2024 Council Highlights - August 26

Combined Committee of the Whole and Council Highlights – August 26

Committee of the Whole

Mid Year Report – Financial and Priorities

The Director of Finance/Treasurer provided a summary of the Mid-Year Financial review highlighting the Township’s budgeted and actual expenses as of July 31, 2024. Through the presentation, it highlights the following:

Some departments have spent less than 50% of their budgeted expenses due to capital projects needing to be completed or invoices received.
Due to staff changes in 2024, some department salary expenses are higher than anticipated; however, the goal is to minimize the impact on the budget and provide the current service levels.

Staff outlined a savings on insurance from amount budgeted to actuals. Through investigations, staff was able to receive a savings of $35,300 on insurance due to a revised quote.

Reserves are shown to be decreased due to planned capital projects that either moved from prior years (2021-2022) or increased in cost. Staff outlined a reserve balance and a plan for future needs to help restore the reserve balance.

The Manager of Business, Communications, and Community Engagement provided a high-level overview of the status of the 2024 Mid-Year Priorities and initiatives. The presentation outlined the status of 22 priorities adopted by the Council at the February 26, 2024, meeting.

Funding for Haulage of Bayshore Village Wastewater Effluent Hauling

At the Special Council meeting on August 12, Council approved the tender to Wessuc Inc. for the Bayshore Village Wastewater Effluent Hauling for the approved budget of $1,500,000.00. Staff provided a follow-up report outlining the various methods to fund the $1.5M haulage fee, including taking a loan from the township’s banking institution for a 5-year term with an interest of Prime + 0.5% or borrowing from general reserves. Council approved directing staff to enter into a loan agreement with the township’s financial institution to finance the cost of hauling effluent from the Bayshore Spray fields.

Rural Economic Development (RED) Grant update and Green Inclusive Community Buildings Program

Staff provided an update to Council on approving the Rural Economic Development (RED) Grant for the revitalization of St. Andrew's Hall and the Standard Bank. The grant approved 30% of the project costs up to a maximum contribution of $148,780.00, and it includes work activities such as engineering costs for the development of structural and electrical engineering plans, interior electrical work, HVAC work, etc. Staff also advised Council of the Green and Inclusive Grant program that provides funding to improve the condition of community buildings in Canadian communities experiencing higher needs and who are currently underserved. Staff's recommendation is to apply the costs of relocating the two buildings and designing and constructing them into a library and other community service spaces. Residents have expressed the need for a library in the Brechin area through various public consultation events and surveys, so this grant could help complete the St. Andrew's Hall and Standard Bank spaces to create a community hub accessible to all residents. Council approved for staff to proceed with the Rural Economic Development (RED) project and for staff to apply to the Green and Inclusive Community Buildings Program.

Development Charge Reserve Funds Annual Report

The Director of Finance/Treasurer presented the Development Charge Reserve Fund financial statement as required under the Development Charges Act, 1997. The financial statement provides information on the opening and closing balances of the reserve funds and transactions related to the fund for the years 2022 and 2023. The report also outlines the reserve breakdown. In 2024, $22,900 in budgeted development charges is estimated to be used for the Multi-Use Outdoor Sports Court and the Recreation Master Plan. Council approved to receive the report as information.

Expansion of the Mosquito Larviciding Program

As a follow-up to the staff report presented at the March 11, 2024, Committee of the Whole meeting, staff provided a report regarding the expansion of the mosquito control program and estimated costs. Staff advised that they have worked closely with the Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP) and a contractor to expand the program. The ministry, who oversees the application and approval for the aerial application for mosquito larvicide, advised that they have no concerns with the township expanding its program. As well, the contractor and supplier of the larvicide advised that there would be no concerns with the expansion; however, with expanding the program would require increased product, flying time and storage capacity to store the product. Staff outlined that the estimated costs would increase from $17.00 per property to $81.38 per property (based on 7,680 properties). Council approved to receive the report as information and for staff to provide a follow-up report at the September 11 Committee of the Whole.

Roosters and Agricultural Users in the Township

Staff provided a report as a follow-up to a request at the July 22, 2024, Council meeting regarding where roosters are allowed in the township. The staff explained that roosters are permitted in areas designated for agricultural use and provided a summary of the regulations outlined in the Township of Ramara's Zoning By-law, which covers the raising and marketing of chickens, turkeys, and other fowl or game birds. Agricultural uses are allowed in specific zones including Rural, Agricultural, Mineral Aggregate Extraction, and Natural Area Protection (for existing agricultural use). There are also exceptions such as legal non-conforming uses and lots with Special Holding Zones. Council approved to receive the report as information.

Amendment of Schedule A of Bylaw 2019.19, as amended, a bylaw a designate Community Safety Zones in the Township of Ramara.

As part of the implementation process for Automated Speed Enforcement (ASE), Township and Global Traffic Group staff reviewed the current community safety zones designated by By-law 2019.19 and current vehicle count and speed data collected by the Infrastructure Department for our municipal roadways. Following that review, Global Traffic Group recommended implementing two new community safety zones for Orkney Beach Road and Whitney Road and staff to update By-law 2019.19 to include new road name changes. Council approved designating Whitney Road and Orkney Beach Road as Community Safety Zones in accordance with Section 4.1 of By-law 2019.19, as amended, and the community safety zone for Courtland Street and Muley Point Road be updated on Schedule "A" of By-law 2019.19, as amended, due to street name changes.

Stop Sign Best Practices and Options at Intersection

Staff provided a report as a follow-up to concerns raised at the May 27, 2024, Council meeting regarding vehicles not stopping at two intersections: Laguna Parkway and Poplar Crescent and Balsam Road and Courtland Street. Staff identified the type of stop (three way vs two way), signage currently installed and speed of road. As well, staff identified various intersection controls that be can be found to help control vehicles stopping at intersections. Council approved to receive the report as information and for staff to request OPP to enforce the existing stop signs.

Grass and Brush Maintenance in Municipal Road Allowance

Staff provided a report, as requested at the February 26, 2024, Council meeting on grass and hedge trimming practices in the municipal right-of-way along the roadside. Staff provided a detailed report outlining the two practices used to maintain the roadside from the edge of the pavement to the property line through roadside mowing and brushing. Learn more about road maintenance on our infrastructure page. Council approved to receive the report as information. Please be advised that further conversations will be addressed at a future Committee of the Whole meeting.

Public Engagement Proposal – Lake Ave Parking Lot

At the June 3, 2024, Committee of a Whole meeting, staff completed a proposal to expand and construct the parking lot at the intersection of Lake Ave and Poplar Crescent. Council received the Report ID-27-24 as information and forwarded the construction costs to future budget discussions for possible construction in 2025. During meetings on the proposal, the Council requested that staff complete a public engagement survey to qualify the proposal with residents’ requirements and requests. Staff proposed that a sign board be created and placed on the proposed site to help determine the public’s interest in the project and to receive additional feedback from area residents. Council approved for staff to install the proposed sign at the site and create an online public consultation campaign that will run from mid-September to mid-October.

Infrastructure Grader Repairs

Staff provided a report outlining unexpected repair and/or replacement costs for one of its graders that broke down on August 14. After a follow-up from John Deere Dealership, which received and assessed the broken-down grader, it was advised that the township has a couple of options for repairing the grader and possibly replacing it. The report outlined the two repair methods and the costs of replacing the grader, with only one available in Ontario.

Please be advised that this report was moved to the Council meeting so staff could get an accurate trade-in value for the grader. Staff did receive the follow-up and provided it to the Council during the Council meeting. Council approved the purchase of a new grader and to trade in the existing grader as-is.

Council

Remarks by the Mayor

Mayor Clarke opened the meeting and mentioned that on August 17, he and members of the Council participated in the North Toronto Centurions MC (Motorcycle Club) annual "Cruisin' for the Cause" charity ride, which raises funds for the Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids). The event has successfully raised over $100,000 for the hospital. Additionally, Mayor Clarke informed that from August 18 to 21, members of the Council and designated staff attended the 2024 Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) Conference in Ottawa, where they met with representatives from municipalities across Ontario. The Township received three delegations from ministers and staff, including the Ministry of Infrastructure, the Ministry of Health, and the Ministry of Transportation.

Members of Council shared their participation in the community.

Councillor Tuju reported attending the Rama Powwow host by Rama First Nation on August 24 and 25. She joined in the grand entry as a representative of the Township along with M.P. Adam Chambers and M.P.P. Jill Dunlop, as well as representatives from other surrounding municipalities. The well-attended event drew visitors from all over the world who had the chance to enjoy the singing, dancing, traditional clothing, culture, and cuisine.

Councillor Fisher shared all the community happenings she participated in over the last month. On August 24, she participated in the 24th annual Classic Car Show in Orillia, which was hosted by the Rotary Club of Orillia, Downtown Orillia, and the Orillia Chamber of Commerce. She also attended the Orillia Fly-in/Splash-in event at the Orillia Ramara Regional Airport, where there were aircraft displays/exhibits and delicious food. Additionally, on the same day, she joined Councillor Tuju and Councillor Bell at the Rama Powwow. Finally, on August 25, she attended the barrel racing event at the Beaverton Fairgrounds.

Councillor Bell noted she’d enjoyed a busy few weeks. On August 17, she attended the Performance Boat Club of Canada's Lake Simcoe Rescue Run, a Poker Run in support of Ramara Fire and Rescue Service's Marine Unit, as well as the annual Cruisin' for the Cause at Brechin Park. She also supported a local business at its Open House and Tent Sale. On August 24, Councillor Bell visited Chief Ted Williams at the Rama Powwow and attended the Orillia Rama Regional Airport's Fly-In, Splash-In event.

Remarks by the CAO

CAO Robin Dunn provided the following administration update.

This Friday, we welcome the public to join us from the Grand Opening of the Sports Court at Lovely Day Park in Atherley. The Grand opening will start at 12:30 p.m. and will have refreshments and cookies. This recreation investment is a result of the Investing in Canada Infrastructure, which helped cover a large portion of the costs of constructing the multi-use sports court.

The Labour Day long weekend is fast approaching. The public is reminded that the Township Administration Building and facilities will be closed on Monday, September 2, 2024. Regular business hours will resume on Tuesday, September 3 2024, at 9 a.m.

This up coming Saturday (August 31) from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Ramara Fire and Rescue will be hosting their annual Car Wash at Station #1 in Brechin. All proceeds will go to the Terry Fox Foundation.

The deadline for the Ramara Trails photo contest has been extended to September 20, providing more individuals with the opportunity to capture and submit their photos while exploring the beautiful trails of Ramara. The five lucky winners will be rewarded with a $20.00 gift card that can be redeemed at a local business of their choice.

Public Meeting

Amendment to the Building Permit Fee Schedule

At the July 9, Committee of the Whole meeting, staff provided a report outlining adjustments to the Building Fee schedule to better align with organizational needs and enhance the user experience, including integrating an electronic payment system within the building permit software. The statutory public meeting was held with no comments received by the public at this time. Council approved for the building fees bylaw be presented for Council consideration at the September 23, 2024, Council meeting.

Presentations, Receiving of Petitions and Deputations

Ramara Historical Society

John Appleby and members of the Ramara Historical Society presented to Council an overview of the Ramara Historical Society, prior Yesteryears Event successes and a request for Council to allocate $10,000 towards the 2025 Yesteryears Event scheduled for Saturday, July 26, 2025. The 2025 Yesteryears event is themed Ramara’s castles to spotlight the different barns and acknowledge the farming roots in the community. Council approved to receive the presentation as information and approve the request in principle.

County Council Update

The highlights from the August 13, 2024 County Council meetings are now available.

View highlights from August 13

Announcements and Inquiries - Members of Council

Councillor Bell reported that in addition to the car wash hosted by the Ramara and Fire Rescue Services on Saturday, August 31, the Lagoon City volunteers are hosting the annual Lagoon City Terry Fox Run on Sunday, September 15, at the Lagoon City Community Centre. The run aims to raise funds for the Terry Fox Foundation. The event will take place at 84 Laguna Parkway in Lagoon City. Registration opens at 9 a.m. and the run starts at 10 a.m. For more information about the event, the public can visit on the Terry Fox Foundation's page.

Requests for Reports from Council members

Council approved for staff to write a letter that is forwarded to the Township of Severn and then to the County of Simcoe regarding the traffic issues east of the Washago lights including speeding and back up of traffic.

Bills and Bylaws

Council passed the following Bylaws:

Poplar Crescent Bridge Update

As a result of our Ontario Structure Inspection Manual (OSIM) bridge inspection completed by Tatham Engineering, it was determined that Bridge 201 (Poplar Crescent Bridge) exhibits structural deficiencies and that a gross weight restriction of 20 tonnes be imposed to ensure structural integrity until its repair or replacement in 2025. Council passed the Bylaw to limit the gross weight of any vehicle or any class passing over said bridge.

Reminders

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For More Information

For more details on any of these items, see the full meeting Agenda or view the meeting on the Township of Ramara's YouTube Channel.

The Meeting highlights are prepared to give residents a timely update on decisions of Council. The Council Meeting Minutes are the official record of the meeting.