Council Highlights - Mon. Jul. 10, 2023

Committee of the Whole and Regular Council meetings are held on the second, third, and fourth Monday of each month, except for holidays.

The Committee of the Whole consists of all members of Council. The Committee of the Whole reviews and recommends an item for approval by Council. The item still requires Council's final approval, which typically takes place at the Regular Council meeting held in two weeks’ time.

Visit www.SaugeenShores.ca/Meetings to see all meeting dates, agendas, minutes, and webcasts.

Committee of the Whole Meeting

Saugeen Shores 2023 Strategic Plan Phase 3

One of the Office of the CAO's 2023 Major Initiatives is a refresh of the Town’s current Corporate Strategic Plan. The Town retained Strategy Corp to lead the Plan’s development through four phases of work.

Phases 1 – 2 undertook a situational review including an environmental scan, SWOT/gap analysis, a council priority setting workshop, and interviews with council and senior staff.

Phase 3 involves the development and presentation of the draft framework. The next steps are to facilitate public engagement and feedback.

This was received for information.

2023 Major Initiatives and Division Highlights Update

Overall, the Major Initiatives are trending at 53% completion; this is slightly ahead of schedule for the end of the quarter. Division Highlights are tracking on schedule at 44%, while Capital Highlights are at 46% completion (tracking well as the Town moves into construction season).

This was received for information.

Community Services Review and Recommendations

In 2021, the Town committed to undertaking a Municipal Service Delivery Review (MSDR).  Council approved the MSDR that November with a two-year plan to implement the approved structure. This plan also noted that a review of Community Services would occur following a decision about the Aquatic and Wellness Centre (AWC).  After Council chose a municipally-run operating model for the AWC on March 13, 2023,  staff contracted Strategy Corp to review the Community Service and Operations Department.  The review provided two options, including an option for two separate departments (Option #1).

The Committee recommended Option 1 for approval.

AWC Community Engagement Update

The Town has hired both a Community Engagement Lead and Community Engagement Coordinator to support the fundraising campaign for the Aquatic & Wellness Centre (first reported May 23, 2023). 

This report outlines the progress made to date and updates Council on planned next steps.

This was received for information.

Procurement Options with eSupply Canada

eSupply Canada is an online distributor of office, janitorial, and industrial supplies. Their aim is to provide a local, community-based alternative to the big-box retailers, providing the convenience of online ordering and direct delivery. With over a million office, janitorial, and industrial products available, eSupply, through their one-stop-shop website, can provide the Town with an additional option to reduce the Town’s costs.

This was received for information.

Audit Planning Report

This report highlights BDO’s Audit Planning Report to complete the Town's year-end audit. BDO began the final audit for 2022 in early June and will present the financial statements to Council by September 2023.

This was received for information.

Proposed Clean Yards By-law

The By-law Enforcement Division would like to adopt a Clean Yards By-law to replace the existing Property Standards By-law that governs yard maintenance. This report details the reasoning for the new By-law and the proposed changes. 

This was received for information.

Fire Services Marine Service Provision

Saugeen Shores Fire Department (SSFD) responded to 14 water rescue calls in 2022; this was 5.3% of all SSFD calls. Council had passed an establishing and regulatory by-law confirming the Fire Department's water rescue is a required and necessary emergency response service.  However, Council also requested a boat rescue service provision report to consider methods, risks, and related costs. The report recommends “nearshore” and “offshore” response methodologies along with training requirements and cost recovery by requesting neighbours.

This was recommended for approval.

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

Regular Council Meeting

Committee of the Whole Report

The Committee of the Whole recommended the following to Council:

1. That Council direct staff to advance the master planning process for North Shore Park.
2. That Council receive the Light Industrial Water Rate Request Follow-Up report for information.
3. That Council adopt a Notice Policy By-law that contains a policy governing the circumstances and manner in which the Town shall provide notice.
4. That Council endorse the 2024 Business Plan Timelines, working toward a final budget presentation in December 2023.
5. That Council receive the Introduction to Asset Management report for information.
6. That Council adopt a by-law to enter into a Fire Service agreement with the Town of South Bruce Peninsula for the provision of fire services as defined in Schedule A of the agreement.

These were carried.

Municipal Heritage Committee Report - Policy Amendments

The Municipal Heritage Committee recommended that Council approve the Property Plaque Program Policy as amended, and the Heritage Conservation Award Policy as amended.

This was carried.

Staff Report - Pro Shop Lease Agreement Renewal

This report recommends renewing a lease agreement with Gord’s Pro Shop c/o Gord Lamont, for the operation of a pro shop/skate sharpening services at The Plex for the term commencing, January 1, 2023, to December 31, 2027.

This was carried.

To learn more, view the Regular Council Meeting agenda.