Members Present: Mayor – Milt McIver, Deputy Mayor – Rod Anderson (Via Zoom), Councillor – Todd Dowd, Councillor – Laurie (Smokey) Golden
Members Absent: Councillor – Aman Sohrab
Staff Present: Chief Administrative Officer – Peggy Van Mierlo-West, Clerk – Cathy Addison, Committee/Licensing Coordinator – Lindsay Forbes, Treasurer – Teresa Shearer, GIS/IT Coordinator – Kara Smith, Bylaw Enforcement Officer – Carol Hopkins, Parks and Facilities Manager – Mark Coleman
Others Present: Climate Action and Waste Management Committee Chair, Mike Campbell
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 view.
In the absence of the ability to vote by a show of hands, due to Deputy Mayor Anderson attending the meeting via Zoom, in accordance with By-law No. 2021-08, Section 3-64.3 Council votes will be recorded for resolutions presented at electronic Council meetings.
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.
Approval of the Agenda
The Clerk advised that the report pertaining to Green Acres Subdivision would not be presented at today’s meeting as indicated at the November 27, 2023, Council meeting. The Bruce County Planning Department had advised the Clerk that the Developer will continue to work on outstanding items and a report will be brought back to Council.
#31-01-2023
Moved by Councillor Todd Dowd, Seconded by Councillor Laurie (Smokey) Golden
That the content of the agenda be approved as presented.
The Clerk proceeded to call and record the votes of Council:
Councillor Dowd Yes
Councillor Golden Yes
Deputy Mayor Anderson Yes
Mayor McIver Yes
The Clerk announced that the motion was carried.
Carried
Adoption of the Minutes
Re: Special Council Meeting No. 23-29, November 27, 2023
#31-02-2023
Moved by Councillor Todd Dowd, Seconded by Councillor Laurie (Smokey) Golden
That the minutes of Special Council Meeting No. 23-29, November 27, 2023, be approved as printed and circulated.
The Clerk proceeded to call and record the votes of Council:
Councillor Dowd Yes
Councillor Golden Yes
Deputy Mayor Anderson Yes
Mayor McIver Yes
The Clerk announced that the motion was carried.
Carried
Re: Council Meeting No. 23-30, November 27, 2023
#31-03-2023
Moved by Deputy Mayor Rod Anderson, Seconded by Councillor Laurie (Smokey) Golden
That the minutes of Council Meeting No. 23-30, November 27, 2023, be approved as printed and circulated.
The Clerk proceeded to call and record the votes of Council:
Councillor Dowd Yes
Councillor Golden Yes
Deputy Mayor Anderson Yes
Mayor McIver Yes
The Clerk announced that the motion was carried.
Carried
Public Meeting – Nil.
Delegation
Climate Action and Waste Diversion Committee, Mike Campbell
Re: Presentation Climate Action and Waste Diversion Committee Climate Lens Annual Report of Municipal Progress Climate Action Plan
Mayor McIver, welcomed Mike Campbell to the December 11, 2023, Council Meeting.
Committee Chair, Mike Campbell, provided Council with a presentation from the Climate Action and Waste Diversion Committee regarding Municipal implementation of the Climate Action Plan’s – “Climate Lens” into the Municipal decision-making process.
It was noted that on May 12, 2022, the Municipality of Northern Bruce Peninsula committed to a goal of reducing Greenhouse Gases by 20% from 2020 levels by 2030.
It was further noted that council accepted the Northern Bruce Peninsula Climate Action Plan to achieve this goal, including the utilization of a Climate Lens Approach. The Climate Lens Policy integrates action for climate change into decision making throughout the Municipality. The policy outlines a process to help the Municipality achieve the targets and actions identified in the Climate Action Plan. These identified actions focus on mitigation and adaptation measures in the key areas of transportation, waste, and facilities management.
It was noted that there are five questions employed within the lens.
– Cost – Does the proposal consider the full lifecycle cost of the initiative?
– Resilience – Does the proposal consider the local impact of climate change and put in place strategies to reduce its potential risk?
– Emissions – Does the proposal assess the emissions it will generate and propose strategies to reduce them?
– Leadership – Does the proposal demonstrate that the Municipality is taking a leadership role in addressing climate change?
– Alignment – Does the proposal align with the recommendations included as part of the NBP Climate Action Plan?
It was noted that the Climate Lens should be applied to all decisions regarding:
– new infrastructure
– project or program design
– planning and policy documents
Discussion ensued regarding lifecycle costing. It was noted that lifecycle costing is the process of compiling all costs that the owner or producer of an asset will incur over its lifespan. These costs include the initial investment, future additional investments, and annually recurring costs, minus any salvage value.
Discussion ensued regarding the evaluation of grid capacity issues by the Climate Action and Waste Diversion Committee.
It was noted that the Climate Action and Waste Diversion Committee intends to recommend that Council requests a delegation from Hydro One surrounding potential strategies to address the noted grid capacity issues.
Mayor McIver thanked Mike Campbell for their presentation.
Consideration of Agenda Items
1. Committee and Licensing Coordinator Report No. CLC 23-06
Re: 2023 Committee Operations Overview
#31-04-2023
Moved by Councillor Todd Dowd, Seconded by Deputy Mayor Rod Anderson
That Council receives CLC Report No. 23-06, entitled “2023 Committee Operations Overview” as information.
The Clerk proceeded to call and record the votes of Council:
Councillor Dowd Yes
Councillor Golden Yes
Deputy Mayor Anderson Yes
Mayor McIver Yes
The Clerk announced that the motion was carried.
Carried
2. Committee and Licensing Coordinator Report No. CLC 23-07
Re: Expansion of the Short-term Accommodation Licensing Program
Discussion ensued regarding the potential expansion of the Short-term Accommodation (STA) Licensing Program.
Discussion ensued regarding the expansion of the STA Licensing Program into Rural and Commercial Zones.
Discussion ensued regarding the reduction of the cap within the STA Licensing Program from 700 licences to 500 licences.
It was noted that a report should be brought back to Council in the new year regarding the expansion of the STA Licensing Program, the reduction of the cap from 700 to 500 licences, and restrictions on Class C Short-term Accommodations within rural or residential zones.
It noted that following the subsequent report’s review by Council, it will be placed on Let’s Talk NBP for public comment.
#31-05-2023
Moved by Councillor Laurie (Smokey) Golden, Seconded by Councillor Todd Dowd
That Council receives CLC Report No. 23-07, entitled “Expansion of the Short-term Accommodation Licensing Program” as information; and
That Council directs the Committee and Licensing Coordinator to prepare a subsequent report regarding the expansion of the Short-term Accommodation Licensing Program into Rural and Commercial Zones, the reduction of the cap from 700 to 500 licences within the Municipality, and restrictions on Class C Short-term Accommodations within rural or residential zones, for clarification.
The Clerk proceeded to call and record the votes of Council:
Councillor Dowd Yes
Councillor Golden Yes
Deputy Mayor Anderson Yes
Mayor McIver Yes
The Clerk announced that the motion was carried.
Carried
3. GIS/IT Manager Report No. GIS IT 23-08
Re: Asset Management Software
#31-06-2023
Moved by Councillor Todd Dowd, Seconded by Deputy Mayor Rod Anderson
That Council receives GIS/IT 23-08 report titled Asset Management Software, and;
That Council supports Staff’s proposed direction with regards to the Asset Management Program and meeting the 2024 legislated requirements, and;
That Council supports the allocation of unused 2023 Asset Management and Software operating budget to purchase Brightly Asset Essentials Enterprise; and;
That Council supports the inclusion of fees to implement Brightly’s Asset Essentials Enterprise in the 2024 capital budget.
The Clerk proceeded to call and record the votes of Council:
Councillor Dowd Yes
Councillor Golden Yes
Deputy Mayor Anderson Yes
Mayor McIver Yes
The Clerk announced that the motion was carried.
Carried
4. GIS/IT Manager Report No. GIS IT 23-09
Re: Ecopia Agreement
#31-07-2023
Moved by Councillor Todd Dowd, Seconded by Councillor Laurie (Smokey) Golden
That Council receives GIS/IT 23-09 report titled Ecopia Agreement for information, and;
That Council Authorize the CAO to sign an Agreement for End User License Agreement with Ecopia Tech Corporation.
The Clerk proceeded to call and record the votes of Council:
Councillor Dowd Yes
Councillor Golden Yes
Deputy Mayor Anderson Yes
Mayor McIver Yes
The Clerk announced that the motion was carried.
Carried
5. Chief Building Official Report No. BD 23-31
Re: Affordable Housing
#31-08-2023
Moved by Deputy Mayor Rod Anderson, Seconded by Councillor Todd Dowd
That Council receives BD Report 23-31, entitled” Affordable Housing” as information.
The Clerk proceeded to call and record the votes of Council:
Councillor Dowd Yes
Councillor Golden Yes
Deputy Mayor Anderson Yes
Mayor McIver Yes
The Clerk announced that the motion was carried.
Carried
6. Chief Building Official Report No. 23-32
Re: Proposed Amendments to By-law 2023-94, Licensing, Regulating & Governing Food Truck Businesses
Discussion ensued regarding the public comments received surrounding By-law 2023-94, Licensing, Regulating & Governing Food Truck Businesses.
It was noted that section 2.6 should be removed from By-law 2023-94, which pertains to not permitting food trucks within 100 metres of an existing restaurant.
#31-09-2023
Moved by Councillor Laurie (Smokey) Golden, Seconded by Councillor Todd Dowd
That Council receives BD Report 23-32, entitled “Proposed Amendments to By-law 2023-94, Licencing, Regulating & Governing Food truck Businesses”, and
That Council agrees that the existing Food Truck Businesses in Tobermory and Lion’s Head and will be grandfathered and will have the first right of refusal, and wording to address A-frame sign and signage along Highway 6 MTO corridor must receive the applicable sign permits from MTO; and wording pertaining to the use of barbeques, smokers, and any outdoor cooking equipment will be revised; and the first year licence application date to operate a food truck within the Municipality of Northern Bruce Peninsula will be extended to April 15, 2024; and that Section 2.6 of the draft by-law pertaining to the 100 metre setback from an existing restaurant be removed; and
That By-law 2023-94, Being a By-law to provide for the Licensing, Regulating, and Governing of Food Truck Businesses will be adopted at the January 8, 2023, regular Council meeting.
The Clerk proceeded to call and record the votes of Council:
Councillor Dowd Yes
Councillor Golden Yes
Deputy Mayor Anderson Yes
Mayor McIver Yes
The Clerk announced that the motion was carried.
Carried
7. Treasurer Report No. TR 23-27
Re: Budget Program – Questica
It was noted that several municipalities within Bruce County currently utilize the Questica Budget Program.
#31-10-2023
Moved by Councillor Todd Dowd, Seconded by Deputy Mayor Rod Anderson
That Council receives Treasurer’s report TR 23-27 as information regarding the Questica Budget Software proposal; and
That Council approves a 5-year contract with Questica Budgeting Software for a total of $147,378. Year one of the subscription, in the amount of $36,500, to be financed by the Northern Bruce Peninsula Capital Reserve.
The Clerk proceeded to call and record the votes of Council:
Councillor Dowd Yes
Councillor Golden Yes
Deputy Mayor Anderson Yes
Mayor McIver Yes
The Clerk announced that the motion was carried.
Carried
8. Treasurer Report No. TR 23-28
Re: Asset Retirement Obligations – Consultant
#31-11-2023
Moved by Councillor Todd Dowd, Seconded by Deputy Mayor Rod Anderson
That Council receives Treasurer’s report TR23-28 as information regarding the requirement for recording Asset Retirement Obligations; and
That Council approves contracting the services of BDO as a consultant for the implementation of Asset Retirement Obligations at an estimated cost of $42,500 to be included in the 2024 Budget.
The Clerk proceeded to call and record the votes of Council:
Councillor Dowd Yes
Councillor Golden Yes
Deputy Mayor Anderson Yes
Mayor McIver Yes
The Clerk announced that the motion was carried.
Carried
9. Treasurer Report No. TR 23-29
Re: 2024 Community Funding
The following was noted on discussions surrounding 2024 Community Funding applications:
Bruce Men’s Shed – Reduced to $1,000.
Bruce Peninsula Hospice – Removed $2,000, due to 5-year financial commitment approved earlier in 2023.
Crime Stoppers of Grey-Bruce – Reduced to $1,000.
Sources of Knowledge – Reduced to $1,000.
St. John’s Ambulance – Determined that the submission does not meet eligibility criteria.
It was noted that the total amount allocated to the 2024 Funding Requests is $30,200.
#31-12-2023
Moved by Councillor Todd Dowd, Seconded by Councillor Laurie (Smokey) Golden
That Council receives Treasurer’s Report TR23-29 as information regarding the 2024 Municipal Community Funding requests; and
That Council approves the Community Funding as amended and directs staff to distribute the grants prior to passing of the 2024 Budget.
The Clerk proceeded to call and record the votes of Council:
Councillor Dowd Yes
Councillor Golden Yes
Deputy Mayor Anderson Yes
Mayor McIver Yes
The Clerk announced that the motion was carried.
Carried
10. Treasurer Report No. TR 23-30
Re: Meeting Place Pavilion Funding
Discussion ensued with regards to Council having more detailed information with projects associated with the Meeting Place when using tax payers dollars.
#31-13-2023
Moved by Councillor Todd Dowd, Seconded by Deputy Mayor Rod Anderson
That Council receives Treasurer’s Report TR23-30 as information regarding the new pavilion that was built on the Tobermory Meeting Place property; and
That Council approves further funding in the amount of $8,621.90 to cover the budget shortfall to be financed by the Northern Bruce Peninsula Capital Reserve.
The Clerk proceeded to call and record the votes of Council:
Councillor Dowd Yes
Councillor Golden No
Deputy Mayor Anderson Yes
Mayor McIver Yes
The Clerk announced that the motion was carried.
Carried
11. Treasurer Report No. TR 23-31
Re: Municipal Accommodation Tax Expansion
Discussion ensued regarding the proposed expansion of the Municipal Accommodation Tax.
It was noted that tourism should pay for tourism.
It was noted that an outline of the allocation and utilization of the funds remitted through the Municipal Accommodation Tax should be created and presented to Council.
Chief Administrative Officer, Peggy Van Mierlo-West, noted that she will send out emails to Council regarding available dates in January to schedule a Special Council Meeting strategic session surrounding long term capital improvements and funding including the Municipal Accommodation Tax.
#31-14-2023
Moved by Councillor Todd Dowd, Seconded by Councillor Laurie (Smokey) Golden
That Council receives Treasurer’s report TR23-31 regarding expansion of the Municipal Accommodation Tax; and
That the expansion of the Municipal Accommodation Tax be deferred at this time.
The Clerk proceeded to call and record the votes of Council:
Councillor Dowd Yes
Councillor Golden Yes
Deputy Mayor Anderson Yes
Mayor McIver Yes
The Clerk announced that the motion was carried.
Carried
12. Clerk Report No. C 23-44
Re: Volunteer Recognition Day 2024
#31-15-2023
Moved by Councillor Todd Dowd, Seconded by Deputy Mayor Rod Anderson
That Council receives C-23-44 report with regards to Volunteer Recognition Day 2024 as information; and
That Council acknowledges the scheduling of the Annual Recognition Day event on Wednesday, April 17th, 2024, at 3:00 p.m. at the Rotary Hall in Lion’s Head.
The Clerk proceeded to call and record the votes of Council:
Councillor Dowd Yes
Councillor Golden Yes
Deputy Mayor Anderson Yes
Mayor McIver Yes
The Clerk announced that the motion was carried.
Carried
13. Clerk Report No. C 23-45
Re: Collection of Unpaid Line Fence Construction
#31-16-2023
Moved by Councillor Todd Dowd, Seconded by Councillor Laurie (Smokey) Golden
That Council receives the Clerk’s report C 23-45 as it relates to the Line Fence Act; and
That Council acknowledges that the Municipal Treasurer will be proceeding with the payment for an outstanding Line Fence payment, under section 12 (7) of the Line Fences Act.
The Clerk proceeded to call and record the votes of Council:
Councillor Dowd Yes
Councillor Golden Yes
Deputy Mayor Anderson Yes
Mayor McIver Yes
The Clerk announced that the motion was carried.
Carried
14. Clerk Report No. C 23-46
Re: Accessibility Annual Status Report for 2023
#31-17-2023
Moved by Deputy Mayor Rod Anderson, Seconded by Councillor Todd Dowd
That Council receives Clerk Report No. 23-46, Accessibility Annual Status Report for 2023, as information.
The Clerk proceeded to call and record the votes of Council:
Councillor Dowd Yes
Councillor Golden Yes
Deputy Mayor Anderson Yes
Mayor McIver Yes
The Clerk announced that the motion was carried.
Carried
15. Accounts Payable Voucher
Re: November 2023
#31-18-2023
Moved by Councillor Todd Dowd, Seconded by Councillor Laurie (Smokey) Golden
That Council receives approved Accounts Payable Voucher for November 2023, in the amount of $1,263,748.99.
The Clerk proceeded to call and record the votes of Council:
Councillor Dowd Yes
Councillor Golden Yes
Deputy Mayor Anderson Yes
Mayor McIver Yes
The Clerk announced that the motion was carried.
Carried
Other Business – Nil.
Correspondence
1. Grey Sauble Conservation Authority (Information)
Re: Board Meeting Highlights
2. Christian Nold (Information)
Re: Petition for a 3-way stop on the intersection of Dyers Bay Road and Dock Lane
3. Multi-Municipal Energy Working Group (Information)
Re: September 21, 2023, Meeting Minutes
4. Multi-Municipal Energy Working Group (Information)
Re: Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS)
#31-19-2023
Moved by Deputy Mayor Rod Anderson, Seconded by Councillor Laurie (Smokey) Golden
That the correspondence items # 2 & 4 be directed to municipal staff for review.
The Clerk proceeded to call and record the votes of Council:
Councillor Dowd Yes
Councillor Golden Yes
Deputy Mayor Anderson Yes
Mayor McIver Yes
The Clerk announced that the motion was carried.
Carried
5. Resolution – Municipality of Grey Highlands (Information)
Re: Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS)
#31-20-2023
Moved by Councillor Todd Dowd, Seconded by Councillor Laurie (Smokey) Golden
That the correspondence items # 1,3, & 5 be received as information as printed and circulated.
The Clerk proceeded to call and record the votes of Council:
Councillor Dowd Yes
Councillor Golden Yes
Deputy Mayor Anderson Yes
Mayor McIver Yes
The Clerk announced that the motion was carried.
Carried
Reading of By-laws
By-law 2023-89
Being a By-law to govern the calling, place and proceeding of Municipal Council and the conduct of its members and calling of the meetings of the Corporation of the Municipality of Northern Bruce Peninsula and its Committees
By-law 2023-95
Being a By-Law to Appoint a Municipal Emergency Control Group for the Municipality of Northern Bruce Peninsula Emergency Management Program
By-law 2023-96
Re: Being a By-law to Authorize an Emergency Plan which includes an Evacuation Plan, Pandemic Influenza Plan, Warming/Cooling Centre Guidelines, Guidelines for a Municipal Forest Fire Emergency Plan Animal Care Emergency Response Plan and Flooding and/or High-Water Planning Guide for the Municipality of Northern Bruce Peninsula
By-law 2023-99
Being A By-Law to Confirm the Proceedings of the Council Meeting of The Corporation of The Municipality of Northern Bruce Peninsula Held Monday, December 11, 2023
By-law 2024-01
Being A By-Law to Set Fees and Charges for The Municipality of Northern Bruce Peninsula
#31-21-2023
Moved by Councillor Todd Dowd, Seconded by Councillor Laurie (Smokey) Golden
That the listed by-laws be given 1st, 2nd, and 3rd reading, and enacted.
The Clerk proceeded to call and record the votes of Council:
Councillor Dowd Yes
Councillor Golden Yes
Deputy Mayor Anderson Yes
Mayor McIver Yes
The Clerk announced that the motion was carried.
Carried
Closed Session – Nil.
Adjournment
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#31-22-2023
Moved by Councillor Todd Dowd, Seconded by Councillor Laurie (Smokey) Golden
That the meeting adjourns at 2:37 p.m.
The Clerk proceeded to call and record the votes of Council:
Councillor Dowd Yes
Councillor Golden Yes
Deputy Mayor Anderson Yes
Mayor McIver Yes
The Clerk announced that the motion was carried.
Carried
Mayor, Milt McIver
Clerk, Cathy Addison
