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, Treasurer – Teresa Shearer, Public Works Manager – Troy Cameron, GIS/IT Manager – Kara Smith, Chief Building Official – Wendy Elliott, Fire Chief – Jack Burt, Parks and Facilities Manager – Mark Coleman
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.
Call to Order and Disclosure of Pecuniary Interest and the General Nature Thereof
Mayor McIver called the meeting to order at 9:02 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
#05-01-2024
Moved by Councillor Todd Dowd, Seconded by Councillor Laurie (Smokey) Golden
That the content of the agenda be approved as presented. Carried
Consideration of Agenda Items
1. Treasurer Report No. TR 24-04
Re: 2024 Budget – Draft #1 – Operating Budgets
Mayor McIver introduced the 2024 Budget and discussion was outlined as follows:
2024 Assessment Comparison
It was noted that the 2024 taxable assessment has increased 1.67% over 2023. It was further noted that this increase is related to growth as a reassessment has not occurred since 2016.
2024 Tax Levy
It was noted that the proposed tax levy for 2024 Municipal purposes is $8,399,770, denoting a levy increase of $701,472 or 9.11% over 2023. It was further noted that this represents a 7.2% increase in the tax rate when factoring in the assessment increase.
2024 Taxpayer Impacts
It was noted that in 2023 an assessment of $100,000 would yield a levy of $467.02, whereas in 2024 an assessment of $100,000 would yield a levy of $500.67, representing an increase of $33.65 per $100,000 of assessment.
2024 Reserve Projections
It was noted that $5,383,594 of reserve funds are proposed to be utilized for 2024 capital projects and that $842,550 would be contributed back to reserves.
It was further noted that the Municipal share of the Arena Renovation Project will be funded through the NBP Capital Reserve in 2024.
Payments-In-Lieu
It was noted that the rate for Payments-In-Lieu properties is the same as if the property were taxable.
It was noted that the province has recognized the significant impact of the reduction in education tax experienced by some municipalities since 2021. It was further noted that the province provided one-time funding of approximately $156,000 for 2021, 2022, and 2023 to assist with the loss in funding.
Ontario Municipal Partnership Fund (OMPF)
It was noted that each municipality receives an unconditional grant from the province called the Ontario Municipal Partnership Fund (OMPF), the 2024 allocation for the Municipality of Northern Bruce Peninsula is $1,686,900 which is a decrease of $13,100 from 2023.
It was noted that the province has also been providing an annual Transition Mitigation amount of approximately $9,000, this amount is to offset the loss of tax revenue when long-term care homes became exempt from taxation.
Canada Community-Building Fund (CCBF) (Formerly Federal Gas Tax)
The 2024 allocation from the CCBF is $138,470 – an increase of $6,127 over 2023.
It was noted that the CCBF can be used for public transit, wastewater infrastructure, drinking water, solid waste management, community energy systems, local roads and bridges, capacity building, highways, local and regional airports, short-line rail, short-sea shipping, disaster mitigation, broadband and connectivity, brownfield redevelopment, culture, tourism, sport, recreation, fire halls
It was noted that this funding has previously been utilized for micro-surfacing and staff are proposing to continue status quo in 2024.
Penalty/Interest Tax Arrears
It was noted that the amount of penalty and interest depends on the level of tax arrears.
Investment Income
It was noted that Investment Income in 2023 was higher than the estimate as reserve spending for capital was less than projected. It was further noted that the estimate for 2024 investment income is $550,000 with respect to the Arena Project.
Council
It was noted that a pay review was conducted for Council members in 2023. As a result of the review, Council members receive a monthly salary with no additional per diem amount for meetings.
It was further noted that an increase of 8% is proposed for 2024.
Administration
It was noted that insurance costs are increasing by approximately 16.5% for 2024. It was further noted that this is primarily due to the updated building evaluations resulting from a recent appraisal.
GIS/IT
It was noted that Microsoft licensing is increasing approximately 6%.
It was noted that a Request for Proposal (RFP) will be released regarding managed IT services to ensure that the Municipality is receiving the best possible cost for services.
It was noted that internet costs will continue to decrease due to the recent implementation of Fibre internet.
Discussion ensued regarding the allocation of funds in 2023 regarding managed IT services.
Short-term Accommodation
It was noted that staff are proposing to use $10,000 of the Municipal Accommodation Tax (MAT) for surveillance cameras.
Discussion ensued regarding the proposed expansion of the MAT with regard to increasing revenues and increasing the capacity to add additional funds to reserves to assist with tourism facility management.
Discussion ensued regarding the implementation timeline associated with the proposed expansion of the MAT.
It was noted that if the expansion of the MAT is approved, implementation would be similar to the implementation of the MAT for Short-term Accommodations (STAs) in 2022.
It was further noted that the when the MAT was implemented on STAs in 2022, it was implemented in the second quarter. To accommodate the implementation timeline, if accommodation owners are able to provide proof that the reservation/booking occurred prior to the implementation of the MAT, the reservation/booking would be exempt from the MAT.
It was noted that the Municipality has requested an annual report from the Tobermory Chamber of Commerce to fulfill the requirement within the MAT contract between the Municipality and the Tobermory Chamber of Commerce.
An overview of the management of Short-term Accommodations within the Municipality was provided by the Committee and Licensing Coordinator. The overview included the utilization of address identification, listing reviews, issuing letters and the anticipated utilization of features offered by Air BnB regarding the mandatory inclusion of a licence number to create/advertise a rental listing.
Fire
It was noted that a pay review for firefighters will be conducted in 2024 as part of the corporate pay review process. Additionally, a new organizational structure with additional officers will be implemented in 2024.
It was noted that focus will be placed on completing mandatory Firefighter certification training along with continued special teams training including water, ice, and high angle rescue.
Discussion ensued regarding budgeting for wages and new positions.
It was noted that wages are determined based off training sessions and the number of service calls received annually by Northern Bruce Peninsula Fire and Emergency Services.
Policing
The estimated policing cost for 2023 is $1,307,728. It was noted that this is a decrease of $23,272 from 2023.
Building
It was noted that staff wages include part time wages for an inspector on an as needed basis.
It was noted that the Comprehensive Zoning By-law Amendment and mapping update are anticipated for 2024.
It was noted that the capital purchase of a truck has been allocated out of reserves.
By-law Enforcement
I was noted that an RFP was completed in 2023 for a new parking enforcement contract.
Discussions ensued regarding parking fines, customer service provided through parking lot management and ensuring that residents and tourists abide by the parking regulations.
It was noted that Credit Card Fees relate to the services which accept credit card payments on the parking machines. It was further noted that these fees are allocated by the supplier.
Health & Safety
It was noted that the funds facilitate Occupational Health and Safety training and support the operation of the Health and Safety Committee.
Emergency Planning
Decreases were observed in the operating budget for 2024 regarding phone services, materials, and supplies.
Cemeteries
It was noted that the Cemetery Manager’s contract was renewed in July 2023; however, the lawn care maintenance portion was removed from the contract and moved to the Parks and Facilities Department. It was further noted that the contract is now based on time and material and is not a fixed amount.
It was noted that an Archeological Assessment has been completed at Dunks Bay Cemetery and a report will be presented to the Cemetery Committee and Council.
Accessibility
It was noted that the funds facilitate training for staff and capital upgrades.
Following a review of the information contained within Treasurer Report No. TR 24-04
Re: 2024 Budget – Draft #1 – Operating Budgets, Council engaged in discussions regarding the information contained within the documents.
Discussion ensued regarding Reserve health and long-term planning regarding rebuilding reserves.
Council directed Treasurer, Teresa Shearer, to provide information regarding a proposed 1% and proposed 2% increase on the overall tax rate to be allocated to capital reserves.
Discussion ensued regarding the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation (MPAC) and the increased number of new builds within the Municipality in recent years.
Mayor McIver noted that the Council meeting would proceed from Treasurer Report No. TR 24-04, Re: 2024 Budget – Draft #1 – Operating Budgets, at 9:53 a.m. for the Treasurer to create the requested information.
Council returned to Treasurer Report No. TR 24-04, Re: 2024 Budget – Draft #1 – Operating Budgets, at 11:46a.m. and evaluated the information provided by the Treasurer.
Discussion ensued regarding a proposed increase in the tax rate by 1% to supplement capital reserves.
Council determined that the tax rate would be increased by 1% to support capital reserves.
#05-02-2024
Moved by Councillor Aman Sohrab, Seconded by Deputy Mayor Rod Anderson
That Council receives Draft #1 of the 2024 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 12, 2024.
Carried
2. Treasurer Report No. TR 24-05
Re: Community Emergency Preparedness Grant
#05-03-2024
Moved by Councillor Todd Dowd, Seconded by Councillor Aman Sohrab
That the Council of the Municipality of Northern Bruce Peninsula hereby authorizes staff to apply for a Community Emergency Preparedness Grant to support the purchase of a Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS) program; and
That Council authorizes the Chief Administrative Officer, Peggy Van Mierlo West, and the Treasurer, Teresa Shearer, to sign the grant application.
Carried
3. Chief Administrative Officer Report No. CAO 24-02
Re: Lion’s Head Community Centre and Arena Design and Costing Update
It was noted that the compact design included within Chief Administrative Officer Report No. CAO 24-02, Re: Lion’s Head Community Centre and Arena Design and Costing Update, does not contain items which Council considers as priorities for the Lion’s Head Arena, such as a foyer, and does not include consistent dressing room space allocations.
Discussion ensued regarding the previous building assessment completed on the Lion’s Head Arena.
It was noted that a building assessment was completed on the Lion’s Head Arena in 2006. It was noted that the assessment notes challenges regarding potential future expansion of the facility.
It was noted that a Building Assessment needs to be conducted on the Lion’s Head Arena to determine the building’s life expectancy.
Council commended Facilities staff for maintaining a clean and inviting space for community groups, activities, and events.
It was noted that a subsequent report will be brought to Council regarding the completion of the Building Assessment.
#05-04-2024
Moved by Deputy Mayor Rod Anderson, Seconded by Councillor Todd Dowd
That Council receives CAO Report 24-02 regarding Lion’s Head Community Centre and Arena Design and Costing Update; and
That a Building Assessment be conducted on the Lion’s Head Community Centre and Arena; and
That Council reject the compact design included within Chief Administrative Officer Report No. CAO 24-02, Re: Lion’s Head Community Centre and Arena Design and Costing Update.
Carried
4. Chief Administrative Officer Report No. CAO 24-03
Re: Municipal Facility Overview
It was noted that staff would recommend a Feasibility Study be completed in 2025 for Municipal facilities regarding future construction and renovations.
It was noted that there are some incorrect dates included within Chief Administrative Officer Report No. CAO 24-03. It was further noted that amendments will be made to ensure accuracy in the information.
#05-05-2024
Moved by Councillor Laurie (Smokey) Golden, Seconded by Councillor Aman Sohrab
That Council receives CAO Report 24-03 titled Municipal Facility Overview, for information. Carried
Other Business – Nil.
Reading of By-laws
By-law 2024-12
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, February 5, 2024
#05-06-2024
Moved by Councillor Aman Sohrab, Seconded by Councillor Laurie (Smokey) Golden
That the listed by-law be given 1st, 2nd, and 3rd reading, and enacted. Carried
Closed Session
#05-07-2024
Moved by Councillor Todd Dowd, Seconded by Deputy Mayor Rod Anderson
That Council moves into Closed Session at 10:14 a.m. pursuant to Section 239(2) of The Municipal Act, 2001, S.O. 2001, as amended, for the following reasons: (c) a proposed or pending or disposition of land by the municipality or local board; (Arena Property Proposal) and (Big Tub)
Carried
Reconvene from Closed Session to Resume Council Meeting
#05-08-2024
Moved by Councillor Todd Dowd, Seconded by Councillor Aman Sohrab
That Council reconvenes from Closed Session at 11:45 a.m. to resume the Council meeting.
Carried
Following Closed Session, Mayor McIver advised that Council approved the minutes of the January 8, 2024, Closed Session meeting and Council directed the CAO to investigate next steps regarding property proposals for the arena site and Big Tub properties.
Adjournment
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#05-09-2024
Moved by Councillor Aman Sohrab, Seconded by Deputy Mayor Rod Anderson
That the meeting adjourns at 11:54 a.m.
Carried
