Parry Sounds ~ Ideas and Opinions, In and Around Parry Sound

These minutes showed up in my mailbox earlier this week, so I take some responsibility for posting them here a bit late. The council meeting agenda for the January 21^st meeting will follow this weekend.

The only thing really worth noting in these minutes is Council’s input to the Strategic Plan (10.5.1). I’m sure that they are offering their best input based on personal experience and discussions with the public. I do object to their decision to direct Redbrick Communications to take the various inputs and create the Strategic Plan for their approval at the next council meeting. It may be a question of semantics, but the Strategic Plan is one of the few direct deliverables that Council has. Perhaps it would have been better stated that ‘Redbrick is directed to produce a draft Strategic plan for Council review and, as appropriate revision, and finalization’. I hope this is the case. Council needs to ‘own’ the Strategic Plan, not delegate it to consultants.

Closed Session

b) personal matter about an identifiable individual, including municipal or local board employees, (Director of Public Works Selection and Employment Agreement);

c) a proposed or pending acquisition or disposition of land for municipal or local board purposes, (Wellness Centre & Pool Cost Sharing Negotiations);

d) labour relations or employee negotiations, (Director of Public Works Selection and Employment Agreement);

n) a position, plan, procedure, criteria or instruction to be applied to any negotiations carried on or to be carried on by or on behalf of the municipality or local board, (Wellness Centre & Pool Cost Sharing Negotiations).

Questions of Staff
3.2.1 – In response to Councillor Keith’s inquiry regarding traffic signal work being done at the Isabella and Joseph/Church Street intersection, Director of Public Works Peter Brown reported that electronic infrastructure is being replaced, and that there was enough money in the budget to install an audible traffic signal. Mr. Brown said that the signal is being tested now and hopefully by the end of the year will be up and running similar to that installed at the intersection of James and Seguin Streets.

3.2.2 – Councillor Keith recommended that the public go up to the Museum and view the outdoor decorations and Christmas light installation there.

3.2.3 – In response to Councillor McCann’s suggestion that signage indicating “please watch, our children are at play” might be preferable to speed limit signs on Riverdale Road, Mr. Brown cautioned that many municipalities are getting rid of those types of signs since it implies that children are allowed to play on the street and this may create a liability for the municipality. Mr. Brown recommended instead the purchase of a solar powered speed limit flashing sign in the 2020 budget which can be moved to different locations. Mr. Brown also reported that the Town’s traffic counter identifies the speed of vehicles and this information is immediately sent to the OPP.
Upon receiving this information, the following motion was made:
That staff be directed to include for consideration in the 2020 budget, purchase of a solar powered speed limit flashing sign. Carried

3.2.4 – In response to Councillor Borneman’s inquiry regarding Kinsmen Park and BOCC public skating through the upcoming holiday season, Manager of Parks & Recreation April McNamara reported that more cold days are necessary in order to make ice at the outdoor rink and when the rink is ready, notice will be posted on the Town website. Ms. McNamara reported that a full schedule of public skating at the BOCC sponsored by Tim Horton’s and the Town is posted on the Town website.

3.2.5 – In response to Mayor McGarvey’s inquiry as to whether staff is looking at lowering the speed limit in any other area of Town, including Waubeek Street which was the subject of a previous deputation, Mr. Brown reported that the 50 km speed limit signs have been re-installed on Waubeek Street after being taken down during road construction.
That staff be directed to include for consideration in the 2020 budget, review of Waubeek and Riverdale Streets for purposes of considering speed reduction. Carried

Correspondence
4.1 – Linda Taylor, Program Director, West Parry Sound Community Support Services. 2020 Funding Request. Circulated to Mayor, Council and Director of Finance for consideration in 2020 budget.

4.2 – Nadine Hammond, Curator/Manager, West Parry Sound District Museum. Update and 2020 Funding Request. Circulated to Mayor, Council and Director of Finance for consideration in 2020 budget.

4.3 – Reeve Bert Liverance, Township of the Archipelago. Copy of letter and resolution to Minister of Long-Term Care, Merrilee Fullerton, re support for an Ontario Health Team to cover Parry Sound District. Circulated to Mayor and Council.

Deputations
5.1 – Bill Mardimae, Gardens Retirement Developments Inc.- withdrawn. Gardens Retirement proposed development.

5.2 – Keith Smith – withdrawn. Handicapped parking spaces at The Gardens proposed new building.

5.3 – Chris Pettinger, Chair of 2019-2020 Parry Sound Area Founders Circle; & Dan DiNicolo, Chair of Marketing Committee of the Founders Circle. Parry Sound Area Founders Circle. Chris Pettinger and Dan DiNicolo addressed Council with an overview of the Parry Sound Area Founders Circle noting that it was established in October 2019 by a group of business and community leaders “who share the belief that entrepreneurism and innovation are essential to meaningful local growth and sustainable development; they move that belief into action by providing up-and-coming ventures with direct financial support through a competitive award program, and opportunities to network with established mentors.” Each Founder contributes $1000 to the Circle and funds are used to provide no-strings-attached prizes to start-ups and existing businesses selected by the Founders according to criteria that they establish.
Parry Sound Muskoka Community Network (in turn supported by FedNor) supports the meetings of the Founders and covers costs of an annual gala event known as the Impact Awards, at which the entrepreneurship prizes are announced. Membership is open to all individuals and businesses living and/or operating in the Parry Sound Area.
Mr. Pettinger listed the 32 current Founders including: the Town of Parry Sound, RBC Foundation, Paul Schoefield, Lakeland Holdings, Ritchie Insurance, Parry Sound Insurance, Trestle Brewing Company, 18 James Street, Claudette Boyd, Scotia Bank Parry Sound, Boston Pizza Parry Sound, Parry Sound Area Community Business Development Centre, Rotary Club of Parry Sound, InXpress Canada, Parry Sound Fuels, Crofters Foods Ltd., Orr’s Fine Meats, William Beatty Company, Tamarack North, Torrance Funeral Homes, Georgian Bay Whole Foods, Oldham Law Firm, Ted Scott, Bayshore Financial, Air Rider Hovercraft International, Hall Construction, Adams Bros. Construction, Connor Industries, CIBC Parry Sound, Peter Istvan Photography.
Mr. DiNicolo reported that applications will be open January 1 to March 1, 2020 and winners will be decided upon after the application deadline and awarded at the April 23, 2020 Impact Awards at the JW Marriott. Awards will include: 1) a Parry Sound High School Award sponsored by RBC Financial (amount not yet confirmed); 2) $5,000 second place prize and 3) $10,000 grand prize, with the remainder of the money held in reserve for the next year. Mr. Pettinger reported that the Circle is still accepting Founders until December 31st this year, with the hope that existing founders will continue to participate in subsequent years.
Mr. Pettinger requested that the Town support the project by posting relevant information on the Town website and otherwise broadcasting and promoting the program.
In response to an inquiry as to the geographic catchment area of Founders and eligible applicants, Mr. Pettinger noted that it is not entirely firmed as the Founders want to tend to the inclusive as opposed to exclusive. There are members from the east side of the District, but most are concentrated in the West Parry Sound Area.
Council members congratulated and thanked the deputation for their achievement in getting the Founders Circle started.

5.4 – Ron Jenkins. Sidewalks – repairs and accessibility. Mr. Jenkin inquired as to whether there was any action on the development of a committee to address the accessible sidewalk issue that he raised in a previous deputation.
At the invitation by Mayor McGarvey to respond, CAO Clayton Harris reported that there have been discussions at the staff level with the Human Resources Coordinator taking the lead, currently researching Terms of Reference for such a Committee, with a recommendation scheduled to come back to Council in early 2020.
Mr. Jenkins inquired as to when the sidewalks would be fixed and noted that he recently broke a wheel on his wheelchair.
Mayor McGarvey responded that sidewalk construction, repair, etc. would be considered within the 2020 budget deliberations.
Mr. Jenkins reported that two years ago he fell down stairs located at 49-51 William Street, and that the Director of Public Works was called and viewed the situation. Mr. Jenkins said that nothing has been done. Mayor McGarvey responded that his concerns have now been noted.

Resolutions and Direction to Staff

9.1.1 – Low Pressure Forcemain Parry Sound Drive. Resolution. That the report updating Council on the low pressure forcemain on Parry Sound Drive and concerns raised by Bayside Family Church be received for information purposes. Carried

9.3.1 – BOCC: Emergency Floor Scrubber Replacement. Resolution. That Council authorize the emergency purchase of a new mechanical floor scrubber for the Bobby Orr Community Centre at a cost not to exceed $10,000 including HST; and
That the mechanical floor scrubber be funded with the reallocation of unspent capital funds as follows: $5,000 from the BOCC LED Light conversion project and $5,000 from the BOCC Olympia Laser Level. Carried

9.4.1 – General Insurance Renewal. Resolution. That Council hereby approves the renewal of the Corporation’s general insurance policy with BFL Canada at the premium of $350,914 plus tax for the one-year period ending December 15, 2020. Carried

By-laws

10.2.1 – Rezoning Application – Z/19/14 – College Drive (M2 Developments Inc.). By-Law 2019 – 6999. Being a By-law to amend By-law No. 2004-4653 (The Zoning By-law), as amended, for Z/19/14 – 12 College Drive (M2 Developments Inc./Gardens of Parry Sound). At the request of the developer who was not able to be in attendance, Council agreed to postpone the by-law to the January 21, 2020 meeting.

10.4.1 – 2020 Interim Tax Levy. By-law 2019 – 7001. Being a By-Law to provide for an interim tax levy, for the payment of taxes, and for penalty and interest at 1 1/4 percent per month for the 2020 taxation year. Passed, Signed and Sealed.

10.5.1 – Strategic Plan Public Consultation Feedback; Council Input/Workshop Presenter/Facilitator: Andrea Montgomery, Redbrick Communications
Agenda for Strategic Plan – Council Input/Workshop attached:
CAO Clayton Harris introduced the evening’s Strategic Plan (SP) exercise identifying the SP purpose as helping to guide the Town’s decision making well into the future. Mr. Harris reported that Redbrick Communications was hired to do community consultation done through on-line survey, focus groups – including with high school students, and open house forums. Mr. Harris introduced Ms. Andrea Montgomery and Mr. Steph Loch to provide the results of the community consultation and lead the exercise in soliciting Council’s feedback prior to a proposed final report back to Council in January, 2020.
Ms. Montgomery addressed Council from a prepared power point presentation circulated with the meeting agenda. Ms. Montgomery suggested that the Strategic Plan Focus for 2020-2022 was to set a common vision for the future, set a framework for decision making and to support a more efficient organization. The consultation process included meetings with senior leaders, on-line survey, focus groups, youth session, open house and now this evening’s Council session. If captured in the feedback forum, Ms. Montgomery provided a breakdown of participants/respondents by municipal residence, age, time lived in Parry Sound, education, income, and employment. Ms. Montgomery identified the key themes and highest priorities for each feedback forum and put together reported that the following three priority areas emerged: Growth, Development and Housing; Partnerships and Quality of Life; and Organizational Excellence.
Ms. Montgomery set members of Council into two pairs and a triad to review in small groups and provide their feedback on the three priority areas keeping in mind the following: setting priorities that are fiscally sustainable; thinking long-term – beyond 3 years; determining where it is possible to align with public feedback; and considering promises kept and reported back on. After approximately 30 minutes involved in this exercise, Ms. Montgomery took feedback from each small group in turn.

Table 1 – Mayor McGarvey, Councillors Borneman and McCann
Table 2 – Councillors Burden and Horne
Table 3 – Councillors Backman and Keith

Growth, Development and Housing

Table 1
– Recreational Complex – partnerships with Area Municipalities, First Nations, Provincial and Federal governments; opportunity for private sector investment; extends recreational opportunities for all ages; provides incentives for new growth and housing, i.e. people (employers, employees) want to locate here because of amenities.
– Housing – support housing across the housing spectrum; the working population whether rental, attainable rental, attainable home ownership – lobby province to support attainable housing.
– Waterfront – support development of brownfields property; redevelopment of MNR/OPP property; make sure Official Plan and zoning flexibility; upgrades to infrastructure or new development takes into account climate change.
– Facilitate business retention strategies.
Table 2
– Be development ready with infrastructure; reduce red tape; reduce duplicated services i.e. with Area Planning Board, slows down processes and doesn’t necessarily attract development;
– infrastructure services; i.e. swing bridge as an economic driver
– development and utilization of Town owned industrial park, and EDO working on that piece of land.
Table 3
– advocate for a financial sustainability plan with respect to economic development in order to know how Parry Sound can economically grow, with objectives which can be measured on an annual basis; useful for budgeting and as information to the public.
– Infrastructure development – targeted investments in specific technology, revitalization and waterfront plans all built into the Strategic Plan, in order that one can look at the Plan and see progress on the various plan initiatives.
– Recommend longer term Strategic Plan, such as at least 10 years.
– Variety of housing options and look at what can be done with zoning by-law changes to accommodate a mix of population in neighbourhoods.
-Town act as broker for development; facilitate development; Town facilitate connection and realignment of business with economic development organizations in increasing business retention and expansion strategies.

Partnerships and Quality of Life

Table 2
– Maintain and improve ongoing partnerships that exist with service clubs, business community, environmental groups, non-profit agencies; e.g. current municipal and First Nations commitment towards pool & rec centre as well as a number of economic development partnerships which enhance quality of life and increase employment opportunities; look for shared services opportunities which save money for all municipalities.
Table 3
– Need for Recreation Plan and a Mobility Plan, (which takes into account infrastructure, accessibility) and which considers seniors and youth who want to be involved in activities.
Table 1
– Events such as winter light up the Town (bigger than light up park); support private sector events; e.g. women’s weekend; downtown events. As Town can’t afford to do and run every event, there are ways we can support other events. E.g. used to support dragon boat event, now because Rotary supports Rach, we can support event in a particular way that makes it easier for service organizations to run the events.
– Partnership with Lakeland Power re: the Net Zero Community, i.e. a system being designed through the Town to use solar and water generating stations to produce enough power with battery back-up that outside power isn’t needed. This will green up the community, make the community locally sustainable and save money. This project the first in Canada, to be realized within 5 years.
– Opportunities with other municipalities to purchase supplies and equipment.
– Opportunities with area municipalities and other organizations for marketing, tourism opportunities and recreation.

Organizational Excellence
Table 3
– Clear communication to public regarding sustainability and how we are meeting goals. – Interconnection and increased efficiency in administration and shared services.
– Better recognition (i.e. showcasing) of employees’ attributes (e.g. someone who is really good at volunteering), and goals at all levels of organization as it results in increased morale, more employee pride in the organization and community, and good marketing for the Town and community as a good place to work and live.

Table 2
– Defined by employee engagement and the value they see in working for the Town of Parry Sound; this comes with training and educational opportunities, leadership development.
– Value of why we’re here; i.e. for residents and taxpayers of the Town of Parry Sound what is the value of the services that are rendered.
– Defined succession planning for employees.

Table 1
– Look at all aspects of communication with the public; and determine what is working and what is not; consider getting one person to pull all this information together and communicate with the public;
– Fiscal responsibility
– Design of future infrastructure to consider Town’s population; i.e. prepare for growth, physical abilities, age.
– Staff training and employee pride

Ms. Montgomery reported pursuant to direction approved by Council this evening, that all this feedback would be taken into account within the three identified priorities and reported back to Council.

Direction for follow-up
That upon receipt of feedback from the public consultation process and with the input provided by Council at its December 17th meeting, that Redbrick Communications be directed to produce the Strategic Plan 2020-2022 for the January 21st, 2020 Council Meeting for approval. Carried