MUNICIPALITY OF ARRAN-ELDERSLIE

Council Meeting

MINUTES

Monday, April 14, 2025 at 9:00 A.m. - 4:00 P.m.

Council Chambers

1925 Bruce Road 10, Chesley, ON

Council Present:

• Mayor Steve Hammell
• Deputy Mayor Jennifer Shaw
• Councillor Ryan Nickason
• Councillor Darryl Hampton
• Councillor Brian Dudgeon
• Councillor Moiken Penner
• Councillor Peter Steinacker

Staff Present:

• Christine Fraser-McDonald - Clerk
• Julie Hamilton - Coordinator for Infrastructure & Development
• Scott McLeod - Public Works Manager
• Carly Steinhoff - Recreation Manager
• David Munro - Interim Treasurer
• Jennifer Isber-Legge - Economic Development & Communications Coordinator
• Emily Dance, CAO

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1.

Call to Order

Mayor Hammell called the meeting to order at 9:00 am. A quorum was present. 

2.

Mayor's Announcements (If Required)

• April 28 is the day of mourning.  This year there is a ceremony planned at the Chesley Community Centre on April 25th from 10:30 am to 11:30 am. Mayor Hammell read a proclamation in this regard.
  
  
• The Tara Easter Egg Hunt & Colouring Draw will be held on April 20th behind the Tara Arena at 1:00 p.m.
  
  
• The Chesley Easter Egg hunt will be held on April 19th at the Chelsey Fire Hall starting at 10:00 a.m.
  
  
• Arran-Elderslie is establishing a Paisley Community Working Group. Community members that are interested in applying can find the terms of reference and application on the website or at the Paisley Community Centre until April 14th.
  
  

• In celebration of Chesley’s 145th anniversary, the Municipality of Arran-Elderslie and the Chesley Kinsmen Club, with a community grant from Community Foundation Grey Bruce, are partnering to create a unique mosaic mural made from community submissions. The mural will be unveiled prior to Chesley’s Homecoming Celebrations, taking place July 31 to August 3, 2025. The Municipality is inviting people to submit high-resolution images of original photographs or artwork that reflect the essence of Chesley. Images should showcase the town’s landmarks, history, nature, events, and traditions.  Please contact Jennifer Isber-Legge for more information.

3.

Adoption of Agenda

Subsequent to further discussion, Council passed the following resolution:

• 111-07-2025
  Moved by: Councillor Nickason
  Seconded by: Councillor Penner

  Be It Resolved that the agenda for the Council Meeting of Monday, April 14, 2025 be received and adopted, as distributed by the Clerk.

  Carried

4.

Disclosures of Pecuniary Interest and General Nature Thereof

4.1

Councillor Nickason - Allenford Ball Diamond – Replacement of Light Bulbs

Councillor Nickason declared a conflict as his son is the contractor for this project.

5.

Minutes of Previous Meetings

5.1

March 24, 2025 - Regular Council Minutes

Subsequent to further discussion, Council passed the following resolution:

• 112-07-2025
  Moved by: Councillor Nickason
  Seconded by: Deputy Mayor Shaw

  Be It Resolved that the Council of the Municipality of Arran-Elderslie adopt the minutes of the Regular Council Session held March 24, 2025.

  Carried

6.

Delegations 

6.1

Kayleigh Baxter - Community Leadership Educational Workshop on behalf of the Hugh O'Brian Youth Leadership Organization

Kayleigh Baxter discussed what HOBY is with Council to create change with youth and leadership.  It has spread across the globe.  Within HOBY they have CLeW which is a workshop for high school students focusing on leadership skills.  It stresses knowledge and uniqueness. Their event is on June 6th from 8:00 am to 3:00 pm.  They will be buying pizza and snacks locally in Chesley.

Subsequent to further discussion, Council passed the following resolution:

• 113-07-2025
  Moved by: Deputy Mayor Shaw
  Seconded by: Councillor Steinacker

  Be it resolved that the Municipality of Arran-Elderslie Council hereby approves the request from the Hugh O'Brian Youth Leadership Canada to waive the fees in the amount of $401.50 for the use of the Chesley Community Centre Hall and kitchen for June 6, 2025.

  Carried

7.

Correspondence

7.1

Requiring Action

7.1.1

Kinette Club of Chesley - Dog Park Request

This project would not be eligible for a Spruce the Bruce grant as these grants are for Downtown Improvement.

Council requested that there be community engagement for wherever the dog park could be located as it needs to be a good fit for the community.

Subsequent to further discussion, Council passed the following resolution:

• 114-07-2025
  Moved by: Councillor Penner
  Seconded by: Councillor Hampton

  That the Council of the Municipality of Arran-Elderslie hereby directs staff to bring back a report outlining the feasibility for a Kinette Club driven community dog park in Chesley including possible municipally owned property. 

  Carried

7.2

For Information

Deputy Mayor Shaw asked Council if anyone was interested in attending the "Together as One" gala as well as members of the committee.  The Mayor will attend on that evening.

Council directed staff to provide comments before April 16, 2025.

Subsequent to further discussion, Council passed the following resolution:

• 115-07-2025
  Moved by: Councillor Nickason
  Seconded by: Deputy Mayor Shaw

  Be It Resolved that the Council of the Municipality of Arran-Elderslie receives, notes, and files correspondence on the Council Agenda for information purposes.

  Carried

7.2.1

SMART Minutes - February 21, 2025

7.2.2

Grey Sauble Conservation Authority Media Release

7.2.3

Together as One Gala

7.2.4

Tara BESS Project Update

7.2.5

MEDIA RELEASE (April 8, 2025) Know Where You Are: Respect the Rules Regarding Illegal Motorized Vehicle Use on Conservation and County Lands

7.2.6

Paul Vickers MPP - Media Release

7.2.7

Letter from Minister Rob Flack - Strong Mayors Powers

7.2.8

Strong Mayors Powers - John Mascarin

8.

Staff Reports

8.1

Emergency Services 

8.1.1

Fire Protection Grant - Additional Funds

Clerk Christine Fraser-McDonald responded to questions from Members of Council.  He noted that the Municipality had received a Fire Protection Grant for the purchase of extractors and dryers for the Tara and Paisley Fire Stations.  Since this time, he has been notified that additional funds were available to the Municipality in the amount of $361.73.  The Fire Chief would like to use these funds for the purchase of additional detergent products for the extractors.  The Office of the Fire Marshal is requesting that Council endorse this additional grant allocation to be able to finalize this supplemental payment.

Subsequent to further discussion, Council passed the following resolution:

• 116-07-2025
  Moved by: Deputy Mayor Shaw
  Seconded by: Councillor Penner

  Be it resolved that the Council of the Municipality of Arran-Elderslie hereby endorses the additional grant allocation from the Fire Protection Grant, in the amount of $361.73 to finalize this supplemental payment.

  Carried

8.2

Public Works 

8.2.1

PWRDS-2025-04 – Victoria Street Sidewalk Project

Works Manager, Scott McLeod responded to questions from Members of Council. 

Subsequent to further discussion, Council passed the following resolution:

• 117-07-2025
  Moved by: Councillor Penner
  Seconded by: Councillor Steinacker

  Be It Resolved that Council hereby approves Report PWRDS-2025-04 – Victoria Street Sidewalk Project; and

  Approves an exemption to the Procurement Bylaw No. 59-09 under section 4.7; and

  Further, awards the Victoria Street Sidewalk Project to Signature Contractors as quoted for $196, 898.25 inclusive of HST and funded through account #25-TRANS-4126.

  Carried

8.2.2

PWWS-2025-03 – 3rd Street SW, Chesley

Works Manager, Scott McLeod responded to questions from Members of Council. 

Subsequent to further discussion, Council passed the following resolution:

• 118-07-2025
  Moved by: Deputy Mayor Shaw
  Seconded by: Councillor Hampton

  Be It Resolved that Council approves Report PWWS-2025-03 – 3^rd Street SW, Chesley; and

  Awards the tender for the watermain, sanitary, storm and road reconstruction to Hanna and Hamilton Construction Co. Ltd. for the total amount of $829,567.30, inclusive of HST.

  Carried

8.2.3

CLK-2025-16 Barfoot Municipal Drain Cleanout (2023 & 2024)

Coordinator for Infrastructure & Development, Julie Hamilton, responded to questions from Members of Council. 

Subsequent to further discussion, Council passed the following resolution:

• 119-07-2025

  Be It Resolved that Council hereby approves Report CLKS-2025-16 Barfoot Municipal Drain Cleanout 2023 and 2024

  AND approves the final assessment schedules as prepared by Cobide Engineering Inc for the Barfoot Municipal Drain 2023 AND Barfoot Municipal Drain 2 2024

  AND FURTHER authorizes the By-Law to levy the cost of work undertaken for the Barfoot Municipal Drain and Barfoot Municipal Drain 2 be brought forward for approval on today’s agenda.

8.3

Facilities, Parks and Recreation

8.3.1

REC 2025-03 Bruce Grey Bulls Ice Request

Recreation Manager, Carly Steinhoff, responded to questions from Members of Council. 

Subsequent to further discussion, Council passed the following resolution:

• 120-07-2025
  Moved by: Councillor Steinacker
  Seconded by: Councillor Nickason

  Be It Resolved that Council hereby approves Report REC-2025-04 - Bruce Grey Bulls Ice Request; and

  That Council supports the Bruce Grey Bulls to begin the 2025/2026 ice season in Paisley on the same September date as Chesley Community Centre; AND

  That Council supports the Bruce Grey Bulls request to be billed at the same rate as the Grey Bruce Highlanders/TCDMHA for the 2025/2026 ice season; AND

  Further require an agreement between the Municipality and the Bruce Grey Bulls prior to the commencement of the 2025/2026 ice season.

  Carried

8.3.2

Allenford Ball Diamond – Replacement of Light Bulbs

• Councillor Nickason declared a conflict on this item. (Councillor Nickason declared a conflict as his son is the contractor for this project.)

Councillor Nickason declared a pecuniary interest and left his seat in the Council Chambers.

Recreation Manager, Carly Steinhoff, responded to questions from Members of Council. 

Subsequent to further discussion, Council passed the following resolution:

• 121-07-2025
  Moved by: Councillor Dudgeon
  Seconded by: Councillor Steinacker

  Be It Resolved that Council hereby approves Report REC-2025-04 Allenford Ball Diamond Lights, AND,

  1. Accepts the quotation from Nickason Electric in the amount of $23,278.00, inclusive of applicable taxes for the supply and installation of new six light bulbs and removal of ballasts at the Allenford Ball Diamond and be funded through Capital Account 02-4137-4300, 25-RECC-4137 Allenford Ball Diamond Lights;
  2. That Council approves an exemption from Section 4.7 of the Procurement Policy, Tender – RFP-RFQ-waived- Council approval, such that staff can award the contract to Nickason Electric, to complete the replacement of the light bulbs at the Allenford Ball Diamond.
  Carried

8.3.3

REC-2025-07 Tara Basketball Court Refurbishment

Recreation Manager, Carly Steinhoff, responded to questions from Members of Council. 

Subsequent to further discussion, Council passed the following resolution:

• 122-07-2025
  Moved by: Councillor Steinacker
  Seconded by: Councillor Penner

  Be It Resolved that Council hereby approves report REC-2025-07 Tara Basketball Court Refurbishment and;

  Accepts the quotation from MacDonnell Excavating Ltd. in the amount $14,305.80, inclusive of applicable taxes for the refurbishment of the Tara Basketball Court to be funded through Capital Account 02-4037-4300.

  Carried

8.3.4

REC-2025-06 Paisley Ball Diamond Enhancements

Recreation Manager, Carly Steinhoff, responded to questions from Members of Council. 

Subsequent to further discussion, Council passed the following resolution:

• 123-07-2025
  Moved by: Councillor Penner
  Seconded by: Deputy Mayor Shaw

  Be It Resolved that Council hereby approves Report REC-2025-06 Paisley Ball Diamond Enhancements; AND

  Accepts the quotation from Mar-Co Clay Products Inc. in the amount of $19,773.70 and the quote from Nicoll Construction in the amount of $14,012.00, both inclusive of applicable taxes for the Paisley Ball Diamond infield enhancements, to be funded through Capital Account 02-4153-4300; and

  That Council approves the exemption from Section 4.7 of the Procurement Policy, such that staff can award the contract to Mar-Co Clay Infield Products Inc. and Nicoll Construction to complete the Paisley Ball Diamond infield project.

  Carried

8.4

Clerks

8.4.1

CLKS.2025.08 – Volunteer Policy

Clerk, Christine Fraser-McDonald responded to questions from Members of Council. 

Subsequent to further discussion, Council passed the following resolution:

• 124-07-2025
  Moved by: Councillor Steinacker
  Seconded by: Councillor Dudgeon

  Be It Resolved the Council approves Report CLKS.2025.08 – Volunteer Policy;

  And further that a by-law be brought back to the next available Council meeting to bring force and effect to the policy.

  Carried

8.5

CAO

8.5.1

Battery Energy Storage System Policy

CAO Emily Dance responded to questions from Members of Council. 

Council requested that the setback be increased to 300 metres.

Subsequent to further discussion, Council passed the following resolution:

• 125-07-2025
  Moved by: Councillor Hampton
  Seconded by: Deputy Mayor Shaw

  Be It Resolved that Council hereby approves Report CAO-2025-06 being the Battery Energy Storage System Policy as amended;

  And approves the Battery Energy Storage Policy By-Law AND FURTHER authorizes the appropriate By-laws coming forward.

  Carried

8.5.2

Expansion of Strong Mayors Powers - Comments to the Provincial Government

CAO Emily Dance responded to questions from Members of Council. Council requested that a media release be created as well as forwarding this on to the Province.

Subsequent to further discussion, Council passed the following resolution:

• 126-07-2025
  Moved by: Councillor Penner
  Seconded by: Councillor Steinacker

  That the Council of the Municipality of Arran-Elderslie hereby directs staff to provide the following motion as comments to the Strong Mayor Powers:

  MOTION TO ADDRESS CONCERNS REGARDING THE EXPANSION OF STRONG MAYOR POWERS

  WHEREAS the Ontario government has proposed expanding the “strong mayor” powers to 169 additional municipalities under the proposed legislation, which would grant mayors in these municipalities more authority, particularly concerning the control of municipal budgets and planning decisions;

  AND WHEREAS this proposal has raised significant concerns regarding the centralization of power, erosion of local democracy, reduced accountability, and the potential for the abuse of power;

  AND WHEREAS the proposed expansion of strong mayor powers undermines the collaborative nature of municipal governance, and diminishes the role of elected municipal councillors in representing the diverse interests of the community;

  AND WHEREAS concerns have been raised about the negative impacts on public trust, democratic participation, and municipal decision-making processes, if mayors are given the ability to bypass council decisions without adequate consultation or oversight;

  NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Council of the Municipality of Arran-Elderslie hereby opposes the expansion of Strong Mayor Powers;

  AND THAT the Council formally expresses its opposition to the Ontario government’s proposal to expand Strong Mayor Powers to preserve local democracy, transparency, and accountability;

  AND THAT the Council encourages advocacy for democratic principles and for municipal governance systems that prioritize collaboration, inclusivity, and democratic engagement;

  FURTHER BE IT RESOLVED THAT a copy of this motion be forwarded as part of the consultation process to the Province.

  Carried

9.

Members Updates 

Shaw:

Deputy Mayor Shaw attended a GSCA board meeting and attended the Small Communities session in Owen Sound.

Hampton:

Councillor Hampton had nothing to report.

Dudgeon:

Councillor Dudgeon had nothing to report except for receiving a few phone calls.

Steinacker:

Councillor Steinacker noted the general store has reopened and there was a donation made to the Tara Food Bank.

Penner:

Councillor Penner had nothing to report.

Nickason:

Councillor Nickason has received some phone calls regarding potholes.

Hammell:

Mayor Hammell and CAO Dance met with the new MPP Paul Vickers and discussed bridges, Chesley Hospital and the Tara BESS project.

10.

New Business

11.

By-laws

11.1

By-law 25-2025 - Appoint an Administrative Assistant/Deputy Clerk

Subsequent to further discussion, Council passed the following resolution:

• 129-07-2025
  Moved by: Councillor Dudgeon
  Seconded by: Councillor Steinacker

  Be It Resolved that By-law No. 25-2025 be introduced and read a first, second and third time, signed by the Mayor and Clerk, sealed with the Seal of the Corporation, and engrossed in the By-law Book.

  By-law 25-2025 being a By-law to appoint Devan Baker as an Administrative Assistant/Deputy Clerk for the Municipality of Arran-Elderslie as of May 12, 2025.

  Carried

11.2

By-law 26-2025 - 2025 Tax Rate By-law

Subsequent to further discussion, Council passed the following resolution:

• 130-07-2025
  Moved by: Councillor Nickason
  Seconded by: Deputy Mayor Shaw

  Be It Resolved that By-law No. 26-2025 be introduced and read a first, second and third time, signed by the Mayor and Clerk, sealed with the Seal of the Corporation, and engrossed in the By-law Book.

  By-law 26-2025 being a By-law to assess and levy the rates required for the lawful purposes of the
  Municipality of Arran-Elderslie for 2025.

  Carried

11.3

By-law 27-2025 - Adopt a Corporate Image and Visual Identity Policy

Subsequent to further discussion, Council passed the following resolution:

• 131-07-2025
  Moved by: Deputy Mayor Shaw
  Seconded by: Councillor Hampton

  Be It Resolved that By-law No. 27-2025 be introduced and read a first, second and third time, signed by the Mayor and Clerk, sealed with the Seal of the Corporation, and engrossed in the By-law Book.

  By-law 27-2025 being a By-law to adopt a Corporate Image and Visual Identity Policy for the Municipality of Arran-Elderslie.

  Carried

11.4

By-law 28-2025 Levy Cost of Work on Barfoot Municipal Drain

Subsequent to further discussion, Council passed the following resolution:

• 132-07-2025
  Moved by: Councillor Dudgeon
  Seconded by: Councillor Nickason

  Be It Resolved that By-law No. 28-2025 be introduced and read a first, second and third time, signed by the Mayor and Clerk, sealed with the Seal of the Corporation, and engrossed in the By-law Book.

  By-law 28-2025 being a By-law to Being a By-Law to Levy the Cost of Work Undertaken on the Barfoot Municipal Drain in the Municipality of Arran-Elderslie. 

  Carried

11.5

By-Law 29-2025 - Levy the Cost of Work on Barfoot #2 Municipal Drain

Subsequent to further discussion, Council passed the following resolution:

• 133-07-2025

  Be It Resolved that By-law No. 29-2025 be introduced and read a first, second and third time, signed by the Mayor and Clerk, sealed with the Seal of the Corporation, and engrossed in the By-law Book.

  By-law 29-2025 being a By-law to Levy the Cost of Work Undertaken on the Barfoot #2 Municipal Drain in the Municipality of Arran-Elderslie.

12.

Closed Session - 11:00 am

Subsequent to further discussion, Council passed the following resolution:

• 127-07-2025
  Moved by: Councillor Penner
  Seconded by: Councillor Nickason

  Be It Resolved, That the Council of the Municipality of Arran-Elderslie does now go into closed session to discuss an item(s) which relates to:

  ( )  the security of the property of the municipality or local  board;

  (X)  personal matters about an identifiable individual, including municipal or local board employees - Update on staffing matter

  ( )  a proposed or pending acquisition or disposition of land by the municipality or local board;

  ( )  labour relations or employee negotiations;

  (X)  litigation or potential litigation, including matters before administrative tribunals, affecting the municipality or local board - insurance claim

  (X)  advice that is subject to solicitor-client privilege, including communications necessary for that purpose - zoning infractions and issues

  ( )  a matter in respect of which a council, board, committee or other body may hold a closed meeting under another Act;

  ( )  information explicitly supplied in confidence to the municipality or local board by Canada, a province or territory or a Crown agency of any of them;

  ( )  a trade secret or scientific, technical, commercial, financial or labour relations information, supplied in confidence to the municipality or local board, which, if disclosed, could reasonably be expected to prejudice significantly the competitive position or interfere significantly with the contractual or other negotiations of a person, group of persons, or organization;

  ( )  a trade secret or scientific, technical, commercial or financial information that belongs to the municipality or local board and has monetary value or potential monetary value; or

  ( )  a position, plan, procedure, criteria or instruction to be applied to any negotiations carried on or to be carried on by or on behalf of the municipality or local board.

  Staff Authorized to Remain:

  CAO Emily Dance and Clerk Christine Fraser-McDonald - Items 1 - 5

  Municipal Solicitor Kevin Thompson - Items 1 - 2

  Carried

13.

Resolution to Reconvene in Open Session

Mayor Hammell confirmed that Council discussed only those matters identified in the above motion. 

Council passed the following resolution:

• 128-07-2025
  Moved by: Councillor Dudgeon
  Seconded by: Councillor Nickason

  Be It Resolved That Council of the Municipality of Arran-Elderslie does now return to the Open Session at 12:15 p.m.

  Carried

14.

Adoption of Recommendations Arising from Closed Session (If Any)

The Mayor confirmed that Council discussed only those matters identified in the motion to go into Closed Session.

Direction was given to staff and the Municipal Solicitor for Items 1 to 2 (zoning infractions and issues)

Council received Items 3, 4 and 5 for information purposes (staff update and insurance claim).

15.

Confirming By-law

Subsequent to further discussion, Council passed the following resolution:

• 134-07-2025
  Moved by: Deputy Mayor Shaw
  Seconded by: Councillor Hampton

  Be It Resolved that By-law No. 30-2025 be introduced and read a first, second and third time, signed by the Mayor and Clerk, sealed with the Seal of the Corporation, and engrossed in the By-law Book.

  By-law  30-2025 being a By-law to confirm the proceedings of the Regular Council meeting of the Municipality of Arran-Elderslie held Monday, April 14, 2025.

  Carried

16.

Adjournment

Subsequent to further discussion, Council passed the following resolution:

• Moved by: Councillor Nickason
  Seconded by: Councillor Dudgeon

  Be It Resolved that the meeting be adjourned to the call of the Mayor at 12:24 p.m.

  Carried

17.

List of Upcoming Council meetings

• April 28, 2025
• May 12, 2025
• May 26, 2025