Before we get into the notes I just wanted to make a point of clarification as I would like to avoid miscommunication and information being taken out of context.
The notes below are my interpretation of what I hear at the meetings for the time I am present and they include matters which I think the public will want to be aware of.
These notes are not fully inclusive of all items on the agenda and are not verbatim notes. If you have questions or want clarification about anything I have noted I would definitely recommend reading the official agenda first provided below as well as reading the official meeting minutes when they are available.
My intent for these posts is to keep the community informed regarding what is happening in town as I know it can be difficult to attend meetings and read through all of the agenda’s and minutes.
April 25th, 2023
Click here for agenda
Announcements
Sikh Heritage Month Declaration – Mayor Soloman met with local members of the Sikh community to acknowledge April as Sikh Heritage Month.Whereas the Sikh Heritage Month Act, 2013, proclaimed the month of April each year as Sikh Heritage Month in Ontario,And whereas the Month of April was chosen as it is an important month to the Sikh community,And whereas by proclaiming Sikh Heritage Month, the Province of Ontario recognizes the important contributions that Sikh Canadians have made to Ontario’s social, economic, political and cultural fabric,And whereas Sikh Heritage Month is an opportunity to remember, celebrate and educate future generations about Sikh Canadians and the important role that they have played and continue to ply in communities in Ontario,No therefore, I, Steve Soloman, encourage citizens of our community to recognize and celebrate April 2023 as Sikh Heritage Month in the Town of Grand Valley.
Deputations
10:05am – Rick Taylor, East Luther Grand Valley Historical Society – request for commemorative display, “Importance of the Horse in Grand Valley,” at Elizabeth Taylor Pavilion property-fibreglass model of “Maude”- 2 phases-1 phase is the horse and the 2nd is a wagon behind. Cement pad will be needed for installation. Council Approves and council agrees to install the cement foundation.
-10:15am – Gail Clarke, Grand Valley Garden Club – garden and trees at Grand Valley Cenotaph site- Request trimming/removal of 2 trees at the cenotaph-Council and Staff suggested they collaborate with the Garden Club to come up with a plan for replacement of the trees and a timeline for the removal of the trees (next year was mentioned).
-10:30am – Sarah Spears – Grand Valley Seniors Centre request-Sarah proposed utilizing the community centre during the day, during the week, Sarah suggested that the seniors would collaborate to set up the programming themselves to start off with to see if it will be utilized. The Recreation Manager said that the community centre is mostly available through the week and he would be supportive of it. Sarah said that she would be happy to speak with the Seniors in the community to see what programming they would like. Council asked Sarah to come back to council with specific requests/plan.
Unfinished Business
Council Strategic Planning Session – meeting date- Councillor Latam suggested having Town Halls for the community to have residents come out and share their thoughts and feedback on Recreation and more. Deputy Mayor Rentsch did not support a town hall, he articulated that he felt it would have a lot of residents bringing up things that were not possible, he is in favour of having a seperate strategic planning session. Further Discussions to be had about this in May
Staff Reports
CAO/Clerk-Treasurer
9.1.1. Treasurer’s Report- Council received and discussed.
9.1.2. Monthly Procurement Report-Page 24 on agenda
9.1.3. By-law Enforcement Monthly Report-Page 26 on Agenda
-Report – Limited Parking Within/Surrounding Intersection of Main andAmaranth Street- Page 29 on Agenda, Council Discussed and requested staff to defer and research options of changing 2 spots on Amaranth St in front of the library as Permitted Parking (accessibility parking)
-Gateway Signage project – discussion-2019 design work-Council Discussed- Page 24 on agenda, council directed staff to explore other options for signage
-2022 Annual Grand Valley Wastewater Treatment Plant Sewage Performance Report from Ontario Clean Water Agency- Page 36 on Agenda
-Report – project financing options- Page 99 on the agenda– Council directed staff to contact Townships of Amaranth and East Garafraxa
-Report – altering fencing around the Emma Street wastewater pump house- Council received and approved.
CAO Update – verbal update
Naming right sponsorship for the the Community Centre- agreement is being worked on at this time, more details to come
Grand Valley Tourism Marketing- Request to advertise in a Tourism magazine, the plowing match was interested in being a part of this with the town. Council discussed and decided to proceed.
Mill St Property- On the May meeting agenda
Public works-
-Equipment Review – 3/4 ton has been requested,
-5 more operators trained to use the Road Graders
-More Gravel for the roads being delivered next week
-Tree Clean up above Water Street – Council directed staff to get some quotes and bring back to council to discuss further.
Planners report
Report – Planning Update-Page 105 on agenda.
Bill 97 Updates-proposed(projected implementation Fall 2023)-Agricultural Lot Creation- 2 lots currently allowed and proposed will be 3 additional severances per agricultural lot. Also proposed no more MCR, no more growth plan. Mandatory intensification and density targets for all municipalities removed. Establishes broader permissions for residential intensification. Removes the definition of “affordable” as it applies to housing
-Recommendation Report – Part Lot Control By-law, Block 43 (1-26 Hamilton Lane)-Council Approved
Correspondence
-Grand Valley Minor Hockey – Fee Waiver Request for Annual General Meeting and Awards Ceremony-Council Approved
-Headwaters Food and Farming Alliance – sponsorship request for Headwaters Farm Fresh Guide- Council Declined
-Alzheimer Society Dufferin County – sponsorship and participation request for Walk for Alzheimer’s event
-Huntington Society – Huntington Disease Awareness Month request-Council Directed staff to put a notice on the digital sign.
-Fondation Émergence – International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia-Council Directed staff to put Flag Image on the digital sign-May 17th
-Township of Mulmur – support for Bill 5-Council Received
-Township of Mulmur – Highway 10 Traffic and Road Study-Council Received
-Association of Ontario Road Supervisors – request for support opposing Enbridge Gas’ fee for locate service-Council Received and offered their support in opposing this.
-Grand Valley Public School – Intermediate Citizenship Award support
-Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing – Municipal Exchange on AntiRacism Initiatives and Policies in Local Government
-Grand Valley Small Business Group’s Farmers Market Committee – request to use Liz Taylor Pavillion for 3 dates this summer for a market as well as assistance for a request to block off William Street for the Market days/times and possibility of going under the towns insurance – Councillor Renstch and Dart brought up concerns about location and day/time that was proposed. CAO said that unless it is a town run event their insurance would not cover it. Councillor Latam suggested that the BIA could potentially be involved to make it a town sanctioned event. Mayor Soloman suggested the location was picked strategically due to the past market that was held at the Agricultural barn not having much exposure. Councillor Latam suggested the location that was selected was most likely picked due to exposure. CAO suggested the day and time was likely picked due to local producers availability.
End of my notes as I had to leave the meeting at this point.
Disclaimer- These are my personal notes from the meeting. The purpose of these notes is to give an update on what is happening around the Town of Grand Valley. If you would like to view the official agenda and minutes you can find that here.
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