Councillor McGugan noted the importance of Information Technology (IT) for electronic meetings and the increased use of technology due to the pandemic. He inquired if there was a member of staff that handled IT or if it was contracted out.
Mary Rose Walden, CAO explained that there are staff that are knowledgeable on IT; but not a specialist, those functions are contracted out to Microage in Kincardine. Walden further explained that the Municipal Innovation Council (MIC) has supported an application under the Municipal Modernization Program to hire a consultant to take an inventory of IT and conduct an analysis of needed investments in Information Technology (IT) and the viability of a regional IT service model.
Councillor Sloetjes noted he has been questioned by a ratepayer regarding the status of the lots being used for a construction site in Inverlyn Estates. He understood that they were to be used on a temporary basis then changed to be used for a permanent home. Staff was directed to bring forward a report on the status and how to bring them into compliance with our by-laws.
Councillor Hanna questioned a property on Silver Lake operating as an Airbnb that is now selling access to the Lake for ice fishing, wondering if it is a permitted activity for land use and requested staff bring back a report on the issue.
Mayor Twolan gave a shout out to the snow plow operators and thanked them for keeping the roads safe and appreciates their efforts. The statement was echoed by the other members of Council.