Council Highlights - May 27, 2024

Government Relations – Wellington Dupont Contract 

Wellington Dupont was brought on in 2023 to support the Town of Saugeen Shores in its pursuit of funding for the Aquatic and Wellness Centre (AWC). Since that time, the scope of work has broadened from the AWC to encompass other funding projects as well as general advocacy. This report outlines the current and proposed support from Wellington Dupont and asks Council to approve the extension of contract to December 31, 2024. The $50,000 will be funded through the Future Capital Reserve as the majority of the grants are capital projects and will offset any net new funding secured. 

This was recommended for approval. 

Proposed Council Remuneration and Expense Policy 

At the request of Council, the preparation of a Council Remuneration and Expense Policy was added to the Legislative Services 2024 Business Plan. Members of Council provided recommendations to help form the framework which were relayed to Gallagher Benefit Services in the preparation of the draft policy. Council was asked to review the policy and provide direction prior to its consideration and adoption by By-law. 

This was referred back to staff to incorporate the direction from Council. 

Enactment of Indemnification By-law 

Pursuant to Section 279 of the Municipal Act, 2001, S.O. 2001, c.25, as amended, a municipality may act as an insurer with respect to the protection of its current and former employees or members of Council from risks of pecuniary loss or liability caused by their responsibilities with the municipality. An indemnification by-law is common practice in Ontario. This report recommends the passing of an Indemnification By-law to provide clarity and protection to those employed by and/or those acting under the authority of their office. 

This was recommended for approval. 

2024 First Quarter Variance to Budget 

The Variance to Budget report provides Council with a forecast of the financial operating results for the Town as of March 2024. The actual net income through the first quarter of the year is $16.3 million and the year-to-date variance to budget is forecasted to have a higher net income of $0.2 million. 

This was recommended to be received for information.  

Asset Retirement Obligation Policy 

The Public Sector Accounting Board introduced Asset Retirement Obligation reporting requirements. The purpose of this Policy is to provide guidance on the accounting treatment for asset retirement obligations and to establish roles and responsibilities for the various departments in the municipality. The identified obligations will be measured and included in the Town’s financial statements beginning in the 2023 fiscal year. 

This was recommended for approval. 

Aquatic and Wellness Centre Debentures 

This report authorizes the first debenture on a portion of the debt required to fund the Aquatic and Wellness Centre. This debenture by-law follows prior Council approval of a borrowing agreement with Infrastructure Ontario. The total amount of the debenture for the first portion of the debt is $14,166,666 million. 

This was recommended for approval. 

Team Saugeen Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Action Plan Implementation 

Implementation of the Team Saugeen Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Action Plan is a Major Initiative in the 2024 Business Plan for the Office of the Chief Administrative Officer. Key initiatives in the first year of implementation focus on delivering training to staff to raise awareness of key DEI concepts and the benefits of DEI initiatives on innovation and employee engagement at the Town of Saugeen Shores. 

This was recommended to be received for information. 

To learn more, view the Committee of Whole meeting agenda.