The Corporation of the Town of Saugeen Shores

Regular Council Meeting Minutes

Monday, June 09, 2025 at 6:30 P.m. - 9:30 P.m.

Council Chambers

600 Tomlinson Drive

Port Elgin, Ontario

Present:

• Luke Charbonneau, Mayor
• Diane Huber, Deputy Mayor
• Mike Myatt, Vice Deputy Mayor
• Dave Myette, Councillor
• John Divinski, Councillor
• Cheryl Grace, Councillor
• Bud Halpin, Councillor

Members Absent:

• Justin Duhaime, Councillor
• Rachel Stack, Councillor

Staff Members:

• Kara Van Myall, Chief Administrative Officer
• Jim Bundschuh, Director, Corporate Services
• Ed Melanson, Director, Fire Services/Fire Chief
• Mark Paoli, Director, Development Services
• Matt Prentice, Director, Operations
• Kristan Shrider, Director, Community Services
• Jill Roote, Manager, Strategic Initiatives
• Morgan McCulloch, Deputy Clerk
• Trevor Robinson, Manager, Public Works

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1.

Call To Order

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

2.

Land Acknowledgement

Mayor L. Charbonneau read the land acknowledgement. 

3.

Disclosure of Pecuniary Interest and Nature

No pecuniary interests were declared.

4.

Additions, Deletions, Amendments

None.

5.

Adoption of Minutes

5.1

Regular Council Minutes - May 20, 2025 and May 26, 2025

• Resolution Number: 167-2025
  Moved by: D. Myette
  Seconded by: J. Divinski

  That Council adopt the minutes of the Regular Council Meeting of May 20, 2025 and May 26, 2025, as presented.

  CARRIED

6.

Public Meeting

7.

Open Forum

8.

Delegations

Council heard a presentation from Eric Tiisler, Dave Ceksters and Jeff Lawson regarding Canada United Campaign, Supporting Canadian Labour Force and from Odette Bartnicki regarding the Canadian Federation of University Women. 

8.1

Society of United Professionals- Canada United Campaign, Supporting Canadian Labour Force- Eric Tiisler

8.2

Canadian Federation of University Women - Odette Bartnicki

9.

Report of Municipal Officers / Committees

10.

Consent Agenda

• Resolution Number: 168-2025
  Moved by: D. Huber
  Seconded by: M. Myatt

  That Items 10.1 through 10.8 be approved and received for information.

  CARRIED

10.1

Art School Lease Agreement

Council received a report recommending a Lease Agreement with the Southampton Arts Centre for the operation of the Art School Building in Southampton. This is a ten-year (10) lease, commencing July 1, 2025, and expiring June 30, 2035. 

• That Council adopt By-law 61-2025, a By-law to authorize a ten (10) year Art School Lease Agreement between the Town of Saugeen Shores and the Southampton Arts Centre.

10.2

IT-Managed Detection and Response

Council received a report regarding the Town utilizing a security endpoint software with a “light” version of managed detection and response. This platform has been the same for 5 years. Since that time, newer platforms including some fully hosted and supported within Canada have launched that will position the Town to maintain a secure environment with ever changing threats.

• That Council receive the IT-Managed Detection and Response report for information.

10.3

2024 Preliminary Operating Financials

Council received a report regarding the Town’s 2024 Operating results that showed a total surplus of $13.8 million. $5.6 million is attributable to the Tax Stabilization Reserve and the remaining $8.2 million is attributable to other reserves, predominately the Water and Wastewater reserves.

• That Council receive the 2024 Preliminary Operating Financials report for information.

10.4

Winter Operations Plan Update

Council received a report regarding the Town of Saugeen Shores Winter Operations Plan which was updated in 2020. An update to the Plan was included in the 2025 Business Plan in order to accommodate the additional sidewalk plow in Southampton, as well as other significant changes described further in the report.

• That Council receive the Winter Operations Plan Update report for information.

10.5

Government Relations and Advocacy

Council received a report regarding  Wellington Dupont Public Affairs (WD), which has supported the Town of Saugeen Shores since 2023 with advocacy and government relations, securing over $5 million in grant funding and facilitating partnerships. Their efforts include advising on grant applications, arranging meetings with key government officials, and support for infrastructure and community development initiatives.

Council had discussions regarding grant writers and it was suggested that if the use of a government relations firm is to become a permanent part of operations for the Town it should be formalized utilizing the Request for Proposal process. 

• That Council receive the Government Relations and Advocacy report for information.

10.6

2024 Council Remuneration

Council received a report regarding Section 284(1) of the Municipal Act, 2001 (the Act) that requires the Treasurer to submit an itemized statement of remuneration and expenses paid to or on behalf of each Council Member and to members of local boards.

• That Council receive the 2024 Council Remuneration report for information.

10.7

Bruce County Roads Authority Assessment Study

Council received a report regarding a request received from the County of Bruce to participate in the Bruce County Roads Authority Assessment Study. The report contained the background for Council awareness and acknowledges the Town’s participation in this work in 2025 /2026.

• That Council receive the Bruce County Road Level Service Request report for information.

10.8

Communications

• That the following be received for information:

  1. Committee of Adjustment Meeting Minutes - March 17, 2025
  2. Committee of Adjustment Meeting Minutes - April 22, 2025
  3. Bruce Area Solid Waste Recycling - March 26, 2025 (Special Meeting)
  4. Bruce Area Solid Waste Recycling - March 26, 2025 (Regular Meeting)

11.

Motions and Notice of Motions

11.1

Mayoral Decisions 2025-001, 2025-002, and 2025-003

Decisions:

1. Delegation of Authority to Appoint a Chief Administrative Officer
2. Delegation of the Management of the Town's Organizational Structure and Employment Matters
3. Delegation of Establishing, Determining Functions, Appointing Chairs and Vice Chairs of Committees of Council

12.

Closed to Public

13.

Report and Business Arising from Closed Session

14.

By-laws

14.1

By-law 61-2025 - Authorize Lease Agreement (Southampton Art Centre)

• Resolution Number: 169-2025
  Moved by: M. Myatt
  Seconded by: J. Divinski

  That By-law 61-2025 is hereby read, passed, and sealed this 9th day of June, 2025.

  CARRIED

15.

Confirmatory By-law

15.1

By-law 62-2025 - Confirm the Proceedings of June 9, 2025

• Moved by: C. Grace
  Seconded by: B. Halpin

  That By-law 62-2025 being a By-law to confirm the proceedings of the Council of the Town of Saugeen Shores is hereby read, passed, and sealed this 9th day of June, 2025.

  CARRIED

16.

Adjournment

• Resolution Number: 170-2025
  Moved by: M. Myatt
  Seconded by: C. Grace

  That this Regular Council meeting of June 9, 2025, hereby adjourns at 7:42 p.m.

  CARRIED