Members Present: Mayor Milt McIver, Deputy Mayor Debbie Myles (via Zoom/in person), Councillor Laurie (Smokey) Golden, Councillor James Mielhausen, Councillor Megan Myles
Staff Present: Peggy Van Mierlo-West, Chief Administrative Officer, Cathy Addison, Clerk, Tessa Swanton, Deputy Clerk, Troy Cameron, Public Works Manager, Wendy Elliott, Chief Building Official
Others Present: Nil
Note: Some members of Council and staff were present in the council chamber and the meeting was held via zoom, an electronic platform, for members of the public to attend.
Note: In the absence of the ability to vote by a show of hands, in accordance with By-law No. 2018-73, Section 2(dd), Council votes will be recorded for resolutions presented at electronic Council meetings.
Disclosure of Pecuniary Interest and General Nature Thereof
Due to technical difficulties regarding Wi-Fi interruptions, there was a delay in calling the meeting to order.
Mayor McIver called the meeting to order at 9:21 a.m. Council members were reminded to disclose any pecuniary interest and the general nature thereof that may arise during the meeting.
Approval of the Agenda
Moved by M. Myles Resolution #01-01-2020 Seconded by J. Mielhausen
THAT the content of the agenda be approved as printed.
The Clerk proceeded to call and record the votes of Council:
Councillor Golden Yes
Councillor Mielhausen Yes
Councillor Megan Myles Yes
Deputy Mayor Myles Yes
Mayor McIver Yes
The Clerk announced that the motion was carried.
Carried
Adoption of the Minutes
There are no Minutes to adopt for Special Council Meeting No. 21-01, January 11, 2021.
Public Meeting
There is no Public Meeting for Special Council Meeting No. 20-45, November 25, 2020.
Delegation
There is no Delegation for Special Council Meeting No. 20-45, November 25, 2020.
Consideration of Agenda Items
1. Treasurer Report No. 21-01
Re: 2021 Budget- Draft #1
Mayor McIver introduced the 2021 Budget and discussion was outlined as follows for each department:
Airport:
• Staff is proposing to eliminate the Airport Manager position
• Proposing a $70,000 self-serve fueling station
• Blue Heron Tours has indicated that they will not be operating in 2021
• Building a storage building on site to free up space in the hanger for additional planes
• Consider allocating funds for the pilot’s lounge repairs at the Airport elsewhere, such as for a lounge at the Lion’s Head Harbour or to fund committees
• The Community Services Manager can comment on funds that would be required to do some work to the Airport lounge
• Use the Strategic Plan to guide projects
Tobermory Harbour:
• Operating revenues have decreased in 2020 (due to COVID-19)
• Fuel sales and transient wharfage were lower in 2020 than previous years
• The Tobermory Harbour does not generate as much revenue as the Lion’s Head Harbour
• The Community Services Manager will consider operating costs when preparing an overview of the harbours in the future
• Work towards the harbours being self-sufficient
• Staff will be working with the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) in regard to a solution for wharf conditions on the south side of the harbour
Lion’s Head Harbour:
• Planning for a kayak launch/kayak dock at the Lion’s Head Harbour and purchase a kayak rack that holds eight kayaks
• Consider charging a fee for kayak launches
• Determine if the kayak launch will be utilized as launching off the shore is popular
• If paid parking is implemented, only charge for parking once
• Residents park for free and boaters are provided a parking pass
• Installed boards on the lighthouse as a temporary fix; discussed hiring an engineer to advise how to protect the lighthouse from stones hitting the sides
• Consider hiring an engineer to study the whole area including the beach, harbour and lighthouse
• Staff will begin working on the docks in the spring
• Work/improvements are needed for the walkway from the beach to the harbour as it is a well-used area
As a result of a hydro interruption, Deputy Mayor Myles lost connection at this time.
Cathy Addison left the meeting at 9:56 a.m.
• The Community Services Manager has met with boaters and discussed their ideas for a lounge area
Cathy Addison returned to the meeting at 9:58 a.m.
Lion’s Head Doctor’s Clinic:
• There was no discussion on the Lion’s Head Doctor’s Clinic
Tobermory Medical Services Building:
• A building condition assessment is a valuable tool and is included in the 2021 Budget
• Use information from the Asset Management Plan, building condition assessment and usage data to make decisions
The Meeting Place:
• The heat pump needs replaced
• The building is not well insulated and is used often
• Hydro is expensive at the facility
• Work towards combining the daycare and school in Tobermory; then the daycare building could be sold or utilized differently
• Funds are being allocated to buildings that are in rough shape
• Additional funding from the Jumpstart program may be available for capital improvements within the daycare itself excluding an administration space
Deputy Mayor Myles entered the meeting in-person at 10:15 a.m.
• The Bluewater District School Board would have to apply for funding from the Jumpstart program if the intention was to utilize funding for the St. Edmunds Public School
Parks & Recreation:
• The fencing was effective in the summer months as part of the Goose Management Plan; however, the geese were excessive in the fall of 2020
• Continue the Goose Management Plan into the fall months to save the Lion’s Head Harbour
• Consider investing in a new fence and implementing an additional measure to control the geese next season
• Investigate how other areas are handling similar situations regarding geese
• Improve landscaping around the Lion’s Head Harbour; investigate how this would affect geese (attract or deter?)
• Approximately $14,000.00 in savings is possible if the portable washrooms are placed in Tobermory as per a delegation request from the Tobermory and District Chamber of Commerce
• Some portable washrooms were placed in response to COVID-19 and may not be needed in 2021; however, some will remain in certain locations
• Potential for an outdoor ice rink in Tobermory for recreational use; the ice rink could be in the ball diamond and would cost approximately $60,000 or more; further investigation is required
• The outdoor ice rink could be rented or purchased; community groups/organizations could get involved
Tobermory Community Centre:
• $20,000.00 is budgeted for venting and air circulation
• The Tobermory Information Centre is reviewing a separate door entry at this time
• A grant application has been submitted for upgrades to the kitchen and staff are awaiting notice of approval
Lion’s Head Campground:
• Darryl Robins was working on the sewage system and staff are awaiting requirements from the Ministry prior to making improvements
• Council will review and approve the scope of the request for proposals (RFP) for the Waterfront Master Plan
• The campground was overcrowded in 2020
Arena:
• There was no discussion on the Arena
Tobermory and Lion’s Head Library:
• There was no discussion on the Tobermory and Lion’s Head Library
Ferndale Information Centre:
• Facilities staff provide snow removal if an event is scheduled
St. Edmunds Museum:
• There was no discussion on the St. Edmunds Museum
Rotary Hall:
• The Community Services Manager has prepared a report for Council this afternoon regarding work to be completed at the Rotary Hall, such as insulation
• Additional signage needed overall; grants are available for signage beautification
• Apply for funding for Wi-Fi in downtown Tobermory through the Rural Economic Development (RED) fund; add the RED funds to the 2021 Budget
• Invest some funds to assist the NpCoWork space
MNR House:
• The County owns the MNR house building
• The agreement states that the building shall be kept in a habitable state or demolished
Community Development:
• The Music Series project is designed to bring musicians to the Rotary Hall and Tobermory Community Centre; attendees would pay a small ticket price to attend
• The Music Series could include free concerts and community events
• Parks Canada Seabin Partnership; device aimed at filtering plastic that could be used at the Tobermory Harbour
• Tobermory Daycare support; enter into a long-term funding agreement with the daycares and the Tobermory and District Chamber of Commerce
• Council may want to discuss the sustainability of our daycares; fundraising may become more difficult in the future
• Water and taxes are charged to the Lion’s Head Family Centre
• The Parks and Recreation Mater Plan is outdated and requires updating including a public input session (using Bang the Table program)
• Consider amalgamating the Waterfront Master Plan with the Parks and Recreation Master Plan; the scope will be presented to Council for review
• The Rural Ontario Institute-Schools project still has $5,700 of funds to be spent
• The Asset Management Plan includes staff training and public consultation
• The Bang the Table program will be ready to implement soon
Spruce the Bruce:
• There was no discussion on Spruce the Bruce
Streetscaping:
• The retaining wall between The Sweet Shop and Tobermory Library is complete
There was a break in the meeting at 11:24 a.m.
The meeting reconvened at 11:38 a.m.
Mayor McIver welcomed Leo-Paul Frigault to the meeting via Zoom. Leo-Paul Frigault presented the following to Council on behalf of Ontario Clean Water Agency (OCWA) regarding the Lakewood Sewer System, Tobermory Sewer System, Lion’s Head Water System, and Other Water Systems. The spreadsheet titled “6-year recommended capital/major maintenance from 2021-2026” was referenced.
• Sludge volume was not as high as anticipated (approximately half) at the Tobermory Lagoon
• Had challenges with dissolved oxygen a few years ago
• Purchased fire hydrants to add to the Lion’s Head distribution system
• Put a hold on investing in small drinking water system
• Reviewed Lion’s Head Low Lift Station and Intake, Lion’s Head Water Treatment Plant and Lion’s Head Water Distribution System,
• Want to add pressure tanks at the Tobermory Community Centre
• The Tobermory Primary Place Daycare has an expensive small drinking water system
• Reviewed the Little Tub Water Treatment Plant
• Tobermory Wastewater; manhole repairs—influent infiltration that comes from manholes that would require maintenance
• Budgeted $50,000.00 for a hydrant and $30,000 for capital projects
• OCWA has been looking at a Wastewater Master Servicing Plan; include funds in the 2021 Budget
Mayor McIver thanked Leo-Paul Frigault from OCWA for his presentation on the 2021 Budget.
There was a break in the meeting at 12:08 p.m. The Mayor informed that the meeting would reconvene following adjournment of the Regular Council meeting scheduled to begin at 1:00 p.m. this afternoon.
The meeting reconvened at 1:49 p.m.
911 Addressing:
• There was no discussion on 911 Addressing
Roads
• Grass mowing includes invasive species spraying for phragmites
• Asphalt has been moved from “capital” to “maintenance” in the 2021 Budget
• Gravel resurfacing has increased
• Increases in the winter sand budget for materials
• Line painting is included in the budget for parking lots
• Safety devices and sign repairs require work
• The biggest project for 2021 is the completion of the Isthmus Bay Road project
• The environmental assessment and Stage 2 archaeological assessment are underway to be completed in 2021 with public meetings to follow; a timeline should be received sometime next week
• The Moore Street sidewalk from Bruce Peninsula District School (BPDS) to the hospital will be completed in 2021; cost estimates are double what was anticipated
• Focus on allocating more funds to sidewalks
• All new sidewalk construction must meet accessibility standards
• The Public Works Manager was directed to prepare a report listing the highest priority sidewalks and roads projects to be presented at the January 25, 2021 Council meeting where discussion on the 1st draft of the 2021 Budget will be continued
• A municipal road allowance will be registered on Hidden Valley Road for legal access to the closed McVicar Cemetery
• Priority roads are listed on the Backlog of Construction Needs chart
• Equipment has been included in the 2021 Budget as several pieces of equipment will need to be repurchased in the next five years
• The future GIS/IT Coordinator could assist with traffic count data
• There is a 0.07% increase in the 2021 Budget for roads
• The roads budget will need to increase in order to reduce the backlog and pay for bridges
• Increase the roads budget by 3-5% as the backlog is too high and unsustainable
• Pinpoint roads on a map that are susceptible to high impacts from severe storms and climate change
• An agreement may be reached soon regarding Barrow Bay North Shore Road and it is a high priority
• Pros and cons of hiring additional roads staff versus hiring contractors
Streetlights:
• Backlog of streetlights to be repaired; a new contractor has been hired
• Less than 25% of municipal streetlights are LED
• $25,000.00 is budgeted for new streetlights in Pike Bay
Waste Management – Collection and Landfills:
• Increase in collection of recycling and waste
• Sell the front-load bins and purchase roll-off bins
• There has been some backlash from residents regarding the new process of directing calls regarding missed collections and similar items to Waste Management; the process is more efficient; quarterly reports will be provided to Public Works municipal staff from Waste Management regarding complaints
• Encourage the public to use the “report a problem” feature on the website for complaints if they are unsatisfied after speaking with Waste Management
Agriculture & Reforestation-Municipal Drains:
• Consider an information session
• Create a policy
• There has been an increase in requests for drainage cleanouts
• The Public Works Manager will consider a discussion with local farmers and other Public Works Managers
Other discussion:
• No funds have been allocated for certain committees
• Funds have not been included in the 2021 Budget for The Housing Taskforce Committee and consultant
• The Climate Action Committee was asked to bring forward recommendations to Council for consideration
• Choose fewer projects that can be accomplished during the year
• Next year’s Budget will include five-year plans
• The Public Works Manager was asked to gather some information on bridges and associated costs (a formal report is prepared every two years)
Moved by L. Golden Resolution #01-02-2021 Seconded by M. Myles
THAT Council receives Draft #1 of the 2021 Budget for the departments outlined in this report;
AND THAT upon consideration of any comments or input received from the review, Council directs staff to make the necessary revisions for Draft #2 to be presented on February 8, 2021.
The Clerk proceeded to call and record the votes of Council:
Councillor Golden Yes
Councillor Mielhausen Yes
Councillor Megan Myles Yes
Deputy Mayor Myles Yes
Mayor McIver Yes
The Clerk announced that the motion was carried.
Carried
Other Business
There was no Other Business for Special Council Meeting No. 21-01, January 11, 2021.
Correspondence
There is no Correspondence for Special Council Meeting No. 21-01, January 11, 2021.
Reading of By-Laws
Moved by L. Golden Resolution #01-03-2021 Seconded by M. Myles
THAT the following listed by-law be given 1st, 2nd and 3rd reading and enacted:
By-law No. 2021-07
Being a By-Law to Confirm the Proceedings of the Special Council Meeting of the
Corporation of the Municipality of Northern Bruce Peninsula Held Monday, January 11, 2021
The Clerk proceeded to call and record the votes of Council:
Councillor Golden Yes
Councillor Mielhausen Yes
Councillor Megan Myles Yes
Deputy Mayor Myles Yes
Mayor McIver Yes
The Clerk announced that the motion was carried.
Carried
Closed Session
There is no Closed Session for Special Council Meeting No. 21-01, January 11, 2021.
Reconvene from “Closed Session” to Resume Council Meeting
There is no Closed Session for Special
Council Meeting No. 21-01, January 11, 2021.
Adjournment
Moved by D. Myles Resolution #01-04-2020 Seconded by J. Mielhausen
THAT the meeting adjourns at 3:25 p.m.
The Clerk proceeded to call and record the votes of Council:
Councillor Golden
Councillor Mielhausen Yes
Councillor Megan Myles Yes
Deputy Mayor Myles Yes
Mayor McIver Yes
The Clerk announced that the motion was carried.
Carried
