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06 16 1999 Sp Public Minutes ~ ",. '" Il TOWNSHIP OF ORO-MEDONTE SPECIAL PUBLIC MEETING June 16, 1999 @ 7:05 p.m. PROPOSED ZONING BY -LAW AMENDMENT - P89/99 Present: Mayor Ian Beard Deputy Mayor Don Bell Councillor Lillian McConnell Councillor Ralph Hough Councillor Neil Craig Councillor Ron Sommers Councillor Ruth Fountain Staff Present: Andria Leigh, Township Planner; Keith Mathieson, Manager Public Works Also Present: Ann Gyurmanczi, John & Christine Greenland, Doug Sewell, Belinda Burston, Hans & Linda Neu, Edward N. W. Scheniman, Ruth-Ann Howell, Joyce & Ab Delong, lona Starr, Rick Fotherby, Joanne Kaplinski, Anita Beaton, Reed Holmes (Packet & Times), Lisa and John Markov, Lorna Wagar Mayor Beard called the meeting to order and advised that all persons present would be afforded the opportunity of asking questions in respect to the proposed zoning by-law amendment. It was noted that no correspondence had been received with respect to this matter. Ms. Andria Leigh, Township Planner, gave an overview of the purpose and effect of the proposed Zoning By-law amendment. Information regarding the Christian Horizons organization was provided by Mr. Doug Sewell, Administrator of the program. Concern was expressed by Ms. Kaplinski regarding the type of disabilities associated with the residents of the subject property, as well as the qualifications of the staff. She was also concerned about the accountability of the organization and any recourse for members of the community, the hours of staffing, activities of the residents, and fire hazard in the area. Assurance was provided by Mr. Sewell that there is qualified staff in place on a 24 hours basis, with degrees such as DSW and/or appropriate educational levels. The residents are developmentally handicapped, with learning deficits and lower la's. The organization is accountable to the Province, the parents, the residents, and the community as a whole. Any problematic issues can be discussed at any time simply by approaching the organization. Two of the residents are working in the City of Barrie, and the other two are presently seeking employment. Some visit with their families on the weekends and participate in every day community activities on an ongoing basis. Adequate supervision regarding safety is provided with respect to smoking. Other concerns expressed by Ms. Kaplinski were the safety in an area of extensive aggregate operations, the relocation of residents (residents changing from time to time), anger management issues posing risks to the community, and whether or not liability insurance was in place. ~ Mr. Sewell stated that the organization is aware of the aggregate operations in the area and they do not see it as a concern. He indicated that the residents do change from time to time, and the goal of the organization is not to put the community at risk. There have been no known incidents to date which have posed a risk to the community. Liability insurance is in place. Mr. Rick Fotherby brought up the matter of this organization being turned down by Springwater, and discussed the rumors he has heard about the four residents in this facility being sex offenders. Mr. Sewell responded that the rumors are completely unfounded and many people have been slandered as a result of them. Assurance was provided that the organization is involved only with developmentally handicapped people. The facility is not a half-way house or a detox centre. The staff-to-resident ratio is 3 - 4 in the daytime and evenings, and 2 - 4 at night (one sleeps while the other is awake and alert). Mr. Greenland, a parent of one of the residents, provided information as to the positive effect the Christian Horizons organization has had on his son. The organization has the best interests of the residents in mind. Ms. Ruth-Ann Howell, a neighbour who knows the residents, is quite comfortable with having them living beside her. It was noted by Ms. Belinda Burston, an employee of Christian Horizons, that no matter where these people go, there is a "not in my back yard" mentality opposing such facilities. She commented that in most cases, having a staffed, supervised facility in the community is actually a benefit rather than a detriment. Mr. Albert Delong commented that in these facilities, sometimes staff are beaten up, and his concern is that the proposed property is too remote for this. It needs to be in an urban area where there is help available if needed. John and Lisa Markoff commented that once the area is rezoned Community Facility, it will remain that way forever. They are concerned about the potential risk to their children and the people who frequent their home on a regular basis. Mr. Markoff commented that, although assurances were being provided with respect to the four current residents, this could change at any given time and the situation could be changed dramatically. Ms. Lorna Wagar expressed her concerns for her teenage daughters. She worries about people moving into the area that she does not know. She recognized however that new neighbours are always an uncontrollable situation. Mr. Sewell indicated the organization would be willing to enter into an agreement to ensure the property was rezoned to agriculture or rural prior to any resale of the property. Ms. Kaplinski commented that there is no information about the residents living in this facility, and that therefore an unknown is being proposed for her community. She reviewed the changes which have happened in the past in her area. She stated that police and ambulance services are not readily available in a rural area, and perhaps such a facility would be better placed in an urban area. Mr. Greenland stated that the neighbours would have no say in who moved in if the property had been sold privately. He commented that at least in this case, the neighbours are aware of what is going on in their neighbourhood. ! i I ~ I II . ~ Ms. Anita Beaton expressed her concern that there is a possibility that in the future, there may not be the control that Council is presently seeking. Over the years, things may change the whole picture with respect to this matter. Different residents may present different problems. She is not in favour of the amendment. Motion No.1 Moved by Sommers, Seconded by Craig Be it resolved that this Special Public Meeting of Council re: P-89/99, Concession 6, South Part of Lot 7 (formerly within the Township of Oro), now be adjourned @ 8:31 p.m. Carried. A tape of this meeting is available for review. TOWNSHIP OF ORO-MEDONTE SPECIAL PUBLIC MEETING June 16, 1999 @ 8:30 p.m. I i ~ ! I i PROPOSED ZONING BY -LAW AMENDMENT - P90/99 Present: Mayor Ian Beard Deputy Mayor Don Bell Councillor Lillian McConnell Councillor Ralph Hough Councillor Neil Craig Councillor Ron Sommers Councillor Ruth Fountain Staff Present: Andria Leigh, Township Planner; Keith Mathieson, Manager Public Works Also Present: Hans & Linda Neu; Reed Holmes (Packet & Times Mayor Beard called the meeting to order and advised that all persons present would be afforded the opportunity of asking questions in respect to the proposed zoning by-law amendment. It was noted that correspondence has been received from County of Simcoe from Lisa Prime, Environmental Planner. Ms. Andria Leigh, Township Planner, gave an overview of the purpose and effect of the proposed Zoning By-law amendment. There were no comments received with respect to this Zoning By-law Amendment from the people in attendance at this meeting. Motion No.1 Moved by Bell, Seconded by Hough ~ Be it resolved that this Special Public Meeting of Council re: P-90/99, Concession 12, Part of Lot 22 (formerly within the Township of Oro), now be adjourned @ 8:36 p.m. Carried. A tape of the meeting is available for review.