The Corporation of the Township of Huron-Kinloss

Council Meeting Minutes

Meeting #:

Date:

Monday, December 16, 2024

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, Clerk
• Jodi MacArthur, Chief Administrative Officer
• Christine Heinisch, Manager of Financial Services/Treasurer
• John Yungblut, Director of Public Works

---

1.

Call to Order

Mayor Murray called the meeting to order at 7:01 p.m.

2.

Disclosure of Pecuniary Interest

None disclosed. 

3.

Adoption of Minutes

• Resolution No.: 12/16/2024 - 01
  Moved By Jim Hanna
  Seconded By Larry Allison

  THAT the minutes of the Council meeting of November 18, 2024 and the Committee of the Whole minutes of December 2, 2024 be adopted as amended. 

  Carried

4.

Delegations

4.1

Huron Shores ATV Club

Tyler Johnston, President of the Huron Shores ATV Club provided Council information on the Club including future trail opportunities that the club is interested in pursuing.  The club expressed appreciation for the Township Council and Staff support of the club and their projects throughout the years.  

Johnston highlighted recent capital projects completed since 2021 within the Township.  The club is expecting to continue expanding trail availability throughout the County of Bruce. 

Johnston requested Council and Staff consider road allowance availability for future trail expansion opportunities, noting that this provided benefits to both parties and increased tourism potential. 

The presentation included a summary of volunteer hours and capital expenditures since 2021 provided by the Huron Shores ATV club.  Members of Council suggested planning a day for Council and Staff to tour the local trails.

Council inquired about whether studies have been conducted as to the impact to wildlife patterns on trails from vehicle use. While wildlife studies have not been done by the club, trail members have reported seeing grouse, deer, wild turkeys, grey owls, and a variety of other wildlife will using the trails.

Council inquired about by-law enforcement costs noted in the presentation. Johnstone explained that Bruce County has an agreement for By-law enforcement on the trails, and there are two clubs that contribute to the costs of this agreement as a cost sharing initiative.  Johnston provided information on the clubs membership including costs, and that membership is comprised of local and those who travel to the area to use the trails. 

Council expressed appreciation for the work done by the club to maintain these trails and inquired about what supports the club would request from Council. 

Johnston suggested that cooperation with the Township may include continued use of materials that the Township may have in excess, to support trail maintenance, and consideration for expansion of multi-use trails.  Johnston indicated that the club would like expansion on the Apple Rail Trail to be a consideration. 

5.

Financial Reports

5.1

Accounts December 2024, TRE-2024-12-73

• Resolution No.: 12/16/2024 - 02
  Moved By Shari Flett
  Seconded By Scott Gibson

  That the Township of Huron-Kinloss Council hereby authorizes payment of the December accounts in the amount of $ 2,335,400.30

5.2

Previous Month Actual Accounts – November 2024, TRE-2024-12-71

Council requested clarification on various items. 

• Resolution No.: 12/16/2024 - 03
  Moved By Ed McGugan
  Seconded By Carl Sloetjes

  THAT the Township of Huron-Kinloss Council hereby ratifies and confirms payment of the November 2024 accounts in the amount of $1,084,895.45.

5.3

Revenue and Expenditure Reports to November 30, 2024, TRE-2024-12-72

• Resolution No.: 12/16/2024 - 04
  Moved By Larry Allison
  Seconded By Shari Flett

  THAT the Township of Huron-Kinloss Council hereby reviews and receives the summary revenue and expenditure reports to November 30, 2024 prepared by Christine Heinisch, Treasurer.

  Carried

6.

Staff Report

6.1

Treasury

a.

Minutes of Settlement December 2024, TRE-2024-12-70

• Resolution No.: 12/16/2024 - 05
  Moved By Scott Gibson
  Seconded By Ed McGugan

  THAT the Township of Huron-Kinloss Council hereby receives Report TRE-2024-12-70 as prepared by Phyllis Hunter; Taxation/Revenue Clerk;

  AND FURTHER THAT Council approve the applications as outlined in this report.

6.2

Public Works

a.

Water and Wastewater Operations 2025 Agreement, PW-2024-12-53

Council inquired about the timing to receive condition assessments.  Staff noted that this is fairly standard  timing to commit to when operators change for this type of service. 

Staff noted that the split between water and wastewater provided in reports is the correct ratio.  A review is intended during 2025 to track costs and amend the ratio if required. 

Council inquired about how this change will be communicated to the general public.  The general public should not notice a difference in service levels as a result of the switch in service providers, but Staff will work to communicate that this is a planned operational change and not due to any water quality concerns.  

• Resolution No.: 12/16/2024 - 06
  Moved By Carl Sloetjes
  Seconded By Jim Hanna

  THAT the Township of Huron-Kinloss Council hereby receives Report PW-2024-12-53, prepared by John Yungblut, Director of Public Works;

  AND FURTHER approves entering into an agreement (pending legal review) with Ontario Clean Water Agency (OCWA) for the provision of water and wastewater operation and maintenance services over a five-year term in the amount of $4,331,276.13 not including HST;

  AND FURTHER Council direct staff to sign all necessary documents.

6.3

Chief Administrative Officer

a.

Hiring Report December 2024, CAO-2024-12-40

• Resolution No.: 12/16/2024 - 07
  Moved By Shari Flett
  Seconded By Ed McGugan

  THAT the Township of Huron-Kinloss Council hereby receives for information Report CAO-2024-12-40 prepared by Leanne Scott, Human Resources Generalist confirming the hiring of the Seasonal Snow Plow Operator and the Landfill Operator in Charge;

  AND FURTHER authorizes the appropriate by-law to come forward as matters arising on tonight’s agenda confirming the hiring of Jim Lefeuvre as Landfill Operator in Charge.

6.4

Legislative Services

a.

Planning Services Memorandum of Understanding- Bruce County, CLK-2024-12-50

• Resolution No.: 12/16/2024 - 08
  Moved By Scott Gibson
  Seconded By Carl Sloetjes

  THAT the Township of Huron-Kinloss Council receive Report CLK-2024-12-50 prepared by Jennifer White, Manager of Legislative Services/Clerk;

  AND FURTHER that the appropriate by-law be brought forward as a matters arising to endorse the Memorandum of Understanding for delivery of planning services.

7.

Correspondence Requiring Direction

• Resolution No.: 12/16/2024 - 09
  Moved By Shari Flett
  Seconded By Jim Hanna

  THAT the Township of Huron-Kinloss Council hereby receives for information all items listed in Section 7;

  AND FURTHER that direction is provided to staff.  

7.1

Saugeen Valley Conservation Authority

The Council representative to the Saugeen Valley Conservation Authority(SVCA) reported that the SVCA Board has asked Staff to use simple and more plain language in preparing the Policy Manual.  Council directed Staff to request that SVCA provide these policies in a more condensed version, using plain language for ease of use and understanding.  

7.2

Resident Concern - re: snow removal on Township Property

Staff are investigating opportunities to address this concern.  

8.

By-Laws and Agreements

8.1

Community Support Policy By-law

• Resolution No.: 12/16/2024 - 10
  Moved By Larry Allison
  Seconded By Scott Gibson

  THAT the "Community Support Policy By-law" be deemed to be read a first, second, third time and finally passed and numbered as By-law No. 2024-118.

8.2

Ripley Medical Centre Occupancy Agreement (Dr. Shyu) By-law

• Resolution No.: 12/16/2024 - 11
  Moved By Carl Sloetjes
  Seconded By Ed McGugan

  THAT the "Ripley Medical Centre Occupancy Agreement (Dr. Shyu) By-law" be deemed to be read a first, second, third time and finally passed and numbered as By-law No. 2024.119. 

8.3

Adopt Parks and Trails Plan By-law

• Resolution No.: 12/16/2024 - 12
  Moved By Ed McGugan
  Seconded By Larry Allison

  THAT the "Adopt Parks and Trails Plan By-law" be deemed to be read a first, second, third time and finally passed and numbered as By-law No. 2024-120.

8.4

Work from Home Policy By-law

• Resolution No.: 12/16/2024 - 13
  Moved By Jim Hanna
  Seconded By Shari Flett

  THAT the "Work from Home Policy By-law" be deemed to be read a first, second, third time and finally passed and numbered as By-law No. 2024-121.

8.5

Summer Student Wages By-law

• Resolution No.: 12/16/2024 - 14
  Moved By Carl Sloetjes
  Seconded By Larry Allison

  THAT the "Summer Student Wages By-law" be deemed to be read a first, second, third time and finally passed and numbered as By-law No. 2024-122.

8.6

Part of Plan 20 and Part of Plan 101 (Kinsmen) Deeming By-law

• Resolution No.: 12/16/2024 - 15
  Moved By Shari Flett
  Seconded By Ed McGugan

  THAT the "Part of Plan 20 and Part of Plan 101 (Kinsmen) Deeming By-law be deemed to be read a first, second, third time and finally passed and numbered as By-law No. 2024-123.

8.7

Consolidated Council and Committee Appointment Amendment (7) By-law

• Resolution No.: 12/16/2024 - 16
  Moved By Jim Hanna
  Seconded By Carl Sloetjes

  THAT the "Consolidated Council and Committee Appointment 2022-2026 Amendment (7) By-law" be deemed to be read a first, second, third time and finally passed and numbered as By-law No. 2022-124. 

8.8

2025-2026 Non-Union Municipal Employee and Volunteer Firefighter Remuneration By-law

• Resolution No.: 12/16/2024 - 17
  Moved By Larry Allison
  Seconded By Ed McGugan

  THAT the "2025-2026 Non-Union Municipal Employee and Volunteer Firefighter Remuneration By-law" be deemed to be read a first, second, third time and finally passed and numbered as By-law No. 2024-125. 

8.9

Council and Committee Remuneration By-law

• Resolution No.: 12/16/2024 - 18
  Moved By Shari Flett
  Seconded By Carl Sloetjes

  THAT the "Council and Committee Remuneration By-law" be deemed to be read a first, second, third time and finally passed and numbered as By-law No. 2024-126.

8.10

Matters Arising

a.

Ontario Clean Water Agency Water and Wastewater Services Agreement By-law

• Resolution No.: 12/16/2024 - 19
  Moved By Ed McGugan
  Seconded By Scott Gibson

  THAT the "Ontario Clean Water Agency Water and Wastewater Services Agreement By-law" be deemed to be read a first, second, third time and finally passed and numbered as By-law No. 2024-127.

b.

Landfill Operator in Charge By-law

• Resolution No.: 12/16/2024 - 20
  Moved By Larry Allison
  Seconded By Shari Flett

  THAT the "Landfill Operator in Charge By-law" be deemed to be read a first, second, third time and finally passed and numbered as By-law No. 2024-128.

c.

County of Bruce Planning Services Agreement By-law

• Resolution No.: 12/16/2024 - 21
  Moved By Jim Hanna
  Seconded By Carl Sloetjes

  THAT the "County of Bruce Planning Services Agreement By-law" be deemed to be read a first, second, third time and finally passed and numbered as By-law No. 2024-129. 

9.

Information

• Resolution No.: 12/16/2024 - 22
  Moved By Scott Gibson
  Seconded By Shari Flett

  THAT the Township of Huron-Kinloss Council hereby receives for information all items listed in Section 9.

9.1

Ministry of Health - Ontario Adding 100 New Family Doctors in Rural and Northern Communities

9.2

News Release - Ontario Restoring Safety to Parks and Public Spaces

Council discussed that this seems to be a response from local municipal advocacy efforts, which is a positive sign. 

a.

City of Cambridge, Councillor Adam Cooper - Mental Health, Addiction and Homeless Encampments

9.3

Petition Received - Opposition to Proposed Pickleball Courts at Lions Park

9.4

Bruce C Nuclear Project - Response to the Summary of Issues Now Available on the Canadian Impact Assessment Registry

9.5

Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks: Proposing to amend O. Reg. 153/04 Records of Site Condition and the Environmental Protection Act (EPA)

9.6

Letter of Congratulation Mayor Murray elected Deputy Warden Bruce County

10.

Township Committee Minutes Received

• Resolution No.: 12/16/2024 - 23
  Moved By Larry Allison
  Seconded By Jim Hanna

  THAT the Township of Huron-Kinloss Council hereby receives for information all items listed in Section 10.

10.1

Lucknow and District Joint Recreation Board

11.

Other Agency Minutes and Reports Received

• Resolution No.: 12/16/2024 -24
  Moved By Ed McGugan
  Seconded By Carl Sloetjes

  THAT the Township of Huron-Kinloss Council hereby receives for information all items listed in Section 11.

11.1

Multi Municipal Energy Working Group

11.2

Bruce Area Solid Waste Recycling

11.3

Municipal Innovation Council

11.4

Maitland Conservation Membership

12.

New Business/ Council Reports

Congratulations to the Mayor on their appointment as the Deputy Warden for Bruce County.  

13.

Closed Session

• Resolution No.: 12/16/2024 -25
  Moved By Scott Gibson
  Seconded By Carl Sloetjes

  THAT the Township of Huron-Kinloss Council move into closed meeting at 7:46 p.m. for the purpose of considering: 

  1) 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 person or organization (Westario Power);

  2) a proposed or pending acquisition or disposition of land by the municipality or local board (acquisition of land);
  
  

  3) litigation or potential litigation, including matters before administrative tribunals, affecting the municipality or local board (legal update on various matters);

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

  AND FURTHER THAT Council return to regular open meeting upon completion.

14.

Business Arising from the Closed Session

Council arose from closed session at 7:59 p.m. 

The Chair reported that a closed session meeting had been held. Council received information from Westario Power and regarding various legal matters.  Direction was provided to Staff on a proposed acquisition of land.  

15.

Confirming By-Law

• Resolution No.: 12/16/2024 - 26
  Moved By Jim Hanna
  Seconded By Larry Allison

  THAT the "Confirmatory December 2024 " By-law be deemed to be read a first, second, third time and finally passed and numbered as By-law No. 2024-130.

  Carried

16.

Adjournment

• Resolution No.: 12/16/2024 - 27
  Moved By Shari Flett
  Seconded By Scott Gibson

  THAT this meeting adjourn at 8:00 p.m.