Council Meeting Minutes

Council Meeting

Meeting #:

Date:

Monday, February 26, 2024 at 7:00 P.m. - 10:00 P.m.

Location:

Council Chambers - Hybrid

60 Snyder's Road West

Baden, Ontario

N3A 1A1

Members Present:

• Mayor N. Salonen
• Councillor S. Cressman
• Councillor K. Wilkinson
• Councillor H. Sidhu
• Councillor L. Dunstall
• Councillor S. Martin

Staff Present:

• Chief Administrative Officer, S. Chambers
• Interim Treasurer / Chief Financial Officer, D. Elliott
• Director of Infrastructure Services, J. Molenhuis
• Director of Development Services, H. O'Krafka
• Director of Community Services, C. Catania
• Interim Director of Corporate Services / Clerk, J. Bunn
• Supervisor of IT, K. Jeffreys
• Manager of Communications and Strategic Initiatives, D. Kell
• Supervisor of Legislative Services / Deputy Clerk, K. Bos

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1.

CALL TO ORDER

• Moved by: Councillor S. Martin
  Seconded by: Councillor S. Cressman

  THAT the Regular Council Meeting held on February 26, 2024 be called to order at 7:00 p.m.

  Motion Carried Unanimously

  Mayor N. Salonen reflected on the following:

  • Homelessness and the Coldest Night of the Year Walk
  
  

2.

TERRITORIAL LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

Councillor S. Cressman read the Territorial Land Acknowledgment.

3.

ADDITIONS TO THE AGENDA

Item 8.1 - Delegations Regarding Item 11.2 

• Item 8.1.2 - Wilmot Ecumenical Working Group on Indigenous/Settler Relationships
• Item 8.1.3 - Createscape 

Item 8.2 - Delegations Regarding Item 10.1

• Item 8.2.1 - Linda Laepple

Item 8.3 - Delegations Regarding Item 12.1

• Item 8.3.1 - Marg Rowell

Item 9 - Correspondence

• Item 9.2 - Correspondence from Valerie Hall Regarding Schneider Land Donation
• Item 9.3 - Correspondence from Wilmot Ecumenical Working Group on Indigenous/Settler Relationships Regarding Prime Ministers Path Next Steps
• Item 9.4 - Correspondence from Yvonne Zyma Regarding Prime Ministers Path Next Steps
• Item 9.5 - Correspondence from Melissa Miller Regarding Prime Ministers Path Next Steps
• Item 9.6 - Correspondence from Barry Wolfe Regarding Prime Ministers Path Next Steps
• Item 9.7 - Correspondence from Marlene Knezevich Regarding Prime Ministers Path Next Steps
• Item 9.8 - Correspondence from Catherine Bowman Regarding Prime Ministers Path Next Steps
• Item 9.9 - Correspondence from E. Bird Regarding Prime Ministers Path Next Steps

4.

ADOPTION OF THE AGENDA

• Moved by: Councillor S. Cressman
  Seconded by: Councillor S. Martin

  That the Agenda as presented for February 26, 2024 be adopted, as amended.

  Motion Carried Unanimously

5.

DISCLOSURE OF PECUINARY INTEREST UNDER THE MUNICIPAL CONFLICT OF INTEREST ACT

There were no disclosures of pecuniary interest at this meeting.

6.

MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING(S)

• Moved by: Councillor S. Martin
  Seconded by: Councillor H. Sidhu

  THAT the Minutes of the February 12, 2024 Council Meeting and February 15, 2024 Special Council Meeting be adopted as presented.

  Motion Carried Unanimously

7.

PRESENTATIONS

7.1

Basic Income Waterloo Region, presenting on Guaranteed Liveable Basic Income

Caterina Lindman, Wanda Cakebread and Erma Friesen presented on Guaranteed Liveable Basic Income.

8.

DELEGATIONS

8.1

Agenda Item 11.2 Report CAO-2024-03 - Prime Ministers Path: Options for Next Steps

8.1.1

Andrew Kipp

8.1.2

Wilmot Ecumenical Working Group on Indigenous/Settler Relationships

Marie Pavey and Dorothy Wilson

8.1.3

Createscape

Glen Mathers

8.2

Agenda Item 10.1 Report IS-2024-06 - 2023 Annual Water Smmary and Quality Report

8.2.1

Linda Laepple

8.3

Agenda Item 12.1 - Councillor S. Martin Notice of Motion Regarding the Municipal Heritage Register

8.3.1

Marg Rowell

9.

CORRESPONDENCE

Councillor S. Martin spoke to Item 9.1 Correspondence from Rory Farnan Regarding Schneider Land Donation and directed a question to staff.

Council asked and received response from staff regarding the following:

• The planning application process and timeline for the subject lands.

Director of Development Services, H. O'Krafka provided a response.

Councillor K. Wilkinson spoke to Item 9.1 Correspondence from Rory Farnan Regarding Schneider Land Donation.

9.1

Correspondence from Rory Farnan Regarding Schneider Land Donation

9.2

Correspondence from Valerie Hall Regarding Schneider Land Donation

9.3

Correspondence from Wilmot Ecumenical Working Group on Indigenous/Settler Relationships Regarding Prime Ministers Path Next Steps

9.4

Correspondence from Yvonne Zyma Regarding Prime Ministers Path Next Steps

9.5

Correspondence from Melissa Miller Regarding Prime Ministers Path Next Steps

9.6

Correspondence from Barry Wolfe Regarding Prime Ministers Path Next Steps

9.7

Correspondence from Marlene Knezevich Regarding Prime Ministers Path Next Steps

9.8

Correspondence from Catherine Bowman Regarding Prime Ministers Path Next Steps

9.9

Correspondence from E. Bird Regarding Prime Ministers Path Next Steps

10.

CONSENT AGENDA

Delegate L. Laepple spoke to Item 10.1 Staff Report IS-2024-06 - 2023 Annual Water Summary and Quality Report.'

Councillor S. Cressman pulled Item 10.1 from the Consent Agenda for consideration.

Mayor N. Salonen pulled Item 10.2 from the Consent Agenda for consideration.

10.1

IS-2024-06 - 2023 Annual Water Summary and Quality Report

Council asked and received response from staff regarding the following:

• The water usage fluctuation in the annual report.
• The location of the distribution systems.
• Methodology for water sampling.

• Moved by: Councillor S. Cressman
  Seconded by: Councillor K. Wilkinson

  THAT the 2023 Annual Summary and Water Quality Reports be received for information purposes; and

  THAT Council continue to commit to providing the resources for the implementation, maintenance, and continual improvement of the Drinking Water Quality Management Standard (DWQMS) as outlined in this report.

  Motion Carried Unanimously

10.2

COR-2024-10 - Pending Sale of Private Property for Non-Payment of Property Taxes – Process to Date

Council asked and received response from staff regarding the following:

• Minimum bid price for tax sale properties.
• The process for sale of private property for non-payment of property taxes.
• The timing of initiating the sale of private properties for non-payment of property taxes.

• Moved by: Councillor K. Wilkinson
  Seconded by: Councillor H. Sidhu

  THAT Report COR-2024-10 be received for information only.

  Motion Carried Unanimously

11.

REPORTS

11.1

CAO-2024-01 - Office of the CAO, Mayor and Council Staffing Resources

A motion was brought forward by Councillor H. Sidhu, seconded by Councillor S. Martin THAT Report CAO 2024-01 Office of the CAO, Mayor and Council Staffing Resources be received as information.

Chief Administrative Officer, S. Chambers presented the report.

Due to a technical issue, Councillor L. Dunstall left the meeting at this time.

A motion to recess was brought forward by Councillor K. Wilkinson, seconded by Councillor S. Cressman THAT Council does now recess at 8:05 p.m. The motion carried unanimously, save and except for Councillor L. Dunstall.

Councillor L. Dunstall rejoined the meeting at this time.

A motion to reconvene was brought forward by Councillor S. Martin, seconded by Councillor L. Dunstall THAT Council does now reconvene at 8:13 p.m. The motion carried unanimously.

Council asked and received response from staff regarding the following:

• The challenge of communicating on both the corporate and political planes.
• The appropriateness of a new full time equivalent staff.
• The staffing requirements of the Office of the CAO and Mayor.

Councillor K. Wilkinson assumed the position of Chair.

An amendment was brought forward by Mayor N. Salonen, seconded by Councillor H. Sidhu THAT Council amend the motion to add THAT Council support Option #2 as outlined in Report CAO 2024-01 to support the implementation of a dedicated staff position by approving a Constituent Liaison position reporting directly to the Mayor and Council and eliminating the vacant Social Media, Digital and Design Specialist role and contracting out technical communication needs and further that the Constituency Liaison and Social Media, Digital and Design Specialist positions be reconsidered in 2025. The motion carried. 

Council asked and received response from staff regarding the following:

• The difference of Option #2 versus Option #3.
• The length of the contract position.
• How the position would benefit communication with residents.
• Benefits of the Constituency Liaison position.
• The Constituency Liaison position at other municipalities.
• The Constituency Liaisons role in Council Members communications.
• The elimination of the existing position of Social Media, Digital and Design Specialist. 
• Office of the CAO staffing requirements.

Mayor N. Salonen resumed as Chair.

Council now voted on the main motion as amended. 

• Moved by: Councillor H. Sidhu
  Seconded by: Councillor S. Martin

  THAT Report CAO 2024-01 Office of the CAO, Mayor and Council Staffing Resources be received as information, and;

  THAT Council support Option #2 as outlined in Report CAO 2024-01 to support the implementation of a dedicated staff position by approving a Constituent Liaison position reporting directly to the Mayor and Council and eliminating the vacant Social Media, Digital and Design Specialist role and contracting out technical communication needs, and further;

  THAT the Constituency Liaison and Social Media, Digital and Design Specialist positions be reconsidered in 2025.

  Motion Carried

11.2

CAO-2024-03 - Prime Minister’s Path: Options for Next Steps

A motion was brought forward by Councillor S. Martin and seconded by Councillor K. Wilkinson THAT Council receive Report CAO-2024-03 Prime Ministers Path: Options for Next Steps; and further, THAT Council directs staff to proceed with Option 1, as presented in Report CAO-2024-03.

Chief Administrative Officer, S. Chambers and Interim Director of Corporate Services / Clerk, J. Bunn presented the report.  

Council asked and received response from staff regarding the following:

• The timing of Option 1 and Option 2.
• The consultant used for Option 1 and Option 2.
• Funds available for Option 1 and Option 2.
• The fee for storage and possibility of moving to a Township owned facility.

Delegate A. Kipp spoke to Staff Report CAO-2024-03 - Prime Minister’s Path: Options for Next Steps.

Delegates Marie Pavey and Dorothy Wilson, on behalf of the Wilmot Ecumenical Working Group on Indigenous/Settler Relationships spoke to Staff Report CAO-2024-03 - Prime Minister’s Path: Options for Next Steps.

Delegate G. Mather, on behalf of Createscape spoke to Staff Report CAO-2024-03 - Prime Minister’s Path: Options for Next Steps.

Councillor S. Cressman spoke in support of the recommendation as presented in Staff Report CAO-2024-03 - Prime Minister’s Path: Options for Next Steps.

Councillor L. Dunstall spoke in opposition of the recommendation as presented in Staff Report CAO-2024-03 - Prime Minister’s Path: Options for Next Steps. Councillor L. Dunstall spoke in support of Option #2 as presented in Staff Report CAO-2024-03 - Prime Minister’s Path: Options for Next Steps. 

Councillor K. Wilkinson spoke in support of the recommendation, and Option #2 as presented in Staff Report CAO-2024-03 - Prime Minister’s Path: Options for Next Steps.

Councillor H. Sidhu spoke in support of Option #2 as presented in Staff Report CAO-2024-03 - Prime Minister’s Path: Options for Next Steps.

Councillor S. Martin spoke in support of the recommendation as presented in Staff Report CAO-2024-03 - Prime Minister’s Path: Options for Next Steps.

Mayor N. Salonen spoke in opposition to the recommendation as presented in Staff Report CAO-2024-03 - Prime Minister’s Path: Options for Next Steps. Mayor N. Salonen spoke in support of a modified Option #2 as presented in Staff Report CAO-2024-03 - Prime Minister’s Path: Options for Next Steps.

A motion was brought forward by Councillor S. Cressman, seconded by Councillor L. Dunstall THAT the motion be amended to read THAT Council receive Report CAO-2024-03 Prime Ministers Path: Options for Next Steps; and further, THAT Council direct Staff to report back to Council on March 25, 2024 with details relating to the implementation of Option #2 with additional information including a potential timeline for implementation. The motion carried.

A motion was brought forward by Councillor H. Sidhu, and seconded by Councillor K. Wilkinson THAT the motion be amended to add THAT Council directs Staff to report back to Council on March 25, 2024 on the feasibility of removing the statutes from off-site storage and returning the statues to a facility within the Township of Wilmot. The motion carried unanimously. 

Council now voted on the motion as amended.

• Moved by: Councillor S. Martin
  Seconded by: Councillor K. Wilkinson

  That Council receive Report CAO-2024-03 Prime Ministers Path: Options for Next Steps; and,

  THAT Council direct Staff to report back to Council on March 25, 2024 with details relating to the implementation of Option #2 with additional information including a potential timeline for implementation; and further,

  THAT Council directs Staff to report back to Council on March 25, 2024 on the feasibility of removing the statutes from off-site storage and returning the statues to a facility within the Township of Wilmot.

  Motion Carried Unanimously

12.

NOTICES OF MOTION

12.1

Councillor S. Martin Regarding the Municipal Heritage Register

Councillor S. Martin introduced the motion for consideration.

Councillor L. Dunstall left the meeting at 10:22 p.m.

Delegate M. Rowell spoke in support of Councillor S. Martins Motion Regarding the Municipal Heritage Register.

Councillor K. Wilkinson spoke in support of the motion.

• Moved by: Councillor S. Martin
  Seconded by: Councillor K. Wilkinson

  WHEREAS Township of Wilmot Council has previously adopted a Heritage Register of Non-Designated Properties; and

  WHEREAS the Heritage Register of Non-Designated Properties has been added to over many years by Heritage Wilmot (now the Heritage Wilmot and Castle Kilbride Advisory Committee), and currently contains 109 properties of heritage interest; and

  WHEREAS Subsection 27(16) of the Ontario Heritage Act stipulates that any non-designated heritage property listed on the municipal register of properties as of December 31, 2022 shall be removed from the municipal register on or before January 1, 2025, if the council of the municipality does not give a notice of intention to designate the property under subsection 29(1) of the Ontario Heritage Act on or before January 1, 2025; and

  WHEREAS since January 1, 2023, Township staff and members of Heritage Wilmot have been diligently working to review the municipal heritage register, prioritize properties of highest interest, and contact landowners of top ranked properties to help determine which properties should potentially be designated in accordance with the provisions of Section 29 of the Ontario Heritage Act; and

  WHEREAS the above-noted work involving the 109 listed properties in the Township of Wilmot is extremely time-consuming and cannot be completed by December 31, 2024 with the limited municipal resources available.

  NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Township of Wilmot support the Architectural Conservancy of Ontario’s efforts to have the timeline for properties to remain on municipal heritage registers extended beyond January 1, 2025; and,

  BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT the Mayor be authorized to promptly send a letter to the Honourable Doug Ford, Premier of Ontario, the Honourable Michael Ford, Minister of Citizenship and Multiculturalism, and Mike Harris, Member of Provincial Parliament for Kitchener–Conestoga, requesting that Subsection 27(16) of the Ontario Heritage Act be amended to extend the above-noted deadline for five years from January 1,2025 to January 1, 2030.

  Motion Carried Unanimously, By All Members Present

13.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Mayor N. Salonen provided announcements on:

• Electric Zambonis at Wilmot Recreation Complex 
• Heritage Day on February 17, 2024
• Family Day on February 19, 2024 
• Easter Egg Swim on March 23, 2024

• Community Services Master Plan Workshop on March 26, 2024

Councillor S. Cressman provided an announcement on:

• New Dundee Board of Trade Pancake Breakfast on March 17, 2024. 

Councillor S. Martin provided announcements on:

• Heritage Day on February 17, 2024
• Black History Month

14.

CONFIRMATORY BY-LAW

• Moved by: Councillor S. Martin
  Seconded by: Councillor K. Wilkinson

  THAT the Confirmatory By-Law as attached to this Agenda be read a first, second and third time, and finally passed in Open Council. 

  Motion Carried Unanimously, By All Members Present

15.

ADJOURNMENT

• Moved by: Councillor S. Cressman
  Seconded by: Councillor H. Sidhu

  THAT we do now adjourn to meet again at the call of the Mayor.

  Motion Carried Unanimously, By All Members Present