The Corporation of The Town of Cobourg
Regular Council Meeting
Agenda

Wednesday, January 31, 2024

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

Council Chambers, Victoria Hall, Cobourg

Closed Session 4 p.m.

Open Meeting 6 p.m.

 

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 [e-mail]. 

 

Join Zoom Meeting Information for Speakers

Online: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83295104054

Meeting ID: 832 9510 4054

Phone: [phone]

 

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1.

Call to Order

2.

Introduction of Addendum Items

3.

Confirmation of Agenda

To confirm the 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 in accordance with the Municipal Act, 2001 regarding:

  • 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

Adoption of the December 4, 2023 Special Council Minutes

9.2

Adoption of the December 4, 2023 Municipal Community Grants Submissions Minutes

9.3

Adoption of the December 4, 2023 Regular Council Minutes

9.4

Adoption of the December 5, 2023 Public Council Minutes

9.5

Adoption of the December 11, 2023 Municipal Community Grants Submissions Minutes

9.6

Adoption of the December 12, 2023 Divisional Staff Presentation Minutes

9.7

Adoption of the December 13, 2023 Divisional Staff Presentation Minutes

9.8

Adoption of the January 9, 2024 Strategic Priorities and Policy Standing Committee Minutes

9.9

Adoption of the January 9, 2024 Special Council Minutes

9.10

Adoption of the January 10, 2024 Community Services, Protection, and Economic Development Standing Committee Minutes

9.11

Adoption of the January 10, 2024 Public Works, Planning and Development Standing Committee Minutes

9.12

Adoption of the January 11, 2024 Corporate, Finance, and Legislative Standing Committee Minutes

9.13

Adoption of the January 18, 2024 Special Council Minutes

9.14

Adoption of the January 18, 2024 Strategic Priorities and Policy Standing Committee Minutes

• Action Recommended:

  BE IT RESOLVED THAT the minutes of Cobourg Municipal Council be approved as presented.

10.

Community Announcements

Members of Council will present verbal reports on matters within their respective areas of responsibility.

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

Michelle Haney-Kileeg and William Lambert on behalf of the Canadian Fire Fighters Museum regarding an update on actions taken since June 2023.

• Action Recommended:

  THAT Council receive the delegation from Michelle Haney-Kileeg and William Lambert on behalf of the Canadian Fire Fighters Museum regarding an update on actions taken since June 2023 for information purposes. 

  OR

  THAT Council refer the delegation from Michelle Haney-Kileeg and William Lambert on behalf of the Canadian Fire Fighters Museum regarding an update on actions taken since June 2023 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.

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

Strategic Priorities and Policy Standing Committee

13.1.1

Paul Vandegraaf, Cobourg Police Chief, and Ronald Kerr, Cobourg Police Services Board Chair, regarding the 2024 Cobourg Police Services Operating and Capital Budgets Presentation

• Action Recommended:

  WHEREAS at the Strategic Priorities and Policy Standing Committee meeting on January 9, 2024, the Committee considered a presentation from Cobourg Police Services regarding the 2024 Cobourg Police Services Operating and Capital Budgets.

  NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council receive the presentation from Cobourg Police Services regarding the 2024 Operating and Capital Budgets for information purposes.

13.1.2

Report No. LS-2024-002 from the Town Clerk/Director, Legislative Services, regarding the 2024 Budget Referral Items – 2024 Budget Deliberations

• Action Recommended:

  WHEREAS at the Strategic Priorities and Policy Standing Committee meeting on January 9, 2024, the Committee considered Report No. LS-2024-002 from Town Clerk/Director, Legislative Services, regarding the 2024 Budget Referral Items – 2024 Budget Deliberations.

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

13.1.3

Report No. CAO-2024-001 from the Chief Administrative Officer regarding New Staff Positions Priority Listing – 2024 Budget

• Action Recommended:

  WHEREAS at the Strategic Priorities and Policy Standing Committee meeting on January 18, 2024, the Committee considered Report No. CAO-2024-001 from the Chief Administrative Officer regarding New Staff Positions Priority Listing – 2024 Budget.

  NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council receive this report for information purposes as requested by Strategic Priorities and Policy Standing Committee at the January 9^th, 2024, meeting.

13.2

Community Services, Protection, and Economic Development Standing Committee

13.2.1

Report No. COMM-2024-001 from Director, Community Services regarding Ganaraska Region Conservation Authority MOU

• Action Recommended:

  WHEREAS at the Community Services, Protection, and Economic Development Standing Committee meeting on January 10, 2024, the Committee considered Report No. COMM-2024-001 from Director, Community Services regarding Ganaraska Region Conservation Authority MOU.

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

  FURTHER THAT Council enact a bylaw to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding with the Ganaraska Region Conservation Authority for services rendered to the Town of Cobourg; and

  FURTHER THAT Council approves the MOU effective to January 1, 2024, so as to reflect the full fiscal year of the GRCA and ensure compliance with O.Reg 687/21 under the Conservation Authorities Act. 

13.3

Public Works, Planning, and Development Standing Committee

13.3.1

Memo from the Accessibility Advisory Committee regarding 2024 Accessible Transit Recommendations

• Action Recommended:

  WHEREAS at the Public Works, Planning, and Development Standing Committee meeting on January 10, 2024, the Committee considered a memo from the Accessibility Advisory Committee regarding 2024 Accessible Transit Recommendations.

  NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council receive the memo from the Accessibility Advisory Committee regarding 2024 Accessible Transit Recommendations for information purposes.

13.3.2

Memo from Heritage Advisory Committee regarding Sign By-law and Heritage Signage Guidelines

• Action Recommended:

  WHEREAS at the Public Works, Planning, and Development Standing Committee meeting on January 10, 2024, the Committee considered a memo from the Heritage Advisory Committee regarding Sign By-law and Heritage Signage Guidelines.

  NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council receive the memo from the Heritage Advisory Committee regarding the sign by-law and heritage signage guidelines for information purposes.

13.4

Corporate, Finance, and Legislative Standing Committee

13.4.1

Report No. LS-2024-004 from Grant and Policy Writer regarding 2023 Freedom of Information Request Update

• Action Recommended:

  WHEREAS at the  Corporate, Finance, and Legislative Standing Committee meeting on January 11, 2024, the Committee considered Report No. LS-2024-004 from Grant and Policy Writer regarding 2023 Freedom of Information Request Update.

  NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council receive the 2023 Freedom of Information Request Update for information purposes.

13.4.2

Report No. LS-2024-003 from Accessibility and EDI Coordinator regarding 2023 Multi-Year Accessibility Plan Progress Report

• Action Recommended:

  WHEREAS at the Corporate, Finance, and Legislative Standing Committee meeting on January 11, 2024, the Committee considered Report No. LS-2024-003 from Accessibility and EDI Coordinator regarding 2023 Multi-Year Accessibility Plan Progress Report.

  NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council accepts this Multi-Year Accessibility Plan Progress report for information purposes; and

  FURTHER THAT Council direct Staff to provide this report to the Accessibility Advisory Committee to help guide the goals for the 2024 calendar year.

13.4.3

Report No. COR-2024-001 from Treasurer/Director of Corporate Services regarding Staff Contingency Reserve Fund

• Action Recommended:

  WHEREAS at the Corporate, Finance, and Legislative Standing Committee meeting on January 11, 2024, the Committee considered Report No. COR-2024-001 from Treasurer/Director of Corporate Services regarding Staff Contingency Reserve Fund.

  NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council direct Staff to prepare a staff contingency reserve fund for the purpose of allocating the net of any annual cost savings related to staff vacancies or delays in hiring new budgeted approved staff.

13.4.4

Report No. LS-2024-005 from the Town Clerk/Director, Legislative Services, regarding Marriage License and Civil Marriage Solemnization Fee Increase

• Action Recommended:

  WHEREAS at the Corporate, Finance, and Legislative Standing Committee meeting on January 11, 2024, the Committee considered Report No. LS-2024-005 from the Town Clerk/Director, Legislative Services, regarding Marriage License and Civil Marriage Solemnization Fee Increase.

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

  FURTHER THAT Council enact a by-law to amend the Town Fees and Charges By-law to adjust the Marriage Licences fee to $150.00 and the Marriage Ceremonies fee to $400.00, and a fee be included for witnesses to Civil Ceremonies in the amount of $25.00 per witness.

14.

Items Extracted from Consent Agenda

14.1

Delegation, Dr. Hillary Allen & Mr. Jeff Crowley, regarding 310 Division Street - An Opportunity for Community Integration

• Action Recommended:

  WHEREAS at the Community Services, Protection, and Economic Development Standing Committee meeting on January 10, 2024, the Committee considered a delegation from Dr. Hillary Allen & Mr. Jeff Crowley regarding 310 Division Street - An Opportunity for Community Integration.

  NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council refer the petition from Dr. Hillary Allen & Mr. Jeff Crowley regarding 310 Division Street - An Opportunity for Community Integration to staff for a report back to Regular Council for comment on the proposed recommendations contained in the delegation; and

  FURTHER THAT Council also direct Staff to include in the report back a review on the amendment of various Municipal By-laws that would enhance the ability to enforce nuisance related incidents on all municipal property, and to specifically include a provision on the prohibition of consuming illegal drugs in a public place and loitering in public places; and

  FURTHER THAT Council direct Staff to reach out to the Transition Board to request that a Cobourg Council Member sit on the Transition Board of Directors as a Liaison Member with information on the request to be included in the Staff Report back to Regular Council.

14.2

Delegation, Colline Bell, and Woodward Family, regarding the Stormwater Charges and to present recommendations and Community Petition

• Action Recommended:

  WHEREAS at the Public Works, Planning, and Development Standing Committee meeting on January 10, 2024, the Committee considered a delegation from Colline Bell and the Woodward Family regarding Stormwater Charges and to present recommendations and Community Petition.

  NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council receive the petition from Colline Bell and Woodward family regarding Stormwater Charges for information purposes; and

  FURTHER THAT Council direct Staff to review the suggested $200.00 residential cap and report back on impacts to stormwater revenue.

14.3

2024 Operating and Capital Budget Review

• Action Recommended:

  WHEREAS at the Strategic Priorities and Policy Standing Committee meetings on January 9 and 18, 2024, the Committee considered the 2024 Town of Cobourg Operating and Capital Budget recommendations.

  NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council approve as amended the 2024 Capital Budget in the amount of $11,024,488; and

  FURTHER THAT Council approve as amended the Draft 2024 Operating Budget with the Municipal Levy of $30,944,896 which represents a 9.91% increase over the 2023 Operating Budget and an 8.06% net increase after allowing for New Assessment Growth of 1.85%.

14.4

2024 Environmental Services Operating and Capital Budget Review

• Action Recommended:

  WHEREAS at the Strategic Priorities and Policy Standing Committee meeting on January 18, 2024, the Committee considered the 2024 Environmental Services Operating and Capital Budget Review.

  NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council approve as presented the 2024 Operating Budget for Environmental Services for the Town of Cobourg indicating Total Revenue of $6,925,390 and Total Expenditures of $5,126,810 resulting in a Net Operating Surplus of $568,580 which will be transferred to the Sewer Rates Reserve; and

  FURTHER THAT Council approve the 2024 Capital Budget for Environmental Services for the Town of Cobourg in the amount of $1,230,000.

14.5

Report No. DS-2024-002 from the Director, Planning and Development and Planner II (Heritage) regarding Further Information on Heritage Permit #HP-2023-023 (17 King Street East)

Proposed Internally Illuminated Signage for Jacqueline Pennington Real Estate Brokerage Office

• Action Recommended:

  WHEREAS at the Public Works, Planning, and Development Standing Committee meeting on January 10, 2024, the Committee considered Report No. DS-2024-001 from Planner II (Heritage) regarding HP – 2023 – 023 (17 King Street East) – Proposed Internally Illuminated Signage for Jacqueline Pennington Real Estate Brokerage Office; and 

  WHEREAS the Committee referred Report No. DS-2024-001 to Council to consider the Staff recommendation on the denial of the Heritage Permit Application; and

  WHEREAS the Committee directed Staff to provide further information on exemptions or considerations and the implications for the approval of Heritage Permit #HP-2023-023 at the January 31, 2024 Regular Council meeting.

  NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council deny Heritage Permit application #HP-2023-023, as submitted by Jacqueline Pennington Real Estate Corporation 

  OR

  THAT Council grant an exemption to the Sign By-law #8-2009, as amended, to Jacqueline Pennington Real Estate Corporation, to facilitate the erection of one (1) 40” by 209” internally illuminated fascia sign consisting of a sign box with an aluminum panel and raised “push-thru” acrylic lettering, illuminated from within using LED technology; and
  THAT Heritage Permit application #HP-2023-023, as submitted by Jacqueline Pennington Real Estate Corporation, be approved.

14.6

Report No. COMM-2024-002 from Director, Community Services regarding Community Services User Fee Update

• Action Recommended:

  WHEREAS at the Strategic Priorities and Policy Standing Committee meeting on January 18, 2024, the Committee considered Report No. COMM-2024-002 from Director, Community Services regarding Community Services User Fee Update.

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

  FURTHER THAT Council approve the user fee schedule presented in Attachment 2; and

  FURTHER THAT Council enact a by-law to amend the Town Fees and Charges By-law to adjust the user fee schedule as shown in Attachment 2.

14.7

Correspondence from the Municipality of Shuniah regarding Bill 21 - Fixing Long Term Care Amendment Act (Till Death Do Us Part)

• Action Recommended:

  THAT Council receive the correspondence from the Municipality of Shuniah regarding Bill 21 - Fixing Long Term Care Amendment Act (Till Death Do Us Part) for information purposes.

14.8

Correspondence from the Inter-Municipal Task Force on Housing and Homelessness regarding the Draft Northumberland Inter-Municipal Task Force on Housing and Homelessness Terms of Reference

• Action Recommended:

  That Council receive the correspondence from the Inter-Municipal Task Force on Housing and Homelessness regarding the Draft Northumberland Inter-Municipal Task Force on Housing and Homelessness Terms of Reference for information purposes.

14.9

Correspondence from the Ganaraska Region Conservation Authority regarding an exemption from stormwater charges for the Cobourg Conservation Area

• Action Recommended:

  That Council receive the correspondence from the Ganaraska Region Conservation Authority regarding an exemption from stormwater charges for the Cobourg Conservation Area for information purposes.

14.10

Correspondence from the Association of Ontario Road Supervisors regarding Potential Municipal Equipment Operator Course

• Action Recommended:

  WHEREAS municipal public works departments from across the Province of Ontario provide invaluable services to our communities ensuring the health and safety of all residents; and

  WHEREAS if it was not for our municipal public works employees from across the Province of Ontario maintaining our public roads systems, our communities would not be able to function as emergency personnel could not respond to calls, school buses could not get our children to school, residents would not be able to get to work, school or appointments and many more basic functions would not be able to happen; and

  WHEREAS municipal public works departments are already feeling the impacts of a labour shortage, which will only be exasperated over the next three to five years, which will cause levels of service municipalities are able to provide to ensure the health and safety of our residents to decrease; and

  WHEREAS there is currently no provincial-wide course that properly trains potential municipal public works employees, specifically relating to municipal heavy equipment. 

  NOW THEREFORE IT BE RESOLVED THAT The Town of Cobourg supports the work of the Association of Ontario Road Supervisors to develop a Municipal Equipment Operator Course to address this issue; and

  THAT The Town of Cobourg calls on the Province of Ontario’s Ministry of Labour, Training, Immigration and Skilled Trades to fully fund the Municipal Equipment Operator Course in 2024 through the Skills Development Fund; and

  THAT a copy of this resolution be sent to the Minister of Labour, Training, Immigration and Skilled Trades and The Town of Cobourg’s Member of Provincial Parliament David Piccinni, and the Association of Ontario Road Supervisors.

15.

By-laws

15.1

By-law No. 003-2024 being a by-law to amend the Fees and Charges Schedule By-law 088-2017

15.2

By-law No. 004-2024 being a By-law to amend the Fees and Charges Schedule By-law 088-2017 (Community Services)

15.3

By-law No. 005-2024 being a By-law To Amend Zoning By-Law Number 85-2003 For 431 Ontario Street

15.4

By-law No. 006-2024 being a By-law To Designate Lands Not Subject To Part Lot Control (Blocks 156-162 Inclusive, Plan 39m-955 – Tribute Phase 1)

15.5

By-law No. 007-2024 being A By-Law To Amend Zoning By-Law Number 85-2003 For Block 95 (East Village – Phase 4 Subdivision)

15.6

By-law No. 008-2024 being a By-Law To Authorize An Interim Tax Levy And To Provide For The Collection Of Taxes And Penalty And Interest Charges

15.7

By-law No. 009-2024 being a By-law to Authorize Borrowing From Time To Time To Meet Current Expenditures During The Fiscal Year Ending December 31, 2024

15.8

By-law No. 010-2024 being a By-law to Authorize the Execution of a Memorandum Of Understanding with the Ganaraska Region Conservation Authority

• Action Recommended:

  BE IT RESOLVED THAT leave be granted to introduce By-law No. 003-2024 to By-law No. 010-2024 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.

County Business

18.

Confirmatory By-law

18.1

By-law 011-2024, being a By-law to confirm the proceedings of the Council Meeting of January 31, 2024

• Action Recommended:

  THAT leave be granted to introduce By-law No. 011-2024 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 January, 31, 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.