Well, I’m still recovering from the merry-go-round of New Business at last week’s meeting and now the agenda is out for the Monday April 22 agenda.
The agenda is 381 pages. Here is the link to the PDF version : https://calendar.amherstburg.ca/council/Detail/2024-04-22-1800-Regular-Council-Meeting/46616109-4c3c-4349-b7d6-b150013c790a
And the link for the HTML version for those that prefer that https://pub-amherstburg.escribemeetings.com/Meeting.aspx?Id=128884cf-2d66-4ad7-b91f-eb4bd677a060&Agenda=Agenda&lang=English
Here are the highlights for the upcoming meeting :
RECOGNITIONS
Award Presentation: District Chief Jason Durocher – Professional Qualification of Fire Officer IV
There isn’t a description on this item but it appears that Mr Durocher will be recognized for achieving a professional qualification.
Internet Purchase Exchange Location
This is a pretty forward-thinking and innovative idea. People often buy things from others on Marketplace or Kijiji. Usually people need to meet to complete the transaction to pay for their purchase and claim their item. As seen in the news, it can be risky meeting with strangers for these types of situations so people often seek a public place to meet. It seems that some of our neighbouring municipalities have set up an “Internet Purchase Exchange Location” in a visible and public place. It appears that administration is recommending that Amherstburg follow suit by installing a camera in the municipal parking lot south of the Police Detachment. There would be two spots designated for the individuals to make the exchange. The camera and the proximity to the Police Detachment would provide more safety. The police would have direct access to the video recordings should there be any complaints and can be called to attend if there’s an emergency.
Here is the recommendation :
It is recommended that:
1. The Chief Administrative Officer, or designate, BE AUTHORIZED to purchase and install equipment and signage in the parking lot adjacent to 532 Sandwich St. South to facilitate and authorize the creation of an Internet Purchase Exchange Location as noted in the report of April 22, 2024;
2. A transfer from the Tax Stabilization Reserve Fund not to exceed $4,500 (plus HST) BE AUTHORIZED.
3. A pre-approval for the 2025 Operating Budget and future budgets of $1,000 to IT – Computer Maintenance BE AUTHORIZED.
Financial Plan for the Town of Amhertsburg’s Municipal Drinking Water System Licence
Administration has to prepare a financial plan for our Municipal Drinking Water System Licence and council has final approval. Here is the link to the plan if you’re interested https://pub-amherstburg.escribemeetings.com/filestream.ashx?DocumentId=14719
Here’s the recommendation :
It is recommended that:
1. The six-year Financial Plan (2024 to 2029) for the Town of Amherstburg Municipal Drinking Water System Licence BE APPROVED; and,
2. Administration BE AUTHORIZED to submit to the Ontario Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing in accordance with Ontario Regulation 453/07 in order to meet the requirements of the Municipal Drinking Water Licence renewal.
2024 Amendments to Traffic By-Law 2011-69
Back in 2011, council approved a Traffic By-Law. The bylaw needs to be reviewed periodically and there are some updates included in the report. Here’s the recommendation :
It is recommended that: 1. By-law 2024-023 being a By-law to Amend By-law 2011-69 be taken as having been read three times and finally passed and the Mayor and Clerk BE AUTHORIZED to sign same.
Kingsbridge Subdivision Phases 10A and 5C – Assumption of Underground Infrastructure and Streetlights
This looks to be pretty routine stuff for the Kingsbridge subdivision infrastructure. Here’s the recommendation :
It is recommended that:
1. The recommendations in the letter regarding Kingsbridge Subdivision Phases 10A and 5C dated March 7, 2024 from the consulting engineer, Baird AE BE ACCEPTED
2. The underground infrastructure and streetlights in Kingsbridge Subdivision Phases 10A and 5C BE ACCEPTED AND ASSUMED.
Consent Agreement, 5651 County Road 20
From the background portion of the report : “An application has been received for approval of a Consent Agreement to satisfy certain conditions associated with Consent File Numbers B/23/22 from Jon and Kathy Parks. Section 53(41) of the Planning Act, requires that conditions must be fulfilled on a provisional consent within 2 years.
On July 5, 2022, Jon and Kathy Parks obtained approval with conditions from the Committee of Adjustment to sever one residential building lots from a 55.59 acre property which is located on the north side of County Road 20. The retained parcel is vacant agricultural lands.
The applicants also received approval from the Committee of Adjustment for a total of ten residential buildings lots from this holding. A Consent Agreement was executed to ensure appropriate development of these lots.”
And here is the recommendation :
It is recommended that:
1. The execution of a Consent Agreement with Jon and Kathy Parks associated with Consent File number B/23/22 inclusive BE APPROVED; and,
2. By-law 2024-015 being a By-law to authorize the signing of a Consent Agreement for the development of five residential building lots be taken as having been read three times and finally passed and the Mayor and Clerk BE AUTHORIZED to sign same.
Removal of Part Lot Control- Boblo South End
This item appears to be part of a normal development procedure, but since it’s about Boblo….one never knows….it could turn into a two hour discussion. Here’s the recommendation :
It is recommended that:
1. The application for Removal of Part Lot Control for Part of Bois Blanc Island, being Lot 139, Lot 141, Lot 155, Lot 156, Lot 160 and Lot 172 on Plan 12M-700, known locally as Boblo South End Subdivision, BE APPROVED; and,
2. By-law 2024-031 being a by-law to remove certain lands from Part Lot Control be taken as having been read three times and finally passed and the Mayor and Clerk BE AUTHORIZED to sign same.
Zoning By-law Amendment for 6871 Concession 6 North
This item seems to be about a property on the Six Concession North that has applied to add a second dwelling on the property and an additional driveway. It seems it’s already been addressed at a planning meeting. Here’s the recommendation :
It is recommended that:
1. By-law 2024-022 being a by-law to amend Zoning By-law No. 1999-52, to amend the zoning for the subject lands known as 6871 Concession 6 North be taken as having been read three times and finally passed and the Mayor and Clerk BE AUTHORIZED to sign same; and,
2. That section 6.3.4 of the Driveway Alteration or Installation Policy BE WAIVED to allow for 3 right-of-way access locations be provided for driveways within the agricultural zone in relation to ZBA-05-24 for 6871 Concession 6 North.
2024 Special Events Approval-Part 3
I love events and we’ve got some more coming our way!!! Some of the events need noise bylaw exemptions or street closure bylaw exemptions, that type of thing. The GREAT news is that Ribfest is back!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The format is a little bit different, so for all of you Ribfest fans, get ready! It’s coming back! Here are the events and the required exemptions.
1. The following events BE APPROVED:
- Amherstburg Ribfest 2024 – June 13th – Jun 16th , 2024
- Mind, Body and Soul – July 20th , 2024
- Art Crawl 2024 – July 20th – 21st , 2024
- Amherstburg’s Gone Car Crazy – July 28th, 2024
- Canada Day – July 1st , 2024
- Shop Local Halloween Market – October 26th , 2024
- Ribs & Ragtime – June 8th, 2024
- Bob Meloche Fishing Derby – June 16th , 2024
2. An exemption from table number 3-1(2) of Noise By-law #2001- 43 with respect to the operation of any electronic device or group of connected electronic devices incorporating one or more loudspeakers to allow for music BE GRANTED for the following events:
- Ribs & Ragtime – June 8th , 2024
- Canada Day – July 1st , 2024
- Amherstburg’s Gone Car Crazy – July 28th , 2024
- Art Crawl 2024 – July 20th & July 21st , 2024
- Mind, Body and Soul – July 20th, 2024
- Amherstburg Ribfest 2024 – June 13th – June 16th, 2024
3. The following events BE EXEMPT and PERMITTED for road closures to begin prior to 5pm:
- Amherstburg’s Gone Car Crazy – July 28th, 2024
- Ribs & Ragtime – June 8th, 2024
- Amherstburg Ribfest – June 13th – June 16th, 2024
- Canada Day – July 1st, 2024
4. The fee waiver requests BE APPROVED as follows:
- Amherstburg Ribfest – June 13th – June 16th, 2024 (Road Closure Fee $250)
- Mind, Body and Soul – July 20th, 2024 (Libro Rental Fee ($4,885.82)
5. The Public Events Committee BE DIRECTED to confirm that the requirements identified by the Committee are met prior to the event.
Licensing Committee Appointment 2024-018
It seems that the licensing committee still needs to be appointed even though council put the business licensing bylaw on hold. There appears to be committee terms of reference. It also appears that the new committee will need to get to work on some short-term rental licensing items that may arise. The members of the new committee will be : Anne Creery, Dan Gemus, David Mazza, Del Oxford and Ryan D’Alimonte.
Information Report for K. Walter Ranta Park Proposed Boat Ramp
Well, we’ve been waiting to hear about a boat ramp at Ranta Park. The report is in, with drawings, two options and two prices. The recommendation is simply to receive the report.
Here’s a link to the report for those who are interested (it provides the history of the property as well.) https://pub-amherstburg.escribemeetings.com/filestream.ashx?DocumentId=14765
There are two options included in the report. Option #1 – Boat Ramp at the far West End of the Park along the River . The costs are outlined in the report and the final price tag is $1.6 Million.
Option #2 – Boat Ramp Located Closer to Road using the Existing Canal. Again, the costs are broken down in the report but this option totals $5.6 Million.
The report is quite interesting and I strongly urge everyone to read it. The recommendation is for receipt as it seems that funding a boat launch will be problematic for council.
Drinking Water Quality Management System – 2023 Status Update
There is an information report regarding the 2023 status update of the town’s drinking water quality management system.
Q1 2024 Policing Activities Report – WPS Amherstburg Detachment
Another information report regarding our police services will be presented to council. It’s broken down by month with numbers of traffic tickets issued, types of calls responded to etc.
Amherstburg Water Treatment Plant Submission of the 2023 Annual Summary Report
And another information report for council about the water treatment plan submission.
Annual Treasurer’s Report – 2023 Council and Appointee Statement on Remuneration and Expenses
If you recall, this report was on the agenda for the last meeting. It consists of the breakdown of what each member of council was paid and/or reimbursed. Also, committee members’ stipends were listed. Well, the Treasurer was absent at the last meeting and two members of council had questions about their T4s and didn’t even know what per diems were. So council ultimately decided to defer this report. Hopefully, maybe in a magical world, these members of council asked their questions during the past two weeks so that we don’t have to sit through it all over again. Unlikely I know.
There are several other items on the agenda, consent correspondence, other minutes etc. I usually don’t preview those and I’m not starting today LOL.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Council can ask any questions about items on the unfinished business list.
NEW BUSINESS
And as always, the new business section remains Pandora’s box of oddities. Random emails, phone calls…..suddenly get brought up for public discussion…..last week brought a motion about something a member of council “heard”…..that was new…..rumourville for New Business. Can hardly wait to see what lows this week’s new business may bring us.
I have a feeling that Monday night’s meeting will be a long one. Which means I won’t be back with the summary until possibly Tuesday or Wednesday evening.
In the meantime, read the boat ramp report at minimum and then get out there and enjoy our beautiful spring weather!
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