Notes of the Council meeting 14 January 2025. For the full content please view the video accessible on the town website.
These notes are an overview. The meeting and agenda, in its entirety, can be found on the Town website.
Questions from the public (items not on the agenda) – none.
SPVM Report
Commandant Goyette reported: there was a major deployment of the special police unit at a private residence this month. The deployment was to address a mental health issue and appropriate care and assistance was provided to contain this case. It was not of criminal nature. There was 1 car theft attempt. There were 5 speeding operations and 15 fines were given for stop signs that were not respected. Police were also patrolling on fat-bikes. There was one man stopped who was taking pictures of children at Dorset school. No arrests made however the case is still under investigation. Citizens are reminded to call 911 if they see something suspect in parks, at night and near schools. As always, the PDQ1 station may be reached by calling 514-280-0101 or by e-mail at pdq1@spvm.qc.ca. The SPVM website may be consulted for statistics, etc. (https://spvm.qc.ca/en/Fiches/Categories).
Mayor’s Report
Mayor Ektvedt offered condolences for the passing of William Franklin McMurchie (Bill) at the age of 93 in Ontario. During the merger/demerger years he was well respected and active in municipal administration (57 years) including 8 years in council and 15 years as Mayor of Pointe-Claire. The mayor commented on the success of the New Year’s Levée with a full house and that many long-standing residents had come for the first time and appreciated it. This was followed by the CA fireworks. On the topic if Fluoride in the drinking water: an email from the provincial “sous-ministre” of Mr Dubé (health minister) indicated that their position had not changed. They considered fluoride in drinking water below certain levels as safe. They provide extensive grants for the implementation, maintenance and testing of fluoride levels. The mayor commented that a significant number of citizens have approached her to indicate their disappointment at Montreal’s unilateral action of eliminating fluoridation. The mayor invites people to reach out and find out as to how they can have their voices better heard the most effectively.
Councilors’ Report
Councilor Brown: The Baie-d’Urfé Sauvetage/Rescue worked 218 hours this month and a total of 4,971 volunteer hours for 2024. They provided hot chocolate at the tree lighting event. The Oyster party and vintage car show resulted in the donation of $1,000 to Nova. The rescue squad also made a big non-perishable food bank collection for the On Rock organization. The Rescue squad provided 1st aid presence for the New Year’s Levée and fireworks.
Councilor Lowensteyn: the Junior council’s youth games nights are back again on the 31st January at the Red Barn (for youth between 10-17 years old).
Councilor Bissada: the Lunch and Learn presentations on nutrition start again on 22nd January under a new leadership. The rates have increased from $10 to $15 which is still a very reasonable rate. The following session is on the 19th February, “warming up in winter”. The one after that is 19th March. The next Senior Rendez-vous is scheduled for the 13th February at the Fritz Farm community Centre, “first come first serve”, so book your spot soon. Please contact Claudia Thierry (see News and Views article for details).
Councilor Gruber: the VCops provided 124 volunteer hours (December) for a total of just under 2,000 hours in 2024. Additional activities included parking and traffic monitoring for the inauguration of Town Hall. The VCops appreciated their 13 December annual dinner at the Fritz. They also distributed Christmas dinners to specific citizens around town.
Administration
- The list of persons hired was tabled.
- The authorization to sign a letter of agreement with the “Syndicat des cols bleus regroupés” de Montreal was submitted.
- The lease for 2 photocopiers rental and maintenance was submitted $55,000 for 2025 to 2029 (5 years).
- The software hosting agreement (usage license, maintenance and support) was approved $47,355 (for the year).
Finance
- Submission of the list of expenses for December 2024 $751,681 (business as usual)
- The contract expenditures for 2025 were tabled.
Parks Recreation and Environment
- Awarding of contract of arboricultural work for $111,479.
Public Works and Town Infrastructures
The project for the shoreline stabilization of the Fritz shoreline requires an additional expense due to the ad hoc requests of the environment ministry for additional documents. A contract is awarded to Horizon Arpenteur Géomètre Inc. for $5,593.
Citizens Services and Community
A total of $342,800 is awarded for 20 not for profit organizations grants. The main ones include $90,800 for the Citizens association, $175,975 for the Library, Auxiliary Coast Guard $6,000, Curling club $3000, Yacht club junior program $5000, Tennis club $1000, Fritz Youth Garden $10,000, BDAC $25,000. For the full list please consult the video of the meeting. Approved.
The Antique Car show (Rescue Squad) will receive a grant of $4,500 for 2025. Approved.
Second question period: none
The meeting was adjourned.