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.
Feb 23rd, 2021
Click here for the agenda
Council 2021 Preliminary Budget Meeting
Board/Outside Agency Budgets and Levies
-Grand River Conservation Authority
-Grand Valley and District Community Centre
-Grand Valley and District Fire Department
-Grand Valley Police Services Board
Motions put forward to approve the budgets above and the motions passed.
Unfinished Business
-Generator for Community Centre- project that was approved in the past and tender was put out, electricians that were providing feedback on the tender that they needed more specs and a plan from an electrical engineer. Council passed a motion to cancel the current tender and have CAO take necessary steps to move forward with the project to put it out for Tender again.
Staff Reports
-Town of Grand Valley Accounts Payable
-Town of Grand Valley Accounts Receivable- Outstanding property taxes owing and most have been cleared, only 3 needed to be sent to the lawyers.
-Report – 2020 Council Remuneration
-County of Dufferin – sample letter of support for Climate Action Plan, discussed by town staff and Councillors. The decision was more information was needed from committee plans before moving forward.
-Township of Amaranth – resolution of support for Arena Renovation draft agreement
2021 Budget Presentation-Page 67
2020 Review
-2020 Capital Projects-Bridge 17, Spruyt Ave, Concession 2-3 Repaving
-2020 Operating Challenges- Due to Covid 19 impacts on Operations and Revenues.
-2020 Status of Town Finances-Reserve and Reserve Funds, Line of Credit(-$542,000) once property taxes have been collected this should be reduced drastically. Discussion by the council regarding how much $ should be in reserves for infrastructure etc…
2021 Priorities
-Council- Grading & preparation for concession2-3 park, Recreation Action Planning, Servicing to Employment Lands
-Road & Bridge Program
-Water & Waterwater Sevicing program
-Covid-19 Recovery, Economic Development
-Property Tax impactes on Business & Residents.
-Council Discussion of Overall Budget Plan- Use of Reserves, Use of LIne Credit, Funding Projects to be “shovel ready”, other policies, philosophies to consider.
–Special Projects (Budget Revenue not Required)– EDC project (funded by reserves), New Horizons Seniors Program (ipad program) funded by a grant, Upper Grand Trailway Updates funded by Covid grant, Well#5 completion Development Charges(DC) projects, Surge Tank Developer Funded, Southeast Pumping Station DC projects & Zoning By-law refresh DC projects.
–Capital Projects-Intersection Amaranth/East Luther Townline & Amaranth St East restoration, Downtown Sidewalks, Caution Lights, Boulevard, Curb, & sidewalk work in front of the school, Crozier Street from Webb to Amaranth complete restoration, Emma Street from Mill to Amaranth complete restoration, Amaranth St East from Bridge to Townline Phase 1 &2, Emma Street at William Street-joint DC project, Spruyt Ave completion.
-Water & Wastewater Programs-Capitol and operating budgets. Revenue Projections & Reserves Contributions.
-Draft Budget for User Fee Programs-Water, Wastewater, streetlights, planning, misc administration services.
-Draft Budget-Board Levies(the town pays levies to various boards for various services. These levies are collected as municipal property taxes then distributed to the boards-Grand Valley Fire Dept etc..
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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