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, Clerk – Cathy Addison, Committee/Licensing Coordinator – Lindsay Forbes, Treasurer – Teresa Shearer, Public Works Manager – Troy Cameron, 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 9:00 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
#03-01-2024
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. TR24-02
Re: 2024 Budget – Draft #1 – Operating Budgets
Mayor McIver introduced the 2024 Budget and discussion was outlined as follows:
Airport
· There was no discussion on the Operating Budget for the Airport.
Tobermory Harbour
· It was noted that an increase in gas sales was experienced in 2023.
· It was noted that there is not a lot of spread with respect to revenues and expenses for the Tobermory Harbour.
· Parks and Facilities Manager, Mark Coleman, noted that he will review the proposal to solely have harbour clients utilize the fuel at the Tobermory Harbour, as opposed to filling Municipal vehicles at the site.
· Discussion ensued regarding the increasing insurance costs associated with the site.
o It was noted that insurance rates have increased across the board, in addition to increased rates as a result on a recent appraisal on Municipal buildings.
· Treasurer, Teresa Shearer, noted that the actuals completed in the Council packages were compiled prior to the transfers to fuel inventory being completed.
o It was noted that purchases are approximately $10,000 less than what is shown within the Council packages.
Lion’s Head Harbour
· Discussion ensued regarding the utilization of funds from parking revenues to compensate for Harbour electrical upgrades in Tobermory and Lion’s Head.
· It was noted that funding for the Lion’s Head Harbour electrical upgrades will come from a capital reserve as the Lion’s Head parking reserve is not as sufficient as the Tobermory reserve.
· It was noted that the Parks and Facilities Department anticipates receiving pre-approval on the budget to commence the tendering process for the electrical upgrades.
Lion’s Head Doctor’s Clinic
· It was noted that unexpected maintenance expenses were experienced in 2023.
· It was noted that the invoice for the maintenance conducted on the door mechanism for approximately $5,000, is on file for the associated warranty.
Tobermory Medical Services Building
· Discussion ensued regarding the increased 2023 expenses with respect for the repairs for the HVAC system.
· Discussion ensued regarding Municipal infrastructure maintenance checks.
The Meeting Place
· Discussion ensued regarding the Capital projects associated with the building.
· It was noted that Council must have a discussion regarding the future of the site.
Parks and Recreation
· Discussion ensued regarding the 2023 expenses for Parks and Recreation.
· It was noted that the expenses associated with portable washrooms were a result of additional units and extended availability at sites.
· Discussion ensued regarding the funding for services at Sandy Beach (Black Creek Provincial Park).
· A discussion will be occurring regarding the budget and the allocations of funds.
Tobermory Community Centre
· No discussion occurred regarding the Tobermory Community Centre.
Lion’s Head Campground
· It was noted that time cards are filled out with respect to the associated allocation of time between the Lion’s Head Harbour and the Lion’s Head Campground.
· Discussion ensued regarding transient and seasonal sites and their associated allocations.
Lion’s Head Arena
· It was noted that electrical expenditures are appearing at the site.
· Discussion ensued regarding rental fees for facilities resulting from the proposed updates to the Lion’s Head Arena.
· Discussion ensued regarding increasing insurance rates.
Tobermory Library
· It was noted that revenue for the Tobermory and Lion’s Head Library is static through Bruce County.
· Discussion ensued regarding the increasing insurance expenses for the Tobermory building and the static revenue.
· Discussion ensued regarding the quote received for the anticipated capital project at the site concerning concrete replacement.
Lion’s Head Library
· No discussion occurred regarding the Lion’s Head Library
Ferndale Information Centre
· It was noted that bookings for the site were down in 2023.
· It was noted that the OPP Lease reflects an increase in rent annually.
St. Edmunds Bruce Peninsula Museum
· It was noted that administration costs have been reduced.
· It was noted that an capital project for the Davis Cabin remains outstanding, however some funds from the Ontario Trillium Foundation Grant are available.
Lion’s Head Rotary Hall
· It was noted that bookings were down in 2023.
MNR House
· Discussion ensued regarding the revenue associated with the site as well as the property’s history.
Community Development
· Discussion ensued regarding remaining funds from the 2019 Bruce Power Spark Grant.
o It was noted that communication has not been received regarding next steps for the funds from Bruce Power.
· Discussion ensued regarding the remaining funds from the Source Water Grant.
o It was noted that funds are placed within the budget to compensate for expenses in relation to source water.
· Clarification was provided on the Community Events line due to the allocation of $5,000 to the Grey Bruce Hospice.
· It was noted that Council will have a discussion regarding the proposed Development Background Study in the budgeted amount of $50,000.
Spruce the Bruce
· It was noted that businesses in Ferndale are eligible for Spruce the Bruce funding due to recent updates to the Local Official Plan.
· CAO, Peggy Van Mierlo-West, noted that she would review the updates from the Local Official Plan to determine if any additional areas are eligible for funding.
Streetscaping
· No discussion occurred regarding streetscaping.
911 Addressing
· It was noted that existing lots in former Eastnor Township, existing prior to amalgamation in 1999, have already paid for the materials and installation of civic address signs.
· It was further noted that fees apply for 911 Addressing in former St. Edmunds Township, former Lindsay Township, and new lots in former Eastnor Township.
Roads
· Discussion ensued regarding the increased demand for brushing due to the impact of the Emerald Ash Borer.
· Discussion ensued regarding the increased requests for ditching and
the associated positive impacts on the integrity of roads.
· Discussion ensued regarding the information contained within the Roads Needs Study.
o Discussion ensued regarding hard top and loose top maintenance of Municipal Roads.
· It was noted that the price of materials such as gravel, sand, and dust suppressant have increased significantly.
· Discussion ensued regarding issues with beaver dams.
· Discussion ensued regarding the reflectivity programs regarding safety devices and signs.
Streetlights
· Discussion ensued regarding efforts to replace streetlights and ensure dark sky compliance.
· It was noted that a request will be submitted to reduce rates once the transition to LED streetlights is complete.
· Clarification was provided regarding the Stokes Bay streetlights and their associated Ontario Hydro ownership
Lakewood Sewer
· It was noted that the annual report for the Lakewood Sewer will be included on the February 12, 2024, Council Agenda.
Tobermory Sewer
· It was noted that there is a cost for utilizing the service as well as lagoon fees.
· It was noted that the Ontario Clean Water Association (OCWA) monitors looks after both Lakewood and Tobermory Sewage so their contract is included within operating
Lion’s Head Water
· It was noted that OCWA monitors and maintains the Lion’s Head Water System.
· It was noted that the original loan utilized to install the water meters will be paid off in 2027.
Small Water systems
· It was noted that OCWA monitors and maintains all small water systems within the Municipality of Northern Bruce Peninsula.
Waste Management
· It was noted that Waste Management contracts went up approximately 2.5%.
· It was noted that funds have been budgeted for countertop composters due to the success of the Municipal Innovation Council pilot project in 2023.
Waste Disposal Site
· Discussion ensued regarding the acceptance of contaminated waste at the Municipality of Northern Bruce Peninsula landfill sites.
o It was noted that regulations must be followed to meet the criteria of the reasonable use guideline.
· Discussion ensued regarding the capacity of the landfills to accept scrap metal, mattresses, polystyrene, propane tanks and “white goods” such as refrigerators
· It was noted that the Public Works Department will advertise regarding the capacity of the landfills to accept polystyrene.
· It was noted that all the 2023 actuals are not included within the Council Package.
Agriculture (Municipal Drains)
· It was noted that two requests have been submitted to have sections of the Fern Creek Drain and the Swan Lake Drain cleaned in 2024.
Council commenced a break at 10:45 a.m.
The Council Meeting resumed at 10:52 a.m.
It was noted that the 2022 Energy Audits should be reviewed regarding potential approaches to reduce operating costs.
CAO, Peggy Van Mierlo-West, noted that the 2022 Energy Audits would be brought back to Council as information to review,
Discussion ensued regarding the increasing costs to maintain and operate facilities.
Discussion ensued regarding the economic burdens currently facing members of the public.
Deputy Mayor Anderson noted that a Cost-Benefit Analysis may need to be completed.
Councillor Golden commented on the need for a Notice of Motion to ask Federal and Provincial Governments for financial assistance regarding the increased demand for Northern Bruce Peninsula Fire and Emergency Services within Federal and Provincial parks.
Discussion ensued regarding the previous Tobermory Primary Place Daycare building.
It was noted that Council should tour the building prior to having discussions regarding the future of the site.
#03-02-2024
Moved by Deputy Mayor Rod Anderson, Seconded by Councillor Aman Sohrab
That Council receives Draft #1 of the 2024 Budget for review of departmental operating budgets pertaining to Parks and Recreation, Facilities, Community Development, Spruce the Bruce, Roads, 911 Addressing, Street lights, Water, Sewer, Waste Management, Agriculture (Municipal Drains, etc.); and
That Council receives the Draft #1 of the 2024 Budget as information, and further discussions will occur at the Special Council Meeting on February 5, 2024.
Carried
2. Treasurer Report No. TR24-03
Re: Designated Substance Survey
Parks and Facilities Manager, Mark Coleman, provided an overview of the Designated Substance Survey.
It was noted that revenue from the Municipal Accommodation Tax can be utilized for the Designated Substance Survey as the infrastructure proposed within the Survey are primarily utilized by Tourists.
#03-03-2024
Moved by Councillor Todd Dowd, Seconded by Councillor Aman Sohrab
That Council receives Treasurer’s Report TR24-03 regarding facility condition assessments and Designated Substance Surveys (DSS); and
That Council approves the expenditure of $75,000 to perform DSS on approximately 30 facilities to comply with PSAB regulations relating to Asset Retirement Obligations (AROs); and
That the project be funded by the Facilities and Municipal Accommodation Tax Reserves.
Carried
3. Chief Administrative Officer Report No. CAO 24-01
Re: Lion’s Head Community Centre and Arena Design and Costing Options Update
Mayor McIver stated that the project at the current site is challenging. He further stated that discussions regarding Chief Administrative Officer Report No. CAO 24-01 Re: Lion’s Head Community Centre and Arena Design and Costing Options Update, should be held in open and closed session at the February 5, 2024, Special Council Meeting following Budget Discussions.
Discussion ensued regarding the estimated remaining useful life of the Lion’s Head Arena.
Discussion ensued regarding the existing accessibility issues with the existing Lion’s Head Arena.
Discussion ensued regarding potential alternative plans for the Lion’s Head Arena Project.
#03-04-2024
Moved by Councillor Todd Dowd, Seconded by Councillor Aman Sohrab
That Council receives CAO Report 24-01 regarding Lion’s Head Community Centre and Arena Design and Costing Options Update as information.
Carried
Other Business – Nil.
Reading of By-laws
By-law 2024-08
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 29, 2024.
#03-05-2024
Moved by Councillor Laurie (Smokey) Golden, Seconded by Councillor Aman Sohrab
That the listed by-law be given 1st, 2nd, and 3rd reading, and enacted.
Carried
Closed Session – Nil.
Adjournment
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#03-06-2024
Moved by Councillor Laurie (Smokey) Golden
Seconded by Deputy Mayor Rod Anderson
That the meeting adjourns at 11:32 a.m.
Carried
