Members Present: Mayor – Milt McIver, Deputy Mayor – Rod Anderson (Via Zoom), 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, 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, Bylaw Enforcement Officer – Carol Hopkins, Parks and Facilities Manager – Mark Coleman
Others Present: Senior Operations Manager – Grey Bruce Hub, Ontario Clean Water Agency (OCWA) – Léo-Paul Frigault
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.
Note: In the absence of the ability to vote by a show of hands, in accordance with By-law No. 2021-08, Section 3-64.3 Committee votes will be recorded for resolutions presented at electronic Committee meetings.
Call to Order and Disclosure of Pecuniary Interest and the General Nature Thereof
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
#01-01-24
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 the vote.
Councillor Dowd – Yes
Councillor Golden _Yes
Councillor Sohrab – Yes
Deputy Mayor Anderson – Yes
Mayor McIver – Yes
The Clerk announced that the Motion was carried.
Carried
Consideration of Agenda Items
1. Treasurer Report No. TR 24-01
Re: 2024 Budget – Draft #1 – Capital
Mayor McIver introduced the 2024 Capital Budget and discussion was outlined as follows:
Administration:
Proposed upgrades to the Municipal Office, such as new furniture including ergonomic desks, improved workstations, paint and repairs ($20,000 request).
GIS/IT:
As per the Asset Management Plan, the request is to provide staff with current computer hardware to conduct their jobs efficiently. This will become an annual request to keep in line with industry standards ($20,000 request). An online booking platform is required to streamline the booking process as a whole for the campground, harbours and other facilities ($10,000 request). Surveillance cameras need to be updated and purchased to ward off theft, vandalism and break-ins and protect municipal assets ($20,000 request). The Asset Management Software project will improve the Asset Management Program while complying with legislative requirements.
Fire:
The Rescue Unit will be replaced ($300,000 request) along with ten sets of bunker gear for firefighters due to expiry and limited supply ($30,000 request). Acquiring an auto extrication tool ($65,000 request) and drone ($40,000 request) were also listed. Councillor Golden suggested that requests be made to upper levels of government for funding. Direction was provided to staff to investigate the process of requesting assistance from the provincial and federal levels of government.
Building Inspection:
An additional truck is needed to operate the Building Department as the department occupies two vehicles with three employees ($60,000 request). Councillor Golden emphasized the importance of purchasing vehicles through the Climate Action lens.
By-law Enforcement:
The By-law Department requires a new vehicle and will investigate vehicle options that align with the Climate Action priorities ($60,000).
Emergency Planning:
An Emergency Management Capital Project for 2024 includes replacing generators at the Municipal Office, Lion’s Head Fire Hall and Lion’s Head Medical Clinic ($157,178 request).
Roads:
Resurfacing:
Surface treatment costs have increased in the past few years and another 10-15% increase is anticipated for 2024. To maintain road assets, approximately $1.4M should be allocated to hard surface roads ($1,085,000 request).
Councillor Golden commented on Cabot Head Road and recommended that Council make a decision as to whether the road will be repaired. The CAO noted the high expense associated with repairing the road and suggested that Council wait until matters with road ownership have been completed.
Tammy’s Cove Road:
A Municipal Class Assessment will take place including a public meeting in 2024 ($40,000 request). Councillor Dowd recommended that Cottage Cove Road be completed at the same time.
Hidden Valley Road, Crane River:
Funds have been set aside for fencing along the roadway and easement to McVicar Cemetery ($30,000 request).
North Shore Road:
The next step of the project is a Storm Water Management Plan and design work ($50,000 request).
Isthmus Bay Road, Phase 2 and 3:
Phase 2 is planned for completion in 2024 and spans from Everatt Sideroad north to Constance Drive. Bruce County is partially funding the road ($1,135,295 request).
Sidewalks and Curbs:
Sidewalks are becoming a priority for many residents. Repairs to the interlocking sidewalk in Tobermory are being proposed. Replacement of some interlocking sidewalk with concrete was mentioned for Tobermory. Replacing interlock sidewalk on Main Street in Lion’s Head between Webster and John Street is planned for 2024. A walking path on Big Tub Road was considered in the past and would require more work and investigation.
Councillor Golden asked that the Tobermory Chamber of Commerce be consulted with regarding the possibility of concrete sidewalks. She said that interlocking sidewalks are more aesthetically pleasing. Councillor Golden proposed two crosswalks in Tobermory to assist with pedestrian traffic. The Public Works Manager suggested that Tobermory business owners be consulted on Let’s Talk NBP regarding sidewalks. Council agreed to repair interlocking sidewalk rather than installing concrete ($400,000 request).
Stokes Bay Road:
Stokes Bay Road is the highest ranking road in the Municipality for priority rating and requires reconstruction ($15,000 request).
Legion Street Study:
Legion Street ranks high in the Roads Needs Study for reconstruction and should be constructed to a more urban standard with sanitary service included in the design ($15,000 request).
Bridges and Culverts:
Cherry Hill Road Bridge and Spring Creek Bridge on Ira Lake Road are slated for completion in 2025. Public Meetings for the Heron Point Bridge should begin this summer ($1,000,000 request).
Equipment and Housing:
A new plow truck in arriving in January ($400,000 request) and a new one-ton truck and plow has surpassed its lifespan and should be replaced with a new truck with a dump box ($120,000). The skid steer loader requires replacement in 2024 and is used for many functions ($150,000 request). The Public Works sheds have a variety of problems to address, such as raccoon and mold issues. Insulation will lower energy costs and update the buildings ($50,000 request).
Streetlights:
Continue to be replaced with LED lights and new lights have adjustable brightness. Councillor Dowd as if solar lights have been considered. The Public Works Manager said that he will investigate the costs.
Airport:
Insufficient runway lighting poses a safety risk and needs to be replaced ($20,000 request).
The fuel pumps will be replaced with a card lock system which will make the service more efficient ($35,000 request).
Tobermory Harbour:
A coin operated washer dryer system is proposed for harbour users during the months of operation ($7,500 request). The Harbour Building and showers require upgrades ($20,000 request). Electrical upgrades are necessary to keep up with electrical standards ($253,000 request) and funds will come from the Paid Parking Reserve. Septic pumpout replacement is on the 2024 agenda ($23,000).
Lion’s Head Harbour:
A coin operated washer dryer ($7,500 request), electrical upgrades to reinstall hydro to the docks (296,600 request), a boat and outboard motor ($10,000 request) is proposed.
There was a break in the meeting at 10:37 a.m.
The meeting reconvened at 10:45 a.m.
The Public Works Manager welcomed Léo-Paul Frigault, Senior Operations Manager – Grey Bruce Hub, Ontario Clean Water Agency (OCWA) at 10:45 a.m.
Tobermory Sewer:
Projects include sewer main servicing, Rate Study, Wastewater Servicing Masterplan, and other OCWA capital
projects ($687,550 request). Tobermory sewer capital projects were discussed in detail.
Lion’s Head Water System:
Bulk water station and projects recommended by OCWA were noted ($123,600 request).
Small Water System:
($30,750 request).
Mayor McIver thanked Léo-Paul Frigault for his OCWA overview of budget requirements.
Mr. Frigault left the meeting at 11:27 a.m.
Garbage Collection and Waste Diversion:
Funds are budgeted to investigate options pertaining to the collection of blue box recycling materials as in 2025 regulation states that the Municipality will no longer pose that responsibility.
Waste Disposal Sites:
Capping is an important process for sustainability, public health and regulatory compliance ($15,000 request).
Cemeteries:
Fencing around McVicar Cemetery is budgeted for completion and the rough terrain is responsible for any elevated costs ($24,000 request). Money has been budgeted for a columbarium at the Dunks Bay Cemetery, however that project is on hold at this time ($58,000 request).
Tobermory Medical Building:
The deck on doctors’ residence needs replaced ($12,000 request).
Tobermory Meeting Place:
A roof and HVAC replacement is needed at this facility ($140,000 request). A walk through of this facility will be planned in the future to determine the future of the building.
Parks and Recreation:
A vehicle purchase ($50,000 request), furnishing and receptacles ($75,000 request), building condition assessment ($50,000 request), ball diamond and tennis court surfacing ($76,600 request), beach sand groomer ($35,000 request), accessible washroom and roof replacement at the Stokes Bay Community Centre ($50,000 request).
Arena:
Arena project funding has been prearranged at $4M.
Tobermory Library:
Replace concrete steps and retaining wall ($150,000 request).
Museum:
Davis Cabin Restoration project is set to be completed in 2024 ($14,000 request).
Rotary Hall:
Insulation, energy efficient windows, and replacement breaker panel will make the facility more efficient moving forward ($25,000 request).
Artist Gallery:
New handrails and accessible ramp are budgeted for the facility ($15,000 request).
Councillor Dowd asked for staff to consider replacement of the timeclock in the Arena. The Manager of Parks and Facilities stated that he will look into replacing the clock as per the agreement with Pepsi and have the clock repaired in the meantime.
Budget discussions concluded at this time and will resume at the Special Council meeting on Monday, January 15, 2024 at 9:00 a.m.
#01-02-24
Moved by Councillor Aman Sohrab, Seconded by Councillor Todd Dowd
That Council receives Draft #1 of the 2024 Budget for review of capital projects; and
That upon consideration of any comments or input received from the review, Council noted that there were no revisions for review of Draft #1 of department budgets to be presented on January 15, 2024.
The Clerk proceeded to call the vote.
Councillor Dowd – Yes
Councillor Golden _Yes
Councillor Sohrab – Yes
Deputy Mayor Anderson – Yes
Mayor McIver – Yes
The Clerk announced that the Motion was carried.
Carried
Other Business – Nil.
Reading of By-laws
By-law 2024-06
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 8, 2024
#01-03-24
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.
The Clerk proceeded to call the vote.
Councillor Dowd – Yes
Councillor Golden _Yes
Councillor Sohrab – 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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#01-04-24
Moved by Deputy Mayor Rod Anderson, Seconded by Councillor Todd Dowd
That the meeting adjourns at 12:01 p.m.
The Clerk proceeded to call the vote.
Councillor Dowd – Yes
Councillor Golden _Yes
Councillor Sohrab – Yes
Deputy Mayor Anderson – Yes
Mayor McIver – Yes
The Clerk announced that the Motion was carried.
Carried
