Council Recap – Tuesday, August 29 Regular Meeting of Council
Motions from Closed Session
Council approved motions in closed session to appoint members of the public to the Queen Elizabeth School Re-development Community Partner Tenant Selection Committee and Environmental Advisory Committee.
Announcements
Councillor Hirsch made a notice of motion to amend the current Short-Term Accommodation By-Law at the next applicable meeting. This motion would permit (2) persons per licensed guest room and that may include one (1) child under the age of ten (10) per room.
Councillor St-Jean announced that the Picton Fair will be September 8 – 10, 2023.
Councillor St-Jean made a notice of motion to encourage the province to maintain the long-standing historical recreational uses of lands now within the Monarch Point Conservation Reserve.
Councillor Nieman announced a notice of motion regarding septic system requirements.
Mayor spoke about the H.J. McFarland re-development public open house being held August 30, 2023, and encouraged all to attend.
Mayor Ferguson proclaimed September 2023 as Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, September 30 as National Truth & Reconciliation Day, and September as Indigenous Month. He noted all proclamations are posted on the Proclamations webpage on the County’s website.
Deputations
Dorothy Bothwell and Helen Prolas each addressed Council regarding current water/wastewater capital infrastructure projects. Council approved a motion stating that it commits through the 2023-2026 Strategic Plan, to govern in ways that are open and effective, with robust public engagement practices. The format of the August 31, 2023 water and waste water public information centre will be a sit-down forum where residents can listen, have staff/consultants clearly present the project details and financial implications, and then allow for Q&As from the floor.
Comments from the Audience
Elaine Jackson spoke in support of item 11.4 regarding Expanded Financial Relief Grant Program. She urged Council to vote in favour of the By-Law, and to ensure the application process includes forms, and thanked Council and staff for their efforts.
Gary Mooney provided a comment on item 11.3 regarding the Agreement between The Corporation of the County of Prince Edward and Wellington Dukes Junior Hockey Club. He provided suggestions on other revenue generating mechanisms the hockey club can embark on that do not bear a burden on the taxpayers.
Strategic Plan
The 2023 – 2026 Strategic Plan was presented and endorsed by Council.
Drinking Water Quality Management System Operational Plan Update
Council endorsed Prince Edward County’s Drinking Water Quality Management System Operational Plan (DWQMS) 2023 to demonstrate Council’s commitment and awareness of an effective Quality Management System for The County’s Drinking Water Systems and be maintained as evidence of conformance with Element 3 of the DWQMS.
Other Business
Council approved the draft renewal Agreement, as amended, with the Wellington Dukes Junior Hockey Club and authorized the Mayor and Clerk to execute an Agreement between the Corporation of the County of Prince of Edward and the Wellington Dukes Junior Hockey Club.
Council authorized staff to utilize $50,000 unspent funds in the Reserve for Year-End Carry Forwards-Operating to fund the one-time tax relief grant program for dwellings. More information can be found in the Expanded Financial Relief Grant Program report.
Council award Tender PEC-OPS-0011-2023 (Asphalt Repairs) to Kiley Paving Ltd. in the amount of $603,893.15 plus applicable taxes. Staff will prepare a multi-year plan for road surface spot repairs for Council review as part of the 2024 Operating Budget discussions.
Council approved the Queen Elizabeth School Re-Development Community Partner Tenant Selection Committee Terms of Reference
Council approved additional funds in the amount of $1,747.51 from the Reserve for Roads Equipment be added to Capital Project FLG-0182. Council awarded Tender PEC-FLG-0182-2023 to FST Canada Inc. o/a Joe Johnson Equipment in the amount of $461,597.00 plus applicable taxes
Council approved minutes from various boards and committees
Next Council meeting: Regular Meeting of Council Tuesday, September 12, 2023 at Shire Hall, 332 Main Street, Picton. This summary is not a complete record of the proceedings of the meeting. For the official record, please refer to the minutes in the next Council agenda. A video of this meeting is available on The County’s YouTube Channel.