Meeting was held in person at Whiteside Taylor and was also offered by videoconference. These notes are an overview. The meeting and agenda, in its entirety, can be found on the Town website.
Questions.
- A potential purchaser of the former Linguini property inquired about zoning changes before proceeding. He was referred to the town clerk and the urban planning department for further information. It was noted that zoning changes are lengthy and subject to public consultation.
- Request for installation of speed limit signs on Westchester north of Fritz Park was referred to the traffic committee.
- Concern about fireworks and sharp noises in town without permits. Council will address this when they have more staff available. It is already illegal but hard to police. Suggested people concerned should contact the police first.
- Concern about inappropriate and potentially illegal parking on St-Andrews and nearby streets by students from the colleges. Can we have better enforcement? This has been discussed in the past and signs are ready to install after the ice storm cleanup. St. Andrews and Oxford will be restricted to single side parking, and a four hour limit will apply elsewhere. These are first steps.
- Demolition permits can be applied for at any time – they are NOT transferable to a new property owner.
- When will all the ice storm branches be removed? Answer: 50% has been done already but more branches have been added by residents. The town staff are working extremely hard. This is a big job. Please have patience.
Police.
- There is a new police commander for our district. Some issues have arisen near Dorset school concerning parent parking and not respecting traffic signs. This will be monitored. It is a safety concern.
- A support group for seniors subject to fraud has been established to give support and information. A presentation about the “Reaching Out” program given to residents of Maxwell.
- The town has been very tranquil with regard to crime recently. Do not be afraid to report incidents to the police. They will always respond. Community policing is extremely important to the new commander.
Mayor’s Report.
- The Mayor spoke about recent events she has attended or is aware of in town – including a NOVA event held at Fritz that raised $8000 for the cause.
- The recent volunteer recognition event was a success – over 150 people attended.
- The West Island Mission are having a used school book drive and the WST building will provide a drop-off point in town.
- Thanks to the Scouts and their leaders for working the VCOPS to clear ice-storm fallen branches from seniors’ gardens.
- Notice was given of a forthcoming workshop on septic tanks that will explain both technical and legal requirements.
Councillors’ Reports.
Councillor Brown: reported on the Rescue Squad involvement during the ice-storm and noted contributions to a recent missing person search, sump-pump flooding of basements and a breakfast fundraiser for children in Guatemala.
Councillor Gruber: The Coastguard Auxiliary boat is now launched. Water temperatures are dangerously low.
Councillor. Chartrand: Attended a recent conference for municipal councilors in Gatineau. Much information gained and contacts made.
Councillor. Lowensteyn: * At the above conference confirmed that advice on urban planning in our town is good. * Climate change was a hot topic amongst attendees. * There is a new tree planting programme in town. * During the recent City Nature Challenge contributing to knowledge about urban biodiversity recorded in Baie-D’Urfé a list of observations from our town came third out of 438 lists submitted in the Montreal Agglomeration, confirming the high level of biodiversity our town enjoys (thanks to Richard and Jean Gregson).
Councillor. Bissada: Highlighted the Seniors’ Rendezvous events.
Director-General’s Report.
- Surfacing on Lakeshores East about to start – potholes.
- Town Hall renovations progressing well and are on target.
- Archaeological surveys being conducted as part of the town hall renovation have revealed unexpected and exciting evidence of previous use of the land. This includes many artefacts, prehistoric stone chips, traders glass beads, silverware, a 1700s dollar, full foundations of an unknown shoreline building dating pre-1700 and a stone arrow head considered to be more than 5000 years old. Council will have to consider preservation of the artefacts, possible eventual display when the archaeologist completes a history story-line. For now it is recommended to recover the site until future decisions can be taken – there is no rush.
Correspondence.
Question about raising land during construction and its effects on neighbors. What are the legalities? Will by-laws be amended? Council takes this seriously and can intervene if approved plans are not followed. It was stated that sump-pump water must be discharged to the front drainage ditches.
Administration.
- A new policy was adopted regarding staff working from home (no details)
- Expenses reports were tabled.
- The 2022 auditors’ report was tabled and relevant details will be posted on the town website.
- The town ended 2022 with a surplus of $5.6M
Public Works.
- Contract approved for cleaning and inspection of storm drains.
- A combined road de-icing salt purchase programme with other towns was approved.
- Authorizations were given for document signing related to the town hall renovation grant.
- A sum of $459,210 was approved for fixing problems with and widening of the road shoulders on Sunny Acres and Lakeview south of Victoria.
Town Planning.
- An appeal of a demolition committee refusal of a demolition permit for 10 Watterson was denied. Vote split 5:1 (Cllr Chartrand opposing)
- Draft bylaw notice of motion – to clarify the situation concerning amalgamation or sub-division of lots.
- Council members of the Demolition Committee were reappointed – Gruber, Thompson, Bissada.
Community and Citizen Services.
- Two $100 awards were made under the Excellency programme for town gymnasts attending contests.
- Authorization was given for Shakespeare in the Park on 16 July