MINUTES

COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE 

ADMINISTRATION & FINANCE

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Council Chambers and by Zoom
18 Centre Street, Spencerville ON
Contact the Township Office to Register
(613)658-3055
PRESENT:
  • Mayor Sayeau
  • Deputy Mayor Deschamps
  • Councillor Cameron
  • Councillor Dillabough
  • Councillor Hunter
  • Jack Bradley, Advisory Member
  • Dave Robertson, Advisory Member
STAFF:
  • Dave Grant, CAO
  • Rebecca Williams, Clerk
  • Melanie Stubbs, Treasurer
  • Mike Spencer, Manager of Parks, Recreation & Facilities
  • Candise Newcombe, Deputy Clerk

Mayor Sayeau called the meeting to order at 6:30pm.

  • Decision:
    Moved by:H. Cameron
    Seconded by:S. Dillabough

    That the agenda be approved as presented.

    Carried

Members inquired about topics including:

  • Progress on the Alantra Leasing Modular Building project- DeWinter project
  • Update with respect to domestic fowl on the privately owned road, Tuttle Point
  • Progress on the Health Unit Vaccine Clinic organization 

It was noted regarding the DeWinter project as well as the follow up with stray fowl on Tuttle Point road there was no new progress to report. In regards to the vaccination clinics to be held in the Township, the Health Unit had recently visited the proposed facility to verify wireless connection dependability. It was noted the Township could not proceed any further until they had received verification of site compatibility and suggested clinic dates from the Health Unit.

  • Decision:
    Moved by:J. Bradley
    Seconded by:H. Cameron

    That Committee recommends that Council authorize Centennial 67’ Public School Parent Council to reallocate the $500.00 granted under the Township’s 2021 Community Grants & Donations program from the upgraded water fountain to the outdoor kindergarten music wall.

    Carried
  • Decision:
    Moved by:J. Hunter
    Seconded by:T. Deschamps

    That Committee recommends that Council directs staff to draft a bylaw that repeals Bylaw 2013-05 and outlines the current credit facilities agreement which includes a 36-month loan agreement with the Royal Bank of Canada in the amount of $300,192.00 at an interest rate of 1.73% to fund the purchase of the new grader.

    Carried
  • Decision:
    Moved by:J. Bradley
    Seconded by:D. Robertson

    THAT Committee receive the Annual IT Alignment report for information purposes. 

    Carried

Members reviewed the Grenville County OPP Detachment Board proposal. Committee inquired about some of the service demands outlined for Prescott's international border crossing. It was noted that the service demands were in reference to the geographical area.

It was noted the Township had for years maintained a contract with the OPP to circumvent the need for a Police Services board, with great success, however, recent legislation will replace the current Police Services Board with the new Community Safety and Policing Act, 2019 (CSPA) which requires municipalities to adopt a detachment board. 

Members voiced concerns regarding the proposal, highlighting the request of the Solicitor General for one OPP detachment board for the municipalities of North Grenville, Augusta, Merrickville-Wolford, Prescott, and Edwardsburgh Cardinal. It was noted that the deadline for this request had already received an extension from the original June 7th date to June 28th, therefore the request is being made by the Townships for three separate boards, one for North Grenville, one for Prescott & one for Augusta, Merrickville-Wolford and Edwardsburgh-Cardinal. Committee inquired about the possibility of "backing out" of the proposal, raising concerns of unknown costs. It was noted with the impending due date quickly approaching, submitting this proposal would be a better option than not submitting one. 

Members inquired about the member composition of the proposed OPP detachment boards. It was noted there would be three Council representatives, three public members and one provincial appointed member. Members noted due to the Township's inexperience with Detachment Boards, there would likely be some training costs associated with participating on the board.  

  • Decision:
    Moved by:T. Deschamps
    Seconded by:H. Cameron

    That Committee recommends that Council endorses the joint submission of the Grenville County Detachment Board proposal to the Solicitor General on or before June 28, 2021 and direct staff to work with partnering board municipalities to develop terms of reference for the board and return for Council approval.

    Carried

Members reviewed the report for an interim control bylaw for the Industrial Park lands. It was noted that members do not take lightly the implication of an interim control bylaw, however, members noted this should have been done when finalizing the Township's Official Plan, and felt this motion was required to tie up loose ends.

Members inquired what the earliest date the interim control bylaw could be presented to Council. It was noted that this would come forward at Special Council directly following the Committee of the Whole- Administration and Finance meeting tonight.

   

  • Decision:
    Moved by:T. Deschamps
    Seconded by:S. Dillabough

    That committee recommends that Council pass a bylaw and undertake a planning study

    Carried

Members inquired how the new Prysmian development could impact other property negotiations. It was noted that the current request by the Township is on hold pending future development by Prysmian. 

  • Decision:
    Moved by:J. Hunter
    Seconded by:T. Deschamps

    That Committee recommend that Council adopt a bylaw to amend the existing Site Plan Control Agreement for 137 Commerce Drive, as attached.

    Carried

Deputy Mayor Deschamps noted the great work currently underway on the waterfront trail in Cardinal, further commenting on the amazing work of staff on the Cardinal dock installation. 

Councillor Cameron made note of the public excitement in anticipation of the new Cardinal waterfront trail. 

Councillor Hunter inquired about the removal of the dead maple tree found in the area of the future waterfront trail. It was noted that there was a project in the works to address that issue. Councillor Hunter highlighted the deteriorated state of the parking lot in front of the boat launch access and noted his aspirations to have those improvements included in the development of the waterfront trail. He further commented on the state of the boat launch drop off, noting that the 6" rock placed previously to level out the drop off, seems to have settled causing a noticeable dip at the end of the launch. It was noted that part of the initial waterfront trail plan included definition of the edges of the parking lot, and further inquiries would be made to determine what can be done to improve the parking lot within the budget. It was noted that staff was not aware of previous issues with the boat launch drop off, however staff would follow-up further on the subject. 

Mayor Sayeau reported the following:

  • Thanked Staff and Novatech planner's for having site plan control agreement in place.
  • Announced the natural gas project did not receive funding. It was noted the Ontario Energy Board (OEB) had been restructured and that there was hope that it will change it's approach. It was further noted that a special review team had been created to review terms of projects that did not receive funding. During discussions with Enbridge, the Township learned it was close to meeting requirements for Enbridge to request a leave to construct without any additional funding required. Outlining that current customers would not be expected to pay any capital costs of new projects. It was noted that a mandatory hook up bylaw may be required, enforcing that the public hook up to the gas line if available or pay as if you did.  

The following questions/comments were raised:

  • Location of the Natural Gas expansion and extension project submitted by Enbridge.
  • Location of the Cardinal recreation pathway.
  • Decision:
    Moved by:T. Deschamps
    Seconded by:H. Cameron

    That Committee does now adjourn at 7:25 p.m.

    Carried