Notes of the Council meeting 11 February 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
Bing Wu, 21 Magnolia, explained that he had received a letter to replace his septic system and that he had 2 years to complete it. He explained that given the huge cost of such an endeavor, the timeframe would be extremely short to be able to finance this replacement in this timeframe. He asked if the town would consider extending this period to 4-5 years in order to be able to plan and implement accordingly.
Mayor Ekvedt explained that many people coming to Baie-d’Urfé were not conscious or knowledgeable about the existence and impacts of septic tanks that all houses here have. The town follows the provincial laws that govern the topic and maintenance of septic tanks and are responsible for enforcing them. She referred to the presentation by a consultant that was done on this topic and is available on the website. She suggested that he sit down with the Administration (Urban Planning, possibly Environment department) to discuss this one-on-one.
Director General Bouchard added that 40-50 residences had been part of this initial evaluation and that Council had decided on the 2-year timeframe. Town Clerk Brunet indicated that she had added this topic for discussion for the March Caucus meeting. It was noted that this topic would be of interest for many citizens who would be affected in the same manner in the future. Councillor Thompson: the provincial government has a grant of up to 5,500$.
SPVM Report – None (Commandant Goyette was absent).
Reports on Town Activities
Councillor Gruber covered the VCop activities including 145 VCop-hours patrolling streets, 7 people to help manage traffic during the fireworks, and 7 to participate in the town emergency planning exercise.
Councillor Bissada covered the activities of the Senior Rendez-vous, “Lunch and Learn”, the Library AGM and the International Women’s Day (9 March) event which will include an interesting presentation on best practices on the environment. The details can be found in the News and Views.
Councillor Lowensteyn covered the activities of Junior Council art activity during Winter Fest as well as Youth Games. Also, the Environment Advisory Committee will hold an event by Earth Day Canada to explain how to save money and have a beneficial impact on the environment. Check the News and Views, MailChimp and social media for all EAC events.
Councillor Brown covered the activities relating to Sauvetage Baie-d’Urfé Rescue including the impressive 455 person-hours of contribution. This included safety support on the New Year’s Day Levee and fireworks, safety support for the WI Ringette tournament, life support practice with CPR for Morgan arboretum ski patrol, emergency shelter simulation with the town’s emergency measures committee, weekend public safety at Allan’s Hill Park, training for traffic control and 1st aid support for the skating at Harpel Centre SADB.
Mayor Ekvedt covered the importance of the Theresa Dallaire fundraising annual valentine’s ball supported by our town (raises over 0.5M$) which brings major revenues to this incredible institution. There is an on-line auction that citizens can participate in (art). She thanked Oana for her annual children’s art activity (28 kids were registered) as well as her tenure as Editor of the News and Views. Oana will be stepping down from this function and any interested candidates are welcome. Finally, she indicated that the various local clubs and organizations were holding their AGM’s (Citizen’s Association, Library, BDAC) and all citizens are welcome. Please note that these organizations are all run by volunteers.
Minutes: the minutes of the last council meetings were approved and corrections were tabled.
Correspondence: None
Administration
The committee members for the following committees were approved (1 year renewal):
Demolition committee: Councillors Gruber, Thompson, Bissada with substitutes Lowensteyn, Chartrand and Brown.
Parks and Recreation committee: Councillor Bissada as Chair, Councillor Chartrand, citizens: Brendan Buckley, Giuseppina Caruso, Boriana Christov.
Environment Advisory committee: Mayor Ekvedt and Councillor Lowensteyn co-chairs, councillor Brown, citizens: Karin Gebert, Richard Gregson, Susan Hawker, Philippe Paulmier.
Awarding of contract for supply of services Communications support – Agence Casa $46,047
Ending employment for employees #192 and #172.
Tabling of report on the application of bylaw 1068 on contract management for the year 2024.
Finance
List of expenses for the month of January $2,123,644.
Transfer of funds for the repair of Lakeview and Sunny Acres (6-month interest of $52,950 – amortization over 5 years).
Parks Recreation and Environment
Financial participation for renewing with Ensemble on Verdit (GRAME) for the professional services and tree-planting and tree-donation for citizens and town – $71,150 – an important contribution to our canopy, nature and environment.
Additional collection expense for recycling and organic collections. $4,521 Environnement Routier NRJ Inc. and $2,127 Robert Daoust et fille Inc.
Public Works and Town Infrastructures
Acquisition of an electric pick-up truck (Ford electric pick-up) $75,075 Elite Ford St-Jerome.
Contingency amount for the Bertold Park development $25,000. Vote: Councillor Lowensteyn opposed due to the cost of project. All others in favour. Approved by majority.
Approval of additional expenses for the preliminary analysis of functional and technical needs for the municipal Public Works building. $37,573.
Citizens Services and Community affairs
Excellence support program: 2 requests for Leif Peschlow for provincial qualification of Mogul skiing $200 and financial assistance for Provincial Mogul Skiing $200 – approved. [For the record Mayor Ekvedt did not participate in any conversation or votes for this request.]
Morgan Arboretum subsidy for citizens: 1/3 of the cost for membership 2025/2026 will be covered by the town for all citizens wishing to join the arboretum. Annual contribution has been around $5,000.
Donation in memory of George McDowell $150 to the Heart and Stroke foundation in his memory (Julie McDowell our Treasurer’s father). Our condolences.
Second question period: none
The meeting was adjourned.