The first Joint Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario Council/Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan Commission Working Meeting, was held on Monday, September 29, 2003 at 5 p.m. in the Council Chambers, 99 Foster Dr., Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, Canada.
Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan City Commission
Present: Mayor Bosbous, Commissioners Gonyeau, Hoornstra, King, Lawrence, McGahey and Munsell.
Absent: None.
Also Present: Present: City Manager Nebel, City Clerk Clarke, City Attorney Cannello Fire Chief Eagle and Police Chief Murray.
Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario City Council
Present: Mayor Rowswell, Councilpersons Hayes, Manzo, DelBianco, Jones, Irwin, Amaroso, Curran, Mick, Caicco and Vaudry.
Also Present: CAO Fratesi and City Clerk Irving.
Mayor Rowswell and Mayor Bosbous called the meeting to order and introduced the respective Commissions/Councils and staff.
City Manager Nebel noted that the Two Sault’s have potential joint issues and share a history of knowledge of each other. Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan appreciates the hospitality extended by Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario in hosting this evening’s meeting.
CAO Fratesi noted that the Commissions/Councils had met on social exchanges each year but never in a working sessions. The events of recent past have compelled the two boards to meet and talk regularly. The two Sault’s share tourism, history and culture. They felt it was important to meet and see mutual benefits. Tonights agenda serves as sample of the kinds of things they should meet and discuss.
1. MUTUAL AID AGREEMENT (FIRE PROTECTION):
Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario Fire Chief Lynn McCoy presented a brief overview of the existing Mutual Aid Compact. He felt that the document needed updating in a couple of areas and expanded upon. There are now concerns with hazardous materials. The Fire Chiefs would like to review the document and bring back recommendations to the respective councils for approval.
Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan Fire Chief Ken Eagle explained that over the years the resources available to Michigan from Ontario have been tremendous. There are dozens of experiences including major buildings and ship fires, that Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario has come to the aid of Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. Chief Eagle explained what happens on the International Bridge when aid is requested. He also pointed out that the two departments attend training together even though each government has their own structured training issues.
Questions were raised on staffing levels for both departments and the equipment available.
A resolution was informally adopted the Sault Ste. Marie Ontario Council which directed the administration ( Fire Chiefs) to work to develop a recommendation as to how the mutual aid compact can be updated.
Mutual
Emergency Services - Exploring Possibilities:
Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario Police Chief Bob Davies explained that the two Police Departments don’t have the same working relationship as the Fire Departments. They don’t work side by side. Both Departments are sworn in by their respective governments which does not give them power on both sides of the role. They work as more supportive roles such as sharing intelligence. Both agencies sit on two committees and meet regularly.
Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan Police Chief Lou Murray explained that the Michigan Police Department utilizes more than provides but they do share motor vehicle information and provide information between the two departments.
Bridge Bus:
CAO Fratesi provide an update on the bridge bus. All stakeholders will contribution an amount of $8,000 on a one year basis. The stakeholders include the International Joint Bridge Authority, Michigan Department of Transportation, Lake Superior State University and the cities of Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario and Michigan. Fares will increase by 50% on October 1st.
Communications issue:
This issued stemmed from the recent fireworks display that took place in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan a day after there was a bomb threat on the International Bridge. There was some discussion that there was a perceived lack of communication.
Mayor Bosbous explained that Sault Ste. Marie held a celebration for the returning National Guard Unit and publicly apologized for the misunderstanding.
BRIDGE Presentation:
Duane Buchanen, Chairperson of the BRIDGE joint venture addressed the Joint Council/Commission. He introduced those members present explained their mission statement.
Don Gerrie provided an overview of BRIDGE and background information.
After the presented Mayor Roswell asked the City Clerk to read the motion as presented by Councillor Mick and seconded by Councillor DelBianco.
RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, the cities of Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan and Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario (hereinafter the “Twin Saults”) share a common border, a common river, a largely common history, strong family connections and a common name; and
WHEREAS, each of the Twin Saults wishes to broaden and expand its economy and create jobs; and
WHEREAS, there are impressive individual and collective attributes available to the Twin Saults which can be enhanced through bi-national cooperation; and
WHEREAS, other border communities in North America and Europe have demonstrated that substantial social and economic benefits can result from bi-national cooperation;
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the enhancement and expansion of bi-national cooperation, and the active pursuit and development of cooperative projects which provide mutual benefits to the Twin Saults in hereby supported and endorsed; and
FURTHER, that the areas of bi-national opportunity to be explored be primarily North American in origin, but also be international, where warranted; and
FURTHER, that the BRIDGE organization be recognized as the coordinating body to promote bi-national cooperation, to seek and explore bi-national opportunities of mutual benefit, and to identify, develop and implement demonstration projects; and
FURTHER, that the Twin Saults’ intent to actively promote bi-national cooperation and pursue bi-national opportunities be made known to State/Provincial and Federal levels of government as deemed timely, useful and constructive; and
LASTLY that a process be established to provide for regular communication between Twin Sault officials and elected representatives and regular reporting of progress on bi-national initiatives.
Motion carried unanimously.
Border Crossing Issue:
Mayor Bosbous expressed disappointment that neither the United States or Canadian Customs were not present. This was one issue that was very important and an issue where neither municipality has any pull.
City Manager Nebel spoke with a representative of the U.S. Customs who indicated that any issues raised they will provide a response at a later date.
CAO Fratesi also felt it unfortunate that Customs could not attend. Cross border issues need to be addressed.
After discussion it was the consensus that Federal Officials from both Governments need to me involved. City Manager Nebel and CAO Fratesi will contract their respective federal officials tomorrow with support letters.
Next Meeting - Where do we go from Here:
Moved by Councillor Caicco, supported by Coucillor Irwin,
WHEREAS, the Twin Saults-Joint Council/Commission met for the first time on September 29, 2003; and
WHEREAS, the Corporation of the City of Sault Ste. Marie concurs that there are strategic opportunities for cooperation between Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario and Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, the Corporation of the City of Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan endorses an annual meeting of the Twin-Saults-Joint Council/Commission to discuss issues of mutual concern with meetings more often if requested by either Council.
Motion carried unanimously.
At this time the Mayor Rowswell and Mayor Bosbous exchanged keys to their respective cities.
Moved by Councillor Mick, seconded by Councillor DelBianco
Resolved that this Council shall now adjourn.
Motion carried unanimously.
Moved by Commissioner Hoornstra, supported by Commissioner Munsell,
That the meeting adjourn at 7:20 p.m.
Motion carried unanimously.
ANTHONY G. BOSBOUS, MAYOR LORI J. CLARKE, CITY CLERK