORAT TION OF TH HE TOWNS SHIP OF HURON-KIN NLOSS FOR R TH HE PROVIS SION OF WATER W TO HURONVIILLE SUBD DIVISION Resolutiion # 09/04 4/13 - 06 Candy He Moved by: ewitt ed by: Kenneth Craig C Seconde THAT the e “Huron-K Kinloss Wate er Agreeme ent Amendm ment (2013 3) By-law” b be deemed to be read a third time e, finally passed and n numbered a as By-law N No. 2013 –11 12. Carried. TH HE CORPORATIION OF THE MU UNICIPA ALITY OF F KINCA ARDINE Council C Minu utes 11.0 Page 4 of 17 W Wednesdayy Septembe er 4, 2013 COMMIT TTEE OF THE T WHOLE (all de elegations will be he eard follow wing relevan nt reports)) 11.1 Move Into Committee C of the Who ole Resolutiion # 09/04 4/13 - 07 Moved by: Randy Ro oppel Seconde ed by: Jacqueline e Faubert That Cou uncil move into Comm mittee of the Whole and d upon com mpletion retu urn to Counc cil. Carried. Councillo or Leggett arrived a at th his point in the meeting g. 11.2 Ite ems for Dis scussion from f Coun ncil Meeting g Ite ems from th he consent agenda as required. 1. 6. Communic cations 6.11 1 Jeff Leal Minister of Rural Affaiirs Re: La aunch of the e renewed Rural Econ nomic Deve elopment (R RED) progra am Th he program and possib bility of app plications w was noted. 11.3 Pu ublic Work ks (A A) PW 20 013-15 Attachm ments: OnW WARN Mutu ual Aid and Assistance e Agreemen nt, PW-2013-11 Subject:: Mutual Aid d and Assis stance Agre eement for Ontario Water/W Wastewater Agency A Re esponse Ne etwork Report Summary: S This reportt is a follow w up to Coun ncil’s directtion regarding PW-2013 3-11. Staff is recomme ending to C Council to exxecute the OnWARN agreeme ent. Origin: N/A N Existing g Policy: No one Analysis s: The PW--2013-11 re eport was circulated to o the Fire Chief and Commun nity Emerge ency Manag gement Coo ordinator fo or their review and comments. THE CORPORATION OF THE MUNICIPALITY OF KINCARDINE Council Minutes Page 5 of 17 Wednesday September 4, 2013 The agreement seems to be acceptable from their perspective. The Municipality of Kincardine’s Risk and Insurance services provider also reviewed the agreement and had no specific comments. Community Plan and Integrated Community Sustainability Plan (ICSP) Considerations: Municipal Operations and Community Leadership – Assure responsible and sustainable management of municipal infrastructure and financial resources. Financial Considerations: As indicated in PW-2013-11 Options: 1. Council executes the OnWARN agreement, including any future amendments, with the Ontario Water/Wastewater Agency Response Network. 2. Council does not execute the OnWARN agreement 3. Council direct staff in any other manner Preferred Option: Option #1 Date to be considered by Council: September 11, 2013 CAO’s Comments: I concur Director of Public Works noted that the Municipality’s existing insurance coverage is adequate for the purposes of the agreement. Questions were raised about possibility of a fee being imposed at some point in the future and the Municipality’s ability to withdraw from the agreement. The agreement sets out withdrawal provisions which include a 60 day notice. C O W RECOMMENDATION - Option 1 to be considered at September 11, 2013 Council meeting 11.4 County Council Update Mayor reported there was no update from County Council. He advised, that in regards to the creation of a Municipal Service Corporation to advance the extension of natural gas service, there are requirements under Ontario Regulation 168/03 which includes a public meeting. Staff will be working on preparation for the meeting over next few months. sets out re to this region of Ontario create a Municipal Service Corporation to advance the extension of natural gas service to this region of Ontario THE CORPORATION OF THE MUNICIPALITY OF KINCARDINE Council Minutes Page 6 of 17 Wednesday September 4, 2013 It was confirmed that the matter of “not a willing host” for wind turbines will be on the agenda for September ATP meeting (third week of the month) at the County. 11.5 Other Areas of Responsibility (A) CSC 2013-05 Attachments: Social Networking Policy Subject: Social Networking Policy Report Summary: The social networking policy is intended to provide guidelines to employees on how to interact on social media sites both at work or on their own time. It also sets out guidelines for the use of social media by the Corporation of the Municipality of Kincardine. Origin: Clerk’s Department Existing Policy: NA Analysis: Social networking refers to an online place where people can come together; post information, attachments, videos or images; build community knowledge; discuss issues; and socially interact. This is accomplished through many different types of websites, the most common being Facebook, and Twitter. This new means of communication has increased considerably since it became widely available. In fact, if Facebook were a country it would be the third largest county in the world after China and India as it has 1.15 billion monthly users, 700 million of which check their account on a daily basis. Here in Canada, nearly half of Canadians (14 million) check their news feed daily (Financial Post, Aug 13, 2013), a number which is only expected to rise with the rapid increased use of mobile options. This new technology has become a very important tool for some departments within the Municipality as the public expects enhanced services. The policy is intended to set out expectations of employees who have been authorized by the Chief Administrative Officer to represent their department through a social networking account. As well, the policy sets out guidelines that cover employee’s personal accounts and their conduct on social networking sites in general. Community Plan and Integrated Community Sustainability Plan (ICSP) Considerations: Community Plan 2010 Strategic Initiative. None apply. 2012 Integrated Community Sustainability Plan Strategy # “Enhance community communications.” (Fostering Community Building and Identity.) THE CORPORATION OF THE MUNICIPALITY OF KINCARDINE Council Minutes Page 7 of 17 Wednesday September 4, 2013 Financial Considerations: None Options: 1. To adopt the social networking policy as presented. 2. To amend the social networking policy. 3. No action at this time Preferred Option: Option # 1 Date to be considered by Council: September 18th, 2013 CAO’s Comments: I concur C O W RECOMMENDATION - Option 1 to be considered by Council at the September 18, 2013 meeting (B) CSC 2013-06 Attachments: Inverhuron Gateway Schedule A & B Subject: Inverhuron Gateway Sign Report Summary: As part of the Municipal Signage program, a community gateway sign was planned to be constructed and installed for Inverhuron through the 2013 budget. After researching a few site options, the attached location was settled upon. The County of Bruce has agreed to the location. Origin: Signage Program Existing Policy: NA Analysis: As part of the Municipal Signage program, one gateway sign was to be installed for Inverhuron. Gateway signs are an important component of a community’s identity. After researching a few site options, the attached location was settled upon along County road 15. The County of Bruce was consulted first on the possibility of installing the sign within their road allowance, however the geography of their land was not suitable for a gateway sign. The County of Bruce has agreed to the location on the private property. In consultation with the Inverhuron Ratepayers Association a sign design was created to be placed upon the private lands. An Inverhuron resident has offered to donate the plant material and maintenance shown in the design. Community Plan and Integrated Community Sustainability Plan (ICSP) Considerations: Community Plan: NA THE CORPORATION OF THE MUNICIPALITY OF KINCARDINE Council Minutes Page 8 of 17 Wednesday September 4, 2013 Integrated Community Sustainability Plan “Implementing the Municipal signage program”. Page 35. Financial Considerations: $100 per year. Options: 1. Agree to the proposed encroachment agreement. 2. Renegotiate the encroachment agreement. 3. Do not act at this time. Preferred Option: Option # 1 Date to be considered by Council: September 18th, 2013 CAO’s Comments: I concur C O W RECOMMENDATION - Option 1 to be considered by Council at the September 18, 2013 meeting (C) CLE 2013-06 Attachments: N/A Subject: 2014 Election Report Summary: This report is being provided for information purposes on the various alternatives in regards to voting methods for municipal elections and other associated matters. Origin: 2014 Election Existing Policy: By-law No. 2010 - 031 and 2010 - 032 Analysis: The next municipal election takes place Monday, October 27, 2014. This report is to primarily set out alternative voting methods available to the Municipality. A by-law must be passed if an alternative voting method is used or if vote counting equipment is to be used in the election. In 2006, the Municipality of Kincardine first used the vote by mail method for a municipal election. For 2010, vote by mail was used again. Voter participation increased and costs decreased with the introduction of Vote by Mail. Alternative Voting Methods Vote By Mail THE CORPORATION OF THE MUNICIPALITY OF KINCARDINE Council Minutes Page 9 of 17 Wednesday September 4, 2013 Vote by Mail is a paper-based alternative voting method where a package containing instructions, a ballot and a voter declaration form is mailed to every qualified elector on the Voters List. The elector completes and mails back their completed ballot and declaration form with the ballot in a sealed ballot secrecy envelope. The Municipality processes the returned packages as they are received to identify electors who have voted, however, the ballot secrecy envelopes are not opened. They are stored in a secure location until voting day. They are then opened and using vote counting equipment, the results are tabulated. This method is convenient for both resident and non-resident electors, meets accessibility needs, is lower in cost in comparison to traditional voting locations (polling stations), and the paper ballot provides a good audit trail. The accuracy of the Voters List can be an issue, as can be completion of the ballot and declaration by the voter (improvements in 2010 process greatly reduced this), and there is potential for voter fraud with a person completing someone else’s ballot. Telephone/Internet Voting Distribution of voting packages under this system is similar to Vote by Mail. Voter information letter/package is mailed to qualified electors containing instructions on how to access and complete their ballot. A PIN is provided as well. If using telephone voting, the voter uses the key pad to vote. Upon completion of making their selections, the voter is prompted to review their decisions. Once confirmed by the voter, the final ballot data is transferred to a secure server which tabulates results at the end of voting day and transfers them to a results reporting system. If using the internet, the voter connects to the voting website, enters their PIN and answers a personal security question. Following this, the voter is asked to verify that they are a qualified elector (similar to signing the declaration form within the Vote By Mail kit). Electors then access the online ballot and complete, review and verify their completed ballot making any changes prior to submission. Controls are in place to warn the voter of any over-votes or blank offices. Voting data is stored in a secure database and tabulated at the end of voting day. The system is designed to ensure there is no way link the voter with his/her ballot. The advantages and disadvantages of telephone/internet voting are similar to Vote by Mail in that it, is convenient for both resident and non-resident electors, meets accessibility needs, and is lower in cost in comparison to traditional voting locations (polling stations). As with Vote by Mail, the accuracy of the Voters List can be an issue. This method of voting offers the greatest potential to attract new voters and engages a wider range of age demographics. As well, it assists in the proper completion of a ballot by disallowing over-votes. In 2010, network congestion created issues on voting day. Telephone voting could be a challenge with a ballot containing a high number of candidates for each office. However, best practices and academic THE CORPORATION OF THE MUNICIPALITY OF KINCARDINE Council Minutes Page 10 of 17 Wednesday September 4, 2013 research confirms it poses the least amount of risk and greatest benefits compared to other alternative voting methods. Traditional Paper-based Election The voter attends a voting place with the necessary documentation to confirm their identity. A paper ballot is marked and then processed by a tabulator. After processing, the ballots are placed in a sealed ballot box. The results of the voting activity at each location is tabulated at the end of voting day and transferred to a central location to be compiled and reported. The benefits of a traditional voting system are that voters mark a paper composite ballot which they then place into the tabulator, ballots are counted at the poll, there is a paper audit trail with provision for recount and the use of tabulators eliminates error from manual counting. The cost is higher than Vote by Mail or telephone/internet voting. The problem with traditional voting is that electors are required to go to the poll to vote, there is no other option for those who are subject to mobility limitations or are seasonal residents. The election process is labour intensive as additional staff are required for each polling station. The majority of Bruce County municipalities use an alternative voting method. Two of them used telephone/internet voting in 2010 and those Clerks will be recommending its use again for 2014. For the other municipalities, they are in the midst of determining which method they will be using. Council Meeting Schedule Another election-related matter that I would like to bring to Council’s attention is the increasing practice of reducing/eliminating Council meetings after Nomination Day or Election Day. The “lame duck” (Council restricted to take certain acts after Nomination Day if the new Council will include less than three-quarters of the members of the outgoing Council) possibility plus the prevalent practice of deferring matters for consideration by the new Council are reasons cited for this. Additional powers are delegated to the Chief Administrative Officer for the period. Some meeting dates are held in reserve in the event there is a need for a special meeting, in Kincardine’s case, if there are planning applications that require consideration by the Planning Advisory Committee. Community Plan and Integrated Community Sustainability Plan (ICSP) Considerations: N/A Financial Considerations: N/A Options: THE CORPORATION OF THE MUNICIPALITY OF KINCARDINE Council Minutes Page 11 of 17 Wednesday September 4, 2013 1. This is an information report for Council’s discussion as to whether any options should be explored further. Preferred Option: N/A Date to be considered by Council: N/A CAO’s Comments: N/A C O W RECOMMENDATION - Receive as information report (D) CAO 2013-17 Attachments: N/A Subject: Commercial Alcohols/Greenfield Ethanol – Request for Waiver of Sewage Charge for Once-Through Cooling Water Report Summary: The report sets out options to address the situation along with a recommended path forward. Origin: Transfer of the water and wastewater infrastructure at the Bruce Energy Centre (BEC) to the Municipality from Bruce Power in early 2012. Existing Policy: Full cost recovery for water and wastewater services including contribution to capital reserves. Analysis: Subsequent to the handover of the BEC infrastructure, it was discovered that Commercial Alcohols had not been billed by Bruce Power for the discharge of water used to cool the plant operations in the summer months, referred to as “once-through-water”. In an earlier consideration of the matter, Council had agreed to waive the sewer surcharge which is applied to outflow volumes that exceed a specified level. Commercial Alcohols is now asking that the previous arrangement with Bruce Power continue, i.e. total forgiveness for discharge of the cooling water, until wastewater treatment capacity becomes an issue and/or the plant is retrofitted with chilling equipment. Considerations: At this time, there is no significant impact of the cooling water on the capacity of the wastewater treatment plant. The company was of the understanding that Council’s previous decision was to comply with the request for total waiver of the cooling water sewer charge, not just the excess volume surcharge. THE CORPORATION OF THE MUNICIPALITY OF KINCARDINE Council Minutes Page 12 of 17 Wednesday September 4, 2013 If the request were to be granted by Council, the decision should take into consideration the requirement for operational and capital cost recovery over the longer-term. From the documentary evidence provided to the MoK, it would appear that the waiver originally granted by Ontario Hydro was intended to be an interim consideration with the expectation that ”we recommend you continue to work towards a more long-term solution for cooling…” (Letter from Ontario Hydro to Commercial Alcohols, July 26, 1995). There may be merit in a phased implementation should Council elect to move forward with billing for the cooling water discharge into the wastewater treatment system. Council will recall that an updated water and sewer billing framework for the BEC is under development by staff. A report will be presented to Council in the near future. Due to the potential implications of a new billing program, the Public Works Director is recommending that any deviation from the current fee structure contemplated by Council should be granted for the 2013 (current year) only. Community Plan and Integrated Community Sustainability Plan (ICSP) Considerations: Community Plan – “The Municipality is accountable for the wise expenditure of public funds in the ongoing provision of services that affect the everyday life of all our citizens” ICSP – Demonstrate leadership in finance, governance and sustainability” Financial Considerations: Through resolution # 02/13/13-08, Council had agreed to waive the excess volume surcharge that was previously included in the agreement with Commercial Alcohols for the period of May 2012 – December 31, 2013. The impact of this, as previously reported, was a reduction in annual Municipal sewage revenues of approximately $300K. If the sewer charges for the once-through-water will be waived in addition to the surcharge, this will have an added negative impact on operating revenues and the ability to generate sufficient funds to contribute towards reserve funds. Revenues derived from the sewer billings for the once-through-water amount to $63,415 for the (Jan. – Aug. 2013), with annual billings estimated to be ~$110,000. Total sewer charges inclusive of the once-through-water for the 7-month period amounted to $115,207, estimated to be ~$195,000 annualized. As with any such situation, rate reductions offered to Commercial Alcohols for 2012, 2013 and future years will need to be incorporated into the new rate structure that is being developed. Meaning, with the full-cost recovery model in place, if overall operating costs are higher as a result of having to process THE CORPORATION OF THE MUNICIPALITY OF KINCARDINE Council Minutes Page 13 of 17 Wednesday September 4, 2013 the once-through-water upon entering the lagoon, these added costs will need to be recovered through higher rates. These rates would be set for all BEC water and wastewater customers equally, in relation to their respective consumption levels. Options: 1. Effective this billing year and onward, impose the current and future sewer discharge fee for the once-through-water used by Commercial Alcohols, excluding the surcharge this year for excess volumes under the current fee structure (as previously approved by Council). 2. For the 2013 billing year, waive the sewer charge as requested and initiate the charge in 2014 in accordance with the new BEC water and wastewater fees. 3. Another path chosen by Council. Preferred Option: Option No. 1. Date to be considered by Council: September 4, 2013 CAO’s Comments: Author of Report It was confirmed that this is consistent with previous direction given by Committee of the Whole. C O W RECOMMENDATION - Option 1 to be considered by Council at September 18, 2013 meeting (E) CAO 2013-18 Subject: ICSP Implementation – Agreements with the Chamber of Commerce and BIA Attachment: Revised Contract August 30, 2013 Report Summary: To recommend the form and substance of Agreements respecting implementation of the ICSP and identify a funding solution. Origin: Council Resolution #07/10/2013-5, passed July 10, 2013. Existing Policy: N/A Analysis: The proposal from Team Kincardine, presented to Council on July 10, 2013 sets out a plan to move forward with what is described as a second phase of an ICSP implementation plan. Council’s approval included direction to staff to report back on how the plan may be funded from the current year’s THE CORPORATION OF THE MUNICIPALITY OF KINCARDINE Council Minutes Page 14 of 17 Wednesday September 4, 2013 budget. This report includes a recommendation from the Treasurer in that regard. Further, attached to this report is a final edit of an Agreement that is recommended to reflect the Team Kincardine ICSP Phase Two Implementation Plan with terms and deliverables running to the end of the current year. Community Plan and Integrated Community Sustainability Plan (ICSP) Considerations: Community Plan 2010 – The ICSP and suggested implementation plan is consistent with a range of priorities and strategic objectives in the Community Plan. ICSP – The implementation provisions of the Plan emphasize a collaborative approach that engages a broad spectrum of community interests. Team Kincardine is identified in playing a key role in that engagement and implementation process. The Plan also acknowledges that ...”potential expenditures are anticipated on an annual basis and will be included in the annual municipal budget...” Financial Considerations: Staff has been directed to report on a source from which to fund Phase 2 of the ICSP implementation plan. Council has established a maximum cost of $10,000 to be expended in 2013, with $5,980 funded through the Economic Development Budget. Staff is recommending that the remaining $4,020 be funded out of account 01-1111-3114 (Council Memberships & Subscriptions), which has sufficient funds remaining in it to allot to this portion of the implementation plan. Options: 1. That Council approve the draft Agreements with the Chamber of Commerce and BIA respecting Phase Two of an ICSP Implementation Plan as presented with this report and further that Council accept the Treasurer’s recommended funding solution for the initiative. 2. An alternate course of action as determined by Council. Preferred Option: Option No. 1. Date to be considered by Council: September 4, 2013 CAO’s Comments: Author of Report C O W RECOMMENDATION - Option 1 to be considered as a Matter Arising from Committee of the Whole (F) Community Living - Pinwheels for Peace TH HE CORPORATIION OF THE MU UNICIPA ALITY OF F KINCA ARDINE Council C Minu utes Pag ge 15 of 17 W Wednesdayy Septembe er 4, 2013 Committe ee discusse ed request of Community Living in regards tto planting of pinwheells in various s locations in recognittion of Interrnational Pe eace Dat. C O W RECOMMEN R NDATION - support th he planting of the pinw wheels as requested and cons sider as a Matter M Arisin ng. Committe ee of the Whole W return ned to Coun ncil. 12.0 MATTER RS ARISING G FROM COMMITTE C E OF THE WHOLE 12.1 FIIRST AND SECOND READINGS R S OF BY-LA AWS LISTE ED UNDER R SE ECTION 12 2.0, MATTE ERS ARISIN NG FROM COMMITT TEE OF THE E WHOLE W OF THE WEDNESDAY S SEPTEMBE ER 4, 2013 MUNICIPALITY OF KIN NCARDINE E AGENDA A 4/13 - 08 Resolutiion # 09/04 Moved by: Jacqueline e Faubert Seconde ed by: Mike Legg get THAT the e following by-law be deemed d to be read a ffirst and se econd time: i) the “Busin ness Impro ovement Are ea ICSP Ag greement (A April – Decembe er 2013) By y-law”; ardine & District Cham mber of Com mmerce ICS SP Agreem ment ii) the “Kinca (April – December D 2013) By-law w”. Carried. 12.2 BE EING A BY Y-LAW TO ENTER INT TO AN AG GREEMENT T WITH THE BU USINESS IMPROVEM I MENT ARE EA Resolutiion # 09/04 4/13 - 09 Candy He Moved by: ewitt ed by: Kenneth Craig C Seconde THAT the e “Business s Improvem ment Area IC CSP Agree ement (April – Decemb ber 2013) By y-law” be de eemed to be b read a th hird time, fin nally passed d and numbere ed as By-law w No. 2013 3 - 113. Carried. 12.3 BE EING A BY Y-LAW TO ENTER INT TO AN AG GREEMENT T WITH THE KIINCARDINE & DISTR RICT CHAM MBER OF C COMMERC CE Resolutiion # 09/04 4/13 - 10 Candy He Moved by: ewitt Seconde ed by: Mike Legg gett TH HE CORPORATIION OF THE MU UNICIPA ALITY OF F KINCA ARDINE Council C Minu utes Pag ge 16 of 17 W Wednesdayy Septembe er 4, 2013 THAT the e “Kincardin ne & Distric ct Chamberr of Comme erce ICSP A Agreement (April – December D 2013) 2 By-la aw” be deem med to be rread a third time, finally passed and a numberred as By-la aw No. 201 13 - 114 . Carried. 12.4 Community C y Living Piinwheels fo or Peace Resolutiion # 09/04 4/13 - 11 Maureen Couture Moved by: C ed by: Jacqueline e Faubert Seconde THAT Co ommunity Living L Kinca ardine & Disstrict be au uthorised to plant pinwheells at various locations in the Mun nicipality, including the e downtown n gardens, Victoria Pa ark, boardw walk garden ns, the Mun nicipal Administration Centre and the Dav vidson Centtre to recog gnise Intern national Dayy of Peace Septemb ber 21, 2013 3. Carried. 13.0 MEMBER RS OF COUNCIL GENERAL AN NNOUNCEMENTS Councillo or Craig - Kincardine K Fall F Fair succcess Councillo or Hewitt - take t care driving with bikes and b buses as ch hildren are back in school s Councillo or Couture - congratula ations to M Mass Band; Harbor Bea ach visit Councillo or Faubert - concert ev vent at Wallker House September 12, 2013 arbor Beac ch visit Mayor Krraemer - Ha 14.0 CLOSED D SESSION N IF REQUIIRED Resolutiion # 09/04 4/13 - 12 Moved by: C Maureen Couture Seconde ed by: Jacqueline e Faubert THAT Co ouncil move e into close ed session tto considerr a proposed or pendin ng acquisitio on or disposition of lan nd by the m municipality or local board (Annexx); AND FURTHER TH HAT Counciil return to rregular ope en meeting upon completio on. Carried. TH HE CORPORATIION OF THE MU UNICIPA ALITY OF F KINCA ARDINE Council C Minu utes 15.0 Pag ge 17 of 17 W Wednesdayy Septembe er 4, 2013 MATTER RS ARISING G FROM CLOSED C SE ESSION None. 16.0 CONFIR RMATORY BY-LAW B Resolutiion # 09/04 4/13 - 13 Candy He Moved by: ewitt ed by: Kenneth Craig C Seconde THAT th he By-law to confirrm the pro oceedings of the C Council of The Corporattion of the e Municipa ality of Kin ncardine o of August 14, 2013 and Septemb ber 4, 2013 3 be deemed to be rread three times, fina ally passed and numbere ed as By-law w No. 2013 3 -115. Carried. 17.0 SCHEDU ULING OF MEETINGS S 17.1 Co ouncil Mee etings September 11, 2013 3 Planning/Corpora ate Servicess September 18, 2013 3 Regula ar Council October 2, 2 2013 Regula ar Council October 9, 9 2013 Planning/Corpora ate Servicess October 16, 1 2013 Regula ar Council 5:00 0 p.m. 5:00 0 p.m. 5:00 0 p.m. 5:00 0 p.m. 5:00 0 p.m. 17.2 No otice of Pu ublic and Special S Mee etings None notted. 18.0 ADJOUR RNMENT 4/13 - 14 Resolutiion # 09/04 Moved by: Randy Ro oppel Seconde ed by: Maureen Couture C THAT thiis Council adjourn a at 6:30 6 p.m. Carried. _______ __________ __________ __ Mayorr ___ __________ _________ _______ Clerk TH HE CORPORATIION OF THE MU UNICIPA ALITY OF F KINCA ARDINE Coun ncil Minutes s 1.0 Page 1 of 20 Wednesda ay Septemb ber 11, 2013 3 CALL TO O ORDER Deputy Mayor M Eadiie called to o Order at 5 5:00 p.m. o on Wednessday Septem mber 11, 2013 3, the Plan nning/Corpo orate Serviices Meetin ng of the Council of The Corporattion of the Municipality y of Kincarrdine in the e Council C Chambers a at the Municipa al Administrration Centrre. 2.0 ROLL CA ALL Council Present Deputy Mayor M Anne e Eadie Councillo or Ron Coriistine Councillo or Maureen n Couture Councillo or Kenneth Craig Councillo or Jacquelin ne Faubert Councillo or Candy Hewitt Councillo or Randy Roppel R (left the t meeting g at 6:48 p..m.) Council Absent arry Kraemer Mayor La Councillo or Mike Leg ggett Staff Pre esent Murray Clarke, C Chie ef Administrrative Office er Donna MacDougall M , Clerk Michele Barr, B Directtor of Building and Pla anning Roxana Baumann, B Treasurer/D Director of Finance Gagan Sandhu, S Director of Public Works 3.0 AMENDM MENTS, AD DDITIONS OR DELET TIONS TO//FROM THE E AGENDA A 3.1 Am mendmentts, Additions or Dele etions To/F From the A Agenda Resolutiion # 09/11 1/13 - 01 Moved by: Maureen Couture C Seconde ed by: Ron Coris stine THAT Co ouncil appro ove the following addition to the A Agenda: i) 6.4 Commun nity Living Kincardine K a and Districtt - Order of Kincardine e. Carried. 4.0 DISCLOSURE OF PECUNIAR RY INTERE EST AND T THE GENE ERAL NAT TURE THEREO OF Name Item of o Busines ss N Nature of IInterest TH HE CORPORATIION OF THE MU UNICIPA ALITY OF F KINCA ARDINE Coun ncil Minutes s Page 2 of 20 Wednesda ay Septemb ber 11, 2013 3 None dis sclosed. 5.0 PUBLIC MEETINGS (Plannin ng Advisory y Committtee) Resolutiion # 09/11 1/13 - 02 Randy Ro Moved by: oppel Seconde ed by: Jacqueline e Faubert THAT Co ouncil move e into Plann ning Adviso ory Committtee to hold a public me eeting to discuss planning p ap pplications. Carried. 6.0 CONSID DERATION OF BY-LA AWS/MOTIO ONS 6.1 FIIRST AND SECOND READINGS R S OF BY-LA AWS LISTE ED UNDER R SE ECTION 6.0, CONSID DERATION OF BY-LA AWS/MOTIO ONS OF TH HE WEDNESDA W AY SEPTEM MBER 11, 2 2013 MUNIICIPALITY OF KIINCARDINE AGENDA A Resolutiion # 09/11 1/13 - 03 Moved by: C Kenneth Craig Seconde ed by: Candy He ewitt THAT the e following by-laws be e deemed to o be read a first and ssecond time e: i) the “Mutu ual Aid and Assistance e Program A Agreement with Ontarrio Water/Wa astewater Response R N Network (OnWARN) B By-law”; king Amend dment (9) B By-law”. ii) the “Trafffic and Park Carried. 6.2 BE EING A BY Y-LAW TO AUTHORIZ ZE THE SIG GNING OF F A MUTUA AL AIID AND AS SSISTANCE E PROGRA AM AGREE EMENT WIT TH ONTAR RIO WATER/WA W ASTEWATE ER RESPON NSE NETW WORK (OnW WARN) Resolutiion # 09/11 1/13 - 04 Moved by: ewitt Candy He Seconde ed by: Maureen Couture C THAT the e “Mutual Aid A and Ass sistance Pro ogram Agre eement with h Ontario Water/W Wastewater Response Network (O OnWARN) B By-law” be deemed to be read a th hird time, fin nally passed d and numb bered as By-law No. 2 2013 - 116. Carried. 6.3 BE EING A BY Y-LAW TO AMEND BY Y-LAW NO O. 2009-006 6 - BEING A BY Y-LAW TO O REGULAT TE TRAFFIIC AND PA ARKING IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF KIN NCARDINE E TH HE CORPORATIION OF THE MU UNICIPA ALITY OF F KINCA ARDINE Coun ncil Minutes s Page 3 of 20 Wednesda ay Septemb ber 11, 2013 3 This ame endment to the Parking By-law iss being pressented for cconsideratio on, as recom mmended by y the OPP, Administra ative Fire C Chief and otther staff, in n light of th he Joint Review Panell hearing fo or the Deep Geologic R Repository. It restricts parking p on parts of La ambton Stre eet and Sau ugeen Stree et for the schedule ed period off the hearin ng plus addi ditional dayss to ensure the time fra ame of the he earing is cov vered. Resolutiion # 09/11 1/13 - 05 Moved by: Maureen Couture C Seconde ed by: Kenneth Craig C THAT the e “Traffic and Parking Amendme nt (9) By-la aw” be deem med to be rread a third tim me, finally passed p and d numbered d as By-law w No. 2013 - 117. Carried. 6.4 Co ommunity Living Kin ncardine & District Resolutiion # 09/11 1/13 - 06 Moved by: C Maureen Couture Seconde ed by: Kenneth Craig C WHEREA AS Commu unity Living Kincardine e and Districct will celeb brate its 50tth anniversary in our community c on Septem mber 14, 201 13; AND WH HEREAS Co ommunity Living L Kinca ardine and District hass evolved in nto providing g a growing g range of inclusive se ervices available to he elp individua als with spec cial needs, as well as their familie es, and havve enabled their clients to realize th heir full pote ential within n the comm munity of Kin ncardine an nd District; NOW TH HEREFORE E BE IT RESOLVED T THAT Comm munity Livin ng Kincardine & Districtt be conferrred with the e Order of K Kincardine to show ou ur community's support for f all that itt does and continues tto do in the e Municipaliity of Kincardin ne and surrrounding arrea. Carried. 7.0 COMMIT TTEE OF THE T WHOLE (all de elegations will be he eard follow wing relevantt reports) 7.1 Move Into Committee C of the Who ole Resolutiion # 09/11 1/13 - 07 Kenneth Craig Moved by: C ed by: Jacqueline e Faubert Seconde That Cou uncil move into Comm mittee of the Whole and d upon com mpletion retu urn to Counc cil. THE CORPORATION OF THE MUNICIPALITY OF KINCARDINE Council Minutes Page 4 of 20 Wednesday September 11, 2013 Carried. Councillor Couture assumed the Chair. 7.2 Building and Planning (A) PL 2013-11 Subject: Road Dedication By-Law- Various locations Attachments: None noted. Report Summary: Request for road dedication by-law for various road widenings to allow the properties legal status of fronting on a maintained public highway. Also requesting that future housekeeping road widening dedication by-laws be part of the consent agenda process. Origin: Legal Correspondence Existing Policy: Road Dedication By-Laws Analysis: Ongoing correspondence has been received by the Building and Planning Department regarding various road widening during land sale transactions. A by-law will allow the properties legal status of fronting on a maintained public highway. In 2006 properties in the Municipality were converted to the new electronic registration system which gave each property including roads a PIN number. Road widenings that have not previously been dedicated can be dedicated by by-law using the PIN number. By using the PIN we are able to dedicate the entire road widening as opposed to individual parts. Most roads involve parts on reference plans; however, some road widenings date back to the time before reference plans were required; therefore, instrument numbers for the deeds can be used. I am requesting the following properties be dedicated as road widening by bylaw and that future requests be included on the consent agenda as the process is standard, basic housekeeping for existing circumstances thus allowing for a more efficient process. (Reference plans can be viewed at the Building and Planning Department) 1. PIN 33301-0024 Southerly 17 feet of Lots 22 and 23, Concession 2 SDR. / Part 1 on 3R-4950, Part Lot 18 Concession 2 SDR. 2. PIN 33299-0003 request Part of Lot 63 and 64, Concession 2, SDR being Part 1 on 3R-3637. THE CORPORATION OF THE MUNICIPALITY OF KINCARDINE Council Minutes Page 5 of 20 Wednesday September 11, 2013 3. PIN 33298-0002 Part 11 on 3R-3540 (Lots 58, 59 & 60, Concession 3 NDR). 4. PIN 33292-0002 Part 11 on RP 3R-1008 (Part of Lot 9, Concession 8) 5. PIN 33291-0078 Southerly 10 feet of Lot 34, Concession 11and southerly 10 feet of Lot 31, Concession 11. 6. PIN 33316-0106 Part 2 on 3R-8381 (Part Lots 15 and 16 W/S Adelaide Street) 7. PIN 33292-0071 Part 8, Plan 3R-2440 (Part of Lot 13, Concession 11) 8. PIN 33292-0002 Part 10, Plan 3R-3540, (Lots 56-57, Concession 3 NDR) 9. Deed R80562 Northerly 10 feet of the Westerly Three hundred and thirty feet of Lot 28, Concession 8 10. PIN 33297-0002 (Part 11 on 3R-2458, Part Lot 18, Concession 5) 11. PIN 33293-0640, Part 9 on 3R-1828 (Part Lot 47 & 48, RP 3R-7935 Part 1) 12. PIN 33287-0348, Part 4& 5 3R-1198, (Part Lot F, G, Concession 3) 13. PIN 33276-0064 Sprucedale Cr PL 770; Part Lot 51-53 Con Lake Range or Con A Bruce as in R65682; Kincardine 14. PIN 33293-0333 Part 3 on 3R-2441(Part of Lot 2, Concession 10) 15. 15.PIN 33302-0022 Part 8 Plan 3R-4245 (Lot 28, Concession 2 NDR) Community Plan and Integrated Community Sustainability Plan (ICSP) Considerations: N/A Financial Considerations: Legal Fees associated with registration of bylaws Options: 1. THAT Council grant approval for the road dedication by-laws as presented AND FURTHER allow future requests to be included on the consent agenda for consideration. 2. THAT Council grant approval for the road dedication by-laws and any future requests will be presented to Council by report. 3. THAT Council not grant approval at this time. THE CORPORATION OF THE MUNICIPALITY OF KINCARDINE Council Minutes Page 6 of 20 Wednesday September 11, 2013 Preferred Option: #1 to grant approval for the dedications as presented and allow future dedications be considered on the consent agenda to allow for a more efficient process. Date to be considered by Council: September 18, 2013 CAO’s Comments: I concur C O W RECOMMENDATION - Option 1 to be considered at the September 18, 2013 Council meeting Deputy Mayor Eadie assumed the Chair. 7.3 Corporate Services (A) TRE 2013-14 Subject: Consolidated Water Rates for Tiverton and Kincardine Systems Attachments: Powerpoint Presentation Report Summary: The purpose of this report is to provide Council with options on blending the water rates for the Tiverton and Kincardine water systems, as per resolution 08/14/13-08. At the August 7, 2013 Council meeting, staff has been directed to develop a proposal for consolidating the Kincardine and Tiverton water rates. The proposal includes freezing the Tiverton rates, both fixed and consumption, until Kincardine rates move into range of fairness for both water systems within 3 % for average user across the board. Council is presented with 5 possible options. Origin: Resolution # 03/20/13-07, 08/14/13-08, 2011 Hemson Study Existing Policy: Safe Drinking Water Act (SWDA); O. Reg 453/07 Analysis: In August 2013, staff had prepared a report to Council (TRE-201309) presenting several options in consolidating the Tiverton and Kincardine water rates. Based on the direction provided to staff at this meeting, five revised options are being presented to Council. Each of these options includes freezing Tiverton’s fixed and metered water rates until such time that Kincardine’s rates move into a range of fairness within 3% for the average user. The options are presented in detail in the attached presentation, and are summarized below: THE CORPORATION OF THE MUNICIPALITY OF KINCARDINE Council Minutes Page 7 of 20 Wednesday September 11, 2013 1) Option 1: Implement the same rates for Kincardine users as in the original 2011 Hemson Study, and consolidate the rates in 2021 This option continues to implement the rate increases that would otherwise occur in the absence of consolidation, in accordance with the original study. A range of fairness is achieved in year 2020, with the average Kincardine household paying $700/year compared to $721 for Tiverton households ($21 difference = 3%). In 2021, the rates would be consolidated. These rates have not been calculated, as by that time the capital expenditures and connection and consumption assumptions would need to be reevaluated. It is recommended that the assumptions used in the rate calculation model be reviewed after 5 years. If this option is selected, the consolidated rate would need to be determined for the years 2021 and beyond at a later date. This option was presented under two alternative scenarios: (A) Using original connection and consumption patterns using 2011 data, and (B) Using revised connection and consumption patterns using 2013 data Under Scenario A, the impact of freezing the Tiverton rates results in a funding shortfall of $232K, which increases to $875K under Scenario B. This shortfall would need to be recovered in 2021 and future years through additional rate increases. Staff does not recommend Option 1, as it does not support the full-cost recovery model. 2) Option 2: Accelerated metered rates using original consumption and connection data This option uses the original consumption and connection data. It does not account for the negative impact of the decreased water connections of 4,531 from 2011 to 4,482 in 2013, or the decreased annual consumption of 964,400 m3 to 880,000 m3. Under this option, Kincardine flat rates would remain as per the original study with 3-4% annual increases. The metered rates for Kincardine would increase at an accelerated rate of 4-5% annually, as opposed to the 1-2% rate increases per annum in the original study. THE CORPORATION OF THE MUNICIPALITY OF KINCARDINE Council Minutes Page 8 of 20 Wednesday September 11, 2013 A range of fairness is achieved in year 2020, with the average Kincardine household paying $721/year which is equivalent to the average Tiverton household of $721/year. As with Option 1, a new consolidated rate would need to be established for the years 2021 and beyond using more relevant data at that time. As this option uses original assumptions for connections and consumption patterns, this option will create a revenue shortfall in the long term. The increase in Kincardine’s metered rate offsets the impact of freezing Tiverton’s rates over the 7-year period. However, by not incorporating the most relevant data, the reserve fund contributions will remain at lower than required levels. Staff does not recommend Option 2, as it does not support the full-cost recovery model. 3) Option 3: Accelerated metered rates using recent consumption and connection data This option uses more recent 2013 consumption and connection data. The rates were determined in the original study using 4,532 connections and annual consumption of 964,400 m3. Recent data has shown that these numbers are inflated, and actual connections are only 4,482 and consumption is only 880,000 m3 per annum. Option 3 incorporates these revised figures into the analysis, which therefore ensures that rates are set at appropriate levels to maintain adequate reserve fund contributions throughout 2014 – 2020. Kincardine metered rates will increase by an accelerated rate of ~ 5% annually (vs. 1-2% per original study) throughout 2014 – 2018 A range of fairness is achieved in year 2018, with the average Kincardine household paying $707/year compared to $721 for Tiverton households (difference of $14/year = 2%) Upon consolidation in 2019, the metric charge continues to increase by ~ 5%, and the fixed fee increases by 7% in 2019 and 4% in 2020 There is no projected funding shortfall under this option Users would experience a slight spike in 2019 upon consolidation, as the annual household charge increases by 7% over the preceding year Over the 7-year period (2014 – 2020), the average Kincardine household would experience a cumulative increase of $294, or $3.50/month in comparison to the rates that would be otherwise set based on the 2011 study THE CORPORATION OF THE MUNICIPALITY OF KINCARDINE Council Minutes Page 9 of 20 Wednesday September 11, 2013 Staff feels this is a reasonable option, as it supports the full-cost recovery model and encompasses the most updated consumption and connection data. 4) Option 4: Accelerated metered and flat rates using recent consumption and connection data As with the previous option 3, this option also uses more recent 2013 consumption and connection data and therefore ensures reserve fund contributions are maintained at adequate levels. This option compensates for the freeze in Tiverton’s rates by gradually smoothing out this funding shortfall over the 7-year period. The flat fee rate increases begin at 5% in 2014 and then gradually decline by 0.5% per year until the range of fairness is achieved in 2018. At this time, the average Kincardine household is paying $714/year compared to $721/year for Tiverton households (difference of $7/year = 1%) Upon consolidation, the flat fee increases at 3.5% over each of 2019 and 2020. The metered rate also increases steadily by ~ $0.05/m3 per year. Over the 7-year period (2014 – 2020), the average Kincardine household would experience a cumulative increase of $298, or $3.55 per month in comparison to the rates that would be otherwise set based on the 2011 study Staff feels this is also a reasonable option, as it supports the full-cost recovery model and encompasses the most updated consumption and connection data. This option also results in the smoothest rate increases over time, and avoids any significant spikes in rates over the 7-years. 5) Option 5: Accelerated metered and 5% flat rate increases using recent consumption and connection data This option is very similar to Option 4 above, with a few variations in the rate increase methodology used This option also uses recent consumption and connection data and therefore ensures adequate reserve fund contributions are maintained. The monthly flat rate increases at 5% each year, while the metered rates increase by 2-4% per year until the rates are consolidated in 2019 A range of fairness is achieved in 2018, where the average Kincardine household is paying $700/year compared to $721 for Tiverton households (difference of $21/year = 3%) THE CORPORATION OF THE MUNICIPALITY OF KINCARDINE Council Minutes Page 10 of 20 Wednesday September 11, 2013 The new consolidated rate in 2019 will result in a metered rate of $1.02/m3, which represents a $0.10/m3 increase over 2018. The increase in the flat rate will then be reduced from 5% to 4% in 2019 and 3.5% in 2020. Over the 7-year period, the average Kincardine household would experience a cumulative increase of $244, or $2.90/month when compared to the original study. This is also a reasonable option, as it supports the full-cost recovery model and encompasses the most updated consumption and connection data. Recommendation - Staff is recommending Option 4 for the following reasons: It supports the full-cost recovery model and encompasses the most updated consumption and connection data It results in the smoothest rate increases over time, and avoids any significant spikes in rates over the 7-years The range of fairness prior to consolidation is minimal, with an annual difference of only $7 (1%) Maintains sufficient reserve fund contribution levels which will ensure that future funding is available for capital upgrades and maintenance Additional Considerations: The increase in water rates being proposed is not solely caused by blending the rates of the 2 systems. It is also caused by adjusting for known reductions in consumption levels and connections. If consumption patterns were disregarded, as in Option 2, the rates for Kincardine would only increase by an aggregate of $81 over 7 years ($11.50/year) to compensate for freezing the Tiverton rates. If Option 2 were selected, a significantly higher rate increase would be required in 2021 and future years (once the rates are consolidated) to compensate for the decreased funding generated by reduced consumption and connections. Under any of the options presented, the rates should be reviewed after 5 years to ensure the assumptions remain valid. For the purposes of this analysis, rates have not been calculated for years beyond 2020 due to the difficulty in estimating future capital expenditure requirements and connection and consumption data. A future study will need to be conducted to set any rates for the years 2021 and beyond. Significant resources had been invested in the 2011 Hemson study. Rates were calculated based on a full-cost recovery model, taking into account the required reserve fund levels. Moving away from this model would be a step backwards, and for this reason, Options 1 and 2 are not supported by staff THE CORPORATION OF THE MUNICIPALITY OF KINCARDINE Council Minutes Page 11 of 20 Wednesday September 11, 2013 due to the potentially significant funding shortfalls that will likely be generated as a result. Community Plan and Integrated Community Sustainability Plan (ICSP) Considerations: Complying With The Strategy Of “Assuring Responsible And Sustainable Management Of Municipal Financial Resources. Financial Considerations: As discussed in the report. Options: 1. Implement the same rates for Kincardine users as in the original 2011 Hemson Study, and consolidate the rates in 2021 2. Accelerated metered rates using original consumption and connection data 3. Accelerated metered rates using recent consumption and connection data 4. Accelerated metered and flat rates using recent consumption and connection data 5. Accelerated metered and 5% flat rate increases using recent consumption and connection data Preferred Option: Option 4 Date to be considered by Council: September 18, 2013 CAO’s Comments: I concur Committee discussed the various options. It was noted the Tiverton Ratepayers Association has requested this matter be deferred to October 16 meeting so they can speak to the report. C O W RECOMMENDATION - defer to October 16, 2013 meeting Councillor Roppel left the meeting at this point. 7.4 Other Areas of Responsibilities (A) PW 2013-12 Subject: Connaught Sanitary Drainage Area Attachments: None noted. Report Summary: The purpose of this report is to provide an overview of: the inflow/infiltration issues with the Huron Ridge subdivision waste water collection system, THE CORPORATION OF THE MUNICIPALITY OF KINCARDINE Council Minutes Page 12 of 20 Wednesday September 11, 2013 the impact that this may have on the overall municipal collection/pumping/treatment system, the corrective/rehab work done to date, implementing a disconnection program (mandatory or voluntary) for private drain connections to the sanitary laterals, and recommend a phased implementation for inflow/infiltration reduction, with an initial focus on those properties located and identified within the Huron Ridge sub-division of the Connaught Sanitary Drainage Area. Origin: At the request of the Council, Resolution #06/19/13-05: “THAT Council confirm staff direction of 2011, as set out in Resolution # 10/19/11 - 05, in regards to mandatory disconnect program as per Report PW 2013-07”. Resolution #10/19/11-05: “That in regards to the Connaught Sanitary Drainage area Council approves the following: That the Public Works Manager continue with the reconstruction of the streets in the Huron Ridge Subdivision with Inverlyn Crescent North, Wilson and Riggin Crescent to be included in the 2012 budget; That Council defer passing a by-law making it mandatory to disconnect the footing drains from the sanitary sewers in the Huron Ridge Subdivision; That staff prepare a report for Council providing the details of an enforced Mandatory Disconnect Program and recommendations on possible municipal subsidies for the work on private property.” Existing Policy: Sewer Use By-law # 92-22, Township of Kincardine Analysis: Since 2008, after Council’s direction, the Municipality has proceeded with a planned and staged Reconstruction Program for the Huron Ridge Subdivision, to address sewage back up, basement flooding and inefficient/improper surface drainage. Reconstruction Program Drivers: This reconstruction program was driven by sewage back up and basement flooding along Golf Course Trail and Saugeen Street in 2006. Another driver was the inefficient/improper surface drainage in the area. The sewage back up and flooding is due to: 1) Inflow into the sanitary sewer system. This is due to footing drains, sump pumps and eaves troughs connected to the sanitary sewers. And, 2) Infiltration into the sanitary sewer system. This is due to cracks, leaky joints etc. in the sanitary pipes. THE CORPORATION OF THE MUNICIPALITY OF KINCARDINE Council Minutes Page 13 of 20 Wednesday September 11, 2013 Typically basement flooding occurs at the lower reaches of the sewer drainage area as the inflow/infiltration contributions from each property accumulate from the top end of the drainage area to the bottom. Properties unaffected by basement flooding in the higher reaches of the drainage shed contribute to basement flooding of properties in the lower reaches of the same drainage area as the extra flow makes it way down through the system. Wet weather conditions also add to this problem. Reconstruction Program Scope: The reconstruction program includes new roadway cross section complying with urban standards of sidewalks, curb and gutter and perforated storm sewer. The perforated storm drains have been installed to control shallow ground water levels in this area and to intercept the inflow of drainage from lands to the east. Also, these storm drains will provide benefit in that an outlet for sump pumps/footing drains and inefficient/improper surface drainage will be provided. All these initiatives mitigate infiltration, to some extent. Lateral lining is also effective in addressing infiltration issues from leaking or compromised mains and laterals. Some inflow mitigation work has been completed in the form of disconnecting catch basin leads. Any additional work to control inflow was deferred. In general and typically, inflow remediation measures focus on disconnection of any direct connections of foundation drains, downspouts and area lot drains from the sanitary sewer system on each individual property. A sump pump chamber is constructed in the basement or outside with discharge to the surface designed to flow away from the residence or building. The sump can also be connected to the storm sewer. Staff has identified the number and location of private drain connections to the sanitary lateral. These private drain connections have been identified as a source of inflow that is contributing significantly to total wastewater volumes in the Municipality’s sewer system. Excessive wastewater flows lead to: • Sanitary Sewer Overflows, • Sewer backflows onto private property, • Increased maintenance and treatment costs, • Unnecessary high costs for conveyance and treatment infrastructure upgrades The options to correct this identified anomaly is: 1. Municipality of Kincardine (MoK) may fund (partly or wholly) work to disconnect private drain connections THE CORPORATION OF THE MUNICIPALITY OF KINCARDINE Council Minutes Page 14 of 20 Wednesday September 11, 2013 2. Alternatively, MoK may employ regulatory mechanisms to have homeowners disconnect, as per Section 2 of by-law # 92-22, Township of Kincardine These private drain connection arrangements have been around for a number of years now, and in most cases, since the houses were built. In order to encourage homeowners to comply with existing bylaws, homeowners must be adequately informed of the existence of these bylaws (and why they exist), and may require incentives to encourage compliance. Two of the incentives options are: Subsidising the cost of the disconnect and making it mandatory Subsidising the cost of the disconnect and not making it mandatory. This would involve a comprehensive public outreach and education program so that the homeowners are made aware of the adverse impact of the current arrangements and are willing to get on board with this program, along with their portion of the cost In principle, the Municipality of Kincardine has been subsidising this additional cost of waste water conveyance, treatment and loss of conveyance and treatment capacity. As a test, staff recorded the volume of storm water from a footing drain during a rain event. The volume was measured to be 9,000 liters/day. There are about 180 properties in the Huron Ridge subdivision that have their drains discharging into the sanitary laterals. With an estimate of 150 days in a year when precipitation (rain, snow)/snow melt occurs, the amount of storm water discharged into the sanitary laterals per year in the Huron Ridge subdivision equals: 9000*180*150 = 243,000,000 liters or 243 mega liters (ML) According to our annual Municipal Performance Management Program report, it costs around $360/ML for wastewater collection/conveyance, treatment and disposal, which translates into roughly $88,000/year in additional costs due to the inflow from 180 properties in the Huron Ridge subdivision. The Municipality of Kincardine’s waste water system users have been, and will be paying this cost, if inflow control measures are not adopted. In light of the above mentioned reasons, option # 1 would seem more reasonable than option #2 and subsidizing of the eligible work for private drain disconnection work would be appropriate. The eligible work will be: Disconnect private drain from the sanitary lateral, Install sump pump (inside or outside), and Discharge the sump pump into the storm pipe The eligible work would not cover: THE CORPORATION OF THE MUNICIPALITY OF KINCARDINE Council Minutes Page 15 of 20 Wednesday September 11, 2013 Replacement of existing sump pump Upgrade of sump pump Addition of another sump pump Installation of a sump pump when foundation drains are already separated from floor drain or sanitary sewer Work performed for which a building permit or a road cut permit (for connection to the storm drain) cannot be obtained Subsidy Requirements: The eligible work is only for the residents of Huron Ridge subdivision The applicant does not have any outstanding amount owing, i.e. tax arrears All eligible work MUST be performed by a contractor/licensed plumber or master plumber, Any work performed by a homeowner themselves DOES NOT qualify for subsidy The homeowner will approach Public Works with a plan to complete the eligible work. After verifying the compliance of the plan with the above requirements, Public Works would approve the plan and the homeowner’s qualification for the subsidy. Subsidy payment would be done after receiving and verifying the appropriate invoices. Other Considerations: It is noted in this report that developing and implementing an overall municipal wide strategy for inflow/infiltration reduction will satisfy the provincial requirements for asset management and self-sustainability for water and waste water systems, as appropriate deficiencies can be qualified and quantified. This overall strategy will include inflow/infiltration reduction priorities, targets, timelines, tactics and initiatives and associated implementation costs. The costs will be funded through the development of appropriate waste water rates. Staff will be developing the strategy and update Council. Community Plan and Integrated Community Sustainability Plan (ICSP) Considerations: Municipal Operations and Community Leadership – Assure responsible and sustainable management of municipal infrastructure and financial resources. Environmental Stewardship – Increase citizen awareness and action to reduce impacts on the environment. Create awareness of the connections between environment, society, culture and economy. THE CORPORATION OF THE MUNICIPALITY OF KINCARDINE Council Minutes Page 16 of 20 Wednesday September 11, 2013 Financial Considerations: As noted in the options, depending on the option chosen by Council, the financial consideration may vary. There are about 180 properties that would involve disconnect. The cost for complete disconnect and private property restoration per property would vary. The best estimate is around $7,000 per disconnect. This cost may vary due to the basement depth, the kind of private property preparatory and restoration work etc. For the purpose of this report, $7,000 has been used as the cost to disconnect per property. The total cost of private drain disconnection would be around $1.3 million. Options: 1. Proceed with the eligible work for mandatory disconnect with a maximum subsidy of $2,000 to the residents, with complete funding from waste water reserves. This amount of subsidy is fairly common in cases where other municipalities have addressed the issue of private drain connections and this amount is sufficient to cover the cost of constructing the sump pump pit and sump pump installation, excluding the cost of any other private property restoration. Roughly 30 properties will be identified and notified each year. The total cost would be around $360,000. Approximately $72,000 per year would need to be budgeted starting 2014 and up to 2018. Council should note that as a result of acquisition of BEC waste water treatment plant and collection system in 2012, staff is already engaged in the exercise to determine if this may impact the 2014 (and beyond) waste water rates. Staff will include the project in this exercise and the 2014 (and beyond) rates will be adjusted, if needed. 2. Proceed with the eligible work for mandatory disconnect with a maximum subsidy of 50% of the cost of the eligible work up to a maximum of $3,500 to the residents, with complete funding from waste water reserves. Roughly 30 properties will be identified and notified each year. The total cost would be around $630,000. Approximately $130,000 per year would need to be budgeted starting 2014 and up to 2018. Council should note that as a result of acquisition of BEC waste water treatment plant and collection system in 2012, staff is already engaged in the exercise to determine if this may impact the 2014 (and beyond) waste water rates. Staff will include the project in this exercise and the 2014 (and beyond) rates will be adjusted, if needed. 3. Council provide other direction for subsidy share. Preferred Option: Option #1 TH HE CORPORATIION OF THE MU UNICIPA ALITY OF F KINCA ARDINE Coun ncil Minutes s Pag ge 17 of 20 Wednesda ay Septemb ber 11, 2013 3 Date to be b conside ered by Co ouncil: Sep ptember 18,, 2013 CAO’s Comments C : I concur Delegatiions: Jim Bagshaw B Mr. Bags shaw addre essed the Committee C o on matters relating to tthe sanitaryy drainage e area and the t mandattory disconn nect propossal. He outtlined conce erns that Huro on Ridge re esidents are e upset as n no notice of the matter was provided to them and a Counciil needs a complete c an nd accurate e assessme ent of all potential causes forr the sewag ge flooding before makking a decission on the issue. He H noted concurrence with w reducing ground water inflow w to the sanitary sewer syste em is the right thing to o do. Committe ee memberrs enquired d on the histtory of the issue, how it develope ed and why it was not addressed a during the constructio on. Discusssion took pllace nal information and ne ext steps. on securring addition C O W RECOMME R NDATION - invite BM Ross to meeting to m make presenta ation, within the month dependentt on their avvailability, w with Council members s to submit in advance e any questtions they h have so ansswers can b be provided at the mee eting Committe ee of the Whole W return ned to Coun ncil. 8.0 MATTER RS ARISIN NG FROM COMMITT TEE OF T THE WHOL LE PLANN NING ADVISORY COMM MITTEE /CO OMMITTEE OF THE W WHOLE 8.1 Pe eter McDonald - Partt Lot 28, Co oncession A 261 Bru uce Road 2 23 Resolutiion # 09/11 1/13 - 08 Moved by: C Kenneth Craig Seconde ed by: Jacqueline e Faubert THAT Co ouncil supp port the Plan nning Advissory Comm mittee recom mmendation n to adopt an n Official Pla an Amendm ment and th hat the adop pted Amend dment toge ether with supp porting doc cumentation n be forward ded to the C County of B Bruce Appro oval Authority y for final ap pproval, forr the lands d described a as Part of L Lot 28, Concess sion ‘A’, Municipality off Kincardine e (geographic Townsh hip of Kincardin ne) to remo ove the ‘Significant Wo oodlands’ O Overlay on a portion off the lands and adjustme ent to the bo oundaries o of the Naturral Environm ment designated lands; AND FURTHER TH HAT Counciil support th he Planning g Advisory C Committee endation to defer theirr recommen ndation to re ezone the llands descrribed recomme as Part of o Lot 28, Concession C ‘A’, Municip pality of Kin ncardine (geographic Township p of Kincard dine) to ‘Re esidential O One Special’ to permit the creation of TH HE CORPORATIION OF THE MU UNICIPA ALITY OF F KINCA ARDINE Coun ncil Minutes s Pag ge 18 of 20 Wednesda ay Septemb ber 11, 2013 3 three res sidential lots s until further consulta ation with Saugeen Va alley Conserva ation Autho ority regarding the prottection of th he dunes. Carried. 8.2 Fiirst and Se econd Read dings of B y-laws Lis sted Under Section 8.0, Matters Aris sing from Planning P A Advisory Committee/Committee e of th he Whole Wednesday W y Septemb er 11, 2013 3 Municipa ality of Kiincardine Agenda A Resolutiion # 09/11 1/13 - 09 Moved by: Kenneth Craig C Seconde ed by: Maureen Couture C THAT the e following by-law be deemed d to be read a ffirst and se econd time: i) the “Amend dment to Co omprehenssive Zoning g By-law 2003-25, Partt of Lot 35, Con ncession 6,, Municipaliity of Kincardine (geog graphic Township of o Bruce), By-law”. B Carried.. 8.3 BE EING A BY Y-LAW TO AMEND ZO ONING BY Y-LAW NO. 2003-25, BE EING THE COMPREH HENSIVE Z ZONING BY Y-LAW FOR THE MUNICIPALITY OF KIN NCARDINE E 1154499 O Ontario Ltd. (Ferris Fa arms) Part of Lot 35, Concessio on 6, Muniicipality off Kincardin ne (g geographic c Township p of Bruce)) Resolutiion # 09/11 1/13 - 10 Moved by: ewitt Candy He Seconde ed by: Maureen Couture C THAT the e “Amendm ment to Com mprehensivve Zoning B By-law 2003 3-25, Part o of Lot 35, Concession C 6, Municip pality of Kinccardine (ge eographic T Township off Bruce), By-law” B be deemed d to be read a tthird time, ffinally passsed and numbere ed as By-law w No. 2013 3 - 118. Carried. 9.0 MEMBER RS OF COUNCIL GENERAL AN NNOUNCEMENTS Councillo or Faubert - Walker Ho ouse conce ert Septemb ber 12 and their Annua al Fall Feas st Septemb ber 29 Councillo or Hewitt - BASWR B Fo ood Drive S September 1 17 & 18 for Kincardine e Councillo or Coristine e - Kathryn Soloduka’s S s recognition by Lieute enant Governor of Ontario o for work in n dog thera apy program m TH HE CORPORATIION OF THE MU UNICIPA ALITY OF F KINCA ARDINE Coun ncil Minutes s Pag ge 19 of 20 Wednesda ay Septemb ber 11, 2013 3 Deputy Mayor M Eadie e - Deep Geologic Re pository Jo oint Review Panel hearing starts next week; Co ommunity Living’s L 50thh anniversa ary celebrattion Saturda ay evening at Davidson n Centre; opening o cerremonies an nd tour of C Community n home on o Saratoga Road nexxt Tuesdayy Living’s new 10.0 D SESSION N IF REQUIIRED CLOSED 10.1 Move into Closed C Session 1/13 - 11 Resolutiion # 09/11 Jacqueline Moved by: e Faubert Seconde ed by: Kenneth Craig C THAT Co ouncil move e into close ed session tto considerr a proposed or pendin ng acquisitio on or disposition of lan nd by the m municipality or local board (Annexx); AND FURTHER TH HAT Counciil return to rregular ope en meeting upon completio on. Carried. 11.0 MATTER RS ARISING G FROM CLOSED C SE ESSION None. 12.0 SCHEDU ULING OF MEETINGS S 12.1 Co ouncil Mee etings September 18, 2013 3 Regula ar Council October 2, 2 2013 Regula ar Council October 9, 9 2013 Planning/Corpora ate Servicess October 16, 1 2013 ar Council Regula Novembe er 6, 2013 Regula ar Council 12.2 No otice of Pu ublic and Special S Mee etings None notted. 13.0 ADJOUR RNMENT Resolutiion # 09/11 1/13 - 12 Maureen Couture Moved by: C Seconde ed by: Candy He ewitt THAT thiis Council adjourn a at 8:06 8 p.m. Carried. 5:00 0 p.m. 5:00 0 p.m. 5:00 0 p.m. 5:00 0 p.m. 5:00 0 p.m. THE CORPORATION OF THE MUNICIPALITY OF KINCARDINE Council Minutes Page 20 of 20 __________________________ Mayor Wednesday September 11, 2013 __________________________ Clerk THE CORPORATION OF THE MUNICIPALITY OF KINCARDINE Consent Agenda 1. Page 1 of 2 Wednesday September 18, 2013 ACCOUNTS None Noted 2. MOTIONS None Noted 3. BY-LAWS 3.1 BEING A BY-LAW TO AMEND BY-LAW NO. 2013-110 - BEING A BYLAW TO TEMPORARILY CLOSE STREETS TO FACILITATE THE 2013 KINCARDINE ROTARY CLUB WALK/RUN Note: Rotary Club has requested to extend the route of the Kincardine Rotary Club Walk/Run THAT the “Kincardine Rotary Club Walk/Run (2013) Road Closure Amendment By-law” be deemed to be read three times and finally passed and numbered as By-law No. 2013 - 119. 4. STATISTICAL REPORTS 4.1 4.2 Financial Statements for the period ending July 31, 2013. Councillor Craig Re: 2013 Association of Municipalities of Ontario Annual General Meeting Request to receive and file statistical reports. 5. MINUTES OF COMMITTEES AND BOARDS 5.1 Kincardine Police Services Board – June 11, 2013 Request to receive and file minutes. 6. COMMUNICATIONS 6.1 Associations of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) Re: Various items of correspondence received: a) AMO Watch File – August 29, 2013. (A01) b) AMO Watch File – September 6, 2013. (A01) c) What’s on the program – AMO Counties, Regions and Single Tier (CRST) Symposium. (A01) THE CORPORATION OF THE MUNICIPALITY OF KINCARDINE Consent Agenda Page 2 of 2 Wednesday September 18, 2013 d) 6.2 6.3 6.4 6.5 6.6 6.7 6.8 6.9 6.10 6.11 6.12 6.13 6.14 6.15 Protection the OMERS Pension Plan: What Does Tomorrow Demand from Us Today? session. (A01) e) AMO Watch File – September 12, 2013 f) AMO Report to Members highlights of the August 2013 Board Meeting. (A01) Grey Bruce Health Unit (GBHU) Re: Public assistance request in finding the owner of a dog involved in a biting incident that occurred in Medford. (S01) Michigan State University, Center for Community and Economic Development Re: Bi-National Blue Water Regional Collaboration Conference. (A04. Bruce Area Solid Waste Recycling (BASWR) Re: 16th Annual Food Drive. (W07) Bob Chiarelli Minister of Energy Re: 2013 Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) Annual Conference in Ottawa and announcement of the new Municipal Energy Plan (MEP) program. (M04) Royal Canadian Legion Re: Branch 183 Activities Views & Reflections September/October 2013 publication. N.B. Publication available in Clerk’s Dept. (A01) Deep Geologic Repository Joint Review Panel Re: Public Hearing schedule for Deep Geologic Repository Project. ((A01) Ministry of the Environment Re: 2013 Minister’s award for Environmental Excellence. (A20) Ontario Clean Air Alliance Re: Speak up for a smarter-and cheaperenergy plan. (A01) The City of Barrie Re: “Culture Grows Here” arts and culture event. (M04) Kincardine Rotary Club Re: 32st Annual TV Auction. (M03) Bruce County Historical Society Re: Bruce County Historical Notes Volume 55 No. 2 September 2013. (T03) John Peevers, Bruce Power Re: Changes to ensure site is safer and stronger. (A01) 2013 Chantry Chinook Classic Salmon Derby Re: Thank you for sponsorship and support. (T00) Jutta Splettstoesser Re: Burying Nuclear Waste International Experience, International Perspective event. (A01) Request to receive and file all communications and e-mails. NO. 2013 - BEING A BY-LAW TO AMEND BY-LAW NO. 2013-110 - BEING A BY-LAW TO TEMPORARILY CLOSE STREETS TO FACILITATE THE 2013 KINCARDINE ROTARY CLUB WALK/RUN WHEREAS Section 11 (3) of the Municipal Act, 2001, S.O. 2001, c. 25, as amended, provides that a lower-tier municipality may pass by-laws, respecting matters within the sphere of jurisdiction of highways, including parking and traffic on highways; AND WHEREAS pursuant to the said Municipal Act, 2001, Section 8 (1) and 9 provide that the powers of a municipality under this or any other Act shall be interpreted broadly so as to confer broad authority on the municipality to enable the municipality to govern its affairs as it considers appropriate and to enhance the municipality’s ability to respond to municipal issues and has the capacity, rights, powers and privileges of a natural person for the purpose of exercising its authority under this or any other Act; AND WHEREAS pursuant to the said Municipal Act, 2001, Section 35 authorizes municipalities to pass by-laws removing or restricting the common law right of passage by the public over a highway; AND WHEREAS the Kincardine Rotary Club Walk/Run organizing committee has requested to amend the route that was approved by By-law 2013-110; NOW THEREFORE the Council of The Corporation of the Municipality of Kincardine ENACTS as follows: 1. That By-law No. 2013-110 be amended to include that portion of Penetangore Row from Bruce Ave. to Saratoga Road and all of Goderich Street from the boardwalk to the southerly limits of the municipality, be closed to all vehicular traffic, other than those vehicles authorized by the organizers, on Saturday, October 5, 2013, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. for the purpose of holding the Kincardine Rotary Club Walk/Run. 2. This by law shall come into full force and effect upon its final passage. 3. This by-law may be cited as the "Kincardine Rotary Club Walk/Run (2013) Road Closure Amendment By-law". READ a FIRST and SECOND time this 18th day of September, 2013. Mayor Clerk READ a THIRD time and FINALLY PASSED this 18th day of September, 2013. Mayor Clerk Statement of Operations for the period ending Aug 31, 2013 2012 YTD Actual 2013 YTD Actual 2013 YTD Budget 2013 Approved Budget % of Annual YTD Actual YTD Budget Budget Variance Variance Remaining Revenue Taxation Revenue 7,046,434 7,331,971 7,548,742 11,323,113 35% 285,537 (216,771) Fees and User Charges 1,090,566 1,342,423 1,236,450 1,854,675 28% 251,857 105,973 Water and Sewer Charges 2,691,103 2,760,479 3,247,176 4,870,764 43% 69,376 (486,697) Grants 1,152,661 1,146,414 1,129,946 1,694,919 32% (6,247) 16,468 Other Income 2,296,662 2,724,911 27% 428,249 Total Revenue 2,488,747 3,733,120 236,165 $ 14,277,427 $ 15,306,198 $ 15,651,060 $ 23,476,591 35% 1,028,771 (344,862) 214,122 460,437 548,522 290,472 69,685 184,283 1,767,520 187,888 500,022 661,616 346,133 31,221 214,637 1,941,517 302,944 462,187 1,188,991 326,797 102,133 193,008 2,576,060 454,416 693,280 1,783,486 490,196 153,200 289,512 3,864,090 59% 28% 63% 29% 80% 26% 50% 705,204 1,733,810 2,439,014 779,574 1,680,179 2,459,753 706,649 1,736,372 2,443,021 1,059,973 2,604,558 3,664,531 26% 74,370 72,925 35% (53,632) (56,193) 33% 20,739 16,732 Public Works 6,155,360 7,162,846 7,219,291 10,828,937 34% 1,007,486 (56,445) Recreation 2,546,629 2,912,966 2,572,910 3,859,365 25% 366,337 340,056 594,452 804,517 772,445 1,158,668 31% 210,065 Expense General Government Council CAO Treasury Clerk Economic Development Tourism Protective Services Fire Police Building & Planning Total Expense Surplus (Deficit) $13,502,975 $15,281,599 $15,583,727 $23,375,591 $774,452 $24,599 $67,333 $101,000 (26,234) 39,585 113,095 55,661 (38,464) 30,354 173,997 (115,057) 37,835 (527,374) 19,336 (70,912) 21,629 (634,543) 32,072 35% 1,778,624 (302,129) Association of Municipalities of Ontario Annual General Meeting August 18 – 21, 2013 Ottawa, Ontario The AMO conference provides opportunities for delegates to see, hear, and engage with senior politicians, industrial suppliers, and peers. This year’s conference theme, “Aspire to Inspire”, was used to remind all participants of their social and political responsibility to proactively lead communities. The Municipality of Kincardine met with the representatives of the Ministry of Energy on Sunday afternoon. Monday morning began with a motivational presentation from retired colonel Chris Hatfield, the recent commander of the international space station. His message dealt with the international cooperation to build and fly the space station, his awe of the earth as seen from space, and his hope for the future as humanity continues to explore space. We also heard from Kevin Lynch, an economist and secretary of the Privy Council. He spoke about the rate of economic growth in the “mature” economic regions in the world (1.5 – 2.5 %) compared to the rate of growth in the emerging economic regions (8 – 11 %) and how this would affect our ability to fund infrastructure and how we might invest in the future. He stated that “the status quo is not a good risk management strategy”. AMO provides concurrent learning sessions where political and/or industry leaders speak to the changes in various areas of community life. Innovation in Social and Community Needs: This session provided suggestions for alternative methods of financing affordable housing units. Basically, the presenters said that the municipality had to give the land to the project for free, provide all the permits for free, and then subsidize the rental rates. Other grants might be available from other levels of government to help offset costs. They were challenged that this was not particularly innovative. They recognized that the innovation might be more appropriately directed to shift social policy and community “buy in” to the value of subsidizing housing. Green Energy – Threading the Needle: Al Barfoot and Bob Pringle spoke on the successes and challenges of running an aerobic digester. The process itself works well. The generator is supplying electricity to the grid. The issue continues to be economic in nature. There is still some reluctance to pay for the by product of the digester but once that is overcome, the process will be closer to breaking even. An energy project manager from the City of Kingston spoke of the work they are doing to install solar panels on as many municipally owned city roofs as possible. Your Annual HR Update: A couple of HR specialists updated us on some of the trends in collective bargaining. They also spoke at length regarding municipal case law including examples of what management can and cannot do in disciplining and managing employees in relation to the latest human rights and civil court cases. Plastics Challenges and Opportunities: A representative from the plastics industry updated us on the economic advantages of plastics when compared to other materials when it comes to transporting, packaging, extending shelf life, and re‐ using/recycling. One feature he noted was the high energy that could be captured when plastics, that are no longer suitable for recycling or are not able to be recycled, are burned for power. The session that was by far the best attended, generated the most debate, had the participants on the edge of their seats looking for answers, was the session that addressed where we should put beer stores. The debate whether they should be retained at the Beer Store or allowed in grocery and convenience stores was extensive. The representative from the Beer Store provided lots of economic and social reasons why they should retain a monopoly on beer sales but, by and large, his arguments fell on deaf ears. Next year’s AMO annual meeting will be held in London. Social Networking Policy COVERAGE: This policy applies to all Municipality of Kincardine “employees” who, for the purpose of this policy, includes all full time, part time, seasonal, casual, students, elected officials, volunteers, firefighters, consultants, contractors or individuals who would be in a position to represent the Municipality of Kincardine. PURPOSE: Social media has become a major communications tool in the world today. The Municipality of Kincardine recognizes the value of utilizing social networking in the workplace as it relates to one’s job. Use of these tools should be for purposes of improving customer service, furthering the positive identity of the Municipality of Kincardine, and facilitating municipal communication. The purpose of this policy is to outline acceptable and unacceptable use of computer equipment and other technologies by all employees of the Municipality of Kincardine as it relates to the use of social networking or community forum/websites (as defined below). This policy is intended to outline the guidelines for use by employees on social networking sites both if they have been appointed as Social Media Content Administrator and as a general member of the public with their personal social networking accounts, whether it’s during work hours or personal time at home. These rules and regulations are in place for the protection of all employees and representatives of the Municipality of Kincardine. Employees must be aware and acknowledge that social networking sites are accessible to anyone, regardless of the security or restriction of access to said websites, and you may be held accountable for your conduct. Should your conduct on these sites be associated with your workplace in any way as a representative of the Municipality, you will be expected to conduct yourself in accordance with this policy, any existing policies, agreements and relevant legislation. Violation of this policy may expose the Municipality of Kincardine to risks and legal liability, and the persons to risk of criminal or civil liability as well as disciplinary measures up to and including dismissal. While the Municipality respects the separation between work and private life, it wants employees to understand that they may be accountable for publishing information on the internet that harms the Municipality’s interest. Elected officials must include a disclaimer on social networking sites indicating that their opinions are theirs only and are not representative of the Council as a whole. All comments made shall be factual, however, if an opinion is expressed, it shall be noted as such. SOCIAL MEDIA ACCOUNTS The Chief Administrative Officer shall approve the creation and use of appropriate municipal accounts for municipal departments that wish to utilize social networking. The Chief Administrative Officer shall appoint “Social Media Content Administrator”. When the use of a new social media tool is requested, the requester will be required to provide the following supporting information to the Chief Administrative Officer: a) The need for the specific tool/why it is required; b) The added benefits of using the tool; c) The required training to ensure that posted content is consistent with corporate messaging and standards; d) Details on how the use of the new tool will not interfere with the credibility of the Municipality of Kincardine’s’ other established social media sites; e) Required staff resources to establish and maintain the new account. Current departments or areas utilizing social networking sites are: Kincardine Tourism Kincardine Parks and Recreation Business Improvement Area Kincardine Emergency Services Kincardine Airport Kincardine Doors Open Heritage Kincardine In the event of a municipal emergency or in circumstances where social networking would be useful in disseminating important community messages, approved messaging will be issued by the Chief Administrative Officer or in accordance with the communication protocols of the Municipality of Kincardine Emergency Response Plan. DEFINTION: Social networking and Community Forums/Websites – Online sites or internet communities where people can come together, post information, attachments, videos or images, build community knowledge, discuss issues and socially interact. These include, but are not limited to: Blogs; Bulletin boards; Chat rooms; Discussion groups; Instant messaging; Mailing lists; Photo/Video sites e.g. “YouTube”, “Flickr”; Social Networking sites e.g. “Facebook, MySpace, Google +”; Wikis; Professional networking sites such as Linkedln; Twitter; Or any other online medium similar in nature to the above. BEST PRACTICES The following outlines the Municipality of Kincardine social media guidelines – recommendations and best practices to guide employees when participating in social networking, whether it’s at work as an appointed Social Media Content Administrator or on your own time on your personal social media accounts if it relates to the Municipality of Kincardine. These guidelines are aimed to provide helpful, practical advice and help set expectations for conduct online. 1. You are personally responsible for the content you provide and how you conduct yourself online. Be authentic, factual and respectful at all times. Use your real identity. Provide informed, well-supported opinions and cite sources, if applicable. Though social media sites are a more casual form of communication, be sure to remain professional and use a positive tone of voice. Be respectful of our colleagues, the Corporation and our clients. 2. Be aware of the laws covering defamation, financial disclosure, privacy and Council closed session rules. 3. Always be professional, avoid speaking negatively. Do not engage in inflammatory or inappropriate discussions about the Municipality. Instead, highlight the strengths of the Municipality. Do not cite or reference clients, partners or suppliers without their approval. When you do make a reference, wherever possible, link back to the source. A better practice would be to avoid these types of discussions. 4. Avoid engaging in online disputes with your audience. Don’t use slurs, personal insults or obscenities, and always respect privacy concerns. Avoid language that may be considered objectionable or inflammatory. Show that you have listened and be responsive. If you disagree, respond in a professional and respectful manner. The Social Media Content Administrator has the right to disallow participation from users who have engaged in language as described above. 5. Be honest. Always tell the truth. Correct any mistakes you make as quickly as possible. Don’t alter older posts without indicating that you have done so. 6. Add Value. Express an interesting point of view and worthwhile information and perspective. When speaking about the Municipality, offer your subject matter expertise. 7. Build Relationships. Focus on engagement with the audience and building trust to develop relationships rather than using your site solely as a marketing tool or to promote yourself. 8. Be mindful of the indefinite life of Internet postings. You should assume that all Internet postings, including those posted on a private forum, can be made public and searchable for a long time. Private discussions may inadvertently or intentionally get posted publicly. 9. Know that it’s almost impossible to completely remove information from the web even if you “remove/delete” it from the original source. There is no way of knowing where it may have been reposted. Also, if you edited your original posts, there is no way to ensure that the last post is what people will see. 10. Review the privacy setting of the social networking site that you are using. Understand that when your content is posted on a public social network, all posts and comments may be traceable. Any information that you post should be considered at risk for public disclosure, regardless of your privacy settings since your postings can be reposted elsewhere and may be viewed by people other than your intended audience. Also indicate on your site when the Social Media Content Administrator is available to respond to queries, i.e.: Monday to Friday from 8:30am to 4:30pm, not twenty four hours per day. The Internet Technology Coordinator shall be the keeper of all account login and password information. 11. Be aware of global implications. Your posts can have global significance. The way that you post information might be appropriate in some parts of the world, but inaccurate, inappropriate or even illegal in others. Keep that “world view” in mind when you are participating in online conversations. 12. Employees using the Internet and/or representing the Municipality of Kincardine as a function of their duties are expected to adhere to all the provisions of this policy herein. It is an expectation and condition of employment that your participation and conduct in any Social Networking or Community forum/website will be respectful and professional at all times. 13. Employees that are so designated by the Chief Administrative Officer will be authorized to participate or represent their department or the Municipality of Kincardine on aforementioned forums/websites. The social networking website that is created for the Municipality, its content and all those who follow it shall be the property of the Municipality of Kincardine, not the employee. 14. Employees are encouraged not to discuss details of their “workplace” on any Social Networking or Community forum/website. Should an employee wish to do so, it is expected that any comments or conduct will be respectful and positive. 15. Employee’s comments or conduct on a Social Networking sites must not interfere with an employee’s ability to carry out their duties or result in other employees being unwilling to work with the said employee. 16. Employee comments or conduct on a Social Networking or Community forum/website must not interfere with the Employer’s ability to manage and direct the work process. This conduct would include, but is not limited to, insolent or insubordinate comments concerning any employee in a position or capacity of supervision in the Municipality of Kincardine. 17. When using Twitter and Facebook, appropriate and reasonable hashtags shall be used if attempting to trend a particular topic. Social Networking sites shall not be used to relay the same information repeatedly and could be considered as spam. 18. The Social Media Content Administrator shall respect all copyright laws. 19. All Municipal Social Media sites shall contain the following disclaimer: “The Municipality of Kincardine’s (insert social media page name) page is a place where anyone is welcome to post comments on our wall in accordance with the guidelines below. Please keep comments respectful. This page will be moderated between the hours of 8:30 am – 4:30 pm, Monday – Friday, excluding holidays. The Municipality reserves the right to, without notice, remove any posts or content that does not meet the guidelines noted below, or that is believed to be inappropriate in the opinion of the Municipality of Kincardine. Posts that are not acceptable: a) Provides the personal information of individual; b) Promotes, perpetuates or fosters discrimination on the basis of race, creed, colour, age, religion, gender, marital status, nationality, physical or mental disability or sexual orientation; c) Is profane or abusive; d) Is sexually explicit or link to content that is sexually explicit; e) Conducts or encourages illegal activity; f) Is non-Corporation of the Municipality of Kincardine related business advertising and or promotions; g) Is for the purpose of promoting a candidates for municipal, provincial or federal election; h) Personal attacks on individuals or specific groups; i) Any content that is believed to be inappropriate in the opinion of the Municipality of Kincardine. Any articles or content posted to the Municipality of Kincardine pages are subject to public disclosure. This means that the Municipality could be compelled to disclose information from its social networking page if it were ever called for in connection with a matter before the courts. Personal information, which includes your Internet Provider address, is being collected, managed, processed and or stored by a third party service provider and is therefore, not in the sole domain, custody and control of the Municipality of Kincardine. Additionally, your personal information may cross the border to a foreign jurisdiction and will therefore, be subject to the governing laws of that jurisdiction. About your privacy; When you registered for your account, you provided personal information to the social media company. Additionally, you may have added more information and photos to your profile. If you don’t have your privacy setting restricted, then anyone who is a fan of our page could potentially view some or all of your personal information. Please review your personal privacy settings on a regular basis. If you don’t restrict them, then you have agreed to the display and release of your personal information OTHER POLICIES: 1. The conduct of all employees when at work, performing duties on behalf of the Municipality of Kincardine on or off the worksite or if you have identified yourself as an employee of the Municipality of Kincardine or speak about your “workplace” on a Social Networking or Community forum/website, is both governed by, and is expected to be in adherence with, the following (but not limited to): * * * * * * Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act Tripartite Agreement Policy GG.1.2 Citizen Complaints Policy GG.1.3 Communications Policy GG.4.1 Municipal Health and Safety Municipal Act NO. 2013 - BEING A BYLAW TO ADOPT AMENDMENT NO. 7 TO THE OFFICIAL PLAN OF THE MUNICIPALITY OF KINCARDINE WHEREAS The Council of the Municipality of Kincardine, pursuant to Section 17 of the Planning Act, R.S.O. 1990 enacts as follows: 1. That Amendment No. 7 to the Official Plan of the Municipality of Kincardine, which is attached to and forms part of this By-law, is hereby adopted. 2. That the Clerk is hereby directed to forward the adopted Amendment together with the necessary supporting documentation to the County of Bruce for final approval. 3. This By–law may be cited as the "OPA #7 to the Municipality of Kincardine Official Plan By-law" READ a FIRST and SECOND time this 11th day of September, 2013. Mayor Clerk READ a THIRD time and FINALLY PASSED this 11th day of September, 2013. Mayor Clerk on ne ll D Bruce Rd 23 Mc C r Lot Sa nd pip er Lot Ln Lot Ü 0 25 50 Whipp o o r wi 1 2 3 ll Ln 100 Meters SCHEDULE 'A' to Amendment No. 7 to the Official Plan of the Municipality of Kincardine Part of Lot 28, Concession A, Municipality of Kincardine (geographic Township of Kincardine) SUBJECT PROPERTY LANDS TO BE REMOVED FROM 'SIGNIFICANT WOODLANDS' OVERLAY LANDS DESIGNATED 'SHORELINE DEVELOPMENT' LANDS DESIGNATED 'NATURAL ENVIRONMENT' FILE: KINOPA-11-12.21 ASSOCIATED FILE: Z-15-12.21 APPLICANT: Peter McDonald DATE: September 2013 NO. 2013 BEING A BY-LAW TO AUTHORIZE THE ACCEPTANCE OF CERTAIN DEEDS OF LAND AND TO ASSUME AND DEDICATE THE SAID LANDS FOR ROAD PURPOSES WHEREAS Section 8(1) and 9 of the Municipal Act, 2001, S.O. 2001, c.25 as amended, provide that the powers of a municipality under this or any other Act shall be interpreted broadly so as to confer broad authority on the municipality to enable the municipality to govern its affairs as it considers appropriate and to enhance the municipality’s ability to respond to municipal issues and has the capacity, rights, powers and privileges of a natural person for the purpose of exercising its authority under this or any other Act; AND WHEREAS Section 51 (25c) of the Planning Act allows the municipality to impose conditions to the giving of a consent; AND WHEREAS The Corporation of the Municipality of Kincardine deems it expedient to impose the condition that sufficient lands be deed to the Municipality, to be assumed and dedicated by the Municipality for road widening purposes; AND WHEREAS several parcels of land have been so deeded to the said Municipality as a condition to a subdivision or development agreement, condominium approval, or other municipal purposes; AND WHEREAS it is deemed expedient to accept these parcels of land and to assume and dedicate them for road purposes; NOW THEREFORE the Council of The Corporation of the Municipality of Kincardine ENACTS as follows: 1. That the lands listed and described in the attached Schedule “A” to this Bylaw and situate, lying and being in the Municipality of Kincardine are accepted by The Corporation of the Municipality of Kincardine. 2. That the said lands be and they are hereby assumed by The Corporation of the Municipality of Kincardine 3. That the said lands be and they are hereby dedicated as part of the Road System of The Corporation of the Municipality of Kincardine for the road on which they are situate as listed in the herein aforementioned Schedule “A”. 4. That the Mayor and Chief Administrative Officer be authorized and directed to execute, on behalf of the Council of The Corporation of the Municipality of Kincardine, documents to complete this transaction. /2 Page 2 Road Dedication 2013 By-law By-law No. 2013 5. This By-law shall come into full force and effect upon its passage. 6. This By-law may be cited as the “Road Dedication 2013 By-law”. READ a FIRST and SECOND time this 18th day of September, 2013. Mayor Clerk READ a THIRD time and FINALLY PASSED this 18th day of September, 2013. Mayor Clerk PIN LEGAL DESCRIPTION 33301‐0024 33299‐0003 33298‐0002 33292‐0002 33291‐0078 33316‐0106 33292‐0071 R80562 33297‐0002 SCHEDULE ‘A’ FIRSTLY RDAL BTN CON 2 AND CON 3 SDR KINCARDINE; PT LT 16‐21, 24‐ 30 CON 2 SDR KINCARDINE; PT LT 15‐17, 20‐21, 24‐30 CON 3 SDR KINCARDINE PT 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 & 12, 3R4946 PT 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, & 8, 3R4950 & PT 6, 3R4961; SECONDLY; N 17 FT LT 22‐23 CON 3 SDR KINCARDINE; S 17 FT LT 22‐23 CON 2 SDR KINCARDINE; KINCARDINE RDAL BTN CON 2 AND 3 SDR KINCARDINE; PT LT 51‐70 CON 2 SDR KINCARDINE; PT LT 51‐70 CON 3 SDR KINCARDINE PARTS 1 TO 7, 9, 3R3637, PARTS 1 TO 9 AND PARTS 11 TO 14, 3R3640; FROM LOT 51 TO 70, CON 2 SDR; KINCARDINE RDAL BTN CON 2 NDR AND CON 3 NDR KINCARDINE BTN LT 51‐70; PT LT 51‐52, 56‐70 CON 3 NDR KINCARDINE; PT LT 51‐52, 56‐66 CON 2 NDR KINCARDINE PT 1 3R3104, PT 3‐4, 6‐9 3R3547, PT 1, 3‐6, 10‐11 3R3540; KINCARDINE FIRSTLY RDAL BTN CON 8 AND CON 9 KINCARDINE ABUTTING LT 6 TO 20; PT LT 7, 9‐10, 14‐15 CON 9 KINCARDINE; PT LT 14‐15 CON 8 KINCARDINE PT 19, 20, 21, 22, 24, 28, 29, 30, 32 & 34, 3R1008; SECONDLY PT LT 7 CON 9 KINCARDINE, PT LT 14 CON 9 KINCARDINE, PT LT 14 CON 8 KINCARDINE; PT LT 6, 8, 11‐13, 16, 18‐20 CON 9 KINCARDINE; PT LT 6‐13, 16‐20 CON 8 KINCARDINE PT 6 TO 18, 23, 25 TO 27, 31, 33 & 35, 3R1008 & AS IN R74370, R74371, R74372, R74379, R74381, R74382, R80565 & R89855; KINCARDINE FIRSTLY, RDAL BTN CON 10 AND CON 11 KINCARDINE ABUTTING LT 21 TO 35; PT LT 34 CON 10 KINCARDINE; PT LT 21‐25, 28 CON 11 KINCARDINE AS IN PT 6, 7, 8, 9 & 10 3R2101, PT 6 3R2144 & AS IN R78458, R79243, SECONDLY PT LT 28 CON 11; PT LT 21‐33, 35 CON 10 KINCARDINE; PT LT 26‐27, 29‐35 CON 11 KINCARDINE PT 1, 2, 3, 4 & 5 3R2101, PT 5 3R2144 & AS IN R81496, R79240, 79241, R79242, R79244, R79245, R79246, R79247, R81410, R81606, R83624, R84181, R85040, R85041, R85042, R85043, R85221; KINCARDINE PT LT 15 W/S ADELAIDE ST PT 2 3R8381 PL KINCARDINE; KINCARDINE FIRSTLY RDAL BTN CON 10 AND CON 11 KINCARDINE ABUTTING LT 6 TO 20; PT LT 16‐20 CON 11 KINCADINE; PT LT 10, 12, 19 CON 10 KINCARDINE PT 2, 3R2440; PT 6 3R2439, PT 9, 11, 13‐18, 3R2098, 1, 3, 3R2144; SECONDLY PT LT 10 CON 10 KINCARDINE, PT LT 19 CON 10 KINCARDINE; PT LT 6‐8, 10‐15 CON 11 KINCARDINE; PT LT 6‐9, 11, 14‐18, 20 CON 10 KINCARDINE PT 1‐5, 7, 8, 10‐15, 3R2439, PT 1‐8, 10, 12, 3R2098, PT 1, 4‐15, 3R2440, PT 2, 4, 3R2144; KINCARDINE Northerly Ten (10) Feet of the Westerly Three Hundred and Thirty (330) Feet of Lot 28 in Concession 8 of the said Township of Kincardine FIRSTLY RDAL BTN CON 4 AND CON 5 KINCARDINE BTN LOT 16 TO 20; PT LT 16‐18 CON 5 KINCARDINE PT 11 TO 15, 3R2458; SECONDLY PT LT 16 CON 4 KINCARDINE; PT LT 17‐20 CON 4 KINCARDINE; PT LT 19‐20 CON 5 KINCARDINE PT 1 TO 10, 3R2458; KINCARDINE 33293‐0640 33287‐0348 33276‐0064 33293‐0333 33302‐0022 FIRSTLY; PT RDAL BTN LT 50 AND LT 51 CON A KINCARDINE; PT LT 31 CON A KINCARDINE; PT PARKLT A PORT HEAD KINCARDINE; PT LT 35‐48 CON A KINCARDINE; PT BLK D PL 828 PT 1 TO 5, 8 TO 11, 3R1828, PT 1, 2, 3, PL 934, PT 2 TO 8, 10 TO 19, 3R1040, PT 1, 2, PL1064; SECONDLY; PT LT 49 CON A KINCARDINE; PT LT 50 CON A KINCARDINE; PT LT 31 CON A KINCARDINE; PT LT 32 CON A KINCARDINE; PT LT 33 CON A KINCARDINE; PT LT 34 CON A KINCARDINE; PT LT 35 CON A KINCARDINE; PT LT 36 CON A KINCARDINE; PT LT 37 CON A KINCARDINE; PT LT 38 CON A KINCARDINE; PT LT 39 CON A KINCARDINE; PT LT 40 CON A KINCARDINE; PT LT 41 CON A KINCARDINE; PT LT 42 CON A KINCARDINE; PT LT 43 CON A KINCARDINE; POT LT 44 CON A KINCARDINE; PT LT 45 CON A KINCARDINE PT LT 46 CON A KINCARDINE; PT LT 47 CON A KINCARDINE; PT LT 48 CON A KINCARDINE; PT 14, 3R1828, PT 1, 3R1040; PT 1, 3R549, PT 1, 3R371, PT 1, 3R2654, PT 12, 13, 3R1828, PT 5, 3R7767; AKA COUNTY RD NO 23, GIVEN RD, SAUGEEN RD; KINCARDINE RDAL BTN CON 2 AND CON 3 BRUCE LYING W OF PT 2 R188233; PT LT F, G, H, I, J, 1‐5 CON 3 BRUCE; PT LT F, G, H, I, J, 1‐4 CON 2 BRUCE AS IN R25854 (FOURTHLY), R25783, R25789, R25784, R25797, R25788, R25785, R25795, R25790 & PT 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12 3R1198 & PT 1, 2, 3, 5 ,6 ,7 ,8, 10, 11, 12, 13, 15, 16, 17, 19 & 20 3R1203; KINCARDINE SPRUCEDALE CR PL 770; PT LT 51‐53 CON LAKE RANGE OR CON A BRUCE AS IN R65682; KINCARDINE FIRSTLY; RDAL BTN CON 10 AND CON 11 KINCARDINE ABUTTING LT 1 TO 5 E OF HWY 21; PT LT 2‐3 CON 11 KINCARDINE PT 2, 3, 4, 3R2323; SECONDLY; PT LT 1 CON 11 KINCARDINE PT LT 2 CON 11 KINCARDINE; PT LT 3 CON 11 KINCARDINE; PT LT 4‐5 CON 11 KINCARDINE; PT LT 1‐5 CON 10 KINCARDINE PT 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 ,9, 10, 11, 12, 13 ,14, 3R2441; KINCARDINE FIRSTLY; RDAL BTN CON 2 NDR AND CON 3 NDR KINCARDINE; PT LT 2‐3, 6‐10, 13‐14, 21‐25, 28‐30 CON 2 NDR KINCARDINE; PT LT 30, 29, 28, 27, 26, 25, 24, 23, 22, 8, 7, 6, 4, 3, 2, 1 CON 3 NDR KINCARDINE AS IN R104894, R104895, R104896, R112594, R276633, R276636, R276637, R280563, R293391, R295440, R280707, R276634, R277146, R276635, R180090, R104896, R112594; SECONDLY: PT LT 1 CON 2 NDR KINCARDINE; PT LT 2 CON 2 NDR KINCARDINE; PT LT 4‐5, 11‐12, 15‐16, 19‐20 CON 2 NDR KINCARDINE; PT LT 14 CON 2 NDR KINCARDINE; PT LT 20, 19, 18, 17, 16, 15, 14, 13, 12, 11, 10, 9, 5 CON 3 NDR KINCARDINE AS IN R180080, R180076, R180091, R187434, R180083, R187435, R180082, R180078, R180087, R180075, R180089, R187436, R180079, R180086, R180081, R180085, R179467, BTN HWY 21 & RDAL BTN LT 30 & 31 CON 2 NDR; S/T KN16210; KINCARDINE NO. 2013 – BEING A BY-LAW TO AUTHORIZE THE SIGNING OF AN ENCROACHMENT AGREEMENT (3128 Bruce Road 15, Inverhuron) WHEREAS Section 8 (1) and 9 of the Municipal Act, 2001, S.O. 2001, c. 25, as amended, provide that the powers of a municipality under this or any other Act shall be interpreted broadly so as to confer broad authority on the municipality to enable the municipality to govern its affairs as it considers appropriate and to enhance the municipality’s ability to respond to municipal issues and has the capacity, rights, powers and privileges of a natural person for the purpose of exercising its authority under this or any other Act; AND WHEREAS the Council of The Corporation of the Municipality of Kincardine has requested an encroachment for the purpose of locating a gateway sign for Inverhuron; NOW THEREFORE the Council of The Corporation of the Municipality of Kincardine, ENACTS as follows: 1. That The Corporation of the Municipality of Kincardine enter into an agreement with Ruby Alice Brown for an encroachment upon Park Pt Lot 4, known municipally as 3128 Bruce Road 15, Inverhuron (41 08 260 004 23300 ) and attached hereto as Schedule “A”. 2. The encroachment includes a gateway sign, as outlined on the sketch attached to the agreement and shall be subject to the terms and conditions of the encroachment agreement attached as Schedule ‘A’ to this by-law. 2. That the Mayor and CAO be authorized to execute, on behalf of the Council of The Corporation of the Municipality of Kincardine, the Encroachment Agreement with Ruby Alice Brown. 3. This by-law may be cited as the “Inverhuron Gateway Sign Encroachment Agreement By-law”. READ a FIRST and SECOND time this 18th day of September, 2013. Mayor Clerk READ a THIRD time and FINALLY PASSED this 18th day of September, 2013. Mayor Clerk INVASIVE PHRAGMITES MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR THE MUNICIPALITY OF KINCARDINE, ONTARIO PHASE 1 J.M. Gilbert June, 2013 Prepared by: Janice M. Gilbert, Ph.D. Wetland Ecologist Gilbert and Dunn Wetland Specialists RR5 Langton, ON, N0E 1G0 [email protected] Karen Alexander Outreach and Education Coordinator Lake Huron Centre for Coastal Conservation 74 Hamilton St., Goderich, ON, N7A 1P9 226-421-3029 [email protected] 2 Executive Summary Phragmites australis (European Reed), a non-native, invasive grass has become widespread throughout southern Ontario. Phragmites can out-compete all other plant species and develop into a dense monoculture stand with stems of up to 200 per square metre. Monocultures can degrade natural ecosystems in a variety of ways. Impacts on coastal wetlands include changes to hydrology, nutrient cycling and lost habitat for other plant species and wildlife. Phragmites is not just a problem for ecology; it is also impacting local economies, particularly shoreline communities. Residents in the Bruce Addition have lost access to the water and in some places can no longer see the water through the dense monoculture cells that have established along the shoreline. The Municipality of Kincardine has responded to the concern of local residents living along this stretch of shoreline by committing funds for the development of the attached Management Plan and for active control of Phragmites. Effective controls in Ontario are limited. A number of considerations must be taken into account to determine the most appropriate control strategy. For mass infestations the most effective and efficient control of Phragmites in Ontario is accomplished using a combination of herbicide and prescribed burning. The Management Plan recommends the use of herbicide and prescribed burns for the shoreline of Kincardine with site specific modifications to accommodate for the presence of wildlife, standing water, and ease of access. The plan divides the shoreline infestation between Baie du Dore and MacGregor Point Provincial Park into 16 manageable blocks. Details on control techniques appropriate for each block as well as timing, and costs are contained in the Phragmites Management Plan. The report estimates good control of the infestation can be accomplished by 2016 for an estimated total of $98,200.00. The estimated budgets required for each year of the program are as follows: 3 Year 2013 2014 Cost $20 000 $27 000 2015 $42 200 2016 $ 9 000 Location B6 B7 B4 B5 B8 B9 B10 B11 B12 B13 B14 B15 B16 B1 B2 B3 While it is no longer feasible to completely eradicate Phragmites, it is possible to bring the infestation under control. In order to ensure the Phragmites does not re-establish in areas where control work has been completed the Municipality of Kincardine should begin to implement the recommendations made in the Long Term Management Plan section of the report. The Management Plan is designed to be implemented over a four year period but can be easily adjusted according to available funding. Implementation of the plan requires a Letter of Opinion from the MNR. The application for the Letter of Opinion was submitted with a draft copy of this plan in June 2013. The Coastal Centre was notified of the approved application on August 6. The Municipality of Kincardine is free to implement this 4 year Management Plan over the next 5 years. 4 Table of Contents EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ............................................................................................................................. 3 TABLE OF CONTENTS ................................................................................................................................ 5 1. INTRODUCTION .................................................................................................................................... 9 2. BACKGROUND INFORMATION ........................................................................................................... 11 4. CONTROL OPTIONS ............................................................................................................................ 16 A) ALL-TERRAIN TRACK VEHICLES ...................................................................................................................... 16 B) MANUAL CONTROL ................................................................................................................................... 17 i) Backpack Spraying ........................................................................................................................... 17 ii) Herbicide Wicking ........................................................................................................................... 18 iii) Control of wet sites ........................................................................................................................ 19 5. MAPPING PHRAGMITES ALONG THE MUNICIPALITY OF KINCARDINE SHORELINE .............................. 20 i) Block 1 .............................................................................................................................................. 21 ii) Block 2 ............................................................................................................................................. 23 iii) Block 3 ............................................................................................................................................ 25 iv) Block 4 ............................................................................................................................................ 27 v) Block 5 ............................................................................................................................................. 28 vi) Block 6 ............................................................................................................................................ 29 vii) Block 7 ........................................................................................................................................... 30 viii) Block 8 .......................................................................................................................................... 32 ix) Block 9 ............................................................................................................................................ 34 x) Block 10 ........................................................................................................................................... 36 xi) Block 11 .......................................................................................................................................... 38 xii) Block 12 ......................................................................................................................................... 40 xiii) Block 13 ........................................................................................................................................ 42 xiv) Block 14 ........................................................................................................................................ 43 xv) Block 15 ......................................................................................................................................... 45 xvi) Block 16 ........................................................................................................................................ 47 6. RECOMMENDED CONTROL STRATEGY ............................................................................................... 48 A) ESTIMATED COSTS AND PROJECTED CONTROL ................................................................................................ 49 B) LONG-TERM MONITORING AND RAPID RESPONSE PROGRAM ............................................................................ 57 7. LONG TERM MANAGEMENT PLAN ..................................................................................................... 58 8. MANAGEMENT PLAN SUMMARY ...................................................................................................... 62 REFERENCES ........................................................................................................................................... 64 5 LIST OF FIGURES FIGURE 1. MUNICIPALITY OF KINCARDINE SHORELINE TO BE MANAGED FOR INVASIVE PHRAGMITES. .................................... 9 FIGURE 2. INVASIVE PHRAGMITES > 5 M TALL IN LAKE ERIE COASTAL WETLAND, RONDEAU BAY, ON. 2007. ...................... 11 FIGURE 3. NEW SHOOTS OF INVASIVE PHRAGMITES PLANTS GROWING OUT OF THE RHIZOME FROM ONE PARENT PLANT, ST. JOSEPHS ISLAND, LAKE HURON, 2011. ........................................................................................................ 12 FIGURE 4. RHIZOMES GROWING LAKE-WARD FROM PARENT INVASIVE PHRAGMITES PLANTS AS WATER LEVELS DECLINED ALONG THE LAKE HURON SHORELINE, AUGUST 2012................................................................................................ 12 FIGURE 5. SHOWN IS FRANK LATOURNEAU, (DOVER AGRI-SERVE) SPRAYING PHRAGMITES FROM THE DECK OF HIS MODIFIED CENTAUR (A, B). ...................................................................................................................................... 16 FIGURE 6. CONTROLLING A PATCH OF INVASIVE PHRAGMITES WITHIN A SENSITIVE HABITAT IN RONDEAU BAY USING A HAND PUMP BACKPACK SPRAYER.......................................................................................................................... 17 FIGURE 7. HANDWICKING INVASIVE PHRAGMITES ALONG THE LAKE HURON SHORELINE ON A WINDY DAY, SEPTEMBER 2008. 18 FIGURE 8. SATELLITE IMAGE OF THE KINCARDINE SHORELINE BETWEEN BAIE DU DORE AND MACGREGOR POINT PROVINCIAL PARK SHOWING THE EXTENT OF INVASIVE PHRAGMITES AS ILLUSTRATED BY BLUE FLAGS. ........................................ 20 FIGURE 9. LOCATION OF PHRAGMITES CONTROL BLOCKS ACCESSED FOR DENSITIES AND MANAGEMENT OPTIONS ALONG THE MUNICIPALITY OF KINCARDINE SHORELINE. ................................................................................................... 21 FIGURE 10. SATELLITE IMAGE SHOWING AREA FOR PHRAGMITES CONTROL IN BLOCK 1. THE AREAS WITHIN THE WHITE LINES (C1, C3, C4) CAN BE CONTROLLED USING BACKPACK SPRAYERS. THE TWO SECTIONS OUTLINED IN GREEN (C2, C5) SHOULD BE CONTROLLED USING THE CENTAUR. .............................................................................................. 22 FIGURE 11. BLOCK 1 PHOTOS, MAY 2013: A) SNAPPING TURTLE, B) SPARES PHRAGMITES PATCHES ALONG EDGE OF BOAT RAMP, C) CELL 2 AREA WHERE DENSE PHRAGMITES HAD BEEN BURNED, D) SPARSE PHRAGMITES IN CELL 4. .............. 23 FIGURE 12. SATELLITE IMAGE SHOWING AREA FOR PHRAGMITES CONTROL IN BLOCK 2. THE AREAS WITHIN THE WHITE LINES (C1, C2, C3) SHOULD BE CONTROLLED USING BACKPACK SPRAYERS. THE CELL OUTLINED IN GREEN (C4) SHOULD BE CONTROLLED USING A CENTAUR. ................................................................................................................. 24 FIGURE 13. BLOCK 2 PHOTOS, MAY 2013: A) VIEW FROM TREED RIDGE ON SOUTH SIDE OF BLOCK LOOKING TOWARD LAKE, B) VEHICLE TRACKS THROUGH COASTAL MEADOW MARSH, C) VIEW LOOKING TOWARD LAKE WITH YARD WASTE PILE AND WET AREAS IN FRONT. ...................................................................................................................................... 25 FIGURE 14. SATELLITE IMAGE SHOWING AREA FOR PHRAGMITES CONTROL IN BLOCK 3. THE AREAS WITHIN THE GREEN LINES (C1, C6, C9, C12) CAN BE CONTROLLED USING THE CENTAUR WHILE THE SECTIONS DEMARCATED WITH THE WHITE LINES (C2-C5, C7, C8, C10, C11) REQUIRES BACKPACK SPRAYING. .......................................................................... 26 FIGURE 15. BLOCK 3 PHOTOS, MAY 2013: A) SPARSE PHRAGMITES IN CELL 2, B) SPARSE PHRAGMITES IN CELL 5. .............. 26 FIGURE 16. SATELLITE IMAGE SHOWING AREA FOR PHRAGMITES CONTROL IN BLOCK 4. THE AREA WITHIN THE WHITE LINES (C1, C2) CAN BE CONTROLLED USING THE CENTAUR WHILE THOSE WITHIN THE GREEN LINES REQUIRE A BACKPACK SPRAYER (C3) OR WICKING (C4). ............................................................................................................................ 27 FIGURE 17. BLOCK 5 PHOTOS, MAY 2013: A) PHRAGMITES NEAR BOAT CHANNEL IN CELL 2, B) PHRAGMITES PATCH IN CELL 2, C) TWO NORTHERN WATER SNAKES (NERODIA SIPEDON) NEAR THE EDGE OF THE LAKE IN CELL 1. ........................... 28 FIGURE 18. SATELLITE IMAGE SHOWING AREA FOR PHRAGMITES CONTROL IN BLOCK 6. THE SECTION WITHIN THE GREEN LINES (C3) CAN BE CONTROLLED USING THE CENTAUR. THE THREE CELLS OUTLINED IN WHITE (C1, C2, C4) SHOULD BE CONTROLLED USING BACKPACK SPRAY UNITS. ................................................................................................. 29 FIGURE 19. BLOCK 6 PHOTOS, MAY 2013: A) VEHICLE TRACKS IN COASTAL MEADOW MARSH, B) TRAIL COMING FROM SUNSET DRIVE CUL DE SAC THROUGH COASTAL MEADOW MARSH, C) NATIVE MEADOW MARSH VEGETATION AND D) VEHICLE TRACKS COMING INTO COASTAL MEADOW MARSH FROM PROPERTY WITH STORAGE SHED. ...................................... 30 FIGURE 20. SATELLITE IMAGE SHOWING AREA FOR PHRAGMITES CONTROL IN BLOCK 7. THE SECTION WITHIN THE GREEN LINE (C1) CAN BE CONTROLLED USING THE CENTAUR. THE AREA OUTLINED IN WHITE (C2) SHOULD BE CONTROLLED USING BACKPACK............................................................................................................................................... 31 FIGURE 21. BLOCK 7 PHOTOS: A) DENSE PHRAGMITES ALONG THE SHORELINE (MAY 2013), B) PHRAGMITES WITHIN THE INTERIOR OF THE COASTAL MEADOW MARSH (MAY 2013), C) BIRD NEST ALONG EDGE OF PHRAGMITES (JULY 2012) AND, D) LEOPARD FROD OBSERVED IN SPARSE PHRAGMITES SECTION OF THE COASTAL MEADOW MARSH (JULY 2012). 32 FIGURE 22. SATELLITE IMAGE SHOWING AREA FOR PHRAGMITES CONTROL IN BLOCK 8. THE AREA WITHIN THE GREEN LINE (C1) CAN BE CONTROLLED USING THE CENTAUR. THE AREA OUTLINED IN WHITE (C2) HAS SPARSE PHRAGMITES AND CAN BE CONTROLLED USING BACKPACK SPRAY UNITS. ................................................................................................. 33 6 FIGURE 23. BLOCK 8 PHOTOS, MAY 2013: A) DENSE PHRAGMITES ALONG CREEK NEAR ROAD, B) CLEARED BEACH SECTION ALONG LAKESHORE, C) DENSE PHRAGMITES ALONG SHORELINE, AND D) SPARSE PHRAGMITES THROUGHOUT COASTAL MEADOW MARSH BETWEEN TREE LINE AND DENSE SECTION. ............................................................................. 34 FIGURE 24. SATELLITE IMAGE SHOWING AREA FOR PHRAGMITES CONTROL IN BLOCK 9. THE AREAS WITHIN THE GREEN LINES (C1, C2) CAN BE CONTROLLED USING THE CENTAUR. THE AREAS OUTLINED IN WHITE (C3, C4, C5) HAS SPARSE PHRAGMITES AND CAN BE CONTROLLED USING BACKPACK SPRAY UNITS............................................................... 35 FIGURE 25. BLOCK 9 PHOTOS, MAY 2013: A) IN CELL 1 NEAR THE LAKESHORE LOOKING TOWARD POND, B) WET SEDGE MEADOW SECTION NEAR THE ROAD WITH SCATTERED PHRAGMITES THROUGHOUT, C) ROCK WALL ALONG LAKESIDE EDGE OF ROAD IN THE AREA OF BLOCK 9, AND D) DENSE PHRAGMITES PATCH ALONG THE LAKESHORE. ............................. 36 FIGURE 26. SATELLITE IMAGE SHOWING AREA FOR PHRAGMITES CONTROL IN BLOCK 10. THE AREA WITHIN THE GREEN LINE (C1) CAN BE CONTROLLED USING THE CENTAUR. THE AREAS OUTLINED IN WHITE (C2, C3, C4) HAS SPARSE PHRAGMITES AND CAN BE CONTROLLED USING BACKPACK SPRAY UNITS. ................................................................................ 37 FIGURE 27. BLOCK 10 PHOTOS, MAY 2013: A) CLEARED BEACH SECTION FOR BRUCEDALE CA (CELL 3), B) SMALL CLEARED SECTION AT SHORELINE WITH PHRAGMITES POCKETS ON EITHER SIDE, C) SPARSE PHRAGMITES SECTION NEAR ROAD (CELL 4), AND D) DENSE PHRAGMITES SECTION IN CELL 1. ........................................................................................ 38 FIGURE 28. SATELLITE IMAGE SHOWING AREA FOR PHRAGMITES CONTROL IN BLOCK 11. THE AREA WITHIN THE GREEN LINE (C2) CAN BE CONTROLLED USING THE CENTAUR. THE AREAS OUTLINED IN WHITE (C1, C3) HAS SPARSE PHRAGMITES AND CAN BE CONTROLLED USING BACKPACK SPRAY UNITS. ............................................................................................. 39 FIGURE 29. BLOCK 11 PHOTOS, MAY 2013: A) VIEWPOINT FROM THE EDGE OF THE ROAD LOOKING TOWARD THE LAKE IN CELL 1, B) VIEWPOINT LOOKING NORTH ALONG THE EDGE OF SUNSET DRIVE, C) PHRAGMITES ALONG SHORELINE, AND D) GROUNDWATER SEEP IN CELL 3. .................................................................................................................. 40 FIGURE 30. SATELLITE IMAGE SHOWING LOCATION OF BLOCK 12. ............................................................................... 41 FIGURE 31. PHOTO TAKEN IN BLOCK 12 FROM WAYPOINT # 839 LOOKING NORTHEAST, MAY 2013................................. 41 FIGURE 32. SATELLITE IMAGE SHOWING AREA FOR PHRAGMITES CONTROL IN BLOCK 13. THE AREAS WITHIN THE GREEN LINES (C1, C2) CAN BE CONTROLLED USING THE CENTAUR. THE AREAS OUTLINED IN WHITE (C3, C4, C5) HAS SPARSE PHRAGMITES AND CAN BE CONTROLLED USING BACKPACK SPRAY UNITS............................................................... 42 FIGURE 33. PHOTOS TAKEN IN BLOCK 13, MAY 2013 SHOWING A) SECTION OF SHORELINE USED BY COTTAGERS WITH PHRAGMITES IN BACKGROUND, AND B) FRINGE OF PHRAGMITES ALONG SHORELINE. ............................................. 43 FIGURE 34. SATELLITE IMAGE SHOWING AREA FOR PHRAGMITES CONTROL IN BLOCK 14. THE AREAS WITHIN THE GREEN LINES (C1, C2, C3, C4) CAN BE CONTROLLED USING THE CENTAUR. THE AREA OUTLINED IN WHITE C5) HAS SPARSE PHRAGMITES AND CAN BE CONTROLLED USING BACKPACK SPRAY UNITS............................................................... 44 FIGURE 35. PHOTO TAKEN IN BLOCK 14 LOOKING TOWARD TREE LINE, MAY 2013. ....................................................... 45 FIGURE 36. SATELLITE IMAGE SHOWING AREA FOR PHRAGMITES CONTROL AREA IN BLOCK 15. THE AREA WITHIN THE WHITE LINE HAS SPARSE PHRAGMITES AND CAN BE CONTROLLED USING BACKPACK SPRAY UNITS. ....................................... 46 FIGURE 37. PHOTO TAKEN ALONG THE EDGE OF THE WET AREA IN BLOCK 15. MAY 2013. .............................................. 46 FIGURE 38. SATELLITE IMAGE SHOWING AREA FOR PHRAGMITES CONTROL IN BLOCK 16. THE AREA WITHIN THE WHITE LINE HAS SPARSE PHRAGMITES AND CAN BE CONTROLLED USING BACKPACK SPRAY UNITS. ................................................... 47 FIGURE 39. PHOTOS TAKEN IN BLOCK 16, MAY 2013 SHOWING A) SPARSE PHRAGMITES ALONG THE EDGE OF A POND, B) SMALL PHRAGMITES CELL IN THE COASTAL MEADOW MARSH, C) PHRAGMITES CELL ALONG THE EDGE OF THE LAKE, AND D) ROCKS AND BOULDERS ALONG THE SHORELINE. .............................................................................................. 48 FIGURE 40. SCHEMATIC DIAGRAM SHOWING THE VARIOUS COMPONENTS OF A LONG TERM PHRAGMITES MANAGEMENT PLAN. ............................................................................................................................................................ 63 7 LIST OF TABLES TABLE 1. CONTROL INFORMATION PERTAINING TO BLOCK 1 CELLS LABELED IN FIGURE 10................................................ 22 TABLE 2. CONTROL INFORMATION PERTAINING TO BLOCK 2 CELLS LABELED IN FIGURE 11................................................ 24 TABLE 3. CONTROL INFORMATION PERTAINING TO BLOCK 3 CELLS LABELED IN FIGURE 14................................................ 26 TABLE 4. CONTROL INFORMATION PERTAINING TO BLOCK 4 CELLS LABELED IN FIGURE 16................................................ 27 TABLE 5. CONTROL INFORMATION PERTAINING TO BLOCK 5 CELLS LABELED IN FIGURE 16................................................ 28 TABLE 6. CONTROL INFORMATION PERTAINING TO THE BLOCK 6 CELLS LABELED IN FIGURE 18. ......................................... 29 TABLE 7. CONTROL INFORMATION PERTAINING TO THE BLOCK 7 CELLS LABELED IN FIGURE 20. ......................................... 31 TABLE 8. CONTROL INFORMATION PERTAINING TO CELLS IN BLOCK 8, LABELED IN FIGURE 22. .......................................... 34 TABLE 9. CONTROL INFORMATION FOR BLOCK 9 CELL LABELED IN FIGURE 24. ............................................................... 35 TABLE 10. CONTROL INFORMATION FOR EACH OF THE BLOCK 10 CELLS LABELED IN FIGURE 26. ........................................ 37 TABLE 11. CONTROL INFORMATION FOR EACH OF THE BLOCK 11 CELLS LABELED IN FIGURE 28. ........................................ 39 TABLE 12. INFORMATION PERTAINING TO BLOCK 12. ............................................................................................... 41 TABLE 13. CONTROL INFORMATION PERTAINING TO EACH CELL LABELED IN FIGURE 22. ................................................... 43 TABLE 14. CONTROL INFORMATION PERTAINING TO EACH CELL LABELED IN FIGURE 34. ................................................... 44 TABLE 15. CONTROL INFORMATION FOR BLOCK 15. ................................................................................................ 46 TABLE 16. CONTROL INFORMATION FOR BLOCK 16. ................................................................................................. 47 TABLE 17. RECOMMENDED CONTROL SCHEDULE AND ASSOCIATED COSTS FOR PHASE I.................................................... 50 TABLE 18. SUGGESTED TARGET AREAS, DATES AND ESTIMATED COSTS FOR 2013. .......................................................... 51 TABLE 19. SUGGESTED TARGET AREAS, DATES AND ESTIMATED COSTS FOR 2014. .......................................................... 52 TABLE 20. SUGGESTED TARGET AREAS, DATES AND ESTIMATED COSTS FOR 2015. .......................................................... 54 TABLE 21. SUGGESTED TARGET AREAS, DATES AND ESTIMATED COSTS FOR 2016. .......................................................... 56 8 1. Introduction Phase 1 of the Invasive Phragmites Management Plan for the Municipality of Kincardine, focuses on the Lake Huron shoreline between Baie du Dore and the MacGregor Point Provincial Park (Figure 1). With the exception of the narrow strip used by the Brucedale Conservation Authority, this entire shoreline is managed by the Municipality. Due to the unique and globally rare ecosystems located here, a large portion of this shoreline has been designated as an Area of Natural and Scientific Interest (ANSI) and includes the provincially significant Scott Point wetland complex, which supports rare flora and fauna. The invasive Phragmites australis is currently well established throughout this valuable ecosystem posing a significant threat. In some sections, dense monoculture cells have developed and without active management, Phragmites will continue to spread resulting in further reduction in biodiversity and a significantly altered ecosystem. Accompanying these concerns is the negative impact on aesthetic and recreational enjoyment and lakeshore property values. The Municipality of Kincardine has responded to the concern of local residents living along this stretch of shoreline regarding the rapid expansion of Phragmites that they have witnessed over the past few years. The Council has addressed these concerns by committing funds for the development of this plan and for active Phragmites control to commence in the fall of 2013. Figure 1. Municipality of Kincardine shoreline to be managed for invasive Phragmites. 9 A number of sensitive Great Lakes coastal habitats have been, or are in the process of being, restored using a combination of chemical and mechanical control methods as outlined in the Provincial Phragmites Control Best Management Practices document (OMNR 2011). The success of these projects, as measured by the post control response in native species richness and diversity, provides a strong case for pursuing a similar approach at this site. As a first step, the shoreline has been traversed on foot to record Phragmites locations, densities and site conditions to inform control options and timing. The recommended control options for each site are outlined in this plan along with a management schedule, associated estimated costs, and long term management strategy. Due to the extensive area to be controlled along the Municipality of Kincardine shoreline, Phragmites management will have to be done in stages and will extend over a number of years. Available funding, weather conditions, wildlife presence, and lake water levels are all main factors affecting the amount of acreage that can be controlled during one growing season. Since Phragmites has become so pervasive throughout Southern Ontario, total eradication on a site level is practically impossible over the long term due to constant new invasions from local spread vectors. However, once the main infestation has been brought under control, it will be significantly more cost effective to implement a monitoring and rapid response control program to ensure Phragmites densities do not return to pre-control conditions. The long term success of this program will be highly dependent upon the initiation of a similar Phragmites control strategy for the adjacent property located to the south which is owned by Ontario Power Generation. This includes Baie du Dore and the area within the Bruce Nuclear Power Development restricted area (fenced zone) where extensive, dense, monoculture Phragmites cells currently exist. MacGregor Point Provincial Park, located on the northern boundary of the focus area, also has Phragmites and park staff has been actively trying to manage these cells over the past few years. Control efficacy has been greatly hampered at sites within the park where the presence of water negates effective chemical control options. Partnering with these two adjacent land owners will greatly enhance management efficacy and long term success. As will the development of a long term Phragmites Management Plan for all of Municipality of Kincardine. Phragmites located around residential areas and in roadside ditches should be targeted for control to further reduce local spread vectors. Several recommendations for a long term management plan have been developed for the Municipality and are provided in this document. 10 2. Background Information European reed or Phragmites australis (here after referred to as Phragmites) is an aggressively spreading non-native, invasive grass. It is capable of out-competing all other plant species including cattails (Typha spp.), willows (Salix spp.), alders (Alnus spp.) and buttonbush (Cephalanthus occidentalis) resulting in expansive monocultures. Plants can exceed 5 m in height (Figure 2) and reach densities of over 200 stems per square metre. The high aboveground biomass is supported by an even greater amount belowground and roots may extend downward several metres to attain required water and nutrients. The roots also emit a chemical harmful to other plants further reducing resource competition. J.M. Gilbert Figure 2. Invasive Phragmites > 5 m tall in Lake Erie coastal wetland, Rondeau Bay, ON. 2007. Phragmites colonizes new sites via seed and rhizome dispersal but, once established spreads colonially via rhizomes. These can emanate from each parent stalk in all directions and have been observed at 30 m lengths with new shoots emerging ~30 cm (Figure 3). The resultant yearly growth of an established colony can be exponential and expansion has noticeably increased with the decline in Lake Huron water levels (Figure 4). 11 J.M. Gilbert Figure 3. New shoots of invasive Phragmites plants growing out of the rhizome from one parent plant, St. Josephs Island, Lake Huron, 2011. J.M. Gilbert Figure 4. Rhizomes growing lake-ward from parent invasive Phragmites plants as water levels declined along the Lake Huron shoreline, August 2012. 12 Unlike native Phragmites (Phragmites australis subsp. americanus), the European strain has no known natural controls to keep the population in check. As a result, expansive mono-dominant stands develop and greatly reduce native plant diversity thereby altering habitat and significantly impacting wildlife. While bird and amphibian usage has been observed within narrower tracks and along the edges of expansive Phragmites cells, interior areas are effectively dead zones. Within coastal ecosystems the impacts have the potential to be cumulatively devastating for many wetland dependent species, including a number of Species At Risk (SAR) which depend upon these habitats for all or a portion of their life cycle. For humans, Phragmites negatively impacts aesthetic and recreational values by blocking views and making access to shorelines difficult and unpleasant. Fire hazards from standing dead stalks is also becoming more of an issue as are traffic hazards from blocked views at intersections where Phragmites is present within roadside ditches. Effective control methods in Ontario are limited and site specific. A number of considerations must be taken into account to determine the most appropriate control strategy. These include cell size, density, proximity to water, timing, presence of desirable plant species, habitat value, presence of wildlife including SAR, human activity, funding, ownership, and long term management plans. Mechanical options, including cutting, drowning, smothering, grazing, excavating, and burning have all been attempted with varying success. Control efficacy is related to cell density, size and site conditions. Each method has its drawbacks and limitations and can have negative impacts. Flooding Phragmites to promote drowning can be difficult. Studies have shown that for established stands water depths must exceed 1.5 m for at least 6 weeks. Cutting stalks to enhance drowning opportunities in non-dyked sites may be an option if high water periods occur. However, all stalks must be cut and located in flooded zones for this method to be effective. Logistically, dewatered periods need to occur to allow for cutting, since the use of cutting equipment in water can be challenging. In some areas cutting is not an option due to unfavourable site conditions including access issues, soft substrate, and expansive stand size. Within low nutrient, drier sites, cutting has been effective at dampening Phragmites spread and stature, however this activity is required several times during the growing season and on an annual basis. One significant consideration about whether or not to cut is that native plant species or wildlife may be harmed during the process. This risk greatly increases as the Phragmites stand thins and native species re-establish. Fire has also been used to try to reduce Phragmites densities but this only results in thinning out the standing dead biomass. The use of fire alone to control Phragmites is not an effective control method since Phragmites tends to thrive during the growing season after a burn has occurred. The use of fire to reduce dead stalks and seed heads 13 has its limitations since not all sites lend themselves to being burned due to wetness or safety concerns. Smothering with thick dark plastic has also been attempted with limited success since rhizomes can extend out from under the covered area. The method can be laborious as Phragmites stalks must first be cut and tarps are heavy. There are also stand size and location limitations, since covering large areas or flooded areas with tarps would be impractical. Bio-controls for Phragmites are currently being investigated by a research team lead by Dr. Blossey at Cornell University. This laboratory was instrumental in identifying the appropriate beetles to control the once troublesome purple loosestrife. It is estimated that many more years of research are required before host specific herbivores to control the European strain of Phragmites can be introduced. The fact that native Phragmites also exists in North America may hinder this progress. Even if bio-controls are found and a release program implemented, many more years may pass before any noticeable impact takes place given the considerable biomass production and reproduction rates of Phragmites. Ultimately the advent of natural controls provides the only long-term viable solution for dampening the spread of this highly aggressive plant. However, the amount of habitat impacted during the estimated several decades if not centuries (if Typha angustifolia is any indication) that will pass before this will take effect dictates that action be undertaken now where ever possible. It is also important to note that even where this strain of Phragmites occurs naturally in Europe it has developed into monoculture stands and been problematic. The most effective and efficient control of Phragmites in the United States has been achieved using two herbicides Rodeo® (glyphosate) and Habitat® (imazapyr). Both products can legally be applied over water and aerially and have an efficacy of between 80 – 100% control after one treatment. The best results were obtained when the two herbicides were combined. Both chemicals kill the plant by shutting down key enzyme production within the belowground structures. Since these same enzymes are not present in non-plant life, the chemicals pose little risk to humans and wildlife. Unfortunately neither Rodeo nor Habitat is available in Canada. Legal chemical options in Canada are limited to two products Weathermax® and Vision® and neither product can legally be applied over water. Both are glyphosate based and although this active ingredient is safe for overwater application, both products also contain the surfactant polyethyloxylated tallowamine (POEA) which is harmful to aquatic life. Vision, which is more expensive, is used by the forestry industry and can be applied aerially. Weathermax is the best option available for on-the-ground Phragmites control when no surface water is present. 14 Timing herbicide applications to occur when no water is present has allowed for some of the seasonally wet sites to be sprayed. However, for coastal areas including wetlands, the timing window for dewatered conditions can be rather short and can change year to year. Usually, even with dewatered sections, wet areas remain interspersed making effective and efficient control difficult. Site specific conditions such as: wildlife use of Phragmites edges and adjacent habitats for breeding, brood rearing, foraging or the presence of SAR plants, and recreational use of beach areas, also impact the timing window. Also, since glyphosate is a broad spectrum herbicide, it kills all vegetation nonselectively. Use within dense, mono-dominant Phragmites stands does not create issues since native plant presence is rare and, if present, they are generally under the Phragmites canopy and would not receive spray drift. However, in less dense stands or along the edges of Phragmites cells, native species can be quite prevalent. In these situations, timing spray events to occur early to mid-fall, before a heavy frost when most native species have already senesced but Phragmites is still green, has resulted in successful Phragmites control and positive native species response the following growing season. Spot spraying using backpack units or hand wicking can be used to control sparse Phragmites. Using these methods of herbicide application, the timing window is much greater since plants can be targeted anytime during the growing season after they have reached ~1m in height and have sufficient leaf surface for chemical uptake. Depending upon the weather and location, Phragmites plants may reach this stage from mid-May to mid-June. Phragmites control efficacy is greatly enhanced when both herbicide and fire are combined. The best results occur when the site can be rolled and then burned prior to being sprayed. This serves to remove the standing dead stalks, which can make up to 70% of the biomass in a live stand. Rolling just prior to burning ensures for drier and safer conditions and promotes the incineration of seed heads. Burning should occur sometime between late fall to early spring when all standing stalks are dead and dry to improve effectiveness and reduce smoke. With the removal of this biomass, new shoots emerging the following growing season can be easily observed. If conditions allow, these plants can be sprayed when the plants are ~1m in height which is well before seed heads set, further reducing new introductions and amount of chemical applied. Failing the ability to burn, rolling or cutting the standing dead stalks can provide some additional measure of control enhancement in combination with the herbicide application. The recalcitrant stalks lying on the ground tend to decay at a quicker rate than those standing. The prostrate stalks may also promote drowning of the below ground structures when water is present since the standing ‘straws’ are removed. Rolling or cutting does not however, rid the site of seeds which have the potential to germinate the following growing season. And, in established Phragmites stands, the resultant thick layer of downed biomass greatly reduces native species response in comparison to sites that have been burned. 15 It should be noted that since Phragmites has become so pervasive throughout Southern Ontario, total eradication on a site level is practically impossible. Seed and rhizome dispersal from uncontrolled sites, combined with human activity will ensure constant reinfestations. For this reason it is highly recommended that an ongoing monitoring and rapid response control program be implemented to ensure that Phragmites densities do not return to pre-control conditions. This can be achieved by monitoring sites during the growing season and controlling new shoots by either mechanical (cutting, pulling) or chemical (backpack, handwicking) means. A reduction in these efforts should be realized each subsequent year as control efforts throughout the region continue to expand. 4. Control Options a) All-terrain track vehicles The large, dense Phragmites cells would be most effectively controlled by using a retrofitted all-terrain vehicle such as a Centaur. This equipment is currently being used by Frank Letourneau of Dover Agri-serve who is a licensed pesticide applicator and the most experienced Phragmites control contractor in Ontario. His machine is equipped with commercial grade herbicide application equipment (tank, pump) and a spray deck and has been used at numerous sites throughout the province to control Phragmites (Figure 5). The machine can traverse rough terrain and access more remote and difficult to reach cells. Depending upon weather and site conditions up to 8.5 ha (21 acres) of Phragmites can be sprayed in one day using this equipment. The herbicide used is Weathermax® (registration No. 27487) which is mixed with clean water at 4-5% concentration. The surfactant MSO Concentrate Methylated Seed Oil (Adjuvant commercial, active ingredients 70% methylated soybean oil, Registration No. 28385) is also added to increase plant uptake and improve efficacy of the herbicide. J.M. Gilbert J.M. Gilbert Figure 5. Shown is Frank Latourneau, (Dover Agri-Serve) spraying Phragmites from the deck of his modified Centaur (a, b). 16 The recommended timing for control using the Centaur along the Municipality of Kincardine shoreline is dependent upon site specific conditions including wildlife presence, recreational use and lake water levels. The shoreline has been divided into Blocks based upon shoreline features which provided logical dividing points. Each Block has been assessed and mapped and has recommended control and timing windows which are provided in Section 5. b) Manual Control i) Backpack Spraying Backpack sprayers come in a variety of styles and can be either hand pump (Figure 6) or battery operated. The hand pump style is much lighter without need for the battery pack and tends to have more spray reach. The herbicide and surfactant used is identical to that used in the Centaur. All applicators must be certified pesticide applicators. The herbicide cannot be applied over water and care must be taken to ensure spray drift lands only on the intended target. Backpack spraying is recommended for sites considered too sensitive for the Centaur to enter, sparse or small patches, cells located along streams and rivers, or in areas where boulders or other obstructions are too plentiful for the Centaur to navigate. Since backpack spraying is far less intrusive on wildlife that may be present, the timing window for application is wider. Frogs, nesting birds or other wildlife are more likely to be observed and avoided by the backpack operator. As long as surface water is not present, backpack spraying can occur anytime after the plant reaches ~1m in height and continue until the first heavy frost. Targeting the plant before it develops a mature seed head would be preferable. Shown: Darren. Jacobs, Sept. 2012 J.M. Gilbert Figure 6. Controlling a patch of invasive Phragmites within a sensitive habitat in Rondeau Bay using a hand pump backpack sprayer. 17 The removal of the standing dead stalks either by rolling, cutting, or fire, prior to the growing season greatly increases the ease in spray application to the targeted plants. It is also safer since the applicator does not have to navigate through the brittle stalks or risk “tripping” hazards. Backpack spraying requires the applicator to follow a strategic plan to ensure that cells are sprayed in a systematic fashion. This reduces the chances of missing sections or spraying sections more than once. Laying out a spray pattern prior to starting with flagging tape or other markers will greatly assist with this process. Since all areas being sprayed must be posted, these markers will also serve as a visual aid to keep people out of the sprayed areas. It is recommended that the site be assessed ~3 weeks after the spray event to control any Phragmites plants that remain green and alive. ii) Herbicide Wicking In some areas where SAR plants are located within a low density Phragmites cell or, on very windy days, hand wicking may be a better option than backpack spraying. Wicking by hand entails the application of the chemical directly to each Phragmites plant. The applicator wears a chemical resistant glove under an absorbent mitt. The mitt is either dipped into a bucket with the herbicide or the chemical is sprayed onto the glove using a spray bottle. The applicator then grabs the Phragmites stalk near the bottom and wipes upward toward the tip (Figure 7). The herbicide and surfactant used is identical to that used with the other methods. All workers must be certified pesticide applicators. D. Jacobs Figure 7. Handwicking invasive Phragmites along the Lake Huron shoreline on a windy day, September 2008. 18 This method also has minimal impact on any wildlife that may be present. The timing window for wicking is quite large, from the time the plant reaches ~1m in height up until the first heavy frost. Targeting the plant before it develops a mature seed head would, be preferable. Much like backpack spraying, a systematic plan for wicking should be established to reduce plants being missed or wicked more than once. A dye can be added to the herbicide to assist with identifying wicked plants. It is also recommended that a grid pattern be flagged to help guide the wickers. iii) Control of wet sites As previously discussed, available methods for controlling Phragmites in standing water remain limited. A pilot project testing the efficacy of using a ‘tenting’ method over Phragmites in standing water at Kettle Point in 2012 showed encouraging results. The ‘tent’ was a heavy, dark canopy draped over a secured frame that had been placed over a Phragmites cell located in standing water. During the Municipality of Kincardine mapping exercise, which occurred in early May of 2013, a few wet sites with Phragmites were observed. If these sites do not de-water over the course of the growing season control using tent structures should be pursued. 19 5. Mapping Phragmites along the Municipality of Kincardine Shoreline In May 2013, the shoreline between Baie du Dore and the MacGregor Point Provincial Park was traversed on foot to record Phragmites locations and densities as well as wildlife presence, flooded areas, native plants, terrain conditions, access points and other relevant information (Figure 8). Phragmites was observed along the entire shoreline with the exception of one short stretch. Figure 8. Satellite image of the Kincardine Shoreline between Baie du Dore and MacGregor Point Provincial Park showing the extent of invasive Phragmites as illustrated by blue flags. The coastline was divided into 16 manageable sections or Blocks using features that provided logical boundary lines (Figure 9). Within some Blocks, Phragmites formed a dense, almost continuous cell along the shoreline while in others it was sparse and patchy. In some Blocks, Phragmites within the area between the shoreline and tree line was widespread and well established while in others it was sparsely scattered or present in small, isolated cells. 20 B16 B15 B14 B13 B12 B11 B10 B9 B8 B7 B6 B5 B4 B3 B2 B1 Figure 9. Location of Phragmites control Blocks accessed for densities and management options along the Municipality of Kincardine shoreline. Approximately 68 ha (~169 acres) of the coastal wetland currently has Phragmites present. Of this, ~25.6 ha has dense (~30% to 100% coverage) Phragmites cells present. Small, less dense cells and scattered Phragmites occur over ~39 ha (~96 acres). One ~3.7 ha (~9 acre) section (Block 12) has no Phragmites present. Maps for each Block showing Phragmites densities and recommended control options were developed using the program Expert GPS and Google Earth images into which the GPS waypoints had been uploaded. Cells outlined in solid green lines represent where all terrain track vehicle use is most appropriate. Sections within the solid white lines represent areas that should be controlled using backpack sprayers or handwicking. Some of these sites had surface water present during the assessment in May and all sites should be evaluated prior to any control activities taking place. Detailed control information for each block is provided below. i) Block 1 Block 1 (Figure 10) is ~ 1.1 ha (~2.7 acres) in size. Of this, 0.4 ha (0.9 ac) is dense Phragmites that can be controlled using the Centaur. The remaining acreage should be controlled using backpack spray units (Table 1). The dense cells had been burned in the early spring of 2013 to allow for easier control. A snapping turtle was observed crossing the road heading toward the lake in the area just behind this Block (Figure 10, WP 374; Figure 11). Within the Block, Canada Geese, Killdeer, gulls and a dead raccoon were observed. With the exception of the dense Phragmites cells along the lake edge, native wetland plants were common throughout (see Appendix A). It is recommended that, 21 due to the proximity of this Block to a boat ramp and fishing area, this area be targeted for control after Labour Day when recreational activity would be much reduced. This section can be accessed from Institute Road which joins to Concession Rd. #8. Block 1 C5 C4 C3 C2 C1 Figure 10. Satellite image showing area for Phragmites control in Block 1. The areas within the white lines (C1, C3, C4) can be controlled using backpack sprayers. The two sections outlined in green (C2, C5) should be controlled using the Centaur. Table 1. Control information pertaining to Block 1 cells labeled in Figure 10. Block 1 Perimeter Cell # distance, m m2 C1 412.0 1997.8 C3 331.7 3754.9 C4 172.5 1276.6 C2 162.3 1415.0 C5 348.7 2114.8 Total 1427.2 10559.2 Backpack 916.2 7029.3 Centaur 511.0 3529.9 Area ha 0.2 0.4 0.1 0.1 0.2 1.1 0.7 0.4 acre 0.5 0.9 0.3 0.3 0.5 2.6 1.7 0.9 Waypoint Recommended # control method Comments 375,376 backpack section along edge of boat ramp and man-made jetty 379-383 backpack 7 small, sparse patches in this area 384-386 backpack 2 small, sparse patches 377,378 Centaur cell had been burned, along edge of lake 387-392 Centaur cell had been burned, along edge of lake observed: snapping turtle,killdeer, gulls, Ca. geese, dead raccoon Centaur able to navigate rocks/bolders in this area 22 Figure 11. Block 1 photos, May 2013: a) snapping turtle, b) spares Phragmites patches along edge of boat ramp, c) Cell 2 area where dense Phragmites had been burned, d) sparse Phragmites in Cell 4. ii) Block 2 Block 2 is ~1 ha (~2.5 ac) in size with 0.4 ha (~1.1 ac) of dense Phragmites (C4) that should be controlled using a Centaur (Figure 12). The remaining area consists of three cells with small patches and scattered Phragmites which should be controlled by a backpack crew (Table 2). Some Phragmites was in standing water in Cell 3 in May but, these shallow depressions should become drier during the summer. It is recommended that this Block be targeted between August and the first heavy frost. This section can be accessed off of Cedarwood Lane which joins to Concession Rd. #8. Photos of this Block are provided in Figure 13. 23 Figure 12. Satellite image showing area for Phragmites control in Block 2. The areas within the white lines (C1, C2, C3) should be controlled using backpack sprayers. The cell outlined in green (C4) should be controlled using a Centaur. Table 2. Control information pertaining to Block 2 cells labeled in Figure 11. Block 2 Perimeter Cell # distance, m C1 128.7 C2 17.5 C3 412.9 C4 436.9 Total 995.9 Backpack 559.1 Centaur 436.9 m2 517.6 20.9 5409.1 4257.1 10204.6 5947.6 4257.1 Area ha 0.1 0.0 0.5 0.4 1.0 0.6 0.4 acre 0.1 0.0 1.3 1.1 2.5 1.5 1.1 Waypoint Recommended # control method Comments 394-396 backpack sparse Phragmites throughout 397 backpack small patch 1x1m 398-399 backpack 10 small patches throughout, some in water 400-405 Centaur Phragmites in this area had been burned Observed: leopard frog, vehicle tracks, yard waste piles 24 Figure 13. Block 2 photos, May 2013: a) view from treed ridge on south side of Block looking toward lake, b) vehicle tracks through coastal meadow marsh, c) view looking toward lake with yard waste pile and wet areas in front. iii) Block 3 Block 3 (Figure 12) is ~ 0.8 ha (~2 acres) in size and of this, 0.2 ha (~0.4 ac) is dense Phragmites in four separate Cells (C1, C6, C9, C12) that can be controlled using the Centaur (Figure 14). The remaining area has 8 Cells with small patches and sparse Phragmites and should be controlled using backpack spray units (Table 3). Three sparse patches are located in front of a cottage and the owners will need to be notified prior to any control activity taking place. It is recommended that this block be targeted for control after Labour Day to reduce impact on recreational activities. Two Least Bitterns were observed in this area and any disturbance to them and other wetland wildlife would also be minimized by spraying after this time period. Access to this Block can be made from Concession Rd. #8. Images of Block 3 are provided in Figure 15. 25 Figure 14. Satellite image showing area for Phragmites control in Block 3. The areas within the green lines (C1, C6, C9, C12) can be controlled using the Centaur while the sections demarcated with the white lines (C2-C5, C7, C8, C10, C11) requires backpack spraying. Table 3. Control information pertaining to Block 3 cells labeled in Figure 14. Block 3 Perimeter Cell # distance, m C2 26.6 C3 29.9 C4 24.3 C5 31.9 C7 125.3 C8 30.2 C10 369.2 C11 30.8 C1 90.3 C6 58.0 C9 170.0 C12 40 Total 1026.4 Backpack 668.1 Centaur 358.3 m2 43.1 56.4 37.7 56.1 874.8 58.1 5212.0 56.2 265.7 172.5 1176.2 100.0 8108.7 6394.3 1714.3 Area ha 0.00 0.01 0.00 0.01 0.09 0.01 0.52 0.01 0.03 0.02 0.12 0.01 0.81 0.64 0.17 acre 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.22 0.01 1.29 0.01 0.07 0.04 0.29 0.02 2.00 1.58 0.42 Waypoint Recommended # control method Comments 415 backpack 4 small 1x1m patches near edge of lake 416 backpack 1 small, sparse patch near edge of lake 417 backpack 1 small, sparse patch near edge of lake 418 backpack 3 small patches in front of cottage 421-424 backpack sparse Phragmites throughout 425 backpack 1 small, sparse patch 432-437 backpack 13 sparse patches, goes along rock wall near road 457 backpack sparse, 2x2m 413-414 Centaur Phragmites had been burned 419-420 Centaur thick patch, in wet seep area 426-428 Centaur burned section, small creek flowing through 435 Centaur dense patch Observed: 2 Least Bitterns flying over 4 cottages in this embayment Figure 15. Block 3 photos, May 2013: a) sparse Phragmites in Cell 2, b) sparse Phragmites in Cell 5. 26 iv) Block 4 Block 4 is ~ 0.2 ha (~0.5 acres) in size (Figure 16) with four cells of sparse Phragmites totaling ~300 m2 which should be controlled using backpack sprayers (Table 4). The remaining area had two dense Phragmites cells which can be controlled using the Centaur. Access to this site can be made from Concession Rd. #8. This Block is located near a boat ramp and boat channel and would best be targeted for control after Labour Day weekend when recreational activity should be greatly reduced. For logistical purposes Blocks 4 and 5 should be targeted on the same day. Figure 16. Satellite image showing area for Phragmites control in Block 4. The area within the white lines (C1, C2) can be controlled using the Centaur while those within the green lines require a backpack sprayer (C3) or wicking (C4). Table 4. Control information pertaining to Block 4 cells labeled in Figure 16. Block 4 Perimeter Cell # distance, m C1 31.5 C2 30.5 C5 35.0 C6 39.0 C3 96.0 C4 214.6 Total 446.6 Backpack 136.0 Centaur 310.6 m2 59.2 62.0 75.1 101.3 498.6 1324.8 2120.9 297.6 1823.3 Area ha 0.006 0.006 0.008 0.010 0.050 0.132 0.212 0.030 0.182 acre 0.015 0.015 0.019 0.025 0.123 0.327 0.524 0.074 0.450 Waypoint Recommended # control method Comments 455 backpack small, sparse patch ~10m x 3m 456 backpack 4 small, sparse patches 467 backpack small, sparse patch ~2m x 2m 468 backpack small, sparse patch ~1m x 1m 458-461 Centaur dense patch 462-466 Centaur dense patch, had been burned 27 v) Block 5 Block 5 takes in the area around a public boat launch and dredged channel which goes out to the lake (Figure 16). There are a number of homes, cottages and trails in this section and control activity would be best left until after Labour Day weekend. All residences should receive notice prior to activity commencing. Most of this Block will require use of the Centaur to control three dense Cells totaling ~1.9 ha (~4.6 acres). Some dense patches have been burned. There are a few small, sparse patches that will require backpack use to control (Table 5). Access to this site can be made from Concession Rd. #8. Table 5. Control information pertaining to Block 5 cells labeled in Figure 16. Block 5 Perimeter Cell # distance, m C3 48.7 C1 495.8 C2 799.7 C4 573.3 Total 1917.5 Backpack 48.7 Centaur 1868.8 m2 132.7 3355.6 11455.4 3705.2 18648.9 132.7 18516.2 Area ha 0.013 0.3 1.1 0.4 1.9 0.013 1.9 acre 0.0 0.8 2.8 0.9 4.6 0.032 4.6 Waypoint Recommended # control method Comments 482 backpack sparse patch ~5m x 5m 471-478 Centaur sparse and dense patches, burned areas 441-453;479-481 Centaur dense patches throughout 484-495 Centaur dsnse patches along shoreline Observed: 3 Northern Water Snakes, Ca. Goose on nest with 6 eggs, 4 Midland Painted Turtles in boat channel Killdeer and Sandpiper sp. along shoreline Figure 17. Block 5 photos, May 2013: a) Phragmites near boat channel in Cell 2, b) Phragmites patch in Cell 2, c) two Northern Water Snakes (Nerodia sipedon) near the edge of the lake in Cell 1. 28 vi) Block 6 Block 6 has dense Phragmites along the shoreline in an area covering ~0.4 ha (~1.1 acres) and could be controlled using the Centaur (Figure 18). Much of the standing dead stalks were burned in March, 2013. This area also has three Cells with sparse, small Phragmites patches covering a total of ~385 m2 which should be sprayed using backpack units (Table 6). One of these cells, C4, is located along the lakeshore in an area with numerous boulders and rocks making it too rough for the Centaur to traverse. Phragmites in Cell 2 was in pooled water with ~9 cm depth in early May, 2013. Access to this Block can be made from the Sunset Drive cul de sac, turning south off Concession Rd. #10. This area has numerous vehicle tracks throughout which is negatively impacting the wetland (Figure 19). It is recommended that this Block be targeted between August and the first heavy frost. Figure 18. Satellite image showing area for Phragmites control in Block 6. The section within the green lines (C3) can be controlled using the Centaur. The three cells outlined in white (C1, C2, C4) should be controlled using backpack spray units. Table 6. Control information pertaining to the Block 6 cells labeled in Figure 18. Block 6 Perimeter Cell # distance, m C1 24.0 C2 23.4 C4 180.5 C3 697.7 Total 925.5 Backpack 227.8 Centaur 697.7 m2 37.5 31.5 316.3 4235.6 4620.9 385.3 4235.6 Area ha 0.00 0.00 0.03 0.42 0.46 0.04 0.42 acre 0.01 0.01 0.08 1.05 1.14 0.10 1.05 Waypoint # 439 438 505-508 496-504 Recommended control method backpack backpack backpack Centaur Comments small, sparse patch ~3m x 5m small, sparse patch ~5m x 10m , in ~9cm deep water 4 small patches, very rocky, too rough for Centaur dense patches along shoreline, burned, varies in width 5m-15m Observed: numerous vehicle tracks throughout meadow marsh, brush piles 29 Figure 19. Block 6 photos, May 2013: a) vehicle tracks in coastal meadow marsh, b) trail coming from Sunset Drive cul de sac through coastal meadow marsh, c) native meadow marsh vegetation and d) vehicle tracks coming into coastal meadow marsh from property with storage shed. vii) Block 7 Block 7 is the largest section and the most impacted by invasive Phragmites (Figure 20). Much of the shoreline has dense Phragmites which extends into the central area of the coastal meadow marsh and covers ~7.8 ha (~19.2 acres; Table 7). The remaining area between the tree line and the dense Phragmites cell has scattered Phragmites throughout and covers an area ~5.4 ha (13.3 acres). Phragmites in this large cell should be controlled using backpack sprayers and in some areas, where Phragmites is growing up between willows, could be hand wicked. Phragmites is growing along a creek which flows through the centre of this Block and along an excavated boat channel at the northern edge. Leopard Frogs were observed near the creek and throughout the less dense section and a Northern Water Snake was swimming along the shoreline. A bird nest was on the edge of a dense Phragmites section on the lake side and a number of birds were seen and heard throughout this area. Numerous large rocks and boulders are present along some sections of the shoreline interspersed by stretches of soft sand or organic muck. ATV tracks and brush piles were also present in this section of coastal meadow marsh. Due to the extent and density of Phragmites, this Block is going to require the greatest amount of effort and time to restore. This Block can be accessed from Sunset Drive turning south off of Concession Rd. 10. It is recommended that this Block be targeted between August and the first heavy frost. 30 Figure 20. Satellite image showing area for Phragmites control in Block 7. The section within the green line (C1) can be controlled using the Centaur. The area outlined in white (C2) should be controlled using backpack. Table 7. Control information pertaining to the Block 7 cells labeled in Figure 20. Block 7 Perimeter Cell # distance, m m2 C2 3961.5 53887.3 C1 4194.1 77672.1 Total 8155.5 131559.4 Backpack 3961.5 53887.3 Centaur 4194.1 77672.1 Area ha 5.4 7.8 13.2 5.4 7.8 acre 13.3 19.2 32.5 13.3 19.2 Waypoint # 543,739 510-537 Recommended control method Comments backpack numerous scattered Phragmites between treeline and dense cell Centaur dense areas along shoreline and into meadow marsh interior Observed: leopard frogs, Killdeers, Northern Water Snakes, Spring Peepers, Ca. Geese, Mallards, shorebirds, raccoon tracks, dead fish,White-throated Sparrows, gulls 31 Figure 21. Block 7 photos: a) dense Phragmites along the shoreline (May 2013), b) Phragmites within the interior of the coastal meadow marsh (May 2013), c) bird nest along edge of Phragmites (July 2012) and, d) Leopard Frod observed in sparse Phragmites section of the coastal meadow marsh (July 2012). viii) Block 8 Block 8 is another large section totaling ~12 ha (~29 acres) with one large dense Phragmites cell and one large Cell with scattered Phragmites throughout (Figure 22). The dense Phragmites occurs in pockets along the shoreline and extends into the interior meadow marsh in some areas. Dense Phragmites is also present along a creek near the road at waypoint #780 (Figure 23). A female Mallard and an unidentified duck were flushed out of this area as were a pair of Red-winged Blackbirds although no nests were found. Four Northern Water Snakes were observed among the rocks along the edge of the lake. Numerous birds were heard while traversing through this section as was a Spring Peeper. There was a groomed beach area between waypoints #746 and #747 with Phragmites on either side and a waterfowl hunting blind was in the Phragmites along the shoreline. Due to the wildlife and recreational use of this section, control would be best left until after Labour Day Weekend. The area with dense Phragmites covers ~7.8 ha (~19.2 acres) and should be controlled using the Centaur (Table 8). This includes an ‘island’ that was connected to the shoreline due to low lake levels. ATV tracks were observed at this site (WP #751) and traversed through the meadow marsh. Smaller pockets of less dense Phragmites were scattered throughout the remaining ~5.4 ha (~13.3 acres) of meadow marsh extending up to the tree line. Numerous rocks and boulders are scattered throughout the entire Block and along the shoreline this is interspersed with sections of sand and soft organic muck. 32 This Block will require similar time and effort as that of Block 7 in order to fully control Phragmites and restore the coastal wetland. It can be accessed from Sunset Drive, turning north off of Concession Rd. 10. Figure 22. Satellite image showing area for Phragmites control in Block 8. The area within the green line (C1) can be controlled using the Centaur. The area outlined in white (C2) has sparse Phragmites and can be controlled using backpack spray units. 33 Figure 23. Block 8 photos, May 2013: a) dense Phragmites along creek near road, b) cleared beach section along lakeshore, c) dense Phragmites along shoreline, and d) sparse Phragmites throughout coastal meadow marsh between tree line and dense section. Table 8. Control information pertaining to cells in Block 8, labeled in Figure 22. Block 8 Perimeter Cell # distance, m C2 2394.3 C1 3602.4 Total 5996.7 Backpack 2394.3 Centaur 3602.4 m2 39489.5 77615.7 117105.2 39489.5 77615.7 Area ha 3.9 7.8 11.7 3.9 7.8 acre 9.8 19.2 28.9 9.6 19.2 Waypoint # 768,780,784,785, 742-767 Recommended control method Comments backpack numerous scattered Phragmites between treeline and dense cell Centaur dense areas along shoreline and into meadow marsh interior Observed: 2 Mute Swans, female Mallard, cormorants, Spring Peeper, pair of Ca. Geese with nest, male and female Red-winged Blackbirds, muskrat tracks 4 Northern Water Snakes, Garter Snake, dead gull and Yellow-shafted Flicker ix) Block 9 Block 9 covers ~9 ha (~22 acres) of coastal meadow marsh (Figure 24; Table 9). Dense Phragmites exists along a ~10 m wide strip along the shoreline, around a wet depression, and along the edge of two small creeks flowing in from the upland. There is also a small (~15 m x 20 m) dense cell (C2) in the central area of the sedge meadow. Cells 1 and 2 can be controlled using a Centaur. The wet depression in Cell 2 appears to dry out since the sediment basin had cracks throughout. There was very little Phragmites in the Cell 3 section but this became much more prevalent in Cells C4 and C5 and will require control using backpack spray units. Within the section of Cell 5 close to the road there was water throughout the sedge meadow and Phragmites was scattered throughout. This may dry out during the summer months. Wildlife observed in this area included Leopard Frogs, Red-winged Black Birds, song birds, American Coot, female Mallard and Garter Snake. Access to this Block can be made off of Sunset Dr. turning north from Concession Rd. #10 but there is a barrier of large boulders running along the 34 lakeside of the road here (Figure 25). It is recommended that this Block be targeted between August and the first heavy frost. Figure 24. Satellite image showing area for Phragmites control in Block 9. The areas within the green lines (C1, C2) can be controlled using the Centaur. The areas outlined in white (C3, C4, C5) has sparse Phragmites and can be controlled using backpack spray units. Table 9. Control information for Block 9 cell labeled in Figure 24. Block 9 Perimeter Cell # distance, m C3 934.8 C4 618.3 C5 775.6 C1 1776.3 C2 70.3 Total 4175.2 Backpack 2328.6 Centaur 1846.6 m2 33578.4 20254.5 18242.8 15618.7 323.8 88018.1 72075.6 15942.4 Area ha 3.358 2.025 1.824 1.562 0.032 8.802 7.208 1.594 acre 8.294 5.003 4.506 3.858 0.080 21.740 17.803 3.938 Waypoint # 827 821 815,817 786-788 791 Recommended control method backpack backpack backpack Centaur Centaur Comments very little Phragmites throughout this section wet sedge meadow section with scattered Phragmites scattered Phragmites throughout area narrow fringe of thick Phragmites along shoreline, around pond and along 2 creeks dense Phragmites cell ~15m x 20 m Observed: Leopard Frog, Red-winged Black Birds, Sparrows, female Mallard Garter Snake, heard Am. Coot, song birds 35 Figure 25. Block 9 photos, May 2013: a) in Cell 1 near the lakeshore looking toward pond, b) wet sedge meadow section near the road with scattered Phragmites throughout, c) rock wall along lakeside edge of road in the area of Block 9, and d) dense Phragmites patch along the lakeshore. x) Block 10 Block 10 takes in ~5.1 ha (~12.6 acres) and includes a small portion of Brucedale Conservation Area managed by Saugeen Conservation (Figure 26; Table 10). The CA section is located in Cell 3 which takes in a groomed beach with Phragmites around the perimeter (Figure 27a). Due to the heavy recreational use of this section of the coastline, control efforts should not occur until after Labour Day weekend and be coordinated with the Saugeen Conservation staff. The section that would best be controlled using the Centaur includes patches of dense Phragmites along the shoreline which in some areas continues back into the central area of the meadow marsh. It tends to become less dense closer to the tree line however, it is still too much to control using backpack sprayer units alone (Figure 27d). 36 Figure 26. Satellite image showing area for Phragmites control in Block 10. The area within the green line (C1) can be controlled using the Centaur. The areas outlined in white (C2, C3, C4) has sparse Phragmites and can be controlled using backpack spray units. Table 10. Control information for each of the Block 10 cells labeled in Figure 26. Block 10 Perimeter Cell # distance, m C2 474.3 C3 304.5 C4 671.3 C1 1315.8 Total 2765.8 Backpack 1450.1 Centaur 1315.8 m2 11032.6 2026.4 6127.5 32002.0 51188.5 19186.5 32002.0 Area ha 1.10 0.20 0.61 3.20 5.12 1.92 3.20 acre 2.73 0.50 1.51 7.90 12.64 4.74 7.90 Waypoint # 813-814 CA beach 805-810 797-805 Recommended control method backpack backpack backpack Centaur Comments very rocky area, sparse Phragmites CA beach section, sand along roadside, Phragmites amongst shrubs in some areas lg section, extends from shoreline up to treeline,sm shoreline sections cleared for recreational use Observed: Red-winged Black Birds, Sparrows, female Mallard w. possible nest, gull w. possible nest, song birds, Garter Snake, 37 Figure 27. Block 10 photos, May 2013: a) cleared beach section for Brucedale CA (Cell 3), b) small cleared section at shoreline with Phragmites pockets on either side, c) sparse Phragmites section near road (Cell 4), and d) dense Phragmites section in Cell 1. xi) Block 11 Block 11 covers ~3.5 ha (~8.6 acres). The densest Phragmites occurs in the central part of this block and extends from the shoreline up to the edge of the road covering a 0.6 ha (1.6 acre) area (Figure 28). This cell (C2) and would best be controlled using the Centaur however, large rocks and boulders are numerous and it may be too rough for the track vehicle to safely navigate. If this is determined, this block can be controlled using backpack units which will also be required to control the sparse Phragmites present throughout the remaining area. Along the east side of the road is a large wetland that did not, at the time of the assessment, appear to have Phragmites. However, an ATV track was observed running through the middle of this marsh and, along with causing harm to flora and fauna, may increase the probability of Phragmites colonizing. There were two Northern Water Snakes observed along the rocky shoreline along with a Canada Goose which was behaving as if she had a nest and there were Leopard Frogs in the wet areas in Cell 3. Pitcher plants were also observed in a wet section in Cell 3. Access to this Block can be made where Concession Rd. #12 ends at Sunset Drive. Timing for control using backpack spray units should be appropriate starting in August while control using the Centaur should occur later in the growing season beginning at the earliest in September. 38 Figure 28. Satellite image showing area for Phragmites control in Block 11. The area within the green line (C2) can be controlled using the Centaur. The areas outlined in white (C1, C3) has sparse Phragmites and can be controlled using backpack spray units. Table 11. Control information for each of the Block 11 cells labeled in Figure 28. Block 11 Perimeter Cell # distance, m C1 684.1 C3 543.9 C2 350.3 Total 1578.3 Backpack 1228.0 Centaur 350.3 m2 17983.9 10594.2 6328.6 34906.6 28578.1 6328.6 Area ha 1.80 1.06 0.63 3.49 2.86 0.63 acre 4.44 2.62 1.56 8.62 7.06 1.56 Waypoint # 804, 831-833 835-840 833-834 Recommended control method Comments backpack small pockets on shoreline and scattered Phragmites back to road edge backpack groundwater seeps throughout this section, very sparse Phragmites throughout Centaur fringe along shoreline extending back to roadside Observed: 2 Northern Water Snakes among rocks along shoreline, flushed out Ca. goose, possibly has nest, Leopard Frogs, pitcher plants, ATV tracks throughout 39 Figure 29. Block 11 photos, May 2013: a) viewpoint from the edge of the road looking toward the lake in Cell 1, b) viewpoint looking north along the edge of Sunset Drive, c) Phragmites along shoreline, and d) groundwater seep in Cell 3. xii) Block 12 Block 12 is a ~3.7 ha (~9.2 acres) stretch of shoreline were no Phragmites plants were observed (Figure 30, Table 12). Some of the shoreline had been altered for boat channels (Figure 31). However, the majority of this area was a relatively unaltered coastal meadow marsh. Phragmites growing in front of 476 Sunset Drive has been actively cut by the property owners since 2008. This has reduced density and expansion in this site but requires continual maintenance to keep the Phragmites at low density. It is recommended that the Phragmites not be cut in the growing season that this section is targeted to be sprayed, to improve efficacy. Control can occur in this area using backpack spray units anytime after the plants reach sufficient height (~1.5 m). 40 Figure 30. Satellite image showing location of Block 12. Table 12. Information pertaining to Block 12. Block 12 Perimeter Cell # distance, m 1437.0 m2 37210.4 Area ha 3.72 acre 9.19 Waypoint # 840, 824 Recommended control method Comments monitor no Phragmites plants were observed throughtout the area between Waypoints 840 and 842 there were three sections of shoreline with excavated boat channels Figure 31. Photo taken in Block 12 from waypoint # 839 looking northeast, May 2013. 41 xiii) Block 13 Block 13 is located where Sunset Drive ends heading north along the lake (Figure 32). This area covers ~3.9 ha (~9.7 acres) and the majority of this section of coastline has scattered Phragmites and small isolated pockets that can be controlled using backpack spray units (Table 13). There are two sections along the shoreline where a dense Phragmites fringe varying between 5m and 10 m in width occurs within a 0.5 ha (1.2 acre) area. These two cells (C1, C2) would be more effectively controlled using the Centaur although control using backpack spray units would also be possible. There are a few cottages in the tree line along this stretch and recreational use of small portions of the shoreline is evident. Contact with these residents should be made before control work commences. If backpack control is to be used, control in this section could occur anytime after the plants reach ~1m in height up until the first heavy frost. Centaur access should be acceptable anytime after the bird nesting period has finished (mid to late June). This section of shoreline could be accessed from cottage lanes, pending permission, or from Sunset Drive. Figure 32. Satellite image showing area for Phragmites control in Block 13. The areas within the green lines (C1, C2) can be controlled using the Centaur. The areas outlined in white (C3, C4, C5) has sparse Phragmites and can be controlled using backpack spray units. 42 Table 13. Control information pertaining to each cell labeled in Figure 22. Block 13 Perimeter Cell # distance, m m2 C3 1437.0 34347.9 C1 107.9 577.9 C2 436.8 4293.0 Total 1981.7 39218.8 Backpack 1437.0 34347.9 Centaur 544.7 4870.9 Area ha 3.43 0.06 0.43 3.92 3.4 0.5 acre 8.48 0.14 1.06 9.69 8.48 1.2 Waypoint # 843-851 845,846 847,848 Recommended control method Comments backpack scattered Phragmites and small pockets throughout this area Centaur fringe of thick Phragmites along shoreline ~10m wide Centaur fringe of thick Phragmites along shoreline ~5m-10m wide Observed: flushed out Ca. Goose, female mallard Figure 33. Photos taken in Block 13, May 2013 showing a) section of shoreline used by cottagers with Phragmites in background, and b) fringe of Phragmites along shoreline. xiv) Block 14 Block 14 is located in the most isolated section along this shoreline and can only be accessed from the same location as that of Block 13 or from entering from the northern end off of Richardson Road (Figure 34). There are four cells (C1-C4) with dense Phragmites in this block which fringe the shoreline and cover an area of ~0.7 ha (~1.8 acres). The remaining ~3.5 ha (~8.6 acre) has scattered Phragmites throughout (Table 14). There are large, wet, shallow depressions throughout this block with Phragmites along the fringe (Figure 35). These would be expected to dry out during dry periods in the summer. This Block could be targeted for control anytime after the bird nesting period has ended (mid to late June). 43 Figure 34. Satellite image showing area for Phragmites control in Block 14. The areas within the green lines (C1, C2, C3, C4) can be controlled using the Centaur. The area outlined in white C5) has sparse Phragmites and can be controlled using backpack spray units. Table 14. Control information pertaining to each cell labeled in Figure 34. Block 14 Perimeter Cell # distance, m m2 C5 1110.8 34815.9 C1 235.2 3160.9 C2 116.9 527.9 C3 309.7 2147.7 C4 381.6 1394.8 Total 2154.2 42047.2 Backpack 1110.8 34815.9 Centaur 1043.4 7231.2 Area ha 3.48 0.32 0.05 0.21 0.14 4.2 3.5 0.7 acre 8.60 0.78 0.13 0.53 0.34 10.4 8.6 1.8 Waypoint Recommended # control method Comments 367,852,855, 858-860 backpack scattered pockets of Phragmites throughout area 851,852 Centaur dense Phragmites which extends from shoreline back to treeline 853,854 Centaur small patch of dense Phragmites along shoreline 856,857 Centaur fringe of dense Phragmites along shoreline ~7m wide 861-863 Centaur fringe of dense Phragmites along shoreline ~7m wide Observed: 2 mallards in pond, no signs of human disturbance in this coastal wetland 44 Figure 35. Photo taken in Block 14 looking toward tree line, May 2013. xv) Block 15 Block 15 covers ~6 ha (~14.8 acres) and has scattered Phragmites throughout (Figure 36, Table 15). This section of coastal meadow marsh has large wet depressions with Phragmites along the fringe (Figure 37). Water in these shallow depressions would be expected to reduce during dry summer months allowing for chemical control. Although the Phragmites is widespread throughout this block, there are no large, dense patches and therefore this entire section would best be controlled using backpack spray units. Timing for control would be best after the wetter sites have dried and prior to the plants developing mature seeds (~late August) but could begin after birds have finished nesting. Access to this site can be made from Richardson Road. 45 Figure 36. Satellite image showing area for Phragmites control area in Block 15. The area within the white line has sparse Phragmites and can be controlled using backpack spray units. Table 15. Control information for Block 15. Block 15 Perimeter Cell # distance, m m2 C1 1099.7 59822.4 Area ha 5.98 acre 14.78 Waypoint # 358-371 Recommended control method Comments backpack scattered Phragmites throughout much of this area Figure 37. Photo taken along the edge of the wet area in Block 15. May 2013. 46 xvi) Block 16 Block 16 is located in the northern most portion of the Municipality of Kincardine shoreline and is adjacent to the MacGregor Point Provincial Park (Figure 38). This section takes in ~2.7 ha (~6.7 acres) and has Phragmites scattered throughout much of this area (Table 16). Despite the prevalence of Phragmites, there are no dense cells that have yet developed and there are numerous large rocks and boulders (Figure 39). Therefore, this site would best be controlled using backpack spray units. There are pockets of Phragmites along the shoreline within the Provincial Park boundary and these areas should also be controlled during the same period, which will require coordination with Park staff. Timing for control of this Block would be best after birds have finished nesting and before Phragmites seeds have matured. Access can be made off of Richardson Road. Figure 38. Satellite image showing area for Phragmites control in Block 16. The area within the white line has sparse Phragmites and can be controlled using backpack spray units. Table 16. Control information for Block 16. Block 16 Cell # C1 Perimeter distance, m 1330.5 m2 27025.4 Area ha 2.70 acre 6.68 Waypoint # 352-356 Recommended control method Comments backpack scattered Phragmites throughout much of this area 47 Figure 39. Photos taken in Block 16, May 2013 showing a) sparse Phragmites along the edge of a pond, b) small Phragmites cell in the coastal meadow marsh, c) Phragmites cell along the edge of the lake, and d) rocks and boulders along the shoreline. 6. RECOMMENDED CONTROL STRATEGY The ultimate goal of Phase I of the Municipality of Kincardine’s Phragmites Management Plan is to restore the coastal region between Baie du Dore and the MacGregor Point Provincial Park. In so doing, the aesthetic qualities and recreational opportunities valued by the local community will be returned and the current threat to native flora and fauna significantly reduced. These objectives can only be achieved with sufficient financial commitments to ensure the current infestation can be controlled in a timely fashion over the next few years. It is recommended that the funds be used to hire a licensed pesticide applicator to control the dense cells and to support a backpack crew to control the sparse areas and those sections a Centaur cannot navigate due to rough terrain. The licensed applicator should have equipment such as a Centaur to enable safe and efficient access and have experience controlling Phragmites in sensitive habitats. It is recommended that the backpack crew consist of at least 5 trained Municipal personnel who would be available as required. One crew member should have a supervisory role to: 1) ensure coordination with the Centaur crew, 2) undertake site visits prior to the target date to assess conditions, 3) develop a spray plan, 4) schedule required crew and manage field work, 5) ensure required signage is posted, 5) communicate planned activities with adjacent property owners and the local community, and 6) write annual reports detailing work completed and planned targets for the following year. It is recommended that the backpack crew undergo on-site training prior to actual control work commencing in 2013. Training should include backpack spray unit and 48 handwicking herbicide application methods, design of spray plan to ensure all cells are targeted, review of health and safety requirements, proper herbicide and surfactant mixing and handling, rare plant identification, overview of hazards, and other important items. The timing window for controlling Phragmites using backpack spray units can be broader than that for Centaur use since they are far less intrusive. Within some areas backpack control could occur between early June when the plants are ~1 m in height up until late fall, before the first heavy frost. Walking through the wetlands with backpack spray units or handwicking should have minimal impact on any wildlife that may be present. The applicator is more likely able to observe, and avoid, chemical contact with non-target species. The use of backpack spray units around residential sites and near recreational areas will have to be timed accordingly. Since we’re recommending spraying between June and fall, I suggest we supplement this plan with a trained biologist to do field reconnaissance prior to each spray event. This will need to be costed into the program. Also, since this will occur during the recreation season, proper communications with the public will be required (notices, signs, etc.). If additional funding can be acquired, more support should go toward this program to increase acreage that can be controlled during one growing season. At the end of the 2013 field season the efficacy of the program should be evaluated to determine how much habitat can realistically be controlled within a given number of manpower hours by both the backpack and Centaur crews. This will guide funding requirements in subsequent years and provide a better projection for anticipated program costs and estimates for dates of completion. Funds will also be required to hire experienced personnel to burn the dead Phragmites after it has been treated in the dense cells. This will significantly reduce seed dispersal and increase native species response the following growing season. The timing window for Phragmites burning along this shoreline would be best between November and March. The actual target dates within this window are constrained by weather which affects wildlife activity and the required conditions to ensure a safe and effective controlled burned. a) Estimated Costs and Projected Control The following recommended control schedule is meant to serve as a guide and should be adjusted accordingly (Table 17). Some areas may be controlled in a much shorter time period than anticipated while others may take longer. Weather and equipment repairs will also impact the amount of acreage that can be controlled within the target period. The Municipality of Kincardine has allocated $20,000 for Phragmites control efforts in 2013. If more funds become available more acreage can be controlled. The estimated costs for controlling the areas are based upon a number of factors including Phragmites densities, travel distance, terrain, as well as aerial coverage. The sections with dense cells will likely require touch up by a backpack crew the following growing 49 season based upon mortality rates which tend to range between ~85% and 100% after one herbicide application. The increase in anticipated funds for years 2014 and 2015 reflects this additional effort required by the backpack crew. It also reflects the additional funds anticipated in order to control the suggested target sites. The three Blocks 1, 2 and 3 are in the vicinity closest to the lands owned by Ontario Power Generation which are heavily infested with Phragmites. Control efforts on these sections would be more efficient if done in concert with similar efforts targeting these areas. It is hoped that a program will be in place and in the process of being implemented by 2016. The Blocks closest to the MacGregor Point Provincial Park, B14, B15, B16 are currently scheduled for control in 2015. However, if more funds become available, and a partnership can be formed with Park staff to work together on this section and the shoreline within the park boundary, this area could be controlled much sooner. Table 17. Recommended control schedule and associated costs for Phase I. Targeted Recommended Priority Sites Control year Block 6 Block 7 Block 4 Block 5 Block 8 Block 9 Block 10 Block 11 Block 12 Block 13 Block 14 Block 15 Block 16 Block 1 Block 2 Block 3 2013 2013 2014 2014 2014 2015 2015 2015 2015 2015 2015 2015 2015 2016 2016 2016 high high high high high high high high high high high high high high high high Estimated control costs $20,000 $27,000 $42,200 $9,000 Estimated control area ha (ac) 0.5(1.1) 13.2(32.5) 0.2(0.5) 1.9(4.6) 11.7(28.9) 8.8(21.7) 5.1(12.6) 3.5(8.6) 0.2(0.5) 3.9(9.7) 4.2(10.4) 6.0(14.8) 6.0(14.8) 1.1(2.6) 1.0(2.5) 0.8(2.0) For the initial control work planned for 2013 it is recommended that the section of shoreline within Blocks 6 and 7 be targeted (Table 18). These areas have well established Phragmites cells which will expand rapidly this coming growing season if not controlled. This section of shoreline does not appear to have much recreational activity 50 and therefore could be targeted for control in August. This timing should not negatively impact any wildlife that may be present in the area. Negative impacts to native plant species should not be high due to the fact that very little desirable vegetation is among the dense cells where the Centaur would be broadcast spraying. And, backpack spot spraying in the less dense cells will reduce spray drift to non-target species. The Centaur and Backpack crews should plan to work on the same days to ensure that all target areas get covered and that there is no overlap in the spraying of cells. The coverage area estimated for the funds available for 2013 may increase or decrease and the 2014 forecast should be adjusted accordingly. The dense cells that get controlled in 2013 should be rolled, if possible, and burned sometime between November 2013 and March 2014. A quote for burning this section should be obtained. Cost estimates for this work are not included in this plan. Table 18. Suggested target areas, dates and estimated costs for 2013. Target Blocks Estimated Control area B6 0.4 ha (1.1 ac) 3 cells ~385 m2 B7 7.8 ha (19.2 ac) 5.4 ha (13.3 ac) Total 8.2 ha (20.3 ac) 5.5 ha (13.5 ac) 13.6 ha (33.6 ac) Est. costs Centaur Crew $0.5k Backpack Crew (2-3 people) $0.25k Centaur Crew $15k Backpack Crew (4-5 people) $4.25k Centaur Crew: $15.5K Backpack Crew: $4.5K $20k Est. days (8hrs) Target Window 0.5 0.25 Aug-Oct Aug-Oct 3-5 3-6 Aug-Oct Aug-Oct Comments the Centaur and backpack crews should attempt to work on the same days The Blocks recommended for control in 2014 include sections to the south and north of the blocks to be targeted in 2013 (Table 19). Blocks 4, 5 and 8 are in areas where summer recreational activity occurs and should therefore be accessed after Labour Day Weekend. These sections will require both Centaur and backpack application and crews should plan to work on the same days to ensure that all cells get covered and that there is no overlap in the spraying of cells. The areas sprayed in 2013 will likely need touch up and a backpack crew can do this work anytime after the plant reaches sufficient height (early-mid June). The dense cells in Blocks 4 and 5 were burned in the spring of 2013 and may not require further treatment after herbicide application. The dense cells in Block 8 should however, require rolling, if possible, and be burned. This could take place anytime between November 2014 and March 2015. The estimated cost for this activity 51 depends on whether or not Blocks 4 and 5 will also need burning and can be adjusted accordingly. Table 19. Suggested target areas, dates and estimated costs for 2014. Target Blocks Estimated Control area B6,B7 0.4 ha (1 ac) B4 0.2 ha (0.5 ac) 4 cells ~298 m2 B5 1.9 ha (4.6 ac) 1 cell ~133 m2 B8 7.8 ha (19.2 ac) 3.9 ha (9.6 ac) Total 9.9 ha (24.3 ac) 4.4 ha (10.8 ac) 14.2 ha (35.1 ac) Est. costs Backpack Crew (2-3 people) $0.5k Centaur Crew $0.5k Backpack Crew (2-3 people) $0.5k Centaur Crew $5k Backpack Crew (2-3 people) $0.5k Centaur Crew $15k Backpack Crew (4-5 people) $5k Centaur Crew: $20.5K Backpack Crew: $6.5K $27K Est. days (8hrs) Target Window 0.25 Touch up of cells June-Oct targeted the previous year 0.25 0.25 Sep-Oct Sep-Oct 0.5 0.25 Sep-Oct Sep-Oct 3-5 3-6 Sep-Oct Sep-Oct Comments the Centaur and backpack crews should attempt to work on the same days Year 2015 efforts should focus on the remaining shoreline between Block 8 and MacGregor Point Provincial Park. The Blocks targeted in 2013 should require no to very minimal touch up while the Blocks controlled in 2014 may require touchup efforts in the areas that were most dense. These areas can be targeted any time after the plants are sufficiently developed and should only require a backpack crew of 2-3 people for one day. Blocks 14, 15 and 16 have a very rocky shoreline and may have to be done with backpack sprayers. These are larger sections and will require much walking. Use of an ATV to transport mixed chemical and supplies may be beneficial. These sections should be done the same year that the shoreline within the MacGregor Point Provincial Park is targeted. If recreational use in these areas is high during the summer months they may best be left until after Labour Day weekend. If this is not an issue, these areas could be targeted anytime after birds have finished nesting in late June. 52 Blocks 9 through 13 are all in areas where summer recreational activity takes place, including the Brucedale Conservation Authority visitors, and should be controlled after Labour Day weekend. With the exception of Block 12, all sites require both Centaur and backpack crews and they should coordinate efforts to ensure all areas get sprayed and reduce duplicating spray efforts. Block 12 did not have any visible Phragmites plants present at the time of this assessment in May 2012. However, it was subsequently learned that property owners in this area have been controlling Phragmites by cutting plants every summer since 2008. Notice of impending chemical control efforts should go out to these residents early in the growing season to ensure plants are present at the time control efforts are planned. These plants could be sprayed in June using backpack units along with the section in Block 13. The dense Phragmites in Blocks 14, 15 and 16 could be burned between November 2015 and March 2016. Due to the rough terrain, these areas will not be able to be rolled first. Estimates for burning this section of shoreline will have to be obtained. 53 Table 20. Suggested target areas, dates and estimated costs for 2015. Target Blocks Estimated Control area B6-B7 0 B4,B5, B8 0.8 (2 ac) B9 1.6 ha (3.9 ac) 7.2 ha (17.8 ac) B10 3.2 ha (7.9 ac) 1.9 ha (4.7 ac) B11 0.6 ha (1.6 ac) 2.9 ha (7.1 ac) B12 0.2 ha (0.5 ac) B13 0.5 ha (1.2 ac) 3.4 ha (8.5 ac) Est. costs Backpack Crew (2-3 people) Backpack Crew (2-3 people) $0.5k Centaur Crew $4.5k Backpack Crew (4-5 people) $6.1k Centaur Crew $9k Backpack Crew (2-3 people) $1.6k Est. days (8hrs) 0.25 0.25 2-4 0.5-1 0.5-1 Centaur Crew $1.5k Backpack Crew (3-4 people) $2.5k Backpack Crew (2-3 people) $0.5k 0.25-1 1-3 Centaur Crew $0.8k Backpack Crew (4-5 people) $3k 0.25-1 1-3 0.25 Target Window Comments June-Oct Touch up if needed June, Touch up as Sep-Oct required Aug-Oct the Centaur and backpack crews should attempt to work on the same days Sep-Oct Shoreline used by Brucedale CA visitors; the Centaur and backpack crews should attempt to work on the same days Sep-Oct the Centaur and Aug-Oct backpack crews should attempt to work on the same days June-Oct Contact landowners at 476 Sunset Dr. the spring before treatment; currently cut plants Aug-Oct the Centaur and June-Oct backpack crews should attempt to work on the same days 54 Table 20 continued Target Blocks Estimated Control area B14 0.7 ha (1.8 ac) 3.5 ha (8.6 ac) B15 6.0 ha (14.8 ac) B16 2.7 ha (6.7 ac) Total 6.6 ha (16.4 ac) 28.6 ha (70.7 ac) 35.2 ha (87.1 ac) Est. costs Centaur Crew $1.5k Backpack Crew (4-5 people) $3k Backpack Crew (4-5 people) $5k Backpack Crew (4-5 people) $2.5k Est. days (8hrs) 0.5-1 2-4 3-6 2-4 Target Window Comments Aug-Oct the Centaur and June-Oct backpack crews should attempt to work on the same days June-Oct Very rocky terrain and dense cells along shoreline June-Oct may best be controlled using backpack spray units Centaur Crew: $17.5k Backpack Crew: $24.7k $42.2K By year 2016 only three small sections requiring Phragmites control should remain, Blocks 1, 2, and 3 (Table 21). These are located within the southern portion of the shoreline near Baie du Dore and the Bruce Nuclear Power Development (BNPD) property. It is anticipated that by 2016, restoration efforts will be well underway within the BNPD owned section of shoreline. This will greatly reduce re-infestation of the controlled sites. The Blocks controlled over the previous years will have to be assessed and any required touch-up work undertaken by a backpack spray crew. 55 Table 21. Suggested target areas, dates and estimated costs for 2016. Target Blocks Estimated Control area Est. costs Est. days (8hrs) B6-B7 Target Window Comments Touch up if needed Touch up if June-Oct needed Touch up as June-Oct required Recreational area, Sep-Oct therefore best controlled Sep-Oct after Labour Sep-Oct Day weekend; the Centaur and backpack Sep-Oct crews should Sep-Oct attempt to work on the same days June-Oct B4,B5, B8 B9B16 Backpack Crew (2-3 people) $5k Centaur Crew $1k B1 0.4 ha (0.9 ac) 0.7 ha (1.7 ac) B2 0.4 ha (1.1 ac) 0.6 ha (1.5 ac) B3 0.2 ha (0.4 ac) 0.6 ha (1.6 ac) Total Centaur Crew: $2.5k 1.0 ha (2.4 ac) Backpack Crew: 1.9 ha (4.8 ac) $6.5k 2.9 ha (7.2 ac) $9k Backpack Crew (2-3 people)$0.5k Centaur Crew $1k Backpack Crew (3-4 people) $0.5k 3-5 0.25 0.5 0.25 0.5 Centaur Crew $0.5k Backpack Crew (2-3 people)$0.5k 0.25 0.5 0.5 1-2 56 b) Long-term Monitoring and Rapid Response Program It is anticipated that, with sufficient funding support, a reasonable expectation for control of Phragmites within all mapped Blocks could be achieved by the fall of 2016. Once this goal has been achieved, an ongoing program to monitor and rapidly control newly establishing Phragmites plants should be in place. This can be designed as a community wide reporting program with a contact person responsible for control. Minimal funds would be required each year for equipment maintenance, chemical purchase, training and other expenses. The program could also be expanded to include other problematic invasive plants which require similar control methods. Without this program in place, the existing Phragmites issue within the Municipality of Kincardine is likely to return and the efforts and funds invested will be wasted. Since this shoreline does not exist in isolation, the Phragmites currently invading adjacent coastlines should also be controlled to reduce re-infestation rates. Phase II of this program should focus on these areas. It is anticipated that this Phragmites Management Plan will be used to guide a highly successful restoration effort that will become a model project for other Municipalities within the province requiring similar efforts. 57 7. LONG TERM MANAGEMENT PLAN During the implementation of Phase I the Municipality should begin making plans for the long term coordination of Phragmites control in Kincardine. There are other areas of the Municipality, particularly along the south shoreline (Inverhuron to Boiler Beach), where Phragmites also exists and, if not controlled, will continue to spread. The following actions are recommended to enable the development of an effective early detection, rapid response Phragmites Control Program. A schematic diagram is provided for visual reference (Figure 40). Recommendation 1: Designate a Project Coordinator for Phragmites Control in Kincardine. Phragmites control is a complicated process, and having one person from the Municipality designated as the program coordinator would be a great benefit. Recommendation 2: Mapping There are two components to mapping that should be considered. 1) Occurrence mapping: The Lake Huron Centre for Coastal Conservation (Alexander, 2012) identified significant stands of Phragmites growing on the Lake Huron shoreline from Tobermory to Sarnia. These mapping details illustrate that a significant infestation does occur along the shoreline south of Bruce Power. This invasion presents itself like patchwork along the shore all the way up to the marina at Station Beach. Station Beach itself had no evidence of any Phragmites in 2011 when the survey work was complete, but a significant patch was found growing at Boiler Beach. The Friends of the Penetangore Watershed group collected some mapping details for the Coastal Centre in 2011. The results indicated that Phragmites was established in specific locations throughout the Penetangore Watershed, particularly in ditches. The entire watershed was not mapped, only the Phragmites stands that were easily seen from roads were reported. Although the rest of the Municipality has not been formally surveyed for the presence or absence of Phragmites, it does appear that Phragmites is not as serious an issue as it is for the shoreline, and that the infestations which currently occur in some ditches can be controlled using backpack sprayers. 58 Since the available occurrence mapping is isolated to the shoreline that is where the control work should begin. However, because of the aggressive nature of Phragmites, it is important to locate and control small stands that have established along waterways and ditches before they become a serious local issue or spread back to the shoreline. Option 1: Use a student. Mapping Phragmites occurrence using GPS technology is a very interesting, healthy and educational summer job for a student. In Kincardine, detailed mapping of river banks, creeks, drains, ditches and interior wetland areas may not take a full summer, as it appears that Phragmites does not present a serious problem for interior areas. Option 2: Train public works staff to recognize and report Phragmites occurrences. Municipal staffs that travel the rural areas can report where Phragmites occurs. A printed master map could be developed for staff to record their sightings on, and/or a map created in GIS format, where the data can be added. Using GPS technology to accurately record the location of Phragmites stands is recommended. This will provide valuable information to the municipality for the implementation of a rapid response, before stands of Phragmites has the opportunity to expand into a larger and more costly problem. 2) Management Program Tracking: GIS software is a useful tool to organize and coordinate control efforts and track progress. Phase I blocks could be imported into a Phragmites Management Project file in which maps are created using layers or colours to identify the areas that have been controlled, those targeted to be sprayed, those requiring a burn and, controlled areas to be monitored. Alternatively, a similar and less expensive system could be employed using a large printed map and coloured markers or tacks. Recommendation 3: Build a team of Back-Pack Sprayers that are trained to control Phragmites. A minimum of 2 licensed Landscape Exterminators are recommended, with 3 licensed Pesticide Technician’s working under each exterminator. The Municipality may already have licensed exterminators on staff. Training information for the Exterminator Course and Pesticide Technician Course is available at http://www.ontariopesticide.com/index.cfm/home-page/ Once they have acquired the required licenses, the Exterminators and Pesticide Technicians should receive additional training on herbicide application techniques specific to the control of Phragmites. They should also learn how to identify the natural heritage features that may be impacted during control programs. This will help build the capacity of the municipality to be able to carry out an ongoing program without the reliance and expense of outside contractors. 59 Recommendation 4: Hire Prescribed Burn Experts to complete all burning activities Prescribed Burning is an essential phase of an Integrated Pesticide Management Plan. Burning removes dead biomass, reduces seed dispersal, and allows for a quicker return of native species. This method is most effective in the dense Phragmites cells and is not required in the sparse areas. It is highly recommended that Prescribed Burn Experts be engaged for the planning and implementation of any/all burns of Phragmites. Recommendation 5: Community Outreach and Education Information about the Phragmites Control Program should be made available to all residents of the Municipality. This could entail postings on the Municipal website, local newspaper and radio ads, development of a pamphlet to be distributed throughout the community, and information signage at select locations. Residents and property owners within each area targeted for control should receive notification about planned activities and periodic updates, through email, phone calls, letters or direct personal contact. In order to reduce the likelihood of a re-infestation of Phragmites on the shoreline, it is important to work with the residents of Kincardine, particularly those who live along the shoreline, to reduce the occurrence of activities that impact the health of coastal ecosystems. ATV use on the shoreline (i.e. west of the shore road) must be eliminated. ATV tracks are a common site within the northern coastal wetlands. They are a known spread vector of Phragmites and can impact, and sometimes kill, native species leaving disturbed pockets of wetland that are ideal for Phragmites colonization. Dumping activities must also be addressed. Field studies in the north wetland areas revealed several sites where piles of yard waste, compost and debris had been deposited. Dumping organic waste into a wetland can introduce other invasive species, smother and kill native plants, alter water flow and cause nutrient loading that contributes to algae formation. Non-native landscaping practices should be discouraged. Encouraging local nurseries and greenhouses to participate in the Ontario Invasive Plant Council’s “Grow me Instead” program could help boost the use of native species in landscaping projects. Promoting the use of native species for public landscaping projects reduces the possibility of introducing new invasive species and helps deliver a strong message to residents and horticultural businesses in the area. This is something the municipality may wish to partner with the Coastal Centre to implement. 60 Recommendation 6: Manage Spread Vectors The Ontario Invasive Plant Council has recently released “Clean Equipment Protocols” aimed at those working with heavy equipment. This booklet (available from the Coastal Centre) provides general information on the more problematic invasive plants, how they are being spread through use of heavy equipment, and how to ensure that various pieces of machinery are properly cleaned and inspected for invasive species. It is highly recommended that the Municipality require contractors and public works staff to follow the protocols while working within the Municipality of Kincardine. Other groups that should also be made aware of and encouraged/required to follow these protocols, include recreational camps, trailer parks, ATV clubs and off-road biking groups. Phragmites should be controlled within all roadside ditches, and the agricultural community should be encouraged to control their tile drainage ditches. Phragmites in ditches represents a spread vector, and dense stands can cause water flow issues. The Municipality has been requested by residents to control Phragmites, thus it would be reasonable for the Municipality to request residents to refrain from planting exotic species that may become invasive in natural areas, and to check/clean shoes and equipment when leaving and entering natural areas, particularly the shoreline. It would be unfortunate for everyone should another invasive establish and become similarly problematic. Recommendation 7: Establish Partnerships Kincardine has an established partnership with the Coastal Centre, and the Centre is available as a technical resource. The Municipality of Kincardine is bordered by Huron-Kinloss in the south and Saugeen Shores in the north. Both neighbouring Municipalities have implemented successful Phragmites control programs. Huron-Kinloss should be notified of any planned control work involving the use of pesticides at Boiler Beach, so the Work doesn’t duplicate what they are already doing to control Phragmites in their municipality. Kincardine borders two Provincial Parks: MacGregor Point Provincial Park in the north and Inverhuron in the central area. The current Area Supervisor is Keith Early. Keith has been made aware of the Municipality’s plans to control Phragmites along the north shore. Preliminary discussions have taken place with MacGregor Point Provincial Park staff regarding a collaborative effort to control Phragmites along the neighboring borders. It is highly recommended that the Phragmites Control Coordinator within the Municipality continue this dialogue. 61 Inverhuron Provincial Park shares a boundary with the Ontario Power Generation (OPG) and, since dense Phragmites cells are present along this shoreline, both properties need to be controlled in concert. Much of the OPG property has become severely infested with Phragmites, and the Baie du Dore area is currently under threat. The Municipality should approach Bruce Power and OPG about a Phragmites Control Plan for their properties. The plan would be similar to the one developed for the project area, but would likely be implemented by Bruce Power employees. Without action within the OPG properties the Municipality will have to continually monitor for newly established stands spreading from Baie du Dore onto Municipal Property, and Ontario Parks staff will also have to treat Phragmites at Inverhuron, up to the property boundary fence, year after year. It is recommended that a meeting be scheduled between the Municipality, OPG, Bruce Power, Ontario Parks, Janice Gilbert, and the Coastal Centre to begin discussions on how to develop the partnerships that will be required to ensure this entire stretch of sensitive shoreline is restored. 8. MANAGEMENT PLAN SUMMARY Implementing the Phase I Management Plan for the coastal wetlands in north Kincardine will result in the control of the large dense stands of Phragmites, and will also prepare the Municipality for the implementation of Phase II, which will address other shoreline areas. The components of the long term management plan are all equally important and should be implemented in tandem. A multi-tasked approach will ensure the control program progresses annually along the shoreline, resulting in the control of as much of the Phragmites infestation as possible by 2017. The schematic diagram provides a visual of the various components of a long term management plan (Figure 40). Phase I Management Plan was drafted for the Bruce Addition because of the sensitivities of this area (Species at Risk, standing water, rare flora and fauna, etc.) With the acquisition of an OMNR Letter of Opinion, the Phragmites infestation along the remaining shoreline is controllable using back pack sprayers and a combination of all the described components. 62 Figure 40. Schematic diagram showing the various components of a long term Phragmites Management Plan. 63 REFERENCES Alexander, K., 2012. Phragmites australis in Coastal Environments, prepared by the Lake Huron Centre for Coastal Conservation, 57pp + Appendix Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, Invasive Phragmites – Best Management Practices, Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, Peterborough, Ontario. Version 2011. 15p. 64 Kincardine Shoreline Pipeline Debt September 18, 2013 Purpose Council has directed staff to revisit the issue of the Kincardine Shoreline Pipeline Debt and to develop possible solutions to extinguish this debt. Staff is presenting 5 possible options for Council’s consideration. Background: Construction of shoreline water pipeline for a net cost after grants of $4.868M Total system capacity = 836 ERUs Connection was not mandatory 358 ERUs connected or paid at inception + 204 ERUs financed over 15 years 274 ERUs did not connect or pay Result = Unfunded capital outlay of ~ $1.5M Capital Costs: 2004 Original Capital Charge = $5,802 (+CPI) Fire Protection Capital Cost = $379 (+CPI) Contribution to Reserve Fund = $300 Premium: 2005 = 25% ($7,252 + CPI) 2006 = 30% ($7,543 + CPI) 2007 = 40% ($8,123 + CPI) 2008 – 2011 = 50% ($8,703 + CPI) 2012 + thereafter = 100% ($11,604 + CPI) Total 2013 Fee = $14,519.48 Connection History: Since 2005, 23 ERUs have connected or paid at a premium + 7 connections for severed lots Average rate of 3 hook-ups per year $1,514,347 ÷ (3 x $14,070) = 36 years Status quo, it would take 36 years to extinguish the stranded debt ignoring any additional interest costs Financial Considerations: Cash flows are constrained under the current arrangement, as principal and interest payments must be funded through the budget In 2012, the difference between external loan inflows and outflows amounted to $87,850. Until such time that all property owners connect to the pipeline, this gap will continue to be funded through the annual operating budget The capital charge premium has reached its maximum of 100%, and therefore the incentive to hook-up is now greatly reduced Option 1: Mandatory Payment and Connection Implement mandatory connection and payment such that all properties with a dwelling must pay and be connected to the pipeline and fund their capital charge, including CPI but excluding the premium. Total capital charge = $5,802 base + $1,082.87 CPI + $300 reserve fund contribution = $7,184.87 Remaining vacant lots will be assessed the above capital charge plus the fire capital charge of $379 + CPI = $449.74 A refund of the premium charge would be provided to the 23 property owners that have connected between 2005 – 2013 Option 1 continued… Property owners would be given the following payment options: Lump sum payment in full by December 2014 Financing through the municipality over a 10year term at our external borrowing rate + 1%. Under this option, the average property owner could expect to pay ~$900/year. Option 1 continued… If all remaining 251 ERUs paid the capital charge of $7,185 and premiums of ~ $60K were refunded to the 23 properties, this would generate ~ $1.75M After adjusting for interest, this would be sufficient to extinguish the stranded pipeline debt Any residual would be transferred to water reserve funds Option 2: Mandatory Payment Only Implement mandatory payment only, and allow the pipeline connection to be optional Capital charge would be the same as in Option 1 Property owners would be given the option of staying on their own water system after paying the capital cost Would not generate any additional revenues for water operations through user charges Option 3: Fund the stranded debt through reserve funds Withdraw the monies out of reserve funds to pay off the pipeline debt The water reserve funds are estimated to be $5.2M at the end of 2013, which is sufficient to extinguish the stranded debt of $1.5M Option 3 continued… Staff is not in support of this option for the following reasons: The monies in these reserve funds were generated by existing water users have already paid their respective capital charges A full-cost recovery system has been established to ensure that sufficient funds are available to fund future capital and maintenance costs of the water system Withdrawing these funds for debt repayment may necessitate future rate increases Option 4: Status Quo The status quo option would continue on with optional connections using the existing pipeline capital charges of $14,070 Based on historical averages, this is estimated to take 36 years Staff is not in support of this option as it does not directly address the issue Option 5: Deferral Defer the decision on resolving the pipeline debt until completion of the Inverhuron Environmental Assessment (EA) This may allow for greater consistency between the two projects Additional Considerations: A large number of Inverhuron residents were provided with water servicing in conjunction with the Kincardine pipeline project but chose not to connect due to non-mandatory connection policies In 2011, Council supported several Guiding Principles for the new Inverhuron pipeline project. Included in those Principles was a mandatory connection policy for all pipeline properties in Inverhuron, including properties from the original Kincardine pipeline project. The Principles also included implementing a base water capital charge that was consistent among all water customers. A base capital charge for customers in the new Inverhuron pipeline project has been estimated at $7,700, which is comparable to the mandatory payment amount in Option 1 of $7,185 (based on historical costs + CPI) Additional Considerations: Mandatory connection for the Kincardine pipeline will ensure fairness among neighboring properties Capital contributions from customers to be serviced through the new Inverhuron pipeline project will not be applied to pay down the stranded debt. Only those contributions from water customers that chose not to connect to the Kincardine pipeline will be applied. Recommendation Option 1 for the following reasons: Generates sufficient income to extinguish the stranded debt Reserve funds remain intact Ensures a level of consistency and fairness among neighbouring residents Supports the Guiding Principles that were adopted for the Inverhuron pipeline project Inverhuron Study Area . Paid connected Paid Fire Charge Paid not connected Not Paid Not Connected InverhuronStudyArea Pipeline Inverhuron EA Study Area WOOD ST ALMA ST RICHARDS DR WHISPERING WOODS NEIL PL LOIS ST HERBERT PL ST ST CAMERON NLEY BRUCE ROAD 15 MILL ST SARA ST EBSTER ST KING ST MANS ST E ST RAE ESSION 11 ESSION 9 ARGYLE ST PATERSON ST CONQUERGOOD AVE KING ST ST HIGHWAY 21 MAIN ST CONCESSION 5 SMITH ST ELIZABETH HLINE EXTENSION JOHN ST CONCESSION 2 COLLINS DR LORNE BEACH RD CR BR RD PARKWOOD OO KV IEW EASTWOOD CR NORTH CEDAR LN KINHURON RD CEDAR LN SOUTH BRUCE ROAD 23 OSS STCHURCH ST IS GGETT LN Y CONCESSION 7 ACKERT LN NE MACLEOD DR VERNA LN LINDEN LN LN SANDPIPER DAWSON DR CRAIG DR WICKHAM COVE LN HARTWICK LN O ST MAPLE ST H LINE MACCASKILL RD INVERLYN CRES N CRES S N CE L RWILL LN REN CL A CR INVERLYN GE K LN MC BL KEN ANLN DRZIE MITCHELL CH HARVEY LN E JARREL ANDERSENLN LN L LN AVE ALBERT RD MCPHERSON RD DR N D LN N AVE E RE VE M EDGEEA E R RRACE AV TE T ENWAN AVE CRO CR ND LA O OD ST RID CR GIN ST RIG RAS N N ST E E U Q YL NE HA LN BEACH RIDGE WHIPPOO ON LOWE R RD SAN BEACSAMONA BEACH LN RHD AC DY C BEH RR INVERREGO NESS NESS CG SOUTH NO A RT M H WILSS LYN CRES ON C R MCCONNELL DR UR SPAR W IRCH PL B JORDAN RD ROBBIE LN EWOO ITE REDMOND DR L EY TR N VALL SAUGEE W RUFF RD SPRUC WH IE NV RO HU SHADY LN VICTORIA ST Lakeshore AR C RESD RDD R AE C ED ST RED ON S ST R N HNE I KUE RD OBBEACH UPPER LORRNE WHISPER LNCAYLEY ST WELLINGTON ST LAKE ST ARCHIE STDANIEL ALBERT ST RD CEDAR DR VICTORIA ST PINE ST R TIE SIDEROAD J/1 D TRE‐2013 S357 & 358 Applications ‐ Cancellation or Reduction in Property Taxes Attachment Appeal No. Property Location Roll Number Explanation Revised June 20, 2013 Tax Year Amount Municipal Share 2013‐44 1893 Bruce Rd 20 4108‐260‐001‐22500 no industrial activity since new owner purchased on April 27/11. Therefore change in tax class from IT to CT and RT 2011 $1,416.27 $216.23 Section 358(1) 2013‐45 1893 Bruce Rd 20 4108‐260‐001‐22500 no industrial activity since new owner purchased on April 27/11. Therefore change in tax class from IT to CT and RT 2012 $1,790.54 $341.53 Section 358(1) 2013‐46 Durham St 4108‐220‐007‐09413 change in tax class from Residential to Farm. MPAC processed the incorrect document and therefore OMAFRA did not assign the farm tax class but has confirmed property qualifies 2012 $275.46 $120.22 Section 357 (1)(f) 2013‐47 Durham St 4108‐220‐007‐09415 change in tax class from Residential to Farm. MPAC processed the incorrect document and therefore OMAFRA did not assign the farm tax class but has confirmed property qualifies 2012 $222.81 $97.24 Section 357 (1)(f) $3,705.08 $775.22 C:\Users\jlawrie\AppData\Local\Temp\notes9A489A\S357_358_Sept30 Notes
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