Highlights of the proceedings of the council meeting held on 13 June 2023
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.
First question Period
- Questions were asked regarding site inspections for town property demolition and renovation projects. Are projects on town property managed by the Town Council subject to the same inspection rules and regulations as those on private property. Answer: yes they are.
- Second question from the same resident – recently, a permit that had been issued for a project on private property was withdrawn following the discovery that excavations were too close to the roots of a tree that was to be maintained. Do such regulations and restrictions apply to the town projects specifically the Town Hall? Answer by the Director General: yes, they certainly are applied to town projects. He believes the question relates to two trees behind the Town Hall that are to be felled. One of these is being felled for reasons of safety and the other is being removed because it is in close proximity to recent archeological discoveries on the site.
- A question was posed regarding the erection of safety signs, particularly those advising cars of the safe distance to maintain when overtaking cyclists. This matter has been referred to the town traffic committee.
- A question was posed regarding the presence of commercial activities, such as ice cream, selling, on town recreational property during events as this surely conflicts with relevant bylaws, which prevent commercial activities on town properties. Answer: we are a community and at certain community events such facilities are expected. There is a degree of flexibility in the application of the rules and restrictions and such is expected by residents. This topic will be considered during the forthcoming bylaw revision process.
- A question was posed regarding abandoned properties within the town, and the potential they pose regarding risks for residents, whether from such things as falling tree limbs, spreading of plant diseases and pests, etc. Answer: inspectors have been sent to the specific property which caused this question to be posed, and if anything is needed to be required from the owners of the abandon property, then they will be advised what is expected of them.
- A question was posed about the lack of apparent transparency regarding the reasons for tree felling when permits are issued. Answer: information regarding the reasons for the felling of public trees is available on request. Regarding trees on private property, it is up to the owners of the land, whether or not they wish to share the requested information.
Police
The police representative spoke to recent safety visits and information sessions in local schools and visits regarding isolated usually elderly people who are vulnerable to mis-treatment and fraud. It was noted two vehicles have been stolen from the hotel parking area in the last month.
Council reports
- Councillor Brown gave a summarized report of Rescue Squad activities which included squad member training, and first aid support given at various events
- Councillor Lowensteyn noted that the next youth games night is on Friday, 30 June and also that the summer concert series is starting shortly in Fritz Park
- Councillor Bissada spoke about a recent Seniors Rendez-vous event which was attended by police representatives who were made very welcome. Rendez-vous meetings will resume in September after the summer break. She noted that free public transport for seniors will be available in Montreal from July 1. A survey of residents regarding preferred activities in John Weir Park is underway. It is intended to make this park a multi-generational park once drainage issues have been solved.
Correspondence
- Janet Ryan had submitted a public recommendation of planning and building bylaws in SPAIP areas that had been prepared by a number of residents. Receipt of this document was acknowledged and it will be passed to those responsible for drafting bylaw changes.
- A resident queried the appropriateness of the pump track in the Morgan Park and expressed concern about safety and parking issues. Answer: no safety or parking incidents have been reported and it was noted that additional modules will be attached to the pump track for the use of older residents.
Administration
- A list was tabled of new blue-collar employees. It was noted no new positions had been created.
- The appointment of a new Urban Planning Division Manager was approved by council.
- Judicial proceedings concerning the cancellation of a demolition permit for the property at 10 Watterson were noted and authorization was given for legal representation as it is considered that the refusal of this permit is still appropriate. The vote was passed 5 to 1 (Cllr. Chartrand opposed).
Finance
- Expenses for May 2023 were approved.
- The financial reports and the auditors’ report for 2022 were noted. The town ended the year 2022 with a surplus of $4.5 million. Information about this is available on the town website.
- A statement of immovables for nonpayment of taxes was tabled.
- The transfer of funds amounting to $3,615,000 for 2023 capital projects in the town was authorized. Details will be available in the video of tonight’s meeting on the town website. Projects concerned included actions relating to the emerald ash borer, public building maintenance, drainage, park improvements, Town Hall maintenance and repairs, maintenance of the Yacht Club buildings, various emergency measures, including those relating to the recent ice storm, the bylaw revision project, and public works renovations.
Public Works
- Approval was given for a sum of approximately $42,000 regarding the production of a work of art for the renovated town hall, noting that this is required as part of a Quebec provincial policy.
- Contingency fees for work relating to the exterior renovation of the red barn were approved
- Professional services relating to unforeseen work on the renovation of the Fritz Community Centre amounting to approximately $39,000 were approved.
- Approval was given for a contract relating to asphalt crack sealing on town roads
Town Planning
An amendment to interim control bylaw 1084 was approved of a vote 5 to 1 (Councillor Chartrand opposed,) which are intended to prohibit certain cadastral operations in target sectors. This relates to prevention of division or merging of plots. It offers a warning to potential new buyers in town that such actions may not be permitted once the new revised bylaws are finalized.
Citizen Services
- A donation was made in the memory of Maritza Valcherres, a former Town employee recently deceased.
- Under the towns, excellence support program grants were given for a town resident performing in various badminton events within Quebec
Question Period 2 – no questions were put.