Council Minutes

Tuesday, November 12, 2024

4:00 P.m. - 5:00 P.m.

If you wish to attend this virtual meeting by audio or video conference, please contact Andrea Rowntree at [email protected] or 519-524-8344

Town Hall, Council Chambers

Present

• Trevor Bazinet, Mayor
• Leah Noel, Deputy Mayor
• Allison Segeren, Councillor
• John Thompson, Councillor
• Randy Carroll, Councillor
• Liz Petrie, Councillor
• Vanessa Kelly, Councillor

Staff Present

• Janice Hallahan, Chief Administrative Officer
• Andrea Fisher, Director of Legislative Services/Clerk
• Deanna Hastie, Director of Corporate Services/Treasurer
• Sean Thomas, Director of Community Services, Infrastructure and Operations
• Andrea Rowntree, Administrative Assistant to the Chief Administrative Officer and Director of Legislative Services/Clerk
• Amanda Banting, Deputy Clerk (Records Management Clerk)

Others Present

• Malcolm Fletcher, Grade 12 GDCI Student Winner for "Mayor for the Day Initiative" 

  Victor Kloeze, Huron County Planner

  Dale Erb, B.M. Ross and Associates

  Margaret McIssac 

  Barry Page

  Kate Krouskie

  Colin Carmichael

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1.

CALL TO ORDER

Goderich Town Council meets in regular session on November 12, 2024.

Mayor Bazinet calls on Malcom Fletcher to call the meeting to order as a result of Mr. Fletcher being the successful winner of the Mayor for the Day.

2.

LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT STATEMENT

Presented by Councillor Kelly

3.

DISCLOSURE OF PECUNIARY INTEREST AND THE GENERAL NATURE THEREOF

3.1

Deputy Mayor Noel

Deputy Mayor Noel declares a pecuniary interest with respect to agenda item 7.11 Water and Wastewater 5-Year Financial Plan (2026-2030) as her daughter is employed by B.M. Ross and Associates.

3.2

Deputy Mayor Noel

Deputy Mayor Noel declares a pecuniary interest with respect to agenda item 11.1 Renovations to Maitland Valley Medical Centre as her spouse holds a lease at the Maitland Valley Medical Centre.

3.3

Councillor Carroll

Councillor Carroll declares a pecuniary interest with respect to agenda items 10.4 and 10.5 as he is the President of the Goderich Legion Branch 109. 

4.

APPROVAL OF AGENDA AND ADOPTION OF MINUTES

4.1

Approval of Agenda

Clerk Fisher comments that agenda item 9.6 Goderich Coast Shoreline Erosion Feasibility Study has been added to the agenda as information under item 9.6.

• Moved By: Councillor Thompson
  Seconded By: Deputy Mayor Noel

  That Goderich Town Council hereby accepts the November 12, 2024, regular Council Agenda, as amended.

  CARRIED

4.2

Adoption of Minutes

• Moved By: Councillor Carroll
  Seconded By: Councillor Segeren

  That Goderich Town Council hereby adopts the October 21, 2024, regular Council Minutes and the October 28, 2024, Special Council Minutes, as printed. 

  CARRIED

5.

PUBLIC MEETING(S)

6.

DEPUTATIONS AND PRESENTATIONS

6.1

Mayor's Remarks

Mayor Bazinet introduced Malcom Fletcher, winner for “Mayor for a Day” competition. Mr. Fletcher thanks Mayor Bazinet and the Town for this opportunity and adds that he has learned a lot of new things about the Town. Malcolm notes he is a Grade 12 student at Goderich District Collegiate Institute and is currently in a cooperative education placement at the Huron County Planning Department. Planning is his career choice and his hope with this competition was to build connections and he notes that he feels he has accomplished that. He also notes that tomorrow is the Western Ontario Secondary Schools Athletic Association (WOSSAA) volleyball tournament, and the Senior Boys will be participating.
Mayor Bazinet comments on the Grade 5/6 winners for the “Mayor for a Day” competition and thanks everyone for the excellent entries and comments on the tour and meeting with the students earlier in the week. Mayor Bazinet also looks forward to having the students joining him for the Lighting of the Lights Ceremony along with walking with Council in the Christmas Parade.

Mayor Bazinet congratulates the Goderich Ice Crushers U14 Ringette team for winning a gold medal and the U16 Ringette team for winning a sliver medal at the recent ringette tournament. 

Mayor Bazinet comments on the Santa Clause parade being held on Saturday, November 16, 2024.

Mayor Bazinet comments on the Spirit of Success Awards held by the Huron Chamber of Commerce and thanks Colin Carmichael for organizing such a well-attended event.

Mayor Bazinet comments that the Alexandra Marine and General Hospital celebrated their 100-year anniversary with a dueling piano show at the Knights of Columbus Hall.

6.2

Councillors' Remarks

Deputy Mayor Noel thanks the Mayor and CAO for their work on the matter of court security. Court Security is a service not just for the Town of Goderich, but rather County wide. She notes that Mayor Bazinet has brought forward a notice of motion at Huron County Council which calls for a more equitable distribution of court security costs. A staff report from Huron County staff is forthcoming.

Deputy Mayor Noel comments on attending the Goderich District Collegiate Institute's Grade 10 Civics Class and notes how successful and engaging it was.

Councillor Thompson comments on the Remembrance Day Ceremony and thanks Councillor Carroll and his team for organizing such an important meaningful event in the community. He notes the number of youth who were in attendance.

Councillor Carroll comments on the Remembrance Day Ceremony and thanks all of the youth that were involved in the event.

7.

STAFF REPORTS

• Moved By: Councillor Segeren
  Seconded By: Councillor Kelly

  That the Staff Reports be received for information and the noted action be approved. 

  CARRIED

7.1

Janice Hallahan, Chief Administrative Officer re: Semi-Annual Progress Tracker of the 2023 – 2027 Strategic Action Plan

Staff Recommendation: Receive for information

7.2

Andrea Fisher, Clerk re: 2025 Proceeds of Crime Front Line Policing Grant Program and refer to By-Law 108 of 2024

Staff Recommendation: Concur

7.3

Deanna Hastie, Director of Corporate Services/ Treasurer re: Draft 2025 Fee By-Law

Staff Recommendation: Concur

7.4

Deanna Hastie, Director of Corporate Services/ Treasurer re: Waterfront Parking Results for the 2024 Season

Staff Recommendation: Receive for information

7.5

Deanna Hastie, Director of Corporate Services/ Treasurer - Council and Staff Expenses to September 2024

Staff Recommendation: Receive for information

7.6

Deanna Hastie, Director of Corporate Services/ Treasurer re: Operating Budget Variance Report to September 2024

Staff Recommendation: Receive for information

7.7

Deanna Hastie, Director of Corporate Services/ Treasurer re: Capital Projects Report to September 2024

Staff Recommendation: Receive for information 

7.8

Sean Thomas, Director of Community Services, Infrastructure and Operations re: North Harbour Road Stairs

Staff Recommendation: Concur

• Moved By: Councillor Thompson
  Seconded By: Councillor Petrie

  That Goderich Town Council receive this report for information;
  And that Council not award the tender for the North Harbour Road Stairs;
  And That Council direct staff to prepare a design and estimate of the cost of repairing/replacing stairs from North Harbour road to Waterloo Street;
  And that the design and estimate be referred to the 2025 budget deliberations. 

  CARRIED

7.9

Tara Darnbrough, Finance and Taxation Manager re: Assessment Appeals S357

Staff Recommendation: Concur

7.10

Bonnie Hastings, Childcare Services Manager re: Removal of Half Day Childcare Option for Parents

Staff Recommendation: Concur

7.11

Jessica Clapp, Environmental Services Manager re: Water and Wastewater Five-Year Financial Plans (2026 to 2030)

Staff Recommendation: Concur

• Deputy Mayor Noel declared a conflict on this item. (Deputy Mayor Noel declares a pecuniary interest with respect to agenda item 7.11 Water and Wastewater 5-Year Financial Plan (2026-2030) as her daughter is employed by B.M. Ross and Associates.)

• Moved By: Councillor Carroll
  Seconded By: Councillor Segeren

  That Goderich Town Council authorize staff to proceed with the development of the 2026-2030 Water and Wastewater Financial Plans;
  And that Goderich Town Council approve the cost of $20,000 + HST to be funded through the Water Expansion Reserve Fund and Pollution Control Plant Reserve Fund.

  CARRIED

7.12

Jessica Clapp, Asset Management and Environmental Services Manager re: Asset Management Public Engagement Survey

Following discussion;

• Moved By: Councillor Thompson
  Seconded By: Councillor Petrie

  That in addition to the online survey, that Council direct staff to bring a suggestion forward for a focus group to provide public input on Asset Management;
  And that the focus group commence in January, 2025.

  CARRIED

7.13

Jason Dykstra Building Services Manager Chief Building Official re: Month End Report for October

Staff Recommendation: Receive for information

7.14

Jason Dykstra, Building Services Manager/Chief Building Official re: Habitat for Humanity's Request to Waive Development Charges

Staff Recommendation: Concur

7.15

Jason Dykstra, Building Services Manager/ Chief Building Official re: Heritage Permit Application No. 2024-011 - 44 Victoria St. S.- Signage

Staff Recommendation: Concur

7.16

John Dobie, Facilities Services Manager re: Removal of Mold Containing Material at the Maitland Recreation Centre

Staff Recommendation: Concur

7.17

Jenna Ujiye, Tourism and Community Development Officer re: 2024 and 2025 Grant Applications

Staff Recommendation: Concur

• Moved By: Councillor Segeren
  Seconded By: Deputy Mayor Noel

  That Council approve delegated discretionary authority to the Chief Administrative Officer to apply to the Regional Tourism Organization 4 Inc. grant program;

  And that delegated discretionary authority to apply to other grants that support tourism and community development related projects be deferred for a report back to Council for further discussion.

  CARRIED

7.18

Jenna Ujiye, Tourism and Community Development Officer re: Goderich Salt and Harvest Festival Pre-Budget Approval

Staff Recommendation: Concur

• Moved By: Councillor Thompson
  Seconded By: Deputy Mayor Noel

  That Council refer the memo regarding the Goderich Salt and Harvest Festival Pre-Budget Approval to 2025 budget deliberations. 

  DEFEATED
• Moved By: Councillor Carroll
  Seconded By: Councillor Kelly

  That Council approve a pre-budget expenditure of up to $20,000 for the 2025 Goderich Salt and Harvest Festival prior to the 2025 Budget;
  And That Council request the 2025 budget be revised to reflect spending required for deposits.

  CARRIED

7.19

Lisa Hood, Tourism Events and Marketing Coordinator re: Monthly Staff Report

Staff Recommendation: Concur

8.

CORRESPONDENCE RECEIVED AND COPIED FOR WHICH THE DIRECTION OF COUNCIL IS REQUIRED

9.

CORRESPONDENCE RECEIVED FOR INFORMATION

• Moved By: Councillor Carroll
  Seconded By: Councillor Petrie

  That the correspondence be received for information.

  CARRIED

9.1

Goderich Regional Airport Task Force - October 8, 2024 Minutes

9.2

Rebuilding Downtown Infrastructure Task Force - October 8, 2024 Minutes

9.3

Bluewater Recycling Association - Board of Directors Meeting Highlights for October 17, 2024

9.4

Recreation Advisory Committee - October 23, 2024 Minutes

9.5

Victor Kloeze, Senior Planner, County of Huron re: New Provincial Planning Statement

9.6

Goderich Coast Shoreline Erosion Feasibility Study

9.7

County of Huron re: 2024 Report to the Community on Homelessness

9.8

County of Huron Media Release re: Immigration Partnership - Newcomers and Housing in Huron-Perth a Research Project

9.9

County of Huron Media Release re: Letter of Acknowledgement to Lucknow & District Kinsmen for $50,000 donation towards Gibbons Street Affordable Housing Development

9.10

The Salvation Army re: Support Request for the Christmas Season

9.11

Ontario Provincial Police Media Release re: 2023 Annual Report

9.12

Mark Nonkes, Local Immigration Partnership and Karen Stewart, Huron Multicultural Festival re: Letter of acknowledgement and gratitude for support and contribution to the 2024 Multicultural Festival

9.13

Municipality of Brockton re: Resolution - Provincial Junior Hockey League Commissioner

9.14

Town of Aurora re: Support Resolution Request - Redistribution of the Provincial Land Transfer Tax and GST to Municipalities for Sustainable Infrastructure Funding

• Moved By: Deputy Mayor Noel
  Seconded By: Councillor Carroll

  That Council support the resolution from the Town of Aurora regarding the Redistribution of the Provincial Land Transfer Tax and GST to Municipalities for Sustainable Infrastructure Funding.

  CARRIED

9.15

Municipality of South Huron re: Support Resolution Request - Heritage Advisory Committee

10.

CORRESPONDENCE RECEIVED AND RECOMMENDED ACTION NOTED

• Moved By: Councillor Petrie
  Seconded By: Councillor Kelly

  That the correspondence items be received for information and the noted action be approved.

  CARRIED

10.1

Victor Kloeze, Senior Planner, County of Huron re: Part Lot Control Exemption Application GOD PLC03-24 - 133 to 153 Meadowlark Lane

Staff Recommendation: the request to exempt Block 71, Registered Plan 22M-27; being Parts 1 to 6, Reference Plan 22R-7345 in the Town of Goderich for Part Lot Control pursuant to Section 50(7) of the Planning Act be approved, and the corresponding by-law be passed with an expiry date of December 1st, 2026;
And that the By-law be passed on to the County for approval after being signed; 
And that Council refer to By-Law 109 of 2024

10.2

Victor Kloeze, Senior Planner, County of Huron re: Plan of Subdivision 40T13002 Extension of Draft Plan Approval

Staff Recommendation: Goderich Town Council recommend to the County of Huron that the application to extend draft plan approval for subdivision file 40T13002 for a further three-year period be approved.

10.3

Jeff Jones, BMRoss and Associates Limited re: North Harbour Road Trail Stairs - Tender Review - refer to item 7.8

Staff Recommendation: Concur

10.4

Dale Matthies re: Painted Veterans Crosswalk

Staff Recommendation: That the request from Dale Matthies for a painted veterans crosswalk be referred to the Rebuilding Downtown Revitalization Task Force.

• Councillor Carroll declared a conflict on this item. (Councillor Carroll declares a pecuniary interest with respect to agenda items 10.4 and 10.5 as he is the President of the Goderich Legion Branch 109. ;)

• Moved By: Councillor Petrie
  Seconded By: Councillor Kelly

  That the requests for a painted veterans crosswalk be referred to the Rebuilding Downtown Revitalization Task Force and Goderich Legion Branch 109.

  CARRIED

10.5

Anne Hoelscher re: Painted Veterans Crosswalk

Staff Recommendation: That the request from Anne Hoelscher for a painted veterans crosswalk be referred to the Rebuilding Downtown Revitalization Task Force and Goderich Legion Branch 109

10.6

Lucy Langis, Principal, Goderich District Collegiate Institute re: Spin Bike Donation Request

Staff Recommendation: That Goderich Town Council refer Goderich District Collegiate Institute's spin bike donation request to staff with power to act.

• Following discussion;

  Moved By: Councillor Segeren
  Seconded By: Councillor Petrie

  That Council refer the Goderich District Collegiate Institute Spin Bike Donation Request to staff for a report back to Council;
  And that staff provide a policy for in kind donations to Council for consideration. 

  CARRIED

11.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

11.1

Sean Thomas, Director of Community Services, Infrastructure and Operations re: Renovations to Maitland Valley Medical Centre - Pending

• Deputy Mayor Noel declared a conflict on this item. (Deputy Mayor Noel declares a pecuniary interest with respect to agenda item 11.1 Renovations to Maitland Valley Medical Centre as her spouse holds a lease at the Maitland Valley Medical Centre.)

12.

BY-LAWS AND AGREEMENTS

• Moved By: Councillor Thompson
  Seconded By: Councillor Kelly

  That By-Laws 108, 109, 110, 111, 112, 113, 114, 115 and 116 of 2024 be taken collectively.

  CARRIED
• Moved By: Deputy Mayor Noel
  Seconded By: Councillor Petrie

  That By-Laws 108, 109, 110, 111, 112, 113, 114, 115 and 116 of 2024 be read a first and second time.

  CARRIED
• Moved By: Councillor Kelly
  Seconded By: Councillor Carroll

  That By-Laws 108, 109, 110, 111, 112, 113, 114, 115 and 116 of 2024 be read a third time and finally passed.

  CARRIED

12.1

By-Law 108 of 2024 - refer to item 7.2

Being a By-Law to authorize the execution of an Ontario Transfer Payment agreement with His Majesty the King in Right of Ontario as Represented by the Solicitor General regarding the remaining funding for the project “Huron Safe Schools & Proceeds of Crime Initiative for the second and third funding years (2024/2025 and 2025/2026) from the Proceeds of Crime Front-Line Policing Grant Program and to repeal By-Law 22 of 2024

12.2

By-Law 109 of 2024 - refer to item 11.1

Being a By-Law to declare that certain land is not subject to Part Lot Control (Block 71, Plan 22M-27, Municipality of the Town of Goderich, County of Huron)

12.3

By-Law 110 of 2024

Being a By-Law to authorize the Delegation of Authority to the Recreation Facilities Supervisor and Community Services and Operations Manager to approve and sign Recreation Booking and Advertising Agreements and to repeal By-Law 26 of 2024

12.4

By-Law 111 of 2024

Being a By-Law to authorize the Execution of a Lease Agreement with Douglas Oesch for a "T" Hangar at the Goderich Regional Airport

12.5

By-Law 112 of 2024

Being a By-Law to Authorize the Execution of a Lease Agreement with Mike Scott for a "T" Hangar at the Goderich Regional Airport

12.6

By-Law 113 of 2024

Being a By-Law to Authorize the Execution of a Lease Agreement with Mattheus Ueckermann for a "T" Hangar at the Goderich Regional Airport

12.7

By-Law 114 of 2024

Being a By-Law to Authorize the Mayor and Clerk to Execute and Affix the Corporate Seal to a Lease Agreement between Spacek Medicine Professional Corporation Dr. Zdenek (Stan) Spacek and Dr. Kimberly Spacek and the Corporation of the Town of Goderich

12.8

By-Law 115 of 2024

Being a By-Law to authorize the Mayor and Clerk to execute and affix the Corporate Seal to adopt a Community Grant Policy for the Corporation of the Town of Goderich

12.9

By-Law 116 of 2024

Being a By-Law to authorize the Mayor and Clerk to execute and affix the Corporate Seal to a Rink Board Advertising Agreement for the Corporation of the Town of Goderich

13.

MOTIONS AND NOTICE OF MOTIONS

13.1

Landing Fees

Recommendation from the Goderich Regional Airport Task Force

• Moved By: Councillor Petrie
  Seconded By: Councillor Kelly

  THAT a new Military/Government/Medevac/Hydro One/OPP Landing Fee be established at $250 + HST /landing; 

  AND THAT the Airport Landing Fee be amended to $5/1000 kg + HST for visiting non-commercial aircraft, and all visiting commercial aircraft 20,000 kg or less be charged a minimum of $100, and visiting commercial aircraft 20,001 kg or more $5.00 per 1,000 kg + HST;

  AND THAT the Town initiate contact with flight schools using the Goderich Regional Airport to enter into an Airfield Operating Agreement of $750 + HST/year for unlimited use; 

  AND FURTHER THAT a new Airport Property Rental Fee for Council approved municipally significant events of $500 +HST/day be established.

  CARRIED

14.

NEW AND GENERAL BUSINESS

Upcoming Meetings:

• November 13, 2024, 10:00 AM Environment Committee
• November 13, 2024, 1:00 PM Rebuilding Downtown Infrastructure Task Force
• November 19, 2024, 1:30 PM Mid-Huron Landfill Site Board
• November 19, 2024, 2:30 PM Mid-Huron Recycling Centre Board
• November 26, 2024, 8:30 AM BIA Beautification Committee
• November 27, 2024, 10:00 AM Municipal and Marine Heritage Committee
• November 27, 2024, 10:00 AM Community Townhall Information Session, Huron County Museum Auditorium
• December 3, 2024, 5:30 PM BIA Annual General Meeting
• December 12, 2024, 4:00 PM BIA Board of Management
• December 16, 2024, 4:00 PM Council Meeting

15.

POSSIBLE CLOSED COUNCIL MEETING MATTERS

In the event that Council enters into a possible Closed Session pursuant to Section 239 (2) of the Municipal Act, Council will reconvene following the Closed Session at which time the public and press may be present.

• Moved By: Councillor Kelly
  Seconded By: Councillor Petrie

  That Council rise at 5:52 PM and go into Closed Committee of the Whole Session pursuant to Section 239(2)(i)(j) and (k);

  And Further That Chief Administrative Officer Janice Hallahan, Clerk Andrea Fisher, Treasurer Deanna Hastie, Director of Operations Sean Thomas, Deputy Clerk Amanda Piskorski and Administrative Assistant to the CAO and Clerk/Planning Coordinator Andrea Rowntree, remain in attendance.

  CARRIED

15.1

Sean Thomas, Director of Community Services, Infrastructure and Operations, and Janice Hallahan, Chief Administrative Officer re: Proposed Paid Parking Initiative

Section 239(2)(a) the security of the property of the municipality or local board;

Section 239(2)(i) a trade secret or scientific, technical, commercial, financial or labour relations information, supplied in confidence to the municipality or local board, which, if disclosed, could reasonably be expected to prejudice significantly the competitive position or interfere significantly with the contractual or other negotiations of a person, group of persons, or organization.

15.2

Janice Hallahan, Chief Administrative Officer re: Proposed Joint Use Agreement with Neighbouring Municipalities

Section 239(2)(i) a trade secret or scientific, technical, commercial, financial or labour relations information, supplied in confidence to the municipality or local board, which, if disclosed, could reasonably be expected to prejudice significantly the competitive position or interfere significantly with the contractual or other negotiations of a person, group of persons, or organization;

(j) a trade secret or scientific, technical, commercial or financial information that belongs to the municipality or local board and has monetary value or potential monetary value; or

(k) 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. 2001, c. 25, s. 239 (2); 2017, c. 10, Sched. 1, s. 26.

15.3

Minutes of the Previous Closed Session

• October 21, 2024, Closed Session Minutes

• Moved By: Councillor Petrie
  Seconded By: Councillor Thompson

  That Goderich Town Council rise and come out of Closed Session at 6:26 PM.

  CARRIED

16.

REPORTING OUT OF CLOSED COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE

CAO Hallahan reports out of closed regarding items 15.1 and 15.2, staff were directed to proceed as indicated and a motion was passed on item 15.3 to approve the minutes from the previous closed session on October 21, 2024.

17.

PRESS REPORTERS AND CITIZENS QUESTION & ANSWER PERIOD

18.

CONFIRMING BY-LAW

• Moved By: Councillor Thompson
  Seconded By: Councillor Kelly

  That leave be given to introduce By-Law No. 117 of 2024 being a By-Law to confirm the proceedings of the Goderich Town Council meeting held on November 12, 2024 and that it now be read a first, second, and third time, and finally passed this November 12, 2024.

  CARRIED

19.

ADJOURN

• Moved By: Councillor Carroll
  Seconded By: Councillor Petrie

  That Goderich Town Council does now adjourn at 6:29 PM to meet again at the regular meeting of Council scheduled for December 16, 2024, at 4 PM.

  CARRIED