Council Meeting Minutes

Council Meeting

Meeting #:
Date:
-
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
  • Director of Infrastructure Services, J. Molenhuis
  • Director of Development Services, H. O'Krafka
  • Supervisor of IT, K. Jeffreys
  • Manager of Finance/Deputy Treasurer, A. Romany
  • Deputy Clerk, C. Curtis
  • Director of Community Services, C. Catania
  • Interim Director of Corporate Services / Clerk, J. Bunn

Mayor Salonen announced that the Closed Session at the Region of Municipality has been postponed and will be rescheduled for a future date.

  • Moved by:Councillor S. Cressman
    Seconded by:Councillor L. Dunstall

    1. THAT a Closed Meeting of Council be held on September 11, 2023 at 6:30 p.m. in accordance with Section 239 (2)(h), Section 239(2)(i) to consider the following:

    • Confidential Information Supplied in Confidence from the Province of Ontario- Section 239 (2)(h) - Information explicitly supplied in confidence to the municipality or local board by Canada, a province or territory or a Crown agency of any item, and Section 239 (2)(i) - a trade secret or scientific, technical, commercial or 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
    Motion Carried
  • 2. Mayor Salonen and Members of Township Council have been invited to participate in a joint meeting with the Councils of the Regional Municipality of Waterloo and all Area Municipalities within the Region of Waterloo on Friday, September 15, 2023 at 1:00 p.m. to be held at the Region of Waterloo, Council Chambers, 150 Frederick Street, Kitchener, further notice of the meeting will be published at www.regionofwaterloo.ca.

    THAT a closed meeting of Council be held on Friday, September 15, 2023, at 1:00 p.m. in the Regional Council Chambers and electronically, in accordance with Section 239 (3.1) of the Municipal Act, 2001, for the purposes of considering the following subject matters:

    1. Education related to Indigenous History and Reconciliation
  • Moved by:Councillor S. Cressman
    Seconded by:Councillor L. Dunstall

    THAT Council reconvenes in Open Session at 7:00 p.m.

    Motion Carried

3.

  

Mayor Salonen noted that this meeting took place on the 22nd anniversary of the terrorist attacks in New York City.  Mayor Salonen acknowledged all the lives lost during this tragedy and asked Council and those in attendance at Council Chambers to participate in a moment of silence.

Mayor Salonen highlighted the Annual Terry Fox Run. Terry Fox was a true Canadian hero who embarked on a marathon of Hope to raise awareness and funds for cancer research. His legacy continues to inspire people worldwide, and his determination to make a difference lives on in the Terry Fox Foundation.

The annual Terry Fox Run has become a fall tradition in Canada, with more than 650 communities, big and small, urban and rural, English and French, fundraising for cancer research. The Run gives communities the chance to come together to celebrate the impact they can have as a force for good. Get ready for a day of inspiration and unity as we come together on September 17, 2023, to celebrate Terry Fox in our wonderful community. Lace up your running shoes or grab your walking buddy and participate in the Terry Fox Run/Walk. Whether you’re a seasoned athlete or just out for a leisurely stroll, everyone is welcome to join and contribute to the cause.

The Mayor highlighted this opportunity to be part of something meaningful and make a positive impact on our community. Make a donation, register as an individual or join a team for the Wilmot Terry Fox Run by visiting terryfox.org.

4.

  

Councillor S. Cressman read the Territorial Acknowledgement.

Mayor Salonen announced that the Survivors’ flag will fly at the Wilmot Administration Complex for the entire month of September, leading up to the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation / Orange Shirt Day on September 30th to recognize and commemorate the tragic history and ongoing legacy of residential schools.

Wilmot Township Mayor Salonen, Councillor Martin, and Councillor Cressman along with Clarence Cachagee, the visionary behind Crow Shield Lodge along with Sacred Firekeeper Ben lead the flag raising ceremony on September 1, 2023, with a smudging ceremony and song before raising the flag.

There were no Disclosures of Pecuniary Interest at this meeting.

6.

  

There were no additions to the agenda.

7.

  
  • Moved by:Councillor L. Dunstall
    Seconded by:Councillor S. Cressman

    That the Agenda as presented for September 11, 2023 be adopted.

    Motion Carried
  • Moved by:Councillor S. Martin
    Seconded by:Councillor L. Dunstall

    THAT the minutes of the following meetings be adopted as presented:

    • August 28, 2023 Regular Council Meeting
    Motion Carried

9.

  

10.

  

11.

  
  • Moved by:Councillor L. Dunstall
    Seconded by:Councillor S. Cressman

    THAT Consent Agenda Item 11.1 be approved.

    Motion Carried
  • THAT Report CAO-2023-10 be received for information; and

    THAT the Council of the Township of Wilmot approve in principle the renewal of the Waterloo Region Economic Development Corporation Partnership Agreement subject to 2024 Budget approval as set out in report CAO-2023-10 dated September 11, 2023; and

    THAT staff include $50,000 in funding for the WREDC in the draft 2024 budget, funded from the property tax levy.

12.

  

Council asked and received answers from Staff regarding whether there are other locations available for a dog park.

Councillor Sidhu brought forward an amending motion, seconded by Councillor Martin THAT Staff be directed to provide a report to Council on additional locations for a dog park in Baden prior to the 2024 municipal budget.

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

    THAT Report CS 2023-18, Investigation of Off-Leash Dog Park in Sir Adam Beck Park be received for information.

    Motion Carried
  • Amendment:
    Moved by:Councillor H. Sidhu
    Seconded by:Councillor S. Martin

    THAT Staff be directed to provide a report to Council on additional locations for a dog park in Baden prior to the 2024 municipal budget.

    Motion Carried

Council asked Staff if they had received any feedback from the public on this kennel.  Ms. Merritt confirmed the Township has not received feedback from the public on this item.

  • Moved by:Councillor L. Dunstall
    Seconded by:Councillor S. Cressman

    THAT Noble K9 Kennel Application be approved, subject to the applicant’s (Riayaan Rauf) completion of the following conditions be met to the satisfaction of the Supervisor of Municipal Law Enforcement prior to issuance of the Kennel License:

    1. All Kennel facilities must be upgraded to meet all Kennel Conditions listed in Section 15 of the Township of Wilmot’s Dog and Kennel Bylaw #2023-11;

       

    2. Where such upgrades require a building permit, all work must be completed, and all inspections must be finalized by the Township’s Building Department building inspectors;

       

    3. Inspection completed by the Supervisor of Municipal Law Enforcement to ensure all requirements have been met; and,

       

    4. All applicable licensing fees have been paid in full (20 Dogs x $25 fee = $500).
    Motion Carried

Council asked and received answers from Staff regarding the timeline to enact the policy.

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

    THAT Report COR-2023-58 be received; and further,

    THAT Council adopts Policy GP-23-02 relating to Councillor Use of Civic Space, as attached to Report COR-2023-58 as Attachment 1.

    Motion Carried

Council asked and received answers from Staff regarding clarifications of terms in the definitions.

Kevin Thomason, delegate, discussed the importance of welcoming and inclusive procedure by-laws which permit persons to delegate to Councils.

A member of Council thanked Mr. Thomason for their delegation and asked if there are any other municipal examples of procedure by-law and community engagement.

Chief Administrative Officer, Sharon Chambers, discussed citizen engagement with residents through different means than traditional methods.

Deb Swidrovich, delegate, discussed the importance of ensuring there are no restrictions to delegations in Wilmot.

Council commended Ms. Swidrovich on their involvement in the Township of Wilmot.

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

    THAT Report COR-2023-57 - be received.

    Motion Carried

13.

  

Mayor Salonen requested and received clarification on this petition from Staff.

Members of Council discussed the petition and the importance of traffic calming.

Merv Bowman discussed the importance of traffic calming and working with our municipal neighbours.

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

    THAT Merv Bowman be allowed to speak to this item.

    Motion Carried

14.

  

15.

  

16.

  

Councillor Martin highlighted National Consent Awareness Week running annually the third week of September. Consent is being highlighted on university and college campuses across the country.  Less than half of people in Canada fully understand what giving consent means.

Councillor Cressman and Councillor Dunstall discussed the Wilmot Agriculture Society is hosting the annual fair at Norm Hill Park this Friday, September 15 to Sunday, September 17, 2023. 

The Mayor acknowledged that the Township of Wilmot and the Wilmot Family Resource Centre are teaming up to offer Youth Programs in Wilmot and are looking for public input. The Mayor explained, youth in grades 4-12 are invited to attend one of the open houses to share what youth programs they want in Wilmot. The Mayor noted the dates of three open houses where staff will be available to receive feedback:

  • Monday, September 18 at The Youth Centre located at the Wilmot Recreation Complex 6-8pm
  • Thursday, September 21 at the Wilmot Family Resource Centre 6-8pm
  • Friday, September 22 at the New Hamburg Arena 6-8pm

The Mayor also acknowledged that the second week of September is Mennonite Heritage Week. Mayor Salonen explained the week is an opportunity to learn more about Mennonite Canadians, their unique history, vibrant culture, and their contributions that have helped shape our country.

The Mayor noted that the Township is committed to the safety of our children and the entire community. The Mayor reminded all motorists of the reduced speed limits in our school zones and highlighted signs posted in all school zones to remind drivers of the reduced speed limits and the hours during which they apply.

Finally, the Mayor highlighted the Township of Wilmot is continuing the recruitment of crossing guards, providing this important opportunity to make a significant difference in the community. The Mayor explained that more information can be found on the Township website at Wilmot.ca/jobs.

17.

  
  • Moved by:Councillor S. Martin
    Seconded by:Councillor L. Dunstall

    THAT Council accept the verbal report regarding:

    Confidential Information Supplied in Confidence from the Province of Ontario- Section 239 (2)(h) - Information explicitly supplied in confidence to the municipality or local board by Canada, a province or territory or a Crown agency of any item, and Section 239 (2)(i) - a trade secret or scientific, technical, commercial or 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

    Motion Carried
  • Moved by:Councillor S. Cressman
    Seconded by:Councillor L. Dunstall

    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

19.

  
  • Moved by:Councillor L. Dunstall
    Seconded by:Councillor S. Cressman

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

    Motion Carried