MUNICIPALITY OF ARRAN-ELDERSLIE

Council Meeting

MINUTES

Monday, June 12, 2023 at 9:00 A.m. - 12:00 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:

• Sylvia Kirkwood - CAO
• Christine Fraser-McDonald - Clerk
• Julie Hamilton - Deputy Clerk
• Scott McLeod - Public Works Manager
• Tracey Neifer - Treasurer
• Carly Steinhoff - Recreation Manager
• Pat Johnston - Chief Building Official - Present Electronically
• Steve Tiernan - Fire Chief
• Jessica Pridham - Economic Development & Communication Coordinator

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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)

Mayor Hammell introduced Jessica Pridham as the Municipality's new Economic Development and Communication Coordinator.

3.

Adoption of Agenda

Council passed the following resolution: 

• 173-13-2023
  Moved by: Councillor Nickason
  Seconded by: Councillor Hampton

  Be It Resolved that the agenda for the Council Meeting of Monday, June 12, 2023 be received and adopted, as distributed by the Clerk.

  Carried

4.

Disclosures of Pecuniary Interest and General Nature Thereof

5.

Unfinished Business

6.

Minutes of Previous Meetings

6.1

May 23, 2023 Council Minutes

Subsequent to further discussion, Council passed the following resolution:

• 174-13-2023
  Moved by: Councillor Steinacker
  Seconded by: Councillor Penner

  Be It Resolved that the Council of the Municipality of Arran-Elderslie adopt the minutes of the Regular Council Session held May 23, 2023.

  Carried

7.

Business Arising from the Minutes

7.1

Notice of Motion - Deputy Mayor Shaw

At the Council meeting of May 23, 2023, Deputy Mayor Shaw noted that she would be bringing forward a Notice of Motion regarding support for Huron County's request for clarification regarding the County of Huron Warden's letter regarding a review of the Cannabis Act and the current legislative framework for cannabis.

Since this time, Deputy Mayor Shaw noted that the University of Guelph will be providing a study with more information.  She would like to defer her Notice of Motion until she has this further information.

7.2

Notice of Motion - Tara Councillor Peter Steinacker

Councillor Steinacker presented his Notice of Motion to Council regarding gateway signage for Arran-Elderslie.

The Clerk, as part of the staff report, will investigate pricing for signs for the smaller villages as well as a final design for the signs.

Subsequent to further discussion, the following motion was passed:

• 175-13-2023
  Moved by: Councillor Steinacker
  Seconded by: Councillor Nickason

  Whereas it has been identified that there are no gateway signs at the four corners of the Municipality to acknowledge to visitors that they have entered the Municipality of Arran-Elderslie;
  Whereas gateway signage on municipal boundaries will support the Economic Development Strategic Plan to effectively attract and retain investment and demonstrate the Municipality’s’ value proposition;
  Whereas gateway signage that reflects the style and character of the community will help to build the municipal brand;
  Whereas gateway signage will position Arran-Elderslie as the home of Allenford, Paisley, Chesley, Tara, the various hamlets, and surrounding areas and will unify communities under the municipal umbrella as well as developing a sense of place and welcome visitors and residents alike to the community;
  Whereas the attached draft concepts be forwarded to Bruce County for their review and consideration; and
  Therefore Council directs staff to prepare a report which will address the final design concept, placement of gateway signage at the four corners of the Municipality, outline permits and application costs, and timing of the installation of the signs.

  Carried

8.

Minutes of Sub-Committee Meetings

8.1

SMART Minutes - April 28, 2023

Subsequent to further discussion, Council passed the following resolution:

• 176-13-2023
  Moved by: Deputy Mayor Shaw
  Seconded by: Councillor Dudgeon

  Be It Resolved that Council receives the SMART Minutes of  April 28, 2023 for information purposes.

  Carried

9.

Public Meeting(s)

10.

Delegations 

10.1

Nigel Herritt - Eastlink Proposal

Mr. Herritt from Eastlink addressed Council regarding his proposal.

He noted that Eastlink  will be installing internet lines for approximately 30 kilometers on Sideroad 25. This is a transport link for their data services.  This is from Bruce Road 11 to Bruce Road 17.

Council thanked Mr. Herritt for his update.

10.2

Grey Bruce Pride - Rachel Paterson

Rachel Paterson from Grey Bruce Pride addressed Council.  She thanked Council for raising the progressive pride flag.

She noted that the stigma is still very real and they are showing inclusivity. They are here to educate, advocate and to help.

She explained the meaning of the new flag.

Council thanked Ms. Paterson for her presentation.

10.3

Nancy Shaw, CAO - South Bruce Grey Health Centre - Introduction to Council

Nancy Shaw, CAO of the South Bruce Grey Health Centre, addressed Council.

She gave an update regarding the emergency department at the Chesley Hospital.  It is continuing on reduced hours: Monday to Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

This is not an unique situation and is happening in many areas across the department.

They are working through the nurses summer schedule to see if there are any gaps and it is foreseen that they probably will have a few closures over the summer that will affect Chesley.  It is not only related to nurses, but also to physician coverage as well.

They have recently recruited an RPN for the Chesley site.  They are trying to fill the remaining vacancies.

They are committed to the viability of the Chesley Hospital.

Council thanked Ms. Shaw for her presentation.

11.

Presentations

None.

12.

Correspondence

12.1

Requiring Action

12.1.1

Burn By-law Exemption Request

Fire Chief Steve Tiernan addressed Council regarding this exemption request.

He received a call from a resident who falls within a restricted fire zone in Paisley.  He inspected his fire pit and would grant him a permit.

Council directed staff to prepare an exemption for Chris Miller regarding open air burning in a restricted zone at 345 Queen Street, Paisley.  Any other requests will be reviewed by the Fire Chief on a case by case basis.

12.2

For Information

Subsequent to further discussion, Council passed the following resolution:

• 177-13-2023
  Moved by: Councillor Hampton
  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

12.2.1

Grey Sauble Conservation Authority - Board Minutes of April 26, 2023

12.2.2

Hawks' Nest 2023

12.2.3

County-wide Fire Ban

12.2.4

Municipality of South Huron - Bill 97

12.2.5

Streamlining of Approvals under the Aggregate Resources Act

12.2.6

Huron Shores - Letter to the Ontario Minister of Health re: Health Care Crisis

12.2.7

Crime Stoppers of Grey Bruce

12.2.8

AMO Watchfile - May 18, 2023

12.2.9

AMO Watchfile - May 25, 2023

12.2.10

AMO Watchfile - June 1, 2023

12.2.11

Grey Bruce Children's Water Festival

12.2.12

MMWTWG Correspondence regarding Battery Energy Storage Systems

13.

Staff Reports

13.1

CAO/Clerks 

13.1.1

SRLCK.2023.05 – Christmas Holiday Office Closure

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

Subsequent to further discussion, Council passed the following resolution:

• 178-13-2023
  Moved by: Councillor Dudgeon
  Seconded by: Councillor Hampton

  Be It Resolved that Council hereby,

  1. Supports the closure of the Municipal Administrative Office between Christmas and New Year’s Day for 2023/2024 (December 27^th – January 1^st) inclusive;
  2. At the time of the closure, staff will be required to use their vacation time, banked time or take time unpaid, or make alternative arrangement, based on availability or any combination to cover the closure; and
  3. That in keeping with the historical principle established by Council, the Municipal Administrative Office shall be closed annually between Christmas and New Year’s and that Council supports this moving forward such that the CAO will advise staff and Council accordingly of the dates each year.

      

  Carried

13.2

Finance 

Treasurer Tracey Neifer noted that they are continuing to work on the audit.

13.2.1

SRFIN.23.18 Vendor of Record for Operating Costs

Treasurer, Tracey Neifer, responded to questions from Members of Council. 

Subsequent to further discussion, Council passed the following resolution:

• 179-13-2023
  Moved by: Deputy Mayor Shaw
  Seconded by: Councillor Hampton

  Be It Resolved that Council hereby,

  1. Acknowledges the identified companies as a Vendor of Record for 2023 for the provision of goods and services required to maintain operations of the Municipality;
  2. That Staff works with the Vendors to ensure appropriate agreements or terms of service are in place for 2023; and
  3. That in accordance with Article 4 of the Procurement Policy, Council waives the requirement to obtain three (3) written competitive quotes for the ongoing supply of goods and services used in operations.
  Carried

13.3

Public Works 

Works Manager Scott McLeod noted that calcium has been applied to all gravel roads.  Work is still ongoing on the 15th Sideroad.

There was a watermain break in Paisley which was repaired by staff.

There is an environmental assessment being completed for the proposed new well in Chesley.

13.3.1

SRW.23.11 Vehicle Purchases

Works Manager, Scott McLeod and Chief Building Official Pat Johnston responded to questions from Members of Council. 

Subsequent to further discussion, Council passed the following resolution:

• 180-13-2023
  Moved by: Deputy Mayor Shaw
  Seconded by: Councillor Hampton

  Be It Resolved that Council hereby,

  1. Approves the purchase of a 2023 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 crew cab from Bud Rier Chevrolet Ltd. for the amount of $66,797.76 inclusive of HST;
  2. Approves the purchase of a 2022 Dodge Ram 1500 crew cab from Rankin’s Garage and Sales Inc. for the amount of $61,042.71 inclusive of HST;
  3. That the purchases be financed through Transportation account #23-TRAN-0019 and Building account #23-BLDG-0001; and
  4. That $2,153.45 be transferred from Road Reserve #7266 to finance the additional costs under capital id. 23-TRAN-0019.
  Carried

13.4

Building/Bylaw

13.5

Facilities, Parks and Recreation

13.5.1

Splash Pad Update

Recreation Manager, Carly Steinhoff, reviewed her report and responded to questions from Members of Council regarding her information report.

June 23rd is the Paisley Splash Pad Grand Opening with a ribbon cutting.

13.6

Emergency Services 

13.6.1

SRFIRE.23.03 Fire Department Radio Modernization

Fire Chief, Steve Tiernan, responded to questions from Members of Council.   He noted that the burn ban has been lifted today.  He thanked Council for allowing the Chesley Firefighters to have their garage sale at the Chesley Community Centre.

They received notice that they had received $9500 from the Ontario Hydro workers for training props.

Subsequent to further discussion, Council passed the following resolution:

• 181-13-2023
  Moved by: Councillor Hampton
  Seconded by: Councillor Penner

  Be It Resolved that Council hereby,

  1. Awards the purchase to Hartman Communications for the purchase of radios for the Fire House Subs grant, in the amount of $16,409.86; and
  2. Provides an exemption from Article 4 of the Municipal Procurement Policy.
  Carried

13.7

Economic Development and Planning

14.

Notice of Motion

15.

Members Updates 

Shaw:

Deputy Mayor Shaw attended a Grey Sauble Conservation Authority Board meeting, a SMART meeting, and the North Canoe Race in Paisley.

Hampton:

Councillor Hampton noted that Hatten's 50th Anniversary is coming up and noted that the July Fest is coming up in Chesley starting on June 30th.

Dudgeon:

Councillor Dudgeon had nothing to report.

Steinacker:

Councillor Steinacker attended the Paisley information session, placed flags at the Tara cemetery, and attended the 85th Tara Rotary Anniversary.

Penner:

Councillor Penner attended the information session in Paisley, the Museum's Rhubarb Tea, the Paisley Blue's Fest, and participated in the North Canoe Race, 

Nickason:

Councillor Nickason noted that the Annual Rubber Duck Race was held in Allenford with 900 ducks sold.

Hammell:

Mayor Hammell noted that the Chesley Community Classic was held, attended the Paisley Public School to recognize the SK1 Class as the "Kindest Class in Canada", two medical students toured the Mayor's farm, attended the Paisley Blue's Fest, attended decoration day at the Tara Cemetery, Firefighter Yard Sale and the 85th Tara Rotary Anniversary.  He will also be attending the retirement for OPP Inspector Krista Miller.  He thanked staff for the Paisley Information Night.  

16.

New Business

16.1

Endorsement of Splash Pad Names

With the construction, or pending construction of the three splash pads, Council will be required to endorse the proposed names for each municipal splash pad.

At this time, the proposed names for the splash pads are:

• Chesley Kinsmen Splash Pad
• Tara Splash Pad
• Paisley Rotary Splash Pad

Subsequent to further discussion, Council passed the following resolution:

• 182-13-2023
  Moved by: Deputy Mayor Shaw
  Seconded by: Councillor Dudgeon

  Be it Resolved that Council hereby endorses the following names for the Municipal Splash Pads:

  Chesley Kinsmen Splash Pad

  Tara Splash Pad

  Paisley Rotary Splash Pad

  Carried

16.2

Donation to Physician Recruitment Committee

Treasurer, Tracey Neifer, responded to questions from Members of Council. 

Subsequent to further discussion, Council passed the following resolution:

• 183-13-2023
  Moved by: Deputy Mayor Shaw
  Seconded by: Councillor Steinacker

  Be it resolved that Council hereby supports the ongoing efforts of the Physician Recruitment Committee;

  And directs staff to make a donation to the Physician Recruitment Committee in acknowledgement of a donation received in the amount of $2,000.00.
  
  

  Carried

17.

By-laws

None.

18.

Closed Session (if required)

Not required.

19.

Resolution to Reconvene in Open Session

20.

Adoption of Recommendations Arising from Closed Session (If Any)

21.

Adoption of Closed Session Minutes

22.

Confirming By-law

22.1

By-law 33-2023 - Confirming By-law

Subsequent to further discussion, Council passed the following resolution:

• 184-13-2023
  Moved by: Councillor Hampton
  Seconded by: Councillor Nickason

  Be It Resolved that By-law No. 33-2023 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 33-2023 being a By-law to confirm the proceedings of the Regular Council meeting of the Municipality of Arran-Elderslie held Monday, June 12, 2023.

  Carried

23.

Adjournment

Subsequent to further discussion, Council passed the following resolution:

• 185-13-2023
  Moved by: Councillor Penner
  Seconded by: Councillor Hampton

  Be It Resolved that the meeting be adjourned to the call of the Mayor at 11:30 a.m.

24.

List of Upcoming Council meetings

June 26, 2023

July 10, 2023

August 14, 2023