Council Meeting Highlights – September 6, 2022

September 7, 2022
Town News
  • Reporting Out of Closed Session – Nothing to report
  • Ribfest requested additional funding support in the amount of $11,600 for higher than expected electrical costs for a transformer installation at the Lou Jeffries Arena. Council had previously provided a $15,000 grant for this item.  Council approved an additional $5,800 contribution to come from capital reserves.
  • Council will support the annual Terry Fox Run taking place on September 18, 2022, at Town Hall Park. The Terry Fox flag will be raised at Town Hall for the week preceding the event.
  • A motion was passed directing staff to bring back a report following a restaurant owner’s request to remove the Patio Pilot Project to make sidewalk patios permanent. 
  • Council received a notice advising that MPAC will not be completing assessment reviews for another year, which means that property assessments will remain the same.
  • Mayor Lojko provided an update on the Scoolpt 3D Printed Concrete Structure Project. Council passed a motion to permit the proposed planter structure to be located at the rear of Town Hall.  The sculpture will signify a medicine wheel. 
  • Council approved Councillor Kench’s Notice of Motion directing staff to bring forward a draft by-law to allow alcohol consumption in Joel Stone Park. 
  • A Notice of Motion by Councillor Kench to reconsider a 2019 motion to amend the Traffic and Parking By-law to allow sports activities on roadways was defeated. 
  • Mayor and Councillors Committee Updates:  
    • The newly named “William (Bill) Rees Band Shell” was dedicated on August 25th.
    • Town Hall Park is now complete and MPP Steve Clark attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony on Friday August 26th.
    • The Town has secured $284,000 from the 2 Billion Trees fund. An Urban Forestry Coordinator will be hired to complete an 18-month contract position focusing on urban forest assessment, maintenance and community engagement.
  • Council approved the Joint Leeds and Grenville Election Compliance Audit Committee Terms of Reference and appointed members Andy Brown, Mel Campbell, John Dickson, Dianne Merkley, Anthony Vachon and Nigel White to the Committee.  
  • Council passed a By-law authorizing an Agreement with Bell Canada for Next Generation 911 (NG911) Services.
  • Council received a report from the Town Clerk regarding the current Restricted Acts of Council (Lame Duck Periods). This will remain in effect until the inauguration of the new Council.
  • Council passed a By-law to establish a Child Safeguarding Policy to protect children from harm as it relates to children’s programming in recreational, educational and events held on various Town properties. This would apply to all caring adults including Town staff, user groups, event organizers and volunteers.
  • There is a planned power outage scheduled for Monday, September 12th , 2022.  Town Hall will be closed but Town staff remain available via email.
  • The Town, along with United Counties of Leeds & Grenville will be hosting a Secondary Suites Program Information Night on Monday September 12th at 6:00 PM in Town Council Chambers.