Members Present: Mayor Milt McIver, Deputy Mayor Debbie Myles (via Zoom), Councillor Laurie (Smokey) Golden, Councillor James Mielhausen, Councillor Megan Myles
Staff Present: Cathy Addison, Clerk, Tessa Swanton, Deputy Clerk, Peggy Van Mierlo-West, Chief Administrative Officer, Wendy Elliott, Chief Building Official (via Zoom), Troy Cameron, Public Works Manager (via Zoom), Ryan Deska, Manager of Community Services (via Zoom), Carol Hopkins, By-law Enforcement Officer (via Zoom), Wilf Barnes, Fire Chief (via Zoom), Teresa Shearer, Treasurer (via Zoom)
Others Present: Elizabeth Thorn, Jenna McGuire, Glen Estill, and Niels Monk; Bruce Peninsula Biosphere Association (via Zoom), Barry and Sue Robinson; Residents of Carter Road (via Zoom)
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. 2020-79, Section 3- 61.3, Council votes will be recorded for resolutions presented at electronic Council meetings.
Disclosure of Pecuniary Interest and General Nature Thereof
Mayor McIver called the meeting to order at 1:00 p.m. and Council members were reminded to disclose any pecuniary interest and the general nature thereof that may arise during the meeting.
Approval of the Agenda
Resolution #06-01-2021, Moved by L. Golden, Seconded 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 Myles: Yes
Deputy Mayor Myles: Yes
Mayor McIver: Yes
The Clerk announced that the motion was carried.
Carried
Adoption of the Minutes
Re: Special Council Meeting No. 21-03, January 25, 2021 and Council Meeting No. 21-04, January 25, 2021
Resolution #06-02-2021, Moved by M. Myles, Seconded by L. Golden
That the minutes of Special Council Meeting No. 21-03, January 25, 2021 and Council Meeting No. 21-04, January 25, 2021 be approved as printed and circulated.
The Clerk proceeded to call and record the votes of Council:
Councillor Golden: Yes
Councillor Mielhausen: Yes
Councillor Myles: Yes
Deputy Mayor Myles Yes
Mayor McIver: Yes
The Clerk announced that the motion was carried.
Carried
Public Meeting
There is no Public Meeting for Council Meeting No. 21-06, February 8, 2021.
Delegation
1. Elizabeth Thorn, Jenna McGuire, Glen Estill, and Niels Monk – Bruce Peninsula Biosphere Association
Re: Invitation to collaborate on septic system program, briefing on electric vehicle chargers launch, Cabot Head Lighthouse discussion on cultural and historical significance
Elizabeth Thorn, Jenna McGuire, Glen Estill, and Niels Monk appeared before Council via Zoom to discuss three topics: a collaborative approach for the Bruce Peninsula Biosphere Association’s (BPBA) sewage system program, electric vehicle chargers launch, and the Cabot Head Lighthouse.
Neils Monk indicated that BPBA was approved for a $75,000 grant to continue implementing their sewage system program. Thus far, they have replaced 40 sewage systems valued at $160,000. He stated that they BPBA hires a contractor to pump out and evaluate systems to determine if replacement is needed. He asked that the Municipality work with BPBA on this program, specifically a municipal building inspector. Neils Monk stated that the inspector could help locate problem areas where there may be an abundance of underperforming systems, such as in Barrow Bay, Little Lake, Cameron Lake and Isthmus Bay area. Elizabeth Thorne advised that BPBA has provided $4,000 incentives to over 50 homeowners who qualified as their systems were polluting a watercourse.
Mayor McIver stated that the Municipality will be conducting more sewage system inspections based on the proposed short term accommodations regulations.
Glen Estill went into detail regarding the launch of electric vehicle chargers in the Municipality. It was noted that BPBA will provide 50 electric vehicle level 2 chargers to tourist operators (free to motels, campgrounds and anyone providing overnight accommodations). In addition to the free chargers, $1,000 of installation costs will be covered by the grant. Costs to install differ for each location. Glen Estill informed that electric vehicles reduce carbon emissions, are more efficient than gas, cost less on fuel and maintenance, and are becoming more popular.
Elizabeth Thorne advised that BPBA is working with the Bird Observatory and Friends of Cabot Head to have the Cabot Head Lighthouse designated as being historically and culturally significant. She requested the Municipality prepare a statement or proclamation.
Jenna McGuire stated that the lighthouse has a rich heritage, unique architecture, and indigenous history. She noted the importance of preserving the site in the former Lindsay Township.
Elizabeth Thorne informed that the designation would assist in receiving funding to preserve the lighthouse. In addition, she noted that a $125,000 grant has been received to create a multi-use trail to the site.
Councillor Golden questioned the implications of designating the lighthouse as historically significant. She asked if a plan was in place for the future of the site.
The Mayor directed the CAO to discuss this request with Elizabeth Thorne and her group.
2. Barry and Sue Robinson on behalf of Residents of Carter Road, Cape Chin South, Northern Bruce Peninsula
Re: Petition from residents of Carter Road to resolve safety and environmental concerns related to the public use of the municipal property located at 60 Carter Road
Mayor McIver welcomed Barry and Sue Robinson to the meeting via Zoom. Barry Robinson thanked municipal staff for keeping the Municipality safe during the COVID-19 pandemic and the Public Works, Bylaw, and Fire Departments for assisting with the issues at 60 Carter Road in the past.
Barry Robinson proceeded to inform Council of the issues facing the municipal access at 60 Carter Road, such as residents feeling unsafe in their homes, visitors ignoring signage, 75-100 vehicles accessing the property weekly from other provinces and large cities, no social distancing during the pandemic, overnight camping, visitors being directed to the access by Parks Canada and tourism information centres, ineffective signage, holding tanks being dumped into the water, disappearing shoreline, collection of shore stone, fires, and unsupervised vehicular access.
Barry Robinson requested that the Municipality accept responsibility for the land and install a lockable gate in front of the access. He noted that walking access would be permitted with parking on the west side of the road with access for emergency vehicles only. A petition signed by 23 residents on Carter Road was presented.
Mayor McIver advised that Council discussed Cape Chin South at the Special Council meeting earlier in the day. He stated that Public Works is going to investigate the area for possible parking for around 6 vehicles. A staff report will be brought back to Council with some solutions.
The CAO asked Barry and Sue Robinson to visit www.letstalknbp.ca and submit their comments on the interactive map.
Consideration of Agenda Items
1. Public Works Manager Report No. PW 21-01
Re: Waste Management Update
The Public Works Manager stated that he will inform Council of numbers relating to 2020 collections (showing impacts of COVID-19) once they are finalized. He mentioned that there has been an increase due to part-time residents staying at their cottages for longer periods.
Resolution #06-03-2021, Moved by J. Mielhausen, Seconded by D. Myles
THAT Council receives Public Works Department Report PW 21-01 titled Waste Management Update, as information.
The Clerk proceeded to call and record the votes of Council:
Councillor Golden: Yes
Councillor Mielhausen: Yes
Councillor Myles: Yes
Deputy Mayor Myles: Yes
Mayor McIver: Yes
The Clerk announced that the motion was carried.
Carried
2. Public Works Manager Report No. PW 21-02
Re: Waste Management Services Review
The CAO informed Council of a presentation on Thursday, March 11, 2021 from 7:00-8:00 p.m. and said that the report outlines options for partnerships.
Resolution #06-04-2021, Moved by L. Golden, Seconded by M. Myles
THAT Council receives Public Works Department Report PW 21-02 titled Waste Management Services Review, as information;
AND THAT Council receives the Waste Management Services Review Report, prepared by Dillon Consulting on behalf of the Municipal Innovation Council, as information.
The Clerk proceeded to call and record the votes of Council:
Councillor Golden: Yes
Councillor Mielhausen: Yes
Councillor Myles: Yes
Deputy Mayor Myles: Yes
Mayor McIver: Yes
The Clerk announced that the motion was carried.
Carried
3. Chief Building Official Report No. BD 21-02
Re: Lift Holding (H) Zone
Daniel James Cator
Renee Carmel Cator
Lindsay Concession 4 EBR Part Lot 3 RP 3R9799 Part 5
Unnumbered Forty Hills Road
Assessment Roll No. 4109 660 002 29400
The Chief Building Official confirmed that an environmental impact study was submitted and Building Department staff can ensure that all measures are taken into consideration by the owner pertaining to development.
Resolution #06-05-2021, Moved by J. Mielhausen, Seconded by M. Myles
THAT Council supports the removal of the Holding “H” zone requested by Daniel James Cator and Renee Carmel Cator of the property legally described as Lindsay Concession 4 EBR Part Lot 3 RP 3R9799 Part 5 and located at Unnumbered Forty Hills Road, Municipality of Northern Bruce Peninsula;
AND THAT Council will consider entertaining the passage of By-law No. 2021-14, being a by-law to lift the Holding “H” zone symbol, at its regular Council meeting on Monday, February 22, 2021.
Councillor Golden: Yes
Councillor Mielhausen: Yes
Councillor Myles: Yes
Deputy Mayor Myles: Yes
Mayor McIver: Yes
The Clerk announced that the motion was carried.
Carried
4. Community Services Manager Report No. CS 21-06
Re: FCM Grant Application
Ryan Deska, Community Services Manager, stated that the Housing Needs Study is necessary regardless if funding is received from FCM.
Resolution #06-06-2021, Moved by L. Golden, Seconded by M. Myles
THAT Council receives Manager of Community Services report CS 21-06 FCM Grant Application, as information;
AND THAT Council approve moving forward with an application to the Federation of Canadian Municipalities’ Green Municipal Fund, for the grant – Planning: Early support grant for sustainable affordable housing projects.
The Clerk proceeded to call and record the votes of Council:
Councillor Golden: Yes
Councillor Mielhausen: Yes
Councillor Myles: Yes
Deputy Mayor Myles: Yes
Mayor McIver: Yes
The Clerk announced that the motion was carried.
Carried
5. Community Services Manager Report No. CS 21-07
Re: Arena Ice Removal Update
Council discussed the ice surface at the Arena. The Community Services Manager was directed to speak with community groups regarding usage for the remainder of the season. It was announced that the Municipality may move into the “green zone” of COVID-19 restrictions and indoor sports can resume.
Resolution #06-07-2021, Moved by J. Mielhausen, Seconded by L. Golden
THAT Council receives Manager of Community Services report CS 21-07 Arena Ice Removal Update, as information.
The Clerk proceeded to call and record the votes of Council:
Councillor Golden: Yes
Councillor Mielhausen: Yes
Councillor Myles: Yes
Deputy Mayor Myles: Yes
Mayor McIver: Yes
The Clerk announced that the motion was carried.
Carried
6. Bylaw Enforcement Officer Report No. MLEO 21-01
Re: Being a By-law to Regulate and Control the Movement and Time of Movement of Off-Road Vehicles [Also Known as ATV (s)] on any Highways or Road Allowances under the Control of the Municipality of Northern Bruce Peninsula
Carol Hopkins, Bylaw Enforcement Officer, advised that provincial legislation has changed resulting in a need to update the current ATV By-law. Public health recommendations were also incorporated into the by-law.
Resolution #06-08-2021, Moved by M. Myles, Seconded by J. Mielhausen
THAT Council receives and approves MLEO Report No. 21-01 Report as it relates to the By-law to Regulate and Control the Movement and time of Movement of Off-Road Vehicles [also known as ATV (s)] on any Highways or Road Allowances under the Control of the Municipality of Northern Bruce Peninsula,
AND THAT Council will consider the passage of By-law No. 2021-09 at its regular Council meeting on February 22, 2021.
The Clerk proceeded to call and record the votes of Council:
Councillor Golden: Yes
Councillor Mielhausen: Yes
Councillor Myles: Yes
Deputy Mayor Myles: Yes
Mayor McIver: Yes
The Clerk announced that the motion was carried.
Carried
7. Bylaw Enforcement Officer Report No. MLEO 21-03
Re: A By-Law to Provide for Licencing, Regulate and Governing Owners and Drivers of Taxicabs, Motor or other Vehicles used for Hire for Transportation of Passengers in The Municipality of Northern Bruce Peninsula
Carol Hopkins confirmed that the existing Taxi Cabs By-law is from 2011 and required more detail. She recommended that a shuttle service be included in a separate by-law and informed that licencing fees for taxis are outlined in the current Fees and Charges By-law.
Resolution #06-09-2021, Moved by D. Myles, Seconded by M. Myles
THAT Council receives MLEO Report # 21-03 as it relates to a By-Law to Provide for Licencing, Regulate and Governing Owners and Drivers of Taxicabs, Motor or other Vehicles used for Hire for Transportation of Passengers in The Municipality of Northern Bruce Peninsula.
And that Council will consider the passage of By-law No. 2021-13 at its regular Council meeting on February 22, 2021.
The Clerk proceeded to call and record the votes of Council:
Councillor Golden: Yes
Councillor Mielhausen: Yes
Councillor Myles: Yes
Deputy Mayor Myles: Yes
Mayor McIver: Yes
The Clerk announced that the motion was carried.
Carried
8. Clerk Report No. C 21-04
Re: NEC – Applicants and Owners – Nancy Watson & George Benes
Part Lot 25, Concession 8 EBR
Municipality of Northern Bruce Peninsula (Lindsay), County of Bruce
Roll No.: 410966000316407
Resolution #06-10-2021, Moved by J. Mielhausen, Seconded by M. Myles
THAT Council directs staff to submit the following Municipal requests to the Niagara Escarpment Commission (NEC)
THAT Council directs staff to submit to the Niagara Escarpment Commission, the Municipality’s position of no objection the Development Permit application submitted by the owners Applicants, Nancy Watson and George Benes, for property known as Part Lot 25, Concession 8 EBR (Lindsay) Municipality of Northern Bruce Peninsula, to construct a one storey ± 186 m2 (± 2000 ft2) single dwelling having a maximum height to peak of ± 8 m (± 25 ft), to construct a ± 46 m2 (± 500 ft2) accessory structure (detached garage) having a maximum height to peak of ± 5 m (± 18 ft), to widen the existing driveway, on a 1.11 ha (2.76 ac) existing lot of record that currently supports a driveway, sewage disposal system and well.
The Clerk proceeded to call and record the votes of Council:
Councillor Golden: Yes
Councillor Mielhausen: Yes
Councillor Myles: Yes
Deputy Mayor Myles: Yes
Mayor McIver: Yes
The Clerk announced that the motion was carried.
Carried
9. Clerk Report No. C 21-05
Re: Method of Voting Discussions for the 2022 Municipal Election
Clerk, Cathy Addison, provided an overview of voting methods for the 2022 municipal election and noted that in 2018 the Municipality utilized internet and telephone voting.
Resolution #06-11-2021, Moved by L. Golden, Seconded by M. Myles
THAT Council receives the report Method of Voting Discussions for the 2022 Municipal Election as information.
The Clerk proceeded to call and record the votes of Council:
Councillor Golden: Yes
Councillor Mielhausen: Yes
Councillor Myles: Yes
Deputy Mayor Myles: Yes
Mayor McIver: Yes
The Clerk announced that the motion was carried.
Carried
10. Chief Administrative Officer Report No. CAO 21-03
Re: Job Description Review
Peggy Van Mierlo-West clarified aspects of the GIS/IT Coordinator position and noted that the current outsourced IT supplier will provide services to the Municipality until the new GIS/IT Coordinator is familiar with the role and systems.
Resolution #06-12-2021, Moved by J. Mielhausen, Seconded by D. Myles
That Council receives the report titled Job Description Review, and;
THAT the attached job descriptions for the positions of GIS/IT Coordinator and Facilities Supervisor be approved, and;
THAT Council direct staff to implement the hiring plan for these two positions.
The Clerk proceeded to call and record the votes of Council:
Councillor Golden: Yes
Councillor Mielhausen: Yes
Councillor Myles: Yes
Deputy Mayor Myles: Yes
Mayor McIver: Yes
The Clerk announced that the motion was carried.
Carried
11. Chief Administrative Officer Report No. CAO 21-04
Re: Modernization Report
The CAO noted that the recommendations outlined within the report will be discussed with the Management Team and a report will be presented to Council with prioritized recommendations.
Resolution #06-13-2021, Moved by L. Golden, Seconded by J. Mielhausen
That Council receive the report CAO 21-04 and,
That Council receive the attached report titled Modernization Report from Think Best Practice.
The Clerk proceeded to call and record the votes of Council:
Councillor Golden: Yes
Councillor Mielhausen: Yes
Councillor Myles: Yes
Deputy Mayor Myles: Yes
Mayor McIver: Yes
The Clerk announced that the motion was carried.
Carried
12. Accounts Payable Voucher:
Re: January 2021
Resolution #06-14-2021, Moved by D. Myles, Seconded by J. Mielhausen
That Council receives approved Accounts Payable Voucher, January 2021, in the amount of $676,821.61.
The Clerk proceeded to call and record the votes of Council:
Councillor Golden: Yes
Councillor Mielhausen: Yes
Councillor Myles: Yes
Deputy Mayor Myles: Yes
Mayor McIver: Yes
The Clerk announced that the motion was carried. Carried
13. Resolution- Norfolk County
Re: Endorsement St. Catharines Resolution Bill 197
Resolution #06-15-2021, Moved by L. Golden, Seconded by M. Myles
That Council receives the attached resolution, as information.
The Clerk proceeded to call and record the votes of Council:
Councillor Golden: Yes, Councillor Mielhausen: Yes, Councillor Myles: Yes
Deputy Mayor Myles: Yes, Mayor McIver: Yes
The Clerk announced that the motion was carried. Carried
14. Resolution- Perth County
Re: Significant Impacts of Current Value Assessments in Perth County
Resolution #06-16-2021, Moved by L. Golden, Seconded by M. Myles
That Council receives the attached resolution, as information.
The Clerk proceeded to call and record the votes of Council:
Councillor Golden: Yes, Councillor Mielhausen: Yes, Councillor Myles: Yes, Deputy Mayor Myles: Yes, Mayor McIver: Yes
The Clerk announced that the motion was carried.
Carried
Other Business
Councillor Golden asked the CAO to investigate implications of investing in Cabot Head Road and designating the Lighthouse as historically significant.
Correspondence
1. Richard Gils- GBTEL Inc.- Request for an updated letter of support pertaining to ISED’s Universal Broadband Fund
Resolution #06-17-2021, Moved by J. Mielhausen, Seconded by M. Myles
That Council directs the CAO to prepare a letter of support pertaining to ISED’s Universal Broadband Fund as per a request from Richard Gils, GBTEL Inc.
The Clerk proceeded to call and record the votes of Council:
Councillor Golden: Yes, Councillor Mielhausen: Yes, Councillor Myles: Yes, Deputy Mayor Myles: Yes, Mayor McIver: Yes
The Clerk announced that the motion was carried. Carried
2. Ruth Bainbridge- Support for delegation from Elizabeth Thorn and Jenna McGuire regarding the Cabot Head Lighthouse and Museum being designated as historical buildings- noted and filed
3. Rob Davis- Support for delegation from Elizabeth Thorn and Jenna McGuire regarding the Cabot Head Lighthouse and Museum being designated as historical buildings- noted and filed
Councillor Myles declared a conflict of interest with respect to Correspondence Item #4 “because I own own/operate short-term accommodation business in the Municipality (B&B/hostel)”. Councillor Myles did not participate in the following portion of the meeting.
4. Dave Robertson- Municipal Accommodation Tax- noted and filed and will be discussed during the short term accommodation (STA) process
5. Chris McConnell- OPSEU Local 317- Province’s announcement of the impending closure of the Gravenhurst campus of the Ontario Fire College on March 31, 2021
Councillor Myles resumed participation in the meeting at this time.
Resolution #06-18-2021, Moved by L. Golden, Seconded by J. Mielhausen
That Council supports the efforts of the workers of the Ontario Fire College in keeping the Gravenhurst campus of the Ontario Fire College open despite the Province’s impending closure announcement dated January 13, 2021.
The Clerk proceeded to call and record the votes of Council:
Councillor Golden: Yes, Councillor Mielhausen: Yes, Councillor Myles: Yes, Deputy Mayor Myles: Yes, Mayor McIver: Yes
The Clerk announced that the motion was carried. Carried
6. Public Health Grey Bruce- Situation Report Automation- The Changes and Why- noted and filed
7. Public Health Grey Bruce- Rapid COVID-19 Test Kits Deployed by Grey Bruce Health Unit- noted and filed
8. Public Health Grey Bruce- Grey Bruce Health Unit confirms first death related to COVID-19- noted and filed
9. Public Health Grey Bruce- Hockey Hub- COVID-19 Mass Immunization Hub in Grey Bruce- noted and filed
Resolution #06-19-2021, Moved by D. Myles, Seconded by L. Golden
That Council receives correspondence items #2, 3, 6, 7, 8, and 9 as information.
The Clerk proceeded to call and record the votes of Council:
Councillor Golden: Yes
Councillor Mielhausen: Yes
Councillor Myles: Yes
Deputy Mayor Myles: Yes
Mayor McIver: Yes
The Clerk announced that the motion was carried. Carried
Resolution #06-20-2021, Moved by J. Mielhausen, Seconded by L. Golden
That Council receives correspondence item #4 as information.
The Clerk proceeded to call and record the votes of Council:
Councillor Golden: Yes
Councillor Mielhausen: Yes
Councillor Myles: In conflict
Deputy Mayor Myles: Yes
Mayor McIver: Yes
The Clerk announced that the motion was carried. Carried
Reading of By-Laws
Resolution #06-21-2021, Moved by D. Myles, Seconded by M. Myles
That the following listed by-law(s) be given 1st, 2nd and 3rd reading and enacted:
By-law No. 2021-16
Being A By-Law to Confirm the Proceedings of the Council Meeting of The Corporation of The Municipality of Northern Bruce Peninsula Held Monday, February 8, 2021
The Clerk proceeded to call and record the votes of Council:
Councillor Golden: Yes
Councillor Mielhausen: Yes
Councillor 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 Council Meeting No. 21-06, February 8, 2021.
Reconvene from Closed Session to Resume Council Meeting
There is no Closed Session for Council Meeting No. 21-06, February 8, 2021.
Adjournment
Resolution #06-22-2021, Moved by L. Golden, Seconded by J. Mielhausen
THAT the meeting adjourns at 3:14 p.m.
The Clerk proceeded to call and record the votes of Council:
Councillor Golden: Yes
Councillor Mielhausen: Yes
Councillor Myles: Yes
Deputy Mayor Myles: Yes
Mayor McIver: Yes
The Clerk announced that the motion was carried. Carried
