The Corporation of the Township of Huron-Kinloss

Committee of the Whole Meeting Minutes

Meeting #:

Date:

Wednesday, September 03, 2025

Time:

7:00 P.m. - 9:00 P.m.

Location:

Council Chambers

Members Present

• Don Murray, Mayor
• Jim Hanna, Deputy Mayor
• Larry Allison, Councillor
• Shari Flett, Councillor
• Scott Gibson, Councillor
• Ed McGugan, Councillor
• Carl Sloetjes, Councillor

Staff Present

• Jennifer White, Manager of Legislative Services/Clerk
• Jodi MacArthur, Chief Administrative Officer
• Jeff Bradley, Fire Chief
• Mike Fair, Director of Community Services
• Christine Heinisch, Manager of Financial Services/Treasurer
• John Yungblut, Director of Public Works
• Brett Pollock, Manager of Building and Planning, CBO
• Cory Dulong, Manager of Environmental Services

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1.

Call to Order

Mayor Murray called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m.

2.

Disclosure of Pecuniary Interest

None disclosed. 

3.

Delegations

3.1

Ontario Clean Water Agency

Paul Sherban with Ontario Clean Water Agency (OCWA) presented the Water Systems Quarterly Reports for the second quarter.  
Sherban noted that no non-compliance had been reported for most of the water wells, excepting a loss of pressure noted in the Whitechurch water system.  
The Ministry of the Environment has conducted two routine annual inspections in Lucknow and Whitechurch in the second quarter, with the report results not yet available.  
Committee of the Whole inquired about the differing chlorine contact times for different site on the reports.  Sherban noted that this differs based on tank size, flow rates, etc. 
Sherban did not have information on hand regarding the Committee's inquiry if fluoride is filtered out of the drinking water. 
Committee received an explanation that pre-contact alarms are used at well houses before water enters the distribution system as an early alarm to prevent non chlorinated water from entering the drinking water system.  
Staff provided information that there are approximately 670 connections in the Lucknow water system.  
Committee reflected that the 117% of rated capacity reflects high seasonal run-offs. Committee inquired about the challenges this might represent.  Sherban explained that there is a storm bypass cell at Lucknow lagoon which can be used to by-pass sewage effluent and that there are existing procedures in place to respond to this.

4.

Staff Reports

4.1

Building & Planning

a.

Building Statistics July 2025, BLD-2025-18

• Resolution No.: 09/03/2025 - 01
  Moved by: Jim Hanna
  Seconded by: Larry Allison

  THAT the Township of Huron-Kinloss Committee of the Whole receives for information Report BLD-2025-18 prepared by Brett Pollock, Manager of Building and Planning/CBO.

  Carried

b.

Extension of Draft Approval for Plan of Subdivision (Brown), Pt Lots 216 to 218 Registered Plan 232 Ripley, BLD-2025-20

• Resolution No.: 09/03/2025 - 02
  Moved by: Shari Flett
  Seconded by: Scott Gibson

  THAT the Township of Huron-Kinloss Committee of the Whole hereby approves Report BLD-2025-20 prepared by Brett Pollock;

  AND FURTHER that Committee of the Whole direct Staff to recommend approval to the County of Bruce for a two year extension for the Draft Plan of Subdivision, Part Lots 216 to 218 Registered Plan 232, Geographic Village of Ripley Township of Huron-Kinloss;

  AND FURTHER that Committee of the Whole, in accordance with Section A8 Existing Approvals of the Water and Wastewater Capacity Allocation Policy, remove all capacity allocation for Lots 216 to 218 Registered Plan 232, Geographic Village of Ripley Township of Huron-Kinloss;

  AND FURTHER that a new Water and Wastewater Allocation request be submitted at the time of registration of the plan subdivision.

  Carried

4.2

By-law Enforcement

a.

Municipal By-Law Enforcement Status Report August 2025, BLE-2025-10

Committee requested a report on the contracted by-law enforcement services, Staff noted that this is expected at the next Committee of the Whole meeting. 

Committee discussed concerns with the recent increase in dog bites and inquired about the tools existing to prevent these types of incidents.  

• Resolution No.: 09/03/2025 - 03
  Moved by: Ed McGugan
  Seconded by: Carl Sloetjes

  THAT the Township of Huron-Kinloss Committee of the Whole hereby receives for information Report BLE-2025-10, as prepared by Heather Falconer, Municipal By-Law Enforcement Officer.

  Carried

4.3

Fire Department

a.

Fire and Emergency Services Report August 2025, FIR-2025-17

• Resolution No.: 09/03/2025 - 04
  Moved by: Larry Allison
  Seconded by: Shari Flett

  THAT the Township of Huron-Kinloss Committee of the Whole hereby receives for information Report FIR-2025-17 prepared by Jeff Bradley, Fire Chief.

  Carried

b.

Emergency Management August 2025, FIR-2025-18

• Resolution No.: 09/03/2025 - 05
  Moved by: Larry Allison
  Seconded by: Scott Gibson

  THAT the Township of Huron-Kinloss Committee of the Whole hereby receives for information Report FIR-2025-18 prepared by Mel Moulton, Emergency Services/ Health & Safety Coordinator-CEMC;

  AND FURTHER authorizes the Community Emergency Management Coordinator (CEMC) to issue the Special Events Permit for Ripley Agricultural Society Annual Fall Fair when permit conditions are met.

  Carried

4.4

Drainage

a.

Municipal Drain Tender Results – Hamilton and Gaunt-Laidlaw, DRA-2025-11

• Resolution No.: 09/03/2025 - 06
  Moved by: Carl Sloetjes
  Seconded by: Jim Hanna

  THAT the Township of Huron-Kinloss Committee of the Whole hereby receives Report DRA-2025-11 prepared by Jennifer White, Manager of Legislative Services/Clerk;

  AND FURTHER that Staff be directed to bring forward the appropriate by-laws to award construction of drainage works to TAS Excavating and Rentals Ltd. in the amount of $63,129.00 exclusive of HST and Hanna & Hamilton Construction in the amount of $77,302.75 exclusive of HST for the Hamilton and Gaunt-Laidlaw Municipal Drains respectively.

  Carried

4.5

Treasury

a.

Water System Financial Plan 2026 to 2031, TRE-2025-39

Staff confirmed that the Debt Service Cost impacts on a $4 million dollar debenture can be accommodated.  These costs were included in the 2031 rates in the provided report.  Staff do not anticipate it will be necessary to increase current rates substantially to avoid a significant increase to the rates in 2031.

• Resolution No.: 09/03/2025 - 07
  Moved by: Scott Gibson
  Seconded by: Ed McGugan

  THAT the Township of Huron-Kinloss Committee of the Whole hereby receives Report TRE-2025-39 prepared by Christine Heinisch, Treasurer;

  AND FURTHER directs Staff to put a motion on the Council agenda to approve the 2026 to 2031 water system financial plan prepared in accordance with Ontario Regulation 453/07 as presented.

  Carried

b.

New Mayoral Budget Process, TRE-2025-40

• Resolution No.: 09/03/2025 - 08
  Moved by: Ed McGugan
  Seconded by: Larry Allison

  THAT the Township of Huron-Kinloss Committee of Whole hereby receives report TRE-2025-40 prepared by Christine Heinisch, Treasurer;

  AND FURTHER directs Staff to include January 26^th, 2026 as the initial budget meeting on the 2026 Council meeting schedule.

  Carried

4.6

Community Services

a.

Community Services Status Report September 2025, CS-2025-26

Staff compared lease rates across municipalities to calculate the proposed new rates. Staff provided a verbal update that the agreement is still pending legal review regarding an indemnification clause, but will be brought forward at that time with any required changes. 

• Resolution No.: 09/03/2025 - 09
  Moved by: Shari Flett
  Seconded by: Jim Hanna

  THAT the Township of Huron-Kinloss Committee of the Whole hereby approves Report CS-2025-26 prepared by Mike Fair, Director of Community Services;

  AND FURTHER authorizes the appropriate by-law come forward confirming the Family Y Daycare Lease agreement.

  Carried

4.7

Public Works

a.

Transportation September 2025, PW-2025-42

Committee inquired about the delay in paving.  Staff noted that with impending weather and in consultation with the contractor a decision was made to delay until the spring in anticipation of a higher quality construction. 

• Resolution No.: 09/03/2025 - 10
  Moved by: Carl Sloetjes
  Seconded by: Scott Gibson

  THAT the Township of Huron-Kinloss Committee of the Whole hereby receives for information Report PW-2025-42 prepared by John Yungblut, Director of Public Works.

  Carried

b.

Water-Wastewater Report September 2025, PW-2025-43

Staff noted that all compliance based certificates have been completed, and OCWA has confirmed that the procedure would be to contact a third party to provide any tasks which OCWA staff did not have the qualifications to complete.  

• Resolution No.: 09/03/2025 - 11
  Moved by: Ed McGugan
  Seconded by: Shari Flett

  THAT the Township of Huron-Kinloss Committee of the Whole hereby receives for information Report PW-2025-43 prepared by Cory Dulong, Manager of Environmental Services.

  Carried

c.

Waste Management Report September 2025, PW-2025-45

Staff provided a verbal update that information regarding the updated Blue box program is still changing with respect to Non-eligible sources. There is an expectation among Staff that changes will continue prior to the full implementation of new regulations. 

Committee of the Whole discussed the non-eligible sources, and whether this should be supported through the tax-base. 

• Resolution No.: 09/03/2025 - 12
  Moved by: Jim Hanna
  Seconded by: Larry Allison

  THAT the Township of Huron-Kinloss Committee of the Whole hereby receives for information Report PW-2025-45 prepared By Cory Dulong, Manager of Environmental Services.

  Carried

4.8

Chief Administrative Officer

a.

Mayoral Powers impact to Hiring Policy, CLK-2025-27

• Resolution No.: 09/03/2025 - 13
  Moved by: Larry Allison
  Seconded by: Shari Flett

  THAT the Township of Huron-Kinloss Committee of the Whole receive Report CLK-2025-27 prepared by Jennifer White, Manager of Legislative Services/Clerk and Leanne Scott, Human Resources Generalist; and

  FURTHER THAT the appropriate by-laws be brought forward to update the Hiring Policy and repeal existing non-statutory appointments.

  Carried

b.

Hiring Report September 2025, CAO-2025-22

• Resolution No.: 09/03/2025 - 14
  Moved by: Shari Flett
  Seconded by: Carl Sloetjes

  THAT the Township of Huron-Kinloss Committee of the Whole hereby receives for information Report CAO-2025-22 prepared by Leanne Scott, Human Resources Generalist.

  Carried

4.9

Legislative Services

a.

Noise Exemption Request 1042 Bruce Road 7 and Ripley Fall Fair, CLK-2025-25

• Resolution No.: 09/03/2025 - 15
  Moved by: Ed McGugan
  Seconded by: Scott Gibson

  THAT the Township of Huron-Kinloss Committee of the Whole hereby receives for information Report CLK-2025-25 prepared by Kelly Lush, Deputy Clerk;

  AND FURTHER grants an exemption to the Noise By-law No. 2005-101 to permit fireworks on Saturday, September 13 at 1042 Bruce Road 7 for a wedding celebration and to permit a tractor pull on Friday, September 26 and live music until 1:00 a.m. on Sunday, September 28^th as part of the Ripley Fall Fair.

  Carried

b.

Resolutions for Consideration September 2025, CLK-2025-26

Committee of the Whole discussed the resolutions presented.  

• Resolution No.: 09/03/2025 - 16
  Moved by: Scott Gibson
  Seconded by: Jim Hanna

  THAT the Township of Huron-Kinloss Committee of the Whole hereby receive Report CLK-2025-26 prepared by Kelly Lush, Deputy Clerk;

  AND FURTHER THAT the Committee of the Whole support the following resolutions:

  c,d,e,f,

  and direct Staff to distribute as they see fit including comments of support to the Municipality to the Municipality of Tweed as discussed. 

  Carried

5.

Correspondence Requiring Direction

5.1

Lucknow Agricultural Society - Tent Permit

The Treasurer provided verbal comments regarding the Community Support Policy and how this request is impacted by that policy. 

• Resolution No.: 09/03/2025 - 17
  Moved by: Jim Hanna
  Seconded by: Carl Sloetjes

  THAT the Township of Huron-Kinloss Committee of the Whole hereby approve the request from the Lucknow Agricultural Society for a grant to cover the costs of a tent permit for their event; 

  AND FURTHER THAT Staff be directed to respond to the organization noting the requirements of the Community Support Policy.  

  Carried

6.

Information

• Resolution No.: 09/03/2025 - 18
  Moved by: Jim Hanna
  Seconded by: Carl Sloetjes

  THAT the Township of Huron-Kinloss Committee of the Whole hereby receives for information all items listed in Section 6.0.

  Carried

6.1

Saugeen Valley Conservation Authority Public Information Meeting

6.2

Pine River Watershed August 2025 Reports

6.3

Bruce County Planning and Development Mid-Year Update Q1-Q2 2025

7.

New Business/Council Reports

Members of Committee of the Whole provided feedback on the recent Association Municipalities of Ontario conference.  Members noted interest in presentations on modular sewer system expansions and commented on the benefit of networking and discussing a broader scope of issues than those limited to local impacts. 

Members reported that the Minister's meetings with the Minister of Transportation was well received, and progress is expected to be made on the matter. 

Attendees from multiple municipalities met with the Minister of Health on behalf of the Listowel Wingham Hospitals Alliance.  Discussions on this matter have continued following the meeting with the Lisa Thompson, MPP and the Minister's office. 

Members of Council requested staff to verify whether Bruce Power is a member of Energy Storage Canada.

8.

Closed Session

• Resolution No.: 09/03/2025 - 19
  Moved by: Carl Sloetjes
  Seconded by: Larry Allison

  THAT Committee of the Whole move into closed meeting at [time] for the purpose of considering:

  1) litigation or potential litigation, including matters before administrative tribunals, affecting the municipality or local board; (legal and insurance claim update);

  2) personal matters about an identifiable individual, including municipal or local board employees (personnel)

  pursuant to Section 239(2) of the Municipal Act, 2001, as amended;

  AND FURTHER THAT Committee of the Whole return to regular open meeting upon completion.

  Carried

9.

Business Arising from the Closed Session

Committee of the Whole arose from closed meeting at 8:33 p.m.

The Mayor reported that a closed meeting had been held and direction was provided to Staff on the first matter and information was received on the second matter.  

10.

Adjournment

• Resolution No.: 09/03/2025 - 20
  Moved by: Shari Flett
  Seconded by: Scott Gibson

  THAT the Township of Huron-Kinloss Committee of the Whole hereby adjourn at 8:34 p.m. 

  Carried