The Corporation of the Township of Huron-Kinloss

Council Meeting Minutes

Meeting #:

Date:

Friday, February 17, 2023

Time:

10:00 A.m. - 3:00 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
• Mary Rose Walden, Chief Administrative Officer
• Michele Barr, Chief Building Official
• Chris Cleave, Fire Chief
• Mike Fair, Director of Community Services
• Jodi MacArthur, Treasurer
• John Yungblut, Director of Public Works

Others Present

• Michelle Goetz, Manager of Strategic Initiatives, Melanie Moulton, Emergency Services/Health and Safety Coordinator - CEMC

---

1.

Call to Order

Mayor Murray called the meeting to order at 10:00 a.m.

• Resolution No.: 02/17/23 - 01
  Moved by: Scott Gibson
  Seconded by: Ed McGugan

  WHEREAS the Township of Huron Kinloss Committee of the Whole at the meeting on February 6, 2023 directed Staff to prepare amendments to the Procedure by-law and a Policy to permit Council participation in a hybrid format;

  AND WHEREAS the amendment and Policy has not yet been brought forward for Council consideration;

  AND WHEREAS a member of Council desires to participate in the February 17, 2023 budget meeting, but due to illness is not able to appear in person;

  NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Council of the Township of Huron-Kinloss provide an exemption to Section 2.5 of the Procedural By-law No, 2019-155 to permit Councillor Allision to participate in the February 17, 2023 Special Budget meeting virtually. 

  Carried

2.

Disclosure of Pecuniary Interest

None disclosed. 

3.

2023 Budget Presentation

3.1

2023 Draft Budget Presentation, TR-2023-02-17

The Treasurer provided an overview of the 2023 budget proposed.  The presentation reviewed the challenges impacting the 2023 budget including assessment values which have not been updated since 2016, high inflation, and higher costs for consumables such as fuel.  

The benefits highlighted include a 2.72% increase in tax assessment from growth alone and the high interest levels mean Township investments are growing at a faster rate of return than has previously been expected.  

The proposed budget includes cooperative funding with multiple levels of government and other organizations through grants and other programs.  Staff noted that the Township has historically continued to invest in capital infrastructure to ensure that the burden of repair or replacement is not simply shifted to the future ratepayer. 

The budget as presented includes a 4.7% tax rate increase.  

• Resolution No.: 02/17/23 - 02
  Moved by: Jim Hanna
  Seconded by: Larry Allison

  That the Township of Huron-Kinloss Council hereby receives for information Report Number TR-2023-02-17 prepared by Jodi MacArthur, Treasurer AND FURTHER moves into budget deliberations for the 2023 Township of Huron-Kinloss Budget.

  Carried

4.

Financial Reports

4.1

2023 Budget Community Engagement, TR-2023-02-5

• Resolution No.: 02/17/23 - 03
  Moved by: Shari Flett
  Seconded by: Scott Gibson

  That the Township of Huron-Kinloss Council hereby receives for information Report Number TR-2023-02-5 prepared by Jodi MacArthur, Treasurer.

  Carried

4.2

2023 Budget Excluded Expenses, TR-2023-02-6

Council inquired about the regulations affecting exclusions, and expressed concerns about the $15,000 landfill line item as not being sufficient.  

Staff is monitoring the landfill closure situation and costs associated with it.  This is a future obligation that is reviewed every two years. 

• Resolution No.: 02/17/23 - 04
  Moved by: Ed McGugan
  Seconded by: Carl Sloetjes

  That Township of Huron-Kinloss Council hereby receives Report Number TR-2023-02-6 prepared by Jodi MacArthur, Treasurer;

  and Further approves the exclusion of certain expenses from the 2023 budget as per Ontario Regulation 284/09.

  Carried

4.3

Capital Forecast 2023 to 2032, TR-2023-02-16

Council inquired about the Water and Wastewater masterplan and it's affect on the Capital forcast.  Staff provided information that the Municipal office building expenses are expected to be for the conversion to propane or natural gas.  

The Mayor left at 10:19 a.m.  Deputy Mayor Hanna assumed the Chair at this point. 

• Resolution No.: 02/17/23 - 05
  Moved by: Larry Allison
  Seconded by: Shari Flett

  That Township of Huron-Kinloss Council hereby receives for information Report Number TR-2023-02-16 prepared by Jodi MacArthur, Treasurer.

  Carried

5.

Staff Reports

5.1

Building & Planning

5.1.1

Building and Planning Budget 2023, BLDG-2023-02-4

Council inquired about how wages are allocated. 

• Resolution No.: 02/17/23 - 06
  Moved by: Scott Gibson
  Seconded by: Ed McGugan

  THAT the Township of Huron-Kinloss Council hereby receives for information Report Number BLDG-2023-02-4 prepared by Jodi MacArthur, Treasurer and approves the Building and Planning 2023 Business Plan in principle.

  Carried

5.2

By-law Enforcement

5.2.1

By-Law Enforcement Budget 2023, BLE-2023-02-6

The Mayor resumed the chair at 10:21.

Council expressed concern that the majority of citizen concerns are by-law related and questioned does staff have the support that they need.   Council noted that this has been an ongoing issue, as levels of service was an issue noted in last years budget meeting.  Council discussed set fines as an option.  Council requested a review of levels of service (including weekend coverage) and the way that By-law enforcement would be delivered and enforced.  Council requested adding $25,000 to the budget as a placeholder for by-law enforcement costs. 

Council inquired about the By-law Enforcement Officer hours, Staff provided information on this and the current process to educate first, ticket next.  Administrative Monetary Penalties is being investigated by Staff.  

Council inquired about the budget process and when to bring up concerns. 

Council discussed whether a line item should be added to licence cats and directed staff to bring back a report on the costs of a licensing program for cats, and the costs associated with the trapping and transporting cats to a humane society.  

• Resolution No.: 02/17/23 - 07
  Moved by: Carl Sloetjes
  Seconded by: Jim Hanna

  THAT the Township of Huron-Kinloss Council hereby receives for information Report Number BLE-2023-02-6 prepared by Jodi MacArthur, Treasurer and approves the By-Law Enforcement 2023 Business Plan in principle.

  Carried

5.3

Drainage

5.3.1

Municipal Drains Budget 2023, DRAIN-2023-02-2

• Resolution No.: 02/17/03 - 08
  Moved by: Shari Flett
  Seconded by: Scott Gibson

  THAT the Township of Huron-Kinloss Council hereby receives for information Report Number DRAIN 2023-02-02 prepared by Jennifer White, Manager of Legislative Services/Clerk.

  Carried

5.4

Fire Department

5.4.1

Health and Safety and Emergency Management Budget 2023, FIRE-2023-02-10

• Resolution No.: 02/17/23 - 09
  Moved by: Ed McGugan
  Seconded by: Carl Sloetjes

  THAT the Township of Huron-Kinloss Council hereby receives for information Report Number FIRE-2023-02-10 prepared by Chris Cleave, Fire Chief and approves the 2023 Health and Safety and Emergency Management Business Plan in principle.

  Carried

5.4.2

Pumper Apparatus Replacements, FIRE-2023-02-11

Staff verbally provided information that the estimate for a Custom Chassis may have increased by as much as $100,000. 

Information was provided by Staff regarding the request for different trucks, as they respond to different types of fires.  Commercial trucks are not designed for rural firefighting (agricultural/field fires) Custom Chassis are preferred.    

Council supported the custom cab but inquired about the cost difference to purchase two identical vehicles. 

Staff estimated a $40,000 to $50,000 per vehicle savings for purchasing the same type of vehicle at one time due to economies of scale. 

Council inquired about the end of life value and speculated that the commercial cab may have better resale value.  Council inquired about the length of service for the pumper trucks, and how they are used.   

Staff were directed to receive quotations for both types for both station, and directed to bring back a report on the final decision.  The budget allocation is to remain the same.

Staff provided information on the impact of the Near Term Investment Program funding to the purchase. 

• Resolution No.: 02/17/23 - 10
  Moved by: Jim Hanna
  Seconded by: Larry Allison

  THAT the Township of Huron-Kinloss Council hereby receives Report No. FIRE-2023-02-11 prepared by Chris Cleave, Fire Chief and further authorizes staff to apply to the Near Term Investment Program for the replacement of the Ripley-Huron and Lucknow District Fire Pumpers and authorizes the amalgamation for the two separate Fire Apparatus reserves into one Huron-Kinloss Fire Equipment reserve.

  Carried

5.4.3

Lucknow Fire Station Budget 2023, FIRE-2023-02-9

• Resolution No.: 02/17/23 - 11
  Moved by: Scott Gibson
  Seconded by: Ed McGugan

  THAT the Township of Huron-Kinloss Council hereby receives for information Report Number FIRE-2023-02-9 prepared by Chris Cleave, Fire Chief and approves the Lucknow Fire Station 2023 Business Plan in principle.

  Carried

5.4.4

Ripley Fire Station Budget 2023, FIRE-2023-02-8

Fire Inventory Risk Assessment was discussed.  New regulations require this Assessment.  Council inquired about how this information would be identified, and updated. Council inquired about whether this assessment could be done internally or whether it had to be a third party.  Staff provided information on how the document would be updated, prepared and the funding available currently from granting. \

The Mayor left the meeting at 11:27 and Deputy Mayor Hanna assumed the chair.  

• Resolution No.: 02/17/23 -12
  Moved by: Carl Sloetjes
  Seconded by: Jim Hanna

  THAT the Township of Huron-Kinloss Council hereby receives for information Report Number FIRE-2023-02-8 prepared by Chris Cleave, Fire Chief and approves the 2023 Ripley Fire Station 2023 Business Plan in principle.

  Carried

5.5

Delegation

5.5.1

Kincardine and Community Health Care Foundation - Funding request update

Murray Elston provided information on the Capital Campaign.  Elston also provided information on the MRI unit operating costs that has been pledged by the Provincial Government.  The Redevelopment was described as an expansion and the presentation included numbers to identify the constraints and support the need for the expansion. 

Provided information on the expansion and benefits to the community.  Elston thanked Council for the pledged amount from 2022 and requested a commitment in this years Council budget. 

Council inquired about the impact to Doctor recruitment of recent updates to the hospital.  

5.6

Community Services

5.6.1

Ripley Cemetery Budget 2023, CS-2023-02-16

• Resolution No.: 02/17/23 -13
  Moved by: Larry Allison
  Seconded by: Shari Flett

  THAT the Township of Huron-Kinloss Council hereby receives for information Report Number CS-2023-02-16 prepared by Mike Fair, Director of Community Services and approves the Ripley Cemetery 2023 Business Plan in principle.

  Carried

5.6.2

Parks and Facilities Budget 2023, CS-2023-02-13

Council inquired about allocations and whether Staff was shifting priorities to accommodate trends in different recreational opportunities including Cricket, increased use of trails, etc.  Staff confirmed that they track trends in use, and update the plans accordingly.  

Council inquired about the beach access and whether all municipally owned accesses are open.  Staff confirmed that some are not open at this time, as they may be geographically close to other accesses.  

• Resolution No.: 02/17/23 - 14
  Moved by: Scott Gibson
  Seconded by: Ed McGugan

  THAT the Township of Huron-Kinloss Council hereby receives for information Report Number CS-2023-02-13 prepared by Mike Fair, Director of Community Services and approves the Parks and Facilities 2023 Business Plan in principle.

  Carried

5.6.3

Point Clark and Huron District Community Centre Budget 2023, CS-2023-02-15

Council inquired about the repair to the point clark sign. 

Mayor Murray resumed the Chair at 11:55 a.m.

• Resolution No.: 07/23/23 - 15
  Moved by: Carl Sloetjes
  Seconded by: Jim Hanna

  THAT the Township of Huron-Kinloss Council hereby receives for information Report Number CS-2023-02-15 prepared by Mike Fair, Director of Community Services and approves the Point Clark and Huron District Community Centre 2023 Business Plan in principle.

  Carried

5.6.4

Ripley-Huron Community Centre Budget 2023, CS-2023-02-14

Council directed Staff to review and increase the frequency of cleaning at the Lucknow Library.  

• Resolution No.: 02/17/23 - 16
  Moved by: Larry Allison
  Seconded by: Shari Flett

  THAT the Township of Huron-Kinloss Council hereby receives for information Report Number CS-2023-02-14 prepared by Mike Fair, Director of Community Services and approves the Ripley-Huron Community Centre 2023 Business Plan in principle.

  Carried

5.6.5

Lakeshore Environmental Budget 2023, CS-2023-02-12

• Resolution No.: 02/17/23 - 17
  Moved by: Ed McGugan
  Seconded by: Carl Sloetjes

  THAT the Township of Huron-Kinloss Council hereby receives for information Report Number CS-2023-02-12 prepared by Mike Fair, Director of Community Services and approves the Lakeshore Environmental 2023 Business Plan in principle.

  Carried

5.6.6

Green and Inclusive Community Building Program, CS-2023-02-17

Council inquired about the preparation of the report.   Council discussed solar panels as an option included in the report.  Staff indicated that the solar panels are included as a means of long-term savings to rate payers in operational costs.    

Staff indicated that a 21% contingency fund was mandatory as part of the grant application.  

Commitment from Council is $660,000.  Council inquired about the types of funding sources that may be available for Council portion of the commitment. 

• Resolution No.: 02/17/23 - 18
  Moved by: Jim Hanna
  Seconded by: Larry Allison

  That the Township of Huron-Kinloss Council hereby receives Report Number CS-2023-02-17 prepared by Mike Fair, Director of Community Services;

  AND FURTHER authorizes staff to submit a grant application to the Green Initiatives Building Program.

  Carried

5.7

Public Works

5.7.1

Waste Management Budget 2023, PW-2023-02-12

Council inquired about where resident concerns were focused regarding litter.  Council expressed concerns that non-residents were using the landfill system, and how this was managed. 

Council discussed litter containment strategies.  Staff indicated that while security and after hours activity is still an issue, Staff are investigating best options to resolve.  

Council inquired about regulations regarding daily coverage of materials at the landfill.  Staff continue to investigate best practices and how they may relate to the Township's specific site. 

• Resolution No.: 02/17/23 -19
  Moved by: Shari Flett
  Seconded by: Scott Gibson

  THAT the Township of Huron-Kinloss Council hereby receives for information Report No. PW-2023-02-12 prepared by John Yungblut, Director of Public Works and approves the 2023 Waste Management Business Plan in principle.

  Carried

5.7.2

Transportation Budget 2023, PW-2023-02-2

Council inquired about whether Paradise Lake was included in this budget.  Staff clarified that this is considered within maintenance under the operating budget.  Staff will focus on the highest priority roads for maintenance and price of gravel will also affect how many maintenance projects may be done. 

Boiler Beach Road reconstruction report will hopefully be brought forward for Council consideration in March.

Council inquired about the Point Clark Drainage Master Plan. Staff clarified that this is not a municipal drainage project, but is different from the Bruce Beach drain, and is a stormwater sewer project, it is specific to roads. 

Council inquired about a smaller pavement preservation project.  Staff clarified that small scale dramatically increases the price per unit measure based on contractor costs.  Staff are recommending larger projects every few years, rather than a smaller project every year.   

Council discussed the timelines for paving of gravel roads and whether there is a plan to convert paved roads to gravel. 

Council inquired about Grey Ox Bend guardrail plans and whether they include work on the slope.  Staff confirmed that they will attempt to improve the slope prior to the guardrails being installed.  Council inquired about the replacement costs if the guardrails were impacted.  

• Resolution No.: 02/17/23 - 20
  Moved by: Carl Sloetjes
  Seconded by: Jim Hanna

  THAT the Township of Huron-Kinloss Council hereby receives for information Report Number PW-2023-02-2 prepared by John Yungblut, Director of Public Works and approves the 2023 Transportation Business Plan in principle.

5.7.3

Lake Range Dr. Multi-Use Path, PW-2023-02-5

Council discussed the location and the type of use for the proposed paved shoulder.  Council discussed deferring the project for a year, as one section will be significantly more expensive than the other.  Council inquired about the possibility of only one side of the road. Staff discussed the width required for two way traffic pedestrian and cycling traffic, and the cost savings would not be 50%.

Staff discussed the opportunity to have "shovel ready plans" ready for potential grants, and to include in the upcoming strategic plan.   

Council inquired about the Lake Range Drive vehicle speeds and discussed the use of electronic speed signs.  Staff indicated that use of the Black Cat equipment indicated that speeding was not shown to be an issue.    

There is a plan to task the summer GIS student to locate and map all the signs in the Township to provide better data for a more strategic approach. 

• Resolution No.: 02/17/23 - 21
  Moved by: Larry Allison
  Seconded by: Shari Flett

  That the Township of Huron-Kinloss Council hereby receives for information Report Number PW2023-02-5 prepared by John Yungblut, Director of Public Works.

  Carried

5.7.4

H38 Rehabilitation, PW-2023-02-4

Council discussed concerns about the detoured traffic and the impact to residents of each option. 

Council supported option one. Council discussed the timing of the bridge closure, and Staff included a restriction on closing the bridge during July and August.  

• Resolution No.: 02/17/23 - 22
  Moved by: Scott Gibson
  Seconded by: Ed McGugan

  That the Township of Huron-Kinloss Council hereby receives for information Report Number PW2023-02-4 prepared by John Yungblut, Director of Public Works;

  AND FURTHER THAT Council support Option one as outlined in the Report.  

  Carried

5.7.5

Equipment Budget 2023, PW-2023-02-1

• Resolution No.: 02/17/23 - 23
  Moved by: Jim Hanna
  Seconded by: Larry Allison

  THAT the Township of Huron-Kinloss Council hereby receives for information Report Number PW-2023-02-1 prepared by John Yungblut, Director of Public Works;

  AND FURTHER approves the 2023 Equipment Business Plan in principle;

  AND FURTHER authorizes Staff to apply to the Near Term Investments Program for a street sweeper and landfill compactor.

  Carried

5.7.6

Point Clark Standby Generator, PW-2023-02-11

Council inquired whether the new Lucknow Water tower will have a standby generator with a switch.  There is no need for power in terms of supplying the water, so there is no need for the switch at that tower.  Staff confirmed there are portable generators at the well sites, and that it is expected that a standby generator with switch would be considered in Lucknow when well five is replaced.  

Council inquired about the risk management in place for fire services to respond in Point Clark.  

Councillor Sloetjes was not present for this vote. 

• Resolution No.: 02/17/23 - 24
  Moved by: Shari Flett
  Seconded by: Scott Gibson

  That the Township of Huron-Kinloss Council hereby receives for information Report Number PW2023-02-11 prepared by John Yungblut, Director of Public Works

  Carried

5.7.7

Water and Wastewater Budget 2023, PW-2023-02-3

Inquired about whether the fees were sufficient to implement the long term assessment plans.  Staff indicated that these rate adjustments would complete the current 5 year plan.  The long range plans will be reviewed in the next 5 year plan.    

• Resolution No.: 02/17/23 - 25
  Moved by: Ed McGugan
  Seconded by: Carl Sloetjes

  THAT the Township of Huron-Kinloss Council hereby receives for information Report Number PW-2023-02-3 prepared by John Yungblut, Director of Public Works and approves the 2023 Water and Wastewater Business Plan in principle.

  Carried

5.7.8

Water and Wastewater Fees 2023, TR-2023-02-14

• Resolution No.: 02/17/23-26
  Moved by: Larry Allison
  Seconded by: Shari Flett

  That Township of Huron-Kinloss Council hereby receives Report Number TR-2023-02-14 prepared by Jodi MacArthur, Treasurer AND FURTHER approves the changes to the water and wastewater fees as presented AND FURTHER authorizes the appropriate by-law coming forward.

  Carried

5.8

Business and Economic Development

5.8.1

Economic Development and Tourism 2023 Budget, BED-2023-02-10

Staff discussed the nearly $1,000,000 in grant funding that the Township has received throughout the year to advance Strategic Initiatives.  

• Resolution No.: 02/17/23 - 27
  Moved by: Scott Gibson
  Seconded by: Ed McGugan

  THAT the Township of Huron-Kinloss Council hereby receives for information Report Number BED-2023-02-10 prepared by Amy Irwin, Business & Economic Officer and Michelle Goetz, Manager of Strategic Initiatives and approves the Economic Development 2023 Business Plan in principle.

  Carried

5.8.2

2023 Point Clark Lighthouse Budget, BED-2023-02-11

Council inquired about the difference between last year and this years budget.  Staff indicated that the Lighthouse was not open last year, and this year's budget covers all the operating costs, including staff wages for tour guides. 

• Resolution No.: 02/17/23 - 28
  Moved by: Carl Sloetjes
  Seconded by: Jim Hanna

  THAT the Township of Huron-Kinloss Council hereby receives for information Report Number BED-2023-02-11 prepared by Amy Irwin, Business & Economic Officer and approves the Point Clark Lighthouse 2023 Business Plan in principle.

  Carried

5.8.3

The Hub 2023 Budget , BED-2023-02-12

Council inquired about the three year term and what plans were for following years.  Staff are investigating the regional opportunities for funding into future years. Council discussed the benefits of encouraging business development and economic growth, even if it's hard to quantify.  Staff identified some benefits to include: resident attraction and retention and business and community development.

Community Economic Development 101 course (details to be solidified) for elected officials will be occurring at the County level.  

Council inquired about a delegation at AMO for RED Grant approval of this project.  Staff would like to evaluate where the program provides the most value prior to advancing plans for 2024. 

• Resolution No.: 02/17/23 -29
  Moved by: Shari Flett
  Seconded by: Scott Gibson

  THAT the Township of Huron-Kinloss Council hereby receives for information Report Number BED-2023-02-12 prepared by Lauren Eby, Business Development Coordinator and Michelle Goetz, Manager of Strategic Initiatives and approves the Hub 2023 Business Plan in principle.

  Carried

5.9

Treasury

5.9.1

General Revenue 2023 Budget, TR-2023-02-8

Council inquired about the Farm assessment loss.  Staff clarified it is related to losing farmland classification and were able to recapture it.  Is a reclassification from MPAC.  At the time of the returned roll it was in residential but it may be reclassified in time back to farmland.   

Council inquired about the shifting of tax ratios, Staff confirmed this is done at the County level and they have indicated that this will remain the same.  

Council inquired about the $50 000 supplementary revenue can now be realistically calculated as reporting from MPAC is better than in the past.  Could be considered to adjust the tax rate here. This includes new builds, changes of use, etc which hasn't been included in the initial calculation, but is reasonably expected but not guaranteed to be brought in.  

• Resolution No.: 02/17/23 - 30
  Moved by: Ed McGugan
  Seconded by: Carl Sloetjes

  THAT the Township of Huron-Kinloss Council hereby receives for information Report Number TR-2023-02-8 prepared by Jodi MacArthur, Treasurer.

  Carried

5.9.2

Council 2023 Budget, TR-2023-02-9

Council discussed sending Councillors to Conferences every two years, instead of annually.  Council supported the conference budget as proposed.  Council inquired about Staff participation at Conferences, particularly from an economic development perspective.  Council supported both Council and Staff participation at conferences.  

• Resolution No.: 02/17/23 - 31
  Moved by: Jim Hanna
  Seconded by: Larry Allison

  THAT the Township of Huron-Kinloss Council hereby receives for information Report Number TR-2023-02-9 prepared by Jodi MacArthur, Treasurer.

  Carried

5.9.3

General Administration Budget 2023, TR-2023-02-10

Council clarified the numbers from SMART and what the numbers reflect.  A change in the format of providing service occurred to minimize costs to member municipalities. 

Council provided direction that the annual party was not necessary and invited Staff to provide a report on options to proceed with other recognition.  

Fire Services is already recognizing service by members at a party annually.  Council would like to recognize Staff at a public meeting, Staff indicated that there is an existing policy that they will bring to Council attention.  

• Resolution No.: 02/17/23 - 32
  Moved by: Scott Gibson
  Seconded by: Ed McGugan

  THAT the Township of Huron-Kinloss Council hereby receives for information Report Number TR-2023-02-10 prepared by Jodi MacArthur, Treasurer and approves the 2023 General Administration 2023 Business Plan in principle.

  Carried

5.9.4

Doctor Recruitment 2023 Budget, TR-2023-02-11

Council inquired about the process that is being used for Doctor Recruitment.  Staff provided information from a meeting with the Doctor Recruiter, and that there is a focus on emergency room locums to support the ER program. Council directed Staff to provide feedback regarding recruiting directly from schools.  

Council indicated support for the program in the same amount as previous years.  Council discussed that hospitals are on either side of the Township, and both request funding. 

Council was provided information on the Wingham recruitment committee efforts from a member of Council.  

• Resolution No.: 02/17/23 -33
  Moved by: Carl Sloetjes
  Seconded by: Jim Hanna

  THAT the Township of Huron-Kinloss Council hereby receives for information Report Number TR-2023-02-11 prepared by Jodi MacArthur, Treasurer.

  Carried

5.9.5

Conservation Authorities Budget 2023, TR-2023-02-15

Council inquired about the Heritage Assessments, which were a pay per use fee.  

With the passing of Bill 23, Fees from conservation authorities are frozen.  Council should  expect an increase in fees when this is released.

• Resolution No.: 02/17/23 - 34
  Moved by: Larry Allison
  Seconded by: Shari Flett

  THAT the Township of Huron-Kinloss Council hereby receives for information Report Number TR-2023-02-15 prepared by Jodi MacArthur, Treasurer.

  Carried

5.9.6

Joint Boards 2023 Budget, TR-2023-02-13

Staff requested an update from Council members as part of the regular agenda on their participation on committees and boards.  Specifically, Staff requested an update on the Lucknow Recreation Board, with respect to minutes suggesting a renovation was being considered with land being purchased. 

Staff discussed the need for community engagement when embarking on large projects. Council discussed the proposed plans for an addition to the Lucknow Community Centre.   

Council inquired about the capital versus operational budgets.  

• Resolution No.: 02/17/23 - 35
  Moved by: Ed McGugan
  Seconded by: Carl Sloetjes

  THAT the Township of Huron-Kinloss Council hereby receives for information Report Number TR-2023-02-13 prepared by Jodi MacArthur, Treasurer.

  Carried

5.9.7

Kincardine and Community Health Care Foundation Capital Campaign 2023 Support, TR-2023-02-12

Council inquired about what was included with the budget presented.   $100,000 is currently within the  proposed budget.  

• Resolution No.: 02/17/23 - 36
  Moved by: Jim Hanna
  Seconded by: Larry Allison

  That the Township of Huron-Kinloss Council hereby receives Report Number TR-2023-02-12 prepared by Jodi MacArthur, Treasurer; AND FURTHER directs Staff to allocate $100,000 in the 2023 budget to the Kincardine Hospital Foundation Campaign.  

  Carried

5.9.8

Police Services Board Budget 2023, CLK-2023-02-12

• Resolution No.: 02/17/23 - 37
  Moved by: Shari Flett
  Seconded by: Scott Gibson

  THAT the Township of Huron-Kinloss Council hereby receives for information Report Number CLK-2023-02-12 prepared by Jennifer White, Manager of Legislative Services/ Clerk;

  AND FURTHER approves the Police Services Board 2023 Business Plan in principle.

  Carried

6.

2023 Draft Budget

$125,000 is an estimate of the surplus.  If it is included in the 2023 budget, it could be used to off-set the tax rate.  Staff are recommending that the surplus be used for a fund to off-set unexpected costs.  

$101,000 increase or decrease equals approximately 1 per percent decrease or increase.  

Council clarified budget amounts.  Council supported the 7.5 % increase in the levy as is in line with inflation costs.

Council discussed reducing the revenue from $50,000 to $30,000  for the supplementary tax rate, and include the surplus in a fund.  Council requested that maintenance for gravel roads should be a use of the surplus funds.    Council requested Staff review the operational strategies for ensuring that gravel roads are crowned and graded. Council added $20,000 to gravel resurfacing and direct Staff to bring back a report on how improvements will be made to gravel road maintenance.  Staff to share the schedule of roadwork anticipated for 2023. 

• Resolution No.: 02/17/23 - 38
  Moved by: Carl Sloetjes
  Seconded by: Jim Hanna

  THAT the Township of Huron-Kinloss Council hereby reviews and receives the 2023 Draft Budget as prepared by Jodi MacArthur, Treasurer;

  AND FURTHER directs Staff to bring forward the 2023 Township of Huron-Kinloss budget at an estimated 4.73% increase to the municipal tax rate.

   

  Carried

7.

Confirming By-Law

• Resolution No.: 02/17/23 - 39
  Moved by: Jim Hanna
  Seconded by: Larry Allison

  THAT the By-law to confirm the proceeds of the Council of The Corporation of the Township of Huron-Kinloss of February 17, 2023 be deemed to be read a first, second and third time, finally passed and numbered as By-law No. 2023 - 09.

8.

Adjournment

• Resolution No.: 02/17/23 - 40
  Moved by: Shari Flett
  Seconded by: Scott Gibson

  THAT the Township of Huron-Kinloss Council hereby adjourn at 5:20 p.m. 

  Carried