The Corporation of the Town of Saugeen Shores

Committee of the Whole Meeting Minutes

Tuesday, October 15, 2024 at 6:30 P.m. - 11:00 P.m.

Nuclear Innovation Institute

620 Tomlinson Drive, Port Elgin, Ontario

Present:

• Luke Charbonneau, Mayor
• Diane Huber, Deputy Mayor
• Mike Myatt, Vice Deputy Mayor
• Dave Myette, Councillor
• Justin Duhaime, Councillor (arrived at 8:26 p.m.)
• John Divinski, Councillor
• Cheryl Grace, Councillor
• Bud Halpin, Councillor
• Rachel Stack, Councillor

Staff Members:

• Kara Van Myall, Chief Administrative Officer
• Dawn Mittelholtz, Clerk
• Jim Bundschuh, Director, Corporate Services
• Tammy Grove, Municipal Solicitor
• Mark Paoli, Director, Development Services
• Matt Prentice, Director, Operations
• Kristan Shrider, Director, Community Services
• Jill Roote, Manager, Strategic Initiatives
• Morgan McCulloch, Licensing and Records Clerk
• Jay Pausner, Manager, Planning and Development
• Kristen Sears, Planning Policy Coordinator

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1.

Call To Order

Mayor L. Charbonneau called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m.

2.

Land Acknowledgement

Councillor J. Divinski read the land acknowledgement. 

3.

Disclosure of Pecuniary Interest and Nature

No pecuniary interests were disclosed. 

4.

Additions, Deletions, Amendments

None.

5.

Open Forum

None.

6.

Delegations

6.1

Certificate of Recognition - Vicki Tomori, June Callwood Outstanding Achievement Award for Volunteerism in Ontario

On behalf of Council, Mayor L. Charbonneau recognized Vicki Tomori for receiving the June Callwood Outstanding Achievement Award for Volunteerism in Ontario. 

6.2

Cheryl Pauchuk, The Chantry Island Cham-Bettes 5th Annual Sharecrows Food Drive Event

The Committee received a delegation from Cheryl Pauchuk, regarding the Chantry Island Cham-Bette's 5th Annual Sharecrows Food Drive Event.

Financial request for 2025 budget, $2500 and to match cash donations.

6.3

Christine MacDonald, Sean Morphy, and Aaron Stauch - Investment in Local Services Annual Report

The Committee received a delegation from Bruce County staff members Chief Administrative Officer Christine MacDonald, Deputy Chief Administrative Officer Sean Morphy, and Director of Government Relations Aaron Stauch, regarding the Investment in Local Services Annual Report. 

After a discussion regarding affordable housing, County staff was invited to return to present on that topic. 

7.

Public Meeting

8.

Report of Municipal Officers / Committees

8.1

Public Notice

8.2

Staff Reports

8.2.1

2024 Major Initiatives, Division and Capital Highlights Quarter 3 Update

The Major Initiatives from the annual Business Plan are reported every quarter to update Council and the public on the progress of the annual activities related to the Saugeen Shores Strategic Plan. This report includes the updates for Quarter 3 of 2024 and details the 43 Major Initiatives as well as 76 Division Highlights and 51 Capital Highlights. In 2024, the progress completion is also included as a live feed on our website. There are no significant issues being flagged with completing the work program as outlined.

• That Council receive the 2024 Major Initiatives, Division and Capital Highlights Quarter 3 Update report for information.

  CARRIED

8.2.2

Urban Tree Canopy Plan

As outlined in the 2024 Business Plan, the Town has prepared an Urban Tree Canopy Plan Discussion Paper. The Town has worked with Williams and Associates in preparing the Draft Plan. This report is seeking Council feedback on the Discussion Paper prior to it being circulated and posted for a commenting period. A Final Urban Treen Canopy Plan will be brought forward to Council for consideration at a future meeting.

Council had the following comments: 

• It was suggested that when people receive a permit, staff can provide education on trees at that time.
• A clause addressing rural areas of Saugeen Shores be considered in addition to the Urban Tree Canopy Plan.
• A suggestion was made to ensure diversity amongst the trees to enable the Urban Tree Canopy Plan to be utilized into the future. 
• A note was made that the Town should not only plan the planting of trees but also fund the planting of trees on Town owned lands.
• It was suggested to have education for property owners instead of strict by-laws regarding trees on privately owned land.
• A suggestion to include tough penalties for developers who clear cut properties prior to Site Plans. 
• A suggestion was made to ensure multiple policies are not created to deal with trees and are instead cohesive and streamlined. 
• A request was made to have staff report back on the percentage of tree canopy on woodlots that could succumb to development.
• A request was made for a financial analysis on the impact of including trees in an Asset Management Plan.

• That Council receive the Urban Tree Canopy Plan Discussion Paper report for information.

  CARRIED

8.2.3

2025 Business Plan – What to Expect

The 2025 Business Plan will be presented to Council during full day sessions on November 20 and November 27, 2024. The materials for these sessions will be published for review on November 4. In advance of this, it is prudent to give Council a heads up on the significant challenges it will need to consider during the Business Plan deliberations.

• That Council receive the 2025 Business Plan – What to Expect report for information.

  CARRIED

8.2.4

Southampton Sidewalk Plow

A second Southampton Sidewalk Plow was included in the deliberations related to the 2024 Business Plan, albeit at a “medium” priority. For the reasons outlined in the background/analysis section of this report, it is recommended that the second sidewalk plow be included in the 2025 Business Plan as a “high” priority for 2025.

A discussion was held regarding the plow, and a suggestion was made for Staff to price out a cheaper option for debate at the Budget Meeting. 

• That the second Southampton Sidewalk Plow be included as a “high” priority in the 2025 Business Plan for Council consideration.

  CARRIED

8.2.5

Municipal Solicitor Position Update

The purpose of this report is to highlight the contributions made to the Corporation through the creation of the Municipal Solicitor role in 2024.

• That Council receive the Municipal Solicitor Position Update report for information.

  CARRIED

8.3

Report of Municipal Councillors'

8.4

Communications / Petitions for Committee of the Whole

8.4.1

Committee of Adjustment - July 15, 2024 Minutes

8.4.2

Municipal Heritage Committee – August 22, 2024 Minutes

8.4.3

Environmental Ad Hoc Committee – August 29, 2024 Minutes

8.4.4

Saugeen Valley Conservation Authority Board – July 18, 2024 Minutes

8.4.5

Saugeen Golf Club - 2024 Canadian Senior Men’s Golf Championship Support Thank You Letter

8.4.6

Ministry of Sport - Aquatic and Wellness Centre AMO Delegation Response Letter

8.4.7

Town of South Bruce Peninsula - Proposed Bruce County Official Plan Letter

• Moved by: D. Huber
  Seconded by: J. Divinski

  That Council refer the Town of South Bruce Peninsula resolution regarding the proposed Bruce County Official Plan to staff for review. 

  CARRIED

8.4.8

Grey-Bruce Youth Climate Action Conference Funding Support Letter

It was recommended to refer this item to the Environmental Ad Hoc Committee for consideration. 

• Moved by: C. Grace
  Seconded by: M. Myatt

  That Item 8.4.8 Grey-Bruce Youth Climate Action Conference Funding Support Letter be referred to the Saugeen Shores Environmental Ad Hoc Committee for consideration. 

  CARRIED

8.4.9

electHER Now – Learning Events Celebrating Women's Political Leadership News Release and Posters

8.4.10

Municipality of St. Charles - Government Regulation of Nicotine Pouches Resolution

8.4.11

City of Temiskaming Shores - Alcohol Sales in Convenience Stores and Locations that Sell Fuel Comprehensive Provincial Alcohol Strategy Resolution

9.

New Business

10.

Adjournment

The meeting adjourned at 9:36 p.m.