[2:27] Okay, good afternoon everyone. Welcome
[2:29] uh members and guests and staff. It is
[2:32] the January 27th, 2026 council meeting.
[2:36] And a quick reminder that our meetings
[2:38] are web streamed and televised. So, if
[2:39] everyone could take a moment to ensure
[2:41] their their phones are on silent, that
[2:43] would be greatly appreciated.
[2:46] With that, I call January 27th, 2026
[2:48] council meeting to order and note that
[2:50] councelor Vandenishi, Huffman, and Barry
[2:52] are present today. However, they're
[2:54] attending virtually. All other members
[2:56] are present.
[2:59] The municipality of Norfol County is
[3:00] committed to furthering truth and
[3:02] reconciliation in our communities. We
[3:04] recognize the historical and current
[3:06] contributions of indigenous peoples
[3:08] throughout Canada and particularly in
[3:10] Norfolk County that have added to the
[3:12] rich cultural and social fabric that
[3:14] exists here today. We will strive to
[3:16] continually strengthen and develop the
[3:18] spirit of respect, cooperation, and
[3:20] collaboration to the mutual benefit of
[3:22] all Norfol County residents.
[3:25] Changes to the agenda. We have two.
[3:29] The first is to add a deputation from
[3:31] Alan McBride regarding agenda item
[3:33] 12.1.1
[3:35] 215 Victoria Street Simco. And then the
[3:38] second is to move the agenda item 12.1.1
[3:41] staff report uh on that same matter to
[3:44] after the deputations.
[3:46] Is there any other addition or change
[3:49] request from council members?
[3:52] Seeing none. Oh, okay. We need a
[3:54] two-thirds majority uh to wave the rules
[3:58] of order and add those. Is there a mover
[4:00] and a seconder? Councelor Columbus,
[4:02] Councelor Bruntton. All in favor? And
[4:05] then to accept the amended agenda moved
[4:08] by Councelor Michelle, Councelor Duffy.
[4:13] All in favor?
[4:14] Carried. Thank you. Are there any
[4:16] declarations of pecuniary interest
[4:18] today?
[4:20] Councelor Columbus.
[4:22] >> Thank you, Madam Mayor. Yes, I've got a
[4:25] » Thank you, Madam Mayor. Yes, I've got a
[4:25] conflict to report with respect to
[4:26] agenda item 10.1. This is the council
[4:29] and committee minutes item 8.2.1.
[4:34] It's a water wastewater collection
[4:37] policy and uh I've got a conflict with
[4:40] respect to portion dealing with the
[4:42] landlord and tenant component of that
[4:44] policy
[4:47] according to what the integrity
[4:48] commissioner informs me.
[4:50] >> Okay. Um, please feel free to just turn
[4:53] » Okay. Um, please feel free to just turn
[4:53] on your microphone and remind me if I
[4:55] don't
[4:57] remember when we get to that section,
[4:58] but I'll make a note of it. Anyone else?
[5:00] Did I miss anyone?
[5:04] Okay, great. We have uh early close
[5:06] session. Just one item that we have to
[5:09] deal with prior to uh our open session
[5:12] meeting.
[5:15] I'm looking for a mover for the
[5:18] following motion that council enter into
[5:20] close session at 10:04 p.m. to discuss
[5:22] items pursuant to section 2392H
[5:25] of the Municipal Act 2001 as amended as
[5:28] a subject matter pertains to information
[5:30] explicitly supplied in confidence to the
[5:32] municipality or local board by Canada, a
[5:35] province or territory or a crown agency
[5:37] of any of them. Moved by councelor
[5:42] Vampassen, seconded by
[5:46] councelor Duffy. All in favor?
[5:50] Carried unanimously. Thanks. How long?
[5:52] Roughly
[5:55] 5 10 minutes. We should be back very
[5:57] quickly.
[6:34] Hey, Norfolk County. Did you know that
[6:36] Ride Norfolk is now on demand? This
[6:39] means you can schedule Norfolk's public
[6:41] transit service to pick you up for
[6:42] appointments, shopping, school, or work.
[6:45] Ride Norfolk has partnered with Blaze
[6:47] Transit to offer ondemand pickups at all
[6:49] 95 stops across Norfol, including this
[6:52] one. I booked my trip earlier today and
[6:55] my bus is here right on time. Since
[6:57] there are no fixed local schedules, you
[6:59] can easily book Ride Norfolk over the
[7:01] phone, online, or on the Blaze Transit
[7:04] app from your smartphone. Thanks,
[7:06] Charlie.
[7:06] >> You're welcome.
[7:07] » You're welcome.
[7:07] >> Ride Norfolk's customer service team can
[7:09] » Ride Norfolk's customer service team can
[7:09] help answer any questions you may have,
[7:10] get you started with the app, or book
[7:12] your next ride. By moving to on demand,
[7:15] Ride Norfolk is helping more residents
[7:17] get where they need to go. To learn
[7:19] more, visit norfolcount.ca/transit. da
[7:22] /transit.
[7:28] Hi, I'm Marissa and I'm here to take you
[7:30] behind the scenes for a quick look at
[7:32] what we do at Norfolk Countyy's waste
[7:33] and recycling operations. Here at the
[7:35] transfer station in Simco, residents can
[7:38] bring a variety of waste materials for
[7:40] disposal. Norfolk operates two transfer
[7:42] stations welcoming about 27,000
[7:45] customers every year and accepts
[7:47] material ranging from bulky items, wood,
[7:50] metal, and yard waste. Norfolk also
[7:52] provides curbside waste programs.
[7:54] Recycling from your home arrives at this
[7:57] facility where it is manually sorted by
[7:59] the type of material. You can see why
[8:01] it's important to separate materials
[8:03] into the correct bin, rinse recyclables,
[8:06] and remove items from bags. This
[8:08] facility processes 4600 metric tons per
[8:11] year. That's equal to about 20 tons per
[8:14] day. Once items are sorted by material
[8:16] type, they are bailed and ready to be
[8:19] shipped across North America to be made
[8:21] into new material. About 8 to 10% of the
[8:24] material that arrives here shouldn't
[8:26] have been put in the recycling bin.
[8:28] Residents can use our recycle coach app
[8:30] to confirm if an item can be recycled.
[8:33] After seeing how waste is handled, I
[8:35] hope this video helps show why rinsing
[8:37] and sorting your recyclables are
[8:39] important steps in the recycling
[8:41] process. As a Norfolk County employee, I
[8:44] am proud to serve the community I was
[8:45] raised in. Thanks for joining me on this
[8:47] behind-the-scenes tour.
[8:52] This summer, discover the hidden gem of
[8:55] Norfolk County, Ontario's garden. Stroll
[8:59] through historic villages where time
[9:01] seems to slow down. Feel the sand
[9:04] between your toes on our pristine Lake
[9:06] Eerie beaches. From live theater that
[9:09] captivates to trails that wind through
[9:11] breathtaking landscapes, adventure and
[9:14] relaxation await at every turn. Meet the
[9:18] farmers who grow your dinner and taste
[9:20] wine and beer crafted right here.
[9:23] Experience Norfolk County this summer,
[9:25] where small town charm meets farm fresh
[9:28] flavor. Ontario's garden. It's time you
[9:31] came home to it.
[9:41] Hey, Norfol County. I'm Chris and I'm
[9:43] here to take you behind the scenes to
[9:45] show you how Norfol County manages storm
[9:47] water in our towns and communities.
[9:49] Storm water isn't just rain or melted
[9:51] snow. It's any excess water that runs
[9:53] off hard surfaces like roads, driveways,
[9:56] and rooftops. But where does that water
[9:58] go? And why is managing it important?
[10:00] Norfolk storm water systems include
[10:02] pipes, ditches, catch basins, and ponds
[10:04] that work together to manage this
[10:06] runoff. Storm water systems like ponds
[10:08] slow the flow and allow dirt and
[10:10] pollutants to settle and release cleaner
[10:12] water into the environment. Without
[10:14] proper management, storm water can flood
[10:16] basement, damage roads, and carry
[10:19] contaminants like oil, garbage, and salt
[10:21] into our rivers and lakes. That's why
[10:23] Norol County created a dedicated storm
[10:25] water team in 2024 to better understand
[10:28] and maintain what we already have while
[10:30] planning for the future. This storm
[10:32] water pond in Port Dover helps to reduce
[10:34] flooding and improve water quality. Over
[10:37] time, sediment and pollutants build up
[10:39] within storm ponds, limiting their
[10:41] ability to hold water. This creates an
[10:43] ideal environment for algae and invasive
[10:46] plants like fragmitees to flourish. This
[10:48] fast growing species can block out the
[10:50] flow of water and crowd out native
[10:52] vegetation reducing the habitat that
[10:55] local
[11:26] Okay, that was very speedy. Thanks,
[11:28] staff. Uh, move in a second or to
[11:30] reconvene and open session at 1:10.
[11:32] Moved by councelor Van Passen, seconded
[11:34] by
[11:36] councelor Michelle. All in favor and
[11:39] reporting out the report. Uh, let's see.
[11:42] 4.1 on the agenda was received as
[11:45] information. We have nothing else to
[11:48] report. Correct, Mr. Clerk? Okay.
[11:50] Consent items 5.1. We have the 2026
[11:54] interim property tax levy CS260002.
[11:59] I'm looking for a motion to receive
[12:00] consent item one as presented.
[12:07] Councelor Van Passin and Councelor
[12:08] Huffman. All in favor?
[12:11] Carried. Two communication items before
[12:14] council today. 6.1 is a letter from Todd
[12:17] Stanick and Peter Krauss of Norfolk
[12:19] General Hospital, a letter of
[12:20] appreciation. And the second is
[12:22] Longpoint Conservation Authority uh the
[12:25] Roma 2026 package.
[12:29] A mover and a seconder please to receive
[12:31] both of those as information.
[12:34] Councelor Columbus moves councelor Barry
[12:36] seconds. All in favor?
[12:39] Carried. Great. We'll move along to
[12:41] deputations. We have three now that
[12:45] we've changed the agenda. First, we have
[12:47] Scott from Valley Consulting and this is
[12:49] concerning agenda item 12.1.1 215
[12:52] Victoria Street.
[12:55] Welcome whenever you're ready.
[12:59] Uh thank you, Madame Mayor and uh
[13:01] council. Uh here to talk about the uh
[13:03] development proposed at 215 Victoria
[13:05] Street. Uh next slide, please.
[13:10] So, back in October, uh the original
[13:12] application was brought forward um that
[13:15] included a uh a mid-rise building with
[13:17] 45 residential units. Um a mix of one
[13:20] and two bedroom um that street facing
[13:22] facade uh perimeter landscaping. Uh we
[13:25] were showing access via uh Austin
[13:28] Crescent and Donley Drive South as you
[13:30] can see on the original site plan uh
[13:32] with no access uh proposed off of uh off
[13:34] of Victoria Street. Next slide, please.
[13:37] So following that meeting, we we did
[13:39] have concerns from uh both staff and
[13:41] public. Um since October, we've been
[13:44] working with both uh Norfolk County
[13:46] staff and receiving input in input from
[13:48] the public um to try to uh reduce some
[13:51] of the impacts uh and the concerns that
[13:53] were raised at that October meeting. Um
[13:55] particularly the concerns we were heard
[13:57] were uh were density and building
[13:58] height. Um not enough parking on the
[14:01] area. Um there was particular concern of
[14:03] spillover parking into Austin Crescent.
[14:06] um traffic concerns along Donley Drive.
[14:09] Um the number and location of proposed
[14:11] entrances to the site with both Donley
[14:13] and uh Austin Crescent and sort of the
[14:16] issue of with uh the way it was set up
[14:18] that uh it might be used for a shortcut
[14:20] uh through the existing subdivision into
[14:22] uh Austin Crescent there. So since then,
[14:25] next slide please. We've worked uh with
[14:28] staff uh to bring back an updated uh
[14:31] application. Um they spent four months
[14:34] um since then trying to work to update
[14:36] the application to include a number of
[14:38] changes um includes site compatibility.
[14:41] So maintaining those large setbacks from
[14:44] the existing residential area and being
[14:45] as close to the road as possible while
[14:47] maintaining that uh appealing street uh
[14:50] facade. Um adjusting the building
[14:52] orientation um so that primary entrance
[14:55] is now uh facing towards Victoria
[14:58] Street, vice facing inwards to the uh
[15:00] development. um the height and density.
[15:03] So the reduction of five stories to four
[15:05] stories. Um so now uh the reduction in
[15:08] units to 23 one uh onebedrooms, 12
[15:10] two-bedroom units. Um so a total
[15:13] reduction in 10 units from 35 uh from uh
[15:16] 45. Big thing here uh with that
[15:19] reduction in the height and the density,
[15:21] uh the on-site parking uh complies with
[15:23] all zoning. Um so it meets the zoning
[15:26] bylaw requirements for parking um from
[15:29] the standards set in the bylaw. um the
[15:31] adjusted vehicle access. So again uh
[15:34] both sites uh the access off Donley uh
[15:36] has been removed and the access off uh
[15:38] Austin Crescent has been removed uh with
[15:41] the sole access provided off Victoria.
[15:43] The intent there is to reduce uh people
[15:46] using uh Donley Drive, encourage traffic
[15:49] out um anybody heading north uh will
[15:52] take uh Victoria out to Ireland Road,
[15:55] head north to Highway 3 and to wherever
[15:57] it is they may go. Obviously, we can't
[15:59] force people to do that, but with that
[16:01] site orientation, it was felt it would
[16:03] help encourage traffic flows in those
[16:05] directions.
[16:07] Uh, next slide, please.
[16:10] So, here's our updated site plan. Uh,
[16:12] again, it's very similar from the where
[16:14] sort of the building is in relation to
[16:16] the uh existing residential development,
[16:18] but certainly a reconfiguration of the
[16:20] parking lot. Um that site entrance as
[16:23] you can see on the uh the south uh is
[16:25] the inout route um off Victoria. It's
[16:29] confirmed. I know we did chat about
[16:31] where is the actual property line. So
[16:33] that area in red um is already owned by
[16:36] Norfol County. That was road widening
[16:37] that was taken back in the 80s or '9s.
[16:40] Uh I'd have to go back on title to see
[16:42] when that actually happened, but it's
[16:44] already taken into account. All the
[16:46] requirements are based off the the
[16:48] property line which is that thick black
[16:50] line uh that runs along uh Victoria uh
[16:53] to provide that updated uh site plan.
[16:55] And then again like we said the
[16:56] vehicular access uh it was the key uh
[16:59] configuration here with the removal from
[17:01] Donley and uh Austin Crescent and then
[17:03] obviously the reduction in density from
[17:05] uh five floors to four. Next slide
[17:09] please.
[17:09] >> One minute remaining.
[17:11] » One minute remaining.
[17:11] So, just provided some elevations to
[17:13] provide some sort of context of what it
[17:15] would look like from the street. Um,
[17:17] again, if you um down by um coming in on
[17:21] Robinson by the golf course there, um
[17:23] that's a four-story building to just
[17:25] give some height perspective of what a
[17:27] four-story looks like. Uh next slide,
[17:29] please.
[17:32] So, again, as you can see the changes,
[17:34] there's been a lot of uh eliminating
[17:36] requirements. Um the only introduction
[17:39] is uh that uh special provision for
[17:42] restricting the building to four heights
[17:43] or four floors instead of uh five. Um
[17:46] the bylaw has definitely been simplified
[17:48] uh with these elimination of
[17:50] requirements.
[17:51] Next slide please.
[17:54] Next steps can't commit to timelines.
[17:56] Here is what a potential timeline could
[17:58] look like. Obviously the site still
[17:59] needs to go through extensive site plan
[18:01] review the detailed uh engineering of
[18:03] the site. Um, I encourage uh council to
[18:07] ask any questions they might have about
[18:08] that. Um, but that's a general sort of
[18:11] what would be hoped for, but can't be
[18:13] guaranteed. Next slide, please.
[18:16] >> I can take any questions council may
[18:18] » I can take any questions council may
[18:18] have.
[18:18] >> Perfect timing. Thank you, Scott.
[18:20] » Perfect timing. Thank you, Scott.
[18:20] Questions from council.
[18:26] » Councelor Bruntton.
[18:28] >> Thank you, Mayor Martin. Just very
[18:30] » Thank you, Mayor Martin. Just very
[18:30] quickly, uh Scott, is this uh a slab on
[18:33] grade or is there a basement for
[18:34] utilities? How does it work?
[18:36] >> I believe there is a Yes, there will be
[18:38] » I believe there is a Yes, there will be
[18:38] a basement. I believe the storage will
[18:40] be in the basement, utilities, that type
[18:41] of thing in the basement.
[18:42] >> Okay. Thank you,
[18:44] » Okay. Thank you,
[18:44] >> Councelor Duffy.
[18:47] » Councelor Duffy.
[18:47] >> Uh thank you, Madam Mayor. Through you,
[18:48] » Uh thank you, Madam Mayor. Through you,
[18:48] Scott, thanks for your work on this and
[18:50] to your client. I appreciate that uh the
[18:52] concerns of the residents were really,
[18:54] for the most part, from what I can see,
[18:56] um listened to. So, I I appreciate and
[18:58] respect that. I'm curious on the I think
[19:01] I'm looking at the norththeast side. So
[19:05] a butting sort of there's a there's a
[19:07] row of homes there on Donley. Is there I
[19:09] think it's in purple. And sorry, I've
[19:11] just got my iPad back cuz it was
[19:14] acting up. Is there any landscape buffer
[19:16] along there?
[19:18] >> So both the the north and the eastern uh
[19:20] » So both the the north and the eastern uh
[19:20] property lines um will require the solid
[19:23] wood fence. Um generally I think it's uh
[19:26] the 3 m or 2 meter high fence whatever
[19:28] the site plan requirements are. So it's
[19:30] a solid wood fence. There can be also
[19:32] other landscaping for bushes things like
[19:35] that to reduce any sort of that impact
[19:37] of that reduction from the the 3 m to
[19:39] the 2 m for the uh distance from the
[19:41] parking. Um so that can be in included
[19:44] in the uh site plan requirements to make
[19:46] sure we're reducing any of those uh
[19:48] impacts um from having that reduction
[19:50] from uh 3 to 2 m. Okay, I think that's
[19:54] all I have. Thank you.
[19:56] >> Did I miss anyone online?
[19:59] » Did I miss anyone online?
[19:59] Oh, I think we're we're good. Thanks,
[20:02] Scott. Let's receive all three
[20:03] deputations as information at once, if
[20:06] that's okay, and we'll move along to
[20:08] Margaret Trucker, which is item 7.2 on
[20:10] our agenda. Same item of discussion.
[20:14] Uh 215 Victoria Street, Simco, welcome.
[20:18] You have five minutes. I can let you
[20:19] know when you have one minute remaining,
[20:20] but I think last time you were right on
[20:23] schedule, so take it away.
[20:28] Okay, mayor and council, I appreciate
[20:31] the opportunity to speak once again. In
[20:35] the meeting on October 8th, 2025, the
[20:38] major concerns mentioned were traffic,
[20:40] on-site parking, and where the entrance
[20:42] and exit would be, and children walking
[20:45] to and from school. Um, some of these
[20:48] issues seem to have been addressed and
[20:50] it was stated that water and sewer could
[20:52] handle this extra build and um, have all
[20:57] the bylaws now been met such as distance
[21:00] from the road and line of sight. Um,
[21:03] other concerns that I have are several.
[21:06] In 2024, the provincial government put
[21:09] in place the get it done act where they
[21:12] wanted one and a half million homes
[21:13] built by 2031.
[21:16] This seems to place
[21:18] uh
[21:20] stress on the um building that the
[21:23] municipal planning boards have to
[21:26] approve. Um has an assessment been done
[21:29] to determine the need for this type of
[21:32] housing? Is all of the building in the
[21:36] county meant to reach the expectation of
[21:38] the provincial government in spite of
[21:40] what we want? If this build is approved,
[21:44] we do not know how long it would take.
[21:47] During construction, the locals would be
[21:49] coping with heavy vehicle traffic,
[21:51] noise, dust, and dirt. It's a common
[21:55] thing in a building site, but a privacy
[21:57] fence was mentioned previously, but who
[22:00] would benefit? The residents on the
[22:02] first floor and closest neighbors. There
[22:04] would be no privacy for others who would
[22:07] have exposure to residents of the
[22:08] midrise. The outside enjoyment of our
[22:11] properties could be affected during and
[22:14] after the build. Is it an unknown as to
[22:17] what happens to property values when an
[22:20] apartment building is built in a low
[22:21] density community?
[22:24] Will homes close to the build be
[22:25] overshadowed or will it be situated on
[22:27] the property to minimize that? And it
[22:29] seems that that's been taken into
[22:31] consideration.
[22:32] This is one build, but others are in the
[22:34] works. How will all of these builds
[22:37] affect our community? Adding this build
[22:40] into the mix can place further strain on
[22:42] our hospital, which already struggles to
[22:45] meet the needs of the current
[22:46] population. Can our schools accommodate
[22:49] more children? And how many more
[22:51] emergency medical service personnel,
[22:53] firemen, and policemen would we need?
[22:56] Considering the lack of industry or jobs
[22:58] in the county, would it be safe to
[23:00] assume there would be more commuters on
[23:02] already crowded highways?
[23:05] Given that this is a low density area, I
[23:08] still don't believe that this is an
[23:10] appropriate location for the build in
[23:12] spite of the changes that have been
[23:14] made. It simply would not fit in. And no
[23:18] one making the decisions about this
[23:20] lives or would be affected by that
[23:24] build. And the local people who are
[23:26] right there on the spot would be when
[23:28] it's in construction and after. Thank
[23:31] you for your time.
[23:33] >> Thank you for your deputation. Are there
[23:34] » Thank you for your deputation. Are there
[23:34] any questions for Margaret?
[23:38] No, that's okay. Not seeing any.
[23:42] Thank you for coming. And now we have
[23:43] Allan. Allan, welcome. You have five
[23:48] minutes for your deputation. There's a
[23:49] button on the right hand side. You can
[23:51] turn the microphone on and I will let
[23:53] you know when you have one minute
[23:55] remaining.
[23:59] Thank you to the mayor and council for
[24:01] allowing me to have a moment to speak.
[24:04] I just wanted to make some references.
[24:06] The one is the map that is no longer up
[24:09] on the screen. The garbage extends
[24:12] beyond the parking lot within a meter
[24:15] and a half of the sidewalk.
[24:18] That's very concerning for me. How do
[24:20] you buffer the odors? and it becomes a
[24:24] little thing that you can hide behind at
[24:26] night for predators or whatever because
[24:29] it's now a disturbance in the line of
[24:32] sight going down the street.
[24:34] Uh
[24:37] in the application it references three
[24:40] lot lines are on the street. Now it
[24:43] appears to be basically a square
[24:44] property and they're counting the little
[24:46] curve in the corner as a lot line to say
[24:48] three are on the street. But two of the
[24:50] lot lines do uh the long lot lines exist
[24:55] next to residential homes. And the fact
[24:58] that when you say you're trying to meet
[25:00] all the codes, you have to have an
[25:02] exemption for the floor ratio because
[25:05] you want it a little higher. You have to
[25:07] have a exemption on the frontage because
[25:09] it's going to be a little lower. then
[25:11] you want an exemption on uh
[25:15] like it keeps going and I don't feel
[25:18] that's meeting the code. You set these
[25:20] codes and everybody else built by them.
[25:24] Now those people might want to sell
[25:26] their home. Is their value going to be
[25:29] impacted by the fact you've allowed
[25:31] others to come in with a lesser code,
[25:34] build a little cheaper, and then they're
[25:36] going to compete against you in your uh
[25:39] dwelling when you want to sell it.
[25:42] The next thing is, it's been mentioned
[25:44] numerous times, at one point it's a
[25:46] dwelling, one point it's a condo, one
[25:49] point it's apartments. I'd really like
[25:51] clarification as to what it is
[25:54] specifically.
[25:57] And the high traffic at Victoria and
[26:00] Donley is amplified by the fact there's
[26:03] a lot of student traffic both going to
[26:05] Fanshaw and going to the school, the
[26:08] local school. And that has become
[26:12] uh a safety issue there. And I don't see
[26:15] how adding another
[26:17] 65 cars in the mix at that close to the
[26:21] intersection is a very positive thing as
[26:23] well.
[26:25] So, I'd really like some consideration
[26:27] to try and meet the bar rather than just
[26:30] say we're close to the bar, so let's
[26:32] proceed.
[26:34] And I thank you for your time.
[26:37] Thank you very much for coming. Are
[26:38] there any questions for Mr. McBride?
[26:44] Seeing none. Okay. Oh, sorry, Council
[26:45] Michelle and then Dothy.
[26:49] » Thank you, Madame Mayor. Um
[26:54] sir, thank you very much for for coming
[26:57] uh and making your deputation. Um
[27:01] when when you were asking for
[27:02] clarification on what it is exactly that
[27:06] these you described condos, apartments,
[27:11] which is it um have have you not
[27:14] received an answer to that question?
[27:16] >> No, that's why I just asked it.
[27:18] » No, that's why I just asked it.
[27:18] >> Okay. So, I would like with your
[27:20] » Okay. So, I would like with your
[27:20] permission to ask staff if Madame Mayor
[27:22] will allow me, can we get clarification
[27:24] on exactly what these units are?
[27:27] >> We're going to go into the staff report
[27:28] » We're going to go into the staff report
[27:28] right after uh we've received the
[27:30] deputation. So, I will I'll I'll return
[27:32] to you with that. Councelor Deathy,
[27:34] >> thank you, Madam Mayor. Through you, Mr.
[27:35] » thank you, Madam Mayor. Through you, Mr.
[27:35] Ride, thank you for for being here and
[27:37] for sharing your thoughts. Um, can I
[27:39] just get a little bit more clarification
[27:41] on the issue that you raised around the
[27:43] gar the placement of the garbage
[27:44] collection?
[27:45] >> Yes.
[27:46] » Yes.
[27:46] >> I I'm sorry I didn't follow all the way.
[27:47] » I I'm sorry I didn't follow all the way.
[27:47] So
[27:48] >> if you if the map could come back up,
[27:51] » if you if the map could come back up,
[27:51] it's on it's on Donley and it's at the
[27:55] end of the parking lot which they wants
[27:58] an allowance to be closer to the street
[27:59] than it should be. And then the garbage
[28:02] dumpsters stick out further so that they
[28:05] look to be about 1 and a half meters
[28:07] from the sidewalk and they're an
[28:10] extension beyond the parking. And I
[28:14] don't I think they should be contained
[28:16] within
[28:18] I think that there's numerous problems
[28:21] from having something out there and how
[28:23] is it going to be bordered with some
[28:24] green with just a fence? Is it going to
[28:27] be something somebody can hide behind?
[28:29] Uh is it going to have odors? I find
[28:32] numerous concerns about that.
[28:35] >> Okay. Thank you.
[28:37] » Okay. Thank you.
[28:37] >> Okay. I'm not seeing any other hands.
[28:39] » Okay. I'm not seeing any other hands.
[28:39] So, thank you Mr. McBride for joining
[28:41] us. A mover and a second are pleased to
[28:43] receive all three deputations. Item 7.1,
[28:46] 7.2, and 7.3 as information. Moved by
[28:49] councelor Huffman, seconded by councelor
[28:51] Van Andrishi. All in favor? That's
[28:54] carried. We will move along to the staff
[28:58] report and maybe we can also call on
[29:00] Scott to supplement um questions and
[29:04] answers that staff might not have if if
[29:07] council's okay with that. A little bit
[29:08] of a tag team approach. So we are on
[29:10] agenda item 12.1.1 which is staff report
[29:13] CDS25061.
[29:19] » Thank you. Good afternoon madame mayor
[29:21] and council members. Uh through the
[29:24] chair I have chopped out a little bit of
[29:26] my report now that we've brought it
[29:27] forward to immediately follow the
[29:29] deputation to try and avoid duplication.
[29:32] Um this file was first seen at public
[29:34] hearing committee meeting on October 8th
[29:36] 2025.
[29:38] Uh the applicant has proposed a zoning
[29:40] bylaw amendment to change use of the
[29:41] land from neighborhood commercial to
[29:44] urban residential type 5 uh with an
[29:46] amended special provision 14.729
[29:50] to facilitate the construction of a
[29:52] four-story apartment complex and
[29:54] associated parking. Um just to
[29:57] understand the uh nature of the building
[30:00] and to come to councelor Michelle's
[30:02] question um it is I mean the only
[30:05] difference between an apartment and a
[30:07] condo is a matter of ownership. It's not
[30:10] there is no real difference at this
[30:12] stage and that is something that can be
[30:14] determined later down the road. Um the
[30:17] associated bylaw would change the use of
[30:19] the land um with a special provision
[30:22] 14729
[30:25] to amend the height limit of the
[30:26] building to a maximum of four stories
[30:28] and grant relief in terms of parking
[30:30] distance vehicles can be parked. Um it
[30:34] would no longer include any relief for
[30:35] parking or for floor area ratio as was
[30:38] previously seen at public hearing.
[30:41] Uh given this, it is the proposed
[30:43] opinion of staff that applications at
[30:46] NPL 2025146
[30:48] be approved as outlined in staff
[30:50] recommendation report CDS25061.
[30:54] Thank you. I'm here for any questions.
[30:56] >> We'll open it up for questions, but just
[30:58] » We'll open it up for questions, but just
[30:58] for clarity, I heard you just say
[31:01] the height limit meets, the parking
[31:03] relief is no longer requested, and the
[31:05] floor ratio is is met. So, as per Mr.
[31:09] McBride's can you uh comments where it's
[31:12] not meeting the bylaw. Can you just
[31:13] please clarify for the public what the
[31:16] special provision request is? That's the
[31:18] only item that doesn't meet. Correct.
[31:22] >> Through the mayor. That's correct. Um so
[31:25] » Through the mayor. That's correct. Um so
[31:25] the special provision is uh basically
[31:29] for distance away from the building that
[31:32] vehicles can park. Um that is in the
[31:36] bylaw. It's required to be 3 m. Um and
[31:39] certainly on the I believe north side of
[31:41] the building um it's only going to be 2
[31:43] m at least at this time in the
[31:45] indicative site plan. Um but again
[31:48] that's the sort of thing that will get
[31:50] those details will be hammered out of
[31:51] the time but that is the that's the only
[31:54] change.
[31:55] >> Thank you very much councelor Michelle.
[31:57] » Thank you very much councelor Michelle.
[31:57] Uh the comments on ownership and and so
[32:00] on that can fluctuate and change. Is
[32:02] that sufficient for you or do you wish
[32:04] to
[32:06] ask something else?
[32:08] Yeah, thank you, Madame Mayor. Yeah, I
[32:10] just I guess I wouldn't mind maybe just
[32:12] a little explanation if staff could just
[32:15] provide um how how does ownership
[32:19] distinguish between a condo and an
[32:22] apartment? Are are are we ask talking
[32:24] about rentals or is there some other
[32:28] criteria?
[32:28] >> Go over to Miss Call um through the
[32:30] » Go over to Miss Call um through the
[32:30] mayor to counselor Michelle. So, a condo
[32:33] can be is just um a type of ownership.
[32:36] It can be any type of building. So we
[32:37] have condo, town houses, apartments. The
[32:40] actual physical structure is an
[32:41] apartment building. I believe it's
[32:43] planned to be rental
[32:45] >> or is this not determined yet?
[32:48] » or is this not determined yet?
[32:48] >> I don't know.
[32:50] » I don't know.
[32:50] >> But physically it will be an apartment
[32:52] » But physically it will be an apartment
[32:52] building. Condo will just determine
[32:54] whether each unit is owned separately or
[32:56] if the whole building's owned by one
[32:57] person.
[33:02] » Uh thank you. Uh so through the mayor to
[33:05] councelor Michelle. So yes, from a from
[33:07] the ownership group standpoint, um
[33:09] they're right now obviously in the
[33:11] initial um land use approvals, um really
[33:15] what's going to drive uh whether it's
[33:17] condo or rental will really be market
[33:19] conditions at the time of construction,
[33:20] which um depending on how how long site
[33:23] plan takes if there's no market.
[33:27] So it could be 3 years from now that
[33:29] right now maybe apartments make sense,
[33:31] maybe in 3 years condo makes sense,
[33:32] maybe it's the opposite. So, um,
[33:35] following site plan approval is when
[33:36] they would have to decide if they wanted
[33:39] to do, uh, a condominium because then
[33:41] another an additional application is
[33:43] required to folk county um, for a condo
[33:46] a condominium uh, application which then
[33:48] allows units to be registered with the
[33:50] land registry office. If it was just
[33:52] apartments following site plan approval,
[33:54] it would be under one ownership,
[33:56] obviously the ownership group of the
[33:57] apartment complex. Um, so market
[34:00] conditions is the answer and that'll be
[34:02] when they're done the site plan uh
[34:04] approvals process when that decision
[34:06] will will likely be made. Uh, hopefully
[34:09] that answers the question.
[34:12] >> Thank you.
[34:14] » Thank you.
[34:14] Uh, madame mayor, we do uh we did note
[34:17] uh just in the bylaw. So, uh the only
[34:19] parking requirement we did notice just
[34:21] in the uh implementing bylaw. Um it does
[34:24] say uh no parking shall be located
[34:27] closer than 3 mters from any interior
[34:29] lot line. Uh as shown on the site plan,
[34:31] we're showing 2 meters um rather than
[34:34] three. Three is the bylaw requirement.
[34:36] So just there is a typo in the
[34:37] implementing bylaw that does need to be
[34:39] fixed. Um, we are showing as per our
[34:43] request the the 2 m setback from the
[34:44] interior lot line. And if council does
[34:47] want information on the garbage, I'm
[34:49] happy to answer.
[34:51] >> Sure. While you're up here, go for
[34:52] » Sure. While you're up here, go for
[34:52] >> While I'm up here, I'll use I'll use the
[34:54] » While I'm up here, I'll use I'll use the
[34:54] opportunity. So, uh, the garbages
[34:56] themselves, uh, Yep. There's no setback
[34:57] from property lines. Um, they will be
[34:59] the mole system. If you've ever seen
[35:01] those, they're the the they're not the
[35:03] big dumpsters that roll in and out.
[35:05] They're the mole lock system that sits
[35:06] deeper into the ground. Um they're those
[35:09] round ones that have those dome shape um
[35:11] that seal tightly. Um then they come in,
[35:14] the garbage truck cranes them out um and
[35:16] dumps them in. Um they are uh they were
[35:19] designed um for that reduce smell,
[35:22] reduce the eyesore of a closed in area
[35:25] with um fences because they don't need
[35:27] to be closed in generally by fencing. Um
[35:30] so it's that mo system. I think they're
[35:32] at the Tim Hortons uh by the bridge. if
[35:35] anybody does want to take a look at what
[35:36] the mole uh molec looks like. Um so
[35:39] they're just they go vertically into the
[35:41] ground a lot deeper um take a take up
[35:43] less area and then obviously have a a
[35:45] much uh firmer ceiling uh lid on them.
[35:48] Um so that's to help to reduce those
[35:50] concerns with smell and visual appeal
[35:52] and and things like that. So
[35:55] >> councelor Deathy, was that going to be
[35:56] » councelor Deathy, was that going to be
[35:56] your question? Okay, councelor Brenton.
[35:59] >> Thank you Mayor Martin. question, Scott,
[36:01] » Thank you Mayor Martin. question, Scott,
[36:01] is uh is there some kind of storm water
[36:03] storage on site that you're I assume
[36:06] you're looking at?
[36:07] >> Yes. So, uh through the mayor, um yes.
[36:09] » Yes. So, uh through the mayor, um yes.
[36:09] Uh so there will be an underground
[36:11] there'll be underground chambers.
[36:12] >> Um I'm not an engineer and I won't
[36:14] » Um I'm not an engineer and I won't
[36:14] pretend to be one. Okay.
[36:15] >> Um but generally on these sites, if you
[36:17] » Um but generally on these sites, if you
[36:17] don't have a storm water management
[36:18] pond, you have underground chambers,
[36:20] storage chambers that the water gets
[36:21] collected into and then released into
[36:23] the uh municipal sewer and then taken
[36:26] wherever it outlets to uh from there. So
[36:29] the question always gets confusing for
[36:31] me. It's if it's condominium, they look
[36:34] after it, but if it's in this case, if
[36:36] it's rentals, I assume the owner looks
[36:39] after it. It's all on his property.
[36:41] >> So uh through the mayor. So uh sorry,
[36:43] » So uh through the mayor. So uh sorry,
[36:43] counselor.
[36:44] >> I don't know if Andrew is that
[36:49] » I I will happily take the question.
[36:50] >> Yeah, go ahead, Scott.
[36:51] » Yeah, go ahead, Scott.
[36:51] >> So from a if it's a condo, if it's a
[36:53] » So from a if it's a condo, if it's a
[36:53] condo, the condo corporation is
[36:54] responsible for it. So, all of the
[36:57] tenants collectively are responsible
[36:58] through the condo corporation. If it's
[37:00] rental, then it's the whoever the owner
[37:02] of the apartment is is responsible for
[37:04] the on-site uh system.
[37:06] >> Okay. Thank you.
[37:08] » Okay. Thank you.
[37:08] >> Good with that, Mr. Grace. Thanks. Okay.
[37:11] » Good with that, Mr. Grace. Thanks. Okay.
[37:11] Any other questions for Scott while he's
[37:13] up here? We can dismiss him again and go
[37:16] back to the staff report. Thanks, Scott,
[37:18] for that additional information. That's
[37:19] very helpful.
[37:20] >> Thank you, council.
[37:20] » Thank you, council.
[37:20] >> Any other questions for our staff on the
[37:23] » Any other questions for our staff on the
[37:23] staff report?
[37:26] I think the only thing that hasn't been
[37:29] addressed,
[37:30] we spoke at the public hearing meeting
[37:33] and had engineering comments on the
[37:35] record about traffic volumes and safety.
[37:40] The garbage has now been addressed. I
[37:42] think it's just um Margaret's comments.
[37:46] So, uh maybe I can pose this one to
[37:51] staff. the 1.5
[37:54] million homes from the government maybe
[37:56] through to Miss Call. Do you feel
[37:58] stressed to approve housing units
[38:01] inappropriately to meet 1.5 million
[38:03] homes?
[38:04] >> Um to the mayor, no, I don't feel
[38:07] » Um to the mayor, no, I don't feel
[38:07] stressed about it. I think in this
[38:08] circumstance, staff are satisfied
[38:10] regardless of the provincial direction
[38:11] that it's an appropriate spot for an
[38:14] apartment building.
[38:15] >> Okay. Thank you. And
[38:18] » Okay. Thank you. And
[38:18] um to maybe miss call again, have any
[38:21] assessments been done specifically in
[38:24] Norfolk to tell us what type of housing
[38:26] types we should be driving towards or do
[38:29] you have any uh information off the top
[38:31] of your head? Or from a planning
[38:34] perspective, do you prefer a certain
[38:36] type of housing? Can you comment on that
[38:38] for uh Miss Trucker's
[38:42] » um to the mayor? So, the official plan
[38:45] does direct us to have a variety of
[38:48] housing types. Um, this is an and to use
[38:52] land efficiently. Um, I don't know that
[38:53] we have anything that says this is what
[38:55] percent of apartments we need, that type
[38:57] of thing. But, we don't get a ton of
[38:58] apartment proposals. So, we also know
[39:00] that there's a very low vacancy rate for
[39:03] rentals in Norfol County. So, that's
[39:04] another reason we would be supportive of
[39:06] this. Again, it's very case by case on
[39:08] what's appropriate in what location. But
[39:11] um for this circumstance, I think it
[39:12] kind of checks the box um in terms of
[39:15] higher density in an appropriate
[39:17] location, not too high density,
[39:19] servicing's available. Um yeah, so we're
[39:22] supportive.
[39:23] >> Okay, thanks for that. Last time I
[39:24] » Okay, thanks for that. Last time I
[39:24] checked, it was 0.4% rental vacancy in
[39:27] Norfol County, which is very, very low.
[39:31] Um and then lastly,
[39:34] hospitals provincial, schools
[39:36] provincial, OP provincial. Not that
[39:39] we're passing the buck, but um those
[39:43] aren't factors or contributing parts of
[39:47] the conversation on the municipal
[39:49] planning level when we decide about
[39:51] housing. It would be lovely to have more
[39:53] resources for all of the above.
[39:55] Certainly in our community, no doubt. Uh
[39:57] but those are not reasons for council to
[40:00] be able to deny um a housing unit. If we
[40:04] said we we didn't approve the housing
[40:05] unit because we felt we didn't have
[40:07] enough OP resources that would not give
[40:10] us a leg to stand on in the appeal
[40:12] process. So I just wanted to comment on
[40:14] those three items for you. Councelor Van
[40:16] Passen.
[40:18] >> Thanks Madam Mayor. Just one other
[40:20] » Thanks Madam Mayor. Just one other
[40:20] little thing. Um, is the agent correct
[40:23] that that is a typo in the bylaw on the
[40:26] uh 2 meter setback for the parking
[40:27] spaces?
[40:29] It is what's on the map right now
[40:31] >> through the mayor to counselor Van
[40:33] » through the mayor to counselor Van
[40:33] Passin. Uh, yes, it was supposed to both
[40:35] say there's two setback reliefs in there
[40:37] and they were both supposed to say two.
[40:38] So, I did confirm with Scott and I've
[40:40] asked Lincoln to correct that for us.
[40:43] >> Just make sure the clerk gets it
[40:45] » Just make sure the clerk gets it
[40:45] converted when we do the bylaws before
[40:47] the end of the meeting.
[40:49] >> Okay. All right. Thank you very much
[40:51] » Okay. All right. Thank you very much
[40:51] everyone. Uh so there is a staff
[40:53] recommendation before council. Does
[40:55] someone wish to move that or propose an
[40:57] alternative?
[40:59] Councelor Columbus.
[41:01] >> So moved.
[41:01] » So moved.
[41:01] >> Thank you very much. Is there a
[41:03] » Thank you very much. Is there a
[41:03] seconder?
[41:04] Councelor Van Passen. Any debate or
[41:06] discussion on the topic? Councelor
[41:08] Columbus, the floor is yours. Just
[41:10] wanted to say at the October 8th public
[41:12] hearing committee meeting, I did
[41:13] question Scott about reducing the number
[41:16] of floors from five to four and he had
[41:19] indicated that it may not be a viable
[41:21] project. So I'm really happy to see that
[41:23] this is happening and it's relieved a
[41:25] lot of the other criteria that had to be
[41:27] met.
[41:28] >> Thank you.
[41:28] » Thank you.
[41:28] >> Agreed. Thank you. Anyone on the screen
[41:31] » Agreed. Thank you. Anyone on the screen
[41:31] wish to debate?
[41:34] Okay, I'm going to call the question.
[41:36] All in favor?
[41:38] That's carried unanimously. Thank you.
[41:45] Next, uh we don't do not have any
[41:48] presentations on our agenda, so we'll
[41:49] move along to approval of the minutes.
[41:52] First up is item 9.1, which is the
[41:54] council meeting minutes of December
[41:56] 16th, 2025.
[41:59] Moved by
[42:02] Councelor Bruntton and seconded by
[42:03] councelor Huffman. All in favor?
[42:08] carried reports of committee of the
[42:10] whole 10.1 is the council and committee
[42:13] meeting minutes of January 13th and 10.2
[42:16] Two is the budget committee meeting
[42:18] minutes November 20th, 2025.
[42:23] Mover and a seconder, please. Councelor
[42:25] Michelle and councelor Barry. All in
[42:27] favor?
[42:30] Carried.
[42:32] Advisory committee meeting minutes
[42:36] before you. We have quite a few. Uh does
[42:40] anyone wish to speak to any of them?
[42:45] Okay. Okay. 11.1 through to 11.7.
[42:54] All right. Is there a mover and a
[42:56] seconder to receive all of the above as
[42:59] information? Councelor Van Andrishi and
[43:01] Barry move. All in favor?
[43:06] Carried. Any opposed? Nope. We're good.
[43:09] Staff reports and discussions again. So
[43:11] nothing under community and development
[43:12] services uh corporate services. will
[43:15] move right along to staff report
[43:17] CS260001
[43:19] over to Mr. Fleming to give us our
[43:21] update on the water and wastewater
[43:23] collection policy and program update.
[43:34] Uh good afternoon council. Um, so I'm
[43:37] just here today to speak on our water
[43:39] and wastewater uh collection policy
[43:41] again at the committee meeting uh two
[43:43] weeks ago on January 13th. Uh committee
[43:47] deferred report CS26-001
[43:50] uh looking for more information
[43:51] particularly around our user fees that
[43:54] were estimated for the purposes of our
[43:56] rears collection notices. As to
[43:58] supplement the discussion today, I we
[44:01] have prepared an additional memo as
[44:03] included as part of this agenda uh which
[44:05] provides a bit more information on that.
[44:08] Uh based on council or committee's
[44:10] direction, uh staff undertook a more
[44:12] wholesome review of an estimated uh fees
[44:16] uh based on a bit more of a deep dive
[44:18] into them. Uh table one of our
[44:20] supplemental memo summarizes the fees
[44:23] that were calculated to be a cost
[44:25] recovery basis. Uh you'll note that in
[44:28] our the original report, the fee for the
[44:31] 6-day reminder uh was set at uh or
[44:34] estimate of $5. Uh revised it's at $4.28
[44:39] and the other two for the 30 and 45day
[44:41] have been revised down from $10 to
[44:43] $6.73.
[44:46] I just want to put out a reminder that
[44:48] these fees are not intended to generate
[44:50] money, but they are to ensure that those
[44:52] that benefit from the services or
[44:53] reminder notices are paying for those
[44:55] services and the costs of those are not
[44:57] passed on to other users within the rate
[44:59] base. Uh table two within that memo
[45:02] provides a bit of a summary in terms of
[45:04] if those fees are not charged, what the
[45:06] impacts would be for the average
[45:07] residential rate user. Uh in aggregate
[45:10] it would be about $4 annually.
[45:13] There was also some discussion at the
[45:15] committee meeting as well around the
[45:17] paper bill sir charge of $2 per bill.
[45:20] Staff are confident that number remains
[45:22] uh consistent with what was prepared
[45:25] originally. And just for context as
[45:27] well, similar to what was are shown in
[45:29] table two. Staff also pulled the similar
[45:31] number for as presented in table three
[45:34] on a basis of 25% of people would be
[45:36] signed up for ebilling. the remaining
[45:38] 75% that receive paper bills, that cost
[45:40] would be passed on to the other existing
[45:42] rate users uh and result in $5.69
[45:46] savings should council adopt a rate for
[45:49] that for the average residential
[45:50] property. Um we are again uh these are
[45:54] still estimates these rates and they
[45:56] won't be finalized until presented as
[45:57] part of the 2027
[45:59] uh user fee bylaw. Uh we're looking
[46:02] forward to uh bringing some more
[46:05] information back at that at a later date
[46:07] uh once that becomes available and
[46:08] looking forward to having the discussion
[46:10] today to hopefully uh get this policy
[46:12] approved if we can. Uh we are available
[46:15] should committee have any questions or
[46:16] council have any questions. We're more
[46:18] than happy to to dive into it a bit more
[46:20] if you there are
[46:22] >> questions from council.
[46:25] » questions from council.
[46:25] Councelor Brenton.
[46:28] >> Thank you Mayor Martin. I I'm um not
[46:31] » Thank you Mayor Martin. I I'm um not
[46:31] sure if this is the place to ask the
[46:33] question, but I had a call last week
[46:34] from an individual that had a water bill
[46:37] problem uh with a tenant and I I tried
[46:42] to explain to him where this is going,
[46:44] but my question uh he indicated there's
[46:47] an app app available to monitor water
[46:51] use in a is that is that are you aware
[46:55] of that or no?
[46:59] Mr. Grace.
[47:00] >> Yes. Uh certainly. So through the mayor,
[47:02] » Yes. Uh certainly. So through the mayor,
[47:02] yes, there are various apps depending on
[47:04] the provider you have for your meter
[47:06] technology or your billing uh provider.
[47:08] Uh we are currently working with our
[47:10] meter provider, Census, and that is
[47:12] something that we will have live uh in
[47:13] the near future. It is really intended,
[47:16] as you said, to provide people access to
[47:17] the real-time water usage, but is to
[47:19] avoid having leaks on your property that
[47:21] may go undetected. So we hope to roll
[47:23] that out sometime uh hopefully by summer
[47:26] this year. Um and we'll have some
[47:27] communications and outreach that go
[47:29] along with it so people are aware of how
[47:30] to use it.
[47:31] >> Okay. And is that part of the the um
[47:35] » Okay. And is that part of the the um
[47:35] where the landlord has to get permission
[47:38] from the tenant the two of them have to
[47:41] agree on that? I assume it's
[47:42] confidential if it's the uh if it's the
[47:46] tenant to use that app. Am I would that
[47:49] make sense?
[47:50] >> Uh so through the mayor I think that's
[47:52] » Uh so through the mayor I think that's
[47:52] something we'll have to look at in more
[47:53] detail. I haven't thought of the
[47:54] logistics around the the tenant landlord
[47:57] relationship, but um I'm certainly
[47:59] there's something we can work through
[48:00] whether it's a sign off to allow access
[48:03] or that. We'll we'll certainly explore
[48:04] that as part of our roll out.
[48:06] >> Well, that's that I I what I understand
[48:09] » Well, that's that I I what I understand
[48:09] is we're going to have that uh ability
[48:12] of the landlord to deal with the tenant
[48:15] and keep track of his own uh usage. If
[48:19] it's his building, he's paying the bill
[48:21] if it doesn't get paid. Correct. Yeah,
[48:23] through through the chair. Uh yes, that
[48:25] is correct. So under our current system
[48:26] for water bills, uh we do have a signoff
[48:29] process uh with our current provider
[48:31] where landlords can gain access to
[48:33] tenant accounts. Uh so that's an
[48:35] existing process that I'm sure um could
[48:38] be utilized for a similar kind of
[48:40] purpose. Um I will say though under our
[48:43] collection policy that we're proposing
[48:44] today, um that's before you the all
[48:48] water accounts while the primary owner
[48:50] will be the property owner. Um so that
[48:52] sign off process and releases won't be
[48:54] necessary because it'll be um the
[48:57] property owner will have that
[48:58] information by virtue of being the
[49:00] primary account holder.
[49:02] >> Okay. I thank you
[49:04] » Okay. I thank you
[49:04] >> councelor Columbus.
[49:06] » councelor Columbus.
[49:06] >> Thank you madam mayor and uh I still
[49:09] » Thank you madam mayor and uh I still
[49:09] have a concern with respect to the
[49:10] bimonthly billing. I just think that
[49:14] going two months is going to be too
[49:16] difficult for a lot of families, large
[49:18] families, pensionable seniors.
[49:21] And uh I don't know how everybody else
[49:24] feels about it, but I just think it's I
[49:26] know you can do uh e billilling and e
[49:29] payments, but a lot of people in our
[49:31] county are not familiar with that
[49:32] process.
[49:34] Just a quick reminder, councelor Huffman
[49:36] raised it last time, but the uh system
[49:38] does have the equal billing in it, so it
[49:40] will be consistent and and predictable,
[49:43] I suppose.
[49:45] Any other questions for staff at this
[49:47] point in time, councelor Barry.
[49:52] >> Uh, excuse me. Thank you, mayor, and
[49:54] » Uh, excuse me. Thank you, mayor, and
[49:54] through you to Rob, I guess. Um, last
[49:58] time we had this this come up, we had a
[50:01] discussion about arars and and and
[50:03] different uh different issues about that
[50:06] and and I'm wondering um I just want to
[50:09] follow up on that. I'm wondering if we
[50:10] know uh or could find out how Norol
[50:14] County is in terms of relative to
[50:16] similar municipalities. Like do we have
[50:19] more people in our rears, fewer people
[50:21] in our rears? Are we about the same?
[50:22] Like I just I'd just like to have a
[50:24] better sense of um where we are on that
[50:28] um for a couple reasons. one just to
[50:30] make sure that our policies and things
[50:32] are are correct like relative to uh
[50:35] other communities and and you know the
[50:37] the people that aren't paying or use
[50:39] those as reasons to not pay but also um
[50:42] you know just as it becomes politicized
[50:45] I would like to know you know is is is
[50:46] are the 600 accounts in a rears a lot or
[50:49] a little is the percentage higher or
[50:53] lower is there any way we can find that
[50:54] out please
[50:57] >> uh through the chair yes I We did try to
[51:00] » uh through the chair yes I We did try to
[51:00] take a look and pull some values on that
[51:02] from the last discussion two weeks ago
[51:04] at CIC. Um it's a bit it's a bit
[51:08] challenging I suppose to to pull that
[51:09] information just by the nature of how
[51:12] water and wastewater works. Um many
[51:14] municipalities
[51:16] have adopted a tax rolling process for
[51:19] counselor and inner rears. Uh so in
[51:22] reality their arars are much lower as
[51:25] presented on their financial statements
[51:27] for example than they would be because
[51:28] of that tax billing. It's a bit
[51:30] different I guess what I'm saying than
[51:31] from property taxes where property tax
[51:32] accounts are the definitive point and
[51:35] many municipalities report on where that
[51:37] is at year end. Um, but water and
[51:40] wastewater just with the how they're
[51:42] collected upon with the tax rolling
[51:44] process after 60 days or 90 days past
[51:46] due, it's a bit of a a challenge I guess
[51:49] to to get that information. Um, what I
[51:51] can say though is we did take a look at
[51:54] uh uh what other municipalities do in
[51:56] terms of our overall kind of timeline to
[51:59] tax rolling and what we've seen is that
[52:01] it's fairly consistent across the board.
[52:03] uh some of the powers have adopted other
[52:06] other timelines for tax rolling but I I
[52:08] don't think what we're proposing 60 days
[52:10] is outside of the norm. Uh in aggregate
[52:13] annually we tax roll about 900,000 in
[52:16] water and wastewater rears so about
[52:17] 75,000 a month. um which
[52:22] I would say as a percentage of rears if
[52:24] you look at just that million it'd be
[52:26] consistent with what we have uh
[52:29] outstanding for our property taxes but
[52:31] it's not a direct apples to apples
[52:33] comparison just by the nature of how the
[52:35] the aging of the the difference in
[52:37] accounts go from period to period.
[52:41] >> Okay. No, I understand all that and I
[52:43] » Okay. No, I understand all that and I
[52:43] and I appreciate the update. I just um
[52:47] Okay, fair enough. And if it occurs, but
[52:49] if it does occur to you or anyone else
[52:51] in finance that there might be a way to
[52:52] see how Norfolk compares in that regard,
[52:54] I would really appreciate that update
[52:56] because I don't want this to be that um
[52:59] you know, obviously it's not good. I
[53:00] understand it's not good to have any
[53:01] inner rears, but I don't want this to be
[53:03] framed as a particularly bad Norfolk
[53:06] issue if we're consistent with other
[53:08] municipalities or or even worse if it
[53:11] gets misconstrued if we're actually
[53:12] doing a little better. So that that's um
[53:15] that's all I want to get to. So if
[53:16] there's ever any metrics or you it comes
[53:18] across a way that to report how we're
[53:20] doing, I'd really appreciate that
[53:21] update. Okay. Thank you,
[53:23] >> Councelor Huffman.
[53:27] » Thank you, Mayor Martin through you. I
[53:28] was just wondering if Mr. Fleming could
[53:30] just recap again on those fees. I know
[53:33] that the paper bills are going to be $2
[53:37] and if you could just recap on the fees
[53:39] again. I just um I didn't quite get the
[53:42] the one.
[53:44] >> Yeah. Yep. through the through the uh
[53:46] » Yeah. Yep. through the through the uh
[53:46] mayor. Um based on table one, so the
[53:49] information contained table one of the
[53:51] supplemental memo, the 6day automated
[53:54] reminder was originally estimated at $5.
[53:58] It has been revised down to $4.28.
[54:02] The 30-day reminder notice was
[54:05] originally estimated at $10. It has been
[54:08] a revised estimate of $6.73.
[54:12] Uh the $6.73
[54:14] revised estimate is also applicable for
[54:16] the 45day uh transfer to tax rule
[54:19] warning.
[54:21] >> Okay. Thank you very much. I was just
[54:23] » Okay. Thank you very much. I was just
[54:23] wondering, Mayor Martin, when it comes
[54:25] time, I'd like to make a motion
[54:28] regarding the fees.
[54:31] >> Sure. I don't uh believe I have I Oh,
[54:34] » Sure. I don't uh believe I have I Oh,
[54:34] I'll come back to you, Councelor Deathy.
[54:36] >> Okay. All right. Thanks.
[54:37] » Okay. All right. Thanks.
[54:37] >> Thank you, Mayor Martino. Can I um Mr.
[54:40] » Thank you, Mayor Martino. Can I um Mr.
[54:40] Fleming, thank you for the work that you
[54:41] did on this from the last time we saw
[54:43] it. What goes into the 6day automated
[54:47] reminder that cost $4.28
[54:50] uh through the mayor. Um so we tried to
[54:53] give a flavor of what kind of goes into
[54:55] the the anal or the calculation for each
[54:57] of the fees. Um
[55:00] so with the six the six day automated
[55:02] reminder notice, the first thing would
[55:03] be the system that would generate the
[55:05] phone calls. Um if that's the option we
[55:07] decided to go with. Um that would be I
[55:10] think we estimated at about 5,000 a year
[55:12] uh which was previously noted at the
[55:14] CIC. Uh with any reminder actions or
[55:18] collection actions that we do um there
[55:20] is a process that needs to get done in
[55:22] advance of that. Um that would be
[55:23] validating the information um that gets
[55:26] exported reviewing the aged accounts to
[55:28] make sure that we send notices or
[55:30] contact the individuals that actually
[55:32] require to be contacted. Um, and then
[55:34] once those con those uh those go out the
[55:37] door, uh whether um automated or if
[55:40] they're email or by mail, um then we
[55:44] also have the associated follow-up that
[55:46] goes with that. Um, so typically with
[55:48] our our reminder notice fees, any of the
[55:51] follow-up work with somebody might call
[55:53] in um and
[55:56] uh say that they've paid, there's the
[55:57] follow-up work and looking at people's
[55:59] accounts um and all the uh the post kind
[56:04] of work that goes into it. Um in the for
[56:07] context in the report itself or the
[56:09] supplemental memo, we had a look at
[56:11] property tax reminder notices. Obviously
[56:13] the volume's a bit different um but we
[56:17] believe that the work effort would be
[56:18] similar uh in comparison just at a much
[56:21] smaller scale and all the followup and
[56:23] balancing and uh it's all factored into
[56:26] that that cost of $4
[56:29] 28.
[56:31] Thank you for that. I I will confess
[56:34] some of the comments around uh basically
[56:37] reviewing to make sure we've got it
[56:38] right gives me tiny bit of concern that
[56:40] we're doing it after the fact.
[56:42] Um on in your experience,
[56:46] how often is that first reminder all it
[56:49] takes?
[56:52] >> Um that's that's a great question. Um so
[56:53] » Um that's that's a great question. Um so
[56:54] obviously we don't have a great kind of
[56:56] foundation for determining that because
[56:57] this is a new new service for us. Um I
[57:00] would say if we looked at our tax
[57:03] reminder notices as a great example u
[57:06] because they would follow a similar kind
[57:08] of timeline. um they are reasonably
[57:12] effective um in in driving payments. Uh
[57:17] we see that uh I said we send about
[57:19] 5,500
[57:21] um for property taxes and that is much
[57:24] of the work that my team does for the
[57:25] following two weeks uh is follow up
[57:27] associated with those reminder notices
[57:29] and dealing with uh the residence
[57:30] inquiries. Um and just by virtue of that
[57:34] I I I we do end up clearing a a decent
[57:39] amount of a rears just from the initial
[57:41] notice itself.
[57:43] So like 50% of them 25
[57:51] » I think I would if I was to look at so
[57:54] for example um we send reminder notices
[57:57] for taxes in November and we had about
[58:01] 5500 we did it again in January and we
[58:04] had reminder notices of about 3,000 uh
[58:07] so we cut it in half roughly between
[58:10] those two reminder notices.
[58:15] Any other questions for staff at this
[58:16] point? Councelor Bruntton.
[58:18] >> Thank you, Mayor Martin. Um, I'm trying
[58:21] » Thank you, Mayor Martin. Um, I'm trying
[58:21] to get a handle on something here. Uh,
[58:23] the you say on a given year 900,000 is
[58:26] about the value of a rears for water.
[58:31] Am I am I right on that
[58:33] >> through the chair? That is the rear
[58:34] » through the chair? That is the rear
[58:34] amounts are transferred to property
[58:36] taxes 900,000.
[58:37] >> Okay. And that's that's progressive over
[58:39] » Okay. And that's that's progressive over
[58:39] a 12-month period, I take to get to
[58:41] that, right? How quick does the 1 and
[58:44] a4% kick in on the on a on a delinquent
[58:48] water bill?
[58:49] >> Uh through the mayor, the interest would
[58:52] » Uh through the mayor, the interest would
[58:52] start be charged on the first day of
[58:53] default, similar to how taxes are
[58:56] operating.
[58:57] >> Okay. So, does that interest you make uh
[59:01] » Okay. So, does that interest you make uh
[59:01] 1 and a4%
[59:03] does it get credited back to the rate
[59:05] budget or does it stay in the taxes tax
[59:09] I guess the levy budget if I could use
[59:11] that word?
[59:12] >> What happens to it?
[59:13] » What happens to it?
[59:13] >> Yeah. through the mayor. Uh any interest
[59:15] » Yeah. through the mayor. Uh any interest
[59:15] that would be generated from water and
[59:18] wastewater past due amounts u would be
[59:20] factored into the rate budget until such
[59:22] time that they're transferred to the
[59:24] property tax levy or the property tax
[59:26] account.
[59:28] >> I realize but that's what I'm sooner or
[59:30] » I realize but that's what I'm sooner or
[59:30] later that somebody comes to pay that
[59:32] tax bill which could include a portion
[59:35] of the the water bill. Correct.
[59:38] >> Uh through the mayor that that would be
[59:40] » Uh through the mayor that that would be
[59:40] correct. Yes.
[59:40] >> Okay. So does that credit back then to
[59:43] » Okay. So does that credit back then to
[59:43] the rate like I guess it's very
[59:45] difficult to keep track of but does that
[59:47] inch inch and a quarter one and a4%
[59:52] does it all get credited back to the to
[59:54] the water bill uh through the mayor uh
[59:57] no it would not uh similar to other
[59:59] items that would get transferred to the
[1:00:01] tax role of a property once it gets
[1:00:03] transferred it becomes the
[1:00:04] responsibility of individuals that are
[1:00:07] funded by the tax base to collect that
[1:00:10] outstanding amount uh similar to is now
[1:00:13] u with water and wastewater rers once
[1:00:14] they're added um it's tax collection
[1:00:18] staff would be responsible for ensuring
[1:00:20] those amounts are collected uh and
[1:00:22] that's similar for any other item that
[1:00:24] gets whether it's accounts receivable or
[1:00:27] um
[1:00:29] >> that's a I can if I can say it's a bit
[1:00:32] » that's a I can if I can say it's a bit
[1:00:32] of a bonus to the uh taxpayer
[1:00:35] taxpayer not the rateayer
[1:00:40] thank Thank you, Madam Mayor.
[1:00:41] >> Councelor Huffman, you want to provide
[1:00:43] » Councelor Huffman, you want to provide
[1:00:43] some direction to staff?
[1:00:46] >> Um, yes. Thank you, Mayor Martin. Um,
[1:00:49] » Um, yes. Thank you, Mayor Martin. Um,
[1:00:49] I'm just I I'm going back to the
[1:00:52] original intent of bringing this in
[1:00:55] house and it was from the mayor's
[1:00:56] affordability roundt. So, the consensus
[1:01:00] was being how can we make things more
[1:01:02] affordable for people in Norfolk. So
[1:01:04] obviously it's been proven to bring it
[1:01:06] inhouse does provide a significant
[1:01:09] savings but however I I know I've
[1:01:12] mentioned this before. It costs a lot of
[1:01:14] money to not have a lot of money and and
[1:01:17] I don't want to
[1:01:20] put more burden on those that are
[1:01:22] already struggling. So, I would like to
[1:01:23] propose a motion that the first um
[1:01:26] contact made with um the rateayer would
[1:01:31] be $2 and the next two notices would be
[1:01:34] $5.
[1:01:36] That is my motion.
[1:01:38] >> Okay, that's on the floor. Is there a
[1:01:40] » Okay, that's on the floor. Is there a
[1:01:40] seconder for that?
[1:01:45] » Okay.
[1:01:46] >> Okay. See,
[1:01:49] » Okay. See,
[1:01:49] Council Michelle is seconding. Okay.
[1:01:52] debate and discussion on that. Councelor
[1:01:55] Barry.
[1:01:58] >> Yeah, excuse me. Thanks, Councelor
[1:01:59] » Yeah, excuse me. Thanks, Councelor
[1:01:59] Huffman for doing that. I was thinking
[1:02:01] of something similar, but not quite
[1:02:03] that. Um I I will support this
[1:02:07] in theory, but I you know, if I can make
[1:02:09] a suggestion um just for maybe a
[1:02:11] potential change if everybody likes it.
[1:02:13] Maybe the first one's free, but we jack
[1:02:14] those second two back up to 10. So this
[1:02:17] the first one is, you know,
[1:02:20] just a reminder, here's your freebie.
[1:02:23] Next one is is is more substantial. That
[1:02:25] way they they don't get hit right away,
[1:02:26] but they they get that uh friendly free
[1:02:28] reminder. So anyways, either way, I'll I
[1:02:30] I'll probably support something like
[1:02:32] this. I just don't know if I I I will go
[1:02:33] with these amounts yet.
[1:02:35] >> Okay.
[1:02:36] » Okay.
[1:02:36] >> Is that uh that amendment suitable,
[1:02:39] » Is that uh that amendment suitable,
[1:02:39] Councelor Huffman,
[1:02:41] >> or want to stick with your direction?
[1:02:43] » or want to stick with your direction?
[1:02:43] >> Well, I'm still thinking that that 10 is
[1:02:45] » Well, I'm still thinking that that 10 is
[1:02:45] high. Um,
[1:02:48] I mean that that could be I I just think
[1:02:51] it's high. I I want to stick with the
[1:02:53] five for the following two. I that's
[1:02:56] where I'm I'm sticking with that. Feel
[1:02:59] like I'm on a game shop.
[1:03:00] >> We'll stick with your motion.
[1:03:02] » We'll stick with your motion.
[1:03:02] >> Okay. Thank you.
[1:03:03] » Okay. Thank you.
[1:03:03] >> Okay,
[1:03:06] » Okay,
[1:03:06] >> Council Shelly debate
[1:03:08] » Council Shelly debate
[1:03:08] >> then. Council.
[1:03:09] » then. Council.
[1:03:09] >> Thanks, Madam Mayor. Um, I just want to
[1:03:11] » Thanks, Madam Mayor. Um, I just want to
[1:03:11] get maybe clarification from the mover.
[1:03:13] Um,
[1:03:15] are we Oh, I see it's on the screen now.
[1:03:18] Okay,
[1:03:20] so
[1:03:20] >> we're sticking with the original motion.
[1:03:22] » we're sticking with the original motion.
[1:03:22] No changes.
[1:03:23] >> Okay, so it was
[1:03:25] » Okay, so it was
[1:03:25] $2 and then fives. Okay, thank you.
[1:03:29] >> Councelor Van Andrei debate. Go ahead.
[1:03:36] » You are muted.
[1:03:41] I'm so sorry. Um I have it on my phone
[1:03:45] here. I can't get it on my laptop. So
[1:03:47] obviously it is very small. So I'd like
[1:03:49] clarification that the first is two and
[1:03:52] the next is five and five. Is that what
[1:03:55] I heard?
[1:03:55] >> That is correct.
[1:03:56] » That is correct.
[1:03:56] >> Yes.
[1:03:57] » Yes.
[1:03:57] >> Okay. I will support that then. Thank
[1:03:58] » Okay. I will support that then. Thank
[1:03:58] you. Um I I I would have gone with the
[1:04:01] first one as um a freebie as well as a
[1:04:05] reminder and then I would have gone with
[1:04:06] the five and five. But um this is this
[1:04:09] is fine here. Two is fine. Councelor
[1:04:11] Death.
[1:04:13] >> Uh, thank you, Madam Mayor. Through you,
[1:04:14] » Uh, thank you, Madam Mayor. Through you,
[1:04:14] Councelor Huffman, I appreciate the
[1:04:15] intent of the motion. Um, and overall,
[1:04:17] I'm not necessarily overly averse.
[1:04:19] However, um, I my concern when we
[1:04:22] discussed it last was that I think we're
[1:04:24] nickeling diamond nickel and dimming
[1:04:26] people. Uh, and I think the first
[1:04:28] contact at 6 days, uh, even if it is $2
[1:04:31] is silly. Um, on on this topic, I can
[1:04:36] see that it would be different for
[1:04:37] property tax, but on water and
[1:04:38] wastewater, not so much. So, I'm not
[1:04:40] going to support it because I think I'm
[1:04:42] hearing around the table that there's
[1:04:43] maybe some uh inclination for a change
[1:04:45] on that part.
[1:04:48] >> Councelor Van Passen.
[1:04:50] » Councelor Van Passen.
[1:04:50] >> Yes. Thanks, Madam Mayor. Um, when I
[1:04:52] » Yes. Thanks, Madam Mayor. Um, when I
[1:04:52] looked at even the memo, supplementary
[1:04:55] memo, it's called an automated reminder.
[1:04:58] Um, that's cost of doing business to
[1:05:01] charge $2 for that. It's going to cost
[1:05:04] more than the $2 to add that to the bill
[1:05:08] after they charge it. So, do you charge
[1:05:11] them another $2 for adding it to the
[1:05:13] bill? So, uh I would just completely
[1:05:16] forget about it. That's a cost of doing
[1:05:18] business. That first one, that's a
[1:05:19] gimme. Um there's no need for it at all.
[1:05:23] Now, the other two, um
[1:05:26] it's a little bit more of a a proddding
[1:05:29] them to pay the bill. But I got to ask
[1:05:31] staff again, under the current system,
[1:05:35] if that $10 fee or $5 fee or $750 fee is
[1:05:39] collected, where does that money end up?
[1:05:41] Does it end up in the pocket of the rate
[1:05:44] budget or does it end up in the pocket
[1:05:46] of the levy budget
[1:05:49] >> through the mayor? So any of the minor
[1:05:50] » through the mayor? So any of the minor
[1:05:50] notice fees up until the point of being
[1:05:54] transferred to taxes would be uh
[1:05:56] allocated to the rate budget.
[1:05:59] >> Okay. So, we're we're going to collect a
[1:06:01] » Okay. So, we're we're going to collect a
[1:06:01] fee to remind you you're late. That
[1:06:04] money stays within the pockets of the
[1:06:06] rate budget. So, it's only the users
[1:06:08] that either get the benefit or pay the
[1:06:10] bill. So, I have no problem reminding
[1:06:14] them to send us money. Um, I guess I
[1:06:18] don't have to worry about too many in my
[1:06:19] word worrying about that. But, um, and
[1:06:22] since this motion's on there, there was
[1:06:24] a question also last week about the $2
[1:06:26] for a paper bill. Can maybe we discuss
[1:06:29] all of those potential fees at once and
[1:06:32] then uh give staff a clear
[1:06:34] recommendation on how we'd like to see
[1:06:36] the policy drafted.
[1:06:39] >> Um
[1:06:40] » Um
[1:06:40] so your question is is the $2 rate still
[1:06:43] applicable if it's a paper mailout bill
[1:06:45] as opposed to the ebilling?
[1:06:48] >> Yeah, it's a a I don't know if you call
[1:06:51] » Yeah, it's a a I don't know if you call
[1:06:51] it a penalty for getting the paper bill
[1:06:53] cuz like uh already it needs a stamp.
[1:06:56] That's half of the money right there.
[1:06:58] But it's more of an incentive to get
[1:07:00] them on eBuilding is uh so they don't
[1:07:02] have to pay that extra fee. So I think
[1:07:05] that was the logic in the proposed
[1:07:08] policy. Right. So
[1:07:09] >> staff comment
[1:07:12] » staff comment
[1:07:12] >> uh through the mayor if I if I
[1:07:13] » uh through the mayor if I if I
[1:07:14] understand the the question correctly.
[1:07:15] It was uh that was the the intent uh to
[1:07:18] ensure that uh it's more of an incentive
[1:07:20] to get on to ebilling than it is a
[1:07:22] penalty for not being on ebilling. um if
[1:07:25] no one's on eBay, everyone incurs that
[1:07:26] cost and then there's no user fee,
[1:07:28] right? Uh because everyone benefits
[1:07:29] equally. Um but having the option of
[1:07:32] having ebilling available um is more of
[1:07:36] having the user fee more targets um the
[1:07:39] cost to those who benefit from having
[1:07:41] that paper bill if that's what they
[1:07:42] choose to have over emailing.
[1:07:46] >> Good. Councelor Huffman,
[1:07:50] » excuse me. Thank you, Mayor Martin. I am
[1:07:52] more than willing to resend the $2 for
[1:07:55] the initial notice. Um I just thought
[1:07:58] that that wouldn't fly if I put it at
[1:08:00] zero. Um I agree with uh councelor Van
[1:08:04] Passen and councelor Duffy. I don't want
[1:08:06] to be nickel and dimming and I think
[1:08:08] there is a cost to doing business and uh
[1:08:10] for being 6 days over to have to pay $2.
[1:08:13] I I see that as as a lot. So, I would be
[1:08:17] happy to um amend the motion to be um
[1:08:19] the first contact made with the rateayer
[1:08:22] be zero and the next two notices be $5
[1:08:25] each. I'm more than happy to amend that.
[1:08:27] >> And before I go to your second,
[1:08:29] » And before I go to your second,
[1:08:29] counselor Huffman, one of my suggestions
[1:08:31] at council and committee was that staff
[1:08:33] implement that for the first six months
[1:08:36] to get people familiar with the new
[1:08:38] billing process. is your amendment that
[1:08:41] that be included as a um six month like
[1:08:44] educational or or permanently?
[1:08:48] >> No, I I was thinking actually earlier
[1:08:50] » No, I I was thinking actually earlier
[1:08:50] today I was thinking about it being a
[1:08:52] little bit longer than 6 months. I
[1:08:54] wanted it to go maybe a year, but I'm
[1:08:56] open to suggestions. I just want to do
[1:08:59] the best that we can by the rateayer and
[1:09:01] to make this as as seamless as possible
[1:09:04] and and um as as productive as possible.
[1:09:09] So um I'm open to suggestions. 6 months
[1:09:12] is fine. I was kind of thinking a year,
[1:09:14] but I'll go 6 months.
[1:09:15] >> Okay. So the intent would be to to wave
[1:09:18] » Okay. So the intent would be to to wave
[1:09:18] the first bill. any um fees associated
[1:09:22] with that as an educational
[1:09:26] launching the new ebilling bi-weekly and
[1:09:29] so on and so forth. So the first
[1:09:31] question before I go to the seconder is
[1:09:33] is council in support of that as a
[1:09:38] six-month or longer process.
[1:09:41] Feedback on that from council please.
[1:09:47] » Councelor Bruntton then Duffy. Am I
[1:09:50] missing something here? If it's
[1:09:51] >> Van Andrei.
[1:09:52] » Van Andrei.
[1:09:52] >> Uh, thank you, Mayor Martin. I might I'm
[1:09:55] » Uh, thank you, Mayor Martin. I might I'm
[1:09:56] a little confused here. If it in six
[1:09:57] months, if it hasn't been paid, doesn't
[1:09:59] it will it not end up on the uh tax bill
[1:10:02] by then?
[1:10:04] Am I reading that right or am I wrong?
[1:10:06] >> I don't know how long it takes to move
[1:10:07] » I don't know how long it takes to move
[1:10:07] over to the tax bill, but that's not the
[1:10:09] question. They would then get their
[1:10:11] second and third bill at the $10 rates.
[1:10:14] So, we would still be billing them.
[1:10:15] Still trying to correct. The question
[1:10:17] now that we're considering is should we
[1:10:20] be offering this 0
[1:10:23] uh charge on the first notification as
[1:10:26] an educational period for 6 months, 8
[1:10:30] months, one year at which point in time
[1:10:32] that would lapse and there would be a
[1:10:34] fee associated with it. Does 6 months
[1:10:38] too short? I I understand that, Mayor
[1:10:41] Martin, but I I I guess I'm going right
[1:10:43] back to the if people can't afford to
[1:10:46] pay, eventually it's going to be at uh 1
[1:10:48] and a4% on the tax bill. It it's
[1:10:51] irrelevant. Two or10 or $5.
[1:10:54] >> Yep. If they can't afford to pay, they
[1:10:56] » Yep. If they can't afford to pay, they
[1:10:56] they will receive additional bills, but
[1:10:58] this motion is still applicable. So, I'm
[1:11:01] going to go to councelor Duffy, then Van
[1:11:03] Andrei for feedback specifically on the
[1:11:05] first bill.
[1:11:07] >> Okay. Thank you. That was my
[1:11:08] » Okay. Thank you. That was my
[1:11:08] clarification. So just whether it should
[1:11:10] be six months for the $0 for freebie,
[1:11:12] the first bill freebie. That's your
[1:11:13] question.
[1:11:14] >> Six months, one year. Councelor Huffman
[1:11:16] » Six months, one year. Councelor Huffman
[1:11:16] seeking input.
[1:11:18] >> Yeah, I uh my take would be we just we
[1:11:22] » Yeah, I uh my take would be we just we
[1:11:22] make it permanent. I think you may get
[1:11:23] some reaffenders. Um but I'm not sure I
[1:11:26] necessarily want to have the marker
[1:11:29] moved throughout the course.
[1:11:30] >> Okay. But I need feedback on 6 months or
[1:11:32] » Okay. But I need feedback on 6 months or
[1:11:32] a year or not
[1:11:33] >> permanent.
[1:11:34] » permanent.
[1:11:34] >> Okay, that's not the question. Councelor
[1:11:36] » Okay, that's not the question. Councelor
[1:11:36] Vandenryishi feedback on six months or a
[1:11:38] year because then I'll go and
[1:11:40] >> I would prefer
[1:11:43] » I would prefer
[1:11:43] I would prefer the year because it is an
[1:11:45] education process. Um that way
[1:11:47] everybody's comfortable with it after an
[1:11:49] entire year rather than six months and
[1:11:52] uh yeah but there'll be more to this
[1:11:54] than you think. So thank you.
[1:11:57] >> It's okay you're going for one year.
[1:11:58] » It's okay you're going for one year.
[1:11:58] Councelor Barry feedback.
[1:12:01] >> Uh excuse me. I'd like I would I would
[1:12:03] » Uh excuse me. I'd like I would I would
[1:12:03] go with the year also. However, I know
[1:12:06] you're not asking this, but I want to
[1:12:07] throw it out, but it should be once. I
[1:12:08] mean, it shouldn't be that you're in
[1:12:10] every year several times over the course
[1:12:11] of that year and and you uh keep getting
[1:12:14] that no like one time you get it or not,
[1:12:18] but that's my preference.
[1:12:19] >> Okay, understood. So, Councelor Huffman,
[1:12:21] » Okay, understood. So, Councelor Huffman,
[1:12:22] now that you've heard from your
[1:12:24] colleagues, do you have uh preference on
[1:12:27] what you'd like your motion to be? And
[1:12:28] then I'll go to Councelor Michelle and
[1:12:29] see if he agrees with the amendment.
[1:12:33] >> Uh, thank you, Mayor Martin. through
[1:12:34] » Uh, thank you, Mayor Martin. through
[1:12:34] you. Um I would like to go I would like
[1:12:36] to stick with the year um and and the
[1:12:39] other numbers are um that the first
[1:12:43] contact made with the rate pair be zero
[1:12:46] and the next two notices be $5 each and
[1:12:48] the amended part would be that the first
[1:12:50] bill notification be waved for the first
[1:12:52] year and that the next two notices be $5
[1:12:56] each.
[1:12:56] >> Okay.
[1:12:56] » Okay.
[1:12:56] >> Just make I'm sorry. Yeah. Okay. And
[1:12:59] » Just make I'm sorry. Yeah. Okay. And
[1:12:59] then to councelor Barry's uh point, just
[1:13:01] for clarity on your motion, if I'm a
[1:13:04] repeat offender, do I get my first bill
[1:13:08] waved multiple times or only once in
[1:13:10] that year process?
[1:13:13] >> I guess I would have to go back to staff
[1:13:15] » I guess I would have to go back to staff
[1:13:15] because it would depend on how much work
[1:13:17] that would take and how much tracking. I
[1:13:20] don't want to um we have to look at
[1:13:22] we're trying to save some money here.
[1:13:25] Um, I don't want to be taking up
[1:13:26] valuable staff time with that. So, I
[1:13:29] guess we would need some input from
[1:13:31] staff.
[1:13:31] >> You know what? Our treasurer has her
[1:13:32] » You know what? Our treasurer has her
[1:13:32] hand up. Perfect timing.
[1:13:34] >> Uh, thank you. And through you, Mayor
[1:13:35] » Uh, thank you. And through you, Mayor
[1:13:35] Martin. Yeah, I Well, I appreciate the
[1:13:37] intent of the motion. I think that
[1:13:38] tracking that would be very very
[1:13:39] challenging and administratively
[1:13:41] burdensome for us as a staff group.
[1:13:42] >> So, a one-time fee is is manageable.
[1:13:45] » So, a one-time fee is is manageable.
[1:13:45] However, a multiple first fee waiver is
[1:13:48] not
[1:13:51] or all of the above is not manageable.
[1:13:53] the $5 two and three times
[1:13:56] >> uh through the mayor. Um
[1:13:58] » uh through the mayor. Um
[1:13:58] what our treasurer was referring to was
[1:14:01] the if it's a one time only uh that is
[1:14:05] the administratively burdensome
[1:14:06] component. If it's a blanket wave for 6
[1:14:09] months to a year that would be easy to
[1:14:11] accommodate.
[1:14:12] >> Okay. So the motion can stand just so
[1:14:14] » Okay. So the motion can stand just so
[1:14:14] that we're clear. After the it sounds
[1:14:17] like one year, we would go back to a fee
[1:14:20] system which can be addressed in a user
[1:14:22] fee bylaw. Um, and we'll let staff do
[1:14:26] what is least administratively
[1:14:28] burdensome, but also wave that fee if
[1:14:31] this motion passes. So, councelor
[1:14:33] Michelle, are you in support of the
[1:14:35] amendment from the mover?
[1:14:38] >> Yes, I am, Madame Mayor.
[1:14:39] » Yes, I am, Madame Mayor.
[1:14:39] >> Okay, Mr. Clerk.
[1:14:41] » Okay, Mr. Clerk.
[1:14:41] >> Yes. Thank you, Madame Mayor. Um, I'm
[1:14:43] » Yes. Thank you, Madame Mayor. Um, I'm
[1:14:43] not clear on what the 12 month
[1:14:46] thing is that we're achieving. So, are
[1:14:48] we going to review the late fees at 12
[1:14:50] months or what is the 12-month window?
[1:14:54] >> The 12-month window would be the
[1:14:55] » The 12-month window would be the
[1:14:55] educational period is over for the
[1:14:58] community who now had to adjust to
[1:15:00] ebilling and bimonthly billing. if they
[1:15:03] miss a payment on their bill, it is um
[1:15:07] now going to be associated the first
[1:15:09] payment they miss will be associated
[1:15:11] additionally with a fee and that fee
[1:15:13] will come to council on the user fee
[1:15:14] bylaw where I think there's still um a
[1:15:18] lot of uh confusion here is that staff
[1:15:22] aren't able to monitor how many times
[1:15:24] they've missed the first bill and so if
[1:15:26] I'm a rateayer I can just continually
[1:15:28] miss my bill for a year. However, that's
[1:15:30] a loophole in the system and that's the
[1:15:32] motion on the floor.
[1:15:35] Does that help you?
[1:15:37] >> No, but I'm sure the treasurer can help
[1:15:38] » No, but I'm sure the treasurer can help
[1:15:38] me.
[1:15:41] >> Uh, go ahead, CEO. Then we'll go to uh
[1:15:44] » Uh, go ahead, CEO. Then we'll go to uh
[1:15:44] >> So, um, just for clarity, so that I I've
[1:15:47] » So, um, just for clarity, so that I I've
[1:15:47] got it straight in my mind. What we're
[1:15:48] suggesting is that once we move to an
[1:15:51] in-house billing system, the first year
[1:15:54] of transition, we will allow the 6day
[1:15:58] reminder notice to go out at no charge
[1:16:01] to the rateayer who is late on their
[1:16:04] payment for the first year only, zero
[1:16:06] charge. The 30-day reminder and 40-day
[1:16:09] reminder notices will come with a $5
[1:16:13] fee. After the first year and we finish
[1:16:16] that one-year transitionary period,
[1:16:19] staff will return as part of the annual
[1:16:22] budget process for user fees and suggest
[1:16:25] uh what those fees should be and that
[1:16:28] will be subject to council's approval at
[1:16:30] that appropriate time.
[1:16:31] >> That is correct. However, the loophole
[1:16:35] » That is correct. However, the loophole
[1:16:35] for staff because it is administratively
[1:16:38] burdensome for them to determine how
[1:16:41] many times I've been sent the first fee.
[1:16:45] I might have been sent it once and then
[1:16:47] paid it and had the fee waved and then I
[1:16:50] paid my second bimonthly bill and I'm on
[1:16:52] schedule and then the next bimonthly
[1:16:55] bill comes and I didn't pay it. Staff
[1:16:57] will then need to send me another notice
[1:17:00] at $0.
[1:17:02] So there will be there could be multiple
[1:17:05] 0 fees charged to the same individual
[1:17:08] over a 12-month period. That is the gray
[1:17:12] area in this motion that I don't know
[1:17:14] how staff will deal with that. But
[1:17:18] >> so unless the treasurer says otherwise
[1:17:20] » so unless the treasurer says otherwise
[1:17:20] or rob I think it's a blanket.
[1:17:23] Regardless of how many times an
[1:17:24] individual rateayer might be late in
[1:17:27] that first one-year transitionary
[1:17:29] period, they will always have no fee
[1:17:32] associated with that first reminder
[1:17:34] notice
[1:17:35] period. Full stop for that first
[1:17:37] 12-month period.
[1:17:38] >> Correct. That is the way staff staff
[1:17:41] » Correct. That is the way staff staff
[1:17:41] don't have the resources to do
[1:17:42] otherwise. Councelor uh sorry, Miss
[1:17:44] Okay, Councelor Van Passen, go ahead.
[1:17:47] >> Yes. Thanks, Madam Mayor. Um, again, I'm
[1:17:50] » Yes. Thanks, Madam Mayor. Um, again, I'm
[1:17:50] trying to understand how this system is
[1:17:52] going to work. So, we're going to switch
[1:17:56] February 1st of 2027. Is that the date?
[1:18:00] And we're going to mail them a some
[1:18:02] people a bill that's going to cost $2
[1:18:03] extra.
[1:18:05] Is that what we've decided? And the ones
[1:18:09] who get electronic don't have to pay
[1:18:10] that fee. Okay. So, then it's due on the
[1:18:14] first of the month or the 15th of the
[1:18:17] month. You're going to have those
[1:18:18] options. And if your sixth date is late,
[1:18:22] it's going to send you an automated
[1:18:24] notice to remind you that you're late.
[1:18:26] And we're not going to charge anything
[1:18:27] for that period all the time. That's
[1:18:30] just the cost of doing business. That's
[1:18:32] what it is. When 30 days comes up, then
[1:18:37] we're going to send you a letter or an
[1:18:39] email that says, "By the way, you're 30
[1:18:42] days late."
[1:18:44] And that's going to cost $5 to send that
[1:18:46] letter. But for the first year, part of
[1:18:49] the wording of that letter is we're
[1:18:52] waving the $5 fee you should be charged.
[1:18:55] We we just tell them that you should be
[1:18:57] charged $5 and but we're waving that for
[1:19:00] the first year.
[1:19:00] >> No, the $5 fees are still applicable for
[1:19:03] » No, the $5 fees are still applicable for
[1:19:03] the next two two motions. Correct,
[1:19:04] Councelor Huffman. Correct. So, no, the
[1:19:06] $5 fee on 30 days and 45 days
[1:19:12] >> payment is required
[1:19:14] » payment is required
[1:19:14] >> and but at 60 days
[1:19:17] » and but at 60 days
[1:19:17] it flips and it gets added to the tax
[1:19:19] bill.
[1:19:22] >> Confirmation. Yes. From the treasur.
[1:19:23] » Confirmation. Yes. From the treasur.
[1:19:23] Yep.
[1:19:24] >> And that cost you $50. That's the
[1:19:26] » And that cost you $50. That's the
[1:19:26] standard fee to already existing of
[1:19:30] adding things to your tax bill. And we
[1:19:32] are not discussing that. That's staying
[1:19:33] here. So,
[1:19:36] >> so the only motion is
[1:19:40] » so the only motion is
[1:19:40] whether we charge staff had proposed $10
[1:19:43] and the motion on the floor is $5 for
[1:19:45] the 30-day and the 45day fee or letter
[1:19:48] reminder fee. Correct. Correct.
[1:19:52] >> You're mostly correct.
[1:19:53] » You're mostly correct.
[1:19:53] >> Mostly,
[1:19:54] » Mostly,
[1:19:54] >> councelor Deathy.
[1:19:57] » councelor Deathy.
[1:19:57] >> Thank you, Madam Mayor. So, sorry for
[1:20:00] » Thank you, Madam Mayor. So, sorry for
[1:20:00] clarification then. I think I'm asking
[1:20:02] staff. I apologize. We're maybe not at
[1:20:04] that stage, but
[1:20:06] presumably then if the fee was $5 and $5
[1:20:09] or $10 and $10, by the time we add it to
[1:20:11] the tax roll, there's a $50 fee. So
[1:20:13] potentially it's 60 or 70. Is that
[1:20:15] right?
[1:20:17] Uh through the mayor, if it remains in a
[1:20:19] rears, yes. So the total fees would be
[1:20:21] the five plus 5 plus 50, so $60.
[1:20:27] Okay.
[1:20:28] >> Okay. I'm going to call the question
[1:20:31] » Okay. I'm going to call the question
[1:20:31] um here. Everybody's chimed in on some
[1:20:33] debate. My two cents, I'm not going to
[1:20:35] support this for many reasons. First,
[1:20:39] hearing that staff can't possibly um
[1:20:42] manage the administrative burden of
[1:20:45] determining how many times an individual
[1:20:48] has been late. Uh that is a loophole in
[1:20:51] the system. Secondly, we put the rate
[1:20:54] budget up 10% this year, which was over
[1:20:59] $200 per household.
[1:21:02] um and we have the most amount of our
[1:21:05] accumulated debt is associated with the
[1:21:07] the rate budget. So in the short term,
[1:21:10] this is Norfolk County's biggest hurdle
[1:21:12] and now we're having a discussion about
[1:21:14] subsidizing one of our biggest hurdles.
[1:21:17] Secondly,
[1:21:19] everyone else who pays on time is now
[1:21:21] subsidizing those who don't until it
[1:21:25] trickles over to the property tax levy,
[1:21:29] which then is our second largest hurdle.
[1:21:33] So, administratively, it creates a
[1:21:36] loophole for folks to not pay and pass
[1:21:39] that burden on to other rateayers. And
[1:21:41] this is Norfolk Countyy's
[1:21:42] single-handedly
[1:21:44] biggest problem rate water, wastewater,
[1:21:47] and the debt associated with it. So, I
[1:21:48] will not be supporting the motion. I'm
[1:21:50] going to call the question. Uh, Mr.
[1:21:54] Clerk, are we voting on the amendment if
[1:21:56] both the mover and seconder have
[1:21:58] approved it or are we voting on them?
[1:22:00] >> Uh, through you, Mayor Martin, we don't
[1:22:02] » Uh, through you, Mayor Martin, we don't
[1:22:02] have an amendment. You kind of drafted a
[1:22:04] resolution as you went along.
[1:22:06] >> Perfect. Excellent. So, everyone
[1:22:07] » Perfect. Excellent. So, everyone
[1:22:07] understands what the motion is.
[1:22:10] All in fa favor
[1:22:17] and oppose.
[1:22:22] » Uh one, two, three, four, five. Okay,
[1:22:26] the motion's defeated.
[1:22:28] Thank you. Four, five. Um,
[1:22:32] we do have staff recommendation in front
[1:22:34] of us
[1:22:37] which is to receive the policy and the
[1:22:41] program update as information
[1:22:43] that we include the attachment
[1:22:47] uh one to be approved. That is the that
[1:22:50] is the reduced fees that staff put
[1:22:52] together. Instead of $5, it's for
[1:22:55] >> 28
[1:22:56] » 28
[1:22:56] >> 28 and so on and so forth. that would
[1:22:58] » 28 and so on and so forth. that would
[1:22:58] become effective February 1st, 2027 and
[1:23:01] further that policy FS49 be rescended
[1:23:05] effective January 31st, 2027. Miss Van
[1:23:08] Djk. Thank you, Mayor Martin. Through
[1:23:10] you to council, um uh thank you for
[1:23:13] allowing me to speak. I I just would
[1:23:15] like to offer a point of clarification
[1:23:18] by if council chooses to approve the
[1:23:20] policy as it is written and as has been
[1:23:26] presented to council, council is not
[1:23:29] approving any fees. The wording in the
[1:23:32] policy is that fees are set as per the
[1:23:36] user fee bylaw. So, council could and it
[1:23:42] would be staff's request and
[1:23:44] recommendation that council approve the
[1:23:47] policy to allow staff to move forward
[1:23:51] with the next phase of the planning and
[1:23:54] the implementation of the project to
[1:23:56] bring the water and wastewater billing
[1:23:58] inhouse. The supplementary information
[1:24:02] memo that Mr. Fleming provided with the
[1:24:05] cost recovery rates for fees would be
[1:24:09] the potential fees that would come back
[1:24:12] as part of the user fee bylaw for 2027
[1:24:16] that would still be subject to council
[1:24:19] debate and approval or not at that time.
[1:24:23] So the wording in the policy around fees
[1:24:26] is specifically that fees are per the
[1:24:29] user fee bylaw. If it is council's
[1:24:32] future decision, for example, not to
[1:24:35] charge any user fees, there would be no
[1:24:37] user fees in the bylaw for staff to
[1:24:39] charge. So, um, we do we appreciate the
[1:24:44] debate that has gone on. We appreciate
[1:24:46] council's, uh, views on the the matters
[1:24:48] of the fees. Those are certainly very
[1:24:50] important. We would uh respectfully
[1:24:54] suggest and and recommend that council
[1:24:57] could pass the policy without knowing
[1:25:00] what the fees would be if any just yet
[1:25:03] because those will come back.
[1:25:05] Or additionally to make council feel
[1:25:08] better, which I think is the crux of the
[1:25:10] debate,
[1:25:11] you can set it at the cost recovery rate
[1:25:14] so that you know it's not going to be
[1:25:15] higher
[1:25:17] until the next term of council comes in
[1:25:19] and makes an adjustment at the user fee
[1:25:21] budget. I think we're not debating about
[1:25:23] the policy here. We're debating about
[1:25:25] the cost to the to the end user. So if
[1:25:28] it makes you feel better, select the
[1:25:30] lower fee that staff have put forward as
[1:25:33] the cost recovery bare minimum. And then
[1:25:35] you know until the next term of council
[1:25:39] sets the user fees that you've selected
[1:25:41] the lowest possible rate uh for the rate
[1:25:44] payers of Norfolk County.
[1:25:49] So if that's the case, I would look for
[1:25:51] a mover and a seconder for the
[1:25:52] recommendation on the screen and would
[1:25:54] encourage you to insert
[1:25:57] um the applicable fees for the year of
[1:26:01] 2027 as noted in table two.
[1:26:05] Is that the table?
[1:26:10] » Rob, go ahead and then I'll go to
[1:26:11] councelor Gthy. It's uh just for
[1:26:13] clarification uh madame mayor, it's
[1:26:15] table one uh that outlines the fees.
[1:26:18] >> Okay,
[1:26:20] » Okay,
[1:26:20] councelor Deathy, go ahead.
[1:26:21] >> Thanks, Madam Mayor. Uh and I appreciate
[1:26:23] » Thanks, Madam Mayor. Uh and I appreciate
[1:26:23] the insight that you shared uh as well.
[1:26:26] I certainly take that under adisement,
[1:26:27] but I would put forward the motion as
[1:26:28] recommended to my staff. However, I
[1:26:31] would establish the user fees for um
[1:26:34] consideration in the user fee bylaw to
[1:26:36] be $0 for the 6day automated telephone
[1:26:39] reminder and 750 for each of the
[1:26:41] supplementary uh reminders.
[1:26:45] » Uh I would just go to the clerk because
[1:26:48] I think that that still creates that
[1:26:52] administrative loophole that we've just
[1:26:53] maybe debated
[1:26:55] >> um through you, Mayor Martin. It doesn't
[1:26:58] » um through you, Mayor Martin. It doesn't
[1:26:58] remedy that, but it's a valid motion to
[1:27:00] be put on the floor if there's a
[1:27:02] seconder.
[1:27:03] >> Okay. So, just for clarity then,
[1:27:04] » Okay. So, just for clarity then,
[1:27:04] councelor Deathy, you would uh move the
[1:27:07] recommendation and you would suggest
[1:27:11] the first late fee notification.
[1:27:15] Is the mail out at $2 okay and the
[1:27:18] ebilling is zero
[1:27:22] » for the first or do you want zero for
[1:27:24] both?
[1:27:25] >> Sorry. Uh the mail. No, if you're
[1:27:29] » Sorry. Uh the mail. No, if you're
[1:27:29] receiving a paper bill, the $2 fee I
[1:27:31] have no problem with.
[1:27:32] >> Okay. Yeah.
[1:27:32] » Okay. Yeah.
[1:27:32] >> So, first bill e billilling uh would be
[1:27:35] » So, first bill e billilling uh would be
[1:27:35] $0 on your late and then what's the
[1:27:38] supplemental? What's the follow-up fee
[1:27:40] afterwards?
[1:27:40] >> 750
[1:27:41] » 750
[1:27:41] >> and then 750 and 750.
[1:27:43] » and then 750 and 750.
[1:27:43] >> Correct.
[1:27:44] » Correct.
[1:27:44] >> Okay. Understood. Is there a seconder
[1:27:46] » Okay. Understood. Is there a seconder
[1:27:46] for that motion?
[1:27:48] Councelor Columbus.
[1:27:50] And discussion and debate.
[1:27:54] Councelor Van Passen.
[1:27:57] Thanks, Mor.
[1:27:59] I think we're also forgetting that on
[1:28:00] the first day that it's overdue, they
[1:28:02] charge one and a quarter% interest on
[1:28:04] that as well. So, um there's going to be
[1:28:07] paperwork
[1:28:09] sent out. So, I can support this concept
[1:28:12] here. Um the first one is a reminder.
[1:28:16] Um that's your freebie. After that, we
[1:28:18] charge you money. staff calculated that
[1:28:20] at close to the 750 sounds like a better
[1:28:23] number, but again I think that's just a
[1:28:26] recommendation. Council of the day in
[1:28:29] 2027 will approve the official fee
[1:28:32] schedule. Is that correct? Yeah. So this
[1:28:34] is our recommendation to a future
[1:28:37] council to decide.
[1:28:38] >> Confirming that with Treasury or are you
[1:28:41] » Confirming that with Treasury or are you
[1:28:41] going to produce a user fee bylaw with
[1:28:43] the direction received today?
[1:28:47] » Uh through you madame mayor. the the
[1:28:49] fees that were directed um by council
[1:28:52] today would be included in the user fee
[1:28:54] bylaw.
[1:28:55] >> So it's not just a suggestion of the
[1:28:57] » So it's not just a suggestion of the
[1:28:57] council of the day. It is setting the
[1:28:58] fee
[1:29:07] » doesn't kick in till 2027 staff are
[1:29:09] saying. So, okay. Um,
[1:29:12] and then councelor Deathy for my
[1:29:14] confirmation as well, that is that first
[1:29:17] first fee is an indefinite $0. That's
[1:29:20] not a after a year or whatever it stops.
[1:29:22] It is $0 on the first. Okay. Um,
[1:29:27] everyone understand the motion before
[1:29:28] you? We would be receiving the report
[1:29:32] uh including the uh additional
[1:29:34] amendments.
[1:29:36] we would be rescending our prior policy.
[1:29:40] So staff would be able to continue on
[1:29:42] with the process and that includes $0 on
[1:29:46] the first late fee indefinitely followed
[1:29:49] by $750 on the next two
[1:29:53] staff. Also, I hope you have direction
[1:29:56] that if there's a mail out that's going
[1:29:57] out as per councelor Vanadri's comments
[1:29:59] last time around, that is a $2 fee.
[1:30:02] Okay.
[1:30:04] Um can we get a division of the question
[1:30:07] just on the costs please and vote on the
[1:30:10] first part which is receiving the
[1:30:12] report.
[1:30:17] So martin so I think um the second part
[1:30:21] on the fees and I'll look to treasury to
[1:30:24] correct me. It would be a direction to
[1:30:26] staff to prepare those numbers for the
[1:30:30] fee bylaw amendment. Is that correct? uh
[1:30:34] through the mayor. Yes, that's correct.
[1:30:35] We'd take that direction to bring back
[1:30:36] the 2027 user fee bylaw including the
[1:30:39] fees as directed today.
[1:30:40] >> Yeah.
[1:30:42] » Yeah.
[1:30:42] >> Thank you.
[1:30:43] » Thank you.
[1:30:43] >> So that's how it would be presented in
[1:30:45] » So that's how it would be presented in
[1:30:45] the user fees, but that's fine. Okay. So
[1:30:47] with the division of question, the first
[1:30:49] three items are before us. Councelor
[1:30:51] Deathy moved. I believe councelor
[1:30:53] Columbus seconded. Yep. Okay. Is there
[1:30:55] any further comment or debate on that?
[1:30:58] Seeing none, I'll call the question. All
[1:31:00] in favor?
[1:31:03] That's carried. Thank you. And then now
[1:31:05] we are uh moving and seconding by Dyian
[1:31:09] Columbus the fees the paper bill $0 on
[1:31:12] the first late fee indefinitely 750 for
[1:31:15] the next two. Is there any debate on
[1:31:17] that? Council ban and floor is yours.
[1:31:22] >> Uh thank you madam chair. That is
[1:31:23] » Uh thank you madam chair. That is
[1:31:23] precisely what I mentioned last time.
[1:31:25] Those people that don't have a computer,
[1:31:27] don't have access to all that are the
[1:31:29] ones burdening the extra cost. And I
[1:31:32] don't think that's fair. I think it
[1:31:33] should be zero across the board rather
[1:31:36] than than um just to those who are
[1:31:38] getting an internet um form that's
[1:31:42] telling them that they are late a late
[1:31:44] fee, a late notice. So um I'm not going
[1:31:47] to support this in the way it is. I
[1:31:49] would like to see that it's at least
[1:31:51] fair and equitable across the board
[1:31:53] because like I say, if you can't afford
[1:31:55] a computer, you're having you're
[1:31:57] probably hardressed to also pay water
[1:32:00] bill.
[1:32:02] >> Okay. Thanks for your comments. Any
[1:32:03] » Okay. Thanks for your comments. Any
[1:32:03] other debate?
[1:32:06] >> Um my two cents, I will not be
[1:32:08] » Um my two cents, I will not be
[1:32:08] supporting this section of the motion. I
[1:32:11] again I just don't agree with the $0.
[1:32:14] Um, I am okay with zero dollars as an
[1:32:16] educational trial period, but knowing
[1:32:19] and hearing from staff that there's no
[1:32:21] way to monitor how many times an
[1:32:23] individual will get that first bill
[1:32:26] paid. Essentially, they can create a
[1:32:28] system where they're paying a monthly um
[1:32:31] bill and having no
[1:32:34] uh charge for the work that staff has to
[1:32:36] do to remind them that they are in a
[1:32:38] rears on that bill. So, that seems messy
[1:32:42] and unfair to me. again, uh, $14.83
[1:32:46] a month. The rate bill went up 10%
[1:32:49] overall and, uh, 83.7 million in debt
[1:32:53] associated with the rate on our last,
[1:32:56] uh, budget. So, I will not be supporting
[1:32:58] the subsidization of uh, those who pay
[1:33:02] the fee late, especially when equal
[1:33:05] billing is a large part of this new
[1:33:07] system. I will call the question. All in
[1:33:09] favor?
[1:33:13] and opposed.
[1:33:17] The motion's defeated.
[1:33:19] So,
[1:33:21] we have passed, as Miss Van Djk
[1:33:23] suggested,
[1:33:24] the ability to receive the report as
[1:33:27] information to rescend the old policy
[1:33:29] and to give staff the direction to
[1:33:31] continue on the next steps. There's no
[1:33:34] consensus on the fee. So, is it okay to
[1:33:36] leave this for the user fee bylaw come
[1:33:40] budget next year?
[1:33:42] staff are nodding their head and the
[1:33:43] debate can continue. Okay, thanks very
[1:33:45] much councel
[1:33:48] and to the clerk in my notes here I have
[1:33:51] councelor Huffman sorry go ahead
[1:33:54] uh thank you mayor Martin through you I
[1:33:56] just want to make sure what's not lost
[1:33:57] in translation is that we do a heavy
[1:34:01] communications on the importance of the
[1:34:04] monthly ebilling um the um I can't even
[1:34:09] think it what is it I can't think of the
[1:34:12] thank you the equal billing
[1:34:14] and just to make users aware that they
[1:34:17] still have the opportunity to do the
[1:34:19] monthly billing to keep on top of their
[1:34:22] of their expenses. So, I'd really like
[1:34:24] to see that not lost in translation.
[1:34:26] Thank you.
[1:34:27] >> Um, Miss Van Dyke looking at you, she's
[1:34:29] » Um, Miss Van Dyke looking at you, she's
[1:34:29] nodding her head, so I think that's more
[1:34:31] than reasonable. Okay. Thank you.
[1:34:35] Um, we have the information memo.
[1:34:39] Sorry. Um, this is my question to you,
[1:34:41] Mr. CL.
[1:34:41] >> Yeah, we don't deal with that. You just
[1:34:42] » Yeah, we don't deal with that. You just
[1:34:42] deferred it to feed.
[1:34:43] >> Great. Deferred to feed budget. So next
[1:34:45] » Great. Deferred to feed budget. So next
[1:34:45] we're on 12.2.2 on your agenda which is
[1:34:48] staff report CS26009.
[1:34:51] This is Holdman Norfolk Housing Corp
[1:34:52] affordable housing development jiar
[1:34:54] street in Delhigh. Miss Van Djk.
[1:34:57] >> Thank you madam mayor. Threw you to
[1:34:58] » Thank you madam mayor. Threw you to
[1:34:58] council. Um, this report is here today
[1:35:01] to get uh council approval as
[1:35:03] shareholder of the Haldderman Northolk
[1:35:05] Housing Corporation for the uh financing
[1:35:08] for the development located at 686
[1:35:12] Gibralar Street in Delhigh. This is uh
[1:35:15] going to be a 25 unit three-story mixed
[1:35:18] income affordable housing development
[1:35:20] comprising a mix of 15 affordable and 10
[1:35:24] rent geared to income units. This is a
[1:35:26] very exciting development and um with
[1:35:29] planning well underway um as per the
[1:35:33] shareholder agreement for the housing
[1:35:35] corporation uh any um anytime the
[1:35:40] housing corporation needs to acquire
[1:35:42] debt or any time that there needs to be
[1:35:46] a lean registered on the property, it
[1:35:48] requires unanimous approval of the
[1:35:50] shareholders. Unanimous meaning both
[1:35:52] counties. A similar report um went to
[1:35:56] Haldderman Council uh last week and so
[1:35:58] is here for Norfolk approval today. So
[1:36:01] as uh the resolutions state um we need
[1:36:04] council approval for the housing
[1:36:06] corporation to enter into a financing
[1:36:08] agreement with Canada Mortgage and
[1:36:10] Housing Corporation um for federal
[1:36:13] funding. Um, we need uh approval for any
[1:36:17] leans for the provincial and federal
[1:36:20] funding to be registered on the title of
[1:36:22] the property. And we also uh need
[1:36:25] authorization for the mayor and clerk to
[1:36:27] sign and execute a municipal
[1:36:30] contribution agreement for the county's
[1:36:32] financial contributions. So, by way of
[1:36:35] previous report, council had um approved
[1:36:39] up to $1 million of a contribution um as
[1:36:44] a result of the uh the way that the
[1:36:48] project has unfolded um efficiencies in
[1:36:51] the project as well as um the the way
[1:36:54] the funding has unfolded that uh actual
[1:36:58] municipal contribution is going to be
[1:37:00] $23,235.
[1:37:03] So significantly less than the maximum
[1:37:06] that council had approved, which is
[1:37:07] great news. Part of executing the
[1:37:10] municipal contribution agreement will
[1:37:12] also be the registration of that
[1:37:14] agreement on the title of the property.
[1:37:16] So with that, uh, madame mayor, I'd be
[1:37:18] happy to answer any questions. Thank you
[1:37:20] very much. Questions from council.
[1:37:25] Not seeing any. So the staff
[1:37:27] recommendation is before you on the
[1:37:29] screen, and I won't read it to you
[1:37:31] because it's quite lengthy. But good
[1:37:33] news on the reduction in the municipal
[1:37:35] contribution. Is there a mover and a
[1:37:37] seconder for that? Councelor Columbus
[1:37:40] moves. Seconded by councelor Bruntton.
[1:37:43] Councelor Columbus.
[1:37:44] >> Yeah, this is great news for a great
[1:37:46] » Yeah, this is great news for a great
[1:37:46] project for the community of Delhigh and
[1:37:48] I can say that there are a lot of people
[1:37:50] looking forward to this. It kind of
[1:37:52] revitalizes the Gibralar Street area and
[1:37:56] uh look forward to having a shovel in
[1:37:59] the ground come spring.
[1:38:01] >> Excellent. I will call the question. All
[1:38:03] » Excellent. I will call the question. All
[1:38:03] in favor?
[1:38:06] Carried unanimously. Wonderful. Thanks,
[1:38:09] Miss Van Djk.
[1:38:12] Emergency services, public works, and
[1:38:14] office of the CAO. We have no reports,
[1:38:16] so we'll move along to our bylaws. Does
[1:38:18] any member of council wish to speak to
[1:38:20] any of the bylaws before us with the
[1:38:23] exception of the very last
[1:38:27] bylaw which is 1310 bylaw 20267 being a
[1:38:31] bylaw to appoint municipal law
[1:38:33] enforcement officers that has been uh
[1:38:36] pulled and will be revisited in
[1:38:37] February. So all the other bylaws are up
[1:38:40] for discussion. Councelor Van
[1:38:41] Andadrishi.
[1:38:45] » Uh thank you madam chair. I have my
[1:38:47] concerns on the bylaw 20 uh 2024-91
[1:38:52] which appears to be the first bylaw. I
[1:38:54] have a couple of questions. Um this uh
[1:38:58] drain that has come up and has passed uh
[1:39:00] through two sittings already. Um the
[1:39:04] actual uh proponent has has questions
[1:39:08] about it again and is still working um
[1:39:13] has some dispute over it and has some
[1:39:15] some concerns. If this bylaw passes
[1:39:18] through today um and since they're like
[1:39:21] I say um kind of disputing it or
[1:39:24] concerns have concerns with it, will it
[1:39:26] have an effect if there were changes to
[1:39:28] it? Can we go back and the bylaw is
[1:39:30] revisited or changed or does it should
[1:39:34] it not be passed the bylaw if there are
[1:39:36] still concerns with this particular
[1:39:38] drain? I think that question to staff
[1:39:45] » through the chair I'm just reading it
[1:39:46] very quickly. Uh so yes that uh that
[1:39:49] file is I'll say up for debate although
[1:39:51] it has been turned down on three
[1:39:53] occasions by the drainage tribunal. So I
[1:39:57] don't think there's going to be any
[1:39:58] further discussions on the file. Um but
[1:40:02] in looking at it quickly
[1:40:05] um I would say that if by adopting this
[1:40:07] bylaw then that would be end the end of
[1:40:09] the discussion and all assessments would
[1:40:11] be would be issued.
[1:40:13] Um a further question to that is um
[1:40:16] we're looking at it in the sense this is
[1:40:18] he's the only individual that is uh
[1:40:22] deemed to be uh that it is is for his
[1:40:25] benefit or their benefit that particular
[1:40:27] property when yet there are properties
[1:40:29] around it. I myself don't agree with the
[1:40:31] way it was found um by the engineer. Um,
[1:40:35] so what if in the future there was one
[1:40:38] of these massive rain whatevers and it
[1:40:42] comes to find out that this drain um if
[1:40:44] they were to hook on if other people
[1:40:46] were to hook on was benefit to them as
[1:40:48] well. Does it go back because it's
[1:40:51] costing this individual $44,000 I take
[1:40:53] it here to do the engineering and the
[1:40:56] work. Um is there something that goes
[1:40:59] back where he could be reimbursed by
[1:41:01] others if that were the case?
[1:41:05] Uh so through the chair I mean following
[1:41:06] the proper municipal drainage process.
[1:41:08] If others were to connect to the system
[1:41:10] it would be benefit they would be
[1:41:11] assessed accordingly. Um however I don't
[1:41:14] think there's any urgency for us to
[1:41:16] finalize this bylaw today. So I and we
[1:41:19] do not have drainage staff on the line
[1:41:21] following along. So um we can certainly
[1:41:23] defer this to the following meeting if
[1:41:25] that is council's desire and I can have
[1:41:27] the appropriate staff here to respond to
[1:41:28] it.
[1:41:30] >> I would appreciate that. Therefore,
[1:41:32] » I would appreciate that. Therefore,
[1:41:32] Madam Chair, I'd like to make the motion
[1:41:33] to defer this particular bylaw.
[1:41:36] >> Um, okay, understood. Are would you give
[1:41:39] » Um, okay, understood. Are would you give
[1:41:39] me the grace of passing the other bylaws
[1:41:42] so I can uh find out? I guess it's not
[1:41:46] inappropriate to say the name of the
[1:41:48] individual, is it?
[1:41:51] Who's assessed?
[1:41:53] >> That's right. Well, it's under the name
[1:41:55] » That's right. Well, it's under the name
[1:41:55] of the Mcool petition drain. It's that
[1:41:57] that's the that's the last name of the
[1:42:00] individual being assessed.
[1:42:02] >> That's right.
[1:42:02] » That's right.
[1:42:02] >> Okay, understood. Sorry, I was thinking
[1:42:04] » Okay, understood. Sorry, I was thinking
[1:42:04] it would be a different drain then. So,
[1:42:06] yep, that's fine. There's a motion on
[1:42:07] the floor to defer this to the next
[1:42:09] council meeting. Is there a seconder for
[1:42:11] that? Councelor Brenton and I will call
[1:42:13] the question. All in favor?
[1:42:17] That's carried. Does anyone else wish to
[1:42:20] speak to any bylaws?
[1:42:27] Okay, we're going to skip that one.
[1:42:33] Um,
[1:42:34] moving on then. I'm looking for a mover
[1:42:36] and a seconder. I suppose I have to do
[1:42:38] these separately. So, uh, mover and
[1:42:40] seconder that bylaw 202575 being a bylaw
[1:42:43] to provide for variation in assessment
[1:42:45] of the drainage works the corporation of
[1:42:48] Norfolk County for the MCL municipal
[1:42:50] drain re be read a third and final time.
[1:42:54] Moved by councelor Deathy, seconded by
[1:42:59] councelor Michelle. All in favor
[1:43:02] carried. Mover and a seconder, please
[1:43:04] that the bylaw 202576 being a bylaw to
[1:43:07] provide drainage works in the
[1:43:08] corporation of Norfolk County for the
[1:43:10] Mills South Norwich municipal drain be
[1:43:12] read a third and final time. Moved by
[1:43:15] councelor Columbus, seconded by
[1:43:18] councelor Van Passin. All in favor
[1:43:20] carried. Move in and a seconder please.
[1:43:22] Bylaw 202577 being a bylaw to provide
[1:43:25] for partial abandonment and variation in
[1:43:28] assessment of drainage works in the
[1:43:29] corporation of Norfolk County for the
[1:43:31] McCoy Municipal Drain 2024 be read a
[1:43:34] third and final time.
[1:43:38] Councelor Deathy
[1:43:41] Councelor Barry all in favor
[1:43:44] carried. Wonderful. And then a mover and
[1:43:47] a second are pleased to approve the
[1:43:49] following bylaws. 20
[1:43:52] 2601
[1:43:56] to 202603 consecutively
[1:44:01] uh and 202605
[1:44:03] and 20260
[1:44:07] be read a first, second, and third time
[1:44:10] and finally passed in open council.
[1:44:12] Moved by
[1:44:14] councelor Michelle Lee, seconded by
[1:44:16] councelor Van Andreishi. All in favor
[1:44:19] carried. So we have pulled two of those
[1:44:21] bylaws for February discussion.
[1:44:25] Motions 14.1 on the agenda. We're
[1:44:28] revisiting the alternative for Grand
[1:44:30] Eerie Public Health.
[1:44:37] » Council Michelle.
[1:44:40] >> Yes, Madame Mayor. Um, I believe you
[1:44:41] » Yes, Madame Mayor. Um, I believe you
[1:44:41] mean to say alternate,
[1:44:44] not alternative.
[1:44:46] >> Sure.
[1:44:47] » Sure.
[1:44:47] >> Okay. Um,
[1:44:50] » Okay. Um,
[1:44:50] yes. I just want to get that clear.
[1:44:53] >> If you turn your microphone off right
[1:44:55] » If you turn your microphone off right
[1:44:55] now and that's your only suggestion,
[1:44:57] you're in trouble.
[1:44:59] >> And also, Madame Mayor, I should follow
[1:45:02] » And also, Madame Mayor, I should follow
[1:45:02] up. Um if um we uh if council is willing
[1:45:10] uh I I would um volunteer to to become
[1:45:13] that alternate for that temporary
[1:45:14] period.
[1:45:15] >> I believe councelor Vanpassen has a
[1:45:17] » I believe councelor Vanpassen has a
[1:45:17] motion.
[1:45:18] >> Thank you madam mayor. I would move a
[1:45:19] » Thank you madam mayor. I would move a
[1:45:19] motion that councelor Michelle be
[1:45:21] appointed as the alternate member for
[1:45:24] the grand area public health.
[1:45:26] >> Councelor Huffman seconding.
[1:45:28] » Councelor Huffman seconding.
[1:45:28] The only thing um additional information
[1:45:30] I would add to that for council's
[1:45:33] consideration before I check and see if
[1:45:35] there's any other additional
[1:45:36] nominations. Councelor Huffman had
[1:45:38] mentioned the conflict with police
[1:45:39] service board which does happen. Um
[1:45:41] however, it's uh it you are still able
[1:45:45] to tune in virtually and participate in
[1:45:47] some of the meetings. So, it's not a a
[1:45:49] complete write off if that interests any
[1:45:51] of the police service board or OP board
[1:45:54] members. Are there any other nominations
[1:45:56] to put forward on this?
[1:45:59] Okay, I'll call the question. Um, moved
[1:46:01] by councelor Vampass and seconded by
[1:46:02] councelor Huffman. The council appoints
[1:46:05] uh councelor Michelle to act as the
[1:46:07] alternate member of council on the grand
[1:46:09] public board of health. All in favor?
[1:46:14] Any opposed? Motion's carried. Thank you
[1:46:16] very much, councelor Michelle, for
[1:46:18] stepping up and adding to your committee
[1:46:20] work.
[1:46:21] Any notice of motions? I have none other
[1:46:25] business.
[1:46:27] Councelor Columbus.
[1:46:31] » Thank you, Madam Mayor. Just wanted to
[1:46:33] make a statement with respect to the
[1:46:35] power outages in the Delhigh area. So,
[1:46:39] I'll read the statement that I prepared.
[1:46:41] In recent months, residents of the
[1:46:43] Delhigh community have experienced a
[1:46:45] significant increase in electrical power
[1:46:47] outages.
[1:46:48] Some report loss of freezer food and
[1:46:50] being without heat for more than a whole
[1:46:52] day. Some I even heard as much as two
[1:46:55] days. A number of individuals have taken
[1:46:57] to social media, specifically talk
[1:47:00] Delhigh, indicating that the W3
[1:47:02] counselor in Norfor County should be
[1:47:05] taking the power outage issue more
[1:47:07] seriously.
[1:47:08] I have come to learn that
[1:47:10] hydrogeneration and distribution
[1:47:13] including reliability of service is a
[1:47:15] provincial issue and not a local Norfolk
[1:47:18] issue. Hydraw 1 is affiliated with
[1:47:20] Ontario as the province remains its
[1:47:22] largest shareholder granting it
[1:47:25] influence while Hydraw 1 operates as a
[1:47:27] public traded company with a mandate to
[1:47:30] maintain critical electricity
[1:47:32] transmission distribution
[1:47:36] infrastructure in Ontario. subject to
[1:47:38] provincial oversight and regulatory
[1:47:41] control by the Ontario Energy Board.
[1:47:44] Although the power outage issue is an
[1:47:46] Ontario government responsibility, I did
[1:47:49] reach out to Hydro1 officials regarding
[1:47:51] residents outage concerns. Hydro 1 is
[1:47:54] well aware of the outage concerns and
[1:47:57] held a team meeting to discuss frequency
[1:47:59] of outages and indicated they would
[1:48:02] explore the matter further. A municipal
[1:48:05] relations department official
[1:48:08] has indicated that Hydro 1 will be
[1:48:10] completing a patrol of the power lines
[1:48:13] to identify areas that may require
[1:48:15] maintenance or repair. This includes
[1:48:18] inspecting equipment and any forestry
[1:48:20] maintenance that may need to be
[1:48:23] completed. In addition, they are taking
[1:48:25] further steps to strengthen the system
[1:48:27] reliability by reviewing infrastructure
[1:48:30] plans in the area to better support
[1:48:33] long-term reliability.
[1:48:35] I do not subscribe to social media.
[1:48:38] However, with respect to the power
[1:48:39] outage issue, I have been subjected to a
[1:48:42] number of derogatory remarks by a
[1:48:44] certain individual who has made several
[1:48:47] false statements, accusations regarding
[1:48:50] my integrity representing W 3. And on uh
[1:48:54] February 10th, this individual will be
[1:48:56] coming to counciling committee to make a
[1:48:57] deputation. I don't know what it's going
[1:48:59] to be about, but anyway, we'll we'll see
[1:49:01] looking forward. This individual never
[1:49:04] did ever contact me through email or by
[1:49:07] phone. And uh here we are to share a few
[1:49:10] comments
[1:49:12] on the post. He indicated when the
[1:49:13] doctors vacated Delhigh, he waved and
[1:49:16] smiled.
[1:49:17] You probably all remember the time I
[1:49:19] made a statement here at council. It was
[1:49:23] uh April 24th, 2023.
[1:49:26] Front page headlines. Simco reformer
[1:49:29] family health team moved from Delhigh
[1:49:30] worries community members Columbus. So
[1:49:33] there it is a false statement again. Um
[1:49:37] he voted himself a raise and waves and
[1:49:40] smiles.
[1:49:41] Well you all know how I voted. It was a
[1:49:43] record of vote. I voted against that. He
[1:49:46] voted or he doesn't show up for anything
[1:49:49] anymore yet is always there for the free
[1:49:51] meals. How do you like that? And now
[1:49:54] they think I control the switch to
[1:49:56] power.
[1:49:58] for going to Delhi.
[1:50:00] Freedom of speech is everybody's right.
[1:50:02] However, linguistically assaulting a
[1:50:05] member of Norfol Council is out of
[1:50:07] order. What recourse does an elected
[1:50:10] member of council have when it comes to
[1:50:12] social media?
[1:50:17] » All right. Is that a rhetorical question
[1:50:20] or you hoping for some discussion on
[1:50:23] social media from council?
[1:50:26] I missed that. Sorry, madam mayor.
[1:50:28] >> Are you hoping for council to have
[1:50:29] » Are you hoping for council to have
[1:50:29] discussion on social media? Is that
[1:50:31] >> uh Yes. I don't know. Maybe the CEO
[1:50:33] » uh Yes. I don't know. Maybe the CEO
[1:50:33] would like to make a comment on that. I
[1:50:35] mentioned to him earlier what I was
[1:50:36] going to do. So,
[1:50:39] >> do you wish to make a comment?
[1:50:42] » do you wish to make a comment?
[1:50:42] >> Um through Madame Mayor. The only
[1:50:44] » Um through Madame Mayor. The only
[1:50:44] comment I will make is social media is
[1:50:47] certainly growing in influence and there
[1:50:49] are a lot of comments being made on
[1:50:52] social media. um not a necessarily
[1:50:56] um the best vehicle to confirm that the
[1:50:59] the information being shared on social
[1:51:01] media is factually correct. But uh it is
[1:51:04] something that uh at the municipal level
[1:51:08] every organization is working on options
[1:51:11] and strategies to deal with social media
[1:51:13] going forward.
[1:51:17] Uh, I have councelor Bruntton then Van
[1:51:19] Passen.
[1:51:24] Councelor Van Passen on this topic. Go
[1:51:26] ahead.
[1:51:27] >> Well, I'm not sure if it's on this
[1:51:28] » Well, I'm not sure if it's on this
[1:51:28] topic. I want to talk about the power
[1:51:30] outages, but uh which I think where we
[1:51:32] started and would actually ask that uh
[1:51:36] staff do contact Hydro1.
[1:51:39] Um we get to brag a lot that uh Norfolk
[1:51:42] County is such a great place because we
[1:51:44] got 28% forest cover and we forget
[1:51:47] sometimes that those forests also cover
[1:51:49] the hydro lines cuz I have had a lot of
[1:51:51] complaints as well. Um especially along
[1:51:53] the lake shore, places like Normandale,
[1:51:55] Fischer Glenn, um the wind blows, trees
[1:51:59] fall down, takes down the hydrol lines,
[1:52:01] they've got power outages, too. And it's
[1:52:03] still uh Noral County's fault even
[1:52:05] though we got nothing to do with it. But
[1:52:07] I wonder if that might be possible that
[1:52:09] staff uh talk to, you know, the powers
[1:52:12] that be, you know, we have our crews
[1:52:15] that are out up and down the road. Maybe
[1:52:17] they can work with Hydro1 when they see
[1:52:19] a tree that's hanging over the line or
[1:52:21] something and uh maybe we can work out
[1:52:23] something to the benefit of all the uh
[1:52:25] the residents of Norfolk County. So,
[1:52:29] >> councelor Duffy,
[1:52:32] » councelor Duffy,
[1:52:32] >> uh thank you, Madam Mayor. I would just
[1:52:33] » uh thank you, Madam Mayor. I would just
[1:52:33] sort of in response to Councelor
[1:52:34] Columbus, I would say, you know, social
[1:52:36] media is a dreadful animal uh often and
[1:52:39] people take things they hear on there as
[1:52:40] gospel and then spout it as if they're
[1:52:42] preaching. Um, which is typically
[1:52:44] incorrect. But what I would say is I
[1:52:46] have welcomed the conversations that
[1:52:47] I've been able to have with uh
[1:52:49] individuals and residents that have read
[1:52:51] things on social media and then reached
[1:52:53] out to confirm. Um because when you have
[1:52:56] the ability to have a discussion that is
[1:52:58] actually rooted in fact uh you know you
[1:53:01] can make further strides with that
[1:53:03] individual. Uh so my encouragement
[1:53:05] really would be to the residents that
[1:53:06] are reading these things on social and
[1:53:08] assuming that they're gospel don't don't
[1:53:10] believe everything that you read and in
[1:53:12] fact uh reach out to your uh your
[1:53:14] representative be it at this level or at
[1:53:16] other levels um and to seek
[1:53:18] clarification and then make your
[1:53:20] determination from there.
[1:53:22] >> All right. Thanks for those comments.
[1:53:24] » All right. Thanks for those comments.
[1:53:24] Much appreciated.
[1:53:26] Anyone else for or sorry, Council
[1:53:28] Breton, other business?
[1:53:29] >> Uh, yeah. Thank you, Mayor Martin. I
[1:53:31] » Uh, yeah. Thank you, Mayor Martin. I
[1:53:31] just want to take a minute toh
[1:53:33] congratulate Andrew and his staff for
[1:53:35] all the hard work they're doing out
[1:53:37] there with the snow plowing and the cold
[1:53:39] weather. I can appreciate some of the
[1:53:42] issues you're probably dealing with, but
[1:53:44] I would uh tell you that I have had some
[1:53:46] very interesting comments from people. a
[1:53:49] few not so favorable, but the majority
[1:53:51] are uh
[1:53:54] very much appreciate the work you are
[1:53:57] doing and I hope you pass that on to
[1:53:58] your staff. Thank you,
[1:54:01] >> Councelor Duffy.
[1:54:02] » Councelor Duffy.
[1:54:02] >> Uh thank you, Madam Mayor. If I could
[1:54:04] » Uh thank you, Madam Mayor. If I could
[1:54:04] maybe just get some uh sort of pose a
[1:54:06] question of staff and I think I know the
[1:54:08] answer, but uh the status of the pool as
[1:54:10] of today
[1:54:17] uh through the mayor. Um work is moving
[1:54:20] along. Uh we thought obviously we were
[1:54:23] going to be open sooner um but the water
[1:54:26] chemistry was was the issue. So, I don't
[1:54:28] have an exact date on opening, but uh I
[1:54:31] have been assumed or I assume from the
[1:54:33] talks I had with staff earlier this week
[1:54:34] that the pool will be up and running
[1:54:36] this week. And I apologize. I don't have
[1:54:38] an exact time, but I will get that and
[1:54:40] email counselors with the exact date.
[1:54:45] » Sorry, thank you for that. This has just
[1:54:48] triggered a question for me though that
[1:54:49] I may pose to Miss Van Djk. My
[1:54:51] apologies, Madame Mayor. I beg your
[1:54:52] indulgence. I could swear on social
[1:54:54] media today, as much as we were just
[1:54:56] talking about that, I saw a post from
[1:54:59] Norfol County that said the Enley's car
[1:55:00] aquatic center was open today
[1:55:03] >> and that could very well be as I said, I
[1:55:05] » and that could very well be as I said, I
[1:55:05] haven't talked to staff uh this week
[1:55:08] about it. It was it was earlier this
[1:55:10] week.
[1:55:12] >> So, Madame Mayor, threw you to council.
[1:55:14] » So, Madame Mayor, threw you to council.
[1:55:14] Um, I am aware that communication staff
[1:55:17] have been in regular contact with
[1:55:20] recreation staff and providing updates,
[1:55:22] but I will confirm with them uh right
[1:55:26] now um whether they're referencing the
[1:55:30] building being open or the pool or both.
[1:55:38] » Anyone else for other business?
[1:55:42] Great. General announcements,
[1:55:47] staff.
[1:55:50] All righty, we're cruising along with
[1:55:52] that. We have four late close session
[1:55:54] items today.
[1:55:57] Uh mover and a seconder, please p to
[1:55:59] move into close session for uh several
[1:56:03] reasons here. Councelor Varian Huffman
[1:56:04] move pursuant to section 2392 of the
[1:56:07] Municipal Act 2001 as amended as a
[1:56:09] subject matter pertains to B personal
[1:56:11] matters about an identifiable individual
[1:56:13] including municipal or local board
[1:56:14] employees and E litigation or potential
[1:56:17] litigation including matters before
[1:56:18] administrative tribunals affecting the
[1:56:20] municipality or local board and H
[1:56:23] information explicitly supplied in
[1:56:25] confidence to the municipality or local
[1:56:27] board by Canada a province or territory
[1:56:29] or crown agency of any of them. Items
[1:56:32] 18.1 through to 18.4 are on the agenda.
[1:56:36] Um, and for those virtually, let's just
[1:56:38] take a five minute break and and
[1:56:41] jump into close session at 301.
[1:56:44] Thanks.
[1:56:44] >> Okay.
[1:56:45] » Okay.
[1:56:45] >> Sorry,
[1:56:47] » Sorry,
[1:56:47] that's carried.
[1:56:57] Life depends on to restore this pond.
[1:57:00] We're removing the excess sediment and
[1:57:02] transporting it to a licensed site.
[1:57:04] We're also clearing invasive plants,
[1:57:06] reshaping the pond's banks, and
[1:57:08] upgrading the outlet that controls the
[1:57:10] flow of water. This work will improve
[1:57:12] water quality, allow the pond to hold
[1:57:14] more water, reduce flooding risk, and
[1:57:17] provide a healthier habitat for plants
[1:57:18] and wildlife.
[1:57:21] Storm water management isn't just about
[1:57:23] what you see on the surface. It's also
[1:57:25] about the infrastructure underground. We
[1:57:27] use special tools to locate, map, and
[1:57:29] inspect the pipes and infrastructure
[1:57:31] that connect the ponds to the wider
[1:57:32] storm water system. This helps us to
[1:57:34] understand how water moves through our
[1:57:36] communities and identify issues that
[1:57:38] need our attention. It's likely that you
[1:57:40] or someone that you know has been
[1:57:42] impacted by flooding, erosion, or
[1:57:44] drainage issues. All of that connects
[1:57:46] back to storm water. Storm water
[1:57:48] management isn't just about pipes and
[1:57:50] ponds. It's about protecting the
[1:57:52] communities and the nature that
[1:57:53] surrounds us. As Norfolk County grows,
[1:57:55] so does our responsibility to manage
[1:57:57] storm water. And that's our job. With
[1:57:59] smart planning, hard work, and community
[1:58:02] support, we're building a cleaner,
[1:58:04] safer, and more resilient future
[1:58:06] together.
[1:58:13] Welcome to Norfolk County, where land
[1:58:16] meets lake and opportunity grows deep
[1:58:19] and wide.
[1:58:21] Located on the north shore of Lake Erie
[1:58:24] in the heart of southwestern Ontario,
[1:58:26] Norfolk spans 1600 square kilm making us
[1:58:30] one of Ontario's largest single tier
[1:58:33] municipalities.
[1:58:35] Our roots run deep in agriculture, food
[1:58:38] production, and advanced manufacturing
[1:58:40] industries that shaped our past and are
[1:58:43] powering Ontario's future economy. Home
[1:58:46] to over 70,000, we are bold, diverse,
[1:58:50] and fiercely local. From Port Dober to
[1:58:53] Longpoint, our folks are putting down
[1:58:55] roots. Sometimes in sand, sometimes in
[1:58:58] soil, but always in a place they're
[1:59:01] proud to call home. Big land, big
[1:59:04] vision, unmatched potential. That's
[1:59:08] Norfolk.
[1:59:12] » Hey, Norfolk County. Hey, Norfolk
[1:59:13] County.
[1:59:14] >> Hey, Norfol County. Hey, Norfolk County.
[1:59:16] » Hey, Norfol County. Hey, Norfolk County.
[1:59:16] >> Hey, Norfolk County.
[1:59:17] » Hey, Norfolk County.
[1:59:17] >> Hey, Norfolk County.
[1:59:18] » Hey, Norfolk County.
[1:59:18] >> My name is Bowden Wiki.
[1:59:20] » My name is Bowden Wiki.
[1:59:20] >> My name is Lindsay Calokoski.
[1:59:21] » My name is Lindsay Calokoski.
[1:59:21] >> My name is Alex Ryan. I work as a park
[1:59:24] » My name is Alex Ryan. I work as a park
[1:59:24] student.
[1:59:24] >> I work as an economic development
[1:59:26] » I work as an economic development
[1:59:26] coordinator.
[1:59:27] >> I work on roads department in Delhigh.
[1:59:29] » I work on roads department in Delhigh.
[1:59:29] >> I work as a supervisor for waste
[1:59:31] » I work as a supervisor for waste
[1:59:32] management.
[1:59:32] >> I work as a committee coordinator in the
[1:59:34] » I work as a committee coordinator in the
[1:59:34] clerk's department.
[1:59:35] >> Okay. What's the first question?
[1:59:37] » Okay. What's the first question?
[1:59:38] >> Um, what I love about my job is the
[1:59:39] » Um, what I love about my job is the
[1:59:40] people.
[1:59:40] >> All right. What do I love about my job?
[1:59:42] » All right. What do I love about my job?
[1:59:42] >> It's really the community. No day is the
[1:59:45] » It's really the community. No day is the
[1:59:45] same. It
[1:59:46] >> is cuz I get to work with a bunch of
[1:59:47] » is cuz I get to work with a bunch of
[1:59:47] great guys.
[1:59:48] >> It directly impacts really positively
[1:59:50] » It directly impacts really positively
[1:59:50] the residents of Norol County.
[1:59:52] >> Uh I love the people that I get a chance
[1:59:54] » Uh I love the people that I get a chance
[1:59:54] to work with. Every day is different.
[1:59:56] The mix of things is what makes me happy
[1:59:58] and keeps me going.
[1:59:59] >> First and foremost, the the community uh
[2:00:02] » First and foremost, the the community uh
[2:00:02] the people of this community are so
[2:00:04] welcoming is the amazing team I get to
[2:00:06] work with every day here at Norfol
[2:00:07] County.
[2:00:08] >> Opportunity to help people uh to help my
[2:00:10] » Opportunity to help people uh to help my
[2:00:10] community. And one of the things I love
[2:00:11] the most about my job is my team. I I
[2:00:14] love who I work with and um what I do
[2:00:18] while I'm here.
[2:00:20] I get to work on projects and in
[2:00:22] programs that support our community that
[2:00:25] help make lives better for the people
[2:00:27] who live here, who work here, and who
[2:00:29] come here to visit. Every day you feel
[2:00:32] like you've accomplished something on
[2:00:33] the way home and you're working with a
[2:00:35] bunch of great people who are equally as
[2:00:37] committed to the community and serving
[2:00:39] our communities.
[2:00:40] >> The pace here is uh very good and uh
[2:00:42] » The pace here is uh very good and uh
[2:00:42] great uh work life balance.
[2:00:44] >> They put wellness on the forefront. So
[2:00:46] » They put wellness on the forefront. So
[2:00:46] I'm part of the Apple committee and
[2:00:47] there's lots of opportunity at Norfol
[2:00:49] County.
[2:00:49] >> Flexible work hours, great work life
[2:00:51] » Flexible work hours, great work life
[2:00:51] balance, great staff, great friends and
[2:00:54] of course what's not to love about
[2:00:55] Norfol County for Ontario's garden.
[2:00:57] >> I love helping people. I love helping
[2:00:59] » I love helping people. I love helping
[2:00:59] residents and that's what makes Norfol
[2:01:01] County a great place to come to work.
[2:01:04] >> I chose to work for Norfol County
[2:01:06] » I chose to work for Norfol County
[2:01:06] because I grew up in Delhigh so it's
[2:01:08] close to home and I've enjoyed working
[2:01:10] for my community and my friends and
[2:01:12] family.
[2:01:12] >> Definitely 100% the people. There are
[2:01:15] » Definitely 100% the people. There are
[2:01:15] lots of community champions and
[2:01:16] everyone's been so kind and welcoming
[2:01:19] >> because I was born and raised here and I
[2:01:20] » because I was born and raised here and I
[2:01:20] wanted to help give back to my
[2:01:21] community.
[2:01:22] >> I love giving back to a community that I
[2:01:24] » I love giving back to a community that I
[2:01:24] grew up in. I love my team and I love
[2:01:26] that I can leave a legacy here in the
[2:01:27] Twin Cities.
[2:01:28] >> When I had the opportunity to come home
[2:01:30] » When I had the opportunity to come home
[2:01:30] and and serve the public, I jumped at
[2:01:33] that opportunity. I started my career as
[2:01:36] an area planner for this place. It's
[2:01:38] interesting that the end of my career,
[2:01:39] this opportunity came up to come back
[2:01:41] and make Norfolk a better place. Is
[2:01:43] being able to live and work in the
[2:01:46] community that uh we're a part of. I did
[2:01:48] choose to work for Norfolk because I'm
[2:01:52] an engineer by trade and I like to solve
[2:01:54] problems and realized how rewarding it
[2:01:57] was to be able to contribute to
[2:01:58] initiatives within the area that I've
[2:02:00] always called home. I love it here. You
[2:02:03] should consider uh joining the public
[2:02:05] sector, joining the municipality because
[2:02:07] it's so diverse. There's something for
[2:02:09] everyone. Local government is the
[2:02:10] closest to the people. We get to work
[2:02:12] with our residents day in and day out
[2:02:14] and there is something for you in every
[2:02:16] department for Norfolk.
[2:02:23] » Hey Norfol County, do you know how your
[2:02:26] property taxes are spent? Let's take a
[2:02:28] look together. First, we need to start
[2:02:30] with Norfol County's budget. Every year,
[2:02:33] staff and council confirm the funds
[2:02:35] required to be collected from the
[2:02:37] property taxes paid by you and 35,000
[2:02:39] other Norfol County taxpayers.
[2:02:42] These funds contribute to Norfol
[2:02:44] County's levy and capital budgets, which
[2:02:46] lay out how your tax dollars are used.
[2:02:49] The capital budget is also funded by the
[2:02:51] rate budget, the funds paid by
[2:02:53] residents, known as rateayers, for water
[2:02:55] and wastewater services through their
[2:02:57] monthly water bill.
[2:02:59] The levy budget is used to deliver
[2:03:01] programs and services for residents
[2:03:02] ranging from emergency services like
[2:03:05] fire and EMS, waste services like
[2:03:07] garbage collection, recreation services
[2:03:10] like arenas, trails, and parks,
[2:03:13] maintenance services like snow removal
[2:03:15] and road repair, and human services like
[2:03:18] homelessness prevention and health
[2:03:20] education programs. Our levy budget also
[2:03:24] supports our libraries and museums,
[2:03:27] administrative services for council, and
[2:03:29] the many staff who keep Norfolk County
[2:03:31] operating.
[2:03:33] Services like recreation programs for
[2:03:36] children, adults, and seniors and our
[2:03:38] Ride Norfolk transit program are also
[2:03:40] paid for with property taxes and
[2:03:43] supplemented by user fees.
[2:03:46] And across Ontario, a portion of each
[2:03:48] resident's property tax bill goes to our
[2:03:51] local school boards.
[2:03:53] About a third of the property taxes
[2:03:55] collected are allocated to the capital
[2:03:57] budget or reserves for future capital
[2:03:59] spending, which includes other funding
[2:04:01] sources like the federal and provincial
[2:04:03] government, reserve funds, grants, debt,
[2:04:07] and development charges, as well as
[2:04:09] funds from the rate budget. Together,
[2:04:12] the capital budget goes toward
[2:04:13] longerterm projects such as our
[2:04:15] investments in water and wastewater
[2:04:17] facilities, as well as building and
[2:04:19] renewing our parks, roadways, pools,
[2:04:23] arenas, and other things we use every
[2:04:25] day. So, the next time you hear someone
[2:04:28] ask, "Where are my property taxes
[2:04:30] going?" you can tell them to look down,
[2:04:33] look up, and look forward. Your tax
[2:04:36] dollars are at work all around you every
[2:04:38] day. When you visit your local park with
[2:04:41] your family, drive to work on cleared
[2:04:44] roads, register for swimming lessons,
[2:04:47] get rid of that old couch you've
[2:04:48] outgrown, or contact Service Norfol
[2:04:50] about that pothole on your street that
[2:04:52] needs to be fixed.
[2:04:54] Your tax dollars are also being invested
[2:04:56] in initiatives to improve the lives of
[2:04:58] Norfol County residents in the years to
[2:05:00] come to make Norfol County a better
[2:05:03] place for future generations.
[2:05:05] While Norfol County's budget is prepared
[2:05:07] once a year, your feedback helps us make
[2:05:10] decisions and plan for the future. We
[2:05:13] are committed to listening to you so
[2:05:14] that our budget reflects what is
[2:05:16] important to our community. Learn more
[2:05:18] about Norfol County's budget at
[2:05:20] norol.ca/
[2:05:23] >> Today, we're announcing an exciting
[2:05:24] » Today, we're announcing an exciting
[2:05:24] partnership with Scotland and Norfol
[2:05:26] County Economic Development, and we're
[2:05:28] transforming transport trailers into
[2:05:30] mobile ambassadors. We're showcasing
[2:05:32] Norfolk's story of opportunity,
[2:05:35] excellence, and quality of life across
[2:05:37] all of North America. And Scotland is
[2:05:39] the ideal partner with an amazing
[2:05:41] logistics network and will help us share
[2:05:43] our story all across North America.
[2:05:59] Heat.
[2:06:18] Hey, Heat.
[2:06:33] Uh oh.
[2:07:21] Hi, I'm Jacob and I'm here to take you
[2:07:23] behind the scenes on a capital project
[2:07:25] in Norfol County. We begin planning
[2:07:28] capital projects by analyzing our
[2:07:30] infrastructure needs related to roads,
[2:07:32] water manes, storm and sanitary sewers
[2:07:35] as well as bridges. We assess their
[2:07:38] overall condition, age, and servicing
[2:07:40] requirements. This provides a solid
[2:07:42] foundation to ensure Norfolk has the
[2:07:44] hard infrastructure for current and
[2:07:46] future needs. Once a project is
[2:07:48] determined and approved by council, we
[2:07:50] retain an engineer to complete the
[2:07:52] design. During this stage, we engage the
[2:07:55] public through public information
[2:07:56] centers or postings on the county
[2:07:58] website to inform them of the upcoming
[2:08:00] project and provide an opportunity to
[2:08:02] share feedback. After the design is
[2:08:05] completed and all approvals are in
[2:08:07] place, we hire a contractor through a
[2:08:09] public bidding process. During the
[2:08:11] construction phase, we track progress,
[2:08:13] budget, and continue to engage with the
[2:08:15] public. We also work with other
[2:08:17] departments to ensure the overall
[2:08:19] success of the project. Once complete,
[2:08:21] we report and track any warranty issues
[2:08:24] for 2 years. We measure a project's
[2:08:26] success by its ability to enhance
[2:08:28] infrastructure and positively impact
[2:08:30] residents. As a Norfol County employee,
[2:08:33] I enjoy building the community that has
[2:08:35] given me so much. Thank you for taking
[2:08:37] the time to join me on this
[2:08:39] behind-the-scenes tour.
[2:08:48] Deputations are a way for you and all
[2:08:51] residents of Norfol County to speak
[2:08:52] before council about relevant matters in
[2:08:54] our community.
[2:08:57] To begin, search www.norfocount.ca.
[2:09:04] Then select the government tab.
[2:09:07] Under the government tab, select provide
[2:09:09] deputation/spe
[2:09:11] at a council or committee meeting.
[2:09:13] This page provides general information
[2:09:15] regarding deputations. Under the
[2:09:17] subheading register to speak, click the
[2:09:20] public hearing/deputation form link to
[2:09:23] pre-register your deputation.
[2:09:25] Notice of collection. By checking the
[2:09:27] notice of collection box, you are
[2:09:29] agreeing to the above statement.
[2:09:31] Selecting the type of meeting you want.
[2:09:33] There are several types of meetings that
[2:09:34] allow deputations. Please listen closely
[2:09:36] as we explain each option. Council
[2:09:39] meeting. Council deputations must
[2:09:41] pertain to a matter listed on the
[2:09:43] upcoming meeting agenda. For the
[2:09:45] remaining meeting choices, you may
[2:09:46] present a deputation if the topic
[2:09:48] pertains to the committee you are
[2:09:50] presenting to. Once you select the type
[2:09:52] of meeting you want to deliver your
[2:09:53] deputation, you can complete the rest of
[2:09:55] the document. Now, choose whether you
[2:09:58] will attend the meeting in person or
[2:10:00] virtually.
[2:10:02] Finally, select if you will be providing
[2:10:04] materials during your deputation. If you
[2:10:06] have materials for distribution during
[2:10:08] the council meeting, please bring 15
[2:10:10] hard copies for council and staff. Now,
[2:10:12] click next to move to step two.
[2:10:16] In step two, please fill out your
[2:10:18] personal information.
[2:10:20] Once your personal information is
[2:10:21] completed, click next.
[2:10:24] Lastly, review your information and
[2:10:26] select next to submit your form. You
[2:10:29] have now completed the deputation
[2:10:30] request form. You will receive a
[2:10:32] confirmation email from the clerk's
[2:10:33] department that they've received your
[2:10:34] request. Next, we will talk about what
[2:10:36] to do on the day of your deputation.
[2:10:39] >> So, you've received your approval and
[2:10:41] » So, you've received your approval and
[2:10:41] the day of your deputation is upon you.
[2:10:43] For starters, council is located here at
[2:10:46] 50 Coburn Street. Now, there's two
[2:10:47] entrances you can use when you arrive.
[2:10:49] One is here located off Coburn and one
[2:10:52] located off Talbet Street. When you
[2:10:54] arrive, you'll have three main options
[2:10:56] to park. The first is to park at the
[2:10:58] Simco Town Center Mall, which is where
[2:11:00] Food Basics is located.
[2:11:07] Your second option is 2-hour street
[2:11:09] parking on Court Street. And your third
[2:11:11] option is 2-hour street parking on L
[2:11:13] Street. If you can't find any parking in
[2:11:15] any of those three options, don't worry.
[2:11:17] Downtown Simco has plenty of street
[2:11:19] parking in all of the surrounding areas.
[2:11:21] If you enter through the Cobburn Street
[2:11:23] doors, you'll have to make your way
[2:11:24] through the building to get to council
[2:11:25] chambers. But don't worry, if you
[2:11:27] require any assistance, you can feel
[2:11:29] free to ask Service Norfol at the front
[2:11:30] desk.
[2:11:32] Make your way along this path and you'll
[2:11:34] end up in the main lobby. To your left,
[2:11:38] there'll be an elevator. You can either
[2:11:40] ring the bell or go ask people at the
[2:11:42] front desk for assistance. If you don't
[2:11:43] need to use the elevator, you can head
[2:11:45] on up the green staircase and go up to
[2:11:47] council doors. If you enter through the
[2:11:49] Talbet street doors, the elevator will
[2:11:51] be immediately in front of you or the
[2:11:53] green staircase will be ready for you to
[2:11:55] go up and deliver your presentation.
[2:11:58] Once you reach the top of the stairs,
[2:12:00] you'll have made it to council chambers.
[2:12:08] Feel free to take a seat here or here
[2:12:11] and wait for council to call your name
[2:12:13] when it's time to present.
[2:12:15] When council calls your name, make your
[2:12:17] way to the podium and ensure that you
[2:12:18] don't walk between the railing and the
[2:12:20] chairs on your way there. When you
[2:12:22] arrive at the podium, adjust it to your
[2:12:24] desired height using the arrow buttons
[2:12:26] and turn the microphone on using the
[2:12:27] button on the right.
[2:12:30] If you're giving your deputation in
[2:12:32] front of council, begin by saying
[2:12:34] through the mayor. If you're giving it
[2:12:35] in front of a committee, begin by saying
[2:12:37] through the chair. Then clearly state
[2:12:40] your name and address and you'll have 5
[2:12:42] minutes to give your presentation.
[2:12:44] Upon having 1 minute remaining, the
[2:12:46] chair will give you notice. When you're
[2:12:48] finished your presentation, council may
[2:12:50] have questions for you. Ensure that you
[2:12:51] always begin your answer by saying
[2:12:53] through the mayor or through the chair
[2:12:55] to counselor and their last name. If you
[2:12:58] can't answer the question, that's okay.
[2:13:00] Inform council that you'll gather more
[2:13:01] information and get back to them. After
[2:13:04] that, council will have heard out what
[2:13:05] you've had to say and they'll take
[2:13:06] appropriate action as they deem
[2:13:08] necessary. And now you finished your
[2:13:10] deputation. You can either have a seat
[2:13:13] and watch the rest of the meeting or you
[2:13:15] can leave through the door that you came
[2:13:17] in and ensure that you leave as quietly
[2:13:19] as possible.
[2:13:26] Hey, Norfol County. My name is Anna and
[2:13:28] I'm here to share some water safety tips
[2:13:30] to keep you and your family safe around
[2:13:32] the water.
[2:13:35] Knowing how to swim is a life skill and
[2:13:37] an essential part of staying safe and
[2:13:39] having fun. Swimming lessons are the
[2:13:41] best way to learn essential swim
[2:13:42] survival skills to recover from a fall
[2:13:44] into deep water.
[2:13:47] Think you're too old for lessons? There
[2:13:48] are programs designed for teens and
[2:13:50] adults as well.
[2:13:52] With so many lakes and rivers, Canadians
[2:13:54] of all ages are avid boers. Always wear
[2:13:57] a life jacket. It could save your life.
[2:14:00] Never swim alone, regardless of age and
[2:14:02] skill level. Always swim with a buddy. A
[2:14:05] buddy can throw you a buoyant aid if you
[2:14:06] get into trouble. When possible, wait
[2:14:09] into unknown waters to prevent injury.
[2:14:13] Backyard pools are a great place to make
[2:14:15] family memories. But remember, if you
[2:14:17] are not within arms reach of your child
[2:14:19] in and around the water, then you've
[2:14:21] gone too far. Drowning can occur in as
[2:14:23] little as 10 seconds, and it is silent.
[2:14:28] Every drowning death is preventable.
[2:14:30] Take time to educate yourself and those
[2:14:32] around you to ensure you're staying safe
[2:14:34] and having fun around the water. For
[2:14:36] more information, visit norfolk
[2:14:38] county.ca/watersafety.
[2:14:49] We all have the right to feel safe at
[2:14:51] work, when spending time with friends
[2:14:53] and family,
[2:14:55] when participating in activities, or
[2:14:58] attending a public meeting or event.
[2:15:00] Norfolk County is committed to ensuring
[2:15:02] our spaces and workplaces are safe. Our
[2:15:06] respect and responsibility policy
[2:15:08] outlines the code of conduct for
[2:15:10] employees, patrons, contractors,
[2:15:14] volunteers, coaches, and spectators.
[2:15:17] This code of conduct also applies to
[2:15:19] phone calls, emails, and virtual and
[2:15:23] social media platforms. We all play a
[2:15:26] part in fostering a respectful and safe
[2:15:28] environment. Inappropriate behaviors
[2:15:30] such as swearing, name calling, verbal
[2:15:33] and physical threats, physical violence,
[2:15:35] harassment, and vandalism will not be
[2:15:38] tolerated. Staff have the right to take
[2:15:40] action when incidents occur. This may
[2:15:43] include denying service, asking
[2:15:45] individuals to leave, contacting the
[2:15:47] police, or if necessary, suspending them
[2:15:49] from county programs and facilities.
[2:15:52] Those responsible for damaging county
[2:15:54] property will be required to cover the
[2:15:56] cost of repairs, fees, and lost
[2:15:58] revenues.
[2:16:01] We are committed to providing
[2:16:02] highquality customer service and a safe
[2:16:05] and respectful environment for all. For
[2:16:07] more information about our respect and
[2:16:09] responsibility policy, visit
[2:16:11] norfolcount.ca/rnr.
[2:16:28] Hi, I'm Lisa and I'm excited to take you
[2:16:30] behind the scenes to meet Norfolk
[2:16:32] County's aquatics team in action.
[2:16:36] I think the people are what make the
[2:16:39] job. I think working with the people
[2:16:40] that I do, we're a great team. We work
[2:16:42] really well together. That makes a
[2:16:45] positive work environment. That makes a
[2:16:47] positive work for the public as well.
[2:16:49] They see that we work well together and
[2:16:50] I think that benefits them as well. I
[2:16:53] still love coming here every day. It's
[2:16:54] an exciting job. It's always different.
[2:16:57] You're always doing new things. Being
[2:16:59] part of our team offers staff the
[2:17:01] opportunity to develop essential skills
[2:17:03] in lifeguarding. Teaching swimming
[2:17:05] lessons, customer service, first aid,
[2:17:08] and of course, teamwork.
[2:17:10] >> I think swimming in general is a really
[2:17:12] » I think swimming in general is a really
[2:17:12] great skill to have from a very young
[2:17:13] age. So, being a part of children
[2:17:16] learning how to swim is super important
[2:17:17] to me. It's a really rewarding process
[2:17:19] to see them go from not the greatest
[2:17:21] swimmer to a better or great swimmer.
[2:17:24] It's a really good stepping stone to
[2:17:26] what I want to do in the future.
[2:17:28] >> It's just a nice variety and everybody
[2:17:31] » It's just a nice variety and everybody
[2:17:31] brings something different and special
[2:17:32] to the team.
[2:17:35] >> Our aquatics team is dedicated to
[2:17:37] » Our aquatics team is dedicated to
[2:17:37] educating the community on water safety
[2:17:39] and drowning prevention. You might be a
[2:17:42] quiet student coming in and this job is
[2:17:45] really going to push you to find your
[2:17:46] voice and be like an impactful member of
[2:17:49] a team.
[2:17:49] >> I love that it's different every day and
[2:17:52] » I love that it's different every day and
[2:17:52] you get to meet new people every day and
[2:17:54] see some of the same faces every day as
[2:17:56] well. But my job is different every
[2:17:58] single day. I don't do the same. So,
[2:18:00] it's amazing.
[2:18:01] >> As a proud Norville County employee, I'm
[2:18:03] » As a proud Norville County employee, I'm
[2:18:03] honored to be part of a team delivering
[2:18:05] life-saving skills to our community.
[2:18:08] Thank you for joining me on this
[2:18:09] behind-the-scenes tour. I hope this
[2:18:12] video gives you a glimpse of what it's
[2:18:14] like to be part of our aquatics team. If
[2:18:16] you're interested in taking advanced
[2:18:18] leadership courses to become a lifeguard
[2:18:20] and instructor, visit norcount.ca.
[2:18:32] Hey, Norfolk County. Whether you're a
[2:18:34] longtime resident, new to the area, or
[2:18:36] simply visiting, do you know about the
[2:18:38] many services provided by Norfolk
[2:18:40] County? As a single tier municipality,
[2:18:43] we provide services that our community
[2:18:45] uses every day, including water and fire
[2:18:48] protection, curbside garbage and
[2:18:50] recycling, road and sidewalk
[2:18:52] maintenance, and so much more. We also
[2:18:55] provide services needed at unique times
[2:18:57] in life, such as a marriage or business
[2:18:59] license, or a dog tag for your new
[2:19:02] companion. And the unique geographic
[2:19:04] features in Norfolk County from farmland
[2:19:07] and forests to lakes and wetlands means
[2:19:10] we also provide specialized services
[2:19:12] ranging from drainage applications to
[2:19:14] tree inspections.
[2:19:16] Wondering how to contact Norfolk County?
[2:19:18] Start with Service Norfolk. Our friendly
[2:19:20] team of agents is here to help. Reach us
[2:19:23] by phone at 519-426-5870
[2:19:28] or 226 Norfolk from 8:30 to 4:30 Monday
[2:19:33] to Friday. Calling about an issue after
[2:19:35] hours? No problem. We have you covered.
[2:19:40] Prefer online? Email ask
[2:19:42] us@norfolocount.ca
[2:19:44] anytime or use our customer service
[2:19:47] portal at service.norfolocount.ca
[2:19:51] CA and get a reply right to your email
[2:19:53] inbox. Want to visit us in person? Come
[2:19:57] to one of our friendly customer service
[2:19:58] counters in Simco Monday to Friday or
[2:20:01] Delhigh Tuesday to Thursday. Service
[2:20:05] Norfolk, connecting you to Norfol County
[2:20:07] services.
[2:20:10] » Meet Captain Clean, the toilet paper
[2:20:13] superhero here to protect Norfolk
[2:20:15] County's pipes and keep everything
[2:20:17] flowing smoothly. Remember, only flush
[2:20:20] the three P's. Pee, poop, and toilet
[2:20:23] paper. Flushing anything else can cause
[2:20:26] big trouble. Things like wipes, hair, or
[2:20:28] grease can create sewer blockages. These
[2:20:31] blockages restrict flow. Combine with
[2:20:33] other debris and causely damage,
[2:20:36] overflow, and even water pollution. By
[2:20:39] sticking to the three Ps, you can help
[2:20:41] prevent clogs, reduce repair costs, and
[2:20:43] keep our water clean. For items you
[2:20:46] can't flush, proper disposal is key.
[2:20:49] Throw regular waste in the garbage. Do
[2:20:51] not believe claims on packaging that
[2:20:53] products are flushable. Take it from
[2:20:56] Captain Clean. They are not. Household
[2:20:59] hazardous waste can be dropped off at
[2:21:01] Norfolk's temporary depots during spring
[2:21:04] and fall. For things like medication and
[2:21:07] sharps disposal, take them to your local
[2:21:09] pharmacy or the health unit. And
[2:21:12] remember, grease belongs in the trash,
[2:21:14] but let it cool and store it first.
[2:21:17] Don't pour it down the drain. Be a
[2:21:20] flushing hero like Captain Clean.
[2:21:22] Together, we can protect our pipes, our
[2:21:25] homes, and the environment. Remember,
[2:21:28] only flush the three Ps. Norfolk County
[2:21:31] is counting on you.
[2:21:39] » Hi, I'm Dave. I'm here to take you
[2:21:42] behind the scenes for a quick look at
[2:21:44] what we do at Norfolk County's water
[2:21:46] treatment facility. Here in Port Rowan,
[2:21:48] the water treatment process starts by
[2:21:50] pumping water from Lake Erie up into the
[2:21:53] water treatment facility. Back in the
[2:21:55] treatment facility, I inspect large
[2:21:58] clarification tanks where the lake water
[2:22:00] enters the plant. Here we add quagalin,
[2:22:03] a chemical that attracts dirt particles
[2:22:05] together. These form into larger
[2:22:07] particles called flock, which eventually
[2:22:09] sinks and is sent to waste. Next, the
[2:22:12] water enters the filtration system where
[2:22:14] any remaining dirt particles are trapped
[2:22:16] by the filters. The water is then
[2:22:19] chlorinated and sent into a 113 cubic
[2:22:22] meter underground storage chamber. The
[2:22:25] water is then taken to the granular
[2:22:27] activated carbon filters that work like
[2:22:29] superized 10,000 lb brittle filters to
[2:22:32] remove taste and odor. The final step is
[2:22:35] disinfection, which includes UV and a
[2:22:38] final dose of chlorine, ensuring safe
[2:22:41] potable drinking water. Water testing is
[2:22:44] an important part of the job. Throughout
[2:22:45] the day, we take water samples at
[2:22:47] different stages of the process, up to
[2:22:50] nine tests depending on the treatment
[2:22:52] facility. As a Norfolk resident myself,
[2:22:54] I'm proud to serve the community I live
[2:22:56] in. Thanks for joining me in this
[2:22:59] behindthescenes tour.
[2:23:02] Heat. Heat.
[2:24:06] Hey, Norfolk County. Did you know that
[2:24:08] Ride Norfolk is now on demand? This
[2:24:11] means you can schedule Norfolk's public
[2:24:12] transit service to pick you up for
[2:24:14] appointments, shopping, school, or work.
[2:24:17] Ride Norfolk has partnered with Blaze
[2:24:18] Transit to offer ondemand pickups at all
[2:24:21] 95 stops across Norfolk, including this
[2:24:24] one. I booked my trip earlier today and
[2:24:26] my bus is here right on time. Since
[2:24:29] there are no fixed local schedules, you
[2:24:31] can easily book Ride Norfolk over the
[2:24:33] phone, online, or on the Blaze Transit
[2:24:36] app from your smartphone. Thanks,
[2:24:37] Charlie.
[2:24:38] >> You're welcome. Ride Norfolk's customer
[2:24:40] » You're welcome. Ride Norfolk's customer
[2:24:40] service team can help answer any
[2:24:41] questions you may have, get you started
[2:24:43] with the app, or book your next ride. By
[2:24:46] moving to on demand, Ride Norfolk is
[2:24:48] helping more residents get where they
[2:24:49] need to go. To learn more, visit norfolk
[2:24:52] county.ca/transit.
[2:25:00] Hi, I'm Marissa and I'm here to take you
[2:25:02] behind the scenes for a quick look at
[2:25:04] what we do at Norol County's waste and
[2:25:05] recycling operations. Here at the
[2:25:07] transfer station in Simco, residents can
[2:25:10] bring a variety of waste materials for
[2:25:11] disposal. Norfolk operates two transfer
[2:25:14] stations welcoming about 27,000
[2:25:17] customers every year and accepts
[2:25:19] material ranging from bulky items, wood,
[2:25:22] metal, and yard waste. Norfolk also
[2:25:24] provides curbside waste programs.
[2:25:26] Recycling from your home arrives at this
[2:25:29] facility where it is manually sorted by
[2:25:31] the type of material. You can see why
[2:25:33] it's important to separate materials
[2:25:35] into the correct bin, rinse recyclables,
[2:25:38] and remove items from bags. This
[2:25:40] facility processes 4600 metric tons per
[2:25:43] year. That's equal to about 20 tons per
[2:25:46] day. Once items are sorted by material
[2:25:48] type, they are bailed and ready to be
[2:25:50] shipped across North America to be made
[2:25:52] into new material. About 8 to 10% of the
[2:25:56] material that arrives here shouldn't
[2:25:58] have been put in the recycling bin.
[2:26:00] Residents can use our recycle coach app
[2:26:02] to confirm if an item can be recycled.
[2:26:05] After seeing how waste is handled, I
[2:26:07] hope this video helps show why rinsing
[2:26:09] and sorting your recyclables are
[2:26:11] important steps in the recycling
[2:26:13] process. As a Norfol County employee, I
[2:26:16] am proud to serve the community I was
[2:26:17] raised in. Thanks for joining me on this
[2:26:19] behind-the-scenes tour.
[2:26:24] This summer, discover the hidden gem of
[2:26:27] Norfolk County, Ontario's garden. Stroll
[2:26:31] through historic villages where time
[2:26:33] seems to slow down. Feel the sand
[2:26:36] between your toes on our pristine Lake
[2:26:38] Eerie beaches. From live theater that
[2:26:41] captivates to trails that wind through
[2:26:43] breathtaking landscapes, adventure and
[2:26:46] relaxation await at every turn. Meet the
[2:26:50] farmers who grow your dinner and taste
[2:26:52] wine and beer crafted right here.
[2:26:55] Experience Norfolk County this summer,
[2:26:57] where small town charm meets farm fresh
[2:27:00] flavor. Ontario's garden. It's time you
[2:27:03] came home to it.
[2:27:13] Hey, Norol County. I'm Chris and I'm
[2:27:15] here to take you behind the scenes to
[2:27:17] show you how Norfol County manages storm
[2:27:19] water in our towns and communities.
[2:27:21] Storm water isn't just rain or melted
[2:27:23] snow. It's any excess water that runs
[2:27:25] off hard surfaces like roads, driveways,
[2:27:28] and rooftops. But where does that water
[2:27:30] go? And why is managing it important?
[2:27:32] Norfolk storm water systems include
[2:27:34] pipes, ditches, catch basins, and ponds
[2:27:36] that work together to manage this
[2:27:38] runoff. Storm water systems like ponds
[2:27:40] slow the flow and allow dirt and
[2:27:42] pollutants to settle and release cleaner
[2:27:44] water into the environment. Without
[2:27:46] proper management, storm water can flood
[2:27:48] basements, damage roads, and carried
[2:27:51] contaminants like oil, garbage, and salt
[2:27:53] into our rivers and lakes. That's why
[2:27:55] Norfolk County created a dedicated storm
[2:27:57] water team in 2024 to better understand
[2:28:00] and maintain what we already have while
[2:28:02] planning for the future. This storm
[2:28:04] water pond in Port Dover helps to reduce
[2:28:06] flooding and improve water quality. Over
[2:28:09] time, sediment and pollutants build up
[2:28:11] within storm ponds, limiting their
[2:28:13] ability to hold water. This creates an
[2:28:15] ideal environment for algae and invasive
[2:28:18] plants like fragmitees to flourish. This
[2:28:20] fast growing species can block out the
[2:28:22] flow of water and crowd out native
[2:28:24] vegetation, reducing the habitat that
[2:28:26] local wildlife depends on. To restore
[2:28:29] this pond, we're removing the excess
[2:28:31] sediment and transporting it to a
[2:28:33] licensed site. We're also clearing
[2:28:35] invasive plants, reshaping the pond's
[2:28:37] banks, and upgrading the outlet that
[2:28:39] controls the flow of water. This work
[2:28:41] will improve water quality, allow the
[2:28:43] pond to hold more water, reduce flooding
[2:28:46] risk, and provide a healthier habitat
[2:28:48] for plants and wildlife.
[2:28:51] Storm water management isn't just about
[2:28:52] what you see on the surface. It's also
[2:28:55] about the infrastructure underground. We
[2:28:57] use special tools to locate, map, and
[2:28:59] inspect the pipes and infrastructure
[2:29:00] that connect the ponds to the wider
[2:29:02] storm water system. This helps us to
[2:29:04] understand how water moves through our
[2:29:06] communities and identify issues that
[2:29:08] need our attention. It's likely that you
[2:29:10] or someone that you know has been
[2:29:12] impacted by flooding, erosion, or
[2:29:14] drainage issues. All of that connects
[2:29:16] back to storm water. Storm water
[2:29:18] management isn't just about pipes and
[2:29:20] ponds. It's about protecting the
[2:29:22] communities and the nature that
[2:29:23] surrounds us. As Norfolk County grows,
[2:29:25] so does our responsibility to manage
[2:29:27] storm water. And that's our job. With
[2:29:29] smart planning, hard work, and community
[2:29:31] support, we're building a cleaner,
[2:29:33] safer, and more resilient future
[2:29:35] together.
[2:29:43] Welcome to Norfolk County, where land
[2:29:46] meets lake and opportunity grows deep
[2:29:49] and wide.
[2:29:51] Located on the north shore of Lake Erie
[2:29:53] in the heart of southwestern Ontario,
[2:29:56] Norfolk spans 1600 square kilm, making
[2:30:00] us one of Ontario's largest single tier
[2:30:03] municipalities.
[2:30:04] Our roots run deep in agriculture, food
[2:30:08] production, and advanced manufacturing,
[2:30:10] industries that shaped our past and are
[2:30:13] powering Ontario's future economy. Home
[2:30:16] to over 70,000, we are bold, diverse,
[2:30:20] and fiercely local. From Port Dober to
[2:30:23] Longpoint, our folks are putting down
[2:30:25] roots. Sometimes in sand, sometimes in
[2:30:28] soil, but always in a place they're
[2:30:31] proud to call home. Big land, big
[2:30:34] vision, unmatched potential. That's
[2:30:38] Norfolk.
[2:30:41] » Hey, Norol County. Hey, Norfol County.
[2:30:43] >> Hey, Norol County. Hey, Norfolk County.
[2:30:45] » Hey, Norol County. Hey, Norfolk County.
[2:30:45] >> Hey, Norfolk County.
[2:30:46] » Hey, Norfolk County.
[2:30:46] >> Hey, Norfolk County.
[2:30:48] » Hey, Norfolk County.
[2:30:48] >> My name is Bowden Wiki.
[2:30:49] » My name is Bowden Wiki.
[2:30:49] >> My name is Lindsay Kalioski.
[2:30:51] » My name is Lindsay Kalioski.
[2:30:51] >> My name is Alex Ryan. I work as a park
[2:30:54] » My name is Alex Ryan. I work as a park
[2:30:54] student.
[2:30:54] >> I work as an economic development
[2:30:56] » I work as an economic development
[2:30:56] coordinator.
[2:30:57] >> I work on roads department in Delhigh.
[2:30:59] » I work on roads department in Delhigh.
[2:30:59] >> I work as a supervisor for waste
[2:31:01] » I work as a supervisor for waste
[2:31:01] management.
[2:31:02] >> I work as a committee coordinator in the
[2:31:04] » I work as a committee coordinator in the
[2:31:04] clerk's department.
[2:31:05] >> Okay. What's the first question?
[2:31:07] » Okay. What's the first question?
[2:31:07] >> Um, what I love about my job is the
[2:31:09] » Um, what I love about my job is the
[2:31:09] people.
[2:31:10] >> All right. What do I love about my job?
[2:31:12] » All right. What do I love about my job?
[2:31:12] >> It's really the community. No day is the
[2:31:15] » It's really the community. No day is the
[2:31:15] same. It
[2:31:15] >> is cuz I get to work with a bunch of
[2:31:17] » is cuz I get to work with a bunch of
[2:31:17] great guys.
[2:31:18] >> It directly impacts really positively
[2:31:20] » It directly impacts really positively
[2:31:20] the residents of Norfol County.
[2:31:22] >> Uh I love the people that I get a chance
[2:31:24] » Uh I love the people that I get a chance
[2:31:24] to work with.
[2:31:24] >> Every day is different. The mix of
[2:31:27] » Every day is different. The mix of
[2:31:27] things is what makes me happy and keeps
[2:31:28] me going.
[2:31:29] >> First and foremost, the the community uh
[2:31:32] » First and foremost, the the community uh
[2:31:32] the people of this community are so
[2:31:34] welcoming. Is the amazing team I get to
[2:31:36] work with every day here at Northfor
[2:31:37] County.
[2:31:38] >> Opportunity to help people uh to help my
[2:31:40] » Opportunity to help people uh to help my
[2:31:40] community. And one of the things I love
[2:31:41] the most about my job is my team. I I
[2:31:44] love who I work with and um what I do
[2:31:48] while I'm here.
[2:31:50] I get to work on projects and in
[2:31:52] programs that support our community that
[2:31:55] help make lives better for the people
[2:31:57] who live here, who work here, and who
[2:31:59] come here to visit. Every day you feel
[2:32:02] like you've accomplished something on
[2:32:03] the way home and you're working with a
[2:32:05] bunch of great people who are equally as
[2:32:07] committed to the community and serving
[2:32:09] our communities.
[2:32:09] >> The pace here is uh very good and uh
[2:32:12] » The pace here is uh very good and uh
[2:32:12] great uh work life balance.
[2:32:14] >> They put wellness on the forefront. So
[2:32:16] » They put wellness on the forefront. So
[2:32:16] I'm part of the Apple committee and
[2:32:17] there's lots of opportunity at Norfol
[2:32:18] County.
[2:32:19] >> Flexible work hours, great work life
[2:32:21] » Flexible work hours, great work life
[2:32:21] balance, great staff, great friends, and
[2:32:24] of course what's not to love about
[2:32:25] Norfol County for Ontario's garden.
[2:32:27] >> I love helping people. I love helping
[2:32:29] » I love helping people. I love helping
[2:32:29] residents and that's what makes Norfol
[2:32:31] County a great place to come to work.
[2:32:34] >> I chose to work for Norfolk County
[2:32:35] » I chose to work for Norfolk County
[2:32:36] because I grew up in Delhigh so it's
[2:32:38] close to home and I've enjoyed working
[2:32:40] for my community and my friends and
[2:32:41] family.
[2:32:42] >> Definitely 100% the people. There are
[2:32:45] » Definitely 100% the people. There are
[2:32:45] lots of community champions and
[2:32:46] everyone's been so kind and welcoming
[2:32:49] >> because I was born and raised here and I
[2:32:50] » because I was born and raised here and I
[2:32:50] wanted to help give back to my
[2:32:51] community.
[2:32:52] >> I love giving back to a community that I
[2:32:53] » I love giving back to a community that I
[2:32:53] grew up in. I love my team and I love
[2:32:55] that I can leave a legacy here in the
[2:32:57] Twin Cities.
[2:32:58] >> When I had the opportunity to come home
[2:33:00] » When I had the opportunity to come home
[2:33:00] and and serve the public, I jumped at
[2:33:03] that opportunity. I started my career as
[2:33:05] an area planner for this place. It's
[2:33:07] interesting that the end of my career,
[2:33:09] this opportunity came up to come back
[2:33:11] and make Norfolk a better place. Is
[2:33:13] being able to live and work in the
[2:33:15] community that uh we're a part of. I did
[2:33:18] choose to work for Norfolk because I'm
[2:33:21] an engineer by trade and I like to solve
[2:33:24] problems and realized how rewarding it
[2:33:26] was to be able to contribute to
[2:33:28] initiatives within the area that I've
[2:33:30] always called home. I love it here. You
[2:33:33] should consider uh joining the public
[2:33:35] sector, joining the municipality because
[2:33:36] it's so diverse. There's something for
[2:33:38] everyone. Local government is the
[2:33:40] closest to the people. We get to work
[2:33:42] with our residents day in and day out
[2:33:44] and there is something for you in every
[2:33:46] department for Norfolk.
[2:33:53] » Hey Norfol County, do you know how your
[2:33:56] property taxes are spent? Let's take a
[2:33:58] look together. First, we need to start
[2:34:00] with Norfol County's budget. Every year,
[2:34:03] staff and council confirm the funds
[2:34:05] required to be collected from the
[2:34:06] property taxes paid by you and 35,000
[2:34:09] other Norfol County taxpayers.
[2:34:12] These funds contribute to Norfol
[2:34:14] County's levy and capital budgets, which
[2:34:16] lay out how your tax dollars are used.
[2:34:19] The capital budget is also funded by the
[2:34:21] rate budget, the funds paid by
[2:34:23] residents, known as rateayers, for water
[2:34:25] and wastewater services through their
[2:34:27] monthly water bill.
[2:34:29] The levy budget is used to deliver
[2:34:30] programs and services for residents
[2:34:32] ranging from emergency services like
[2:34:34] fire and EMS, waste services like
[2:34:37] garbage collection, recreation services
[2:34:40] like arenas, trails, and parks,
[2:34:43] maintenance services like snow removal
[2:34:45] and road repair, and human services like
[2:34:48] homelessness prevention and health
[2:34:50] education programs. Our levy budget also
[2:34:54] supports our libraries and museums,
[2:34:56] administrative services for council, and
[2:34:59] the many staff who keep Norfol County
[2:35:01] operating.
[2:35:03] Services like recreation programs for
[2:35:05] children, adults, and seniors and our
[2:35:08] Ride Norfolk transit program are also
[2:35:10] paid for with property taxes and
[2:35:13] supplemented by user fees.
[2:35:16] And across Ontario, a portion of each
[2:35:18] resident's property tax bill goes to our
[2:35:21] local school boards.
[2:35:23] About a third of the property taxes
[2:35:25] collected are allocated to the capital
[2:35:26] budget or reserves for future capital
[2:35:29] spending, which includes other funding
[2:35:31] sources like the federal and provincial
[2:35:33] government, reserve funds, grants, debt,
[2:35:37] and development charges, as well as
[2:35:39] funds from the rate budget. Together,
[2:35:41] the capital budget goes toward
[2:35:43] longerterm projects such as our
[2:35:45] investments in water and wastewater
[2:35:47] facilities, as well as building and
[2:35:49] renewing our parks, roadways, pools,
[2:35:53] arenas, and other things we use every
[2:35:55] day. So, the next time you hear someone
[2:35:58] ask, "Where are my property taxes
[2:36:00] going?" you can tell them to look down,
[2:36:03] look up, and look forward. Your tax
[2:36:06] dollars are at work all around you every
[2:36:08] day. When you visit your local park with
[2:36:11] your family, drive to work on cleared
[2:36:13] roads, register for swimming lessons,
[2:36:16] get rid of that old couch you've
[2:36:18] outgrown, or contact Service Norfolk
[2:36:20] about that pothole on your street that
[2:36:22] needs to be fixed.
[2:36:24] Your tax dollars are also being invested
[2:36:26] in initiatives to improve the lives of
[2:36:28] Norfol County residents in the years to
[2:36:30] come to make Norfol County a better
[2:36:33] place for future generations.
[2:36:35] While Norfol County's budget is prepared
[2:36:37] once a year, your feedback helps us make
[2:36:40] decisions and plan for the future. We
[2:36:42] are committed to listening to you so
[2:36:44] that our budget reflects what is
[2:36:46] important to our community. Learn more
[2:36:48] about Norfol County's budget at
[2:36:50] norol.ca/
[2:36:52] >> Today we're announcing an exciting
[2:36:54] » Today we're announcing an exciting
[2:36:54] partnership with Scotland and Norfol
[2:36:56] County Economic Development and we're
[2:36:58] transforming transport trailers into
[2:37:00] mobile ambassadors. We're showcasing
[2:37:02] Norfolk's story of opportunity,
[2:37:05] excellence, and quality of life across
[2:37:07] all of North America. And Scotland is
[2:37:09] the ideal partner with an amazing
[2:37:11] logistics network and will help us share
[2:37:13] our story all across North America.
[2:37:45] Heat.
[2:37:48] Hey. Hey. Hey.
[2:38:03] Uh oh. Woah.
[2:38:06] Oh. Oh.
[2:38:26] Uh-oh.
[2:38:51] Hi, I'm Jacob and I'm here to take you
[2:38:53] behind the scenes on a capital project
[2:38:55] in Norfol County. We begin planning
[2:38:58] capital projects by analyzing our
[2:39:00] infrastructure needs related to roads,
[2:39:02] water manes, storm and sanitary sewers,
[2:39:05] as well as bridges. We assess their
[2:39:08] overall condition, age, and servicing
[2:39:10] requirements. This provides a solid
[2:39:12] foundation to ensure Norfolk has the
[2:39:14] hard infrastructure for current and
[2:39:15] future needs. Once a project is
[2:39:18] determined and approved by council, we
[2:39:20] retain an engineer to complete the
[2:39:22] design. During this stage, we engage the
[2:39:25] public through public information
[2:39:26] centers or postings on the county
[2:39:28] website to inform them of the upcoming
[2:39:30] project and provide an opportunity to
[2:39:32] share feedback. After the design is
[2:39:35] completed and all approvals are in
[2:39:36] place, we hire a contractor through a
[2:39:38] public bidding process. During the
[2:39:40] construction phase, we track progress,
[2:39:43] budget, and continue to engage with the
[2:39:45] public. We also work with other
[2:39:47] departments to ensure the overall
[2:39:48] success of the project. Once complete,
[2:39:51] we report and track any warranty issues
[2:39:53] for 2 years. We measure a project's
[2:39:56] success by its ability to enhance
[2:39:58] infrastructure and positively impact
[2:40:00] residents. As a Norfol County employee,
[2:40:03] I enjoy building the community that has
[2:40:05] given me so much. Thank you for taking
[2:40:07] the time to join me on this
[2:40:08] behind-the-scenes tour.
[2:40:18] Deputations are a way for you and all
[2:40:20] residents of Norfol County to speak
[2:40:22] before council about relevant matters in
[2:40:24] our community.
[2:40:27] To begin, search www.norfocount
[2:40:30] norfocount.ca.
[2:40:34] Then select the government tab.
[2:40:37] Under the government tab, select provide
[2:40:39] deputation/sp speak at a council or
[2:40:41] committee meeting. This page provides
[2:40:44] general information regarding
[2:40:46] deputations. Under the subheading
[2:40:48] register to speak, click the public
[2:40:50] hearing/deputation form link to
[2:40:52] pre-register your deputation.
[2:40:55] Notice of collection. By checking the
[2:40:57] notice of collection box, you are
[2:40:58] agreeing to the above statement.
[2:41:00] Selecting the type of meeting you want.
[2:41:02] There are several types of meetings that
[2:41:04] allow deputations. Please listen closely
[2:41:06] as we explain each option. Council
[2:41:09] meeting. Council deputations must
[2:41:11] pertain to a matter listed on the
[2:41:12] upcoming meeting agenda. For the
[2:41:15] remaining meeting choices, you may
[2:41:16] present a deputation if the topic
[2:41:18] pertains to the committee you are
[2:41:19] presenting to. Once you select the type
[2:41:22] of meeting you want to deliver your
[2:41:23] deputation, you can complete the rest of
[2:41:25] the document. Now, choose whether you
[2:41:27] will attend the meeting in person or
[2:41:29] virtually.
[2:41:32] Finally, select if you will be providing
[2:41:33] materials during your deputation. If you
[2:41:36] have materials for distribution during
[2:41:38] the council meeting, please bring 15
[2:41:40] hard copies for council and staff. Now,
[2:41:42] click next to move to step two.
[2:41:45] In step two, please fill out your
[2:41:47] personal information.
[2:41:49] Once your personal information is
[2:41:51] completed, click next.
[2:41:54] Lastly, review your information and
[2:41:56] select next to submit your form. You
[2:41:58] have now completed the deputation
[2:42:00] request form. You will receive a
[2:42:01] confirmation email from the clerk's
[2:42:03] department that they've received your
[2:42:04] request. Next, we will talk about what
[2:42:06] to do on the day of your deputation.
[2:42:09] >> So, you've received your approval and
[2:42:11] » So, you've received your approval and
[2:42:11] the day of your deputation is upon you.
[2:42:13] For starters, council is located here at
[2:42:16] 50 Colbert Street. Now, there's two
[2:42:17] entrances you can use when you arrive.
[2:42:19] One is here located off Corburn and one
[2:42:22] located off Talbage Street. When you
[2:42:24] arrive, you'll have three main options
[2:42:26] to park. The first is to park at the
[2:42:28] Simco Town Center Mall, which is where
[2:42:30] Food Basics is located.
[2:42:37] Your second option is 2-hour street
[2:42:39] parking on Court Street. And your third
[2:42:41] option is 2-hour street parking on L
[2:42:43] Street. If you can't find any parking at
[2:42:45] any of those three options, don't worry.
[2:42:47] Downtown Simco has plenty of street
[2:42:49] parking in all of the surrounding areas.
[2:42:51] If you enter through the Cobburn street
[2:42:52] doors, you'll have to make your way
[2:42:54] through the building to get to council
[2:42:55] chambers. But don't worry, if you
[2:42:57] require any assistance, you can feel
[2:42:59] free to ask Service Norfol at the front
[2:43:00] desk.
[2:43:02] Make your way along this path and you'll
[2:43:04] end up in the main lob. To your left,
[2:43:08] there'll be an elevator. You can either
[2:43:10] ring the bell or go ask the people at
[2:43:11] the front desk for assistance. If you
[2:43:13] don't need to use the elevator, you can
[2:43:15] head on up the green staircase and go up
[2:43:17] to council doors. If you enter through
[2:43:19] the Talbet Street doors, the elevator
[2:43:21] will be immediately in front of you or
[2:43:23] the green staircase will be ready for
[2:43:25] you to go up and deliver your
[2:43:26] presentation.
[2:43:28] Once you've reached the top of the
[2:43:29] stairs, you'll have made it to council
[2:43:31] chambers.
[2:43:35] Feel
[2:43:38] free to take a seat here or here and
[2:43:41] wait for council to call your name when
[2:43:43] it's time to present.
[2:43:45] When council calls your name, make your
[2:43:46] way to the podium and ensure that you
[2:43:48] don't walk between the railing and the
[2:43:50] chairs on your way there. When you
[2:43:52] arrive at the podium, adjust it to your
[2:43:54] desired height using the arrow buttons
[2:43:56] and turn the microphone on using the
[2:43:57] button on the right.
[2:44:00] If you're giving your deputation in
[2:44:01] front of council, begin by saying
[2:44:03] through the mayor. If you're giving it
[2:44:05] in front of a committee, begin by saying
[2:44:07] through the chair. Then clearly state
[2:44:10] your name and address and you'll have 5
[2:44:12] minutes to give your presentation. Upon
[2:44:14] having 1 minute remaining, the chair
[2:44:16] will give you notice. When you're
[2:44:18] finished your presentation, council may
[2:44:19] have questions for you. Ensure that you
[2:44:21] always begin your answer by saying
[2:44:22] through the mayor or through the chair
[2:44:24] to counselor and their last name. If you
[2:44:27] can't answer the question, that's okay.
[2:44:29] Inform council that you'll gather more
[2:44:31] information and get back to them. After
[2:44:33] that, council will have heard out what
[2:44:35] you've had to say and they'll take
[2:44:36] appropriate action as they deem
[2:44:38] necessary. And now you finished your
[2:44:40] deputation. You can either have a seat
[2:44:43] and watch the rest of the meeting or you
[2:44:45] can leave through the door that you came
[2:44:46] in and ensure that you leave as quietly
[2:44:48] as possible.
[2:44:56] Hey, Norfolk County. My name is Anna and
[2:57:15] Well, well, the sound was all off. So,
[2:57:16] anyway, and I'm sure in council chamber.
[2:57:19] >> Welcome back everyone. Motion to
[2:57:22] » Welcome back everyone. Motion to
[2:57:22] reconvene in open session 3:56 p.m.
[2:57:24] Moved by councelor Van Passen. Seconded
[2:57:26] by councelor Dthy. All in favor? That is
[2:57:30] carried. And to report out item 18.1 was
[2:57:34] received as information. 18.2 was
[2:57:37] received a verbal update as information
[2:57:39] and direction was provided. 18.3
[2:57:42] received as information and 18.4
[2:57:45] uh also verbal update received as
[2:57:47] information. Anything I missed there?
[2:57:50] >> Great. Confirming bylaw uh motion to
[2:57:57] let's see here. Confirm the proceedings
[2:57:59] of the council of Norfolk County. This
[2:58:01] regular council meeting held on the 27th
[2:58:03] day of January 2026 be read a first,
[2:58:06] second, and third time and finally
[2:58:07] passed in open session. Moved by
[2:58:10] councelor Michelle and seconded by
[2:58:12] councelor Barry. All in favor? Carried.
[2:58:15] And councelor Michelle is moving
[2:58:17] adjourment 3:57 p.m. Seconded by
[2:58:23] councelor Dathy. All in favor carried.
[2:58:26] Thank you very much everyone. Good
[2:58:28] afternoon.