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Council Meeting Minutes (Abridged) – March 2, 2021

13 Saturday Mar 2021

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The minutes only came out yesterday. There really isn’t much to note. I suggest you take a quick scan of the abridged minutes below.

Abridged Minutes

Questions of Staff
3.2.1 – In response to Councillor McCann’s inquiry regarding Town response to contractors/residents who leave snow on sidewalks after plowing driveways, Director of Public Works Mike Kearns responded that it is the owner’s responsibility to keep the area clear. Many are aware and do keep it clear and assist with clearing areas around hydrants, etc. If the area is not clear and the Town has been made aware of it, the Townmakes the sidewalk passable, and discusses with the property owner so it doesn’t happen again. With respect to enforcement, Mr. Kearns suggested that the by-law dealing with obstructions would ultimately deal with this.

3.2.2 – Mr. Kearns confirmed in response to questions and comments from Councillors Keith and Backman that staff would utilize communication channels available to get information to the public in timely ways regarding the obligation to keep sidewalks clear from personal plowed snow.

3.2.3 – In response to Councillor Backman’s inquiry regarding a recent fire on Albert Street, Director of Development and Protective Services/Fire Chief Dave Thompson reported that there was a full structure residential fire on Albert Street last Friday, Feb. 26th at 10:20 AM. Because Fire Prevention Officer John Tuck, EMS attendant Olivia (Ostrom) Perry and nearby resident Steve Molyneaux were able to get to the scene so quickly, they were able to save the lives of the occupants. Chief Thompson confirmed that each of the three would be recognized with appreciation/commendation.

3.2.4 – In response to Councillor Backman’s inquiry regarding the potential of providing recycling/waste receptacles to deal with garbage by the boat launch at the Salt Dock, Mr. Kearns responded that although this is not part of normal winter activities, installation here can be considered. Mr. Kearns suggested an alternate message is to advocate that people pack out what they pack in. Councillor Keith requested that if receptacles are installed, that some analysis be undertaken of staff time required for maintenance, including snow clearing, to help determine appropriateness of installation there.

Correspondence
None

Deputations
5.1 – Anne Haines, Former Account Manager, Muskoka Parry Sound, MPAC.
2020 Municipal Partnership Report.
From a prepared slide presentation, Ms. Haines reported on the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation’s (MPAC’s) 2020 Municipal Partnerships, including how MPAC shifted priorities and transformed information sharing during COVID’s restrictions, MPAC’s role in the building permit process, ongoing information and training provided by MPAC, as well as confirming that property values used by MPAC continue to be based on the market at January 1, 2016 with is the current valuation date.

5.2 – Christy Cafovski, Executive Director, Gail Burrows, President, Parry Sound Area Chamber of Commerce.
Chamber of Commerce Year in Review; New Strategic Plan.
Ms. Cafovski shared a prepared video with messages from Gail Burrows and herself, reviewing activities from last year, and the Chamber’s current Strategic Plan focusing on membership, networking, how educational opportunities can help businesses, benefits of going virtual, marketing businesses in the area and generally focusing on providing value for membership.

Resolutions and Direction to Staff
9.1.1 – Budget Overview.
Ms. Phillips provided an overview of the budget from a prepared power point presentation, covering such topics as the managerial planning and review that goes on before Council’s deliberations, the fiscal policy framework, continuous improvement, benchmarking, external transfers, COVID-19 pandemic fiscal challenges, operating budget impacts, capital budget impacts, and the schedule of upcoming budget review meetings.

9.2.1 – Municipal Modernization Program
Intake 1 – Technology Review Final Report Municipal Modernization Program
Intake 2 – Introduction.
Resolution
THAT Council receive the attached Report on Municipal Modernization Program – Intake 1 – Technology Review Final Report; and
THAT Council authorize staff to submit an Expression of Interest for a GIS Maturity Assessment under the Municipal Modernization Program – Intake 2.
Carried

9.2.2 – Modernization Review – Allocation of Funding.
Resolution
Whereas the Town of Parry Sound received Municipal Modernization Funding from the Province of Ontario in 2019;
Whereas Council placed uncommitted Modernization Funding into a Modernization Reserve in March 2020;
Whereas the purpose of the Reserve is to fund projects that create efficiencies, lower and/or avoid future costs;
Whereas the effective use of technology represents a significant opportunity for creating efficiencies;
Whereas the Town initiated a Technology Review in 2020 under Intake 1, to identify opportunities for internal efficiencies using technology including infrastructure, business processes and systems;
Whereas the Review, completed under Intake 1 identified several important corporate projects;
Whereas the Town wishes to apply for Provincial funding under Intake 2;
Whereas one of the eligibility requirements for Intake 2 is that the municipality confirm that it has spent or allocated the Modernization Funding received in 2019;
Now Therefore be it Resolved That the uncommitted funds in the Modernization Reserve, $595,414.47 be allocated to initiatives identified in the Technology Review including a small contingency; and
Further That staff report back to Council for budget approvals should there be a need to reallocate funds as additional information becomes available, such as: changes in project scope; a need to change priorities; new priorities; etc.
Carried

9.3.1 – Regional Fire Training Centre in the Parry Sound Area.
Resolution
That the Council for the Town of Parry Sound support the submission of a formal request to the Office of the Fire Marshall to consider Parry Sound to be a Regional Training Centre
Carried

9.3.2 – Respond to request to stop-up-and close a portion of Macklaim Drive and Dennis Drive by Macazer Holding Corp.
Resolution
That Council of the Corporation of the Town of Parry Sound deny the request from Macazer Holding Corporation to stop-up-and-close a portion of Macklaim Drive and Dennis Drive road allowance.
Carried

9.5.1 – Letter of Support for NNDSB Grant Application for Bike Purchases.
Resolution
THAT Council of the Corporation of the Town of Parry Sound approves submission of the letter attached as Schedule A to the Near North District School Board in support of its application to the Ontario Active School Travel Fund to purchase a fleet of bikes for the purpose of training students in Grades 7 and 8 on safe cycling.
Carried

9.5.2 – (No Title Provided)
Resolution
Whereas community outreach and communication are critical to gaining community support for healthcare directives;
Whereas the Council for the Town of Parry Sound passed two (2) Resolutions on February 16, 2021: 1) Requesting greater community outreach and communication; and 2) Requesting the segregation of Covid related data between the East and West portions of the District of Parry Sound;
Whereas the Resolutions were endorsed by several West Parry Sound municipalities;
Whereas the Town of Parry Sound has not received a response or acknowledgement of either Resolution from the North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit;
Whereas municipalities fund a significant portion of the District Health Unit’s budget;
Whereas a lack of communication represents a missed opportunity to advocate a common message with a common voice;
Whereas collaboration and partnerships can create a united voice on critical issues, such as the advocacy of additional vaccines for the North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit;
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit Medical Officer of Health be requested to establish a bi-weekly information exchange meeting with the Mayors of the West Parry Sound District; and
THAT this Resolution be forwarded to the Chair & Board of the North Bay Parry Sound District Public Health Unit, municipalities of West Parry Sound, Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. David Williams, Minister of Health Honourable Christine Elliott, Premier Doug Ford, Norm Miller – MPP for Parry Sound-Muskoka and the Honourable Victor Fedeli – MPP Nipissing; and
That a press release be issued on behalf of the Town and those West Parry Sound municipalities in support of the Resolution.
Carried

By-laws
10.1.1 – Tax Policies – Capping and New to Class/New Construction.
By-Law 2021 – 7108
Being a bylaw to specify Tax Policies, including the claw back percentage, the capping threshold parameters, the minimum tax level for new-to-class / new construction and to exclude certain properties from the capping program for the year 2021.
Passed, Signed and Sealed.

10.1.2 – Tax Ratios for 2021.
By-Law 2021 – 7109
Being a by-law to set Tax Ratios for Municipal purposes for the year 2021.
Passed, Signed and Sealed.

Council Agenda Preview – March 2, 2021

26 Friday Feb 2021

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There are a couple of items on the agenda that deserve more review and comment than I can do here:
9.1.1 – Budget Overview.
9.2.1 – Municipal Modernization Program – Intake 1 – Technology Review Final Report. Municipal Modernization Program – Intake 2 – Introduction.

I will see if I can get around to these two documents this weekend, which are in the council meeting agenda package and available at the Town’s website. If I do, I will prepare a separate post. Item 9.1.1 is the first look we are being given of the 2021 Town budget. I do like the idea that Capital and External expenses are being discussed separately from Operating and Community budget items. I imagine the meetings wil lbe broadcast live and then available for later review on the web.
No wait – the budget overview presentation is just a tease in terms of real numbers. But there is a schedule of meetings:
March 9, 2021 – Budget Review Meeting (Capital & External Levies) *Special Meeting
March 23, 2021 – Budget Review Meeting (Operating & Community Requests/Grants) *Special Meeting
April 6, 2021 (Council) – Budget Approval and By-law

Abridged Agenda

Correspondence
None

Deputations
5.1 – Anne Haines, Account Manager, Muskoka, Parry Sound, MPAC.
2020 Municipal Partnership Report.

5.2 – Christy Cafovski, Executive Director, Gail Burrows, President, Parry Sound Area Chamber of Commerce.
Chamber of Commerce Year in Review; New Strategic Plan.

Resolutions and Direction to Staff
9.1.1 – Budget Overview.
See attached Presentation.

9.2.1 – Municipal Modernization Program – Intake 1 – Technology Review Final Report.
Municipal Modernization Program – Intake 2 – Introduction.
Resolution
THAT Council receives the attached Report on Municipal Modernization Program – Intake 1 – Technology Review Final Report; and
THAT Council authorize staff to submit an Expression of Interest for a GIS Maturity Assessment under the Municipal Modernization Program – Intake 2.

9.2.2 Modernization Review – Allocation of Funding.
Resolution
Whereas the Town of Parry Sound received Municipal Modernization Funding from the Province of Ontario in 2019;
Whereas Council placed uncommitted Modernization Funding into a Modernization Reserve in March 2020;
Whereas the purpose of the Reserve is to fund projects that create efficiencies, lower and/or avoid future costs;
Whereas the effective use of technology represents a significant opportunity for creating efficiencies;
Whereas the Town initiated a Technology Review in 2020 under Intake 1, to identify opportunities for internal efficiencies using technology including infrastructure, business processes and systems;
Whereas the Review, completed under Intake 1 identified several important corporate projects;
Whereas the Town wishes to apply for Provincial funding under Intake 2;
Whereas one of the eligibility requirements for Intake 2 is that the municipality confirm that it has spent or allocated the Modernization Funding received in 2019;
Now Therefore be it Resolved That the uncommitted funds in the Modernization Reserve, $595,414.47 be allocated to initiatives identified in the Technology Review including a small contingency; and
Further That staff report back to Council for budget approvals should there be a need to reallocate funds as additional information becomes available, such as: changes in project scope; a need to change priorities; new priorities; etc.

9.3.1 – Regional Fire Training Centre in the Parry Sound Area.
Resolution
That the Council for the Town of Parry Sound support the submission of a formal request to the Office of the Fire Marshall to consider Parry Sound to be a Regional Training Centre.

9.3.2 – Respond to request to stop-up-and close a portion of Macklaim Drive and Dennis Drive by Macazer Holding Corp.
Resolution
That Council of the Corporation of the Town of Parry Sound deny the request from Macazer Holding Corporation to stop-up-and-close a portion of Macklaim Drive and Dennis Drive road allowance.

9.5.1 – Letter of Support for NNDSB Grant Application for Bike Purchases.
Resolution
THAT Council of the Corporation of the Town of Parry Sound approves submission of the letter attached as Schedule A to the Near North District School Board in support of its application to the Ontario Active School Travel Fund to purchase a fleet of bikes for the purpose of training students in Grades 7 and 8 on safe cycling.

By-laws
10.1.1 – Tax Policies – Capping and New to Class/New Construction.
By-Law 2021 – 7108
Being a bylaw to specify Tax Policies, including the claw back percentage, the capping threshold parameters, the minimum tax level for new-to-class / new construction and to exclude certain properties from the capping program for the year 2021.

10.1.2 – Tax Ratios for 2021.
By-Law 2021 – 7109
Being a by-law to set Tax Ratios for Municipal purposes for the year 2021.

Council Agenda Preview – January 15, 2013

13 Sunday Jan 2013

Posted by in Parry Sound, Town Council

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It’s been almost a month since the last council meeting. Surprisingly this week’s agenda has few critical issues to be decided and agreed. The ‘elephant in the room’ of course is the 2013 budget for which the kick-off discussion is scheduled for this Wednesday starting at 6:00 in the Council Chambers. I suggest you be there is you want to understand how they make ‘sausage’. It’s not pretty but it’s worth understanding how and why your taxes went up this year.

Congratulations to Gail MacDonald on the receipt of the Order of Parry Sound. This honour recognizes her many community contributions, most notably with Harvest Share.

I’ve sent a request to council for media credentials to provide better coverage of the council meetings. As it stands now I am unable to attend meetings that are restricted to council and the ‘official’ media. In addition I have been told that I am not permitted to make audio or video recordings of the council meetings despite the fact that the meeting is recorded and rebroadcast by Cogeco, and the local media regularly record portions of the meeting for broadcast. It’s on the agenda this week as a letter.

Agenda Highlights:

5.1 – the Downtown Business Association (DBA) is making a deputation to request town support for its revitalization activities. This includes an investment in physical enhancements to make the downtown more appealing to residents and visitors.

9.1.1 – is a resolution accepting a $7.9 million EMS budget for 2013. The town’s portion of this cost is about $222,000, about 2% higher than last year.

9.2.2, 9.2.3 – are resolutions to accept the various town business objectives for 2013 and the town’s strategic plan. I have not taken the time to read the details of the objectives and will provide a separate overview in a few days after I’ve had a chance to go over it in more detail.

9.4.1 – is another resolution to increase and add planning fees. For the most part these are ‘nickel and dime’ increases that bring our costs up to provincial municipal averages.

9.4.2 – is a resolution to accept an offer of $41,500 for the town property referred to as the ‘former waterworks standpipe property’ on Isabella Street. It’s worth noting that the other bids received fort he property were: $28,000, $16,500 and $8,000. The town believes the high bid is reasonable and acceptable. I wonder though if the process, not necessarily this tender, is flawed. How can there reasonably be a 5-fold difference in the bids if the process is open, transparent and the all participants have the appropriate information? Is the process flawed? Are some of the bidders not sufficiently experienced to make reasonable bids? Even throwing out the high and low bids, there is a difference of almost 80%, too big a difference to make me comfortable with the process. It’s worth reconsidering the tender process as was previously suggested by one of the councillors.

9.4.3 – is a direction to town staff to prepare a by-law that rezones a portion of town owned land north of Canadore College to permit its use for the development of a retirement residence. Personally I’m glad to see additional development in town as long as the development carries its fair share of the municipal costs. The town already has a number of federal, provincial and community facilities that benefit from reduced taxes in consideration of their contribution to local employment. It’s sort of like buying something on sale. It may be a good buy, but you still need to find the money to pay for it.

9.4.4 – is a resolution to approve the Canada Day budget. The net/net is that it will cost the town on the order of $11,000 if a Celebrate Canada grant is received. It will be about $17,000 if the grant isn’t received. There are a few interesting points: the firework themselves cost about $8,000. That’s about $0.50 to $1.00 per person for those who watch the fireworks; a relative bargain in my opinion. Neither the Parry Sound Chamber of Commerce nor the DBA will be contributing financially to this year’s events. I know money is tight at both organizations, but I wonder if their withdrawal from the Canada Day events is a statement of sorts.

9.6.1 – is a direction for staff follow up in regard to supporting the Festival of the Sound’s opening night to the tune of $5,000. This is the 10th anniversary of the Festival’s program at the Stockey Centre.

9.6.2 – is an agenda item to discuss the use of the Fitness Trail as a footpath and snowmobile trail. Right now it’s a moot point given the warm weather and rain, but it’s worth a discussion. I often walk on the trail in the winter and keep my eye out for snow machines. I find the snowmobilers are more courteous than the occasional e-bike riders that sneak onto the trail in the spring, summer and fall.

10.4.1 – is a by-law to allow the town to enter into an agreement with JJ Mackay Canada Limited to provide parking ticket management software. The cost is about $2,400.

10.4.2 – is a by-law to designate the Old Pump House as having cultural heritage value or interest. This follows up earlier by-laws and resolutions. The by-law includes a statement of the heritage attributes.

10.4.3 – is a by-law to enter into a 5-year agreement with the Chamber of Commerce to operate the Town Dock and Big Sound Marina. The Chamber has been operating these facilities for the last few years. This agreement restructures the arrangement and the lease terms. The materials in the council package are not sufficient for me to properly understand the benefits of the agreement to the two parties. In theory the town will receive almost twice as much in 2013, some10% of ‘normalized’ revenue, as it would have under the previous agreement. The actual amount received in 2011 was $6,560, which implies a revenue stream of about $130,000 in 2011. Given that the operation of the two facilities is not a ‘gold mine’ I’m surprised by the change in the terms and only imagine the Chamber feels there will be an increase in revenue for the years to come.

10.6.1 – is a by-law to confirm the proceedings of Parry Sound Hydro Corporation board of directors meetings June 25, July 25 and August 31, 2012. There is no information in these minutes that provides any insight into their operations.

Remember there is a budget meeting on the 16th that you should plan to attend. I’ll be watching the proceedings trying to understand the various staff and council agendas. I’ll also be at the council meeting at the 15th, see you there.

If you want to know what went down last year at council I have compiled all of the council minutes in a single PDF document that can be easily searched.

Bridge Art – Beyond Dreaming?

Bridge Art - Dream