MUNICIPALITY OF ARRAN-ELDERSLIE

Council Meeting

MINUTES

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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

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

  • Artists on the River in Paisley will be held on Saturday July 15th from 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
  • The Tara Splash Pad Grand Opening will be on Sunday July 16th from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
  • Paisley Queen North Market will be held on July 16th from 10 a.m. - 2:00 p. m. outside of Bud Rier's Chevrolet, on Church St.

Subsequent to further discussion, Council passed the following resolution:

  • 196-15-2023
    Moved by:Councillor Dudgeon
    Seconded by:Deputy Mayor Shaw

    Be It Resolved that the agenda for the Council Meeting of Monday, July 10, 2023 be received and adopted, as distributed by the Clerk.

    Carried

Subsequent to further discussion, Council passed the following resolution:

  • 197-15-2023
    Moved by:Councillor Hampton
    Seconded by:Councillor Steinacker

    Be It Resolved that the Council of the Municipality of Arran-Elderslie adopt the minutes of the Regular Council Session held June 26, 2023.

    Carried

Subsequent to further discussion, Council passed the following resolution:

  • 198-15-2023
    Moved by:Deputy Mayor Shaw
    Seconded by:Councillor Nickason

    Be It Resolved that Council receives the Health and Safety Committee Minutes of  January 19, 2023 for information purposes.

    Carried

Grants Johns from Shift Solar gave a presentation to Council.

Shift Solar is an Ontario-based solar and energy storage developer.  They prepare the project and it is then transferred to a new company.

He is here as Ontario is on the precipice of an energy crisis.  Much of this is due to the retirement of the Pickering Nuclear facility.

There will be emission reductions, economic stimulus, and fresh water resource conservation.

They have obligations to present in front of council and hold community engagement meetings.

They could have anywhere from 20 to 40 acres of shipping containers that are full of batteries. It will be fully fenced and monitored for security purposes.  Fires are controlled in each separate container.

They are asking for a non-binding support resolution from Council which will be sent to the Clerk at a later date.

OPP Acting Inspector Keegan Wilcox, spoke to Council regarding speeding in the Municipality.

The OPP is committed to traffic safety and education awareness.  Traffic safety messaging is completed through social media and traffic stops.

When reporting erratic drivers to police, it should be done as soon as possible and try to include unique parts of the vehicle. If the driver is suspected to be impaired, then the public should call 9-1-1 rather than 1-888-310-1133.

They can have focused patrols in certain areas for officers to address the issue for targeted enforcement.

Council had an open discussion with the Acting Inspector regarding speeding in the Municipality. Acting Inspector Wilcox noted that photo radar is addressed through the Ministry of Transportation rather than the OPP.

Council thanked Acting Inspector Wilcox for his presentation to Council.

Stephan Labelle gave a presentation to Council.

Saugeen Mobility and Regional Transit, or SMART, specializes in public transit serving the mentally and physically challenged residents of Arran-Elderslie, Brockton, Chatsworth, Grey Highlands, Hanover, Huron-Kinloss, Kincardine, Saugeen Shores, Southgate and West Grey. This covers more than 5,000 square kilometers, the largest geographical transit area in Ontario and the second largest in Canada.

SMART currently has a fleet of 20 vehicles and 19 drivers. The fleet includes nine 9-passenger accessible buses, 10 accessible minivans and one 30-passenger accessible bus. SMART is run by a Board of ten directors, one from each client municipality. 

Individual user fees are currently $2.00 plus $.55/km with a $7.50 minimum per ride.  Waiting time is charged at $22.00 per hour.  Out of area rides or where a vehicle and driver are deemed to be ‘chartered’ are charged at $.55/km plus $22.00 per hour from the time the vehicle arrives at the client’s residence until the client is done with the vehicle.  There are no ‘deadhead’ charges. Deadhead charges are those related to the passenger-less vehicle getting to and from the client’s residence.

Currently, Arran-Elderslie has 134 active clients. Arran-Elderslie's share of the 2023 municipal contribution is $72,132, compared to $62,104 in 2022.

In 2022, clients from your community took 2244 rides, compared to 1805 in 2021. Number of rides are steadily going back to pre-pandemic numbers where, for example, there were 2423 rides in 2019.

The Government of Ontario, however, provides funding to all transit systems in the province to support their operations through the Ministry of Transportation’s Dedicated Gas Tax Funds for Public Transportation Program.  Funds under this program are paid based on population and ridership data from two calendar years prior (for example, March 2022 funding was based on 2020 statistics).  

SMART is also considering moving to three Levels of Service (LOS):

Essential: current services & fee structure

Enhanced: Evening (M-W) & Sunday service

     Cost: one vehicle ($150K) - one driver ($40K)

Enhanced Plus: taxi-like service 7 days a week

     Cost: two vehicles ($300K) - two drivers ($80K)

Council thanked Mr. Labelle for his presentation.

CAO Sylvia Kirkwood updated Council regarding the Municipal Innovation Council.

The last four projects were the food cycler program (which was successful for Arran-Elderslie), the Smart Beach Program used to monitor water levels and currents to avoid unnecessary drownings.  There was also a program for GIS mapping, which is in its final stages, and finally there was an IT working group that identified areas for IT improvement.

In 2023, MIC wanted to continue for another three-year term.  Not all municipalities were supportive of this and work for this year will be wrapped up.  Arran-Elderslie presently has $19,575 allocated for MIC this year which targeted electrification of our fleet vehicles and charging stations.  The other would be project management training, real-time road conditions report and customer service enhancements.

CAO Kirkwood is looking for Council's support to continue on with this work with Northern Bruce Peninsula's support and leadership for 2023 to complete this process. The MIC project will be finished at the end of 2023. The funds are already in the 2023 Operating Budget.

13.2

 

None.

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

Subsequent to further discussion, Council passed the following resolution:

  • 200-15-2023
    Moved by:Councillor Dudgeon
    Seconded by:Councillor Penner

    Be It Resolved that Council hereby,

    1. Support the changes to the original tender as coordinated by Bruce County;
    2. That the costs for the watermain changes of $78,608.52 be funded from reserves 01-0000-7232; and
    3. That the costs for the remaining changes of $283,661.38 be funded from roads reserve 01-0000-7266.
    Carried

Chief Building Official, Pat Johnston, responded to questions from Members of Council regarding his information report.

Subsequent to further discussion, Council passed the following resolution:

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

Subsequent to further discussion, Council passed the following resolution:

  • 201-15-2023
    Moved by:Councillor Hampton
    Seconded by:Councillor Penner

    Be It Resolved that Council hereby:

    1. Directs staff to update the agreements with the Tara Curling Club and Paisley Curling Club to reflect the following changes:
      • Each Club shall receive up to $1,000.00 in complimentary facility bookings that can be used anytime through the calendar year, provided that the rental does not conflict with any other events.
      • Should the Club provide proof of their liquor license extension for the facility, the Municipality shall apply the non-licensed facility rental rate to the Council donation account;
    2. Direct staff to bring a future report to Council regarding the status of each agreement; and
    3. That the Grant and Donation Policy be amended to reflect the change to the Tara Curling Club and Paisley Curling Club agreements.
    Carried

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

Subsequent to further discussion, Council passed the following resolution:

  • 202-15-2023
    Moved by:Councillor Steinacker
    Seconded by:Councillor Hampton

    Be It Resolved that Council hereby,

    1. Accepts the proposed reconfiguration of the Tara Soccer Field and directs staff to work with Tara Minor Soccer to turn the field and add topsoil and grass seed as required;
    2. Direct staff to work with the Tara Agricultural Society to move and relocate the horse tie ups to a safer location on the grounds; and
    3. That staff proceed with the purchase of a new set of soccer frames and nets from Sports-Inter at a cost of $ 6,836.50, to be financed by Recreation Reserve #7250.
    Carried

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

Subsequent to further discussion, Council passed the following resolution:

  • 203-15-2023
    Moved by:Councillor Hampton
    Seconded by:Councillor Steinacker

    Be It Resolved that Council hereby,

    1. Directs staff to enter into an agreement for the 2023-2024 ice season for Tara Community Centre for Concession Operations.
    Carried

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

Subsequent to further discussion, Council passed the following resolution:

  • 204-15-2023
    Moved by:Councillor Penner
    Seconded by:Deputy Mayor Shaw

    Be It Resolved that Council hereby,

    1. Accept the proposal from Domm Construction Ltd. in the amount of $346,203.75, inclusive of applicable taxes for the Paisley Community Centre Second Level Renovation; and
    2. That this project be financed through Capital Account 02-3975-4300, Paisley Community Centre 2nd Floor Rehabilitation.
    Carried

Fire Chief, Steve Tiernan responded to questions from Members of Council regarding his information report on fire activities.

Deputy Mayor Shaw brought forward a Notice of Motion to be considered by Council:

"Whereas Ontario communities have seen dramatic increases in hate-motivated incidents and hate crimes against 2S-LGBTQQIAP+, Jewish, Muslim, Black, Asian, Indigenous and other equity-seeking individuals;

Whereas there were more than 1,500 police reported hate Crimes in Ontario in 2021; Whereas everyone is guaranteed equality rights under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, which is embedded in Canada’s constitution;

Whereas the Province of Ontario in May, 2023, recognizing the increase in hate crimes and has released a $25.5 million dollar investment with the new Anti-hate Security and Prevention Grant program as part of Ontario Strengthening Supports to Combat Hate and Create Safer Communities;

Whereas locally, the 2S-LGBTQQIAP+ community and allies are being directly threatened by a hate mail campaign and events inciting discrimination against these community members;

Whereas the Municipality of Arran-Elderslie and its citizens embrace and celebrate diversity, equity and inclusion in our local community;

Whereas the Municipality of Arran-Elderslie recognizes our responsibility to meaningfully respond to the impacts of hate in our community;

 And Whereas hate speech and related activities have no place in an inclusive society;

 Therefore be it resolved:

  1.  That the Municipality of Arran-Elderslie reaffirms our commitment to a safe and inclusive community and condemns hate in all its forms;
  2. Directs staff to explore the creation of an inclusion and accessibility committee that will examine the barriers, identify opportunities, and propose anti-hate policies and procedures that ensure safe and welcoming spaces for everyone in our community; and
  3. That a copy of this motion be provided to Bruce County Municipalities".

This will be brought forward at the next Council meeting.

Shaw:

Deputy Mayor Shaw attended a Grey Sauble Conservation Authority meeting, a Chesley Place meeting, July Fest, Grey Sauble Indigenous meeting and an Arran-Elderslie Business Association meeting.

Hampton:

Councillor Hampton attended the Significant Achievement award at the Chesley School, attended the Chesley Place meeting, will be meeting business owners in Chesley with Jess Pridham, and wanted to recognize municipal staff for their hard work.

Dudgeon:

Councillor Dudgeon had nothing to report.

Steinacker:

Councillor Steinacker attended an economic development meeting, will be attending the Splash Pad opening, presented the Geography Award to the Tara School Student and visited the new dry-land training facility in Tara, 

Penner:

Councillor Penner presented the history award at the Paisley Central School and attended the Bruce Power bus tour.

Nickason:

Councillor Nickason had nothing to report.

Hammell:

Mayor Hammell noted there will be a Chesley and Paisley walk-about for economic development, attended the SBGHC annual meeting, attended the Chesley Place meeting and had County Council.

  1. Councillor Penner noted that dog owners are looking for a smaller section to also be used for smaller dogs at the dog park.  She is requesting the Recreation Manager to report back to Council on the cost for this proposal as well as appropriate signage and liability insurance. 
  2. Councillor Penner asked if the horse shoe pits could be rejuvenated.  The Recreation Manager noted that her staff is looking at relocating the pits at this time. She requested that the Recreation Manager to report back to Council on this proposal.
  3. Councillor Steinacker requested that staff look into the possibility of photo radar in Arran-Elderslie report for later in the fall.
  4. Deputy Mayor Shaw noted that the market is taking place on Sunday, and is requesting that Church Street be closed for the market. Staff will speak to the owner's of the grocery store.  Council is in support of this proposal.

17.

 

Subsequent to further discussion, Council passed the following resolution:

  • 205-15-2023
    Moved by:Deputy Mayor Shaw
    Seconded by:Councillor Hampton

    Be It Resolved that By-law No. 34-2023 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 34-2023 being a By-law to adopt Amendment No. L-2022-014 to the Corporation of the Municipality of Arran-Elderslie Official Plan for lands described as Part Lot 16-17 Concession A Elderslie; Plan 156, Part Lot 3-25; RP3R-7788 Municipality of Arran-Elderslie.

    Carried

Subsequent to further discussion, Council passed the following resolution:

  • 206-15-2023
    Moved by:Councillor Dudgeon
    Seconded by:Councillor Hampton

    Be It Resolved that By-law No. 35-2023 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 35-2023 being a By-law to amend the Comprehensive Zoning By-law for the Municipality of Arran-Elderslie, is hereby further amended by changing the zoning from Business Park 1 ‘BP1’ to Residential Low Density Single ‘R1’, ‘R1-35-2023-H’, ‘BP1’, ‘BP1-35-2023-H1-H2 and BP1-35-2023-H3’.

    Carried
  • 207-15-2023
    Moved by:Deputy Mayor Shaw
    Seconded by:Councillor Dudgeon

    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; Financial Services Payroll Review

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

    ( )  labour relations or employee negotiations;

    ( )  litigation or potential litigation, including matters before administrative tribunals, affecting the municipality or local board;

    ( )  advice that is subject to solicitor-client privilege, including communications necessary for that purpose;

    ( )  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:

    Item 1 - CAO Sylvia Kirkwood, Clerk Christine Fraser-McDonald and Treasurer Tracey Neifer

    Item 2 - CAO Sylvia Kirkwood, Clerk Christine Fraser-McDonald, Fire Chief Steve Tiernan and Works Manager Scott McLeod

    Carried

Subsequent to further discussion, Council passed the following resolution:

  • 208-15-2023
    Moved by:Councillor Hampton
    Seconded by:Councillor Penner

    Be It Resolved That Council of the Municipality of Arran-Elderslie does now return to the Open Session at 12:30 p.m.

    Carried

Direction was given to staff in Closed Session for item 2.

Subsequent to further discussion, Council passed the following resolution:

  • 209-15-2023
    Moved by:Deputy Mayor Shaw
    Seconded by:Councillor Hampton

    Be It Resolved that Council hereby,

    1. Supports the recommendations identified by BDO Canada LLP, resulting from the Payroll Process Review, and
    2. That Staff proceed with the implementation of the Recommendations and Action Plan.
    Carried

Subsequent to further discussion, Council passed the following resolution:

  • 210-15-2023
    Moved by:Councillor Dudgeon
    Seconded by:Councillor Penner

    Be It Resolved that Council of the Municipality of Arran-Elderslie adopt the minutes of the Closed Session dated June 26, 2023.

    Carried

Subsequent to further discussion, Council passed the following resolution:

  • 211-15-2023
    Moved by:Councillor Hampton
    Seconded by:Councillor Nickason

    Be It Resolved that By-law No. 37-2023 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 37-2023 being a By-law to confirm the proceedings of the Regular Council meeting of the Municipality of Arran-Elderslie held Monday, July 10, 2023.

    Carried

Subsequent to further discussion, Council passed the following resolution:

  • 212-10-2023
    Moved by:Councillor Nickason
    Seconded by:Councillor Dudgeon

    Be It Resolved that the meeting be adjourned to the call of the Mayor at 12:35 p.m.

August 14, 2023

September 11, 2023

September 25, 2023

October 10, 2023