Hearst public meetings in 2022
23 substantive meetings from 2022, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
Special Meeting of Council
The Town of Hearst is holding a special meeting to address the municipality's general liability insurance program contract. The discussion is based on a staff report from the Chief Administrative Officer dated December 22, 2022.
- Municipality General Liability Insurance Program Contract
Regular Meeting of Council
The Council met to finalize appointments for several local boards, including the Hearst Planning Board and the Hearst Police Services Board. The meeting also included the adoption of multiple committee reports and a notice of motion regarding single-use plastics.
- Appointment of Mayor Roger Sigouin, Daniel Lemaire, and Martin Lanoix to the Hearst Planning Board
- Appointment of Councillor Joël Lauzon to the Hearst Public Library Board
- Appointment of Mayor Roger Sigouin and Councillor Gaëtan Baillargeon to the Hearst Police Services Board
- Appointment of Councillors Josée Vachon and Nicolas Picard to the Hearst Connect Corporation board
- Notice of motion by Councillor Lauzon for a feasibility study to eliminate single-use plastic
Finance Committee
The committee is reviewing a request to increase CUPE and non-union employee salary adjustments from 1.75% to 3% effective January 2023. The agenda also includes information on the 2023 Ontario Municipal Partnership Fund and a proposal to create two new airport management positions.
- Proposed increase of CUPE salary adjustment from 1.75% to 3% effective January 1, 2023
- Proposal to increase mechanic's salary to $38 per hour
- Authorization of two flexible 'floaters' days per year for unionized employees
- Creation of Director of Airport Services and Airport Attendant positions
- Review of 2023 OMPF funding totaling $2,261,200
Planning Committee
The committee is reviewing a request to declare municipal land west of Halle Street as surplus. Members are also considering a zoning amendment for a garage at 64 Seventh Street and the assumption of an upgraded section of Collin Road.
- Declaration of municipal surplus land west of Halle Street
- Refusal of Roger Roussel's request to reduce the $24,083.05 sale price for land on Cessna Street
- Zoning amendment application for a garage at 64 Seventh Street to allow a height of 5.7 meters
- Resolution to assume and open the upgraded section of Collin Road south of Bosnick Road
- Information regarding Bill 23, the More Homes Built Faster Act, 2022
Police Services Board
The Board reviewed the June to September 2022 detachment report, noting a decrease in collisions and violent crimes. Discussions included proposals for emergency notifications to schools via CommunicAction and addressing heavy vehicle traffic on Rouse Street and Fontaine Drive.
- Proposal for OPP to use CommunicAction to notify schools during emergencies
- Implementation of targeted patrols and a speed sensor near École publique Passeport Jeunesse
- Report of 709 electronic tickets issued in 2022 compared to 952 in 2021
- Discussion regarding heavy vehicle traffic on Rouse Street caused by GPS routing
- Delegation request from Steve McInnis regarding police and media communications
Policy Committee
The committee is considering a by-law amendment to change how council members are appointed to the Hearst Power Sales and Services Company board. Other items include renewing integrity commissioner services and adopting new workplace policies regarding electronic monitoring and disconnecting from work.
- Amendment to Hearst Power Sales and Services Shareholder Declaration to decouple council seats from the electric distribution company
- Resolution to renew Integrity Commissioner services agreement with E4M
- Adoption of a Disconnecting from Work Policy by-law
- Adoption of an Electronic Monitoring of Employees Policy by-law
- Authorization for officials to attend 2023 Ontario Good Roads Association and Rural Ontario Municipal Association conferences
Parks and Recreation Committee
The Parks and Recreation Committee is reviewing a request to pay JL Richards & Associates Ltd. for additional consultation services. These costs stem from unexpected onsite conditions and revisions required for the Claude Larose Recreation Centre and Stéphane Lecours Swimming Pool rehabilitation project. The committee is also reviewing an ice surface allocation policy, which is currently a work in progress.
- Resolution to authorize $110,918.74 + HST to JL Richards & Associates Ltd. for additional services
- Claude Larose Recreation Centre and Stéphane Lecours Swimming Pool rehabilitation project
- Discussion of ice surface allocation policy (work in progress)
- Use of $358,740.00 contingency fund to cover project overages
Economic Development Committee
The committee is reviewing reports on the Anti-Indigenous Racism Symposium and the potential implications of joining the Coalition of Inclusive Municipalities. Members will also receive information regarding several upcoming local events.
- Report on the Anti-Indigenous Racism Symposium
- Study of implications regarding joining the Coalition of Inclusive Municipalities
- 2022 Destination Hearst event report
- Northern Corridor Chamber of Commerce Find Rudolph Campaign report
- Light Up Hearst event report
Regular Meeting of Council
The Hearst Council met to approve several community initiatives and administrative updates. Key decisions included providing in-kind support to the Hearst Golf Club and formalizing a $100,000 loan to the Hearst Power Sales and Services Company.
- In-kind contribution of Public Works equipment and staff to the Hearst Golf Club for tree transplantation
- Adoption of the 2022 Hearst Drinking Water System inspection report
- Authorization for the Knights of Columbus to install a Christmas tree in Nations' Park
- Approval of a billboard for the Knights of Columbus at the Gilles Gagnon Welcome Centre
- Adoption of a promissory note for a $100,000 loan to the Hearst Power Sales and Services Company
Assermentation des élus-es / Swearing-in of Elected Officials
The meeting agenda is limited to the swearing-in ceremony for elected officials. No other business or legislative items are listed in the provided text.
Special Meeting of Council
The Council is reviewing an agreement for Agence Familigarde to join the Canada-Wide Early Learning Child Care Program. Other items include a loan application for the Foyer des pionniers and discussions regarding municipal vehicle purchases and water plant repairs.
- Agreement for Agence Familigarde to participate in the Canada-Wide Early Learning Child Care Program
- Loan application to Infrastructure Ontario for a twelve bed addition at Foyer des pionniers
- Purchase of municipal vehicles deferred to the 2023 budget
- Hiring a firm for professional services for the Hearst water treatment plant reservoirs rehabilitation project
- Potential litigation (closed meeting)
Regular Meeting of Council
The Town of Hearst Council met to conduct various municipal business, including personnel appointments and committee reports. Key actions included appointing Jean-Michel Chabot as Fire Chief and authorizing an agreement for the Bouts de chou Day Care Centre.
- Appointment of Jean-Michel Chabot as Fire Chief
- Agreement for Bouts de chou Day Care Centre to join the Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care System
- Consent for a residential lot addition at 53 Fifth Street
- Establishment of a Joint Election Compliance Audit Committee
- Addition of a seat to the Long-Term Care Committee for the Nord-Aski Family Health Team
Finance Committee
The committee is reviewing financial resolutions for the Hearst Power Sales and Services Company and a priority capital budget item for an ice resurfacer. Other items include funding for fiber optic internet at municipal buildings and reports on OPP cost recovery and community contributions.
- Promissory note of $100,000 for Hearst Power Sales and Services Company
- Variable line of credit up to $200,000 for Hearst Power Sales and Services Company
- Priority 2023 capital budget commitment for a Zamboni Model 552 ice resurfacer
- $130,000 sponsorship agreement with Pepco for the ice resurfacer
- $6,200 budget allocation for fiber optic internet at four municipal sites
Operations Committee
The committee is reviewing the René Fontaine Municipal Airport activity report and the 2022 annual drinking water system inspection. They are also considering a request for Public Works to assist the Hearst Golf Club with tree transplantation.
- René Fontaine Municipal Airport activity report including new aircraft de-icing and fuel distribution projects
- Resolution for Public Works to provide two days of non-priority labor for golf course tree transplantation
- Adoption of the 2022 Hearst Drinking Water System annual inspection report
- August 2022 water and wastewater systems operations report
- $10,000 annual budget addition for airport brush clearing
Regular Meeting of Council
The Hearst Council met to adopt committee reports and approve several local projects. Key decisions included funding for airport infrastructure and changes to municipal service delivery.
- Approved $295,275 funding agreement for René Fontaine Municipal Airport fuel system replacement
- Allocated $30,000 for gutter installation at Claude Larose Recreation Centre
- Approved $7,389.33 in total municipal and school tax rebates
- Discontinued lawn mowing services for local organizations by parks and recreation staff
- Appointed Martin Brunet as By-law Enforcement Officer
Police Services Board
The Board reviewed police reports and discussed several community safety topics. Key discussions included emergency communication for schools, heavy vehicle traffic on Rouse Street, and bear safety procedures.
- Proposal for OPP to contact CommunicAction to notify schools during emergencies
- Discussion of heavy vehicle traffic complaints on Rouse Street
- Request for a crosswalk at École publique Passeport Jeunesse
- Review of bear safety procedures and emergency contact numbers
- Report of increased break and enter property crimes
Economic Development Committee
The committee is reviewing several items related to the Town of Hearst's centennial celebrations and community programming. Discussions include hiring an intern, hosting local events, and honoring volunteers and Indigenous history.
- Proposed hiring of an intern using $34,999 in NOHFC funds and $11,500 from the municipal budget
- Resolution to waive the $750 Community Pavilion fee for the Lumberjacks season launch on September 16
- Forestry Week guided tours scheduled for September 24 at the Heritage Sawmill Marketplace
- National Day for Truth and Reconciliation event on September 30 featuring a $600 speaker fee
- Volunteer appreciation dinner at Le Companion with an estimated cost of $3,500
Policy Committee
The committee is reviewing an agreement to enroll Bouts de Chou Day Care Centre in the Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care System. This program aims to reduce childcare fees for children under six. The committee will also review annual reports from the Ontario Ombudsman and the Town Integrity Commissioner.
- Agreement with CDSSAB for Bouts de Chou Day Care Centre participation in childcare program
- Ontario Ombudsman's 2021-2022 Annual Report
- Town of Hearst Integrity Commissioner Annual Report
- By-law to establish the 2022 Municipal Elections Joint Compliance Audit Committee
- By-law to add a Nord-Aski Family Health Team representative to the Long-Term Care Committee
Planning Committee
The committee will consider an application from Denis Pépin to add approximately 4,450 m2 to his property at 53 Fifth Street. The meeting will also include an examination of the possibility of selling municipal land west of Halle Street in a closed session.
- Consent application for lot addition at 53 Fifth Street (File C05-22)
- Examination of potential sale of municipal land west of Halle Street
- Review of building permit activities for June, July, and August (2021 vs 2022)
Regular Meeting of Council
The Town of Hearst Council met to approve several infrastructure agreements and appointments. Key decisions included funding for a waste disposal site environmental assessment and a water plant reservoir rehabilitation project.
- Approved $89,565 agreement with Pinchin Ltd. for waste disposal site environmental assessment terms of reference
- Approved $139,486 budget commitment for water treatment plant disinfection reservoirs rehabilitation
- Approved $108,550 contract with Villeneuve Construction Co. Ltd. for granular material on McNee Street and Cloutier Road South
- Appointed Myriam Bastarache as Property Standards Officer
- Denied École publique Passeport Jeunesse's request for a pedestrian crossing
Parks and Recreation Committee
The Parks and Recreation Committee is reviewing several infrastructure projects and service adjustments. Key items include a $30,000 gutter installation at the Claude-Larose Recreation Centre and a proposal to stop municipal employees from mowing non-municipal lawns.
- $30,000 allocation for gutter installation at Claude-Larose Recreation Centre west entrance
- Resolution to refuse Chantal Parent's request for a rent reduction at the recreation centre snack bar
- Resolution to discontinue lawn mowing for most non-municipal properties
- Authorization for free use of community pavilion and spin bikes for Rotary Club Spin-A-Thon on October 1st
- Authorization for a mural project under the 9th Street Bridge by Martine Laberge
Finance Committee
The committee is reviewing semi-annual revenue and expense reports for the capital and operational funds. Members are also discussing tax rebates, provincial offence board financial statements, and funding requests for airport and long-term care projects.
- Resolution for a $295,275 NOHFC funding agreement for the René Fontaine Municipal Airport fuel system
- Loan application to Infrastructure Ontario for a 12-bed addition at Foyer des pionniers
- Authorization of tax rebates including $10,608.01 in vacancy rebates
- Review of the June 30, 2022, Capital Fund budget variance report
- Review of the 2021 financial statements for the North Cochrane Provincial Offences Act Management Board
Operations Committee
The committee is reviewing updates on the reconstruction of St-Laurent Street, Pearson Drive, and Flood Place. Members will also discuss water and wastewater operations reports for May through July 2022 and consider appointing Martin Brunet as a By-law Enforcement Officer.
- Appointment of Martin Brunet as By-law Enforcement Officer
- Reconstruction update for St-Laurent Street, Pearson Drive, and Flood Place
- Water and wastewater systems operations reports (May, June, and July 2022)
- Removal of 'Drinking Water Treatment Strategy' from Work in Progress
- Report on heavy rain causing overflows at the Main Station and 5th Street Station