Regular Council Meeting

Brantford, ON (Canada) · 2025-12-08 · More Brantford, ON (Canada) meetings · More Ontario meetings

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[0:07] [clears throat]
[0:08] All right, welcome everybody. Welcome to
[0:10] our regular council meeting for Monday,
[0:12] December the 8th. If you are able, I
[0:15] would ask you please stand and join us
[0:17] for that.
[0:28] » [music]
[0:36] » Heat. Heat. [music]
[0:45] [music]
[0:50] » [music]
[0:55] [music]
[1:02] » Heat. Heat.
[1:05] [music]
[1:08] Heat.
[1:12] [music]
[1:20] Heat.
[1:22] [music]
[1:29] » [music]
[1:36] [music]
[1:54] » We would like to begin by respectfully
[1:55] acknowledging that the town of Shelurn
[1:57] resides within the traditional territory
[1:59] and ancestral lands of the Nishaave,
[2:02] including the Ajiu, Ottawatami, Chipoa,
[2:06] and the people of the Three Fires
[2:07] Confederacy. These traditional
[2:09] territories upon which we live, work,
[2:12] play, and learn are steeped in rich
[2:14] indigenous history and traditions. And
[2:16] it is with this statement that we
[2:17] declare to honor and respect past and
[2:20] present connection of indigenous people
[2:22] with this land, its waterways, and
[2:25] resources.
[2:27] Are there any disclosures of pecuniary
[2:30] interest?
[2:34] » All right. Minutes from our November
[2:36] 24th meeting in the agenda. Can I have a
[2:39] move and second to approve those as
[2:42] presented by sample second by
[2:48] discussion those?
[2:51] All in favor?
[2:54] All right. to public question period.
[2:58] Before I open it up, I I will say that
[3:00] the council did receive uh a few
[3:03] comments um from residents today. Those
[3:07] that was circulated to all of us. Um
[3:11] most of them that that I sort of read
[3:13] through they they were more sort of
[3:14] commentary expressing opinions on on a
[3:18] report that's uh that's coming up in a
[3:20] few minutes, which is fine. um that
[3:22] there were no uh no questions in at
[3:26] least two of them. Uh Randa, you you had
[3:31] submitted one. Did you want to ask
[3:33] something further? Um
[3:36] well
[3:42] I guess
[3:53] I'll I'll stop you there just and and
[3:55] one thing I I do want to clarify bit
[3:58] because this seemed to be a bit of a
[3:59] common theme through some of the some of
[4:02] the comments that council received.
[4:03] Council hasn't taken a position on this.
[4:08] At our last meeting on November 24th, we
[4:10] were presented with report. Uh there
[4:12] were some proposed options for council
[4:14] to consider that looked at uh at some
[4:18] potential changes to uh our uh our
[4:22] procedural bylaw. Uh we had a brief
[4:24] discussion two Mondays ago. We decided
[4:27] to defer that until tonight to give all
[4:29] the council a little more opportunity to
[4:31] give it some thought.
[4:33] >> [clears throat]
[4:33] » [clears throat]
[4:34] >> what one of the comments I heard but saw
[4:36] » what one of the comments I heard but saw
[4:36] uh today which was that council should
[4:38] reconsider
[4:40] uh council hasn't made a consideration
[4:43] on it. So we we can't reconsider
[4:45] something that we haven't yet
[4:46] considered. Um that will be considered
[4:49] under report number three. Um, so yes, I
[4:53] I think to answer your your question,
[4:55] yeah, we we are aware of what your
[4:58] concerns are, we'll we'll likely have
[5:00] further discussion for that report, but
[5:03] I do just want to make clear council has
[5:05] not made a decision. So, it's not a
[5:08] matter of us needing to reconsider
[5:09] something yet that we haven't decided.
[5:17] Anybody else?
[5:20] Okay. All right. Uh, council inquiries.
[5:25] I I do just want to give a a quick shout
[5:27] out to uh town staff for the Santa Claus
[5:31] parades, which was this past Saturday.
[5:35] Um, we were just talking about it. It it
[5:38] certainly has been colder uh in in past
[5:41] parades. So, it was actually kind of a
[5:42] pleasure to walk around this year and
[5:44] and not be frozen by by the time we
[5:48] finished. Uh 24 floats was that the
[5:50] final
[5:52] 24 plus
[5:55] maybe a couple of extra last minute
[5:57] entries. Anyways, um yeah, it great nice
[6:01] turnout to see a large portion of
[6:04] affinity out. Lots of smiling faces and
[6:06] lots lots of kids collecting candy and
[6:10] hot chocolate at the Legion and taking
[6:12] part in what has become a I think a
[6:15] really nice tradition for our community
[6:17] to kind of kick off the festive season.
[6:19] And so
[6:21] staff pass that along to everybody who
[6:24] had a hand in making it happen.
[6:28] and to the IIA. Yeah. But but town staff
[6:31] was was there closing streets.
[6:34] >> Yeah. Helping with the the tree
[6:37] » Yeah. Helping with the the tree
[6:37] lighting.
[6:41] » It was Greg Clark.
[6:42] >> Yeah.
[6:44] » Yeah.
[6:44] >> Anybody who who knows the movie
[6:46] » Anybody who who knows the movie
[6:46] Christmas Vacation, it was a classic
[6:47] Christmas Vacation moment. Uh we did a
[6:50] countdown. I plugged in the lights. They
[6:52] didn't light up. So we had to figure it
[6:55] out. you worked on this back in the town
[6:57] position.
[6:59] Uh any other inquiries?
[7:02] Sorry, council.
[7:04] >> Yeah, this might be something that can
[7:05] » Yeah, this might be something that can
[7:05] be pushed off into uh item number two in
[7:08] the consideration of items, but I have
[7:10] had an inquiry uh from residents who own
[7:14] buildings on Main Street. Um they have
[7:16] tenants who have parking. We currently
[7:20] have monthly passes for the beautiful
[7:22] parking lots and we also have an annual
[7:25] pass. Problem is times like this this
[7:29] general season when people want to have
[7:31] people stay over. We don't have an
[7:32] option for an overnight or a single day
[7:35] pass and questions been raised. What can
[7:38] we do to possibly implement a single day
[7:41] pass or single overnight pass?
[7:45] And I don't know if that's something
[7:46] that we should push that off into item
[7:48] number two or [clears throat]
[7:50] you know Jennifer may have a thought
[7:52] >> through your worship those questions
[7:54] » through your worship those questions
[7:54] have been posed as well and the uh
[7:56] answers to those
[7:58] that question asked that question was uh
[8:01] we can prorate it on a daybyday basis of
[8:04] course per not a physical piece of paper
[8:07] because we found those shared
[8:10] so it's based on plate model you just
[8:14] need a few days notice is understanding
[8:16] you know if you're having company you
[8:18] follow it you just need a few days
[8:20] notice this is what the community
[8:24] take monthly break on basis receives
[8:34] three days
[8:38] >> so then we should let them know just
[8:39] » so then we should let them know just
[8:39] come to the town hall last for three
[8:41] days in advance and say we're looking
[8:43] for
[8:44] >> we can't do is we can't issue a flight
[8:46] » we can't do is we can't issue a flight
[8:46] permit for the bylaw officer looking for
[8:49] plate models.
[8:51] >> Okay. So, as long as they've got all the
[8:52] » Okay. So, as long as they've got all the
[8:52] information staff's got that then
[8:56] >> Okay. Now, is that just in the
[8:57] » Okay. Now, is that just in the
[8:57] Wellington parking lot or is it all
[8:58] municipal parking?
[8:59] >> That is in the Wellington the overnight
[9:01] » That is in the Wellington the overnight
[9:01] parking is specifically dedicated to
[9:07] the street. There's no parking.
[9:11] >> Perfect. Okay.
[9:13] » Perfect. Okay.
[9:13] And and because we're leading into the
[9:15] holiday season, when when does town hall
[9:17] officially close?
[9:21] » Okay.
[9:22] >> So, if they're having family over
[9:32] » and and Denise just pointed out, which I
[9:34] I think would be August, but subject to
[9:37] availability. So if there are no spots
[9:39] left out, we can't very well
[9:42] appropriate.
[9:43] >> Don't forget council's uh granted me.
[9:47] » Don't forget council's uh granted me.
[9:47] >> Yeah. On street park
[9:49] » Yeah. On street park
[9:49] that would include this.
[9:51] >> Yeah.
[9:53] » Yeah.
[9:54] >> Good council.
[9:55] » Good council.
[9:56] >> Oh, I was just I was just going to piggy
[9:58] » Oh, I was just I was just going to piggy
[9:58] back on that. Just it is there any
[10:01] possibility someone like is like
[10:03] surprise you drank a little too much and
[10:05] now you have to stay. Um, is there any
[10:08] relief in that aspect where if they
[10:11] stayed in the Wellington lot like they
[10:12] wouldn't get ticketed if it, you know,
[10:14] kind of a oneoff thing?
[10:17] >> You can use that discretionary.
[10:21] » I was going to say they come in and
[10:22] speak to explain.
[10:26] >> Okay. And then go from there. Okay.
[10:28] » Okay. And then go from there. Okay.
[10:28] Wonderful. Just because again, we don't
[10:30] want anybody drinking and drinking,
[10:31] right? So, I'd rather be able to offer
[10:33] them something to stay
[10:36] I think that is part of the rale for the
[10:38] relief.
[10:38] >> Yeah% 100%. It's just sometimes that
[10:41] » Yeah% 100%. It's just sometimes that
[10:41] could happen maybe not during the
[10:42] relief, right? Like it's Yeah.
[10:45] >> Yeah. People aren't just going to be
[10:47] » Yeah. People aren't just going to be
[10:47] partying on two nights.
[10:48] >> Well, I mean that's
[10:51] » Well, I mean that's
[10:51] interesting. Yes. I guess
[10:55] the person has been drinking. How are
[10:56] they driving?
[10:59] >> Well, maybe they drove the car there.
[11:02] » Well, maybe they drove the car there.
[11:02] >> Yeah. or if they stay on the road even
[11:05] » Yeah. or if they stay on the road even
[11:05] where they were.
[11:07] >> I don't know. Just I just don't want to
[11:10] » I don't know. Just I just don't want to
[11:10] love to see
[11:15] that.
[11:16] >> This municipal parking lot.
[11:17] » This municipal parking lot.
[11:17] >> Is it going to be used as part of the
[11:19] » Is it going to be used as part of the
[11:20] parking be
[11:23] >> our municipal parking lot here? Is it
[11:25] » our municipal parking lot here? Is it
[11:25] going to be used as part of or just the
[11:28] street? So when is it
[11:37] right?
[11:39] >> Sorry to be a bylaw on duty that night
[11:42] » Sorry to be a bylaw on duty that night
[11:42] because there's no parking.
[11:45] Yeah,
[11:52] [snorts]
[11:53] >> we are allowing parking
[11:56] » we are allowing parking
[11:56] parking lots on Greenwood.
[12:02] I'm sure we're still allowing parking
[12:05] during the period on Greenwood
[12:09] Park.
[12:10] >> Yes.
[12:13] » Yes.
[12:13] Good. [snorts] So there's lots of places
[12:15] to park.
[12:16] >> Yeah. May have to walk a little bit.
[12:18] » Yeah. May have to walk a little bit.
[12:18] Yeah. But find a safe spot, park your
[12:20] car, don't drink and drive. Bottom line.
[12:24] >> Okay. Any other uh
[12:27] » Okay. Any other uh
[12:27] Okay. So the first report is a report um
[12:32] regarding the bylaw for the interm levy
[12:35] for 2026.
[12:37] Gary, do you want to at all?
[12:40] >> Just sorry.
[12:43] » Just sorry.
[12:43] It's just the regular bylaw that'll help
[12:46] us send their tax bills on January 2nd.
[12:50] >> Thanks.
[12:52] » Thanks.
[12:52] >> Happy New Year.
[12:57] » All right. Any questions on that one?
[12:59] No. Okay. Moved by Councelor Samples or
[13:02] seconder for that. Deputy Mayor Hall.
[13:06] All in favor?
[13:08] Carried.
[13:10] All right.
[13:13] Next is bylaw regarding some changes to
[13:16] our fees and charges. Um, did you want
[13:20] to highlight? So does Jennifer just the
[13:24] main changes are
[13:26] >> membership. This is our annual
[13:28] » membership. This is our annual
[13:28] year
[13:30] noted in the description
[13:32] checked
[13:35] that matches what the bank
[13:38] have by
[13:41] operation fees have
[13:45] facilities rental items have increased
[13:48] by
[13:50] minor use of baseball or wine notreased
[13:55] >> [clears throat]
[13:56] » [clears throat]
[13:56] >> gap between6
[14:06] adjusted
[14:08] cost.
[14:12] Those are the changes in the
[14:17] » questions on that. How did we arrive at
[14:22] >> cost of living? Just
[14:34] you want to make motion.
[14:38] » All right. Looks like moved by second by
[14:44] all in favor.
[14:48] All right. And report number three is
[14:52] the report I referenced earlier which
[14:54] was deferred from our November 24th
[14:56] meeting
[14:59] is report from our director of
[15:01] legislative services regarding some
[15:04] procedural bylaw update. Um nothing has
[15:07] changed. It's same report that was
[15:10] before us on uh on November 24th. But as
[15:13] I said earlier, we decided
[15:17] to defer [clears throat] it to tonight
[15:19] to give each of us a bit more time to go
[15:21] over it and consider the options that
[15:23] being presented.
[15:27] Council,
[15:30] >> I've been on council for a very long
[15:32] » I've been on council for a very long
[15:32] time and I've been to quite a few years
[15:34] question period.
[15:37] Honestly, the way question period is
[15:39] running right now, I don't like it. I'll
[15:42] be honest. It takes up a lot of
[15:44] council's time which doesn't allow us to
[15:47] get to the business we need to get to in
[15:50] a timely fashion
[15:52] but I'm not against that question period
[15:55] as long as it's run in a proper manner
[15:58] and I thought about it quite a bit
[16:00] during the week [clears throat] and I
[16:02] came up with the same idea as what am
[16:05] does down in the bare pit when
[16:07] counselors go up to ask questions at
[16:09] amach
[16:11] questioner
[16:12] is allowed a period of time to do a bit
[16:15] of a preamble to the question, but it
[16:18] must be a question specific to town
[16:21] business in the form of the agenda or
[16:25] property or some question about
[16:27] something that they had interaction with
[16:30] staff. It shouldn't be a question just
[16:33] whatever all over the place needs to be
[16:36] very specific. They should be allowed as
[16:39] they are down at a one question. one
[16:41] question only. Once you receive the
[16:43] answer, you must go to the back of the
[16:46] line and wait. There's a time period.
[16:49] It's like say 15 minutes for questions
[16:53] or whatever process. If we follow that
[16:57] format, a very strict format, then I
[17:00] think it's fair and right that our
[17:03] citizens have the right to ask
[17:04] questions. they should
[17:07] um because there's always, you know,
[17:11] questions regarding things on the
[17:12] agenda. There's questions regarding uh
[17:16] issues that they may have uh that were
[17:18] not resolved with staff. So,
[17:21] they have that right. They should have
[17:23] that right uh to come in front of
[17:25] council and present their case. It's no
[17:28] different than sometimes if they don't
[17:31] have that chance, they will do it to us
[17:33] out on the street, grocery store,
[17:35] wherever to ask the same thing. So, I
[17:37] think they have that right, but it needs
[17:40] to be controlled. It can't be just all
[17:44] over the place and all kinds of
[17:46] questions and discussions which should
[17:48] be either
[17:50] a delegation or something of a different
[17:54] nature. And that's my feelings on it. Um
[17:59] so I'm willing to
[18:01] um say continue with [clears throat] the
[18:04] question period
[18:06] as long as we follow some form of proper
[18:09] format.
[18:11] >> Yeah. And I'll I'll add I I don't
[18:13] » Yeah. And I'll I'll add I I don't
[18:13] disagree with you at all. Um and and
[18:15] actually I mean if you look at the
[18:17] current wording of our procedural bylaw
[18:19] and there are sort of prescriptive
[18:21] limits and time limits and everything
[18:23] else but they're all sort of subject to
[18:25] the chair's discretion. Um and the
[18:29] approach I tend to take I mean that
[18:31] there's a lot of factors involved. I
[18:32] mean is is the person first time they've
[18:35] been to council they not really familiar
[18:36] with the rules? Yeah obviously I'll give
[18:39] them [clears throat] some leeway. if we
[18:41] don't have a real long agenda. Am I
[18:43] willing to entertain a couple more
[18:44] questions than normal? Sure. Um but but
[18:47] I think your your point is well taken
[18:49] that you know this is designed as
[18:52] question period. It isn't designed as an
[18:54] open forum. It's not you know open mic
[18:56] at at you know shelter council where
[18:59] everybody can you know
[19:02] you know talk about whatever happens.
[19:05] There are opportunities to do that.
[19:07] There are deputations and presentations
[19:09] and if if if what you're looking for is
[19:12] an extended period of time to to make a
[19:14] pitch or make a presentation or have a
[19:16] dialogue with council that that's the
[19:18] that's the mechanism for that question
[19:21] period.
[19:22] You know at its core is designed to be a
[19:25] fairly quick um you know let let's move
[19:28] through you know what whatever questions
[19:30] you have. um you'll get an answer from
[19:33] council that that answer may in all
[19:35] honesty be we're going to have to look
[19:36] into it and get back to you. Um if if we
[19:39] don't, you know, have have the answer
[19:41] right at hand, but you will get an
[19:43] answer to the question. Uh but it it is
[19:46] not designed to be sort of open back and
[19:50] forth dialogue that lasts for several
[19:52] minutes. Um that said uh I I do agree
[19:56] that I I think it is an important
[19:58] mechanism uh to to leave available to
[20:02] our residents and our rate payers
[20:05] municipal level of government. I I think
[20:08] in in particular uh you know we are the
[20:10] level of government that's closest to
[20:12] the people and I think particularly in a
[20:14] smaller community like ours there is an
[20:17] expectation uh rightfully so uh that
[20:20] that elected officials remain accessible
[20:24] and and to your point councelor Vonado
[20:26] about grocery stores yeah I mean that
[20:28] that's part of the job to run and go in
[20:31] my household I run out to grab a bag of
[20:33] milk and I'm gone for an hour you know
[20:35] that It's the nature of beasts. You
[20:37] know, we we run into people people have
[20:39] issues they want to they want to
[20:40] discuss.
[20:41] >> Is that why my wife won't shop with me?
[20:45] » Is that why my wife won't shop with me?
[20:45] But but that that's you know that's one
[20:47] of the the nice things I think about
[20:50] this level of government as I said
[20:52] particularly in a small town that that
[20:54] we are accessible um but that
[20:56] accessibility can't be unlimited either
[20:59] right there there there has to be some
[21:00] give and take and and we have to work
[21:02] together as residents and as elected
[21:05] officials to make sure that that we do
[21:07] [clears throat]
[21:08] you know proper procedures and decorum
[21:09] so that the meetings can still run
[21:11] efficient. So, I guess my my message to
[21:14] to the public is, you know, from from my
[21:17] perspective at least, yeah, I'm I'm more
[21:19] than happy to to continue with question
[21:21] period going forward. Um, but if if what
[21:24] you're looking for is a a longer
[21:26] discussion with council um or or to make
[21:29] a pitch or a presentation, then then
[21:31] make use of those mechanisms uh in in
[21:35] the agenda for a presentation or a
[21:36] delegation. and let's leave question
[21:39] period for those quicker questions so
[21:41] that we can answer them and get moved on
[21:43] with the rest of rest of the agenda.
[21:47] When we know that it's a presentation,
[21:48] we set aside the proper time that's
[21:50] required for that in the agenda and it
[21:53] just allows everybody to plan. So, so I
[21:56] I'm okay leaving that in. Uh the rest of
[21:59] the amendments that that are presented
[22:01] here in this draft I'm good with. Let's
[22:04] give them a shot. Um, I guess the only
[22:06] other thing I would suggest is these
[22:09] will not become effective until
[22:14] » January,
[22:14] >> January. Um, but it's always up to
[22:18] » January. Um, but it's always up to
[22:18] council to make changes to this bylaw at
[22:21] any point in time. It's become a bit of
[22:22] a practice to do it kind of within the
[22:25] last year of each term. Uh but you know
[22:28] if if we get 6 months into some of these
[22:30] changes and find out something isn't
[22:32] working all that well we we can change
[22:35] course.
[22:39] » Any other thoughts?
[22:42] my thoughts I said seven. So I kind of
[22:46] still am at that point where I just that
[22:50] was my concern when I read over the
[22:52] procedural bylaw in the first place was
[22:55] >> um like there was just those things I
[22:58] » um like there was just those things I
[22:58] was conflicted with with regards to you
[23:00] know having a question asked pertaining
[23:02] to the agenda or whatnot and that's
[23:04] impossible to schedule that time two
[23:07] weeks ahead of time because the agenda
[23:08] doesn't come out until the Thursday
[23:09] before the meeting. So, you know, then
[23:13] you're asking a question now that's two
[23:14] weeks old and if the meeting's full, you
[23:18] can't even get in that meeting. So, I
[23:19] just that was my concern and and you
[23:22] know, as I stated at the last meeting as
[23:24] well, like you know, as you guys also
[23:26] stated, this is part of our job and we
[23:28] should be available and it's probably
[23:31] the only time that somebody can reach
[23:33] all of us in the same place, right, at
[23:35] the same time. So,
[23:37] >> yeah, we we don't all shop together.
[23:38] » yeah, we we don't all shop together.
[23:38] >> No, exactly. And I don't think my
[23:40] » No, exactly. And I don't think my
[23:40] husband shops with me. So, um, yeah. So,
[23:44] that was, you know, out of all the other
[23:46] changes, I they're pretty uh acceptable
[23:49] with no I mean, really, it's just for
[23:50] electronic purposes and things like
[23:52] that. Like, there's not a whole lot in
[23:54] there that makes any real difference
[23:56] except this one. And that's why I was
[23:58] like, I cannot vote on this um because I
[24:01] don't think it should be removed. So, um
[24:03] yeah. So, I mean, I feel like if we're
[24:04] going to move forward with it, we just
[24:07] need to tighten up the bootstraps a
[24:09] little and then it still allows people
[24:12] to come and voice uh any concerns or
[24:15] questions that day. So, that was just my
[24:19] >> and I just wanted to say at the end of
[24:21] » and I just wanted to say at the end of
[24:21] the day, one of three things are going
[24:24] to happen. and you publish a question
[24:27] which is going to be very succinct and
[24:30] you're either going to give an answer
[24:32] that evening or we're going to have to
[24:35] have to do some research
[24:38] uh and present it or you know if you've
[24:41] asked us something like where Jimmy
[24:42] Hoffet is buried we're not going to be
[24:45] able to that type question. So I I think
[24:49] tightening up procedurally is probably
[24:53] our best bet and keeping the 10 minutes
[24:57] uh as part of question three. I'm okay
[25:00] with that. I mean in in reality I I can
[25:04] only think of one instance maybe two in
[25:07] in the last seven years where we've
[25:09] actually sort of you know had a lineup
[25:12] of people um and it's normally around
[25:15] you know a particular hot issue
[25:18] >> but but generally just you know one or
[25:21] » but but generally just you know one or
[25:21] two questions if any
[25:24] >> but once
[25:27] » but once
[25:27] if you remember the police issue
[25:29] somebody Well, that's those were
[25:31] >> those were separate. But when we ran
[25:35] » those were separate. But when we ran
[25:35] those meetings, we did run them with a
[25:37] certain procedure where people were
[25:39] allowed to ask a question, but there was
[25:42] time limits on everything and the
[25:44] questions were answered. And that's what
[25:46] I mean by question where we run things
[25:48] very tightly and not allow it to get out
[25:51] of hand the similar as we did with those
[25:54] particular situations.
[25:56] So, I'm sorry to interrupt deputy mayor,
[25:59] but what I was trying to get at what I
[26:01] stated it earlier and it allows us to
[26:03] get back to our business of the agenda
[26:06] that we need to get to during the night
[26:08] rather than you know end up having to go
[26:11] over a meeting that night time.
[26:15] So just a few points. I'm strongly for
[26:18] keeping question. Um but I I think that
[26:24] you know there has to be some leeway for
[26:26] the chair to determine what that is. I I
[26:30] completely understand and respect that
[26:33] position.
[26:34] The other side is you know I struggle
[26:36] when question period is taken up by the
[26:39] non-residents
[26:41] >> right? [clears throat] So understanding
[26:43] » right? [clears throat] So understanding
[26:43] that really the question period is there
[26:44] for our residents not for those you know
[26:47] when you're talking about a handful of
[26:49] times um there's been a lot of time that
[26:52] was taken up by non-residents coming
[26:54] forward with questions when we weren't
[26:56] able to necessarily always get to a
[26:58] resening
[27:02] up that is one of the key items making
[27:04] certain the residents have
[27:08] to [snorts] prioritize them but I
[27:11] Well, we should
[27:16] they can use the presentations
[27:20] accept those opportunities for those
[27:22] types of things.
[27:26] or see I want to add a thought
[27:27] >> just just to confirm that it's the
[27:29] » just just to confirm that it's the
[27:29] intent with council jur otherwise that
[27:32] we would be supplementing with the
[27:35] introduction
[27:39] session we need to review how we would
[27:42] use that there's a different models in
[27:44] other communities where we just counel
[27:47] independently so if the regular wanted
[27:50] to have one partnership get back
[27:53] coordinate these are always available to
[27:56] as members of council. There are some
[27:58] communities that function a basic. So
[28:01] for example, mayor post has had a
[28:03] session on youth engagement and in those
[28:06] it determine whether or not there's
[28:08] member staff in them. What's critical
[28:10] though is that these are not called by
[28:12] council meetings. um they're not
[28:15] minuteed, they're not reported, there's
[28:16] no direction, but they do provide a
[28:18] platform to talk about what question
[28:21] period has evolved to some consensus
[28:23] where it's a general topic and a
[28:25] discussion about um an issue of concern
[28:28] or an issue of enthusiasm and it just
[28:31] provides a different platform for you to
[28:33] have that. So we'll we'll be developing
[28:35] that. We know a lot of municipalities
[28:37] gone forward spiritual festival. We're
[28:39] just not and right now it's based on
[28:41] twice a year but we're just not ready
[28:43] yet to tell you how it's going to be in
[28:44] the district but that is the plan to
[28:46] introduce that
[28:48] >> and that that isn't something that needs
[28:49] » and that that isn't something that needs
[28:49] to be incorporated.
[28:50] >> No, but it's just it was in Jennifer's
[28:52] » No, but it's just it was in Jennifer's
[28:52] report. I just wanted to make sure that
[28:53] it was the intent was that this
[28:56] potentially was a way to replace and
[28:59] replicate and enhance. Um but we also
[29:02] understand that you know there's a tool
[29:04] that could also be used as well as the
[29:06] retention of this.
[29:10] in addition to two instead of other
[29:17] [clears throat]
[29:19] clarify
[29:22] time what we don't want
[29:26] potential
[29:29] politician
[29:32] so maybe what we'll do then is look at7
[29:34] introduc
[29:45] insert a definition that question right
[29:48] there.
[29:52] So is that kind of what the resolution
[29:54] would be moving forward then for you to
[29:55] guide for staff to come back to us with
[29:58] that amendment within the folk.
[30:04] » Okay.
[30:07] >> Okay.
[30:09] » Okay.
[30:09] >> Right. [laughter]
[30:10] » Right. [laughter]
[30:10] So so we we can just receive the report
[30:12] and direct staff to amend the draft
[30:14] bylaw as discussed. Okay.
[30:19] Second of that counced
[30:21] by councelor Gardi
[30:24] favor.
[30:28] » Thank you.
[30:32] » If not questions car
[30:36] uh councelor motions are there any
[30:38] notices of motion?
[30:40] >> I did have one which I would refer to
[30:42] » I did have one which I would refer to
[30:42] correspondence.
[30:43] >> Okay. Any other notices?
[30:47] » Okay. Any other notices?
[30:47] Okay. Communications.
[30:50] Councelor Whitner.
[30:51] >> I just want to pull uh number 10 for um
[30:56] » I just want to pull uh number 10 for um
[30:56] just a sort of support I guess and
[30:59] Senate support from town children. So,
[31:02] it's it's just basically I mean we've
[31:05] seen in the news recently with uh some
[31:08] of the for lack of better term slack in
[31:14] you know um putting people in jail and
[31:17] leaving them in jail when they should be
[31:18] in jail. So, I just I think this is a a
[31:22] good call to to the government to
[31:24] strengthen some of those um those rules
[31:27] or laws or whatnot and keep people in
[31:29] that should be in.
[31:31] >> Okay. So, you want to make a motion of
[31:33] » Okay. So, you want to make a motion of
[31:33] support?
[31:33] >> Yes, please.
[31:34] » Yes, please.
[31:34] >> Okay. Second for that.
[31:40] Any discussion on that one? Favor.
[31:44] Okay.
[31:46] And then I guess just quickly number
[31:48] six, um just to mention to the community
[31:50] that's watching, um that their voices
[31:53] were heard and I'm thankful that they uh
[31:57] said what they, you know, were feeling
[31:59] and their concerns because um circular
[32:01] materials is uh is that what it's
[32:03] called? Circular materials um is looking
[32:06] into I don't think it's a definite
[32:08] answer yet, but at least they are
[32:10] definitely considering different sizes
[32:12] for uh the county of defense. So, um,
[32:15] that's great.
[32:16] >> Yeah, they they delayed delayed the roll
[32:18] » Yeah, they they delayed delayed the roll
[32:18] out, uh, of the large new recycling bins
[32:21] to give them some more time to kind of
[32:23] coordinate
[32:25] a way that they can present people with
[32:27] options so that not everybody has to
[32:29] receive the the new bin. Some people
[32:32] love them, other people are concerned
[32:34] about, you know, accessibility, how
[32:36] they're going to move them, where
[32:36] they're going to store them.
[32:38] >> So, deal.
[32:39] » So, deal.
[32:39] >> Yeah. So, so they're just working on a
[32:41] » Yeah. So, so they're just working on a
[32:41] solution so that they can offer some
[32:43] voice.
[32:44] >> Yeah.
[32:44] » Yeah.
[32:44] >> Council Bernado
[32:47] » Council Bernado
[32:47] >> 12 correspondents from regarding the
[32:50] » 12 correspondents from regarding the
[32:50] advocacy of bill 60 and I think that's
[32:53] where councelor was looking for as well
[32:56] in regards to his motion.
[32:59] Um the consolation of the conservation
[33:02] authorities the way they're going about
[33:03] it right now bring them all together is
[33:06] not a good option. Not all conservation
[33:09] authorities fit together for one thing.
[33:12] Um I believe the saga for example the
[33:16] fact that Grant nor Simco they are
[33:21] wersheds are very different and the way
[33:24] that they're putting it together um I'm
[33:27] afraid one uh we're losing the way our
[33:31] wershed works with the bigger uh
[33:34] conservation authorities. Secondly, um
[33:38] it irritates me. The province pits no
[33:42] money at all basically into the
[33:45] conservation authorities. Yet they're
[33:47] sitting there telling us um basically
[33:50] how they're going to run the
[33:52] conservation authorities when it's us
[33:54] municipalities that are paying for it.
[33:57] So that irritates me to know it when
[34:00] it's the local people that are paying
[34:02] for it and it's affecting the local
[34:05] people. I think that Queens Park should
[34:08] take care of provincial matters and we
[34:11] conservation authorities managed by the
[34:13] local uh conservations which are looking
[34:18] after the local people being paid for by
[34:20] the local people. That's just my
[34:21] feelings. So I know that Cardi has a
[34:25] motion of support
[34:28] or
[34:31] motion. So I'll let him read it. But I'm
[34:34] quite willing to second.
[34:36] >> Did you want it under that one?
[34:39] » Did you want it under that one?
[34:39] >> Number under a couple.
[34:40] » Number under a couple.
[34:40] >> It fits under so many. I mean it's it's
[34:43] » It fits under so many. I mean it's it's
[34:43] kind of scary between number seven and
[34:45] number eight. Bill five and bill 68. Um,
[34:50] I mean the amount of provincial
[34:52] overreach that we
[34:55] have experienced over the past year,
[34:57] this was buried in the middle of Bill
[34:59] 68. It's part of the province's mega
[35:02] bill. Um, and uh, I do have a press
[35:07] release from NAC about their concerns
[35:12] about amalgamating
[35:14] uh, 36
[35:16] conservation authorities down to seven.
[35:18] and the mismatch in
[35:22] the uh ecosystems and water systems that
[35:26] you like
[35:28] >> it's different
[35:31] » it's different
[35:31] and I'll jump I'll jump onto that being
[35:32] member of the board of the NBC I tell
[35:35] you it was a very very long meeting one
[35:37] of the biggest
[35:39] >> fears that we all have as municipalities
[35:41] » fears that we all have as municipalities
[35:41] is number one we're a tiny voice as it
[35:44] is if we amalgamate into a much larger
[35:48] CA we're never hurt and the worst part
[35:51] is is we are the closest to the e
[35:53] theological system where we're at we
[35:55] know what need we are the best advocates
[35:59] for them going to a much larger CA
[36:02] there's no possibility that they have
[36:05] any ability to control
[36:09] » I mean if you look at the conservation
[36:11] authority the nawasaga river
[36:15] runs uh north and influences one of the
[36:20] greatest uh resorts uh that we have in
[36:24] the way of a beach. But it also crosses
[36:28] through uh some of the beautifulst land
[36:33] parks and whatnot that we have in
[36:36] Ontario.
[36:38] were quite different from a Grand River
[36:41] which goes from Dundock down to Lake
[36:46] Erie and totally different from Lake
[36:49] Senko which has a lake and has no uh
[36:55] true river system running into it other
[36:57] than Holland and whatnot
[36:59] >> and [clears throat]
[37:01] » and [clears throat]
[37:01] different and then the other part of it
[37:03] is size of the municipalities which are
[37:06] within each of these wersheds. When you
[37:09] look at uh the Grand for example, you've
[37:12] got Kitchener, you've got Cambridge,
[37:14] you've got totally different size
[37:17] municipalities compared and and Lake
[37:20] Simco has Bradford uh New Market and all
[37:25] of York region and they also have
[37:28] different different monetary ways which
[37:31] they're paid like central York region
[37:33] supports it a huge amount. Uh the grant
[37:37] is supported by a large number of huge
[37:40] municipalities as well as uh regions and
[37:45] we're as uh mentioned by council we're a
[37:50] bunch of small municipalities sitting
[37:53] within the largest one we have is beach
[37:57] basically itself other than that we're a
[37:59] bunch of small municipalities which are
[38:01] supporting our own ecosystem so we're
[38:04] quite different and to be amalgamated
[38:07] with these large municipalities
[38:10] and larger uh conservation authorities
[38:13] just destroy us completely.
[38:16] >> Okay.
[38:17] » Okay.
[38:17] So just to just [clears throat] to
[38:19] comment I I do want to I do want to note
[38:23] in past the provinces
[38:26] experiments and amalgamation going back
[38:28] as far as two 2000 uh with education
[38:33] we [snorts] ran into similar issues in
[38:35] terms of uh ability to
[38:39] uh
[38:41] be local. Um, so, uh, the record on
[38:46] imagination
[38:48] to record to begin with. Um, anyway,
[38:51] bill 68. Uh, so I'm just going to read
[38:53] this in the record. Uh, whereas Ontario
[38:57] conservation authorities are essential
[38:59] to watershed management, environmental
[39:01] protection, flood mitigation, and public
[39:03] safety. And whereas bill 68 proposes
[39:07] significant amendments to the
[39:08] conservation authorities act that would
[39:11] change governance structures,
[39:13] decision-making authority and municipal
[39:15] participation. And whereas these changes
[39:18] were introduced within an omnibus bill
[39:20] without a dedicated legislative process
[39:23] that would allow for full public input,
[39:26] stakeholder consultation, or sufficient
[39:29] review of long-term environmental,
[39:31] financial, and public safety impacts.
[39:33] And whereas municipalities are critical
[39:36] partners in watershed management and
[39:39] must retain meaningful representation to
[39:42] ensure local knowledge priority uh
[39:45] priorities and risks are considered. And
[39:48] whereas the proposed amendments may
[39:50] increase risks related to flooding,
[39:52] erosion, natural heritage loss and
[39:55] environmental degradation if not fully
[39:58] evaluated. Therefore, be it resolved
[40:00] with council town of Shelurn urges the
[40:02] province
[40:04] uh provincial government of Ontario to
[40:06] withdraw sections of bill 68 related to
[40:09] the conservation authorities act and be
[40:11] it further resolved that any proposed
[40:14] changes be reintroduced as a standalone
[40:17] bill and proceed through the full
[40:20] legislative process including committee
[40:22] review, public consultation, stakeholder
[40:25] submissions to ensure transparent
[40:27] assessment of impacts on wershed
[40:29] management, environmental protection and
[40:32] public safety. And be further resolved
[40:35] that any future governance framework for
[40:37] conservation authorities include strong,
[40:39] clearly defined municipal representation
[40:42] recognizing municipalities as essential
[40:45] partners in watershed protection. And be
[40:48] it finally resolved that this motion be
[40:49] forwarded to the premier of Ontario,
[40:52] Minister of Environment, uh,
[40:54] Conservation of Parks, local MPPPs, the
[40:56] Association of Municipalities of
[40:58] Ontario, the Essex Region Conservation
[41:00] Authority Authority, and all Ontario
[41:03] municipalities and conservation
[41:04] authorities. And again, as a letter of
[41:08] motion, as also as a letter of support
[41:10] for because this this all went down on
[41:13] the 27th of November. Uh so in between
[41:17] our meetings so this has been the first
[41:19] opportunity we've had to uh
[41:23] address this.
[41:24] >> Yeah.
[41:25] » Yeah.
[41:25] >> Okay. So we have a motion on the floor.
[41:28] » Okay. So we have a motion on the floor.
[41:28] Is there a second for that?
[41:32] >> Second.
[41:34] » Second.
[41:34] Oh, did you already
[41:41] [laughter]
[41:43] >> move by cashi seconded by?
[41:46] » move by cashi seconded by?
[41:46] Okay. Any uh further discussion? Did you
[41:49] want to add any more thoughts?
[41:52] >> Um
[41:55] » Um
[41:55] I think I've said enough. I think
[41:56] everybody knows where I mean there are a
[41:59] number of municipalities that have just
[42:01] started this process of opposition to uh
[42:05] to this bill and I pretty sure that
[42:07] there will be many more of these over
[42:09] the next few months.
[42:16] If I could add starting with
[42:19] municipalities
[42:21] York and now you see that the problem
[42:26] just turned around and is trying to
[42:29] put things the opposite way.
[42:31] >> So they have a long habit of trying to
[42:35] » So they have a long habit of trying to
[42:35] do amalgamation before and now they're
[42:37] trying it with school boards and
[42:39] trustees as well. So it they have this
[42:43] long history of they're trying to do
[42:44] this and to do the same thing
[42:46] conservation authorities realize that
[42:49] they've done a wrong track and then to
[42:51] turn around down the road it try to take
[42:53] it back the way it was is going to make
[42:57] a mess of everything. So that's why I'm
[43:00] supporting this
[43:01] >> and I'm not against efficiencies. I'm
[43:04] » and I'm not against efficiencies. I'm
[43:04] just I just think they're
[43:08] >> they're not Yeah. this won't be.
[43:17] [laughter]
[43:18] >> All right. Any other thoughts on that?
[43:21] » All right. Any other thoughts on that?
[43:21] All the questions.
[43:24] All in favor?
[43:27] Okay.
[43:28] All right. Any other items for
[43:30] communication?
[43:34] Okay. Can I get a motion then to receive
[43:36] the remaining items for information?
[43:41] Second byner.
[43:43] All in favor? It's carried. All right.
[43:48] Next item is uh close session and
[43:53] um because the only items after close
[43:56] session is the confirming bylaw and
[43:57] adjournment. Uh we had a brief chat
[44:00] beforehand, we're going to let our
[44:01] deputy clerk um leave because she does
[44:05] have quite a drive ahead of her anyway.
[44:06] So, I don't want to make her stick
[44:08] around just to adjourn the meeting. Um,
[44:12] but what that does mean is that the the
[44:14] actual live stream um will not come on
[44:17] for the adjourn. Uh, any reporting out
[44:19] from close action will still be properly
[44:21] captured in the minutes um and and will
[44:24] be in the minutes that are available at
[44:25] the at the next agenda.
[44:28] So with that, can I have a motion to
[44:31] according to section 239 sub 2 subb of
[44:34] the municipal act move into close
[44:36] session for the purpose of discussing
[44:38] personal matters about an identifiable
[44:41] individual including municipal or local
[44:43] board employees? Council sample seconded
[44:46] by councelor vegan. All in favor? That's
[44:50] car.
[44:54] Give a chance to uh shut down.