May 1
Our Council meeting included many items of interest.  A revised Alcohol Policy was accepted. ZRAC has worked very hard over several months revising much of the original policy and responding to complaints we have heard over the years.  We are hoping the new policy will be easier to follow and to enforce. The Building and Drainage department is showing a 50% increase in projects over the same time period last year.  Public Works announced they are replacing hydraulic fluids used previously with an environmentally friendly canola oil based product.  Also mentioned was the fact that this new material has double the life of the traditionally used fluids.  The 2012 tax rate was approved at an increase of 6%.  When combined with County and Educational taxes the actual rate is a very modest increase of less than 1%.  I am very pleased to announce this as the first run through of the budget showed an increase of 15%.  We were told 8% of this was due to increased costs from OPP and insurance.  I can understand the increase in insurance costs as we had several claims last year.  With statistics showing decreasing population in Zorra it will be challenging to keep up services desired when the costs will be spread over fewer residents.  

May 8
A Public meeting was held in Beachville regarding a suggested street name change.  It was very apparent the change would not be welcomed by local residents.  

May 9
The County Council meeting included the presentation of many Service Awards to employees from all parts of the County system.  Time was spent discussing the application from Federal White for a zone change and OP amendment to allow storage of supply materials on their property.  Zorra Council had no problem with this as the need for continuing supply of raw materials is reasonable.  The area rezoned not in use will continue in agricultural use and precautions are being taken so even the land being used for storage could be returned to agricultural use in the future.  The changes were approved.  

I hope you have all had a chance to read the recent Zorra Now.  I believe it is the best edition yet and even better is the report that the total cost this time was about $300.  I was pleased to see submissions from several groups.  Keep this booklet handy for future reference.  

For those people inquiring there seems to have been little news lately about the landfill proposal.  It is my understanding that the company will be working over the next year preparing the Terms of Reference.  There will be meetings held to which all residents are welcome to attend for information but the agenda items will be discussed only by the company and the committee chosen for this purpose.  

I was sorry to receive the resignation from ZRAC of Suzanne McRoberts.  She has been a real asset to this committee and certainly represented well the concerns of the community.  Unfortunately for us she and her family have moved outside of Zorra and this is one of the few requirements for membership.  We are looking for a replacement and you are encouraged to consider applying.  We meet usually about 10 times over the year and with very few exceptions the meetings last less than two hours.  You will learn much about recreation in our community and will find the work interesting and satisfying.  Members receive $10 per meeting attended to assist with mileage, etc.  Call me for more information.