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.
January 26th, 2021
Click here for the agenda
Deputations
-Joanne Stevenson, CEO, Grand Valley Public Library -Grand Valley Public Library Annual Report 2020, Grand Valley Public Library 2021 Budget- Page 21 on agenda. Lots of work for library staff to offer curbside pick up. Annual report- mobile hotspots are popular 5 existing and purchased 3 more. Programs are running virtually. Budget slightly increased from last year+ $500. There is a budget surplus from 2020 put into reserves for an anticipated increase in expenditures for 2022.
-Chris Knechtel, RJ Burnsides Ltd – Bridge maintenance plan -bridge maintenance updates, report and estimate on our 17 bridges and culverts. The last inspection was 2019, a study has to be done every 2 years.
Unfinished Business
-COVID Emergency Updates- State of emergency extended. Precautions remain in place.
Jane Wilson retirement- Tony preparing a video which will include some interviews and pictures.
Public Meeting
-Application B5-2020, B6-2020 and Z8-2020, for a Zoning By-law Amendment under section 34 of the Planning Act. Submitted by Mrs Marlies Kaehli. The purpose and effect of this application is to permit two Technical Consents and a site-specific Zoning By-law Amendment to recognize existing building setbacks.
-Notice of Complete Application and Statutory Public Meeting
for a Consent Application and Zoning By-law Amendment
Application
-Public Meeting and Recommendation Report- Council discussed application and also discussed reimbursement of application fees. Council approved.
Staff Reports
CAO/Clerk-Treasurer
-Town of Grand Valley Accounts Receivable
-Town of Grand Valley Accounts Payable
-Community Centre Accounts Payable-Council had a few questions on the accounting items above that were discussed.
-Service Delivery Review – Council directed CAO to review the report and come up with recommendations.
Public Works Superintendent
Verbal Update
-Still waiting on quotes for sidewalks on Ponsford street
-Signs are getting vandalized by stickers getting put on them which is a criminal offence(stop signs etc…), trying to remove the stickers takes off the reflective surface of the sign which then requires the sign to be replaced. Stop signs cost $100 each to replace and they have had to replace 8 already. Town staff have been in contact with OPP to look into this and council suggested town staff do a social media awareness campaign to bring attention to this.
-No Trespassing signs installed for Phase 1 on storm drainage ponds. No Trespassing signs will be mandated to be installed by developer in future.
-Sidewalk winter maintenance – More snow on sidewalks in new subdivision due to the blowing wind. Budget for 2021 considering the current plan of sidewalk clearing suggestion to hire an extra winter person for sidewalks, or buy a new tractor. Currently, sidewalk clearing is done in shifts.
Planners Report
No new applications at the moment
Golden Homes- Received 7th engineering report and it was approved by town engineer, recommendation report coming.
Thomasfield Phase 3A-Received registered plan
Corseed- Public meeting Feb 9th
Moco Subdivision- 3rd detailed engineering submission to come late January, early February.
Planner updated council that he gets 3-5 requests per day regarding real estate inquires (severances, commercial kitchens, fences, decks, zoning). Vacant and farm lands are the most time intensive.
Pending Items
Parking, Ticketing and By-Law Enforcement- Mayor asked to be kept in the loop regarding by-law issues.
-Town of Orangeville – Tow Truck Licensing By-law
-Town of Grand Valley By-law Enforcement Policy- Town staff brought forward a draft for discussion, feedback provided and town staff will bring forward an updated draft for council to consider.
-Grand Valley Wastewater Treatment Plant – Performance Report
-Bridge Maintenance-Council to discuss further as per deputation today to plan for budget.
– Recreation, Industrial Land and Housing- Burnside has asked the town what size of baseball field we would like for future parkland plan. Hardball or Softball fields, what size of diamonds? Council directed town staff to contact Minor Ball about what their thoughts are regarding size. Council discussed recreation planning including soccer fields and the next steps.
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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