All right, it's 930. We're going to call the community
service, protection and economical. Development standing committee to order. The
traditional acknowledgment, the town of Coberg respectfully acknowledges that we
are located in the traditional treaty territory of the Mississauga
and Chippewa nations. Collectively known as Williams Treaty's first nation,
including. Curve, Lake Hawatha, Alderville, Scoogog Island, Rama, Bozolay and
Georgina Islands First Nation the town of Coberg respectfully acknowledges
that the Williams trees First Nation have been Stewarts and
caretakers of these lands and waters and that today remain
vigilant. Over their. Health and integrity. For generations to come.
We are all treaty people. At this time, the introduction
of the denim items is 3.1. It is there on
the agenda. It's the notice of motion from the mayor.
At this time, we're going to. Confirm the agenda. Can
I have a mover? Councilor Bureau. Your worship. Any questions?
Or discussion on any items on that. Just so the
committee is aware that the clerk's department did add that
correspondence from Gail. Raymont. To the parking issue, so that's
excellent. I appreciate. Stop doing that. So if there's. No
discussion. All those in favor? Opposed of any it's carried.
At this point, are there any disclosure interest from members
of council. Okay seeing none. We are going to go
on to community announcements. Are there any announcements? From the
other members of the committee. No. I just have one
at this point. And. It's just to, at this time,
to thank the Highland games. Committee. Volunteers, organizers, everyone involved.
Obviously, that came out. For their many years in Coberg.
They've been a fixture in the community since 1963, and
I just want to acknowledge them. And wish them the
best luck in their move to port Hoke to a
larger area and success for many years. And that this
time. That. Staff sent along a note of thanks as
well. From the department and all of us at the
town of Cowork. Okay. Are there any other things? Okay,
we'll move on. To. There's no delegations, so at this
time we have an outside. Presentation. From the dbia. Can
I have a mover on that? And then Mr. Larmer
will read that. Your worship. Councilor Bureau. Mr. Larmer. I
guess you're going to be reading that out. I understand.
Yeah. Through your worship. So the dbi. Sorry? Through you,
Mr. Chair. The DBI. Has actually added. Just a correspondence
piece to this. So just to speak to there. They
couldn't be here. Today. Just. It didn't work with conflict,
so they just asked that I read it out, just.
For the standing committee that's okay to proceed. Okay, so
this is from Heath Herring, and he's the downtown business
improvement area board chair. And this is just in relation
to the letter they sent on recommendations on parking for
downtown Colbert. So I'm running behalf of the downtown business
approving area board of Management to express our appreciation for
the town Cobra's ongoing efforts in implementing a new parking
program while recognizing the strides made. Our members have raised
many concerns regarding the persistent challenges of downtown parking, which
we believe continue to act a significant. Barrier for both
downtown merchants and patrons. During a regular meeting on January
11, 2024, the DBIA Board of Management passed a resolution
to provide a recommendation to cover council driven by our
mandate. To advocate for our members and promote the economic
fatality of downtown Colbert. As you're aware the downtown corps
plays a pivotal role as. A driver for community economic
development, and addressing the challenges associated with parking is crucial
to fostering a thriving business environment. Therefore. In an effort
to alleviate these concerns and enhance the overall downtown experience,
the DBA board of management wished to submit a written
delegation to covert council's committee at the February 7, 09:30
a.m. Standing committee we proposed the following recommendations. One, introduce
a monthly or annual parking pass for downtown business. CIS
and employees. This measure will provide a cost effective convenience
solution for those who work and operate businesses in the
downtown area. Two introduce a 30 minutes grace period for
patrons running a quick errand or picking up. An order.
The grace period aims to accommodate short visits to promoting
a more flexible and customer friendly parking policy. Three implement
free parking after 04:00 p.m. From Monday to Saturday. And
free parking on Sundays. Free evening and weekend parking will
encourage increased patriarch during these periods, contributing to a vibrant
downtown atmosphere. We strongly recommend that council properly adopts these
recommendations, effective immediately, to convey a positive message of support
for the downtown corps by implementing these measures. We believe
the downtown Colbert demonstrate its commitment to fostering a thriving
business environment, enhancing the overall experience for both business and
patrons alike. We appreciate your attention to this matter and
ask that our recommendation. Be read aloud loud as a
delegation February 7. Thank you for your continued dedication to
economic fatality in the downtown culture. Sincerely, Keith Harring. Thank
you, Mr. Larmer. Are there any questions? Discussion from members
of the committee. Councilor. Darling, do you have anything? Okay.
Just the comments. It's my understanding. That from Mr. Larmer
that his department will be bringing back that overall. Parking.
Information as council asked in the past. So I think
this is going to be a part of it. And
I agree that. With. The I think it's very critically
important that. We make sure that we do things to
encourage people to shop in the downtown and make sure
that we have a vibrant downtown and business community. So
if there's no other discussion at this time. I'll call
the vote. All those in favor? You guys moved it
initially, which is the receiver for information purposes, because it's
going back. Okay. So, all those in favor? Opposed. If
any, it's carried. So this time we're going to be
moving on to the. Cassette agenda. Are there any items.
That anyone would like to remove from the consent agenda
or do we have any speakers to any of them,
Mr. Lemmer, okay? 9.2. Any other items you'd like to
remove? Just have further discussion. Okay. Sounds good. So at
this time. Just before we vote on that, I just
like to thank the staff for getting. Some of these
items onto the agenda and work. Particularly. Ron Bolt park
naming. I know the directors worked diligently to get that.
Once a request came forward and I think that's very
appropriate, so I just like to show them my appreciation
of getting that. Onto the agenda. Do any of the
directors want to speak to any of these items briefly?
Director Taylor Scott. Thank you, chair. Just briefly, I'll touch
on the economic Development Annual report that includes the venture
13 activity as well. So I'm pleased to bring forward.
The second annual report from the. Economic Development Department. Mr.
Van Campin sends his regress this morning, but I'm happy.
Just to give a brief overview of this annual report.
The report itself is included as attachment one to the
staff report. There's no recommendation contained. In the report. It's
very much a good news story, and we respectfully request
that it be received. For information. I'll just make. A
few brief highlights and some key takeaways. This annual report
does build on the department. 's 2023. Economic development strategic
plan that was specific to all of the development activities
in that department, including venture 13. And the facility itself.
The report does contain a link back to the 2023
staff report and the strategic plan itself. For anyone that
needs a refresher on what those five initiatives are. So
just briefly, the five pillars include downtown development. Business retention
and expansion. Investment readiness. Small business. Innovators and entrepreneurs. And
workforce development and youth engagement. So everything contained in the
annual report links back to those five strategic pillars and
demonstrates all of the work within the department, within active
and within venture. 13 how those offerings link back to
these five pillars. So. Whether that's development at Lucas Point
and facilitating investment readiness. Engaging the youth and workforce through
the programming, through STEM camps, and whether it's through business.
Retention and expansion. All the training offering the revenue growth
series, bringing in speakers from local industries and sharing their
good news stories with the development industry. So all of
this and more is contained. In the annual report, you'll
also see a number of key performance indicators that we
are currently tracking, and we will be reporting. On growth
and activity year over year based on those key performance
indicators, like how many deaths are used at venture 13.
There's currently 16 available and 15 currently occupied. So tracking
those measurables and reporting on those year over year, tracking
attendance and participation at events as well. And looking forward
to 2024. We'll continue with this strong foundation that Mr.
Van Campin and his team led last year and is
scaling up all of those activities. For example, just this
week. The 2024 March break stem camp. Registration opened, and
instead of one week, which was held last year and
which was a great success, we're looking to scale that
up to three weeks in 2024. Just a small example.
Of how we see the facility in the department growing.
And the report wraps up by tying this all back
to the town's broader strategic plan. So it really hits
home on the thriving town pillar and also the service
excellence. And I think. This report, in and of itself
is an example of service, excellence and telling the story
of all of our activity that happened in 2023. So
happy to answer any questions. Thank you. Any questions from
members of the committee? Just a comment. Okay, councilor bureau.
Thank you. Because I think that's so informative. Come next
budget time to understand the different statistics and to see
that the future moving and economic development. I think that's
great. So thank you for that. Yes. Thank you for
putting together that quick synopsis. And appreciate the updates and
the evolving reporting data back because obviously that's helpful for
council. In future budgets and where we see where you're
going. Does anyone want to speak to? The enforcement numbers
at all. Mr. Larmer. Mr. Lemmer. Will highlight it. Yes.
So thank you, Mr. Chair to members council. Just this
is again similar to the director of plane development. Our
manager, Miss Law enforcement, has created the second annual just
admissible. Law enforcement licensing services report. It's pretty similar information
from 2022. Just with the updated stats from 2023, you
see an increase in activity and compliance and complaints. I
think one of the ones I just really want to
highlight because I think it speaks for itself. Is the
administrative monetary penalty system stats. For 2023, which we started
about March or April. So we had a little bit
month delay last year. Just we were trying to onboard
it, so. Now we're entering our first full year of
that, so. This is just probably April, May, June, July.
So, like, nine months of the year here, approximately. So
just what we've diverted from the court systems and we
push through our system. So out of the 1667 amps,
tickets issued there is pre Poa part two. Tickets issued
this just reflects the amps for that year. It tells
you that there was 337 adjudications and screenings and hearings
conduct itself. So those represent what would have been put
through the court process through, adjust the piece. Through those
provincial offenses processes which are a lot more complicated, I
say, with administration proxies. And what our system is. I
believe that individuals are wishing to adjudicate. Their tickets. It's
happening within weeks and less than a month to actually
get in front of a hearing officer. Sorry, screening officer,
to review their tickets, and then not too long after
that. A similar time frame if they were to peel
it to the hearing officer itself. So just. Good numbers
as part of that. And we'll just update in the
previous, we'll just update the department updates. We'll kind of
give the stats on some of the misspalies are actually
looking towards. Us and our managers actually working with them
to create a similar approach. What we've do doing here
as well, too. And just lastly, I think it's just
important to note that the great thing about this report,
and I thank the manager for putting it forward for
the public. But also counsel. It also describes these serverless
agreements and kind of gives the public and council indication
of how long. Each incident. Is taking and what we
look to. Standards for customer service and individuals couldn't get
ideas. Based on offense and the complications of eastern investigations.
But I think our officers, this council has done. A
good job to help us, assist us with putting more
people power in the departments to help. To have that
better customer service related. And you'll see those numbers and
the timelines compress and decrease thanks to the leadership of
our manager. Excellent. Thank you. Are there any questions or
comments from members of council? Councilor darling. Thank you, Mr.
Gormer. In reading this, and you're saying your adjudications and
screening hearings that would have went to poa. Part of
our. Services. To the communities to try and find efficiencies.
So I would assume that by these not making it
to the POa. This is saving a huge amount of
staff time down the road. Could you comment on that?
Mr. Lehrman. Yes. Definitely saving a lot of staff time.
When the tig was issued for part two. Let's say
those are majority of our tickets, which were previous parking
offenses under the Provincial Offenses act. When somebody wanted to
appeal that ticket. They were going probably between 18 to
20 months to actually get their ticket appealed, and they
were. Constantly contact her office to see how that's working.
How do I get resolved all those things now. We're
doing it within weeks. Also in the POA process, there's
a lot of work. That we have to work within
the legislation on timelines, processes, all those things. They're greatly
reduced now. It's the ticket. We have a screening officer
with staff member. Takes ten to 20 minutes. Maybe at
most. And then, depending on how it works out, the
person usually leads satisfied. And if not, they have another
step where they can appeal the process. So I would
say this is saving huge amount of times. In our
offices just outside of the provincial offense system itself, and
customer service has been hugely increased. I think council may
be getting less complaints in regard doing that, and I
know our office is seeing less complaints related to. That
process as well, and the courts have thanked us many
times. You're taking this out of them because we were
presenting a large amount of adjudications. Or court hearings to
them, and it's greatly reduced their caseload. And now in
Northland county they can focus on. The more complicated offenses,
the more provincial offenses, like speeding of those things. And
we're not. Jamming up the court systems for some things
like this. Thank you very much. Virtual armor. Excellent. Any
other comments or questions from the members. Okay, perfect. Yeah.
And I'd just like to say. Yeah. Thank you, Mr.
Larmer, and your department. I think this is a very
positive, good news story. That. Shows something. That. We're making
things a little bit more effective. In the town of
Colbert. And I believe this gets our money to us
a lot faster in this way as well, which is
a positive thing, and. We're not losing money for time
and staffing time. Your worship. Try that one. There we
go. Through you chair. Thank you. To Mr. Larmer. Have
we written to any other municipalities within north Orblin county
and offering our amp services at this time. Is that
a possibility? I know there's been talks about in the
past. And are we. In a place now where we
could actually. Provide. Court services for other municipalities. Mr.
Larmer. We have in the discussions with the Thomas county
municipalities in regards to the AmPS process. I won't speak
for the manager of law enforcement, but we are in
a unique position. Where our manager actually was one of
the first municipalities on terror through Oshawa to bring ants
to systems. So he's an expert and bring it forward.
A lot of the other misspalities are coming to us
and saying, want to get started? We want to do
this. I don't think you know how much work it
involves and how much dedication. At the start upload, so
we're trying to navigate them. We have been. Probably almost
all of them have asked us about it. We've always
opened our door that we're ready to talk. We're happy
to enter a degree with you. We have endorsements from
this council to do that. They're trying out on their
own. They have the ability to do that, but I
would say. With council's extra assistance with the staffing, with
the clerk, that we are more up. To be able
to take on these agreements and to a system where
we can to try to drive. Some of their offenses.
The end goals of getting compliance faster for them as
well, too, and helping the courts again. Deflate how much
activity they're seeing as well. Perfect. Thank you through the
chair to Mayor Cleveland as well. At the CAO meetings,
we meet regularly. We continue to discuss. Shared services or
the ability for those municipalities who have particular service areas
that others do not, that there's an opportunity potentially for
purchase service. Or agreements in place. So we always highlight
where those opportunities exist for those municipalities. It would be
a lot more cost. Effective. With some particular services, potentially
to get into agreements with other municipalities rather than onboarding
specific staff. So we continue to highlight those opportunities as
well. So just wanted council to be aware of that.
Excellent. Any follow up? Okay, perfect. At this time. We
will receive. Or take action on the consent agenda items.
I think I need to move her in a second.
Councilor bureau. Did I get one? No, I didn't. So,
Councilor Borough. And your worship, or are you good to
say that? Okay. All those in favor? It's carried. Now
we're on to the extracted items. Which we've got the
one item extracted at this time. I'm looking for a
mover. Oh, sorry. Yeah, no, I'd like to actually talk
about it, if that's okay. With you chair. I think
we got to put it on the floor for sorry.
Through your chair to my council members and to the
director. I think this may have hit the end of
the road at this point, and based off some of
the information that's come forward regarding the firefighters museum, I
think that there may be a better alternative coming down
the pipeline in terms of places to go and arrangements
to be had. And I'm just looking at all the
issues at hand. In terms of the current allocation of
that space. And my suggestion at this point is maybe
that. We set up a meeting instead of continuing down
this pathway, that we instead set up a meeting. With
the Firefighters museum to share some information about a potential
other site and or new allocations. This is 9.2 says
that we just sort of receive and move forward with
the current. Arrangement. My concern is that we're sending a
group of individuals down a path that isn't. Going to
lead to necessarily a good place. And at this time,
maybe we should stop. That have an honest conversation with
them about alternative options so that we can relook at
the possible uses for the memorial Arena. It's just a
conversation, a topic. And I'd love to hear from director
Gertz. At this time and or the council. The reason
I extracted it is to have this. Conversation on this
floor so that we can start talking about it. As.
There have been new. Potential developments recently, which may provide
a better opportunity for a local fire hall museum. Okay,
before we go to director goots, I'm just going to
move the motion that's on the agenda for the time
being, and then if the mayor has an amendment later.
He can put that after we have discussion. So I'm
going to move it. Do I? Have a seconder, your
worship. So it's on the floor. Director dirt. If you
could speak to it before we get into more discussion.
Thank you, Mr. Chair. I appreciate the opportunity. To explain
the I won't repeat much of the information that's in
the report. But. I did just want to kind of
shape or highlight the point in time that we're at
right now. So, as you know from working with me
over the past couple of years, I'm a planner, like
to look quite a ways ahead and. We've had very
successful small peak planner. Not to your level.
But we've had very effective discussions with the firefighters museum.
It's been very interesting working with the group. Each member
of the board brings a unique skill set to the
table and they work effectively as a team to solve
issues. We've come a long way. So I don't want
my staff report kind of at the midpoint of our
time. To insinuate. That. Anything is. Soured or is not
working effectively, but. What I am signaling with my report
is as far as the leeway or discretion that I
have. As staff negotiator, I have run out of wiggle
room and. I'm open to additional direction if council sees
fit. So what I've been working with. To date, council
hasn't given me a specific range of details to negotiate
within, but. Since the curling club and the memorial arena
are on the same site and both are similar buildings,
sharing a facility I've been working with. The same constraints
as the Jack Heenan. Arena lease since. That council has
approved in the past that package of information. So that's
the introduction and the context for my staff report. I
look forward to. So if council passes the motion as
presented, I look forward to further discussions. And negotiations with
the firefighters museum. We may come. To. An agreement or
a lease, and I'll come back to counsel. With that
signed document for endorsement. If it's within the constraints that
I currently have, I'd be happy to do so, but.
I didn't want to let a whole year pass without
an opportunity. For capsule. To make any suggestions or alterations.
We are at the point where a lot of the
practical things have been figured out, at least. At a
basic level. Firefighters museum has been very diligent. Freebiting the
building, bringing in specialists, getting advice. Asking lots of questions,
really figuring out what the opportunities of that building are.
An arena built from in 1950, has a lot more
in common with a barn than any other building. It's
an unheated roof and walls, and even the whole floor
isn't. Even finished. Half of the floor is dirt. So
when you try to convert that into any modern use.
It's difficult and expensive. That being said, the zoning of
the site. Is institutional, which precludes quite a few different
commercial or other uses. So when we went through the
RFP process looking for proposals from the community. We didn't
get a long list of great uses for that building.
So if it turns out. If the Firefighters museum is
successful and they figure out a business plan that will
work for them. In that facility. I'd be happy to
recommend to council that we lease that to them. At
the right time. But also. If they determine. You know
what? This isn't the best facility for us. I'm also
glad to support that because we certainly don't want to
force fit anything and paint them into a corner that's
not appropriate for them. I wouldn't want to do that
for any charitable organization. So happy to support them along
the way. But we are at a point where it's
important to talk about money. So there's a bit of
context. In the report, Jack Heenan. Lease includes about $20,000
a year in revenue and based on the 2024 budget,
The town pays about $50,000 a year for a maintenance
of the facility. So if Memorial arena lease included another
$20,000 in revenue, for example, then the town would continue
to pay about $30,000 in costs for that site. So
if you are interested, I have a table I could
put up on the screen that has a few different
scenarios. If you're interested in seeing that. For context. For
those who are used to looking at commercial leases. Now,
this is far from a commercially appropriate site. But just
so you get a business. Sense. The buildings are both
about have 25,000 usable space. Usable. As old arena buildings.
So, as base rent, that's 28.8 cents per square foot.
So that's what the current agreements have, so it's not
a lot of money. But it is more than zero.
So be happy to put that chart up on the
screen or antsy. Any further questions at this time. Yes,
we can get the chart up on the screen. I
think that'd be helpful. For the members. I did. Yeah,
I'm still on. Just sharing now. While he's doing that,
are there any questions from the committee at this time?
Or councilor? Bureau and then, your worship. I know that
we did this last time and we started negotiating and
stuff. How much time and. Effort and money has the
Canadian Firefighter museum put into this so far. Through the
chair. I haven't asked for that number, but the Firefed
museum does have access to the building. For investigative purposes,
and they've run one very successful fundraiser, so I would
suspect it is. Hundreds of hours. Get a nod from
will? Absolutely. So hundreds of hours would be the broad
estimate. And before we go to this, your worship. Yeah,
I think it's a good question, because. I think one
of the things is the amount of work and effort
that has been put forward. By the firefighters museum. Has
not gone unnoticed. It's one of the reasons why I
sort of, in my role, as mayor, as I've been
sort of working through this and speaking with some provincial
counterparts, And sort of looking at our fire master plan
and looking at opportunities in the very near future. Because
of the exemplary work, effort and forethought of this group,
I've actually been working to find a solution that would
be better for them than. The current building. Seeing that
there are a lot of problems, seeing that we're looking
at close to potentially a million dollars in retrofits to
make this building appropriate. I just think. That there's better
ways to spend a million dollars than in retrofitting an
old building. And so one of the things that I'd
like to talk about is maybe amending this motion to
basically have a conversation with both staff and the firefighters
museum. About some alternative options that may be coming apparent
in the very near future. In covert. And so in
no way, shape or form am I looking to shut
this down in. No way, shape or form am I
looking to get in the way of the incredible work
these volunteers have been doing. It's actually as a way
of maybe finding a better location and a better solution
for them. So that's one of the reasons I wanted
to have this. Conversation today is to take into account
that we're looking at potentially a million dollars. In work
that could be done. We're looking at it. Not necessarily
the best use of this space. And I guess the
question I'd have is to the director of planning what?
Kind of effort would it take to rezone this area
specifically to a residential zone, knowing that we currently have
a residential and housing crisis. Director Taylor Scott. Sure
happy to. Through the chair. So the property is a
major institutional site currently reflective of the current use. It
also has an institutional zoning on the property. It's not
zoned for broad residential uses at this time. When we
look at redevelopment or intensification. That is when, as planning
staff, we look to all the policy documents that guide
our recommendations and our work. That would include the provincial
policy statement, the county official plan, the town's official. Plan,
the growth plan and the zoning bylaw. So we work
through all those documents to inform. What the best use
based on the community structure should be. The policies in
and around redevelopment of a major institutional use. Largely. Land
in the realm of residential. There's a series of criteria
in our official plan. That speak to when an institutional
use ceases to operate. There's a set number of criteria
that we look at. And it's set the path forward
because we know institutional uses like schools cease over time.
They consolidate. They move on. We've seen other instances, for
example, on Durham street. So the official plan is forward
thinking and that it sets out criteria for the next
wave of land use. That comes along. So we look
to those criteria. It's predominantly residential. It could be another
institutional like use. And. There's criteria about servicing, about traffic.
So all these factors then come into play. Once that
institutional use ceases. It also would set the path forward
for a rezoning. Because the lands are zoned institutional at
present. Any major redevelopment into the realm of residential would
require rezoning. But that rezoning would be weighed against all
of those criteria in our official plan on the redevelopment
of the property. So. It's complex, but at the same
time it's fairly straightforward because of the forward thinking policies
in our official plan. Thank you. Thank you, Director Taylor
Scott, for that. Are there any questions? Or comments from
members of the committee. Councilor, bureau. Yeah, I apologize. I
missed Wednesday, last Wednesday's meeting, so I didn't hear the
update from the firefighters museum. My apologies for that, but
to me. If they're happy. With continuing negotiations. With community
services. I don't see how now would be a good
time to take all the work that's been done with
staff time and their time. And the work that has
been done to stop there and go to another location.
If they're happy with the location that they're in now.
And the negotiations still are in. If one of the
parties said, you know what, it's not going to work,
then. I can see that, but. I think, to be
honest. After putting. How many years has this been going
on too? Like two, maybe three. I think to stop
that work now and to move it to another location.
Is it wrong? Thank you for the comments, councilor bureau.
Your worship. Yeah, just double checking with council bureau. Did
you see the letter that was dated February 2 from
the museum? I did not. Okay, so just. So we're
clear in that letter? We're being made very clear that
in order for this to proceed covert council has to
be prepared for a million dollars in rent forgiveness. I
just want to be very clear that what the expectation
is moving forward is that they're very happy with the
building. On the assumption that we are going to forgive
a million dollars plus in rent. So I just. Want
to be clear. That's the problem. I'm pointing out here.
So there is a problem, and the problem is very
clearly that. As of we are now knowledgeable through the
report and. That this is not going to be a
zero expense to covert. We're looking at approximately a million
dollar expense. And so that's the problem I'm seeing, is
that this isn't. A project that doesn't have massive cost
to it. And again, I'm not saying that. We don't
necessarily spend the money. What I'm saying is that there
are other alternatives that have very recently become available, which
I think are more suited, that would be more appropriate.
And that could have more funding opportunities for a better,
successful agreement. Again, not looking to stop this. Simply taking
all of the great work that's been done. And putting
it in a different lane or an opportunity of a
different lane moving forward so it's not stopping. What it
is is looking at alternative arrangements. Based on very recent
information, we've received that this is not the ideal building
without a million dollars plus in leasehold. Improvements. So that's
where it's coming from. It's not a stopping we do
know there's problems. They've been very clear with their problems
from that letter. And that letter is stating, hey. Just
so council is aware, in order for this to move
forward, we're looking at potentially a million dollars. So that's
where my concern is, saying that, hey, we can't. Be
even. Let's not follow this down if we already know
where it's going and it's a million dollars in forgiveness.
Councilor bureau. I agree with you. A million dollars. When
you say that is a big price. Tag, but if
you look at all the other museums we support, Like,
for instance, the firehouse. We take care of that building,
the Murray Dressler house, the sift and Cook Museum. We
do lots of different things. And to retrofit an arena.
At the time, we knew that it was going to
be such a big project to overhaul, but we also
agreed that. It would be an ideal spot and location.
For that use of the arena. So to me, I
would still like to see that. The talks be gone
through our director in the museum and see what they
both come up with. To move forward in the recommendations
from there instead of us. Which I'm sure that director
Gertz, who come up with different locations or different. Ideas.
And that would happen in all those meetings. But I
just think we should continue. In the way it's going
now. There's always going to be costs. Always going to
be costs when you're supporting something as a museum. It's
me. The cultural master plan, which. Was to me what
a very well done plan. I think we need to
start following that and. Get back to our roots on
that culture, bringing back the tourism, bringing back all of
that, and I think that area on Furnace Street. Having
that memorial arena done as a firefighters museum is not
only keeping. The heritage part alive, but it's also keeping.
The building. To me. I know it's going to cost
money. We knew that before. And I think just continue
with ongoing negotiations. Thank you, councilor bureaus. So just a
clarity to the clerk, this item here goes to. The
regular council meeting, and then there will be a fulsome
discussion at that regular meeting. Yes. Anything that's recommended here,
this motion or an amendment motion would be referred to
the council for final ratification discussion. It pulled from consent
agenda. Okay, perfect. I'm going to go to councilor darling,
and then your worship. Thank you, chair. Just from the
reports, it looks like. There's the lease on the solar
panels on the roof is till 2035. Just thinking. If
we don't progress or proceed. With at this time. With
the firefighters museum that we're looking at approximately a cost
of $51,000. Per year times ten or eleven years. Just
to maintain the building. I don't know whether there's exit
clause in the solar panel agreement that would work, but
I just want to make sure that those numbers were
correct. Thank you. Yes. So it's my understanding from director
Gert there is a potential clause to get out of
the panels, but. We haven't necessarily explored. That is my
understanding. Would you like to speak to that? Thank you,
chair. Yes, the solar panel at least does have an
exit clause, but the mechanism is that we would pay
out the profits that the company would have received anyway.
So it would involve estimating the future electricity revenue and
compensating for their losses. So we haven't requested a specific
quote or explore that idea to the penny, but we
did consult with. Some solar industry experts, and they recommended
it would probably be cheaper just to ride out the
lease. With the building vacant and do nothing, then pay
it out. And just while the conversation was going on,
I did highlight. The year eleven on this chart and
I'd be happy chair to walk through a few of
these scenarios with your grace, and that may support some
of the ongoing conversation. But year eleven is supported there,
or as highlighted in this cell. So. If the town.
Continued to operate the building. With its current expenses based
on 2024 revenue, with the deduction of $20,000. Of additional
rent, it would cost us $420,000 over the next eleven
years. So, Mr. Chair, would you prefer me to
go through a few of these and explain these scenarios?
Yes, if you don't mind. And then we will go
to the mayor for his question. Thank you. Thank you.
So I'll work through the chart briefly, just working from
the left. Hand side. To the right hand side. Not
a financial planner. So this isn't necessarily a normal financial
layout of how these concepts are done, but I think
this is a simple way to compare. Some of the
a few alternatives to us. So I'll highlight the columns
that I'm speaking about as I go. So in column
e, which is highlighted, that summarizes the revenue we would
collect if we did a flat rate of $18,200 rent
for 20 years. So that would be, we would collect
a total of $364,000. And based on the comparable rent
that we receive of the jack. Jackhenan arena that. Was.
The floor of my negotiating threshold. I felt like I
couldn't go any lower than that. Without any direction from
council. But bear in mind, inflation and other costs continued
to go up. So if we thought about if we
assume that inflation is 2% on average over 20 years,
or 3% on average over 20 years. If we increase
that base amount of rent of 18,200 by those. Different
percentage rates. We would either collect 442 or 489,000 in
a two or 3% scenario. Director Gersh. Sorry. Your worship.
Are you in the meeting? Okay. Sorry. Just wanted to
make sure. Just because we want. To know that for
the minutes if you're going to leave the meeting. Sorry,
director Gers. Continue. Thank you for that clarification. So, on
the bottom here. I've just compared so that you don't
have to do the math mentally each one of these
lines below compares this scenario against the starting point. So
a 2% annual increase we would collect $78,000 more, a
3% annual increase. We would collect $125,000. More. So that's
kind of three different versions of the existing Jack Heenan
lease, I guess. In scenario four and five. Just as
a comparison here, if we charged a dollar per square
foot for the buildings, plus. TMI. Which is a normal
way that you think about commercial leases. Of course we
don't. Pay ourselves taxes. So maintenance and insurance and a
2% annual increase. Over 20 years, that would be a
collection of $874,000, which is 510 more than scenario one.
If we do that same scenario, but estimate that the
average. Inflationary increase is 3%. The difference would be collecting
967,000, which is a difference of 603,000. I structured some
of these scenarios kind of to give a bit of
commercial context, even though it's very much not a commercial
site. But there's not a lot of museums looking to
move into arena examples. None of these happening in the
marketplace. There are no comparables. Right. It's that unique. So.
This is all. Given to you in context of some
commercial context, but also. It's compatible with the letter that's
received on the agenda as well from the firefighters museum
about. Their ballpark. Million dollar renovation. So even in these
five different scenarios, the town does have a way to
collect a million dollars of rent with a fairly reasonable
ask of $36,000. I think is a fairly reasonable number.
It does get close to that million dollar rent, but
if we were considering forgiving that rent anyway. It would
be a wash. So if the town is considering being
that generous, So if that ask of a million dollars
of rent forgiveness is considered, none of these scenarios really.
Matter, because we wouldn't collect any of this rent anyway.
That being said, We move one more column to the
right. The bills still come due. The building is still
there. It'll need painting of hydro bills. Need to be
paid. There's lights on the parking lot that the town
needs to maintain. We need to plow and salt and
repave at some point. If the museum moves in, the
roof will need to be well maintained. We can't leak.
On invaluable artifacts if the building were to remain vacant
and there was a small roof leak that developed. Staff
could look at it if it's just leaking on the
dirt. Floor and the water soaks into the floor, it
might not even need to be fixed right. There's different
ways to ride it out. And if this interior use
was a not very sensitive. Use, the maintenance cost could
be lower, but if the interior of the building is
used for a sensitive use. Our obligation is the landlord
is higher, not astronomically higher, but the due diligence. Reasonableness
standard is higher. So, based on the 2024 budget, now.
This is pretty fairly broad forecast, but if we includ.
Included $18,000 of additional revenue. That leaves $32,000 of an
expense based on our budget this year. If we just
assume that carries forward for 20 years. We're still incurring
expense of $882,000. On top of a zero rent. That's
the expenses. With the revenue. If the roof needs to
be redone. Once 25,000 square foot building. I have not
quoted what that is, but even on that you've seen
the budget on even very small municipal buildings, like the
concert band building, right? That's a million dollars in capital
for that building over the next 20 years, I think.
Is a small number. So we're looking at $2 million
in expenses. Very broad estimates. These are not based on
quotes or detailed engineering plans, but at least it gives
you a sense of the scale of what we're looking
at, and I think it's. Appropriate to have this. This
is why I wanted to have this check in point
midway through. Negotiations to. See how comfortable council is with
the scale of this plan. Thank you. Chair. Thank you,
Director Gertz. Your worship. Yeah. Motion to amend. I'm. Going
to leave the motion as it sends. The only thing
I'm going to put at the end is further, that
council directs staff. To explore options regarding the solar panels
on the roof at this time. I'm not moving. Forward.
Let's not necessarily decide what we're going to do, but
I would like to know options. Regarding either. Moving them
because obviously we don't necessarily want to get out of
the contract. We don't. Want to be paying that kind
of lump sum, but is there an opportunity to move?
To a new town building and maintain that contract. What
are the opportunities? Here is basically all I'm asking for
at this time to understand. If we were to sort
of think in advance, if this council were to decide
to go through an op adjustment and redesign that area
for residential what are our options to just have a
fulsome discussion, hopefully regarding this. That's the motion. So just
simply to look for options. To get out of the
contract for our solars. Okay. This is just in regards
to the solar panel. This is the only thing. Yeah,
we'll just add that at this point, do we have
a seconder? Councilor bureau? Any discussion. On the item,
councilor. Maybe also, if possible, if we can get an
estimate for the roof cost. In that as well. This
way we have a fulsome understanding of what the exact
potential maintenance cost under everything, and that way we're more
informed, happy to amend. We'll just let Mr. Lamber put
that up there. We're going to make a big decision.
Let's make sure we have all of the facts part
of it. I think it's a great situation. Thank you,
chair. Chairman. Darling, do you have any questions in regards
to anything going on? Okay. Your worship. And I just
like to say thank you again to both director Gertz.
He is building quite a reputation in the community as
being a deal maker and as being a planner small
p and I think that that's really appropriate to mention
and to talk about because I think a lot of
these projects are moving along at a great rate because
of the willingness of director Gertz to sort of be
open minded and to not come with a bunch of
sort of. Assumptions. So a special note to him and
also, again, a special thanks. I haven't been out there
working to find new locations for this museum because. The
team behind. The museum is doing an incredible job and
seeing the amount of work they're putting into. This and
seeing the momentum is why I've sort of gotten behind
it myself, and I just want to say thank you
to all the vault.
Is it? Councilor bureau? It's okay. He's got two hats.
Apparently today. So the motion. Is there any further discussion
questions? Director Gertz. You just have some comments. Thank you.
I did highlight the roof as an example, but is
not the only expense of feast. Of infrastructure on the
site. So based on the lease definition that we've been
negotiating with, the firefighters museum. The town would maintain the
building envelope. So roof walls, foundations and the common areas.
Which are the parking areas and land. Landscaping, so I'd
be glad to include. Any other infrastructure costs if council
is interested in that information. So noted and so moved.
I think that'd be appropriate. If. The building envelope. As
I would say, as. Per our other agreement.
Once Mr. Farmers got that all up there.
Is that good with the two? We just put the
infrastructure repairs. Cao. Vaughn. Sorry. Just a note as well
that these will be. Estimates. So broader estimates. Right. They
won't be detailed design work. Excellent. So the emotion to
amend is up on the board. If there's any questions,
speak now. If not. Okay. All those in favor? Opposed.
If any, it's carried. Now let's go back to. The
main motion, as amended. Do we need to see the
whole thing in its entirety, or are you guys. Good
with. Okay, sounds good. Any questions? Further discussion. Councilor. Darling,
are you good? Okay. At this time. I'll call the
vote on the motion as amended. All those in favor?
Opposed. If any, it's carried. All right. Your worship. Thank
you. Just. I'd like to note to the municipal clerk
that I would. Like that pulled from the consent agenda
at the regular meeting already? I don't know if I
have to provide notice or if I can do that
in these meetings. Okay, perfect. Okay, at this time, we're
going to move to the notice of motion, and we
have a notice of motion from Mayor Cleveland. If you'd
like to move that onto the floor. And if we
can get a seconder. So the mayor's moved his notice
motion on the floor. Do we have a second? Councilor
bureau. So, discussion on the item. Your worship, I'd like
to first start off by recognizing that this motion. Doesn't
come by myself. While it says the notice of motion
from Mayor Lucas Cleveland, the reality is, I may have
stolen a little bit of thunder from my fellow counselors,
and I. Want to acknowledge that this is an item
that I've been at lengths in discussion with. Both councilor
Darlingwith both councilor bureau, with even yourself, councilor Bercat and
so while this motion may be coming forward, With me.
I want to be very clear that I am not
the one that has necessarily been pushing the envelope on
the parking issue. My fellow counsel has been, and it's
been my job as the mayor to simply listen and
hear. It was a bit of a rush job in
terms of getting this together with the report coming from
the DbIA. And sort of the new working model. I
knew that this had to get up in front of
council. So these suggestions are sort of a combination of
suggestions that I've heard from across the table from my
other counselors. They're in no way, shape or form locked
in stone. And it was a starting point. From which
I hope today. Will continue that discussion, and then we
can lead to a fulsome discussion as a whole. But
I do want to acknowledge that these ideas are not
mine. These are the ideas that I've been presented from
people like councilor bureau and councilor darling who have actually
spoken. At length with me about some of their concerns.
And primarily all I'm looking to do here, and I
think all council is looking to do is to listen
to what the DBI is saying. And when we went
through those points, today of what the DBI is looking
for. These suggestions, not saying that they need to stay
on would have basically addressed all of those concerns, and
so I think we can do one better. Than what
the DBI is asking, I think. We can look for
our staff to come back with a more. Easy to
use. And simplistic parking system. That doesn't necessitate a reduction.
In revenue, but also takes into account the seasonality of
our community. And that is that in the summertime, everyone
needs parking, and the rest of the year, we've got
lots of parking available. And I think. When you I
know a lot of people tell me that municipalities aren't
business, but I think when we're looking at parking. Parking
is a business. In our municipality. And as such, there
is a time when you want. To provide quality services,
and then there's a time where you want to maximize
potential revenue. And I think the suggestions in this motion.
Are sort of alluding to some of that, but again,
I'm open to suggestions, amendments. And or any other alterations.
Thank you. Councilor. Thank you for bringing this forward, your
worship. You're right. Parking has been an ongoing conversation. I
think since the car was invented, I think, to be
honest, I like a lot of these points. There's some
that I don't, but I do think we need a
fulsome conversation after. The strategic parking plan comes out from
staff, and I think there is definitely good points in
here. And I think the DBI has some good points
in there as well. Some again, I don't agree with.
But I think that once the report comes back to
council, I think that would be the perfect opportunity for
all of us as council to debate that motion. So
as much as I love these, and I know there's
the three or four points, In your motion that I
would like to vote on now in the past, but
I think we need to refer this to that plan.
Be very clear, Councilor Burrow, none of these suggestions would
be necessitated in the voting. What this motion is, is
simply requesting a report from staff using some of these
as a suggested guideline. So I think waiting until the
report. Is again, being a reactive type of government. I
think we need to start being proactive. I think our
community expects us to be taking a leadership role. And
I think that what I've asked for. Is not a
solution. What? I've asked for suggestions from staff based on
these recommendations, so. I think it's actually to sort of
push back. It's actually the perfect time. Because we know
that report is eminent. The staff already have access to
that report and will so within the next few weeks.
And so suggesting that they start putting together a report
about that. Report and what our new parking regime. That's
one of the reasons why I pushed it forward, to
get it on the agenda now is because of the
timing issue. This will allow the staff to have that
appropriate time. When that report comes that they don't have
to, then wait for a motion from counsel. To go
forward on that. So that's the reason for it. Council
bureau. I agree. We need to be proactive rather than
reactive, which I think when we first came back with
these new parking regulations. It was a lot to take
in because there were so many different aspects. To the
whole parking plan. But I still think that if. We
start going line by line over these and adding new
bylaws in it's going to confuse people more. And I
think that's one of the biggest issues that happened with
our parking last year. Is, everybody didn't have the right
information to understand where the waterfront parking was, where the
downtown parking was and. When it would start, when it
didn't because. People are busy and they live their lives.
So I do believe that I would rather like to
instead of piece by piece, I would rather have to
look at the whole parking thing where council then goes
over it. I agree with you. There needs to be
changes, 100%, but I do believe that. We need to
have that report back first, and then we can actually
sit back, take our time. And do it right. Your
worship. Yeah, I'm a little bit lost to councilor because
this is doing it. Right. This is exactly what doing
it right looks like. It's asking the staff to give
us a report. On how we could make it better.
This isn't going line by line. The suggestions that I
put forward are just examples of what to do. That
could further that this new program shall consider, not implement.
Shall consider. It was very specific in the wording because
I want to be very clear that it also says
suggestions from residents business and council members in the report.
So in this motion, it actually would allow the staff
to speak. To each council member and get their input,
it would actually allow. The staff to take the emails
that we get all the time and come back with
the report. And I want to be very clear. We
can simply. If any of these points don't sit well,
we can simply cross them. Out now in the direction
to staff and allow them to come back with a
Folsom. Report. But what you're asking is to put everything
on hold until the report comes back. And I'm just
a little confused as to why when we're not asking
for a decision. We're not going to confuse resident. Residents
because nothing is being done. All that is happening is
we're giving the staff the opportunity to get a head
start on the work. Council. Agree. 100% I agree with
you, but these are just minuscule points to the whole
parking plan. And. This is one of the reasons why
I think that we should refer this to that report.
I'm not saying that any of these are bad. I'm
not saying that we shouldn't. Be debating them. I'm saying
that there's a right time to debate. Them. And I
think that we need that input from staff to come
back as a report which will be happening and. I
do get it. I just think that. We need to
do this as a whole. Instead of just. Specific line
by lines. Quick question through the chair to councilor bureau.
What do you think? The report is coming back? With
because it's simply going to be a report that says
either we have a parking problem. We don't have a
parking problem. We have a parking problem, and that's where
you're going to be. Unfortunately, most likely incorrect. We don't
have a parking problem. And that report, that's going to
come back is going to clearly indicate that there is.
Not necessarily. Again, I'm assuming so. Are you? But the
reality is. This report isn't going to have anything to
do with a parking strategy. This report is. Only going
to tell us whether there is an issue with parking
or there isn't an issue with parking. That has nothing
to do with this motion that is on the table.
The motion. That's on the table is about relooking at
the entire parking strategy and having a report from staff
so that we can have the debate. That we both
agree we want to have. So we are. But it's
about this report. We need to put this on the
council. Table now so that it goes to regular council
at the end of the month, so that in March.
Our staff can start working on this report. The timing
of this matters, and that's why this has been put
forward. Now. Now is the right time because now we
talk about it. Now it doesn't happen. It simply goes
on the docket for the end of the month, meaning
at the end of February, this council will then have
a discussion around this. And if this council decides to
then ask for a report again. No changes, no parking,
no anything. Simply a report. We will get that report.
Till at earliest march or April. So now. Is the
actual right time if we want to fix our summer
parking problems, now is when we have to start doing
the foresight. So that's why I'm just being very. Clear.
I'm pushing back because this is exactly the right time.
It's why I rushed. To get this on the docket.
Thank you, worship. Councilor bureau. And then I believe I
saw Councilor Darling's hand. Up. I think we're saying the
same thing, but different. This is going to go on
the council agenda anyways with whatever motion we come up
with. Or it stays the same. So it's all going
to be debated then as well. The question is. Are
we moving this exactly the way it is to the
council agenda? I'm okay with that if we're going to
be debating on each parking thing, then I'm not. Doing
that, but I think we're saying the exact same thing,
because regardless, it's either going to go for information purposes
and into the report, or we're going to be debating
it at February 20 eigth. So either way, again, I
agree. Do we need to talk about parking? 100%. Do
we need to figure out the best ways to move
forward. Absolutely. So to save arguments and time, this is
going to go on to the agenda, then I'm all
for it. Yes. Before I go to councilor Darling there.
Yeah. Basically, any of these items are going to be
going to the regular council and then obviously from that
we'll get taken into consideration. Of the overall report that
Mr. Lermer and his team are already working on. Let's
go to Councilor Darling. Thank you, chair. The mayor did
answer some because I'm looking at the timelines here, which
it says to the next committee. Which is in March,
and then it'll go back to council for March, the
end of March. I guess my concern comes in is
it's getting late in the year. And. Will we have
time to pass it? And the citizens get to buy
their $40 passes if we stay with them or if
we change the passing. Will it give bylaw and all
the staff time, or are we rushing this for this
year? I have concerns, but. Just the timelines. I just
wanted to bring that up. Thank you. I'm going to
go to Mr. Larmer because I know him and I
have had discussions about this on when the report's coming,
and these are just some notes to potentially add to
that report. And potential information. I know there may be
some issues with some of them in their implementation, but.
If I gave Mr. Lamber to speak to that. Yes.
So through to the committee members. So we have council
has the current provided. In 2023. Direction to staff that
we're working on, and there's two reports. Just to clarify,
the standing committee, there's one that public works is working
on, which is? The guarding the parking feasibility study. So
that's coming back to council. The separate one was directed
by council. Believe it was through notice of the motion
and what we're working on. Right now. And finalizing was
the direction to report back an options to create a
townwide annual resident parking permit, including the improved ease of
parking for residents and also some additional downtown parking options.
To make parking in the downtown waterfront area more consistent,
understandable, and more accessible to all. So we're looking at
all those options. In regards to that, we also had
direction for council. Regarding accessible permit purchased a regular fee
holder for designated accessible parking spaces. Increasing the fine for
accessible spaces to 450 from the current 300. So we're
looking at that as well too, on those options. And
the second one we're looking at is in regards to
a downtown business employee permit. Any suggestions with comments from
the BIA, because the DBI back in summer or fall
last year did provide some additional information on what they'd
like to see in the downtown. So we're working with
those well, too. So essentially, we're hoping for this report
back in March for sure. I agree with councilor. Time
creeps up on us as well, too, so that's. One
of the concerns. We want to also get this in
front of council as quick as we can, especially with
the notice of motion that council doors to go through
in this conversation and we know that parking is always.
A very high level. Discussion here as well as the
community. But I just want to also say that. We
did really do in the last two years, two and
a half years, really robust discussion and look at the
waterfront area. We had meetings, we had areas. We developed
a pass where I think our residents are really caught
on now. With that real trial period then. We reviewed
it last year too, as well. So I think that's
important to know. And what some of those comments on
there is like, I think that we currently have got
it. Right. Based on what we really talked about, the
waterfront area, and I believe that we can, in this
report is going to come back that we can look
at. A similar trial basis or options for the downtown
area, too, for residents and have that combined as well,
too, especially with the DBI and what they're experiencing as
well, too, with parking. So that's what we are going
to be bringing back. And I'm happy to take all
of these options that the notice motion has provided back.
We could also discuss those in the parking report as
well. I think one of the ones I just want
to bring the attention to this committee too, is that
I would maybe have a bit. Of concern on that
is just regarding that all paid parking the town be
suspended until new parks trash implanted. I would raise issue
with that one. Well, we should just continue the status
quo until we start. To look at everything and review,
and council has an opportunity to do that, and maybe
council or. This committee wants to give some advice to
council or recommendation to council that we put a hard
timeline on a report back that maybe you say March
has to come to march and council endorsed that it
puts more of a time frame. On our staff to
get back with it, but just be cognizant of council
that. The last few meetings, especially in January, there has
been a lot of work that has been given to
staff from this council, especially when it comes to law
enforcement. So we are trying our best. But if this
is a priority of the standing committee to council endorse,
we will make sure that we get that well before
the. Summer, spring season. Okay. Thank you, Mr. Larmer. Your
worship. Happy to amend the motion as Mr. Larmer has
recommended. Happy to remove that. Last notice off the motion
and happy to take that off and to put a
date on if this council. If this committee said, as
I said, there is nothing that I'm holding on. To
personally here with these recommendations from Mr. Larmer. I'm open
to those suggestions. To have that removed from the notice
of motion, since I believe. You're the second or whoever
seconded that. It's up to you whether you're okay with
it as well. So, Mr. Armor, then I would ask
that through you to Mr. Larmer, that your two recommendations,
one, that all paid parking be removed. The suggestion and
further that you add that date. That's sort of moving
along. Everyone clear? With the amendments on it. Any questions
or further discussion. Okay, one more comment. Sorry. I'll put
the amendment up and I just want to. Is the
committee going to. Recommend. A timeline for council consider to
put on staff. Does the report come to council directly
or does it come to the committee first and the
next? Okay. Yeah. The way the standing structure is, it
would come to the committee responsible for that, which is.
Here. But again, this committee can recommend to go directly
to council as that piece of it, but. I think
what's going to happen with this? This will have to
come to council anyways. The end of the month be
endorsed too. So council can you endorse whether you decide
to come back to the committee or to council, so
I'm sure there might be. More of a discussion of
all. Members of council, too, on this. So I think
regardless. If somebody would have liked to put a timeline
on it, it would either have to come to the
beginning of the month. In march. Or.
Towards the end of March. If it was towards the
end of March, obviously. Income rate to council. Then obviously
that would give staff more time, but if the committee
would like it to come earlier. Just obviously to Mr.
Lermer's comments on. The workload. So I'll leave that up
to the members of the committee, if they would like
to. Put amendment on that. Councilor Bureau. The regular council
in March. I think that timeline from February 28 to
the five days after six days after to get the
report. And. Okay with.
That date, okay? Sir. Mr. Larmer, you typing that up
as an amendment or something? Right now, I figure that's.
Well, Mr. Larry is just typing that up. Do you
have any questions, councilor darling? Okay, perfect.
Councilor bureau. You're good with that? As it's written. Okay,
your worship.
Your worship. Just to clarify, Mr. Larmer, that means that
these recommendations will be part of. The report. Thank you
very much. Thank you so much. That's right. That would
be considered as part of the overall report. And obviously
the staff. Would. Make sure they don't contradict other things,
or so on and so forth. Okay, so there's been
a lengthy discussion on this, so I'm going to call.
The vote on this, I guess, is the amendment. So
the amendment first. We got a mover. And seconder. I'm
going to call the question. All those in favor? Opposed.
If any, it's carried. Now back to the main motion,
as amended. Any questions or concerns on it. Okay. All
those in favor? And it's carried. At this time, we're
moving on to department updates. I know director Taylor
Scott has had to leave us, unfortunately, for some other
matters, but I know. The CaO has a report. Update
from her, and then we will go to director Gertz,
fire chief and Mr. Alarm. If they have reports. Thank
you to the chair. So under economic development, just wanted
to highlight an exciting event that is. Coming soon. It's
a partnered event between the town of Coburg and the
Northumberland Central Chamber of. Commerce, and it is the celebration
of the business awards, so very important events in our
community. It takes place on Friday, March 22 at the
best western. If you haven't had an opportunity to attend
this event. We certainly want to highlight that for the
community. This event recognizes business excellence in nine different sectors,
as well as looks at the award of the James
Crosson Award for lifetime achievement, the mayor's award and the
Chambers. Chair award as well. So very exciting night. Nominations
are open and can be completed on the chambers. Website.
In addition from economic development staff will be attending the
Economic Developers Council of Ontario's annual conference in Toronto. So
this forum really brings together economic leaders from around the
province and looks at the role of collaboration and innovation
and how economic development staff and departments play a really
key role. In shaping the future of Ontario's economy. So
again, A very important event for Coberg to be participating
in and to have our voice heard in terms of
how we shape and explore the opportunities that are available
to us. In the coming years. Moving on to venture
13. We have had. Some updates. So one of our
venture zone members have departed, and I do want to
again highlight that we recognize success where we know that
venture 13 is an incubator. It provides an opportunity for
folks to build their business footprint. And capacity and sustainability.
So where we see that members have an opportunity to
then become independently operating, this is a wonderful story and
links right back to that economic development piece. Around healthy
businesses in our community. We have also got four new
members starting February 1, so. There's a really great cycle
happening here. Our desk capacity and other great news story
is close to 100% occupancy. We only have one desk
vacant, so this is really. Good news with our venture
zone members and offices are available for rent, so please,
if any member of the public is interested. Reach out
to our staff. They're happy to help. We have some
new winter programming that will be happening. So. Our really
popular strike up women's digital conference. The viewing party is
happening on end of day panel discussion among local women
in local business. So again, very important event February 23.
Our Ontario center of Innovation program session is May 5,
our March break. Stem camp so backed by popular demand.
The stem camp is incredibly popular. So March 11 to
15th, that will be happening. Our chamber of Commerce meet
and greet March 12. And AI in the workplace session
is March 19. So really great suite of programming that
is coming. Down the pipe. And with that, that is
the economic development and venture 13 update. Excellent. We're going
to move on. Any questions or comments from members of
the committee? Okay? Perfect. Just a brief announcement, in case
I haven't said it enough. We have the civic awards
open. We are in the civic award reception. We do.
Have a few categories where we have yet to receive
a nomination, so I want to make sure that. Everyone
knows that. If you've got those great volunteers, if you've
got those great community members out there who haven't been
recognized for their exceptional contributions as community. Please. Not buy.
My office is always open or you can always speak
to one of the Coberg. Staff here about the process
to get. Someone nominated for a civic ward. Thank you,
chair. Excellent. On to director goods. Thank you, chair. I
do have a few exciting things going on. Winter is
we're about midway through, and spring is upon us. Community
services has a lot of change and exciting things planned
for 2024. And we're well into implementation plans and working
with staff on implementing all the important decisions and projects
from the 2024 budget. The campground has an exciting new
web sales. So web. Online booking that is working well
and effective and. Almost all the sites that have now
opened up are booked and sold, and we're excited. To
see. Some that new tool to drive tourism to the
waterfront and the downtown and allow staff to focus on
some other maintenance activities and customer support. In the off
season. The marina registrations have also opened. All the seasonal
bookings have been taken, but there's lots of transient space
available, but it is filling up very quickly. So I
do encourage the public and visitors to book those times
and spots quickly. On our free and public events. We
have lots of trails and outdoor spaces. Obviously open to
the public throughout the winter as well. But the rink
with the outdoor rink with our fairly reasonable winter weather
we've had lately. The ice is good quality and it's
busy, but I do encourage people to make use of
those before the spring weather comes. As far as other
rooms and facilities we do have as part of the
2024 budget, some of the user fees have been updated
and will increase in stages throughout the years. So I
did want to encourage the public. To make use of
this opportunity to take as many bookings as they can
before the rates rise. There's a unique window of opportunity
here to make use of those facilities at last. Year's
prices. And one I did want to highlight one special
project in the downtown, the Albert street washrooms. Project that
was approved in previous year. Budget is moving along. It's
been a little slower. Than we had hoped. But the
doors are installed, so the building now looks ready. But
there are still some mechanical works underway, and we will
come back to council. With an opening date as soon
as we know it, but thankfully, we're now measuring in
weeks instead of months. There's some hardware, like the accessibility
door opening hardware that we don't yet have in our
hands, so we need to get that installed before it's
fully open to the public, but we're exciting to see
progress there, and we'd be able to reactivate that building
in a new way. Thank you, Mr. Chair. Excellent. Any
questions? Comments from members of council? Perfect. No. Appreciate the
update on the washrooms, because I know. That's a hot
topic in the community. And that's excited that that's getting
done. Chief. Thank you, chair. We've completed the hiring process
for volunteer firefighters. We'll be hiring four in the next
week or so, and that'll bring our compliment up to
20, so. We'll have our full compliment again. The posting
will be going out in two weeks for two career
firefighters. We also conducted ice water rescue training last weekend
with half the fire department. We did have a lot
of bystanders, including the mayor and his son. The weather
was favorable for our training. And we'll be doing it
again for the other half department in two weeks. The
delivery date for the new fire truck will be August.
I'll put that in pencil, because I'm not sure if
that's going. To be the actual date. We've also secured
the OFM live fire training trailer for this county. So
last year. It was in Hamilton. This year we've secured
it, so it will be at our fire. Station for
a week in July, and we'll be conducting live fire
training with all seven. Departments. And for the year to
date, we responded to 199 calls for service. That's my
report. Excellent. Thank you for the update. Any questions or
comments from members of council? No seeing that. Mr. Larmer,
do you have anything to update us on? Yeah, I'll
just briefly give stats from the municipal law enforcement department
for just the month. Of January. So we're at 92
calls for service January. So these are calls received from
the public and acted upon by our officers. And just
to let everyone know, the officers right now. Are scheduled
almost a full 24 hours a day on separate shifts.
So the public can call the bylaw line or the
main number and get bylaw. And they can proceed with
their complaint. It will be lodged and will be dispatched
to officers. So just for everyone knows that they can
call any time of the day, report any municipal law.
Enforcement. Issue. We have issued 157 administrative monitor penalties today.
So 150. Sorry. As of today's date, 150. Parking, and
then seven other bylaw and fractions. We've issued 237 licensing
events, so. We've been quite busy in that department, and
through amps we've conducted already. 17 screenings in the month
of January. So our numbers will be up from amps
that we reported for 2020. Three. And just one last
highlight I would like to just say is that the
bylaw department for Koberg is an active participant in the
Eastern Regional Regulatory hub, which is a group of individuals
from different ministries, agencies and authorities. They come together every
six weeks, and our manager sits on that. Discuss top
of mind issues and commonalities and how regulatory enforcement services
delivered. And I think this is a good step the
province has done in order to get a lot of
like minded municipal law enforcement agencies together to discuss issues.
So the issues right now is a date that we've
been part of is building public trust in response to
protests. Misinformation antigovernment, and sediment addressing sector challenges so involving
move. Movement of access contained soil and rideshare services, so
delivering bait products to miners is a big one as
well, too, which we're working the province to assist for
that unlicensed. Businesses, so involving illegal online sales of food
and tobacco, as well as home based businesses and then
the sharing information portion, receiving referrals, tips related to labor
trafficking. And then heads up alerts for officer safety and
best practices. And then in regards to program delivery through
discussions with the ministries. It's involving creation of new compliance
programs, policies improving compliance outcomes using behavioral insights. So this
whole program, or whole participation has the ability to share
knowledge, resources access training and build capacity for collab. Collaboration.
And we feel, and as discussed with the manager, this
is a real valuable asset to the town. To be
part of this group provincial wide. So that is all
I have to report. Excellent. Are there any questions from
members of council? Great seeing none. I believe that is
all the updates from staff. Perfect. So at this time,
I'm going to call for adjournment. That's at two minutes
to eleven. Pretty good.