Members Present: Mayor – Milt McIver, Deputy Mayor – Rod Anderson, Councillor – Todd Dowd, Councillor – Laurie (Smokey) Golden, Councillor – Aman Sohrab
Staff Present: Chief Administrative Officer – Peggy Van Mierlo-West, Committee/Licensing Coordinator – Lindsay Forbes, Public Works Administrative Assistant – Kiersten Thompson, Treasurer – Teresa Shearer, GIS/IT Coordinator – Kara Smith, Parks and Facilities Manager – Mark Coleman
Others Present: William Streeter, Traci Smith, BDO (Zoom), Building and Planning Administrative Assistant – Olivia Daigle
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
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.
Councillor Golden noted the following. “While I do not have a pecuniary interest, in order to avoid any perception of conflict, I will not participate in any discussion or decisions on correspondence items #8 & 9 as they involve a company owned by my sibling.”
Approval of the Agenda
#15-01-2023
Moved by Councillor Laurie (Smokey) Golden, Seconded by Councillor Todd Dowd
That the content of the agenda be approved as presented.
Carried
Adoption of the Minutes
Re: Council Meeting No. 23-14, May 23, 2023
#15-02-2023
Moved by Councillor Todd Dowd, Seconded by Councillor Aman Sohrab
That the minutes of Council Meeting No. 23-14, May 23, 2023, be approved as printed and circulated.
Carried
Public Meeting – Nil.
Delegation
William Streeter
Re: John Pearson Plaque Rededication
William Streeter appeared in person to present a delegation regarding the John Pearson Plaque Rededication.
Mayor McIver welcomed William Streeter to the June 12, 2023, Council Meeting.
William Streeter provided a historical overview of John Pearson’s life and military service.
It was noted that John Pearson received the Victoria Cross along with several other prestigious honours.
It was noted that John Pearson is the only Victoria Cross recipient buried within Bruce County.
Discussion ensued regarding the headstone of John Pearson in the Eastnor Cemetery.
It was noted that a plaque is located at the Lion’s Head Cenotaph commemorating John Pearson.
William Streeter provided an overview of the medals awarded to John Pearson throughout his service.
It was noted that John Pearson’s medals are currently on display at the Imperial War Museum in London England.
It was noted that staff will provide Council with information concerning further commemoration of John Pearson.
Mayor McIver thanked William Streeter for their presentation.
Traci Smith, BDO
Re: Audit Final Report
BDO LLP Incorporated Partner, Traci Smith appeared via Zoom to present the 2022 Final Audit Report to members of Council.
Traci Smith provided a brief overview of the Required Communication contained within the 2022 Final Audit Report.
Following the overview of the Required Communication, Traci Smith disclosed information pertaining to the Auditors Report.
A brief overview of the Statement of Financial Position was provided to Council. Discussion surrounding the following categories were noted:
· Reserves
· Accounts Payable
· Deferred Revenue
· Financial Assets and Non-Financial Assets
· Statement of Operations
· User Fees
· Donations
· Operating Expenses
· Annual Surplus
Terri Smith stated that the Municipality of Northern Bruce Peninsula is currently in a strong financial position.
It was noted that an operating surplus was transferred to Capital Reserves in compliance with Operating By-law 2002-04.
Discussion ensued regarding clarification on items contained within the Audit Final Report.
Traci Smith provided clarification on the term “Materiality” with respect to the Audit.
Mayor McIver thanked Traci Smith for their presentation.
Consideration of Agenda Items
1. GIS/IT Manager Report No. GIS IT 23-03
Re: Website Refresh Update
GIS/IT Manager, Kara Smith, provided Council with a preview of the new website for the Municipality of Northern Bruce Peninsula.
It was noted that the Municipality of Northern Bruce Peninsula’s website will be down for a brief period on Thursday, June 15, 2023, to facilitate the activation of the new website.
Building and Planning Administrative Assistant, Olivia Daigle provided an overview of additional pages contained within the new website.
#15-03-2023
Moved by Councillor Laurie (Smokey) Golden, Seconded by Councillor Todd Dowd
That Council receives GIS/IT 23-03 report titled Website Refresh Update, as information.
Carried
2. Parks and Facilities Manager Report No. PF 23-02
Re: Lion’s Head Arena Project – Progress Report
Councillor Dowd inquired regarding the assembly hall as it pertains to the possible installation of air conditioning within the room.
Parks and Facilities Manager, Mark Coleman, noted that this inquiry will be noted with respect to the mechanical designs of the project.
Councillor Dowd inquired regarding the floorplan of the arena project.
Parks and Facilities Manager, Mark Coleman, noted that more information regarding project dimensions will be provided at a later date
Councillor Golden inquired regarding the incorporation of a gymnasium within the new Lion’s Head Community Centre.
Chief Administrative Officer, Peggy Van Mierlo-West, noted that the availability of a gymnasium within the community for day activities was associated with high public demand within the Parks and Recreation Master Plan.
It was noted that the designs for the Lion’s Head Community Centre are currently in the preliminary stage.
#15-04-2023
Moved by Deputy Mayor Rod Anderson, Seconded by Councillor Aman Sohrab
That Council receives Parks and Facilities Report PF 23-02 regarding Lion’s Head Arena Project – Progress Report as information.
Carried
3. Parks and Facilities Manager Report No. PF 23-03
Re: The Meeting Place – OTF Capital Grant Application
#15-05-2023
Moved by Councillor Aman Sohrab, Seconded by Deputy Mayor Rod Anderson
That Council receives Parks and Facilities Report PF 23-03 regarding The Meeting Place – OTF Capital Grant Application as information, and
That Council supports the application to the Ontario Trillium Foundation – Capital Grant intake to support capital repairs to the roof and HVAC equipment of the facility at 20 Centennial Drive, Tobermory.
Carried
4. Treasurer Report No. TR 23-20
Re: Approval of 2022 Audited Financial Statement
#15-06-2023
Moved by Councillor Laurie (Smokey) Golden, Seconded by Councillor Aman Sohrab
That Council received Treasurer’s Report TR23-20 as information regarding the 2022 financial statements; and
That Council approves the 2022 Draft Audited Financial Statements as prepared and presented by BDO Canada LLP at the Regular Meeting of June 12, 2023.
Carried
5. Clerk Report No. C 23-19
Re: Renewal of DataFix Voter List Management Services Agreement 2026
#15-07-2023
Moved by Councillor Todd Dowd, Seconded by Councillor Aman Sohrab
That Council receives the Clerk’s report C 23-19 with regards to Renewal of DataFix Voter List Management Services Agreement 2026
That Council approves the passing of By-law 2023-54, which authorizes the Mayor and Clerk to execute the agreement with DataFix.
Carried
6. Chief Administrative Officer Report No. CAO 23-11
Re: Municipal Drainage Committee
Chief Administrative Officer, Peggy Van Mierlo-West, provided an overview on the rationale concerning the creation a Municipal Drainage Committee.
Chief Administrative Officer, Peggy Van Mierlo-West, provided clarification regarding “technical expertise”.
Discussion ensued regarding the community education plan associated with the creation of the Municipal Drainage Committee concerning proper maintenance of Municipal Drains.
Discussion ensued regarding the proposed composition of the Municipal Drainage Committee.
Chief Administrative Officer, Peggy Van Mierlo-West, provided an overview of the next steps associated with the approval of the Terms of Reference for the Municipal Drainage Committee.
#15-08-2023
Moved by Councillor Todd Dowd, Seconded by Deputy Mayor Rod Anderson
That Council receives the report titled Municipal Drainage Committee, and;
That, Council approves the attached terms of reference.
Carried
7. Chief Administrative Officer Report No. CAO 23-12
Re: Development Charges
Councillor Golden noted several concerns regarding the implementation of development charges within the Municipality of Northern Bruce Peninsula.
Mayor McIver provided an overview of Bruce County’s intentions regarding Development Charges. He further noted that a report will be presented to Bruce County Council in September.
Chief Administrative Officer, Peggy Van Mierlo-West, provided an overview of the proposed implementation of development charges.
Councillor Golden highlighted the importance of communication concerning the implementation of charges and taxes within the Municipality.
Mayor McIver noted that the Municipality’s Annual Budget clearly displays the allocation of funds obtained through programs such as Paid Parking, Short-term Accommodation Licensing and the Municipal Accommodation Tax.
GIS/IT Manager, Kara Smith left the meeting at 2:38 p.m.
Discussion ensued regarding parkland within the Municipality.
GIS/IT Manager, Kara Smith returned to the meeting at 2:39 p.m.
It was noted that Watson and Associates will be invited to conduct a presentation to Council for further information regarding development charges.
#15-09-2023
Moved by Councillor Todd Dowd, Seconded by Deputy Mayor Rod Anderson
That Council receives the report titled Development Charges for information.
Carried
8. Chief Administrative Officer Report No. CAO 23-13
Re: Council Remuneration
Discussion ensued regarding the information contained within Report No. CAO 23-13.
Discussion ensued regarding per diems concerning Council remuneration.
It was noted that a wage review will be completed in 2024.
It was noted that a remuneration policy will be brought to Council at a later date.
#15-10-2023
Moved by Deputy Mayor Rod Anderson, Seconded by Councillor Aman Sohrab
That Council receives the report titled Council Remuneration, and;
That Council provides direction.
Carried
#15-11-2023
Moved by Deputy Mayor Rod Anderson, Seconded by Councillor Aman Sohrab
That Council approves moving towards the 40% percentile as per report CAO 23-13; and
That the 40% percentile only includes the compensation portion of Ward and Uptigrove’s Report: and
That Council supports a monthly allowance of $50 for cellular internet services.
Carried
9. Chief Administrative Officer Report No. CAO 23-14
Re: Northern Bruce Peninsula Community Improvement Plan
It was noted that the Bruce County Economic Development Services Department will be attending the Public Meeting at the June 26, 2023, Council Meeting concerning the Community Improvement Plan.
Chief Administrative Officer, Peggy Van Mierlo-West, provided an overview of the next steps associated with the Northern Bruce Peninsula Community Improvement Plan.
#15-12-2023
Moved by Councillor Laurie (Smokey) Golden, Seconded by Councillor Todd Dowd
That Council receives the report titled Northern Bruce Peninsula Community Improvement Plan for information.
Carried
10. Ad Hoc Museum Committee Minutes
Re: May 2, 2023, Meeting
#15-13-2023
Moved by Councillor Aman Sohrab, Seconded by Deputy Mayor Rod Anderson
That Council approves Ad Hoc Museum Committee minutes dated May 2, 2023, and approves all actions contained therein.
Carried
11. Chi Cheemaun Festival Committee Minutes
Re: May 24, 2023, Meeting
#15-14-2023
Moved by Councillor Todd Dowd, Seconded by Councillor Laurie (Smokey) Golden
That Council approves Chi Cheemaun Festival Committee minutes dated May 24, 2023, and approves all actions contained therein.
Carried
12. Chi Cheemaun Festival Committee Minutes
Re: June 7, 2023, Meeting
#15-15-2023
Moved by Deputy Mayor Rod Anderson, Seconded by Councillor Aman Sohrab
That Council approves Chi Cheemaun Festival Committee minutes dated June 7, 2023, and approves all actions contained therein.
Carried
13. Accounts Payable Voucher
Re: May 2023
#15-16-2023
Moved by Councillor Laurie (Smokey) Golden, Seconded by Councillor Todd Dowd
That Council receives approved Accounts Payable Voucher for May 2023, in the amount of $705,104.04.
Carried
Other Business
Discussion ensued regarding the expansion of the Municipal Accommodation Tax Program.
It was noted that the expansion of the Municipal Accommodation Tax Program will become effective on January 1, 2024.
Deputy Mayor Anderson inquired regarding the status of the Tobermory Pickleball/Tennis Court.
Parks and Facilities Manager, Mark Coleman, noted that a tender has been awarded regarding the installation of a new surface for the court.
Discussion ensued regarding the resurfacing of the Tobermory basketball court.
It was noted that repairs to the Lion’s Head Pickleball/ Tennis Court are experiencing delays.
Deputy Mayor Anderson stated that additional communication methods should be utilized concerning the total fire ban within the Municipality.
Councillor Golden inquired regarding the importance of contacting Parks Canada and submitting an additional request for a meeting concerning the National Marine Conservation Areas.
Discussion ensued regarding National Marine Conservation Areas and their corresponding zones.
Discussion ensued regarding communication with the Tobermory and District Chamber of Commerce regarding Council’s priorities with respect to the utilization of the Municipal Accommodation Tax.
Correspondence
1. Anna Chuchla (Information)
Re: Baise Avenue Inquiry
2. Pike Bay Community Association (Information)
Re: Canada Day Celebration Invitation
3. Multi Municipal Wind Turbine Working Group (Information)
Re: March 9, 2023, Minutes
4. Ministry for Seniors and Accessibility (Information)
Re: June is Seniors Month
5. Municipal Proclamation (Information)
Re: World Elder Abuse Awareness Day
#15-17-2023
Moved by Deputy Mayor Rod Anderson, Seconded by Councillor Aman Sohrab
Whereas, The Municipality of Northern Bruce Peninsula’s older adults deserve to be treated with respect and dignity and valued as contributing members of society, imparting a wealth of experience and wisdom in our communities, and
Whereas, The International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse, in support of the United Nations International Plan of Action, proclaimed this day to recognize the significance of elder abuse as a public health and human rights issue; and
Whereas, The Municipality of Northern Bruce Peninsula recognizes the importance of taking action to invest in creating social change, to prioritize the prevention of elder abuse and raise awareness to foster a better understanding of abuse and neglect of older adults and their rights; and
Whereas, Elder abuse has a significant impact on the lives of older adults and families; and is not limited to race, gender, culture, or circumstance, and regardless of whether the abuse is physical, emotional, sexual, financial or neglect; and
Whereas, Ageism and social isolation are major causes of elder abuse in Ontario; and
Whereas, Recognizing that it is up to all of us, as citizens, organizations, communities, and governments, to work collectively to prevent violence and abuse of older adults in their homes and communities; and
Whereas, Preventing abuse of older adults through improving and maintaining social and health services and systems such as housing, income security, and safety will improve their quality of life and allow them to live independently and contribute to the vibrancy of Ontario; and
Whereas, Where there is respect for human rights, equality, and justice there can be no abuse; therefore, all the Municipality of Northern Bruce Peninsula residents are urged to join this global movement to promote the Rights of Older Adults and Stop Abuse and Restore Respect.
Carried
6. PEMAC Asset Management Association of Canada (Information)
Re: GIS IT Manager, Certified Asset Management Professional Certification
#15-18-2023
Moved by Councillor Aman Sohrab, Seconded by Deputy Mayor Rod Anderson
That the correspondence items # 1, 2, 3, 4, and 6 be received as information as printed and circulated.
Carried
7. Resolution – Lanark County (Information)
Re: Legislative measures to help first responders
#15-19-2023
Moved by Councillor Aman Sohrab, Seconded by Councillor Todd Dowd
That Council supports the letter of support from Lanark County regarding legislative measures to help first responders.
Carried
8. Wolfgang Wachholz (Information)
Re: Gap Correspondence
Having declared a conflict of interest, Councillor Golden did not participate in this portion of the meeting.
It was noted that a survey has been completed for the Gap Property.
It was noted that Chief Administrative Officer, Peggy Van Mierlo-West, will meet with the corresponding property owner regarding encroachments of 20 cm and 10 cm on the Gap property.
GIS/IT Manager, Kara Smith, left the meeting at 3:48 p.m.
GIS/IT Manager, Kara Smith, returned to the meeting at 3:49 p.m.
9. Debbie Myles (Information)
Re: Gap Correspondence Reply
#15-20-2023
Moved by Councillor Aman Sohrab, Seconded by Councillor Todd Dowd
That correspondence items # 8 and 9 be received as information as printed and circulated.
Carried
Reading of By-laws
By-law 2023-53
Re: Being a By-law to Authorize an Agreement with Golden Dawn Seniors Home for the Provision of Shuttle Services Within the Village of Lion’s Head
Councillor Golden returned to the meeting at this time.
By-law 2023-54
Re: Being a By-law to Enter into an Agreement with Comprint System Incorporated doing business as DataFix for the 2026 Municipal Election
By-law 2023-55
Being A By-Law to Confirm the Proceedings of the Council Meeting of The Corporation of The Municipality of Northern Bruce Peninsula Held Monday, June 12, 2023
#15-21-2023
Moved by Councillor Laurie (Smokey) Golden, Seconded by Councillor Todd Dowd
That the listed by-laws 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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#15-22-2023
Moved by Councillor Aman Sohrab, Seconded by Councillor Todd Dowd
That the meeting adjourns at 3:50 p.m.
Carried
