Thank you. I'd like to call the meeting
to order. And before we move on uh to uh
the approval of the agenda, I'd like to
make an announcement that uh I've uh had
a discussion with the CEO and I'm going
to be calling a public meeting at some
point when the development for Can Road
23 comes to council. So, I've asked
Arlene to reach out to the um to the
county and to the builder and of course
our CIO and our planner will be present.
We'll have a community uh meeting at the
community center two weeks prior to it
arriving to council so that the public
has the opportunity to ask questions and
have some of their concerns answered uh
prior to a discussion point. We have no
timeline on it. But Miss Plumbley will
keep uh us up to date uh to when we can
expect that meeting to be held prior to
it coming to council.
So we're going to move on to number two,
approval of the agenda. The agenda for
the regular council meeting held on
December 22nd, 2025 be approved as
presented. May I have a mover, please?
I'll
>> move.
» move.
>> Thank you. Secer, please. I'll
» Thank you. Secer, please. I'll
>> second.
» second.
>> Thank you. Any comments or questions
» Thank you. Any comments or questions
from council?
None. Call the vote. All in favor? It's
carried. Thank you. Going to go on to
disclosure of the community interest and
general nature thereof. Does any member
have a interest to declare? And if so,
what is the general nature of that
interest?
No declaration. So, we'll move on to
four. Public question period to council.
Public question period is an opportunity
for residents to ask questions directed
to council regarding items on the agenda
only during questions asked during the
session will be considered by council
during the item on the agenda that it
pertains to. Does any member of the
public have a question regarding any
item on the agenda?
Do we did we have any anybody write in
and call in? So we have none. So we'll
move on to motions for consideration
that the council of the corporation of
the village of Marful Wolfer received
for information the motion for
consideration document as presented. May
I have a mover please? Thank you and a
seconder. I'll second.
>> Thank you. Comments or questions please?
» Thank you. Comments or questions please?
None. We'll move on to the vote. All
those in favor carry. Thank you.
Delegations Anne Martin and Gladet
Martin block house museum board that the
council of the corporation of the
village of Merrickville Wolfer received
for information the delegation from Anne
Martin and Gladet Martin regarding the
block house museum municipal service
board plans for 2026. May I have a
mover, please?
>> I'll move.
» I'll move.
>> Thank you. And a second here, please.
» Thank you. And a second here, please.
>> Second.
» Second.
>> Thank you. I'll now invite Ann and
» Thank you. I'll now invite Ann and
Claudet to provide their delegation to
council. Ladies, the floor is yours.
>> Thank you.
» Thank you.
>> Uh my name is Anne Martin. I'm the chair
» Uh my name is Anne Martin. I'm the chair
of the municipal services board. This is
Claudet. No relation.
Uh
here tonight, I guess there were some
questions about what the uh museum board
um is up to in the coming years um at
the council meeting on December 1st. um
when we thought we'd put together a
short presentation for you. We'll run
through a couple of things, Julia, just
on the table of contents about uh what
we're planning uh for 2026 and beyond.
Next slide, Julia.
So, we're a relatively new organization
formed by bylaw in 2023.
Uh first met in December. So that means
that summer of 2024 was our first summer
of operation and the museum municipal
services board operates the block house
museum. The Marville and District
Historical Society provides the
artifacts and we have anou in place with
uh MDHs to make that happen. And in our
first year it was just sort of uh
getting up and running and establishing
policies and procedures.
Uh 2025 was our second summer. We had a
real focus on visitor experience
um and trained staff for uh donations
and we really had our largest gate
revenues ever over uh [clears throat]
$8,500.
We've been playing uh through the couple
of years with how many days to stay open
to put a sweet spot in terms of
staffing. I guess that doesn't show on
the slide very well, Julia. There you
go. Thank you. Um, and I think where
we've landed is with the grants that we
receive being open 5 days a week, being
closed Tuesday and Wednesday during the
week is really what yields the best
value for money as an organization
with planning to 2026.
We're really happy to report that we
have put together a lot of thought. We
have a team and we have a work plan for
what it is that we're looking to support
for 2026. And a big part of that will be
looking at some new funding streams to
sort of really support what it is that
we're doing. Starting with uh some the
creation of some new school programs uh
as not just you know the jewel that is
Merrickville but for our residents it's
really time that we invite schools to
come and take a look at what it is
that's there to really invite them back.
Uh the museum hasn't changed since the
days that Horses wore hats. So, it's
time to really start taking a look at
that with the creation of some new
school programs and to take a look at
from the tourism lens how we can get we
know that buses are coming to uh
Merrickville. We want to really be able
to invite them to come in for a
meaningful program while we're there
while they're sort of here. So, those
are some of the things that we're
looking at doing with a modest donation
that will help us kind of beef up our
budget. We're also taking a look at uh
bringing in uh some rotating traveling
exhibits uh and Ann's going to tell us a
little bit about that first one.
So we've arranged um to uh a loan from
the next slide actually if you want to
just go one ahead from the Elvin Area
Historical Society. So, this is a um
historic RTO canal that we have borrowed
um for free for for next summer and it's
really the first time that we will mount
a new exhibition in the Black House
Museum. It'll be upstairs on the second
floor. Um this is the catalog that's um
already been produced and it's really an
opportunity for us to begin to celebrate
the 200th anniversary of the Rudo Canal.
So built between 1826, opened in 1832.
So next year marks the 200th anniversary
of the canal. So this is sort of our
first step forward in actually offering
something new for maybe people who
haven't been to the block house for a
while. And it's really an awesome
opportunity for people to see how life
along the has changed and some in some
ways stayed the same in the last 200
years. So, we're really excited about um
this coming to fruition next summer.
Next slide. We're also excited that in
2026, along with this traveling exhibit
that we have coming, we're launching a
real refresh of the museum. If you can
picture what it looks like, um we're
going to apply some real museum 101
guiding principles to focus on the
visitor experience in the museum. So
what that means is we have a group
together who are really taking a look at
both the artifacts, the exhibits, the
texts, the panels, what you see there.
And with those guiding principles, we're
going to take a look at how we tell
those stories. The studies show that
people come to museums for two reasons,
for fun and for the perceived learning
values. So enga in sort of being able to
engage visitors at that as our starting
point. We're going to take a look at how
we tell our stories. Starting with a
kickoff with this new traveling exhibit
with an ex a traveling exhibit plan that
we'll have in place. We'll be able to
better teach about the RTO Canal. We
know that that's what's driving people
into the building. It's the funkiness of
the shape of the building. It's so cool.
It's bringing people in. So, we'll be
able to meet them where they're at and
really tell that story, but we'll also
be able to sort of expand on that and
better tell the story of Meritville and
its people, its development, while we
also hold space for indigenous presence
and the indigenous voices of the people
who have lived here and who still live
here. So, we're really looking forward
to visitors being able to come in and
learn and also to reminisce and to share
while they're there. The slide that you
see uh is just kind of some of our uh
working photos on what we're looking at
doing. The first slide is with some of
our staff from last year. That's sort of
the the the guest uh the visitor um the
front desk area. And we're looking at
taking what's already there and
improving upon it. Because if we go to
our next slide, uh I'm a museum
professional for the last 35 years and I
I love to tell you that my favorite
thing about museums are small museums
with very modest budgets because what
that encourages us to do is to take
what's already there and improve it and
really raise the bar and raise the
standard. And with this budget, that's
what we're looking at doing. Uh with
this budget, we really drilled down in
terms of looking at some new revenue
sources. How can we train staff better
and with intention to be able to raise
that donation amount that we achieve?
Keeping in mind that we're only open
between 55 and 60 days. And as you can
see from our 2025 actuals, uh we blew
that budget in terms of the revenue
right out of the water with our best
year ever. Um, so that's wonderful for
us and we're looking to improve on that
for our 2026 season uh by taking a look
at some other revenue streams,
merchandise programming, and that sort
of thing. Um, again, to really be able
to better tell our stories with what's
there and with some procedures and
policies that we have in place for our
new traveling exhibits as well.
» Next slide. Yeah,
>> that's the gist of it. Now we open the
» that's the gist of it. Now we open the
floor to questions.
>> Thank you very much. We appreciate uh
» Thank you very much. We appreciate uh
your little uh history lesson. Uh I love
I love history. Um so do we have any
questions from members? Go ahead. Again,
>> I do have a question on slide four. we
» I do have a question on slide four. we
kind of skipped over the exploring
partnerships and I wonder if you could
describe a little bit more about the
work you're doing with RT9 and the
county.
>> Absolutely. Um we're sort of looking at
» Absolutely. Um we're sort of looking at
we we know what we do. we know what it
is that we're good at and with 7,000
visitors roughly this year the questions
that we were asking ourselves is how can
we do better with marketing and we're a
museum services board so we were really
looking at well who's already doing the
marketing and how can we sort of tap in
and plug in with what they're doing uh
so given that we met with RTO9 we met
with county of leads in Grenville uh
we're meeting with parks Canada to try
and leverage what it is that we're
doing, what they're already doing, uh,
and really improving on that. So, we've
had some of those discussions. Those
discussions are ongoing. Uh, and really,
we're just kind of continuing to work on
that. When we come back to the table in
February, we'll have some other
marketing plans that we'll want to do
sort of within Merrickville. Um, also
working with those channels. And, do you
have anything to add with that? It's
good. Any other questions for members?
Go ahead, counselor.
>> Uh yeah, I just noticed here on the um
» Uh yeah, I just noticed here on the um
under the um museum total compensation
uh it dropped by 15,000 this year. What
what was the difference in terms of um
staff makeup? What we learned this year,
as an mentioned, is that our sweet spot
is three staff 5 days a week. As you
look through previous years, uh the
museum has tried several sort of
combinations in terms of what works
best. Is it four full-time staff and
seven days a week? Is it three full-time
staff and five days a week? And just
what we found is three full-time staff 5
days a week is sort of our sweet spot.
Also, with that, we have to sort of
bounce that off with the grants that
we're writing. So, uh, between us and
with the village, we write four grants
to try and offset those staff. So, we
need a little bit of wiggle room in
terms of what our expectation is in
terms of the cost of those staff.
Depends what we get in the grants. We'll
either get, if it's a good year, we'll
get four grants at 75% covered. Yay. Uh,
but that's not what happened in 2025.
2025 was a much more lean year where we
had two grants at about 50% covered.
Those grants have been written. So now
we wait and see and they're always late
in telling us.
>> Thanks. Never happens on time.
» Thanks. Never happens on time.
>> Well, any other questions for members?
» Well, any other questions for members?
>> I have a question. Um, considering this
» I have a question. Um, considering this
is going to be a a marking point uh
200-y year anniversary,
have you considered
reaching out to a
provider that has an historic boat like
we usually get those tall ships that
come into Brockville, someone with a
boat of medium size that would be uh
easy to move maneuver through the uh
lock system and offer an opportunity for
visitors and perhaps create an
opportunity to draw in more visitors to
allow a living history experience to
have a boat sailboat
positioned and loaded up with tourists
and bring them through the lock station
down to the bottom and then have some
come back up.
>> Not take them on a long sail, but just
» Not take them on a long sail, but just
allow them the experience
of going through the locks. number one,
but number two, doing it in an historic
sail ship. Is that something that you
explored uh reaching out to see if there
was any interest for someone that may
want to provide that as an opportunity
uh for the anniversary? Because I think
living and experiencing the history, you
we can see it, we can touch it, but to
actually physically be in a boat and go
through the system and then come back up
through the system would be an
experience probably uh
that would draw in a huge amount of
interest into the building. Just a
thought.
>> There are people who provide um
» There are people who provide um
opportunities like that. Um we we did we
haven't to date been able to find
anybody to to do that but it's c it's
certainly something that we could look
into in the new year.
>> I think it it may be an opportunity for
» I think it it may be an opportunity for
us to really shine a large spotlight on
Merrick Wolfford uh the village uh is
there's going to be a lot of u events
happening along the canal so it may it
may put us uh in the number one
position. just thought about it uh went
through my head and thought how amazing
would that be if there was an
opportunity to partner with someone and
and offer that
>> that is a great idea and did we mention
» that is a great idea and did we mention
there are two openings on the board
right now [laughter]
>> I'm very busy but thank you very much no
» I'm very busy but thank you very much no
I just thought it might be that and uh
you know when you can when you can offer
especially the young uh the young
children when you can offer them an
opportunity like that to actually physic
basically live and experience history
rather than see it in a book or you know
paste it on a wall in a museum somewhere
but actually uh give them that
experience. It's something they would
carry with them uh throughout their life
and uh I just think it might be
something to explore.
>> Definitely.
» Definitely.
Well, if there's no further questions or
comments, ladies, I we appreciate your
time and uh the energy you put in this
and good luck and uh you know, um
we hope that uh the 200 year anniversary
role.
>> We got to go past all all the markers,
» We got to go past all all the markers,
right?
>> And we look forward to letting you in on
» And we look forward to letting you in on
some of the other things that we'll be
planning for the year. There'll be some
special invites coming in. So when when
that happens, we would uh definitely be
excited to receive that. And if there's
an opportunity to bring back uh
yourselves as another delegation for an
update, uh please reach out to staff.
We'd be uh more than happy to have you
back.
>> Thank you. Good. Thank you.
» Thank you. Good. Thank you.
>> Enjoy your evening.
» Enjoy your evening.
>> So call the vote. All in favor? And
» So call the vote. All in favor? And
that's carried. Thank you. Consent
agenda. All items listed under the
consent agenda are considered routine
and no longer require further discussion
and are enacted in one motion. The
exception to this rule is that any
member may request that one or more item
be pulled for discussion and voted on
separately. Does any member wish to
separate any of the items on the consent
agenda and that council of the
corporation of the village of Merville
Wolf will receive
and approve all items on the consent
agenda as presented and recommended. May
I have a mover, please? I'll move.
>> Thank you. Seconder, please.
» Thank you. Seconder, please.
>> I'll second.
» I'll second.
>> Thank you.
» Thank you.
>> Any comments or questions from members?
» Any comments or questions from members?
Go ahead, counselor.
>> I'd like to pull out 726
» I'd like to pull out 726
uh the 2025 municipal financial
indicator threshold profile.
>> Okay.
» Okay.
Any any others?
None. Okay. So, we're going to call the
vote on the consent agenda minus 7.2.
2.6 is that correct counselor
>> 7.2.6
» 7.2.6
>> minus that. Okay.
» minus that. Okay.
>> All those in favor
» All those in favor
>> carry. Thank you.
» carry. Thank you.
So we will now uh cons I don't have it
in front of me. Uh clerk could you read
7 uh.2.6 please. Thank you.
>> Yes. So it would just be that the
» Yes. So it would just be that the
council of the corporation the village
of Mer Wolfford received for information
item 7.2.6 six being the 2025 municipal
financial indicator threshold and
profile.
>> So, may I have a mover, please?
» So, may I have a mover, please?
>> Thank you. Seconder, please.
» Thank you. Seconder, please.
>> I'll second.
» I'll second.
>> Thank you. Moved and seconded. The floor
» Thank you. Moved and seconded. The floor
is open for questions. Go ahead,
counselor. You moved.
>> Thank you. Um, lots of interesting
» Thank you. Um, lots of interesting
information here. One thing that did
sort of stand out to me
was on page the first page of the
financial indicator review near the
bottom it says annual surplus slash
deficit as a percent of own source
revenues.
So, I'm looking at the numbers and we're
we appear to be substantially above our
neighbors
that make up the uh comparison group.
So, I just want to get clarification.
So, for 2024,
our number looks like 23%.
So, am I reading that right? That we had
a surplus of 23%. [clears throat]
Um, so we're in other words 23% below
budget. Is that how I read that? Like
where where does that come from? No, I
think what it does is it compares the
overall
like sized like circumstance
municipalities and we're in the range of
we're in the low range which is good of
the how much we need to offset the if
I'm looking at the right one here.
>> Yeah. Generally I think the auditor says
» Yeah. Generally I think the auditor says
we're within 5% of our budget.
>> Yeah.
» Yeah.
>> You know the Yeah.
» You know the Yeah.
>> Yeah. That's what I expected like 23
» Yeah. That's what I expected like 23
stood out to me. How how is it 23%. It
doesn't make any sense. So,
>> we'll have to look into that and get
» we'll have to look into that and get
back to you. But our our surpluses
generally will be within 5% of the
budget, which is generally where you
want to see them.
>> Yeah.
» Yeah.
>> Right.
» Right.
>> Okay. If you could get back to me, I
» Okay. If you could get back to me, I
appreciate it.
>> And if I could add this um these are
» And if I could add this um these are
based on the FIR data and that's one
snapshot in time at year end. So it
could very well be that at year end
there was a lot of outstanding um area
that hasn't been accounted for. So it's
just one snapshot in time at the FIR at
year end. So we can get it we can look
into that.
>> Great. Thanks.
» Great. Thanks.
>> That's all I have. Any other questions
» That's all I have. Any other questions
or comments? So you're comfortable
moving forward with it or
>> Yeah. So staff will reach out to and
» Yeah. So staff will reach out to and
supply the answer to all members.
>> Yeah.
» Yeah.
>> Thank you. So no further questions. I'll
» Thank you. So no further questions. I'll
call the vote. All in favor? It's
carried. Thank you. We go on to planning
matters. Bylaw bylaw 56205
open air uh burn bylaw the council
corporation of village of Marville
Wolfford. Give first, second, third
final reading to bylaw 56205 being an
open air bylaw for the village of
Marville Wolfford and further that
authorization be given to the mayor
clerk the signed seal and place in the
bylaw book for the Minnesota Valley
bylaw number 56205. May I have a mover,
please?
>> Thank you. Seconder, please. I'll second
» Thank you. Seconder, please. I'll second
them. Thank you. Comments or questions
from members, please.
» Could we have the uh the chief summarize
the changes from the last time we
discussed the Miss Blumbley?
>> Sure. If you'd like to speak to that, go
» Sure. If you'd like to speak to that, go
ahead. Yeah. Through your worship. Uh so
uh the ask was uh that I review the work
on section 10 and provide um
the change in the inspection and
timelines. That's been changed in
section 10. Uh it now uh states
um that it'll be inspected and then the
permit will be issued. Um so that change
has been made. Uh the other asked was
review and edit the wording under
section 103 to make it less rigid. Uh we
did do that as well. Um previously it
had asked for the compression as a um as
well as the um air purification stuff.
We have changed that to just a uh
ignition engine uh that is in good
repair as not to cause large amounts of
emission. We change that wording. Uh the
other request was uh include a
definition on a bonfire um provisions
for that. So, um, instead of doing a
bonfire, I did a large, uh, fire or a
large campfire. Uh, so that kind of
defines it, um, a fire that's bigger.
Our general one is 24 in x 24 in. Uh,
this one's 48 in x 48 in. Uh, with what
I feel is acceptable parameters around
it for safety of neighbors.
Uh and believe that was uh all I had
that uh you were asked to change. Uh and
all those corrections have been or sorry
all those changes been made um with the
new version in front of you
>> and the big one was the uh the exemption
» and the big one was the uh the exemption
for farming.
>> Yeah.
» Yeah.
>> Did you mention
» Did you mention
>> Oh yeah, sorry. That was Yeah, that was
» Oh yeah, sorry. That was Yeah, that was
done in the previous one.
>> Yeah, that one has changed the
» Yeah, that one has changed the
agricultural one. Yeah, we took out uh
Sorry, I should have highlighted it. My
apologies.
Uh so the agricultural one yeah so it
was I took out the the three days is
completely gone that section has been
removed um and instead it just uh states
that every person who sets a fire under
the provisions of this subsection shall
file an application with the
municipality as per section six. It
indicates who will keep watch until the
fire is completely extinguished and
shall provide sufficient personnel,
appliances, and equipment to prevent the
fire from becoming a nuisance or
dangerous to life and property.
So that section of 3D stuff has been
completely removed. Um, and also uh
attached to that uh you would see we've
separated it out. So there's a
residential burn permit and agricultural
burn permit. and they both echo the same
thing on both sides just for clarity.
Um, but it just gives us an idea of what
uh we might be responding to or who's
burning. But those visions been taken
up.
>> Any other questions for members?
» Any other questions for members?
>> I think the inclusion of the maps is a
» I think the inclusion of the maps is a
good idea too because that defines the
areas that are are restricted. So, and
it it meets the purpose of why we don't
want it there. So did you I didn't I
misheard did you say maps? Yeah. Okay.
>> The maps and the handler areas.
» The maps and the handler areas.
>> Yes.
» Yes.
Go ahead councelor.
>> Yeah. So that's great. Thanks for making
» Yeah. So that's great. Thanks for making
those changes. That's much better. Um
very minor comments left. Uh just with
respect to the uh the agricultural act
that you had referred to. Would it be
worthwhile to include that in the
whereas up right up front that with the
exemption for agricultural activities
>> and state the the section that you
» and state the the section that you
quoted to us in the email that day?
>> Uh through your worship we we we could
» Uh through your worship we we we could
but I think with taking that entire
section out to require them for
inspection or anything of that it kind
of becomes a mute point at at this time.
I think we're not really requesting
anything other than that they give um
kind of the distances for safe burning
is the only thing we're we're asking
now. And that was uh that's the exact
same parameters as uh what was in the
previous bylaw if I haven't changed
anything there at all.
And one other
little one 1235
um the flame height for the uh large
campfire for rural areas in other words
the bonfire. Um
2 meters seems a little restrictive
considering you can pile the wood like
four feet high. So that once that gets
rolling the flame is going to be I I I'd
suggest 3 mters instead of two
or three or so it was it was kind of a
I I can pass guess. Um we we do know the
flames are going to go higher than that.
Um, but we also wanted to be kind of um
aware of the more you pile on that fire,
the more radiant heat is going to come
off of that, which then would probably
require a bit more parameter around the
fire. Um, it's hard to explain. I guess
it's more of an experience uh from being
up close to these fires, the radiant
heat that comes off that, the damage it
can cause uh to surrounding stuff. Um,
so that was that was the thought process
behind that. Um but again uh it's up to
council if they do want to make a change
but this this is my recommendation for
for height size.
Does council have an appetite to make a
change on that or are you satisfied with
the way the 2 meters versus the 3
meters? Go ahead.
» I have no experience in fighting fires.
I have very little knowledge about
managing fires and I am most comfortable
relying on the recommendations from the
chief. Um I think he's been
accommodating to allow us another size
of fire and I wouldn't want to push what
he recommends beyond what he recommends.
>> Councelor, did you echo uh deputy mayor
» Councelor, did you echo uh deputy mayor
bars sentence? Uh, councelor Maitlin,
>> I have no problem with the 2meter. Okay.
» I have no problem with the 2meter. Okay.
So, you're okay with sticking with the 2
meter?
>> Uh, not really, but uh, it's not going
» Uh, not really, but uh, it's not going
to be the wish of council to do that.
So, we'll go forward.
>> So, I think we've we've um, any other
» So, I think we've we've um, any other
questions or comments?
Uh, Chief, could you just
uh rattle my brain here? For backyard
campfires, they have to be called in,
correct? Correct. And is there a fee?
>> No, not at this time.
» No, not at this time.
>> There's no fee for your backyard fire.
» There's no fee for your backyard fire.
>> No. Okay.
» No. Okay.
>> There's no fee for any fire at this
» There's no fee for any fire at this
time.
>> Okay. So, just wanted to publicly have
» Okay. So, just wanted to publicly have
that stated because uh of course uh the
avenue of social media is never wrong,
but there's indications about
the the sky falling, the walls are
falling in, and we're have to pay for
everything. I think the point that we're
trying to get across here is that uh the
fire department is aware in case there's
a need to respond. So there's no fees
attached to any of that. Appreciate it.
That's all I wanted to know. Just wanted
it publicly said. So, if there's anybody
listening out there uh in the world uh
that you know uh your backyard fire is
still uh your backyard fire, you don't
have to pay to have one, but you need to
call it in uh in case uh there's a
response needed. The fire department
understands what's required to respond
to that particular call. Thank you,
Chief.
So, if there's no further comments or
questions, I will call the vote. All
those in favor and that is carried
opposed. Sorry. Opposed. Thank you. So
carried. Staff reports. Public uh public
works department
fire department bylaw enforcement uh
department activity update that the
council of the corporation of the
village of Merville will receive for
information the departmental activity
update as presented. May I have a mover
please?
And move.
>> Thank you. Seconder, please. No second.
» Thank you. Seconder, please. No second.
>> Thank you. comments or questions from
» Thank you. comments or questions from
members, please.
Anything further uh staff would like to
add? Uh Miss Bumbling,
>> if that would be up to
» if that would be up to
>> fire sheet pool if he wants to add
» fire sheet pool if he wants to add
anything.
>> Maybe just really put your words up if
» Maybe just really put your words up if
you don't mind.
>> Certainly. Just that uh just to make
» Certainly. Just that uh just to make
council aware of the fire protection
grant that we were successful in for
year two. Um when we're going to be
receiving uh just shy of $20,000 to go
towards uh new uh coveralls and PPE for
the firefighters.
>> Yes. Uh
» Yes. Uh
it was fantastic to hear that
announcement and uh much appreciated.
Uh yeah, I think the exact amount is
19,626.
So um some good dollars for us. We do
appreciate it. So if there's no further
comments or questions, I'll call vote.
All in favor? Carried. Thank you.
Uh 10 22 pumper truck pumper tank tanker
truck condition update and
recommendations of the council
corporation of the village of Mer Wolver
receive for information report on the
deterior condition of one of the fire
department's frontline pumper tanker
effects and that the council review and
approve the recommendation option one as
outlined in the report and direct staff
to work with the desired company to
purchase a new pumper tanker with
simultane well well simultaneously
moving into a lease agreement with
Elizabeth Town Kitley to lease a pumper
tanker until delivery of the proposed
new truck at the end of February. May I
have a mover, please?
>> I'll move.
» I'll move.
>> Thank you. Seconder, please.
» Thank you. Seconder, please.
>> Second.
» Second.
>> Okay. Any comments or questions from
» Okay. Any comments or questions from
members?
or would staff like to would you like to
wait for staff to give you some
>> I would prefer hearing more from staff
» I would prefer hearing more from staff
>> uh through your worship. So uh um so
» uh through your worship. So uh um so
this truck was uh was a recommendation
of staff and 24 to put um a larger sum
away um with the potential to tender
that year uh for the truck but uh
unfortunately it didn't move forward on
the uh budget. Uh it was again a request
of staff in 25 uh to put another sum of
money away um with the option to tender
again uh for the replacement of this
truck. Um then again it didn't make the
budget unfortunately but we've come to a
predicament now where um this truck has
come to end of life. Uh our mechanic has
uh tried to do the annual inspection.
Sorry, he did the annual inspection but
it is not going to pass. Um it uh in the
pictures I provided to council. I didn't
print them off to save paper, but the
pictures that were provided to council
uh shows extreme frame separation. Um
the cab mounts are rusted out. Uh the
floor is rusted out. Unfortunately,
being a 27y old truck and hauling water,
um it's kind of life is always being
wet. Um so, uh we've tried to be
diligent. This truck was identified as
well in our asset management plan and
our financial plan for this year as
replacement um for a much larger sum uh
95,000.
Um staff have been able to work with a
few different companies to we've kind of
gone back and forth. We've been able to
uh have the option of securing a truck
that's uh 645,000.
Uh we've gone from uh what you generally
see in our fire fire station being a
custom cab truck that would seat um six
people um to be more uh you know frugal
with the money. We've looked at a a
conventional cab that will only move two
bodies, but that's fine. Um which brings
the price tag down considerably. Um then
we uh we there is a truck that will be
available um mid to end of February. Um
provide a recommendation from our
insurance company in here as well. Um
we've also reached out uh to neighboring
departments um to see if if this isn't
the will of council that we we move into
automatic aid agreements. Um just so
council is aware. Uh, I've only received
word back from two [sighs]
out of four departments that would
potentially have to provide that service
for us. Um, the other two have not
replied back yet. Uh, so the other
option for kind of backup protection uh
was this tank that lives Town Kitley
has. Uh, it is a used truck as well and
will be going out of service uh, midway
through 2026. Uh but they do it still
has its annual safety till the middle of
of 26 and they have agreed to lease it
to us
in a time period of this council's will
to get a new vehicle. They will lease us
that truck for a couple months until the
new one could come in. Um the tanker
shuttle accreditation
they have agreed to extend it. If we
hold the list of Tam Kitley's truck for
the couple months, uh if we do not move
forward with a new truck and we have to
secure automatic aid agreements, we will
lose our tanker accredititation. Um as
well as meeting our response times,
unfortunately.
Um I do apologize it kind of comes to
council as a a single source again. Um
it's not ideal for us either,
unfortunately. We would much prefer to
to tender. Um, but unfortunately that's
the case we're in at this point that we
would have to look for a a single source
and approval from council to do that to
replace this drug.
» Mayor question.
>> I I think it's clear that staff have
» I I think it's clear that staff have
tried for two years, this is the third
year to bring this matter to a a
solution, a resolution that would have
allowed them to to issue tenders.
Um, it does seem that it is time for
this truck to be replaced.
I applaud their efforts to reduce the
cost from down from 900,000.
Um, and I look forward to hearing what
other members of council have to say.
>> Go ahead, council. Uh yeah, I'm not sure
» Go ahead, council. Uh yeah, I'm not sure
what the lifespan general lifespan of a
large uh pumper truck is, but 27 years
seems like you've uh it's put in it's
put in its time. Um it's it's the cost
of doing business in in an emergency for
emergency vehicles. Um you have, as you
said, you brought the cost down from
what you proposed from previous years.
Um and then I do um and every every
other reason you gave it in terms of
losing accreditation all those ideas
getting a new truck um is actually for
benefit for the uh municipality. I don't
think residents want to see us losing
our pumper truck and then having to
depend on the neighboring u
municipalities to respond when we when
at this point in time we do have
response within the municipality. Um, so
I I I I applaud staff for presenting the
report the way they did and for coming
back with a less costly option in the
works. On top of that,
>> yeah, I'm in favor of option one. I
» yeah, I'm in favor of option one. I
think keeping the gradation is very
important. Uh, yeah, I'm glad it's
645,000 900,000. So, makes it a little
easier when you say it that way.
» Yeah. So spending better part of a
million dollars on a truck, I would want
to see more information about the fleet
in general and where we stand with
respect to what the requirements are
from the fire um marshall's office.
Um
there's some confusion here that I it
don't isn't it a tanker truck that's it
>> that we're talking replacing with a
» that we're talking replacing with a
pumper tanker which is a much more
expensive type of vehicle right here you
worship. So um yes and no. So what we
currently have is it is a pumper tanker
um but it's a tanker with a pump on it.
The one we have, it's a 500 gpm pump on
it. Uh, which we have always struggled
with to provide pressures at a fire for
offloading or mutual aid or automatic
aid stuff due to just we can't get the
volume out of that. Um, the replacement
is a pumper tanker, which is what most
departments go with now, and it is only
a,00 gpm pump as opposed to our pumper
truck, which is a,450
gpm pump. uh to meet that standard. So,
[sighs and gasps]
it's it's kind of a light truck. It is
it is a touch different. I will 100%
admit that. Um and I'm not trying to
pull the wool over council's eyes. It's
just that's the new tankers out now.
They they have a pump on them. It's
pretty rare to just get to find just a
straight tanker. And I did look um and
and there is no just plain tankers. They
all have a pump on them because they
need some way to offload under pressure.
Um they just
Only in certain situations do we rear
dump into the truck. The way our system
is set up in all of our neighboring
municipalities, uh we have phases of
water supply, one, two, and three. Phase
one and two are pressurized um water
supply to a pumper truck from that
truck. And then phase three is the only
one where we would actually dump in
quarter tanks. Um, but we need that
pressure to to meet um the requirement
to get water off that truck uh as
quickly as we can to the to the pumper
truck to attack the fire faster.
Um, did I answer your question? I
apologize.
>> Yeah. Yeah. Thanks. Um, didn't we buy a
» Yeah. Yeah. Thanks. Um, didn't we buy a
pumper tanker in 2022 and then
previously in 2017ish?
>> Uh, no. Through your worship. So in 2016
» Uh, no. Through your worship. So in 2016
uh the previous chief uh did get a of
the tanker uh which carries 2500 gallons
of water. Uh 22 we got a pumper. Um now
they do carry 1,000 gallons of water on
it which was a larger capacity uh that
we got. Um and then the truck we would
be looking to replace is a tanker with
3,000 gallons of water on it. And that's
what we would be looking to replace it
with is another truck that carries 3,000
gallons. So, we in order for us to do a
an initial attack on a rural fire, um we
require that roughly 7,000 gallons up
front to to slow that fire down. And
then even after that, we generally call
in mutual aid uh for another tanker uh
from a neighboring department to come in
and get into the the rotation, sometimes
two more trucks uh depending on the
scale of the fire. And then we offer
that same service to the neighboring
departments through the mutual aid
program.
>> Um, another followup, please. Go ahead.
» Um, another followup, please. Go ahead.
Wouldn't wouldn't the two trucks we have
purchased in 2022 and 2016 meet our
requirements for
response? Um,
so there isn't any real sorry through
your there isn't any real set amount of
water you have to have to bring to a
fire. Um, but from experience and doing
this for almost 20 years now. Um, I mean
the NFPA1 1901 does speak to apparatus
and water supply and that sort of stuff.
It doesn't say you shall have a certain
amount of water, but uh you shall have
an adequate amount of water to fight the
fire. To do a rural fire um even at two
tanker trucks with the pumper truck at
7,000 gallons is generally not enough
water um to fight the fire and we have
to bring in um neighboring departments
from mutual aid.
Just to explain a little bit further, if
we were to take one tanker out of
service and only have one tanker in the
municipality, we can no longer provide
mutual aid to a neighboring department
because we can't release that tanker out
of our jurisdiction in case we have a
fire. Once we do that, we can't provide
mutual aid. So, we can't request mutual
aid under the mutual aid agreement.
So, we have a double-edged sword there.
we lose water as well as we can't ask
for water technically to come in. Would
a neighboring department refuse us? I
don't know, but they could. Um I would
hope they wouldn't. But under the mutual
aid plan for Ontario in the agreement,
it does state you have to be able to
provide it to ask for it. You have to
exhaust all of your capabilities first
before you can request mutual aid from
the neighboring department.
>> Could I just ask a clarification please?
» Could I just ask a clarification please?
Yes. um 2017 and the 2022. You said they
had the capability of carrying a water,
but then you said if we were to remove
one, we'd be down to one, but those two
are not the two that we're considering
to remove. It's another one that we're
considering removing.
>> So, would that not still leave us with
» So, would that not still leave us with
two tankers?
>> Uh, no. Your worship. So, the pumper is
» Uh, no. Your worship. So, the pumper is
strictly a pumper with water on it. Um,
it can only pump water out. It can't
dump water or anything like that. It can
only pump out what it has on the truck.
uh where the tankers can do both. They
can pump it out or they can just dump
the water into a tank and then carry on.
Um they are considerably cheaper. Uh in
cost for this 645, if we were to look at
replacing that pumper truck right now,
we would be um and I speak from a
neighboring department that has done it
uh just right at the million dollar
mark. um to replace the pumper with
1,000 gallons on it versus the pumper
tanker with 3,000 gallons and a th00and
gpm pump at 645.
So when I say we would lose a tanker, we
would lose we don't consider the pump
five to be a tanker at all. It's
strictly a frontline pumper which is
required under NFPA and it has to be
under the 20-year mark to be a frontline
pumper. Um, and then our two tankers,
uh, our support vehicles for that pump
are out of fire.
» Go ahead, Tiffany.
>> Um, forgive me if I've missed it
» Um, forgive me if I've missed it
somewhere in the in the package, but we
talked about how this was funded yet.
» That's why I didn't see that.
>> Okay. So,
» Okay. So,
>> yeah. Um well to fully fund the uh the
» yeah. Um well to fully fund the uh the
tanker through our fleet and equip
reserve uh the estimated transfer to
this reserve in 2026 would be
approximately 700,000. Um any remaining
amounts to be funded uh we we're
projecting a year-end balance in the
fleet and equipment reserve this year uh
estimated to be about 280,527
so that could be utilized as well. So
we're hoping to fund it through reserves
rather than borrow.
>> Thank you.
» Thank you.
>> So
» So
can I ask clarification?
So if we have 280 in the reserves,
could we also consider just funding it
with 400,000 and using the reserves to
offset the additional cost for the
tanker?
>> That's council.
» That's council.
>> Yeah, that'll be council discussion.
» Yeah, that'll be council discussion.
[clears throat]
want to know all the options.
>> Go ahead.
» Go ahead.
>> Um, is there a
» Um, is there a
the amount of volume you get to keep
your shuttle in creditation to get lower
insurance? There are speed involved in
how much you can dump off first?
>> Correct. Yeah. So, we would require you
» Correct. Yeah. So, we would require you
have to you have to have a pumper and
two tankers and then even at that we
have to bring in a third tanker from a
neighboring municipality to meet the
accreditation limits. um you have to for
residential you have to be able to pump
200 gallons per minute uh for an hour
and then commercial um is 400 gallons
per minute um for an hour without any
interruptions. You have to be set up in
under five minutes. The only way to do
that is to have um the pumper command
utilize its water, the two tankers dump
and then the third tanker from a
neighboring municipality comes in.
And if I'm not mistaken, that's how um
the insurance rates are reduced for the
rural areas.
>> That's correct.
» That's correct.
>> Yes.
» Yes.
>> So for clarification, if I may, um so if
» So for clarification, if I may, um so if
we if we lost that accreditation,
obviously
CO just said the insurance rates would
go up for the people in the rural area.
>> Uh would it not affect the people in the
» Uh would it not affect the people in the
village as well
>> because of the fire hydrants? Probably
» because of the fire hydrants? Probably
not. answer your not not so much in the
the rural village now because we only uh
can offer 500 gallons per minute from
our hydrants. That's our max flow. Uh we
do utilize our tankers in town as well.
Um but it is more the rural residents
that receive the the reduction. Now I do
know there is some people in town uh
that have um called my assistant Jenny
and and asked for the accredititation
number and stuff too to use it for their
insurance. Uh so there may be people in
town that are utilizing as well, but we
have had several callins for the for the
residential people that are uh
benefiting from it and and some people
are saying they've received a 15% or
more decrease in their own service. Go
ahead, Miss B.
>> If council chooses to proceed with this
» If council chooses to proceed with this
purchase, it might be a good idea to
repost that on our Facebook page so that
people are aware of the of the
opportunity um kind of those together.
So yeah. So, for clarification, if I'm
Oh, sorry. Go ahead, council. You go
ahead and ask your question.
>> Um, I've got to think there's a less
» Um, I've got to think there's a less
costly option to replace the existing
27y old truck with something more
uh comparable to that, which is just a
tanker with a pump for maybe half the
cost. Wouldn't there be
>> through your I haven't been able to find
» through your I haven't been able to find
anything. That's the the cheapest truck
I have found. But I even looked um for
used vehicles and stuff. Uh anything
used was basically in the same condition
as this. Somebody already taken it out
of service. Um
yeah, I I honestly I I had no luck
finding anything other than this. This
is kind of the the new tanker. They have
a they have a pump on them. And I even I
looked at all our neighboring
municipalities, what they're running.
They're all running the exact same type
of vehicle. Um, and it's that capability
to pressurize that water coming off that
truck to be able to to get it to the the
pumper be, you know, if it's a we we see
laneways that are half a kilometer long
and we have to move water from the
roadway up to the to the house. Um, and
we have to do that under pressure. So,
we're not having enough apparatus to to
do that. Uh because the pumper has to be
up at the fire and then we have to
utilize those tankers down the road
pressurizing the water up to the to the
pumper to fight the fire. um just uh
even if I if I could find just a basic
tanker, we would struggle because then
we would have to take the other pumper
tanker we currently have and it would
have to sit in the road and pump and we
would then be down another truck again.
[clears throat]
>> Go ahead, counselor.
» Go ahead, counselor.
>> Yeah, my position is um we do the option
» Yeah, my position is um we do the option
that uh keeps our service seamless uh
what our current service is. Um it's
it's an emergency vehicle and it's uh
something that has to be able to
withstand pretty rough driving. Um it's
not going to be cheap. Um and and like I
said, staff has brought the cost down.
It's a service I think our residents uh
hazard to say our residents want to want
to keep. I don't think people in the
rural areas want to see their insurance
go up either. Um I I said I think it's
well explained in in the report. It's it
when you're dealing with such a small
fleet, you're when one goal is you're
going to have to replace one of them.
That's just um that's that's going to be
how it is. So I I I still support this.
Go ahead, counselor.
>> So my opinion is we should be going out
» So my opinion is we should be going out
to tender for something comparable to uh
what we have now in order to reduce this
cost. This is this is too much to bear
right now for this municipality and
we're trying to
repair infrastructure.
Um,
so the question is we would have we
would then have three pumper tankers if
we bought this one, right?
>> No, two two pumper tankers, one pumper.
» No, two two pumper tankers, one pumper.
[clears throat]
>> And which one is the pumper? The 2016 or
» And which one is the pumper? The 2016 or
the 2022?
>> And what do our surrounding
» And what do our surrounding
municipalities have in general compared
to that?
Um, so North Grumble has three pumper
tankers, uh, two pumpers,
um, Lizardtown Kitley has three pumper
tankers,
um, three pumpers because they have
three stations as well as their rescues.
Actually, Liztown Kitley has four um,
pumper tankers because they would lease
us the one that's just spare. Um well I
all all the municipalities even um I
hope this doesn't come in wrong um front
of Young being a smaller municipality
they they also have two comfort hangers
as well. Um
yeah it's it is common practice um
across the board. We're we're on the low
end only having two for our service
area.
>> Yeah. So I stand by my suggestion that
» Yeah. So I stand by my suggestion that
we should be going to tender for
something comparable to what we have
that will maintain the service level
rather than increase.
>> Thank you deputy mayor.
» Thank you deputy mayor.
>> And and what does a time frame look like
» And and what does a time frame look like
for going to tender? What's the impact
on our operations?
>> Uh so if we went to tender uh sorry
» Uh so if we went to tender uh sorry
through your worship if we went to
tender um to have a truck basically
custom built is is what I'm I'm hearing.
Um we're probably in the neighborhood of
5 to 600 days uh for delivery days.
Yeah. Um yeah. So better part of two
years for delivery. Um
if we went to tender and looked for
something immediately, we would
the people that have what we've looked
at right now would be bidding on it
essentially. Um, and the pumper tankers
we've looked at right now ranged from
the 645
right up to 780,000.
Um, that's the range I've been in. Um,
and and stat, but they're looking to
utilize the very bottom end of that
scale. So, we haven't asked for any
fancy stuff or anything like that. Um, I
reached out to a handful of suppliers uh
and only have two that have anything
available. Um, and that was the that was
the price range. Uh, 645 to to 780. Um,
but yeah, we would be looking at
at that point if we went to tenor like
that, we would have to try and move into
an automatic date agreements with all
the neighboring departments. Um, and
when I looked that up, I think that
equated to those trucks responding to
roughly um, 65% of our calls a year at
$585 an hour as soon as the tone goes
off until that truck returns to their
station. So just to say the list Kayley
responded here and went back, we'd be
looking at a minimum of two hours. So
every call for us would be a a th00and
the $1,200 bill roughly for every call
um that we go to because anything that
has the potential of fire we would need
a truck rolling right away for that
scene. So we wouldn't have time to wait.
So they would have to as soon as we get
a call they would have to go into uh
they'd have to respond immediately.
I I would make the observation that
given the timeline for tender and
doesn't sound realistic that we find a
less expensive option um I would
continue to support option number one so
that we can maintain the level of
service for our residents.
>> Uh chief if I may just for clarification
» Uh chief if I may just for clarification
uh for tender could we not put a tender
out for a ready build?
Um, yes, the worst that we could. Um,
but I' I've scoured everywhere and the
only ready builds are what I've brought
to council and this is the cheapest one
of of those options.
>> And the reason why I'm asking is just
» And the reason why I'm asking is just
for cl uh for clarity being upfront
because there are there's a procurement
process that we need to follow and we
have to follow those guidelines to make
sure we're not putting the municipality
in a position of liable. Uh so
having already reached out and had
conversations with the providers, did
they provide you any documentation that
lists the specifics of the vehicle and
the cost?
>> Yes.
» Yes.
>> And did we supply that to council?
» And did we supply that to council?
>> Uh I I did not your worship. So they um
» Uh I I did not your worship. So they um
when I reached they they're they give
you a budgetary number um but they won't
commit to a price um when they go to
tender because
>> understandable they could have put an
» understandable they could have put an
expression of interest in
>> could we have not and just so we would
» could we have not and just so we would
get an idea of the cost.
>> So through your version I I did discuss
» So through your version I I did discuss
that with them. We we could have done
that. It was just the kind of the short
time frame with it being around
Christmas and stuff and and staffing at
the these places. I've struggled to get
a lot of stuff back from them
unfortunately. Um and I literally had
one person uh call me back um on Friday
um with the price which unfortunately
was the 780 so it wasn't realistic
anyhow. Um but I do have documents as to
the specs on the vehicle. All three
vehicles available are the exact same
vehicle. Um, the only difference is the
top end truck, sorry, not even the top
end truck, the mid price truck, um,
holds 600 gallons more water. Um, but it
was $100,000 more than the other one.
So, it was pretty hard to justify
100,000 for 600 gallons of water.
>> But they're identical cabs and
» But they're identical cabs and
everything's the exact same. Um, the
only difference is three different water
amounts. The low range one is 3,000
gallons. The mid-range is 2500 gallon or
sorry mid-range is 3600 and the top
range is 2500.
Um that was the only difference. Um and
again I would love to tender. Um I just
don't see that we have the time frame to
safely do it.
>> Go ahead. Uh something that sticks in my
» Go ahead. Uh something that sticks in my
memory from the uh asset management
presentation from Watson and Associates
was 2027 and $2 million to replace the
uh the ladder truck.
So I mean is the plan to replace both of
these now through your worship. So I am
working with a couple of different
companies just to get reports back on
aerial truck. Um,
I don't want to say yes or no, but I
don't believe that truck would need to
be replaced at that date. Um, shown on
the thing. Um, it's no longer a
frontline pump truck. It's a aerial
truck with a pump on it. Uh so from what
I have learned so far, as long as the
aerial device um passes its annual
inspections and the truck passes its
annual inspections, its life cycle can
be extended past the recommendation of
Watson Associates.
>> Clarification, Chief, as well along that
» Clarification, Chief, as well along that
line. So if we were to uh find ourselves
in a situation because uh we're a
municipality of uh minimal means and we
we face a daunting task. Everybody knows
that. Don't need to dive into the pool.
[sighs]
Uh
but it's my understanding that we can
also have the truck assessed and do the
work necessary to have it reertified.
And I think the reertification can be up
to five years saying that you know if we
don't happen to meet um the requirement
putting repair work in and value um
versus time
uh you know is that an option?
>> Sorry. So you're you're talking about
» Sorry. So you're you're talking about
the aerial check though
>> any one of our vehicles. So, I mean,
» any one of our vehicles. So, I mean,
some vehicles, you know, if we were to
put in a certain amount, like putting in
10,000 or 15,000 or $20,000 worth of
work
>> to extend the life of that vehicle for 5
» to extend the life of that vehicle for 5
years versus spending one or 1.2 or $2
million
>> given the challenges that we have within
» given the challenges that we have within
the municipality and all the needs. Um,
my understanding that that avenue is
available should it be of interest for
council to move that way. Is that
correct or incorrect?
>> Uh, yes, absolutely. There are aspects
» Uh, yes, absolutely. There are aspects
of that are correct. Um, and I and I
reached out, it's in the report here for
the tender truck to see if that was a
viable option to replace the frame rails
and everything. Um, unfortunately, the
the largest company that does this is in
Missaga. They wouldn't even um bid on
doing it. They said they have done it in
the past a couple years ago and by the
time they were done it was almost the
price of a do truck again because
everything's in the same condition on
the truck. Um, but I do know City of
Toronto at about the seven or eight year
mark of a of a fleet vehicles life
cycle, it goes into this company and
they do basically a refurbishing truck.
>> Um, that equates to generally around 125
» Um, that equates to generally around 125
to 150,000. Um, but it does extend the
life cycle of that vehicle.
>> Yeah.
» Yeah.
>> And I wasn't being uh specific to any
» And I wasn't being uh specific to any
vehicle.
>> I was just putting it out there as we're
» I was just putting it out there as we're
moving forward and understand the
challenges that we're that we're going
to have to face uh over the next uh you
know two or three terms of council. um
perhaps intervening
uh with
that approach rather than allowing it to
get to a point where the frame is
completely rotten.
>> So I mean I'm uh in the industry that I
» So I mean I'm uh in the industry that I
worked in, we did that. We used to send
uh hundreds of vehicles out for
refurbish versus the replacement costs.
So refurbishing is expensive but a lot
cheaper than uh replacement. But we used
to set a marker when a vehicle reached a
certain status
uh that we would send it out then rather
than waiting for the frame to completely
rot and then have no option but to go
with the new option. So, is that
something that uh the fire department
could start to consider to help
alleviate some of the pressures that
we're facing?
Absolutely. And we've also uh started a
new um truck committee. Um my deputy
who's a licensed mechanic is the head of
that committee and and that's kind of
their their job boarding forward is um
fleet inspections more regularly, uh
maintenance recommendations and stuff
like that to keep their fleet
Yeah. Go ahead. Finish up, Chief.
>> Yeah. Just just to keep the fleet in
» Yeah. Just just to keep the fleet in
good repair and and to make those
recommendations that that extend the
life cycles of the vehicles.
>> Yeah. So, and and when and as that moves
» Yeah. So, and and when and as that moves
forward, I think it's a good idea, but
we have to have a ensure that council
has a full understanding that, you know,
there's a certain point in time when a
vehicle needs to have intervention. Uh
otherwise, you're facing a a larger
>> challenge. Go ahead. Yes,
» challenge. Go ahead. Yes,
>> I think it was recommended that we do a
» I think it was recommended that we do a
fire master plan and all those things we
be incorporated into the fire master
plan and that was one of the things that
we had incorporated into the proposed
budget for 2026.
>> I just had music go off in my ears. I've
» I just had music go off in my ears. I've
been talking about fire master plan for
years. I think it's a very valuable
uh process to to get involved in because
it it gives us uh advanced notice on
what expectations are.
So, uh, one more question and I forgot
what it was now. Um,
oh, the vehicle. So, this vehicle that
you're talking about that's ready today,
is it exactly what you need
or will there be a secondary ask? And
the reason why I ask is that we done
that in 2022.
We were in a position where it was an
emergency. We need to source a new
vehicle. we got the new vehicle and then
after we got the new vehicle there was
uh other requirements that the vehicle
didn't have so we supported it uh
shelving so on and so forth which wasn't
an extended amount of money
should council decide this is the way to
go
are you saying that this vehicle when it
arrives as is
sufficient enough
and will fulfill the role needed for the
miss valley without an extra task.
>> Oh yeah, through your worship. The only
» Oh yeah, through your worship. The only
extra thing and I don't even think it is
a requirement. I think it's generally
it's covering the price would be
lettering the vehicle. Um and just a
switch over of the radio from the
previous vehicle to that vehicle, which
equates to couple hundred maybe. Um but
other than that, everything else is on
the vehicle. the specs show it own tank
all that stuff and then hose all that
stuff with current truck and just be
moved over to that truck. Um and being a
tanker it doesn't have shelving. It just
added the rollup doors at the bottom so
it wouldn't require any any additional
stuff. It it comes um fully ready to go.
The only change and and I added that in
here um is um it has to have its um
inspection UL inspection done um and
then tax and the delivery I think is
kind of tied in with it or whatever. But
worst case scenario we'll go and throw
it back if they have to. But there there
would be no extra ass. I've had my
deputy go through the uh the proposal
from them and the truck specs and then
it comes with everything we need. Um the
only extra stuff like I said might be
lettering if it's not included the
vehicle transfer of the plates and uh
the radio and we're going to utilize
everything else from that other tanker
just to move over to the new one if if
that's the decision council.
>> Yeah. No, I just and I just asked
» Yeah. No, I just and I just asked
because I remember in 2022 it was, you
know, a truck that was, you know, ready
to go and everybody was excited about
it, but after we received it, then
council, you know, was asked again to
supply another 25,000 for shelving and I
think there was a few more asks. So, you
know,
you know, [clears throat] I'm
understanding that you're happy with
this
and my understanding is that
it's going to meet the requirements
without extra asks. Correct.
>> Okay. Just wanted clarification on that.
» Okay. Just wanted clarification on that.
So, is there any other questions or
comments?
None. Okay. So I guess we'll call the
vote on option one
and that is carried.
All those opposed.
» Going to go on to communication up
equipment update that the council of the
corporation of the village of Miracle
Wolf received for information report
regarding communication equipment
upgrade. May I have a mover please?
>> Thank you. in a seconder, please.
» Thank you. in a seconder, please.
>> A second.
» A second.
>> Thank you. Uh comments or questions or
» Thank you. Uh comments or questions or
um from staff or from councel?
Would anybody care to provide any other?
No comments. No questions. Go ahead.
>> Um I was in the last county council
» Um I was in the last county council
meeting and it was um referred to in
that meeting that the chase were um
bringing this forward. So that's why I
ask people to provide this information
item only and it's something to consider
for future years. But now you know
>> okay you have a a vote calling here and
» okay you have a a vote calling here and
if it's it's just for information just
to receive the information.
>> Yeah. So that there's going to be a
» Yeah. So that there's going to be a
deeper dive in at county level. So
>> any comments or questions for members?
» any comments or questions for members?
If none I'll call the vote. All in
favor? Carried. Thank you. Finance
nothing. Building Department
CEO administration
um a year review summary report 2025 to
the council of the corporation of the
bill will receive for receive for
information report regarding the year
year end review summary from January to
December 2025. May I have a mover
please?
>> Thank you. Moved and seconded deputy
» Thank you. Moved and seconded deputy
mayor. Thank you. Thank you.
>> Comments or questions?
» Go ahead, Deputy Mayor.
>> Will will we have an opportunity to post
» Will will we have an opportunity to post
this um the slideshow for the better on
the website?
>> Yeah, it's on my list for tomorrow.
» Yeah, it's on my list for tomorrow.
>> Okay, great. Um my compliments to
» Okay, great. Um my compliments to
everything that staff have accomplished.
That's a nice layout.
» That's a that's a clerk clerky thank
you.
>> Well, well done. had a great talk to you
» Well, well done. had a great talk to you
again.
>> Uh yeah, it's important to celebrate our
» Uh yeah, it's important to celebrate our
wins, of course, and uh
you know, it's important that we put out
on all our social media and make sure
that uh we advertise that well. With no
other comments or questions, I'll call
the vote. All in favor? Car. Thank you.
Department activity update clerk that
the council of the corporation of the
village of Merit Foler received for
information departmental activity update
report from the clerk's department as
presented. May I have a mover, please?
>> I'll move.
» I'll move.
>> Thank you. Seconder, please.
» Thank you. Seconder, please.
>> Second.
» Second.
>> Thank you. Um,
» Thank you. Um,
do we have any comments or questions
from members?
Anything from staff addition? Uh,
>> no.
» no.
>> Anything else unless
» Anything else unless
nothing comments or questions? Call. All
in favor? Carried. Departmental activity
update amen and finance of the
corporation council of the corporation
of vill receive for information
department activity update concerning a
men and finance. May I have a mover
please?
>> Move.
» Move.
>> Thank you. Seconder, please.
» Thank you. Seconder, please.
>> I'll second.
» I'll second.
>> Thank you. Comments or questions?
Go ahead, counselor.
>> There are no attachments here. Was there
» There are no attachments here. Was there
supposed to be a report?
I see person's gone. No, there was it
was supposed to be there. We can
circulate that [laughter]
>> tomorrow. Was it
» tomorrow. Was it
>> the uh admin finance and admin?
» the uh admin finance and admin?
>> Okay.
» Okay.
>> So, you you'll circle tomorrow. Yeah.
» So, you you'll circle tomorrow. Yeah.
>> And we'll also put it out for the public
» And we'll also put it out for the public
as well.
>> Yes. [gasps]
» Yes. [gasps]
>> Any other comments or questions?
» Any other comments or questions?
>> None. Call the vote. All in favor?
» None. Call the vote. All in favor?
Carried. Action item uh B uh waiver
request.
St. Margarite
and somebody help me with the last name.
>> Bja
» Bja
>> Bourgeoa [clears throat]
» Bourgeoa [clears throat]
Messi that the council of the
corporation of the village of Merville
Wolford receive for information the fee
wave request from EOS St. Margaret Bjour
for the use of the Merrickville
Community Center for their Thanksgiving
lunchon. And further that council does
hereby approve the option
option A
approve the request as presented and
direct staff to pro uh to process the
refund payment for the whole rental or B
does not approve the request as
presented and direct staff to notify the
requesttor. May I have a mover, please?
I'll move
>> and a seconder, please.
» and a seconder, please.
>> Second.
» Second.
>> Thank you. We'll take uh comments and
» Thank you. We'll take uh comments and
questions and uh
>> option preferences, please. Go ahead,
» option preferences, please. Go ahead,
counselor.
>> Yeah, I I don't have a too much a
» Yeah, I I don't have a too much a
problem with the fee waver. I just
noticed that the date of the the event
was October 10th. So, are they actually
looking for a refund?
>> It was very confusing for staff as well.
» It was very confusing for staff as well.
Um but yes, they're looking for a
refund.
>> Okay.
» Okay.
Right,
Deb. Um,
>> and do they normally receive the use of
» and do they normally receive the use of
the community center at no cost?
I think they have in the past whether it
was an oversight or not, but it was
their um impression that they would be
although they would like to.
» Any other comments or questions from
members?
Go ahead, councelor. um generally not
against uh providing the community
center free of charge, but it's kind of
irregular to come to us for a refund
after the fact. So, I think it should
have been agreed to upfront.
So, I'm kind of leaning against
approving particular request, but I'll
go with whatever council wants to do,
I'm assuming.
Um we don't have any history on that,
Miss Pman. So, I don't ever really
recall them ever having a Thanksgiving
dinner at the community center. I know
they used to have a Christmas play.
>> This is going back and forth uh with
» This is going back and forth uh with
staff because
the one document said 2025 and the one
said for 2022
and um
they provided something in a
email that wasn't really consistent.
>> Mhm. And so it it was difficult for us
» Mhm. And so it it was difficult for us
to make that decision,
but uh it's totally up to council. I
mean, what's
>> I know we do supply it for free for the
» I know we do supply it for free for the
public school.
>> Yeah.
» Yeah.
>> And we've have a history with that. So
» And we've have a history with that. So
>> whatever council would like to do.
» whatever council would like to do.
>> Yes. $100. So, um, just by show of hands
» Yes. $100. So, um, just by show of hands
for option A, unless you had another
question, mayor,
>> just just to respect councelor Ireland's
» just just to respect councelor Ireland's
concern, um, in the future, we'll
approve it in advance
>> as opposed to
» as opposed to
>> after the fact. And if we have, as you
» after the fact. And if we have, as you
point out, a history doing the same for
the public school, then seems only fair.
>> Yeah.
» Yeah.
>> Yeah.
» Yeah.
>> So, I'm I'm sure that you've relayed
» So, I'm I'm sure that you've relayed
that message to them. they need to ask
in advance. Yeah. So,
>> so, uh, just with a a show of hands for
» so, uh, just with a a show of hands for
option B, uh, A, so we get a feel of
what, uh, we're going to fill the blank
in with.
>> Okay. So, no need to call on option B.
» Okay. So, no need to call on option B.
So, option A would be it. So, we're
going to call vote. If there's no
further comments or questions, we'll
call vote on option A for the refund.
All those in favor? Carried. Thank you.
Uh, update signage request. Hilda
Seagull that the council of the
corporation of the village of
Merrickville Wolf received for
information letter from Hilda Seagull
regarding the updating of business
signage on the north side of the village
and further that council does hereby
direct staff to look into the
possibility of updating the signage and
bring any further approvals back to a
future council meeting if required. May
I have a mover, please?
>> I'll move.
» I'll move.
>> Thank you. In a second, please.
» Thank you. In a second, please.
>> Thank you. Uh, Miss Pullman, do you want
» Thank you. Uh, Miss Pullman, do you want
to fill us in a little bit on this, but
this request is
coming from because I have I have a
little bit of a history with that and
I'm was kind of confused why it came.
>> Well, um, she dropped off the
» Well, um, she dropped off the
correspondence. Um, I think whether it
was intended for the the council meeting
or the priority setting exercise, it's
just for to have council consider
whether they're going to have signage or
not, I believe, or updated signage.
So,
>> I don't think there's any specific
» I don't think there's any specific
request. It's just a
they'd like to have
>> Yeah. Okay. Go ahead, Deb.
» Yeah. Okay. Go ahead, Deb.
>> Um, well, the the request is that the
» Um, well, the the request is that the
signs be updated so that they properly
indicate the businesses currently
located on on the north side. Um,
so our sign bylaw describes these
fingerpointing
signs and each business is to purchase
their own
>> um and then is mounted on the post by
» um and then is mounted on the post by
either municipal staff or someone hired
to do it. So it is and I know that this
is a matter of some question within
members of the chamber of commerce
because the bylaw also
uh specifies a single company from which
they can purchase the signs themselves
and that that company does not appear to
be in business any longer. So there's um
there's a number of businesses on the
north side also on on the south side of
the river that would like to have some
kind of update to the sign bylaw or uh
or an exemption from the requirements of
the sign bylaw so that they could go out
and purchase a sign a finger sign and
have it mounted on on that post or and
other posts as well.
>> Any comments questions from members?
» Any comments questions from members?
So, I'll just provide a counsel with uh
for what I know. And um the polls were
originally put in by the foundry and the
foundry is still an active business. So,
they're still supplying and they supply
to multiple municipalities uh in our
surrounding area. Um and it was uh Carl
that
supplied all the poles and it was Carl
that did all the maintenance on it. So
Carl would update uh the signage and the
deputy mayor's correct. A business would
ask for it and it would be produced and
they would pay it. So there was no cost
to the municipality. My understanding
was it would just fell under the
municipal's insurance. So I don't know
is Carl still managing those? Is he
changing them? I know he's been trying
to get a hold of us to figure out what's
going on because he's knocked on my door
a few times asking me. Uh so I've
directed him where he needed to go but
and this and this and then this request
comes in from Hilda. So I don't know uh
what the position or what's happening
because uh it used to be maintained by
Carl
>> and he would take the old side down and
» and he would take the old side down and
put the new signs up. So, and he
supplied all the poles at free at no
cost and he did all the maintenance at
no cost and he did all the installations
at no cost. And my understanding is he's
still in business and the business have
been contacting him to get the signs,
but he
didn't have direction on what he could
do or what he couldn't do. So, there was
a bit of a confusion. Is there some way
that we could clear that up so that we
could provide some updated information
not only to the public but to council
because I think it's an opportunity
uh having a 1800 founded here still
producing
u material
uh you know it goes with uh it goes with
the history of the village and it goes
with uh the reason why people come here
the draw and it would be an amazing part
in my mind amazing part of the story
that uh people are asking, well, those
are beautiful signs. Where are they
made? Oh, they're right there still. Um,
>> so was the municipality just the
» so was the municipality just the
gobetween or
>> that was my understanding. It it was it
» that was my understanding. It it was it
was done through the chamber many many
years ago and Carl was on the chamber.
He used to be the president of the
chamber at some at some point and it was
request from shopkeepers
that there would be some kind of a
sign opportunity put out. So Carl built
and supplied all the poles for free and
did all the maintenance for free. The
only cost was to the store or the shop
business. They would pay the $250 for
the sign. That was my understanding. But
I think a little bit more clarity on
what's happening and
>> what's going on is probably required.
» what's going on is probably required.
And we do need to start to celebrate
>> the north side. There are growing
» the north side. There are growing
businesses over there. And I noticed
that there's a lot of signs that are
outdated. There's some business haven't
been here for years. So, might be an
opportunity to refresh that.
>> Okay. Say who does what and how to do
» Okay. Say who does what and how to do
it. Okay.
>> If we could get it clear, it's a little
» If we could get it clear, it's a little
clarification would be nice. Thank you.
Go ahead, Deputy Mayor.
>> Yeah. Just as a a response to the
» Yeah. Just as a a response to the
business owners who have signed this
letter, we can certainly say that the
cost of the signs is is on the business
owner. Mhm. Okay.
>> Yeah. I think they uh from what I
» Yeah. I think they uh from what I
understand, they they understand that
they understand that they have to pay
and they have no concerns about paying.
They just we're trying to get their
signs up. That's that was all pretty
much what I understood.
>> Okay. I'll see what I can do.
» Okay. I'll see what I can do.
>> Appreciate that. Thank you very much.
» Appreciate that. Thank you very much.
So, um there's no further comments or
questions. I'll call the vote. All in
favor?
>> What are we voting on?
» What are we voting on?
>> Well, just uh we're receiving the
» Well, just uh we're receiving the
letter.
>> Uh it doesn't say that. It does hereby
» Uh it doesn't say that. It does hereby
direct staff to look into the
possibility of updating the signage and
bring any further approvals back to
future council meeting if required.
>> So
» So
I was okay with just receiving the
letter
>> and then you can direct it
» and then you can direct it
>> to try to determine.
» to try to determine.
>> So we going to do an amendment on this
» So we going to do an amendment on this
>> a friendly amendment. Friendly
» a friendly amendment. Friendly
amendment. Yeah.
>> That uh
» That uh
>> so and further that council does hereby
» so and further that council does hereby
direct staff to look into the
possibilities. Yeah.
>> And to bring back at a future council
» And to bring back at a future council
meeting.
>> Yeah, that's what it does.
» Yeah, that's what it does.
>> Does that would that meet your
» Does that would that meet your
requirement?
>> Yeah. And if the side is like it's and
» Yeah. And if the side is like it's and
it's not unique to the north side
because as as Deputy Mayor Ber said,
it's just businesses in general. Uh so
just bring an update on what Okay.
>> The the previous practice wasn't it um
» The the previous practice wasn't it um
>> what's going on.
» what's going on.
>> Yeah. All the sign there's a lot of
» Yeah. All the sign there's a lot of
signs that need to be updated. So
further council does hereby direct staff
to look into the possibilities and bring
back any further uh information uh to a
future council meeting.
>> Okay.
» Okay.
>> Is everybody comfortable with that?
» Is everybody comfortable with that?
>> Okay. So we'll call the vote on the
» Okay. So we'll call the vote on the
friendly amendment. All those in favor?
Carried.
Uh new businesses, announcements,
statements by members. Does any member
have an announcement or statement?
Go ahead, council or deputy mayor.
Sorry.
>> Today's the day that comments close on
» Today's the day that comments close on
the proposed changes to the conservation
authorities. Um, the RO Valley
Conservation Authority received support
from 12 of their 18 municipal
municipalities. in terms of passing a
motion supporting the uh opposition to
the proposed mergers and amalgamations.
» Any other announcements or Miss
Plumbley? Are we able to make any
announcement on the
update that we got the thing for the the
BB boxes?
>> Oh, certainly. Uh I believe Julia, you
» Oh, certainly. Uh I believe Julia, you
put it on the website.
>> It's on the website.
» It's on the website.
>> Put it on the website. Yeah. Yeah.
» Put it on the website. Yeah. Yeah.
>> Okay. So, I just, you know, there's a
» Okay. So, I just, you know, there's a
exciting announcement that we're going
to have uh blue box in the Wolford area
in the next uh couple of months. So, um,
in the short term, we still have to
deliver the, uh, the, uh, recycle to the
landfill, but within the next couple of
months, uh, that's going to be picked up
by the province, and we're going to
have, uh, garbage and blue box
throughout the whole municipality, which
is great news cuz it was looking like we
weren't going to have it until 2030 or
2031, but, uh, staff worked diligently
with the province and the province moved
forward on it. So, it's exciting news
and uh I'm sure our residents will be
extremely happy. We'll get blue box
recycling and garbage right at the
driveway.
>> Excellent.
» Excellent.
>> Uh there'll be a a couple months
» Uh there'll be a a couple months
transition, but uh it will move forward.
So, exciting news indeed.
So, no other comments uh or statements
from members. We'll move on to close
session, none required. Uh resume open
session, none required. Confirming bylaw
6025
2025 that the council of the corporation
of builder merful will forgive first,
second, third final reading to bylaw 60
2025 being of bylaw to confirm the
proceedings of council for the regular
meeting of December 22, 2025 and further
that authorization be given to the mayor
clerk of the science seal placed in the
bylaw vote for the municipality bylaw
number 60 2025. May I have a mover
please?
>> A move.
» A move.
>> Thank you. Seconder, please. Second.
» Thank you. Seconder, please. Second.
Call the vote. All in favor? Carried.
Thank you. We're going to move on to
adjournment that the council of the
cooperation of the village of Marit
Wolfford.
>> 7:24.
» 7:24.
>> 7:24 p.m. May I have a mover, please?
» 7:24 p.m. May I have a mover, please?
>> Thank you. Second, please. Second. Thank
» Thank you. Second, please. Second. Thank
you. Call the vote. All in favor, Terry.
Thank you very much.
>> Merry Christmas, everybody. Hope
» Merry Christmas, everybody. Hope
everybody has a wonderful Christmas
season. All the best to you and your
family. Sand you
>> I