Blind River public meetings in 2023

Community Services Committee

The committee will review the monthly report from the Director of Facilities and Community Services. The agenda also includes a presentation regarding the Blind River Vision Board by Councillor Posteraro.

• Director of Facilities and Community Services December Monthly Report
• Blind River Vision Board Presentation by Councillor Posteraro

Water and Wastewater Committee

The committee will host several public presentations during this meeting. The agenda includes presentations from the PUC, Tulloch Engineering, and Algoma Public Health.

• PUC Presentation
• Tulloch Engineering presentation
• Algoma Public Health presentation

Infrastructure Services Committee

The Infrastructure Services Committee will review administrative reports regarding public services and engineering projects. The meeting includes updates on the Woodward Avenue reconstruction and a general project list update from Tulloch Engineering.

• Public Services Report - December 13, 2023
• Tulloch Engineering Project List Update
• Woodward Avenue Reconstruction construction update

Special Council Meeting

This special meeting consists of procedural items, including a closed session for member training and the confirmation of By-law 23-74. No other specific business is listed on the agenda.

• Closed session for member training
• Confirmation of By-law 23-74

Protective Services Committee

The committee is reviewing administrative reports from the Director of Protective Services. These reports cover activities for the months of October and November 2023. The agenda consists of these reports and standard procedural items.

• Director of Protective Services report for October 2023
• Director of Protective Services report for November 2023

Council Meeting

The Blind River Town Council is reviewing several by-laws, including updates to 2024 municipal user fees. The agenda also includes discussions on cloud hosting estimates and the renewal of an engineering contract. Additionally, council will consider a partnership for the Boom Camp Boat Launch.

• By-Law #23-68: 2024 Municipal User Fees
• Renewal of TULLOCH Engineering Contract
• Agreement for Boom Camp Boat Launch (NOHFC and MFN)
• iCity Step-Up to the Cloud hosting estimates
• By-Law #23-69 regarding invasive species

Public Information Session

The Town Council is holding a public information session. The Treasurer will provide a presentation regarding the 2024 Municipal User Fees.

• Presentation by the Treasurer regarding 2024 Municipal User Fees

CORPORATE SERVICES COMMITTEE

The committee will review administrative reports regarding a bereavement leave policy and the results of the 2023 tax sale. The meeting also includes the adoption of previous minutes.

• Bereavement Leave Policy report
• 2023 Tax Sale Results report

Budget Committee

The Budget Committee will review updates on the Community Improvement Plan and Council Vision items. The Treasurer will also present information regarding 2024 Municipal User Fees and iCity cloud hosting estimates.

• Update on the Community Improvement Plan (CIP)
• Review of 2024 Municipal User Fees
• Discussion of iCity Step-Up to the Cloud and hosting estimates
• Presentation of Council Vision items

Council Meeting

The Council will review administrative reports regarding landfill drainage and wastewater pump replacement. The agenda includes discussions on commercial land development requests and road closure updates. Additionally, the council will consider new by-laws for construction zone speeds and lake management.

• By-Law #23-66: Lake Matinenda Landing Management Agreement
• By-Law #23-65: Reduced Speeds in Construction Zones
• Change Order #3 for Blind River Landfill drainage improvements
• BRDC request for commercial lands for development
• Update to By-Law No.2268 regarding gravel for private roads

BRDC

The Blind River Development Corporation will review staff reports regarding additional funding opportunities and a bike lane resolution. The meeting also includes a presentation on the Five Year Municipal Accommodation Tax (MAT) Strategy.

• Bike Lane Resolution
• Five Year Municipal Accommodation Tax (MAT) Strategy
• Adoption of October 19, 2023 minutes

Protective Services Committee

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Police Services Board

The Blind River Police Services Board is reviewing several monthly reports from the Ontario Provincial Police. The board will also review correspondence regarding a board proposal for the East Algoma OPP Detachment.

• Ontario Provincial Police Monthly Report - July 2023
• Ontario Provincial Police Monthly Report - August 2023
• Ontario Provincial Police Monthly Report - September 2023
• Ministry of the Solicitor General correspondence regarding East Algoma OPP Detachment Board Proposal Approval

Community Services Committee

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Infrastructure Services Committee

The committee is reviewing administrative reports, including updates on the Woodward Avenue Reconstruction project and asphalt testing. Discussions also include a proposed by-law for reduced speeds in construction zones and an update to the gravel policy for private roads.

• Proposed by-law for reduced speeds in construction zones
• Update to By-Law No. 2268 regarding gravel for private roads
• Woodward Avenue Reconstruction project updates and asphalt testing
• Huron Beach Road closure report
• SaniDump usage update as of October 23, 2023

Council Meeting

The council will consider by-laws regarding a Municipal Accommodation Tax and an agreement with Corporate Investigation Services. The agenda also includes discussions on 2024 Witches Dance road closures and updates to health and safety procedures.

• By-Law #23-62: Municipal Accommodation Tax (MAT)
• By-Law #23-63: Agreement with Corporate Investigation Services
• 2024 Witches Dance road closures
• Amendment to Procedural By-Law for Council meeting start time
• Updates to health and safety procedures

CORPORATE SERVICES COMMITTEE

The Corporate Services Committee will review several administrative reports from the CAO/Clerk. These reports cover updated health and safety responsibilities, investigation policies, and injury reporting procedures. The committee will also receive building department permit statistics.

• Health & Safety Responsibilities Procedure report
• Investigation & Reporting Policy report
• Injury, Illness, and Incident Reporting Procedure report
• JHSC Participation Procedure report
• Building Department Permit Statistics report

Budget Committee

The Blind River Budget Committee will review the September 2023 budget update and variance reports. The meeting also includes presentations on community services, economic development, and council vision progress.

• September 2023 Budget Update
• 2023 Community Services Summary
• Fall Economic Development Summary
• Fall Council Vision Progress report

Special Council Meeting

Council will hear public presentations from Nicholas Viel, Katie Whitlock, and Marianne LaBerge concerning a councillor vacancy. The agenda also includes a closed session for personnel matters and the confirmation of By-law 23-61.

• Public presentations regarding a councillor vacancy
• Closed session discussion on personnel matters
• Confirmation of By-law 23-61

BRDC

The Blind River Development Corporation is reviewing staff reports regarding the 2022 audited financial statements and sales proceeds from the GreenTech Building. The meeting also includes a report on 2024 MAT allocations.

• GreenTech Building sales proceeds report
• 2022 Audited Financial Statements review
• 2024 MAT Allocations report
• Adoption of June 15 and August 14, 2023 minutes

Special Council Meeting - Finance

This special finance meeting includes a public presentation regarding asset management training. Israr Ahmad from PSD CityWide is scheduled to lead the session. The agenda also contains standard procedural items such as call to order and adjournment.

• Asset Management Training presentation by PSD CityWide

Council Meeting

The Council will review a population and housing analysis as part of an Official Plan update. Agenda items also include proposed amendments to the fire department's burning and fees by-laws and a land use permit renewal for Lake Matinenda.

• Population and Housing Analysis presentation for Official Plan Update
• Proposed amendments to Burning and Fees By-laws (Protective Services)
• Lake Matinenda Land Use Permit Renewal (By-Law #23-57)
• Well Rehabilitation update
• Arena equipment update

Infrastructure Services Committee

The Infrastructure Services Committee is reviewing several administrative reports regarding ongoing engineering projects. These include progress updates on sidewalk improvements and road reconstruction provided by Tulloch Engineering.

• Causley Sidewalk Improvements construction updates
• Woodward Avenue Reconstruction construction updates
• General Engineering Services project list update
• Public Services Report

Protective Services Committee

The Protective Services Committee is reviewing amendments to the Burning By-law and Fire Department fees by-law. The committee will also receive the Director of Protective Services report for September 2023.

• Burning By-law amendment to include commercial class
• Fire Department Fees By-law amendment
• September 2023 Director of Protective Services report

Council Meeting

The Council will review various administrative reports and committee updates. Discussions include policy statements regarding health, safety, and workplace violence, as well as building condition assessments.

• Proposed amendment to the Procedural Bylaw regarding meeting times
• Health & Safety Policy Statement
• Workplace Violence and Harassment Policy and procedures
• Building Condition Assessments and Data Collection Project proposal
• Water collection policy revision

Special Council Meeting

The Town Council will hear a public presentation regarding risk management. Tracy Eso from Intact Public Entities will present a follow-up to the RM101 training.

• Risk Management Training presentation by Intact Public Entities

CORPORATE SERVICES COMMITTEE

The committee will review administrative reports regarding health and safety policies and a proposed council meeting time change. The agenda also includes discussions on building condition assessments and recent tax and water receivable reports.

• Building Condition Assessments and Data Collection Project proposal from PSD Citywide Facility Assessment Consulting Services
• Updated Health & Safety Policy Statement
• New Workplace Violence and Harassment policies and procedures
• Theatre maintenance additional fees for equipment and labour
• August 2023 tax and water receivable reports

Council Meeting

The Town Council is reviewing several administrative reports including ongoing project updates and water level concerns. Discussions include a request for a Fall Festival road closure and potential funding for Lake Matinenda Landing. The council will also consider an amendment to the Garbage By-law.

• Landfill Operations Annual Report and Expansion Approval Update
• Request for road closure for the Fall Festival
• Lake Matinenda Landing Funding Application
• Additional funding allocation for the 2023 Road Resurfacing Project
• By-Law #23-54: Garbage By-law amendment

Community Services Committee

The committee will review the August month-end report from the Director of Facilities and Community Services. Discussion includes a 2023 Federal Tourism Statement and national survey results regarding the trail sector.

• August Month End Report
• 2023 Federal Tourism Statement
• TCT National Survey Results

Infrastructure Services Committee

The committee will review updates on several infrastructure projects, including Woodward Avenue and Hawkins Street. Discussions include a draft asset management plan for roads and strategies to mitigate climate change impacts. The agenda also covers waste disposal issues at Matinenda Landing.

• Additional funding allocation for the 2023 Road Resurfacing Project
• Draft Asset Management Plan for the road system
• Update on waste disposal issues at Matinenda Landing
• Schedule and extension request for Causley Street sidewalks
• CityROVER overview and trial update

Protective Services Committee

The committee will review the Director of Protective Services' report for August 2023. The agenda also includes an item regarding the Garbage By-law and correspondence from Mayor Hagman concerning a parasite problem.

• Garbage By-law
• Director of Protective Services August 2023 report
• Correspondence from Mayor Hagman regarding a parasite problem

Police Services Board

The Police Services Board is reviewing several monthly administrative reports from the Ontario Provincial Police. The meeting also includes discussion of correspondence regarding municipal policing billing, police record check revenue, and a request to reduce speed on Beech Drive.

• Ontario Provincial Police monthly reports for March, April, May, June, and July 2023
• 2024 Municipal Policing Billing Statement Property Count correspondence
• Request to reduce speed on Beech Drive dated August 20, 2023
• Police Record Check Revenue letter

Council Meeting

The Town Council is reviewing several administrative reports including a declaration of a vacant seat. The meeting also includes discussions on minor variance applications and the CMHC Housing Accelerator Fund.

• Declaration of Council Vacancy 2023
• CMHC Housing Accelerator Fund (HAF)
• Minor Variance application for 80 Development Drive
• Minor Variance application for 231 Woodward Avenue
• Seniors Games 2024

Council declared the Councillor at Large position vacant following a resignation and authorized the CAO to apply for the CMHC Housing Accelerator fund. Two minor variance requests for property modifications were approved, and funding was allocated for the 2024 Seniors Games.

• Declared Councillor at Large seat vacant due to resignation of Councillor Connell
• Authorized CAO to apply for CMHC Housing Accelerator fund and start a Housing Needs Assessment
• Approved minor variance for 80 Development Drive to allow four sea storage containers
• Approved minor variance for 231 Woodward Avenue to expand a non-conforming garage
• Authorized $1,000 from Festivals Reserves Account for 2024 Seniors Games supplies and rental fees
• Adopted minutes from August 14, 2023 regular and public meetings

Lake Matinenda Cottage Owners Association Advisory Committee

The committee will review an update report from the Director of Public Services. The agenda also includes the adoption of minutes from the June 5, 2023, meeting.

• Adoption of June 5, 2023, meeting minutes
• Director of Public Services 4th Annual Update Report

Public Meeting - Planning

The Blind River Town Council is holding a public meeting to discuss planning applications. The agenda includes reviews of minor variance requests for 80 Development Drive and 231 Woodward Avenue.

• Minor variance application V2023-008 at 80 Development Drive
• Minor variance application V2023-009 at 231 Woodward Avenue

The Town Council held a special public meeting to review two planning applications. One application for a sea container was noted as approved by the Planner, and another regarding an encroachment was presented. No formal votes on these applications were recorded in the minutes.

• Noted approval by Planner for additional sea container at 80 Development Drive (V2023-008)
• Reviewed encroachment application for 231 Woodward Avenue (V2023-009)
• Approved resolution 23-321 to adjourn the meeting at 6:32 p.m.

Public Meeting - Planning

Council reviewed four planning applications regarding additional living space and rezoning for residential homes. The minutes record the presentation of these items, but do not list any votes or decisions made on the specific applications.

• Approved the meeting agenda (Carried)
• Adjourned the meeting at 6:10 p.m. (Carried)

BRDC

The Blind River Development Corporation Board met in a closed session to discuss a land disposition. The Board subsequently authorized the CAO/Clerk to accept a purchase offer for the Green Tech Building from NSPG.

• Approved the agenda as presented (Carried)
• Authorized K. Scott to accept the offer from NSPG for the purchase of the Green Tech Building (Carried)

Council Meeting

Council authorized a $20,000 reserve transfer for the Maple Cinema Theatre and up to $60,000 for sand storage building repairs. The board also approved a residential lot creation application at 55 Woodward Avenue and renamed the East Shore Pavilion.

• Authorized $20,000 reserve transfer for Maple Cinema Theatre purchase and setup
• Approved lot creation application for 55 Woodward Avenue
• Approved $1,750 from Future Projects Reserves to name East Shore Pavilion as 'Pavillon Vyrn Peterson Pavilion'
• Approved transfer of up to $60,000 from facilities reserve for Public Works Sand Storage Shed repairs
• Authorized Clerk to remove agenda approval and 'Business Arising from the Minutes' from future agendas
• Suspended all committee and board meetings for July and August
• Supported Municipality of North Perth resolution on reducing municipal insurance costs
• Supported Town of Amherstburg request for provincial action on healthcare and emergency response gaps

Special Council Meeting

Council authorized the appointment of a Fire Chief and Assistant Fire Chief. The board also approved funding for hazardous dock repairs and accepted the 2022 Audited Financial Statements.

• Approved transfer of up to $4,500 for repairs to hazardous dock conditions at Lake Matinenda Landing
• Approved By-Law #23-46 to appoint a Fire Chief and Assistant Fire Chief
• Accepted the 2022 Audited Financial Statements as presented

Public Meeting - Planning

Council convened a special public meeting to review planning application V23-003 for 1966 Highway 557. The CAO/Clerk explained the application and noted that no concerns were received. No formal decision on the application was recorded in the minutes.

• Approved the meeting agenda (Carried)
• Adjourned the meeting at 6:33 p.m. (Carried)

Council Meeting

Council approved a major sidewalk contract and authorized several budget transfers, including funds for fire department equipment and a wildlife study. The board also updated emergency management plans and granted specific land-use and zoning variances.

• Accepted $865,772.86 tender from Beamish Construction Inc. for Causley Street Sidewalks
• Approved $157,915 purchase of new air packs for Fire Department from Equipment Reserve
• Authorized $10,000 from Future Projects Reserve for turtle species study at Shirvon Park
• Approved temporary travel trailer accommodation at 4 Birchwood Circle
• Granted front yard setback reduction for seasonal dwelling at 1966 Highway 557
• Approved retractable awning installation at 18 Woodward Avenue
• Adopted Town of Blind River Emergency Response Plan and appointed committee members
• Authorized $103,340 reduction in Causley Street contract by eliminating curb and gutter replacement

Special Council Meeting

Council held a special meeting to receive a presentation on risk management. No substantive policy or financial decisions were made during the session.

• Approved the meeting agenda
• Received RM101: An Introduction to Risk Management presentation from Intact Public Entities

Budget Committee

The Budget Committee recommended several funding transfers and expenditures to Council, including over $413,000 for a sidewalk project. The committee also proposed using reserves for emergency equipment and transferring surpluses to offset costs.

• Recommended $25,000 from Future Projects Reserve and $388,420.15 from NWMO Community Reserve Fund for Causley Street Sidewalk project (Carried)
• Recommended pre-budget approval to purchase air packs using the Equipment Reserve (Carried)
• Recommended transferring 2022 Fire Department operating surplus of $29,782.05 to Prior Year Reserve (Carried)
• Recommended transfer up to $6,000 from Special Events Reserve for the Derby (Carried)
• Recommended transferring remaining 2022 surplus of $90,800 to Future Projects Reserve (Carried)

Council Meeting

Council passed resolutions urging the Minister of Health to address emergency room closures at the Thessalon site. They also approved funding for landfill wood shredding and sidewalk scanning, and granted a minor variance for a guest cabin on Granary Lake Road.

• Approved minor variance for guest cabin at 2277D Granary Lake Road
• Authorized $250.00 in 2024 budget for Earth Day 2024
• Approved $29,760.00 from landfill reserve to shred natural wood
• Allocated $1,655.35 from sidewalks reserve for a 2023 sidewalk scan
• Adopted MTO RLP Onset and Removal Model for spring load restrictions
• Denied use of MTO SLP removal model for reopening Boom Camp Rd
• Approved staff investigation into cost-sharing gravel for private roads
• Approved Park Street closure and ceremonial fire for Sept 28, 2023

Public Meeting - Planning

The council met for a special public meeting regarding planning applications. No substantive decisions were recorded other than the approval of the agenda and the adjournment of the meeting.

• Approved the meeting agenda (Carried)
• Adjourned the meeting at 6:32 p.m. (Carried)

BRDC

The Blind River Development Corporation Board approved the meeting agenda and the minutes from April 20, 2023. The Board entered a closed session to discuss an Offer to Purchase regarding the acquisition or disposition of land.

• Approved agenda as presented
• Adopted April 20, 2023 minutes
• Entered closed session to discuss land acquisition/disposition and an Offer to Purchase

Infrastructure Services Committee

The Infrastructure Services Committee recommended several funding allocations and policy changes to Council, including the rescinding of a by-law providing free gravel to private roads. The committee also proposed new standards for spring road load restrictions and funding for sidewalk scans.

• Recommended to Council the transfer of $29,760.00 from landfill reserve to shred natural wood (Carried)
• Recommended to Council that By-law 2268 providing free gravel for private roads be rescinded (Carried)
• Recommended that Council approve staff to develop a cost-sharing gravel by-law based on financial need (Carried)
• Recommended to Council the allocation of $1,655.35 from sidewalks reserve for a 2023 municipal sidewalk scan (Carried)
• Recommended to Council adopting the MTO’s RLP Onset and Removal Model for annual spring load restrictions (Carried)
• Recommended to Council using the MTO SLP removal model for reopening Boom Camp Rd. in the spring (Carried)

Community Services Committee

The Community Services Committee recommended that Council host Earth Day in 2024 and allocate $250.00 in the 2024 Operating Budget for the event. A motion to direct staff to continue project planning for the construction of a sliding hill was defeated.

• Recommended to Council that Earth Day be hosted in 2024 with a $250.00 budget (Carried)
• Motion to direct staff to continue project planning for construction of Sliding Hill (Defeated)
• Adopted minutes of the February 9, 2023 meeting (Carried)

Special Council Meeting

Council authorized the CAO/Clerk to fix the Right of Way on title for six properties on Woodward Avenue. This action follows the discovery of property line errors during the Woodward Avenue Reconstruction Project.

• Authorized CAO/Clerk to fix Right of Way on title for 93, 97, 99, 101, 103, and 107 Woodward Ave (Carried)
• Approved the agenda (Carried)
• Authorized Mayor and CAO/Clerk to sign By-law #23-39 to adopt the meeting minutes (Carried)

Council Meeting

Council passed By-law #23-21 to opt out of the Vacant Unit Rebate Program. The meeting also included approvals for various community event road closures, fire department staffing changes, and a rental agreement for DanceWorks Studio.

• Passed By-law #23-21 to opt out of the Vacant Unit Rebate Program
• Created permanent Acting/Assistant Fire Chief role at $35.00/hour
• Approved 1.5% retroactive wage increase for Volunteer Fire Fighters to Jan 1, 2023
• Authorized DanceWorks Studio to rent Community Centre Hall ($100+HST per session)
• Approved $7,889.70 transfer from Prior Year Reserve to Parks Operating budget
• Authorized CAO/Clerk to enter Registration Agreement with Trans Canada Trail
• Approved road closures for Witches Dance, Demolition Derby, and Legion events
• Authorized $250.00 donation to Mississauga First Nation 42nd Annual Traditional Pow Wow

CORPORATE SERVICES COMMITTEE

The Corporate Services Committee recommended several administrative and financial updates to Council, including a new permanent fire department role and a wage increase for volunteer firefighters. The committee also recommended a budget transfer for parks and a new tax registration fee.

• Recommended creating a permanent Acting/Assistant Fire Chief role at $35.00/hour (Carried)
• Recommended adopting Policy 5.4 Volunteer Fire Wage Structure and a 1.5% wage increase retroactive to January 1, 2023 (Carried)
• Recommended transferring $7,889.70 from Prior Year Reserve to Parks Operating budget (Carried)
• Recommended adding a $500.00 Tax Registration Administration Fee to the Municipal User Fees By-Law (Carried)
• Adopted April 25, 2023 meeting minutes (Carried)