The Corporation of The Town of Cobourg
Regular Council Meeting
Agenda

Wednesday, December 18, 2024

6:00 P.m. - 8:00 P.m.

Council Chambers, Victoria Hall, Cobourg

Please be advised that the Regular Council Meeting will begin at 4:00 p.m. with a Closed Session being held prior to the Open Session. The Public will see a Closed Session screen on the livestream of the Regular Council Meeting indicating Council is in Closed Session. The Open Session will appear live directly following the Closed Session at 6:00 p.m. and can be viewed using the same livestream link.

 

This Regular Council Meeting will be held using a hybrid meeting model. Members of Council and Municipal Staff will have the choice to participate in-person in Council Chambers or to participate virtually via electronic participation. Please note that in-person attendance in Council Chambers by members of the public is now permitted. The public may also view the Council meeting live via the Town of Cobourg livestream. If you have any questions or would like to provide feedback, please email [email protected]. 

 

Join Zoom Meeting Information for Speakers

Online: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87412024212

Meeting ID: 874 1202 4212

Phone: [phone] 

 

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1.

Call to Order

2.

Introduction of Addendum Items

3.

Confirmation of Agenda

3.1

Confirmation of the December 18, 2024 Regular Council Agenda

• Action Recommended:

  That Council confirm the agenda, as circulated.

4.

Resolution to Move into Closed Session

• Action Recommended:

  THAT Council meet in Closed Session at ___ p.m. in accordance with the Municipal Act, 2001 regarding:

  • personal matters about an identifiable individual, including municipal or local board employees (s. 239 (2) (b));
  • labour relations or employee negotiations (s. 239 (2) (d));
  • advice that is subject to solicitor-client privilege, including communications necessary for that purpose (s. 239 (2) (f)).

5.

Reconvene into Open Meeting

6.

Traditional Land Acknowledgement

The Town of Cobourg respectfully acknowledge that we are located in the traditional and treaty territory of the Michi Saagiig (Mississauga) and Chippewa Nations, collectively known as the Williams Treaties First Nations, which include: Curve Lake, Hiawatha, Alderville, Scugog Island, Rama, Beausoleil, and Georgina Island First Nations.

The Town of Cobourg respectfully acknowledge that the Williams Treaties First Nations have been stewards and caretakers of these lands and waters, and that today remain vigilant over their health and integrity for generations to come. We are all Treaty people.

7.

Disclosure of Pecuniary (Financial) Interest

8.

Items Arising from Closed Session

9.

Adoption of Minutes

9.1

Council Minutes for Adoption

9.1.1

November 13, 2024 Budget Minutes

9.1.2

November 13, 2024 Public Planning Minutes

9.1.3

November 20, 2024 Regular Minutes

9.1.4

November 26, 2024 Budget Minutes

• Action Recommended:

  THAT Council approve the minutes of Cobourg Municipal Council, as circulated. 

9.2

Standing Committee Minutes Received for Information

9.2.1

November 27, 2024 Community Services, Protection, and Economic Development Standing Committee Minutes

9.2.2

November 27, 2024 Public Works, Planning, and Development Standing Committee Minutes

9.2.3

November 28, 2024 Corporate, Finance, and Legislative Standing Committee Minutes

• Action Recommended:

  THAT Council receive the minutes of Cobourg Municipal Standing Committees for informational purposes.

10.

Community Announcements

11.

Delegations

Delegates may speak for up to 10 minutes of uninterrupted time and only on the matter indicated on your delegation request form.

As per the Town Procedural By-law, when addressing Council, the speaker shall be respectful of all persons and refrain from entering into cross debate with members of Council, Town Staff and members of the audience.

Following the delegation, Council members may ask questions to obtain additional information or seek clarification from the speaker but shall not make statements to or enter into debate with the speaker.

Once the question period is deemed complete by the Chair, Council members will deliberate the matter at hand without interruption.

Delegations will not be allowed to interrupt the Council decision making process.

11.1

Delegation from Molly Banerjei, on behalf of Christian Music Festival, regarding flag raising request

• Action Recommended:

  THAT Council receive the delegation from Molly Banerjei, on behalf of Christian Music Festival, regarding flag raising request for information purposes.

  OR

  THAT Council refer the delegation from Molly Banerjei, on behalf of Christian Music Festival, regarding flag raising request to staff for a report back.

12.

Outside Presentation / Information from Advisory Committees or Task Forces

Speakers may not register to speak to Outside Presentations.

12.1

Presentation from Philip Lawrence, MP - Northumberland -Peterborough South, regarding updates from the Office of the Member of Parliament for Northumberland - Peterborough South

• Action Recommended:

  THAT Council receive the presentation from Philip Lawrence, MP - Northumberland - Peterborough South, regarding updates from the Office of the Member of Parliament for Northumberland - Peterborough South for information purposes.

12.2

Presentation from Northumberland Hills Hospital Foundation regarding Exceptional Community, Exceptional Care Campaign conclusion and results

• Action Recommended:

  THAT Council receive the presentation from Northumberland Hills Hospital Foundation regarding Exceptional Community, Exceptional Care Campaign conclusion and results for information purposes.

12.3

Memo from the Accessibility Advisory Committee regarding responsibility of accessible parking snow removal

• Action Recommended:

  THAT Council receive the memo from the Accessibility Advisory Committee regarding responsibility of accessible parking snow removal for information purposes.

13.

Consent Agenda

Speakers may speak for up to 10 minutes of uninterrupted time and only on the matter pertaining to the report.

As per the Town Procedural By-law, when addressing Council, the speaker shall be respectful of all persons and refrain from entering into cross debate with members of Council, Town Staff and members of the audience.

Following the address, Council members may ask questions to obtain additional information or seek clarification from the speaker but shall not make statements to or enter into debate with the speaker.

Once all speakers have been heard, Council members will deliberate the report at hand without interruption. Speakers will not be allowed to interrupt the Council decision making process.

• Action Recommended:

  THAT Council adopt the following recommendations from the Standing Committees contained within the consent agenda as a single motion.

13.1

Community Services, Protection and Economic Development Standing Committee

13.1.1

Report No. COMM-2024-025 from Director, Community Services and Treasurer/Director, Corporate Services regarding Art Gallery of Northumberland - Agreement

• Action Recommended:

  WHEREAS at the Community Services, Protection and Economic Development Standing Committee meeting on November 27, 2024, the Committee considered the Report No. COMM-2024-025 from Director, Community Services and Treasurer/Director, Corporate Services regarding Art Gallery of Northumberland - Agreement.

  NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council receives this report for information purposes; and

  FURTHER THAT Council commends the Art Gallery of Northumberland (AGN) for its delivery of cultural services and experiences that benefit the residents of Cobourg; and

  FURTHER THAT Council commends the Board of the AGN for its creative thinking in this updated shared-service delivery model that clarifies the role of the AGN and the Town in supporting a vibrant arts and culture community while maintaining clear deliverables for each organization; and

  FURTHER THAT Council authorizes the Mayor and Clerk to execute the attached agreement as approved by the Board of the AGN, recognizing the financial amounts related to the agreement will be reviewed and approved through the municipal budget process annually.

13.1.2

Report No. COMM-2024-026 from Director, Community Services and Treasurer/Director, Corporate Services regarding Cobourg Museum Foundation MOU

• Action Recommended:

  WHEREAS at the Community Services, Protection and Economic Development Standing Committee meeting on November 27, 2024, the Committee considered the Report No. COMM-2024-026 from Director, Community Services and Treasurer/Director, Corporate Services regarding Cobourg Museum Foundation MOU.

  NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council receive this report for information purposes; and

  FURTHER THAT Council approve the attached Memorandum of Understanding and authorize the Mayor and Clerk to execute the document, subject to the finalization of minor terms and conditions by staff and the Cobourg Museum Foundation.

13.2

Public Works, Planning and Development Standing Committee

13.2.1

2025 Planning and Development Division Operating and Capital Budget Presentation and Overview

• Action Recommended:

  WHEREAS at the Public Works, Planning and Development Standing Committee meeting on October 30, 2024, the Committee considered the 2025 Planning and Development Division Operating and Capital Budget Presentation and Overview. 

  NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council direct staff to report back at the earliest possible date regarding potential recruitment and operational solutions in the interim while the Town looks to fill the two (2) permanent planning positions. 

13.3

Corporate, Finance and Legislative Standing Committee

13.3.1

Memo from Lakefront Utility Services Inc. (LUSI) Board regarding Proposed 2025 Waterworks Services Capital and Operating Budget

• Action Recommended:

  WHEREAS at the Corporate, Finance, and Legislative Standing Committee meeting on November 28, 2024 the Committee considered the memo from Lakefront Utility Services Inc. (LUSI) Board regarding proposed 2025 Waterworks Services Capital and Operating Budget; and

  WHEREAS Council consider the 2025 Waterworks Services Capital and Operating Budgets as presented by the President and CEO, Lakefront Utilities Services Inc. and recommended from the LUSI Board of Directors.

  NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council approve the 2025 Capital Budget for Water Services for the Town of Cobourg in the amount of $8,930,694, as outlined in the 2025 Waterworks Summary Capital Budget; and

  FURTHER THAT Council approve the 2025 Waterworks Operating Budget for Water Services for the Town of Cobourg in the amount of $4,036,828, as outlined in the 2025 Waterworks Budget of the Town of Cobourg.

13.3.2

Report No. COR-2024-018 from Treasurer/Director, Corporate Services regarding 2025 Billing Dates and Residential/Commercial Billing

• Action Recommended:

  WHEREAS at the Corporate, Finance, and Legislative Standing Committee meeting on November 28, 2024 the Committee considered Report No. COR-2024-018 from Treasurer/Director, Corporate Services regarding 2025 Billing Dates and Residential/Commercial Billing.

  NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council accept the consolidation of the residential and commercial tax billing due dates and date changes for taxes due; and

  FURTHER THAT Council accept the consolidation of the residential and commercial bills for taxpayers that have a combined residential and commercial property into one bill.

13.3.3

Report No. COR-2024-019 from Treasurer/Director, Corporate Services regarding Comprehensive Insurance Program - November 1, 2024, to November 1, 2025

• Action Recommended:

  WHEREAS at the Corporate, Finance, and Legislative Standing Committee meeting on November 28, 2024 the Committee considered Report NO. COR-2024-019 from Treasurer/Director, Corporate Services regarding Comprehensive Insurance Program - November 1, 2024, to November 1, 2025.

  NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council accept the recommendation from McDougall Insurance Brokers Inc. (Cobourg) and renew the Comprehensive Insurance Program with Marsh Canada for the period November 1, 2024 to November 1, 2025 at a cost of $767,365 (excluding taxes).

13.3.4

Report No. COR-2024-020 from Treasurer/Director, Corporate Services regarding RCMP Musical Ride Update

• Action Recommended:

  WHEREAS at the Corporate, Finance, and Legislative Standing Committee meeting on November 28, 2024 the Committee considered Report NO. COR-2024-020 from Treasurer/Director, Corporate Services regarding RCMP Musical Ride Update.

  NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council receive the report for information purposes.

13.3.5

Report No. COR-2024-021 from Treasurer/Director, Corporate Services and Director, Public Works and Engineering regarding Water/Wastewater Rates - January 25 and Water/Wastewater Connection Charge By-law Amalgamation

• Action Recommended:

  WHEREAS at the Corporate, Finance, and Legislative Standing Committee meeting on November 28, 2024 the Committee considered Report NO. COR-2024-021 from Treasurer/Director, Corporate Services and Director, Public Works and Engineering regarding Water/Wastewater Rates - January 25 and Water/Wastewater Connection Charge By-law Amalgamation; and

  WHEREAS Council authorized a by-law be prepared for presentation to Council to increase both the monthly base charge and consumptive rate charge of the Water and Wastewater Rates in accordance with the schedules provided in the 2020 Town of Cobourg Water and Wastewater Rate Study as prepared by Watson and Associates Economists Ltd. and adopted by Council Resolution 010-21 dated January 11, 2021; and

  WHEREAS Council authorized that within the same by-law owners of buildings be required to connect such buildings to the municipality’s sewage works.

  NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council enact a by-law to allow Lakefront Utility Services Inc. to implement these rate increases, with an effective date of January 1, 2025.

13.3.6

Report No. COMM-2024-027 from Director, Community Services regarding Community Grants – Methods and Options for Grant Award, Performance Monitoring, and Accountability

• Action Recommended:

  WHEREAS at the Corporate, Finance, and Legislative Standing Committee meeting on November 28, 2024 the Committee considered Report NO. COMM-2024-027 from Director, Community Services regarding Community Grants - Methods and Options for Grant Award, Performance Monitoring, and Accountability.

  NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council receive this report for information purposes; and

  FURTHER THAT Council recognizes the value and importance of the Municipal Grants Program as a practical support to local agencies for community needs; and

  FURTHER THAT Council directs staff to develop a Request for Proposal to locate a community foundation or other disbursement partner that can effectively administer the Community Grants program in 2026 and beyond acting as a Community Grants Task Force. 

13.3.7

Report No. LS-2024-023 from Town Clerk/Director, Legislative Services and Director of Planning and Development regarding 117 Durham Street Disposal and Sale – Update to Council and Options for consideration

• Action Recommended:

  WHEREAS at the Corporate, Finance, and Legislative Standing Committee meeting on November 28, 2024 the Committee considered Report NO. LS-2024-023 from Town Clerk/Director, Legislative Services and Director of Planning and Development regarding 117 Durham Street Disposal and Sale - Update to Council and Options for Consideration.

  NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council receive the staff report for information purposes; and

  FURTHER THAT Council provide direction to Staff on the next steps on the disposal of the subject property located at 117 Durham Street, Cobourg including direction on preparing the land to be placed on the open market with the following steps to be taken:

  1. Direction to staff to disposal of the land to include a less intensive and information heavy process and eliminating the requirement for affordable units, but encouraging the creation of affordable units, and relying on the development planning process to guide any developer on the development of the lands.
  2. Severance of the boardwalk and waterfront lands from the parcel to remain in parkland and maintain ownership of the undevelopable lands prior to final advertisement and sale of the property.
  3. Initiation of the rezoning process of the land, which will be subject to all Planning Act requirements to be rezoned as determined by Council with advice and recommendation from the Director of Planning and Development.
  4. Seek out a new appraisal of the land based on the rezoning and severance for the intention to hit the open market as a newly formed parcel ready for residential development and work with a professional real estate professional; and
  5. Creation of agreed conditions to be part of the final purchase and sale agreement which includes the development applications and permits to be applied for within two (2) to three (3) years of purchase or sooner to be negotiated.

13.3.8

Report No. LS-2024-024 from Legislative Coordinator - Accessibility regarding Extension of 2020-2024 Multi-Year Accessibility Plan

• Action Recommended:

  WHEREAS at the Corporate, Finance, and Legislative Standing Committee meeting on November 28, 2024 the Committee considered Report NO. LS-2024-024 from Legislative Coordinator - Accessibility regarding Extension of 2020-2024 Multi-Year Accessibility Plan.

  NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council extend the Multi-Year Accessibility Plan for 2020-2024 for an additional year to 2025, with a new four year plan to be submitted in 2025 for 2026-2030; and

  FURTHER THAT Council direct Staff to begin broad public engagement with the residents of Cobourg and the Accessibility Advisory Committee on the Multi-Year Accessibility Plan 2026-2030.

13.4

Correspondence

13.4.1

Correspondence from Cobourg resident, Sheila Slessor, regarding Cobourg Transit thank you letter

(Councillor Mutton from the November 29th, 2024 Council Correspondence Agenda) 

• Action Recommended:

  WHEREAS transit users have expressed support for the fixed route transit service.

  NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council direct staff to report back on the impact, in both budget and fleet capacity, of designating a second vehicle from the existing transit service fleet to serve on the existing fixed transit route.

14.

Items Extracted from Consent Agenda

14.1

Delegation from David Moore regarding Amendments to By-law No. 012-2016 to Include Safety Gear

• Action Recommended:

  WHEREAS at the Community Services, Protection and Economic Development Standing Committee meeting on November 27, 2024, the Committee considered the delegation from David Moore regarding amendments to By-law No. 012-2016 to include safety gear.

  NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council refer the delegation from David Moore regarding Amendments to By-law No. 012-2016 to Include Safety Gear to staff for a report back.

14.2

Delegation from Carter Brown regarding a request for the Cobourg Public Library to instigate a written policy for the treatment of patrons and a complaints process

• Action Recommended:

  WHEREAS at the Corporate, Finance, and Legislative Standing Committee meeting on November 28, 2024 the Committee considered the delegation from Carter Brown regarding a request for the Cobourg Public Library to instigate a written policy for the treatment of patrons and a complaints process.

  NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council refer the delegation from Delegation from Carter Brown regarding a request for the Cobourg Public Library to instigate a written policy for the treatment of patrons and a complaints process to staff for a report back.

14.3

Report No. COMM-2024-024 from Director, Community Services regarding Fire Hall Theatre Proposal Update

• Action Recommended:

  WHEREAS at the Public Works, Planning and Development Standing Committee meeting on November 27, 2024, the Committee considered the Report No. COMM-2024-024 from Director, Community Services regarding Fire Hall Theatre Proposal Update.

  NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council receive this report for information purposes; and

  FURTHER THAT Council congratulates the Northumberland Players for their longevity and continuing positive impact in the town; and

  FURTHER THAT Council considers the arts to be integral to a thriving town as noted in the Strategic Plan and Culture Master Plan; and

  FURTHER THAT Council commends the Northumberland Players on the professionalism and detail included within their proposal; and

  FURTHER THAT Council encourages the Northumberland Players to further focus and develop improvement ideas for the Fire Hall Theatre building to provide a modern, accessible, enjoyable, and home-town experience but at a smaller scale to provide targeted improvements; and

  FURTHER THAT Council encourages the Northumberland Players to continue to deliver intimate small-audience experiences in the Fire Hall Theatre and continue to partner with local facilities (including the Town’s Concert Hall) to provide larger-scale shows.

14.4

 2025 Cobourg Public Library Updated Budget

• Action Recommended:

  THAT Council approve the 2025 Cobourg Public Library Budget request in the amount of $1,221,941, to be incorporated as part of the Town's 2025 Operating and Capital Budget.

14.5

2025 Operating and Capital Budget Review

• Action Recommended:

  WHEREAS Council has considered the 2025 Town of Cobourg Operating and Capital Budget recommendations; and 

  WHEREAS Council adopt the Division recommendations and refer to Regular Council for approval.

  NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Council approve as amended the Draft 2025 Capital Budget in the amount of $111,482,784; and

  FURTHER THAT Council approve as amended the Draft 2025 Operating Budget with the Municipal Levy of $32,728,233 which represents a 6.68% increase over the 202 4Operating Budget and a 5.36% net increase after allowing for New Assessment Growth of 2.32% and an infrastructure levy of 1.00%.

14.6

2025 Environmental Services Operating and Capital Budget Review

• Action Recommended:

  WHEREAS Council has considered the 2025 Town of Cobourg Environmental Services Budget recommendations refer to Regular Council for approval.

  NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council approve as presented the 2025 Operating Budget for Environmental Services for the Town of Cobourg indicating Total Revenue of $7,428,764 and Total Expenditures of $5,118,741 resulting in a Net Operating Surplus of $634,023 which will be transferred to the Sewer Rates Reserve; and

  FURTHER THAT Council approve the 2025 Capital Budget for Environmental Services for the Town of Cobourg in the amount of $1,676,000.

14.7

Report No. PW-2024-024 from Deputy Director, Engineering regarding Award of Tender for William Street Bridge Rehabilitation and King Street West Culvert Replacement

• Action Recommended:

  WHEREAS at the Public Works, Planning and Development Standing Committee meeting on November 27, 2024, the Committee considered the Report No. PW-2024-024 from Deputy Director, Engineering regarding award of tender for William Street bridge rehabilitation and King Street West culvert replacement.

  NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council award Tender No. CO-24-07 ENG to KB Civil Constructors Ltd. in the amount of $3,576,110.00 (Excl. HST); and

  FURTHER THAT Council approve the 2025 William Street Bridge Rehabilitation capital project budget in the amount of $825,000 as proposed in the 2025 budget presented at the October 30, 2024 Standing Committee; and

  FUTHER THAT Council approve the 2025 King Street West Culvert Replacement capital project budget in the amount of $1,800,000 as proposed in the 2025 budget presented at the October 30, 2024 Standing Committee.

14.8

Report No. DS-2024-022 from Director, Planning and Development regarding Heritage Permit By-law - Amendments to Streamline and Clarify Process

• Action Recommended:

  THAT Council receive this report for information purposes; and

  FURTHER THAT Council enact By-law No. 068-2024 the Heritage Permit By-law.

14.9

Report No. PW-2024-025 from Director, Public Works and Engineering regarding Adoption of 2023-2032 Stormwater Rates

• Action Recommended:

  THAT Council enact By-law No. 065-2024 the Stormwater Management Charge By-law.

15.

By-laws

15.1

By-law No. 065-2024 Being a By-law to Establish and Adopt a Stormwater Management Charge By the Town of Cobourg and Repeal By-law 057-2024

15.2

By-law No. 066-2024 Being A By-Law To Authorize The Execution Of An Agreement With His Majesty The King In Right Of Ontario As Represented By The Minister Of Infrastructure And Communities For The Cobourg Shoreline Protection Repair Project

15.3

By-law No. 067-2024 Being a By-law to Establish Terms of Connection and Rates for the Water and Waste Water System for Connections to Municipal Water Mains and Sanitary Sewers Within the Town

15.4

By-law No. 068-2024 Being a By-law to Delegate Authority for the Provision of Powers Under the Ontario Heritage Act to the Director of Planning and Development of the Corporation of the Town of Cobourg and to Regulate the Alteration of Heritage Property

• Action Recommended:

  BE IT RESOLVED THAT leave be granted to introduce By-law No.065-2024 to By-law No.068-2024 and to dispense with the reading of the bylaw by the Municipal Clerk and that the same be considered read and passed and that the Mayor and the Municipal Clerk sign the same and the Seal of the Corporation be thereto affixed.

16.

Notice of Motion / Motion for Which Notice Has Been Given

Speakers may not register to speak to Motions.

17.

Departmental Updates/Discussion

18.

Confirmatory By-law

18.1

By-law 069-2024, being a By-law to confirm the proceedings of the Council Meeting of December 18, 2024.

• Action Recommended:

  THAT leave be granted to introduce By-law 069-2024 and to dispense with the reading of the By-law by the Municipal Clerk to confirm the proceedings of Council of the Town of Cobourg at its Regular Council Meeting held on December, 18, 2024 and the same be considered read and passed and that the Mayor and the Municipal Clerk sign the same and the Seal of the Corporation be thereto affixed. 

19.

Adjournment

To adjourn the meeting.