PEN this issue

Dog Tags P.3

PERC Activities P.6

Vote By Mail Election P.9

Found/Adopt A Dog P.10

SPRING 2014 EDITION

THE

UPCOMING PERTH EAST COUNCIL MEETINGS

2014 Apr. 15 Council May 6 Council May 20 Council Jun. 3 Council Jun. 17 Council Jul. 15 Council Aug. 12 Council Sep. 2 Council Sep. 16 Council

All documents, including this newsletter, are available in other/accessible formats. Contact the Clerk’s Office at (519)595-2800 for more information

Township of Perth East Website www.pertheast.ca

Found Dog/Adopt-A-Dog Now featured on the Perth East Website under Municipal Services - Canine Control are two new pages. The Found Dogs page features lost dogs that are in the care of the Canine Officer. The page will include one or more photos and a description of the dog. After the allotted time, if a Found Dog is not claimed, it will be placed up for adoption and featured on the Adopt A Dog page. If you have lost a dog or are interested in adopting one, the Perth East website is a great place to look. www.pertheast.ca .

Getting Married? Get Your License Here! The Township of Perth East issues marriage licences in accordance with provincial requirements and Township policies and procedures. Licences are valid for 90 days from date of purchase. To obtain further information regarding marriage licences, please visit the Township of Perth East website www.pertheast.ca or contact the Township of Perth East at 519-595-2800.

Commissioner of Oaths A Commissioner of Oaths is a person authorized to take your oath or solemn affirmation when you sign an affidavit or a statutory declaration. A Commissioner does not certify that the statements being made in the affidavit or statutory declaration are true, but only certifies that an oath or solemn affirmation has been administered properly.

If you are requesting a document to be Commissioned, please contact the Township of Perth East at 519-595-2800 in advance to ensure a Commissioner of Oaths is available and to determine if the Commissioner is authorized to sign a particular document. Commissioning of a document requires the individual to attend the office in person and provide original photo identification. A set fee of $20.00 applies.

Municipal Drains

If you are requiring any type of municipal drainage maintenance please contact Tanya Bettridge at the Township of Perth East at 519-595-2800 ext. 233 or s e n d a n e m a i l t o tbettr idge@pertheast.ca, prior to commencing any work, to ensure the proper approval process is in place. Please note that local conservat ion author i ty approvals/fees may be required.

NEW! Expanded Landfill Hours

Effective May 12, 2014, the South Easthope and Ellice Landfills will be expanding their operating hours. The new hours give Perth East residents more opportunities to access the landfills, and the operating hours will now be the same year round. Below you will see the current operating hours and the new hours as of May 12th.

CURRENT HOURS: Ellice Landfill Year Round Saturday 9:00am - 4:00pm South Easthope Landfill Winter (Nov. 2 - Apr. 30) 2nd and 4th Saturday 8:00am- 12:00pm Tuesday 9:00am - 4:30pm Thursday 9:00am - 4:30pm Summer (May 1 - Nov. 1) 2nd and 4th Saturday 8:00am to 12:00pm Tuesday 9:00am- 5:30pm Thursday 9:00am- 5:30pm

NEW HOURS AS OF MAY 12TH: Ellice Landfill Year Round Monday 8:00am - 12:00pm Wednesday 1:00pm - 5:00pm Saturday 9:00am - 4:00pm South Easthope Landfill Year Round 2nd & 4th Saturday 8:00am -12:00pm Tuesday 8:00am - 12:00pm Thursday 1:00pm - 5:00pm

Perth East Public Library Programs English as a Second Language- Mondays 10:00am -12:00pm Toddler Time- Tuesdays 10:30am -11:00am (Free) After 9- Wednesdays 6:30pm-7:30pm ($2.00 Charge) Play & Learn- Thursdays 10:00am -11:30am

Check out what’s happening at PEPL by following us on

Facebook!

Library Hours Monday 9:00am-1:00pm

Tuesday 9:00am-8:00pm

Wednesday 9:00am-8:00pm

Thursday 9:00am-8:00pm

Friday CLOSED

Saturday 9:00-1:00pm

Sunday CLOSED

The book is a quality, hardbound book of about 741 pages, with 1328 photos, to tell of the life and lives of the people who make up South Easthope (1827-2000).

To purchase your copy, contact the Township at 519-595-2800, 25 Mill Street East, Milverton, ON N0K 1M0. Price: $70.00

South Easthope History Book

Program Registration Register in person during the listed registration dates or call the Pool Office at 519-595-8297 to reserve a spot after May 28. Payment must be made in person at the pool office within seven (7) days or your spot may be forfeited to another person. Saturday, May 25 9:30 am ~ 12 noon

Tuesday, May 27 7:00 pm ~ 8:30 pm

Perth East Recreation Complex Swimming Pool Lobby Phone or In Person Begins Wednesday, May 28 Perth East Recreation Complex Pool Office ~ 519-595-8287 Payment Debit or Cheque only. Postdated cheque will not be accepted A $25 service fee applies to all NSF cheques

Level Fee

½ Hour Class (Preschool – Swim Kids 5)

$65.80

¾ Hour Class (Swim Kids 6 – 8) $70.90

1 Hour Class (Swim Kids 9 &10) $75.95

Bronze Star $96.20

Bronze Medallion & Emergency First Aid

$182.30

Bronze Cross $182.30

Private Lessons $19.05 per ½ hour

Semi Private Lessons $28.58 per ½ hour

REGISTRATION FEES

PERC Banquet Hall Plan to book your next special event at PERC. Suitable for all occasions – Business meetings, Seminars, Wedding Reception, Anniversary, Concert, Buck 'n Doe, Fundraising Event, Christmas Party

• Commercial Kitchen with place setting for up to 400

• Fully Licensed under AGCO • Round or Rectangular Tables • Stage and Sound System • Rates are comparable to neighbouring facilities

40 Temperance St. Milverton, ON N0K 1M0 519-595-8375

PERTH EAST COUNCIL Council Agenda Information Council agendas and minutes are posted on the Township of Perth East website at www.pertheast.ca. Please note that current Council agendas are posted the Friday afternoon (by 4:30 pm) prior to the Council meetings and Council minutes are posted following approval by Council. For Council agendas not appearing on the website, please contact the Clerk’s Department.

Attendance at Council Meetings Regular Council meetings are typically held the 1st and 3rd Tuesday evening of each month and are open for the public to attend; however, if you wish to address Council regarding a specific matter, you must register as a Delegation. A schedule of the upcoming regular Council meetings can be found at www.pertheast ca

Delegations at Council Meetings If you wish to appear as a delegation or provide information for inclusion with a Council Agenda, you are required to: • Notify the Municipal Clerk, no later than noon the Wednesday prior to the regular Council

meeting. • Complete a delegation request form and provide a written outline identifying the subject matter

and the general nature of the request. Through the completion of the delegation request form, information provided will assist to confirm that a time slot is available and has been reserved for a specific date and item.

• Delegations are limited to a maximum of ten minutes.

If you have any questions concerning Council or the delegation process, please do not hesitate to contact Theresa Campbell, Municipal Clerk at 519-595-2800 ext. 223 or tcampbell@pertheast.ca

MAYOR: Ian Forrest h:(519)595-4031 c:(519)276-7340

DEPUTY MAYOR: Bob McMillan h:(519)656-2839

Councillor - Ellice Rhonda Ehgoetz h:(519)393-6888

Councillor - Milverton Jeremy Matheson h:(519)595-3245

Councillor - Mornington Don Brunk h:(519)595-4513

Councillor - North Easthope Hugh McDermid h:(519)271-6293

Councillor - South Easthope Andrew MacAlpine h:(519)625-1087

PERTH EAST COUNCIL DIRECTORY

PURCHASING A FARM?

Check with OMAFRA before you purchase a farm to be sure the property is in the correct tax class, please call 1-800-469-2285. When a property is sold, it will become 100% residential. The farmland assessment class is very important and can mean the difference of thousands of dollars on a tax notice. The Township must bill out according to the assessment information sent to them and getting it changed after the deadline has passed is not always possible.

TAX DUE DATES

Upcoming Dates:

May 23 Sept 26 Nov 28

MAILING ADDRESS REMINDER

Please notify the Township with your correct address. Canada Post has returned mail with incomplete addresses.

Failure to receive a tax notice does not exempt you from penalty.

TILE LOANS

For Tile Loan applications

and inquiries, contact

Wendy McMurray at 519-

595-2800 or wmcmurray@pertheast.ca.

MUNICIPAL ELECTION 2014

Election Day October 27, 2014

The next Municipal Election for all municipalities in the Province of Ontario will be Monday, October 27, 2014. On this day, voters in the Township of Perth East will elect a Mayor, Deputy Mayor, Council members, and School Board Trustees to represent them in this community for a four (4) year term.

For the 2014 Election the Township of Perth East will be once again utilizing VOTE BY MAIL as first introduced in the 2010 Municipal Election. Voting Qualifications: You must be a Canadian Citizen on voting day and be at least 18 years of age on October 27, 2014. You must also be an owner or tenant of land in the Township of Perth East or a spouse or same sex partner of an owner or tenant of land within the Township to cast a ballot in Perth East’s Municipal Election.

Candidate Registration: If you are considering running for Council or one of the School Board Trustee positions you will have to register after January 2, 2014. The actual dates and positions will be confirmed closer to the Election.

Eligible electors can file, in person, the necessary Nomination papers from January 2, 2014 until September 12, 2014 at 2:00 pm. Nomination papers must include the required filing fee. Further requirements are available by contacting Theresa Campbell, Municipal Clerk/Returning Officer at tcampbell@pertheast.ca or 519-595-2800 ext. 223 or by visiting the Township of Perth East website.

Term: The term of office is for four (4) years and will be effective from December 1, 2014 to November 30, 2018.

Additional information and dates will appear in future editions of the PEN and will be posted on the Township of Perth East website www.pertheast.ca

PERTH EAST BUDGET ADVERSELY AFFECTED BY PROVINCIAL GRANT CUTS

Perth East Council deals with huge Provincial grant reductions and rising policing costs while maintaining service levels for residents.

NEWS RELEASE March 19, 2014 The Council of the Township of Perth East approved the 2014 Operating and Capital Budgets at the March 18th, 2014 Meeting of Council.

Mayor Forrest stated “Council and Staff have worked hard to minimize the tax increase resulting from the decrease in Ontario Municipal Partnership Fund (OMPF) Grant which caused a significant decline in our income.

As well, the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) increase represents a considerable addition to our expenditures, so it has been impossible to maintain our service levels without a tax increase.” Despite challenges faced with a drastic reduction in the annual Provincial Ontario Municipal Partnership Fund Grant (OMPF) of $466,000, the general budget increase for the Township of Perth East has been limited to 7.51% for 2014. The police levy increased 26.53% or $239,712 which is attributed to the elimination of the policing component of the OMPF grant by the Province and an increase in the OPP contract of 4.6%. This results in an overall increase of 8.11% once the County and Education levies are applied.

The budget upholds the Township Core Values of integrity, teamwork, service, continued improvement and fiscal responsibility. 2014 projects address safety and planning as well as asset maintenance and replacement schedules. Projects include the consolidation of the Newton, Milverton, and Rostock Public Works buildings into one combined facility to be located, on Township owned lands accessed on Line 61. The Newton and Milverton Public Works buildings will be offered for public sale and the existing Rostock shop will be demolished with the Rostock Hall to remain. Optimal organization and efficiencies will be realized with a reduction in operation costs such as heat, hydro insurance, equipment accommodation and immediate repair/replacement costs avoided at the current shops. Other 2014 capital projects include addressing health and safety issues at Township parks, replace PERC pool pump, Fire Department equipment replacements, and road projects on Lines 29, 37, 67, Roads 108 and 109, and Temperance and Grosch Streets.

The following scenarios demonstrate typical property tax bills after inclusion of the Township, County and Education tax rates and the second year phased-in assessments under the Four Year Provincial Assessment Phase-in Program (2013-2016):

• Typical Single Family home – annual increase of $125.20 or $2.41 per week – 5.67% • Typical Farm Residence – annual increase of $66.26 or $1.28 per week - 5.74% • Typical Farmland- annual increase of $167.15 or $3.22 per week – 12.86% • Typical Standard Industrial- annual increase of $264.07 or $5.08 per week - 3.32% • Typical Small Retail Commercial - decrease of $4.41 or .09 per week – (.17%)

Expenditures of $10,930,360 are funded from taxation, grants, user fees and permit revenues. Detailed information on the 2014 Budget can be viewed on the Township website at www.pertheast.ca

Fireworks Safety

There are designated days for the setting off and display of fireworks (as listed in the Fireworks By-law).

These dates and times are as follows: between 8:00pm and 12:00am (midnight) on the designated days for: New Years Eve, Victoria Day and Canada Day. In the event that weather conditions such as rain, fog, smog or wind, (on New Year’s Eve, Victoria Day or Canada Day) make it impractical and/or unsafe to set off fireworks, the day immediately preceding or following shall be the designated day.

Don’t forget that Fireworks may only be sold (from approved vendors/locations) fourteen (14) prior to and on the days New Years Eve, Victoria Day (May) and Canada Day (July) are celebrated or an approved alternate date as approved by the Fire Chief for the Township of Perth East.

Applications for the sale of fireworks and for high hazard fireworks displays are available at the Municipal Office or online at: www.pertheast.ca.

Controlled Burning - Get Permission Before You Burn

As the summer season quickly approaches, we get a lot of calls for burn permits. While it’s great that residents are notifying staff of their intent to have open-air fires, some residents still burn without confirming they have permission to do so.

I wish to remind all residents that leaving a message does not mean you have permission to burn. All staff at the Municipal Office can address your request, so before you choose to leave a message, instead speak to reception staff; they can help you.

Summer is the common season for brush fires, forest fires and accidental fires. Don’t be the cause! Please stay with the controlled burn at all times and ensure the fire is fully extinguished at dark.

NOTE: Leaving a message with this information does not give you permission to burn. You must obtain approval directly with staff.

Flying Lanterns Prohibited

At the October 15, 2013 meeting of Council, Fire Chief Bill Hunter presented a report recommending an amendment to the Township’s existing Open Air Fire Bylaw that would prohibit Flying Lanterns. The Council of the Township of Perth East has approved the amending of the Open Air Fire Bylaw to prohibit Flying Lanterns.

Any person who contravenes any provision of the Open Air Fire bylaw is guilty of an offence and shall be liable, on conviction, to a penalty not exceeding $5000.00.

Carbon Monoxide - CO Detectors Required

Carbon Monoxide detectors are now required outside all sleeping areas. Call Chief Hunter at 519-595-2800 ext. 226 for more information.

FIRE CHIEF’S DESK Roadside Vegetation Control Program

In early May/June Green Stream Vegetation Management will be conducting a Roadside Vegetation Asset Management Survey on behalf of the Township of Perth East. The findings of this survey will help determine the best methods used to control the various noxious weeds and vegetations along the rural roadsides.

As a result of these findings, some recommendations may include the use of herbicides. Although a formal notice will be published prior to any spraying procedures, property owners, who do not wish to have the rural roadsides adjacent to their lands sprayed, are encourage to contact the Public Works Department. Such requests will be documented and forwarded to Green Stream. Recommended roadside spraying will be conducted in the weeks following the survey completion, prior to the end of June, weather permitting. Spray locations within the municipality will be determined following the survey completion, and public notices will follow.

For more information, or to have your no-spray request documented, please contact: Perth East Public Works 519-595-2800

PERTH EAST TREE PLANTING PROGRAM

ORDERING YOUR TREE(S):

• Property owners can place their order from April 16th to 17th from 8:30am to 4:30pm at 519-595-2800.

• Orders will not be accepted prior to April 16th. • Orders accepted on a first come, first served basis

REQUIREMENTS FOR RESIDENTS ELIGIBLE FOR COMPLIMENTARY TREE(S):

• A maximum of one (1) tree will be available for properties less than 2.5 acres in size. • A maximum of three (3) trees will be available for those properties greater than 2.5 acres in size. • Only one (1) order per property owner (multiple properties do not qualify for multiple

orders)

AVAILABLE SPECIES:

• Potted White Spruce • Sugar Maple Saplings

PICKING UP YOUR TREE(S)

DATE: Saturday, May 3rd, 2014 TIME: 8:30am to 10:30am LOCATION: Public Works Shop located at 4392 Perth Line 72 (Newton)

PROGRAM DETAILS:

It is the responsibility of the property owner or their representative to attend the distribution.

TREES WILL NOT BE HELD FOR THOSE INDIVIDUALS WHO FAIL TO SHOW UP DURING THE SCHEDULED PICK-UP DATE AND TIME

Diagrams detailing the planting location of these trees with respect to Township Right-Of-Ways, utilities, municipal drains and easements will be provided at the time of distribution.

Building Permits Planning to build or complete renovations to your home, business or farm building? Building Permits are required to ensure that zoning requirements, fire and structural safety standards as well as other building standards are met, primarily for safety reasons.

Whether you do the work yourself or hire a contractor, it is the property owner’s responsibility to ensure that a Building Permit is obtained, when required, and that the required inspections are called for and any infractions are corrected. Starting construction without a permit is illegal and is a Provincial Offence under the Ontario Building Code Act. We advise property owners to ensure that the permit has been issued prior to any work commencing.

A building permit is generally required for, but is not limited to, the following: Exterior

• Building a deck, porch, sunroom, solarium • Building an addition • Installing a pool • Building a garage/carport (either attached or

detached) • Sheds (greater than 10 m2 [108 ft2]) • Altering a roof structure • Altering a foundation (underpinning) • Adding or altering exterior stairs

Interior

• Finishing your basement • Creating an accessory apartment/in-law

suite/basement apartment • Dormers or finishing attic space • New or enlarged existing windows or doors • Interior structural alterations • Adding removing walls (different room sizes

and/or uses) • Adding or altering chimney, woodstove, or

fireplace • Adding a kitchen or bathroom • Change of use (ie. Establishing a home

occupation/home-based business, lodging house, bed and breakfast, or changing any part of a building from one use to another

[for example changing a store to a residential unit, or vice versa])

Plumbing, Sewage Systems

• Installing/altering plumbing systems • New sewage system or repairs to existing • Installation, repair of storm, sanitary and

water service Heating

• Major duct work • New heating system • Furnace replacements when changing fuel

source (i.e. Electric to Gas) Demolition/Removal

• Demolition of a building or portion of a building

Heating

• Major duct work • New heating system • Furnace replacements when changing fuel

source (ie. Electric to Gas) Demolition/Removal

• Demolition of a building or portion of a building

Electrical

• The Building Department does not issue electrical permits or carry out electrical inspections. Please contact the Electrical Safety Association for information (1-877-372-7233)

Building a deck or detached garage The Perth East Building Department has introduced a Deck and Garage construction package to assist homeowners who would like to provide their own drawings for their projects. These packages outline the documents required to obtain a Building Permit and include sample drawings for reference. Also included in the sample drawing packages are span tables to assist in selecting framing members. Typical guard details are available for deck projects with samples that conform to the Ontario Building Code requirements. As with all projects we recommend owners retain the services of a qualified BCIN designated designer to prepare your plans and specifications. Some unique features or structures may require the services of an Architect or Professional Engineer. To view these packages please visit our website, www.pertheast.ca, and follow the links on the Building/Renovating A Structure page, under Municipal Services.

Close your building permits Over the past two months the Building Department has been sending out letters to property owners with open Building Permits. Open permits can cause issues when you plan to sell or refinance your property. Financial institutions will request, when a property is sold or when refinancing is obtained, confirmation that all inspections have been completed and details on any outstanding work orders and Building Permits issued. To book an inspection or to inquire whether there are any open permits on your property please contact the Building Department at 519-595-2800 ext. 224.

Planning for a Tent? Plan on a Building Permit. The warmer weather brings with it outdoor parties and weddings. If you are planning on having a tent or group of tents you may need a Building Permit. A tent or group of tents over 60 m2 (646 ft2) in gross area requires a Building Permit. In addition, if the tent is over 225 m2 (2,421 ft2) an inspection of the anchorage and tent structure is required by a Professional Engineer.

Booking Building Permit Inspections by Voicemail The Building Department has implemented a new system for booking building inspections. To book your inspection, please call 519-595-2800 ext. 241 and follow the instructions for leaving a message. If booked by 4:00 pm on a business day, the inspection can usually be booked for the next business day. A minimum 24 hours’ notice is required for all inspections. Information required to book an Inspection. Messages must include the following information:

• Name & Phone number of person requesting inspection, • Permit #, • Type of inspection required (indicated on Building Permit), • Address of project, • Date inspection required, • Time inspection required (in AM or PM), • Any information the inspector may need to complete inspection.

~ Contact the Building Department at 519-595-2800 ~