The Corporation of the Township of Huron-Kinloss

Committee of the Whole Meeting Minutes

Meeting #:

Date:

Monday, June 03, 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, Manager of Legislative Services/Clerk
• Jodi MacArthur, Chief Administrative Officer
• Mike Fair, Director of Community Services
• Christine Heinisch, Manager of Financial Services/Treasurer
• John Yungblut, Director of Public Works

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1.

Call to Order

Mayor Murray called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. and expressed condolences to the Snobelen family, on the passing of Mike Snobelen a former Reeve of the Township of Huron and member of Bruce County Council.

2.

Disclosure of Pecuniary Interest

None disclosed. 

3.

Delegations

3.1

Huron-Kinloss Residents Working to Preserve Trees

Margaret Visser addressed Council regarding tree preservation in the Township.  Visser proposed creating a by-law to protect trees on private property along the lakeshore in Huron-Kinloss, an area known as the Huron Fringe. The Huron Fringe includes trees bordering Lake Huron from below Grand Bend to Port Elgin and north along the Bruce Peninsula, specifically Point Clark, Lurgan Beach, Blair’s Grove, and Bruce Beach in Huron-Kinloss. This part of the Carolinian forest has extremely high biodiversity, with hundreds of rare species. 

Visser spoke to the Huron-Fringe eco-system and the significance of it as a wildlife habitat, particularly for bird species.  This eco-system provides protection to migratory birds and is the home of various endangered species. 

The delegation is asking for the Council’s support for their working group on this initiative.  

Doug McCallum spoke to the process he used to move this type of tree preservation project forward in a neighboring community.  McCallum also spoke to tree restoration projects which had taken place to restore unused parklands to a natural habitat in Kincardine.  McCallum offered support from his group Kincardine Naturalization Projects to Council and Staff in developing by-laws to protect trees within the Community.  McCallum noted that was not intended to focus on the agricultural properties, but rather residential areas within the Huron-Fringe.

Committee of the Whole referenced the Pine River Watershed Committee as another organization within Huron-Kinloss that Council has been supporting with these types of preservation projects .

Committee referred the matter to Staff for a follow-up report.  

4.

Staff Reports

4.1

Building & Planning

a.

Cloudpermit Renewal 2024-2027, BLD-2024-06-13

Committee of the Whole discussed the price increase, and suggested a  one-year only agreement.  Staff noted that the company will only consider a three-year term, and that negotiations had been taking place already to get to this pricing. 

Committee discussed whether building permit pricing could be different if applications were paper based, and noted that the building department is self funding as legislated.  

September 15 is the expiry date of the current agreement, but Staff did not have the notice requirements at this time with respect to cancellation of the agreement.  

Staff noted that some benefits of the current system include the ease of sharing information with other agencies, and the reduction in administrative burden.  Further, while data could be stored/collected with other different types of programs, there is an administrative burden involved in transitioning or creating a new program at this time.  

Committee requested a report on options if this was not renewed, and inquired whether the County could provide better pricing. 

• Resolution No.: 06/03/2024 - 01
  Moved by: Jim Hanna
  Seconded by: Larry Allison

  THAT the Township of Huron-Kinloss Committee of the Whole hereby received Report BLD-2024-06-13 as prepared by Staff;

  AND FURTHER THAT Staff be directed to bring forward a report on additional options available. 

  Carried

b.

Building Statistics May 2024, BLD-2024-06-14

• Resolution No.: 06/03/2024 - 02
  Moved by: Shari Flett
  Seconded by: Scott Gibson

  THAT the Township of Huron-Kinloss Committee of the Whole receives Report BLD-2024-06-14, prepared by Michele Barr, Deputy Chief Building Official.

  Carried

4.2

By-law Enforcement

a.

Municipal By-Law Enforcement Status Report May 2024, BLE-2024-06-08

• Resolution No.: 06/03/2024 - 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-2024-06-8, as prepared by Heather Falconer, Municipal By-Law Enforcement Officer.

  Carried

b.

Services for Screening and Hearing Officers, BLE-2024-06-09

Committee of the Whole inquired about what qualifications were required and the anticipated pricing of these services.  

• Resolution No.: 06/03/2024 - 04
  Moved by: Larry Allison
  Seconded by: Shari Flett

  THAT the Township of Huron-Kinloss Committee of the Whole hereby receives for information Report BLE-2024-06-9, as prepared by Heather Falconer, Municipal By-Law Enforcement Officer and Jennifer White, Manger of Legislative Services/Clerk;

  AND FURTHER that the Clerk be authorized to sign on behalf of Council any documentation required to execute the provision of services agreements as noted in the report;

  AND FURTHER that the required appointment by-laws be brought forward.

  Carried

4.3

Fire Department

a.

Emergency Management Summary May 2024, FIR-2024-06-13

• Resolution No.: 06/03/2024 - 05
  Moved by: Scott Gibson
  Seconded by: Ed McGugan

  THAT the Township of Huron-Kinloss Committee of the Whole hereby receives for information Report FIR-2024-06-13 prepared by Mel Moulton, Emergency Services/ Health & Safety Coordinator-CEMC.

  Carried

b.

Fire and Emergency Services Report May 2024, FIR-2024-06-14

• Resolution No.: 06/03/2024 - 06
  Moved by: Carl Sloetjes
  Seconded by: Jim Hanna

  THAT the Township of Huron-Kinloss Committee of the Whole hereby receives for information Report FIR-2024-06-14 prepared by Jeff Bradley, Fire Chief.

  Carried

4.4

Drainage

a.

Municipal Drain Status Report June 2024, CLK-2024-06-26

Committee of the Whole inquired about whether concerns had been expressed on any of the current drainage projects.   Staff noted that some concerns had been raised, but are less than would be expected on projects of this size and scope.   

• Resolution No.: 06/03/2024 - 07
  Moved by: Jim Hanna
  Seconded by: Shari Flett

  THAT the Township of Huron-Kinloss Committee of the Whole hereby receives for information Report CLK-2024-06-26 prepared by Ken McCallum, Drainage Superintendent

  Carried

4.5

Treasury

a.

Request to Review Tax Change, TRE-2024-06-35

Staff to send letter of decision. 

• Resolution No.: 06/03/2024 - 08
  Moved by: Larry Allison
  Seconded by: Scott Gibson

  THAT Township of Huron-Kinloss Committee of the Whole hereby receives for information Report TRE-2024-06-35 prepared by Christine Heinisch, Manager of Financial Services/Treasurer and Jodi MacArthur, Chief Administrative Officer.

  Carried

b.

Treasury Department Status Update, TRE-2024-06-36

Committee of the Whole discussed Student Grants.  Staff noted this is the second year in a row that there has been no federal funding and that provincial funding hasn't been available in many years.  Other funding streams where the Township has been successful in obtaining funding, include Cultural, Heritage and tourism funding streams. 

• Resolution No.: 06/03/2024 - 09
  Moved by: Ed McGugan
  Seconded by: Shari Flett

  THAT the Township of Huron-Kinloss Committee of the Whole receives for information TRE-2024-06-36 prepared by Christine Heinisch, Treasurer.

  Carried

4.6

Community Services

a.

Community Services Staff June 2024, CS-2024-06-23

There was no cost to the Township for the Marine Shipwreck report, and the Township had little jurisdiction or mandate in this area.  Staff recommend not placing the signage recommended in the report.

Committee members inquired about the Ice Allocation policy, and what had changed from the previous policy.  Staff noted that a formalized policy did not currently exist, but this policy would capture the current practices and make them official.  Since the amalgamation of the Minor Hockey Association, the disbursement of schedules between the two arenas is mainly equitable. The policy would apply to the Ripley Huron Community Centre, but could be provided to the Lucknow Recreation Board for consideration as well.  

• Resolution No.: 06/03/2024 -10
  Moved by: Scott Gibson
  Seconded by: Carl Sloetjes

  THAT the Township of Huron-Kinloss Committee of the Whole hereby receives for information Report CS-2024-06-23 prepared by Mike Fair, Director of Community Services

  Carried

b.

Parks and Facilities Update June 2024, CS-2024-06-25

• Resolution No.: 06/03/2024 - 11
  Moved by: Larry Allison
  Seconded by: Scott Gibson

  THAT the Township of Huron-Kinloss Committee of the Whole hereby receives for information Report CS-2024-06-25 prepared by Matt McClinchey, Parks, and Facilities Supervisor

  Carried

c.

Point Clark Beach Association Tourism Initiative, CS-2024-06-26

• Resolution No.: 06/03/2024 - 12
  Moved by: Carl Sloetjes
  Seconded by: Larry Allison

  THAT the Township of Huron-Kinloss Committee of the Whole hereby receives for information Report CS-2024-06-26 prepared by Mike Fair, Director of Community Services;

  AND FURTHER that the Clerk and Director of Community Services be authorized to sign on behalf of Council any documentation required to execute the agreement as outlined in the report.

  Carried

4.7

Public Works

a.

Transportation June 2024, PW-2024-06-28

• Resolution No.: 06/03/2024 - 13
  Moved by: Ed McGugan
  Seconded by: Jim Hanna

  THAT the Township of Huron-Kinloss Committee of the Whole hereby receives for information Report PW2024-06-28 prepared by John Yungblut, Director of Public Works.

  Carried

b.

Water-Wastewater June 2024, PW-2024-06-29

In response to an inquiry from Committee of the Whole, Staff noted that there has been no timeline established for a report from BM Ross respecting dumping options at this time.  Multiple connection types are still being investigated. 

• Resolution No.: 06/03/2024 - 14
  Moved by: Scott Gibson
  Seconded by: Carl Sloetjes

  THAT the Township of Huron-Kinloss Committee of the Whole hereby receives for information Report PW2024-06-29 prepared by John Yungblut, Director of Public Works;

  AND FURTHER that the Director of Public Works be authorized to sign the authorized entity acknowledgment statement on behalf of the Township of Huron-Kinloss, respecting Esri’s provision of ArcGIS software as outlined in the report.

  Carried

4.8

Chief Administrative Officer

a.

Hiring Update June 2024, CAO-2024-06-22

• Resolution No.: 06/03/2024 - 15
  Moved by: Jim Hanna
  Seconded by: Shari Flett

  THAT the Township of Huron-Kinloss Committee of the Whole hereby receives for information Report CAO-2024-06-22 prepared by Leanne Scott, Human Resources Generalist confirming the hiring of 2-Lighthouse Tour Guides, 1-Tourism & Events student and 1-Casual Facility Operator.

  Carried

4.9

Legislative Services

a.

Communications Status Report June 2024, CLK-2024-06-27

• Resolution No.: 06/03/2024 - 16
  Moved by: Carl Sloetjes
  Seconded by: Ed McGugan

  THAT the Township of Huron-Kinloss Committee of the Whole receives for information Report CLK-2024-06-27 prepared by Kristen Prentice, Communications Coordinator.

  Carried

b.

Resolutions for Consideration June 2024, CLK-2024-06-25

• Resolution No.: 06/03/2024 - 17
  Moved by: Larry Allison
  Seconded by: Scott Gibson

  THAT the Township of Huron-Kinloss Committee of the Whole hereby receives for information Report CLK-2024-06-25 prepared by Kelly Lush, Deputy Clerk;

  AND FURTHER THAT the Committee of the Whole support resolution 

  AND FURTHER direct staff to distribute as they see fit.

  Defeated

c.

Noise Exemption Request – June 2024, CLK-2024-06-24

• Resolution No.: 06/03/2024 - 18
  Moved by: Shari Flett
  Seconded by: Jim Hanna

  THAT the Township of Huron-Kinloss Committee of the Whole hereby receives for information Report CLK-2024-06-24 prepared by Kelly Lush, Deputy Clerk;

  AND grant an exemption to the Noise By-law No. 2005-101 on Saturday, June 29, 2024, from 9:00 p.m. until Sunday June 30, 2024 at 12:00 a.m. for the Ripley and District Lions Club fireworks display and music at the Point Clark Lighthouse;

  AND FURTHER grants an exemption to the Noise By-law No. 2005-101 to permit music at a community BBQ at 672 Lake Range Drive, Kincardine on Saturday August 3, 2024 from 5:30 p.m. until Sunday August 4, 2024 at 12:30 a.m.;

  AND FURTHER grants an exemption to the Noise By-law No. 2005-101 to permit music at a private residence at 5 Queen Street, Ripley on Saturday, August 3, 2024 from 11:00 p.m. until 1:00 a.m. on Sunday, August 4, 2024;

  AND FURTHER grants an exemption to the Noise By-law No. 2005-101 to permit music at a private residence at 84-2 Bruce Beach Rd, Kincardine on Saturday, August 3, 2024 from 11:00 p.m. until 1:00 a.m. on Sunday, August 4, 2024;

  AND FURTHER grants an exemption to the Noise By-law No. 2005-101 to permit music at a private residence at 113 Hemlock St, Ripley on Sunday, August 4, 2024 from 11:00 p.m. until 1:00 a.m. on Monday, August 5, 2024;

  AND FURTHER grants an exemption to the Noise By-law No. 2005-101 to permit live music from August 22, 2024 from 11:00 p.m. until 1:00 a.m. on Friday, August 23, from Friday August 23, 2024 at 11:00 p.m. until Saturday, August 24 at 1:00 a.m. and Saturday, August 24, 2024 at 11:00 p.m. until Sunday, August 25 at 1:00 a.m., for the Lucknow Music in the Fields annual non-profit music festival located at 575 Walter Street, Lucknow.

  Carried

5.

Correspondence Requiring Direction

• Resolution No.: 06/03/2024 - 19
  Moved by: Scott Gibson
  Seconded by: Jim Hanna

  THAT the Township of Huron-Kinloss Committee of the Whole hereby receives for information the correspondence from the 2025 Ripley Reunion Committee;

  AND FURTHER refers the matter to Staff to provide a report at the July 3, 2024 Committee of the Whole meeting.

  Carried

5.1

2025 Ripley Reunion Committee Correspondence

6.

Information

• Resolution No.: 06/03/2024 - 20
  Moved by: Ed McGugan
  Seconded by: Larry Allison

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

  Carried

6.1

Blyth Festival Municipal Night Invitation

6.2

Pine River Watershed Water Monitoring Report April 2024

7.

New Business/Council Reports

Bill W and Doctor Bob Fellowship Centre had an open house in May. Made a request through a member of Council to use parking spaces for events.  Staff noted that this was a County road and Staff could reach out to the owner to assist as required.  

Staff noted an invitation for the Beach Association Meetings, and that Roc the Doc Tickets were available.  

8.

Adjournment

• Resolution No.: 06/03/2024 - 21
  Moved by: Jim Hanna
  Seconded by: Carl Sloetjes

  THAT the Township of Huron-Kinloss Committee of the Whole hereby adjourn at 8:04 p.m.

  Carried