July council update
by Brandon Mayer
There have been 3 formal meetings of council since the last update. The first was a closed session meeting on June 23 that was followed by an open session presentation to council regarding an infrastructure grant that Township staff successfully applied for. The grant of nearly $100,000 is expected to be used to make road improvements on Wincrest Avenue.
Another closed session meeting – which was announced on social media as an “emergency meeting” – took place on July 10. The meeting was scheduled to facilitate private discussions about an identifiable individual. No other information was released. The secrecy of the meeting resulted in much speculation (and annoyed comments) taking place on social media.
The only regularly scheduled meeting since the last update took place on July 2. Council jumped right into business, considering a request from Chesterville’s Farmer John who asked for a noise bylaw exemption for his annual party. The request was for the party to continue as late as 2:30am, instead of 11:00pm, as specified by the existing bylaw. Council denied the request, noting that neighbours raise concerns about the noise level every year. Calvin Pol, Director of Development Services, confirmed that fines will be issued if this year’s party violates noise bylaws, and that bylaw officers intend to be on site.
Council next heard from Fire Chief Kent Raistrick regarding some needed equipment for the North Dundas Fire Service. Specifically, council considered the purchase of a new pumper firetruck to replace one at the Township’s Morewood fire station that is 26 years old. Council agreed that replacing the truck makes more sense in the long run than paying for extensive upgrades to the existing truck.
Next, council considered a motion refusing to task Township staff with placing barriers for road closures related to the annual Morewood Remembrance Day ceremony. Councillor John Lennox disagreed with the motion, positing that one hour of Township time to help such an event proceed is a small price to pay. Councillor Matthew Uhrig had a dissenting opinion which was shared by Deputy Mayor Theresa Bergeron and Councillor Gary Annable – essentially feeling that the Township should stay out of the issue. The motion resulted in much back and forth discussion. The motion was passed, keeping Township staff out of the event. The only “no” vote was cast by Councillor Lennox, but majority won. The Mayor traditionally does not vote except to break a tie.
Council moved quickly on the next agenda item, which approved a plan to sell a surplus vacant lot on Gladstone Street in Winchester that is owned by the Township. The Township will ask $130,000 for the 0.8 acre lot. Council was similarly speedy in ratifying the recreation and culture plan.
Recreation and Culture Director Meaghan Meerburg then presented a motion for the purchase of a condenser for the ice at the Chesterville Arena, similar to a purchase that had to be made last year for the Winchester Arena. Council approved the motion.
Other routine business followed, including updates from council members regarding the various committees on which they sit.
Following a break period, the July 2 meeting ended with a public meeting regarding a zoning bylaw amendment application put forward by Shellian Inc for a new development in Hallville. Director Pol provided a presentation regarding the amendment application. There were no questions or comments from members of the public. Councillor Uhrig provided a comment that the developer should consider the importance of high speed internet infrastructure during the development process. The zoning amendment was unanimously passed, and the July 2 council meeting concluded after 1 hour and 40 minutes.