P.O. Box 1120 *
Sundridge ON * P0A
1Z0
Phone (705) 384-5819 Fax (705) 384- 5892
Chair: Merlyn Snow: Merlyn.snow@sympatico.ca Vice Chair: Ron Bennison: rbennison@vianet.ca
February 16, 2011
Machar Township Municipal Office
Present: Strong- Merlyn Snow, John Newstead
Sundridge- Elgin Schneider, Bill de Vries
South River- Bill OHallarn, Jeff Dickerson
Joly- Betty Barnes
Machar- Doug Maeck, Ron Bennison
Guests: Adam Martin, Dave Bell LPS Avia Consulting
Pat Aspin Lecour NECO
Fed Nor Ron Begin
Staff Present: Tera Kincaid, Recording Secretary
Caitlin Unger, Recording Secretary
The meeting was called to order at 9:30 am by Merlyn Snow.
The Chair introduces Caitlin Unger, the new Recording Secretary.
Guest
Introductions/General Discussion Adam Martin, Dave Bell from LPS Avia
Consulting
Adam Martin and Dave Bell from LPS Avia Consulting were in attendance to gather information and add value to the report being worked on for the Sundridge and South River airport.
Ron Begin suggested that one option to consider moving forward would be to consider selling or leasing the airport on a global scale to produce more economic options job creation, economic sustainability - for the area since most municipalities are financially challenged for this project. South River raised concern that paying for the property took 3% of their budget, with little use/economic benefit. Ron also suggested that each municipality must recognize that there is a liability associated if they do nothing further with the airport and challenged LPS to interview the government to find out the role of infrastructure in creating jobs. Bill de Vries reminded those in attendance that the Minister will not proceed until a true business plan is created.
Doug Maeck questioned whether the property is a certified Airport and what criteria would need to be met to become one. Adam Martin addressed the criteria including having scheduled service, being inside a city or if the Minister deems it so, but that it is a large administrative burden that this area cannot support. Adam shared that the LPS plan includes criteria for certification and plans to do so eventually.
A final issue discussed was looking at the cost/benefit analysis between the airport and the community. The final balance sheet of the airport may not show gains but the community may produce gains through increased business from those using the airport. Dave Bell shared that the economic viability of the airport is hard to sell to taxpayers because most local people are not using it and therefore do not see a direct benefit. Ron Begin closed the discussion advising attendees to consider the escape clause of closing down the airport in terms of existing equipment lease agreements.
Guest
Introduction/General Discussion Pat Aspin Lecour, NECO
Pat Aspin Lecour from NECO was in attendance to discuss the application. She shared that the program direction of NECO has changed from social to economic development approach to funding such as job creation, economic development and stimulation of the economy. She shared that the committee determines the amount of funding to be received but she makes a case for the businesses by showing the economic impact. She suggested that the group look at ways to show the committee a means to an end in the resubmitted application by creating a business case for use, showing increasing events and job creation as most applications fail to show this. She suggested including statistics to support ideas but to be sure to research, follow through, and ultimately be logical to the application.
Pat also shared that NECO provides loans for businesses to start-up or expand, including mentoring programs and programs to increase business skills. The rate is Prime +2 and has flexible pay-back options. Jeff Dickerson suggested promoting NECO loans to community businesses since he was concerned that NECO may lose funding due to a decrease in the number of received applications.
General
Discussion
Bill de Vries brought up the CAEDA Strategic Plan and whether there would be any actions on the recommendations, but more specifically the appointing of a Economic Development Officer (EDO) to work in each Municipality. He also mentioned that the EDO could work on the NECO application and the other Strategic Plan recommendations, as well as assisting in business development and creating new business. It was advised that a plan should be created to show the cost to hire an EDO for each municipality including a cost analysis, scope of work, job description, proposal, budget, office location, and background support. They want to get the EDO from Powassan to speak to the group outlining her contribution to the area and find comparative EDO job descriptions from other municipalities. Ron Begin reminded the group that an EDO would take years to lay a foundation for economic development and should be offered a longer work contract (over 1 year). He advised the group to manage expectations moving forward.
Bill de Vries also led discussion on Highway signage once Highway 11 is bypassed. He addressed the group to gather opinions on whether they should do signs together and locations. All members agreed to discuss the matter with their respective Council members. Merlyn Snow shared that the MTO agreed to take members on a drive of the new highway so they can see where the most effective areas to include signs would be. de Vries shared that each municipality is allowed 2 signs on each side of the highway, with 4 businesses on each. It was discussed that the signs should rather include a website with all businesses and the municipal websites. Betty Barnes advised that it was not logical to include each area because most people are most familiar with Sundridge and South River, that the signs should be related to area maps.
Merlyn advised the group that the Friends of Mikisew meeting would be held at the Sundridge Community Center on Thursday February 17, 2011 at 7:00pm. He also asked that everyone attend for support.
Correspondence:
E-mail from Powassan Council
An email had been sent to Roger Labelle, CAO/Clerk of Powassan, to request that Anna Gibson Olajos, Economic Development Officer, to attend todays meeting to discuss her position. As correspondence dictated, she could not be in attendance.
Adoption of Minutes:
The minutes of the January 19, 2010 meeting were circulated. It was
Moved by: Doug Maeck Seconded by: Elgin Schneider
That we accept the minutes of January 19, 2010 as presented.
Carried
New Business None at this time
Adjournment
Moved by: Ron Bennison Seconded by: Bill DeVries
That we now
adjourn at 11:30 a.m. until the next regular meeting March 16, 2011 or at the call of the chair @ 9:30
a.m. at the Village of South River Municipal Office. Carried.
..
..
Chairperson,
Merlyn Snow Recording Secretary, Caitlin Unger