Body: Council Type: Minutes Meeting: Regular Date: March 20, 2024 Collection: Council Minutes Municipality: Frontenac County

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MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF COUNCIL March 20, 2024

A regular meeting of the Council of the County of Frontenac was held in the Frontenac Room of the County Administrative Office, 2069 Battersea Road, Glenburnie on Wednesday, March 20, 2024 at 9:30 AM

Present:

Warden Ron Vandewal, Deputy Warden Fran Smith, Councillors Fred Fowler, Nicki Gowdy, Judy GreenwoodSpeers, Ray Leonard, Gerry Lichty, and Bill Saunders

Also Present:

County: Kelly Pender, Chief Administrative Officer Gale Chevalier, Chief/Director of Emergency & Transportation Services Joe Gallivan, Director of Planning and Economic Development Alex Lemieux, Director of Corporate Services/Treasurer Susan Brant, Administrator-Fairmount Home Barb McCulloch, Director of Human Resources Jannette Amini, Manager of Legislative Services/Clerk

Regular Meeting of Council Minutes March 20, 2024 -9:30 AM

Call to Order

We begin this gathering by acknowledging and celebrating these traditional lands as a gathering place of the first peoples and their ancestors who are entrusted to care for mother earth since time immemorial. We do so respecting both the land and the Indigenous People who continue to walk with us through this world. Today, the County is committed to working with Indigenous peoples and all residents to pursue a united path of reconciliation.

Roll Call

Closed Session

Motion #: 30-24

Moved By:

Councillor Fowler

Seconded By:

Councillor Leonard

Resolved That Council resolve itself into Committee of the Whole closed session as authorized under Section 239 of The Municipal Act, to consider:

  1. Adoption of Closed Minutes of Meetings held January 17, 2024
  2. Labour relations or employee negotiations - as it relates positions within CUPE

Carried

Motion #: 31-24

Moved By:

Councillor Saunders

Regular Meeting of Council Minutes March 20, 2024 -9:30 AM Page 2 of 22

Seconded By:

Councillor Gowdy

Resolved That Council rise from Committee of the Whole closed session, that By-law 2022-0026 be waived, and that the Clerk report. Carried

Motion #: 32-24

Moved By:

Councillor Lichty

Seconded By:

Councillor Greenwood-Speers

Be it resolved that Council approve the creation of one new Project Manager/Senior Planner position for the Planning & Economic Development Department;

And Further That this new position replaces one of the current Community Planner positions and the vacated Community Planner position will remain unfilled unless an additional position is approved by Council Carried

Approval of Addendum

Disclosure of Pecuniary Interest and General Nature Thereof

Adoption of Minutes

a)

Minutes of Meeting held February 21, 2024

Regular Meeting of Council Minutes March 20, 2024 -9:30 AM Page 3 of 22

Motion #: 33-24

Moved By:

Deputy Warden Vandewal

Seconded By:

Councillor Fowler

Resolved That the minutes of the regular Council meeting held February 21, 2024 be adopted. Carried

Delegations and/or Presentations

a)

Presentation by Mr. Jason Kervin, ACP, Community Paramedicine and Education Coordinator, Frontenac Paramedics on the Neighbours Saving Neighbours (NSN) volunteer responder program for cardiac arrest #inFrontenac.

b)

Chief Gale Chevalier will make a presentation of a Frontenac Paramedics Chief Commendation Award.

c)

Brady Straw and Kelly Andrews of the Ontario Onsite Wastewater Association will present the County of Frontenac with its Corporate Innovator award for the County’s Communal Services Project.

d)

Dr. Piotr Oglaza, Mr. Wess Garrod (Chair), and Councillor Nathan Townend (Member of the Tri-Board Merger Committee), will provide County Council with an update on the progress of the discussions in exploring a voluntary merger between Hastings Prince Edward Public Health; Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit; and KFL&A

Regular Meeting of Council Minutes March 20, 2024 -9:30 AM Page 4 of 22

Public Health.

A Tri-Board Merger Committee was formed, comprising of representatives from each individual Board of Health, with the Medical Officers of Health for each agency serving as ex-officio, non-voting members of the committee.

e)

Ms. Cindy Cassidy, Eastern Ontario Trails Alliance, will address County Council as a result of the invitation offered by Council for the EOTA to come and do a presentation on a potential partnership with the EOTA.

Proclamations

Move into Committee of the Whole

Motion #: 34-24

Moved By:

Councillor Leonard

Seconded By:

Councillor Saunders

That Council adjourn and meet as Committee of the Whole Council, with the Deputy Warden in the Chair. Carried

Briefings

Regular Meeting of Council Minutes March 20, 2024 -9:30 AM Page 5 of 22

a)

Mr. Kelly Pender, Chief Administrative Officer, will provide Council with his monthly CAO briefing.

Unfinished Business

Consent Reports from the Chief Administrative Officer

Committee of Management of Fairmount Home

Motion #: 35-24

Moved By:

Councillor Gowdy

Seconded By:

Councillor Lichty

That Committee of the Whole Council adjourn and meet as Committee of Management of Fairmount Home, with the Deputy Warden in the Chair. Carried

b)

2024-031 Fairmount Home HQO Quality Improvement Plan

Motion #: 36-24

Moved By:

Councillor Greenwood-Speers

Seconded By:

Warden Smith

Regular Meeting of Council Minutes March 20, 2024 -9:30 AM Page 6 of 22

Recommendation:

Be it Resolved That the Council of the County of Frontenac receive the Fairmount Home – Quality Improvement Plans (QIP) report;

And Further That the Council of the County of Frontenac approve the QIP submission to Health Quality Ontario (HQO) with the quality standard provided by HQO. Carried

Motion #: 37-24

Moved By:

Councillor Fowler

Seconded By:

Councillor Leonard

That the Committee of Management of Fairmount Home adjourn and revert back to Committee of the Whole Council. Carried

Recommend Reports from the Chief Administrative Officer

a)

2024-029 Emergency and Transportation Services 2023 Legislated Response Time Standard Performance Plan - Reporting to the Ministry of Health (MOH)

Motion #: 38-24

Moved By:

Councillor Saunders

Seconded By:

Councillor Gowdy

Regular Meeting of Council Minutes March 20, 2024 -9:30 AM Page 7 of 22

Recommendation:

Be It Resolved That the Council of the County of Frontenac receive the Emergency and Transportation Services - 2023 Legislated Response Time Standard Performance Plan Reporting to Ministry of Health for information;

And Further Thatthe 2023 Response Time Standard Performance Plan outcomes for the County of Frontenac be reported to the Director, Emergency Health Regulatory and Accountability Branch, Ministry of Health as required by legislation. Carried

b)

2024-030 Corporate Services Appointment of an Area Weed Inspector for the County of Frontenac

Motion #: 39-24

Moved By:

Councillor Lichty

Seconded By:

Councillor Greenwood-Speers

Recommendation:

Be It Resolved That the Council of the County of Frontenac receive the Corporate Services – Appointment of an Area Weed Inspector for the County of Frontenac report for information;

And Further Thatthe Clerk be directed to bring forward a by-law later in the meeting appointing Kelly J. Pender as Area Weed Inspector for the County of Frontenac.

Regular Meeting of Council Minutes March 20, 2024 -9:30 AM Page 8 of 22

Carried

c)

2024-033 Marine Services Request from the Township of Frontenac Islands re Removal of Boarding Restrictions

Motion #: 40-24

Moved By:

Warden Smith

Seconded By:

Councillor Fowler

Recommendation:

Whereas the Howe Island County Ferry is operated by the County of Frontenac;

And Whereas all costs associated with the operation of the ferry are the responsibility of the vessel owner, the Ontario Ministry of Transportation (MTO) and the Township of Frontenac Islands (the “Township”);

And Whereas legal fees, with the sole exception of fees related to labour relations are the sole responsibility of the Township;

And Whereas the Township of Frontenac Islands has requested that the County of Frontenac consider amending boarding policies to remove all restrictions during peak commuter hours, thereby deleting the reference to a 3,000 kg weight limit in the following policies:   

MS-12-019 Heavy Truck Restriction MS-17-001 Heavy Truck Restriction Period Agricultural Related Exemptions MS-12-018 Weekend & Holiday Truck Restrictions

Regular Meeting of Council Minutes March 20, 2024 -9:30 AM Page 9 of 22

And Whereas it is important to take into account the opinion of residents regarding the change as prior changes to boarding policies have been extremely contentious;

Now Therefore the County of Frontenac request that the Council of the Township of Frontenac Islands commence a minimum fifteen (15) day public consultation with Howe Island residents and businesses and report their findings to County Council;

And Further that the Township of Frontenac Islands acknowledge that all costs related to request, including staff time, will be the responsibility of the Township;

And Further that The Township of Frontenac Islands fully indemnify the County for any legal action that may result from this request;

And Further that all questions, comments and concerns received by County staff related to the request be directed to the Township for their attention;

And Further that this matter be deferred until such time as the Township has reported on their public consultation and provided a motion acceptable to the County Clerk with respect to related costs and indemnification. Carried

Motion #: 41-24

Moved By:

Councillor Saunders

Seconded By:

Councillor Gowdy

Be It Resolved That the motion be amended to delete “thirty (30) day public consultation” and replace with “fifteen (15) day public consultation” Carried

Regular Meeting of Council Minutes March 20, 2024 -9:30 AM Page 10 of 22

Information Reports from the Chief Administrative Officer

a)

2024-028 Corporate Services 2023 Remuneration and Reimbursement of Expenses to Council Members and Non-Council Appointees Report

Reports from Advisory Committees of County Council

Return to Council

Motion #: 42-24

Moved By:

Councillor Leonard

Seconded By:

Councillor Saunders

That Council revert from Committee of the Whole Council, to Council.

Carried

Adoption of the Report of the Committee of the Whole Council

Motion #: 43-24

Moved By:

Councillor Gowdy

Regular Meeting of Council Minutes March 20, 2024 -9:30 AM Page 11 of 22

Seconded By:

Councillor Lichty

That the report of the Committee of the Whole Council be adopted and that the necessary actions or by-laws be enacted. Carried

Motions, Notice of Which has Been Given

a)

Motion of Support One Pass for Motorized Summer Use of Trails

Motion #: 44-24

Moved By:

Warden Smith

Seconded By:

Deputy Warden Vandewal

Whereas the County of Frontenac recognizes the proposals from the Ontario Federation of ATV Clubs and the Eastern Ontario Trails Alliance to create a single pass system for trails in Ontario; and

Whereas the current club-managed, geography-based systems for trail passes result in conflict among trail supporters and confusion for tourists and motorized trail users, diminishing the enjoyment and accessibility of the trail network in Eastern Ontario; and

Whereas the lack of coordination among existing trail pass systems becomes particularly evident when comparing summer motorized trail use to the well-organized system developed for winter motorized trail use; and

Regular Meeting of Council Minutes March 20, 2024 -9:30 AM Page 12 of 22

Whereas the increasing popularity of all-terrain vehicles, side-by-sides, and dual sport motorcycles in Ontario has highlighted the need for expanded recreational opportunities and a unified pass system to address the uneven landscape of access and support for various motorized recreational uses; and

Whereas Frontenac County has made significant investments in the development and rehabilitation of the former Kingston & Pembroke Railway into the K&P Trail, enhancing economic development and tourism in the region; and

Whereas a cohesive system of permits and/or passes for summer motorized use, led by the province, would support enforcement efforts, fund necessary infrastructure improvements, and position Ontario as a destination for recreational trails;

Therefore, Be It Resolved That Frontenac County formally requests the Province of Ontario to take leadership in developing a cohesive, province-wide system of permits and/or passes for summer motorized trail use, ensuring a unified approach that supports all forms of motorized recreational activities, enhances tourism, and promotes economic development through our trail networks.

And Further That a copy of this resolution be forwarded to the relevant provincial authorities, including the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport, and local and regional trail management organizations, to encourage the establishment of a unified trail pass system that addresses the current challenges and leverages the potential of our trails for the benefit of all stakeholders. Carried

Giving Notice of Motion

Communications

Regular Meeting of Council Minutes March 20, 2024 -9:30 AM Page 13 of 22

That Council consent to the following communications of interest to Council listed below be received and filed:

a)

From Northumberland County regarding a resolution on the Occupational Health and Safety Act and the Definition of Employer [Distributed to Members of County Council February 23, 2024]

b)

From Prince Edward County regarding a resolution on increasing ODSP rates including Cost of living increases [Distributed to Members of County Council February 23, 2024

c)

From the town of Northeastern Manitoulin regarding a resolution regarding water and wastewater [Distributed to Members of County Council February 23, 2024]

d)

From the Village of Merrickville Wolford regarding a resolution on expanding life of Fire Apparatus [Distributed to Members of County Council February 23, 2024]

e)

From the City of Clarence-Rockland regarding a resolution concerning a National suicide and crisis hotline [Distributed to Members of County Council March 1, 2024]

f)

From the City of Stratford regarding a Resolution Declaring Road Safety Emergency

Regular Meeting of Council Minutes March 20, 2024 -9:30 AM Page 14 of 22

[Distributed to Members of County Council March 1, 2024]

g)

From the County of Lambton regarding a Resolution for the Province to upload costs of municipally owned highways [Distributed to Members of County Council March 1, 2024]

h)

From the Municipality of St. Charles regarding a resolution concerning Rising Municipal Insurance Costs [Distributed to Members of County Council March 1, 2024]

i)

From the Municipality of St. Charles regarding a resolution for a Potential Municipal Equipment Operator Course [Distributed to Members of County Council March 1, 2024]

j)

From the Municipality of St. Charles regarding a Resolution for Amendments to the Residential Tenancies Act [Distributed to Members of County Council March 1, 2024]

k)

From the Municipality of St. Charles regarding a resolution in Support of Bill 21, Fixing Long Term Care Amendment Act [Distributed to Members of County Council March 1, 2024]

l)

From the Municipality of St. Charles regarding a resolution in support of Guaranteed Livable Income

Regular Meeting of Council Minutes March 20, 2024 -9:30 AM Page 15 of 22

[Distributed to Members of County Council March 1, 2024]

m)

From the Municipality of St. Charles regarding a resolution in support of MECP Proposal to Expand the Use of Permit-by-Rule [Distributed to Members of County Council March 1, 2024]

n)

From the Municipality of St. Charles regarding a resolution requesting Provincial Cemetery Management Support [Distributed to Members of County Council March 1, 2024]

o)

From the Municipality of St. Charles regarding a Resolution to Support Unnecessary Noise from Engine Brakes [Distributed to Members of County Council March 1, 2024]

p)

From the Municipality of Tweed regarding a resolution concerning Enbridge Gas Inc and a measured approach to energy transition [Distributed to Members of County Council March 1, 2024]

q)

From the Town of Lincoln regarding a Resolution on the Need for Increased Funding for Libraries and Museums [Distributed to Members of County Council March 1, 2024]

r)

From the Township of Archipelago regarding a resolution to Increase the Amount of Tax Credits for Volunteer Firefighters

Regular Meeting of Council Minutes March 20, 2024 -9:30 AM Page 16 of 22

[Distributed to Members of County Council March 1, 2024]

s)

From the Township of Perry regarding a resolution to Amend Blue Box Regulation [Distributed to Members of County Council March 1, 2024]

t)

From the Town of Aurora regarding a Resolution concerning Improved Municipal Codes of Conduct-Enforcement [Distributed to Members of County Council March 8, 2024]

u)

From the Town of Aurora regarding a Resolution on Council-Committee Meeting Structure Under Strong Mayor Powers [Distributed to Members of County Council March 8, 2024]

v)

From the Town of Aurora regarding a Resolution to Request Amenity Sharing MOU with School Boards-Evening Weekend Gym Use [Distributed to Members of County Council March 8, 2024]

w)

From the Town of Cobourg regarding a Resolution concerning Proposed Amendment to Subsection 27(16) of the OHA [Distributed to Members of County Council March 8, 2024]

x)

From the Town of Goderich regarding a Resolution calling for a Return to combined ROMA & OGRA Conferences

Regular Meeting of Council Minutes March 20, 2024 -9:30 AM Page 17 of 22

[Distributed to Members of County Council March 8, 2024]

y)

From the Town of Grimsby regarding a Resolution supporting a review of Ontario Works and ODSP Financial Assistance Rates [Distributed to Members of County Council March 8, 2024]

z)

From the Town of Hanover regarding a Resolution concerning Volunteer Firefighter Tax Credit [Distributed to Members of County Council March 8, 2024]

aa)

From the Town of Plympton-Wyoming regarding a resolution concerning the affordability of rural water and wastewater systems [Distributed to Members of County Council March 8, 2024]

ab)

From the Township of Amaranth regarding a Resolution to pause advancement on proposed Hwy 413 [Distributed to Members of County Council March 8, 2024]

ac)

From the Township of Georgian Bay regarding a resolution concerning Volunteer Firefighter Tax Credit [Distributed to Members of County Council March 8, 2024]

ad)

From the Township of Georgian Bluffs regarding a Resolution concerning Rising Municipal Insurance Costs

Regular Meeting of Council Minutes March 20, 2024 -9:30 AM Page 18 of 22

[Distributed to Members of County Council March 8, 2024]

ae)

From the Township of Sioux Narrows - Nestor Falls regarding a Resolution concerning Volunteer Firefighter Tax Credit [Distributed to Members of County Council March 8, 2024]

af)

From the Town of Cobourg regarding a Resolution on the Affordability of Water and Wastewater Systems [Distributed to Members of County Council March 15, 2024]

ag)

From the Township of McMurrich regarding a Resolution on a Potential Municipal Equipment Operator Course [Distributed to Members of County Council March 15, 2024]

ah)

From the Township of Amaranth regarding a Resolution concerning Operational Budget Funding [Distributed to Members of County Council March 13, 2024]

ai)

From the Township of Drummond North Elmsley regarding a Resolution to increase Tax Credits for Volunteer Firefighters [Distributed to Members of County Council March 15, 2024]

aj)

From Lanark Highlands regarding a resolution on Expanding the Life of Fire Apparatus

Regular Meeting of Council Minutes March 20, 2024 -9:30 AM Page 19 of 22

[Distributed to Members of County Council March 15, 2024]

ak)

From the Township of Puslinch Council regarding a Resolution for Association of Ontario Roads Supervisors Training [Distributed to Members of County Council March 15, 2024]

al)

From the Township of Puslinch regarding a Resolution on Bill 165 Keeping Energy Costs Down [Distributed to Members of County Council March 15, 2024]

am)

From the Town of Bracebridge regarding a Resolution on the New Provincial-Municipal Fiscal Framework [Distributed to Members of County Council March 15, 2024]

an)

From the Town of Kearney regarding a Resolution concerning Cemetery Administration Management [Distributed to Members of County Council March 15, 2024]

Other Business

By-Laws – General By-laws and Confirmatory By-law

a)

First and Second Reading

Regular Meeting of Council Minutes March 20, 2024 -9:30 AM Page 20 of 22

Motion #: 45-24

Moved By:

Councillor Greenwood-Speers

Seconded By:

Deputy Warden Vandewal

Resolved That leave be given the mover to introduce by-laws a) and b) that have been circulated to all Members of County Council and that by-laws a) and b) be read a first and second time. Carried

b)

Third Reading

Motion #: 46-24

Moved By:

Councillor Greenwood-Speers

Seconded By:

Deputy Warden Vandewal

Resolved That by-laws a) and b) be read a third time, signed, sealed and finally passed. Carried

By-Laws

a)

To appoint an Area Weed Inspector for the County of Frontenac [Proposed By-law No. 2024-009]

Regular Meeting of Council Minutes March 20, 2024 -9:30 AM Page 21 of 22

b)

To confirm all actions and proceedings of County Council on March 20, 2024 [Proposed By-law No. 2024-010]

Adjournment

Motion #: 47-24

Moved By:

Councillor Fowler

Seconded By:

Councillor Leonard

That the meeting hereby adjourn at 11:55 a.m. Carried

Regular Meeting of Council Minutes March 20, 2024 -9:30 AM Page 22 of 22

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