Members Present: Councillor – Laurie (Smokey) Golden, Deputy Mayor – Debbie Myles, Councillor – James Mielhausen, Councillor – Megan Myles, Mayor – Milt McIver, Committee/Licensing Coordinator – Lindsay Forbes
Members Absent: Bylaw Enforcement Officer – Carol Hopkins, Fire Chief – Jack Burt, Deputy Clerk – Tessa Swanton, Chief Building Official – Wendy Elliott
Staff Present: Clerk – Cathy Addison, GIS/IT Coordinator – Kara Smith, Chief Administrative Officer – Peggy Van Mierlo-West, Manager of Community Services – Ryan Deska, Treasurer – Teresa Shearer, Public Works Manager – Troy Cameron
Others Present: Nil
Note: Members of Council and staff were present in the Municipal Office Council Chamber and the meeting was held via zoom, an electronic platform, for members of the public to attend.
Call to Order and Disclosure of Pecuniary Interest and the General Nature Thereof
Approval of the Agenda
#02-01-2022
Moved by Councillor Laurie (Smokey) Golden, Seconded by Councillor Megan Myles
That the content of the agenda be approved as presented.
Carried
Consideration of Agenda Items
1. Treasurer Report No. TR22-02
Re: 2022 Budget- Draft #1
Mayor McIver introduced the 2022 Budget and discussion was outlined as follows:
Overview questions were directed to and answered by the Treasurer prior to review of the 2022 Budget- Draft #1.
Airport:
· Fuel sales were lower in 2021 than in previous years
· Blue Heron Tours not operating in the 2021 season impacted fuel sales data
· Proposed $70,000 self-fueling station would save on staff wages and time as other than ground maintenance, it does not require a staff member
· Opportunities for Harbour staff training regarding airport fuel sales and pumps
· Treasurer instructed to remove the $70,000 allocated for the Airport self-fueling station
Tobermory Harbour:
· Ongoing upgrades and maintenance on Harbour docks
· Proposed increase of Harbour student wages to be more competitive with other jobs in the area (also applicable to Lion’s Head Harbour)
· Approval of increasing Harbour Student Wages with a recommended range of $17 – $18
· Harbour fees and charges should be reviewed prior to the implementation of 2023 Harbour fees
Lion’s Head Harbour:
· $120,000 estimate to repair/replace docks, based on the docks with the worst damage
· When insurance settlement is complete, may replace with more resilience; additional funds may be required
· Recommended steel roof replacement on Harbour Office
· Approval of increasing Harbour Student Wages with a recommended range of $17 – $18
· Community Services Manager advised to look into alternative crane companies regarding the potential of earlier lift out dates
· Harbour staff utilizing alternative prevention measures to reduce damage resulting from storms – e.g., pulling in far finger docks and rafting them
· Opportunity to look into climate resiliency regarding Harbour management
Lion’s Head Doctor’s Clinic:
· There was no discussion on the Lion’s Head Doctor’s Clinic
Tobermory Medical Services Building:
· There was no discussion on the Tobermory Medical Services Building
Meeting Place:
· Urgency regarding the heating project is low, however efficiency of the existing system is sub-standard from both an energy and productivity perspective
· Proposed to look at the longevity of the building
· Proposed to have the Primary Place Daycare moved into St. Edmund’s Public School
· Recommended to reallocate the allotted $40,000 from the heating system and put into a reserve account for the Primary Place Daycare
Parks and Recreation:
· Heron Point upgrades indicated in both Roads and Parks and Recreation – to be fixed in Draft #2 of the budget and funds will come solely from Roads
· Proposed upgrades to Tennis Courts and Basketball Court at the request of local clubs to address deteriorating structures
· Current agreement for tennis court with Bruce Peninsula District School proposed to be renewed
· Single estimate of $68,000 for proposed resurfacing for Lion’s Head Court due to large area
· Proposed inquiry into other companies regarding quotes on resurfacing
· Due to use of school children at recess, recommended inquiry into more durable surfaces at the Lion’s Head tennis court location
· Recommended to discuss potential usage when the tennis court agreement comes up for renewal
· Goose Management Plan
-Deteriorated fences due to weather and tourism misuse; have been repurchased
-Alternative strategies used on the docks have been successful
-Recommended to extend the Management Plan further into the fall to manage transient geese
· Tourism Development Grant revenue amount to be removed
· Outdoor rink proposal deferred to 2023; a presentation was recommended regarding the outdoor rink
Tobermory Community Center:
· Ensure that the water system needs are addressed prior to the busy season
· $88,000 in upgrades to kitchen and washrooms
· Ventilation upgrades for washrooms should be considered
· $20,000 proposed for basketball court surface upgrades
· Staff instructed to submit a costs report for the cistern regarding the water system
· Community Services Manager will consult with the user groups prior to kitchen renovations
Lion’s Head Campground:
· Currently in line with all current mandates regarding the Campground Septic System
Arena:
· The CAO provided a project update regarding proposed consultations and surveys
· Staff currently reviewing RFP for procuring an Architect, and hopefully available by the end of January
· Recommendations from the Climate Action Committee to look at green options when considering the planning of the building
· Document from public consultations to provide to the architect by the CAO
· Minister of Infrastructure extended the deadline of the competition date of the project to 2027
· Recommended to look into the requirements of the Friendship Club within the project
· Strong response from the public regarding input for the project
· Community outreach formats to be revisited to accommodate groups across media platforms
· Survey competition timeline to be extended
Tobermory and Lion’s Head Library:
· The inclusion of fiber internet to the Lion’s Head Fire Hall; potential for public hotspot
Ferndale Information Center:
· OPP rent should be recorded as $12,000 a year
St. Edmunds Museum:
· Ad Hoc Museum Committee applied for a Trillium grant for the proposed relocation of the historic Davis Cabin that is currently on Parks Canada land to Museum grounds
· Recommended Municipal contribution to cover the relocation costs if the Trillium grant is not fully approved
· Financial contribution from Parks Canada regarding the cabin relocation
· Trillium grants to cover site preparation, accommodate cabin, and upgrade site to attribute another attraction
· Proposed creation of a new outdoor space to generate revenue through outdoor workshops
· Parking lot area could be expanded; however, further discussion needs to occur
Rotary Hall:
· Recommended to wait until the energy audit is completed prior to evaluating the status of the Rotary Hall structure
· Unsuccessful in receiving OMAFRA Grant regarding the insulation project for the Rotary Hall
MNR House:
· Budget Draft #1 completed prior to the cost-of-living increase; to be revised
Accessibility:
· Accessibility upgrades to be conducted along with Parks and Recreation for accessible picnic tables
Community Development:
· Proposed replenishment the Doctor Recruitment Fund
· Spark-grant to be received in 2022
· Proposed contribution to the Barrow Bay Group; dependent on securing available capital
· Suggested $20,000 and the Barrow Bay Group should consider the value of in-kind service
At 10:50 a.m., there was a break in the meeting for Council to attend a Zoom delegation presentation with the Rural Ontario Municipal Association (ROMA).
The Council meeting reconvened at 11:20 a.m.
· Recommended to maintain Human Resources support to aid with policies and procedures; however, reallocate to Administration Budget
Spruce the Bruce:
· Community Services Manager will speak to Bruce County with respect to Spruce the Bruce
Streetscaping:
· No specific projects proposed for 2022
9-1-1 Addressing:
· There was no discussion on 9-1-1 Addressing
Roads:
· Suspension placed on Phase 2 and 3 of the Isthmus Bay Project due to full capacity of Bruce County’s 2022 Budget; potential to retender in 2023
· Roads reserve has been depleted heavily within the last few years
· All tenders for projects revised; going out in February to get competitive prices
· Proposed levy for roads and bridges to accumulate reserves for future projects
· Several major bridge projects coming up within the next few years
· Bridge Projects – plan to look at alternatives for 4th Concession and Concession 10 as they are lower volume roads
· Currently not budgeting for equipment replacement for 2022
· Public Works Manager indicated the need for several pieces of equipment to be replaced within the next few years
· Proposed to re-look at budget for allocating equipment reserves
· Proposed conversion from gravel to hard top – 2 km stretch on the top end of the East Road
· Roads Needs Study was not completed prior to the creation of the Budget
· OCIF increase expected to continue for the next few years
· Council recognizes that not all projects will be completed that are included in the 2022 Budget
· Budget for Roads to be reviewed by staff prior to the Special Council meeting scheduled for February 14, 2022
Streetlights:
· All proposed streetlights to be LED and dark sky compliant
· Tobermory streetlights have recently been replaced by contractors
· Permits have been secured for the replacement of streetlights in Pike Bay
· Suggested stockpiling of LED lights to ensure quick replacement
Lakewood Sewer:
· There was no discussion on Lakewood Sewer
Tobermory Sewer:
· Going forward, MTO directed that residential connections to the town sewer system be directed to the Municipality
· Tender for MTO review for cuts across Highway 6 to connect all residences to the sewer at once instead of on an individual basis
· OCWA (Ontario Clean Water Agency) recommendations for servicing plan for both Tobermory and Lion’s Head communities in the event that funding is available
· Projects proposed to be completed prior to May 24 but no approvals confirmed
· Suggest that tenders for servicing on Highway #6 connections be issued for the period after Thanksgiving weekend and project completion would occur in 2023 in the off season
Lion’s Head Water:
· Work with OCWA on a public water system to allow the purchase of bulk water in Lion’s Head
Small Water Systems:
· Public Works Manager to present estimates for cistern system at Tobermory Community Center at next meeting
Waste Management – Collection and Landfills:
· Proposed selling front-load bins and trucks in the Spring
· Approximately 60 or 70 front load bins for dispersal
· Waste Management showed interest in buying and the group and were instructed to submit an offer to the Municipality
· Annual Reports to be completed and published in February 2022
· The Public Works Manager estimated 7 years remaining at the St. Edmunds Landfill
· The St. Edmunds site to remain open as a transfer station if it were to meet its longevity soon
· Council was recommended to not re-evaluate landfill fees at this time as they are within an average range of other municipalities
There was a break in the Council meeting at 12:18 p.m.
The Council meeting reconvened at 2:28 p.m. following the adjournment of the Regular Council meeting.
· Council noted the importance of implementing a strong recycling strategy
Agriculture and Reforestation – Municipal Drains:
· No current requests for Municipal drain cleanings
· Proposed establishment of a rotational program for drain clean outs
· Currently, the Municipality is acting reactively
· With increased cash cropping opportunities, draining has become a issue within the Municipality
· Potential for grant application regarding drainage
Mayor McIver thanked the Treasurer and staff for their contribution to the Budget process to date.
#02-02-2022
Moved by Deputy Mayor Debbie Myles, Seconded by Councillor James Mielhausen
THAT Council receives Draft #1 of the 2022 Budget for their consideration; and
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 28, 2022.
Carried
Other Business – Nil
Reading of By-laws
By-Law 2022-13
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 24, 2022
#02-03-2022
Moved by Councillor Laurie (Smokey) Golden, Seconded by Councillor Megan Myles
That the listed by-law(s) be given 1st, 2nd, and 3rd reading, and enacted.
Carried
Closed Session – Nil
Reconvene from Closed Session to Resume Council Meeting – Nil
Adjournment
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#02-04-2022
Moved by Councillor Laurie (Smokey) Golden, Seconded by Councillor James Mielhausen
That the meeting adjourns at 3:06 p.m.
Carried
