DISCUSSION ON FEBRUARY 9, 2022
For further details on items discussed, please view agenda or watch the council meeting on our YouTube channel.
Long Service Recognition Awards were given to Greg Lambert - 15 years, Burton Powers - 15 years and Jim McEachren - 30 years. Council extended their appreciation to these staff members.
SCOR (South Central Ontario Region) Economic Development Corporation presented their annual partner update to council. It was noted that their focus during the past year was Infrastructure throughout the five county partnership members was in three areas:
- Infrastructure - transportation, energy and broadband
- Human Capital - workforce training
- Sector Development - working with the Ontario Federation of Agriculture on training and development focusing on agriculture as a career
Drainage Matters
- Public Meeting was held for the Kavelaar Drain Court of Revision with council accepting the assessment as presented
- Council received a request for improvements to be made to the Dymock Drain under Section 78 of the Drainage Act; Spriet Associates are appointed to prepare a report for consideration.
- An addition to the Section 4 Wardsville Outlet Petition by 1010911 Ontario Ltd. was accepted.
Master Fire Plan & Community Risk Assessment
Council awarded a contract in the amount of $42,992 (excl HST) to Emergency Management Group to complete a review of the Southwest Middlesex fire department and the community with respect to department services. This review will form the Master Fire Plan.
Southwest Middlesex is growing in residential, commercial and industrial sectors. With the growth that is occurring and essentially inevitable, it is also inevitable that the Municipalities services need to keep up with the change. Building a fire department that can meet the emergency service needs of not only today but also tomorrow is critical to the overall safety, satisfaction and well-being of our residents and visitors. Ensuring we have appropriate resources to grow with the municipality is a key pillar of top-notch service delivery - this is what the Master Fire Plan will provide.
In addition, in order to to be cost effective, Emergency Management Group will also undertake the required Community Risk Assessment. All neighbours, such as Strathroy-Caradoc, First Nations, Newbury, etc. will be included in the discussions about the future of our fire services with the result being responsible community fire/emergency services moving forward. We look forward to receiving the new guiding documents.
Development - Holding Symbols Removed
Two developments for Glencoe completed all steps required to begin the physical development process in Glencoe. The removal of the holding zone is the final step in the planning process once all agreements are in place concerning the proposed developments, the final step is the removal of the holding zone as set out in the zoning by-law. The two properties are 282 Main Street, owned by Kemptopia Developments Inc. and lands described as RP34, Plan 314, Lots 64-75, Lots 77-81, Lots 83-105 & Lot 'B', owned by 2730646 Ontario Ltd. Both developments can start moving forward and will result in new homes in the community of Glencoe. Watch for more growth in Glencoe.
Delegation of Powers and Duties Policy
Council approved the Delegation of Powers and Duties policy. The Municipal Act, 2001 provides municipalities with authority to delegate powers and duties, subject to certain restrictions. Every municipality is required under section 270 to have a policy on how it will delegate powers and duties. The purpose of the policy is to set out the scope of the powers and duties by which Council delegates its legislative and administrative authority and establish principles and accountability to govern such delegation.
The efficient management of the Municipality and the need to respond to issues in a timely fashion require Council to entrust certain powers and duties to committees and staff while also maintaining accountability. There are advantages to the delegation of certain powers, including:
• Clearer focus: With some decision-making delegated, councils have more time to focus on more strategic issues and directions
• Better use of expertise: Individuals and groups with delegated authority may be closer to the issue/action and have more specialized expertise to make the right decisions and take appropriate steps
• Faster response: The delegation of authority may relieve bottlenecks and speed up the decision-making process.
The clarifying of existing powers, and proposal of new powers and duties are being made in order to save time, including:
• Parking enforcement – cancellation of fines;
• Matters with respect to legal matters, including tribunals, and courts.
• Conditional Building Permit Agreements made under the Building Code Act; and
• CBO be delegated for issuance of statement of concurrence for transmission tower siting.
Additionally, the policy clearly identifies responsibilities and authorities under the “lame duck provision” of the Municipal Act, 2001. Section 275 prohibits municipal councils from undertaking certain acts after Nomination Day in a municipal election year and prior to a new Council taking office under specific conditions. Most municipalities either adopt a specific by-law to delegate powers during this period to ensure that regular business continues, or the delegation is included in a delegation policy. The ensures that a new by-law does not need to be enacted every term of council.
Notice of Motion
A notice of motion was made by councillor Cowell requesting that staff prepare a report on changes to the recycling funding including a breakdown of producer pay compared compared to the recycling bin program. This report will be provided to council at a future meeting once all details have been received concerning anticipated changes.
General Business of Council:
- January 26, 2022 Council Minutes
- Vouchers
- Councillor Cowell was formally appointed to continue as the LTVCA member for the remainder of her council term
- 2022 Mosquito Larviciding Program was approved
Adopted By-laws to:
- remove holding symbol - 282 Main Street
- remove holding symbol - RP34PL314 Lots 64-75, Lots 77-81, Lots 83-105 & Lot 'B'
- ICIP funding agreement for the arena upgrades
- Confirming the proceedings of Council - February 9, 2022