Members Present: Mayor, Milt McIver, Deputy Mayor, Rod Anderson (Arrived at 9:29 a.m.), Councillor, Todd Dowd, Councillor, Laurie (Smokey) Golden, Councillor, Aman Sohrab
Staff Present: Chief Administrative Officer – Peggy Van Mierlo-West, Committee/Licensing Coordinator – Lindsay Forbes, Treasurer – Teresa Shearer, GIS/IT Coordinator – Kara Smith, Fire Chief – Jack Burt, Bylaw Enforcement Officer – Carol Hopkins
Others Present: Regional Economic Development Coordinator, Christina Tennyson, Economic Development Manager, Jeffrey Loney
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
Due to technical difficulties, Mayor McIver called the meeting to order at 9:04 a.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
#04-01-2022
Moved by Councillor Laurie (Smokey) Golden, Seconded by Councillor Todd Dowd
That the content of the agenda be approved as presented.
Carried
Consideration of Agenda Items
1. Treasurer Report No. TR 23-03
Re: 2023 Budget – Draft #1
Treasurer, Teresa Shearer, gave an overview of the items below from the 2023 Budget – Draft #1:
2023 Assessment Comparison
2023 Tax Levy
2023 Tax Payer Impacts
2023 Reserve Projections
Payments-in-Lieu
OMPF
Federal Gas Tax (CCFB)
Penalty/ Interest Tax Arrears
Investment Income
Following the overview from Treasurer, Teresa Shearer, members of Council continued the review of the 2023 Budget – Draft #1 in the following order:
Council
· Chief Administrative Officer, Peggy Van Mierlo-West, provided an overview of the Wage Review conducted by Ward and Upgrove in 2022 in response to inquiries regarding the proposed 5% increase in Council remuneration
· It was noted that Treasurer, Teresa Shearer, will bring a report to Council regarding the proposed increase in Council wages
Administration
· No discussion occurred on the Administration Operating Budget
GIS/IT
· GIS/IT Manager, Kara Smith, provided an overview of the GIS/IT Operating Budget
· Discussion ensued regarding the Municipal Innovation Council Committee composed of representatives from municipalities in Bruce County regarding cyber security programs and information sharing.
Short-term Accommodation
· Discussion ensued regarding the Short-term Accommodation Program in relation to the Municipal Accommodation Tax (MAT)
· It was noted that a report will be brought to Council at a later date regarding the expansion of the Municipal Accommodation Tax
· It was noted that a Public Consultation process and communications will occur following the report being brought to Council
Deputy Mayor Anderson arrived to the meeting at 9:29 a.m.
· It was noted that letters have been distributed to unlicensed Short-term Accommodation owners throughout 2022 and next steps regarding enforcement would be to fine such establishments
· Discussion ensued regarding the Short-term Accommodation Program as it relates to licensing recognition through platforms such as Air B&B and VRBO
– It was noted that staff will reach out to advertising platforms such as Air B&B and VRBO regarding the inquiry
· CAO, Peggy Van Mierlo-West, provided a brief overview of the Prince Edward County Short-term Accommodation Program.
Fire
· Fire Chief, Jack Burt, provided an overview of the Operating Budget for the Northern Bruce Peninsula Fire Department
· It was noted that mandatory certification training will be completed in 2023
· Discussion ensued regarding the maintenance program of emergency vehicles
Policing
· It was noted that the cost is based on a predetermined formula retained by the Police Department multiplied by the number of permanent residents within the Municipality.
Building
· CAO, Peggy Van Mierlo-West, provided an overview of the Operating Budget for the Building Department
· No discussion ensued regarding the Building Department Operating Budget
By-law Enforcement
· Chief Building Official, Carol Hopkins, provided an overview of the Operating Budget for the By-law Department
· It was noted that Treasurer, Teresa Shearer, will bring a report to Council regarding Paid Parking revenues
· Discussion ensued regarding the North and South Parking Reserves
· Discussion ensued regarding credit card interest rates
· Discussion ensued regarding the Lion’s Head Shuttle Service
-It was noted if Council does not opt to reimplement the Lion’s Head Shuttle Service, that the funds will be returned to the reserve
-Discussion ensued regarding the possible implementation of a Tobermory Shuttle Service
-It was noted that Council should have a discussion regarding the allocation of the Parking Reserve funds
Health & Safety
· No discussion ensued regarding Occupational Health and Safety Operating Budget
Emergency Planning
· Fire Chief, Jack Burt, provided an overview of the Operating Budget for Emergency Planning
· No discussion ensued regarding the Emergency Planning Operating Budget
Cemeteries
· Discussion ensued regarding the 3 active cemeteries located within the Municipality of Northern Bruce Peninsula
· Discussion ensued regarding an ad in the Bruce Peninsula Press regarding Green Burials
-It was noted that the 2018-2022 Cemetery Committee determined that the Municipality of Northern Bruce Peninsula is not a suitable location for Green Burials
· It was noted that the number of available plots and cost of a plot will be included within the 2022 Q4 quarterly report
Accessibility
· CAO, Peggy Van Mierlo-West, provided an overview of the Accessibility Operational Budget
· No discussion ensued regarding the Accessibility Operating Budget
A brief overview of the items below was provided to Deputy Mayor, Rod Anderson by CAO, Peggy Van Mierlo-West, as he arrived at the January 30, 2023, Special Council meeting following the previous overviews:
· 2023 Assessment Comparison
· 2023 Tax Levy
· 2023 Tax Payer Impacts
· 2023 Reserve Projections
· Payments-in-Lieu
· OMPF
· Federal Gas Tax (CCFB)
· Penalty/ Interest Tax Arrears
· Investment Income
It was noted that an Asset Management report will be brought to Council at a later date.
#04-02-2022
Moved by Councillor Todd Dowd, Seconded by Councillor Aman Sohra
That Council receives Draft #1 of the 2023 Budget for review of departmental operating budgets; 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 13, 2023.
Carried
2. Public Works Manager Report No. PW 23-02
Re: Plow Truck Purchase
CAO, Peggy Van Mierlo-West, provided an overview of Public Works Manager Report No. PW 23-02.
Discussion ensued regarding the maintenance systems implemented within the Public Works Department.
It was noted that the 2022 Q4 Quarterly report will be brought to Council on February 13, 2023.
#04-03-2022
Moved by Deputy Mayor Rod Anderson, Seconded by Councillor Todd Dowd
That, Council receives Public Works Department Report PW 23-02 titled Plow Truck Purchase; and
That, Council authorizes to proceed with the purchase of a 2024 Freightliner FL114SD from Viking-Cives Ltd. for $380,375, plus HST., and
That, the overage of $30,375 be funded from the fleet reserve.
Carried
3. Fire Chief Report No. FC 23-01
Re: Sole Source Purchase of a Quick Response Rescue Vehicle
Fire Chief, Jack Burt, provided an overview of Fire Chief Report No. FC 23-01.
Discussion ensued regarding the maintenance system implemented within the Fire Department.
#04-04-2022
Moved by Councillor Aman Sohrab, Seconded by Councillor Laurie (Smokey) Golden
That Council receives FC 23-01 report titled Sole Source Purchase of a Quick Response Rescue Vehicle, and;
That Council waives Section 5.4 Tender Purchased $75,000+ of Bylaw 2022-70
Purchasing Policy, and;
That, Council authorizes the entering into a purchase agreement with Front Line Emergency Vehicles, in the amount of $239,500 (plus tax) for the purchase of a quick response vehicle.
Carried
4. Community Improvement Plan (CIP) Presentation
Re: Regional Economic Development Coordinator, Christina Tennyson
Members of Council took a break at 10:36 a.m.
Municipal By-law Enforcement Officer, Carol Hopkins, and Fire Chief, Jack Burt, left the meeting at this time.
The Council meeting resumed at 10:40 a.m.
Regional Economic Development Coordinator, Christina Tennyson and Economic Development Manager, Jeffrey Loney appeared in person at the January 30, 2023, Special Council Meeting.
Mayor McIver, welcomed Christina and Jeffery to the January 30, 2023, Special Council Meeting.
Christina Tennyson provided an overview of the Community Improvement Plan (CIP), the following was noted:
· Purpose of a CIP
-Encourages the development and redevelopment of private and/or public lands through the provision of financial incentives to improve the appearance and functionality of designated areas within the municipality
-Financial incentives are used to aid businesses and property owners in the redevelopment and improvement of their properties
· Goals of the CIP Modernization
-A framework for potential financial incentives that stimulate investment from business and property owners
-Allow for businesses and property owners to gain full access to Spruce the Bruce Program by designating an NBP-wide CIP area
-Re-evaluate defined CIP areas and consider additional priority communities
-Adjust incentives based on the needs of community retention and attraction
-Redevelop the policy to be more in line with existing Municipal goals and County priorities
· 2021-2025 MNBP Strategic Priorities
– Create a Strong and Resilient Economy
– Ensure the economic environment is attractive to new and existing businesses
– Diversify across industries, types of consumer, and season
– Workforce and infrastructure that meets the needs of existing and interested businesses
– Create employment and opportunities that support a high quality of life
· Fully Access Spruce the Bruce
-Newly added Spruce the Bruce grants can be extended beyond traditional priority (downtown core) areas of a municipality, if a CIP is extended beyond these areas.
· Structure of Financial Incentives
Council engaged in discussions surrounding the strategic priorities and intended direction of the CIP.
Mayor McIver thanked Christina and Jeffery for their presentation.
#04-05-2022
Moved by Deputy Mayor Rod Anderson, Seconded by Councillor Aman Sohrab
That Council receives the Community Improvement Plan Presentation as information; and
That Council provides comments to aid in the development of the Community Improvement Plan.
Carried
Other Business
Councillor Sohrab inquired regarding if a response had been received regarding the submission of Municipal comments to Parks Canada regarding the proposed regulations around Big Tub Harbour.
CAO, Peggy Van Mierlo-West, noted that no response has been received to date.
Reading of By-laws
By-law 2023-18
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 30, 2023
#04-06-2022
Moved by Councillor Laurie (Smokey) Golden, Seconded by Councillor Todd Dowd
That the listed by-law(s) be given 1st, 2nd, and 3rd reading, and enacted.
Carried
Closed Session
#04-07-2022
Moved by Councillor Aman Sohrab, Seconded by Deputy Mayor Rod Anderson
That Council moves into Closed Session at 11:17 a.m. pursuant to Section 239(2) of the Municipal Act, 2001, S.O. 2001, as amended, for the following reasons: (e) Litigation or potential litigation, including matters before administrative tribunals, affecting the municipality of local boards; (9 Sunset Drive – Ontario Land Tribunal)
Carried
Reconvene from Closed Session to Resume Council Meeting
#04-08-2022
Moved by Councillor Todd Dowd, Seconded by Councillor Laurie (Smokey) Golden
That Council reconvenes from Closed Session at 11:26 a.m. to resume the Council meeting.
Carried
Adjournment
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#04-09-2022
Moved by Deputy Mayor Rod Anderson, Seconded by Councillor Aman Sohrab
That the meeting adjourns at 11:26 a.m.
Carried
