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.
July 14th, 2020
You can find the agenda here
Deputations
Murray Short and Michelle Steele, RLB Chartered Professional Accountants – 2019 Audit presentation, Starting page 18 here
Lisgar Developer for proposed Scott Street Development Application- Addressed Council in regards to the Scott Street Recommendation Report for Storm water Drainage.
Question and Answers
Paul Latam- Gave his feedback on the proposed Fence by-law amendment
Amy Steele- I asked the council if it was possible to add in another Q&A period in virtual meetings as currently it is at the beginning of the meeting and when things come up later in the meeting the public is not able to ask a question. The council mentioned that they would review this
Notifications for planning developments- I asked what constituents could expect from the town regarding notification regarding planning items when they have formally requested to be notified. The town planner indicated that as the stormwater drainage plan for Scott street proposed development was between the town and the other parties so notification was not required to those that requested to be updated regarding that plan. For Recommendation Reports, the notification is typically sent out the Friday before the council meeting and gives the public a chance to ask for a delegation if they would like to address the council. For public meetings, 20 days notice will be given.
I also let them know I have heard concerns from residents regarding parking at the townhouse in Cachet Development. The town planner said that our by-law right now allows for 2 spaces per property and the garages are considered 1 spot so they are in compliance. The town planner said if the council would like to allow for more spaces the by-law would need to be changed and he suggested if that were the plan then a study should be conducted. Councillor Liz Taylor said she agreed with the parking being an issue in the Cachet townhouse development. The Mayor and Deputy Mayor said that parking issues in town keep coming up. Councillor Miles said that he would be in support of looking into the parking situation. The town planner said this would not be in place for the August meeting.
Unfinished Business
COVID-19 updates- Food Bank is experiencing lower traffic at the moment. Discussed preparation of opening the town office. Meghan presented a visual presentation on what steps have already
Staff Reports
Accounts Receivable/Payable
Pet waste Complaints- Numerous complaints have come in. Meghan has suggested putting in a notice in the tax mailouts.
Tender discussion for 147 Crozier Street- Tenderer # 6 was selected for a price of $126,001. 25% of the proceeds of the sale of the lot will be put towards Parks and Recreation as discussed in a previous public meeting.
Grand Valley Campground Sign quote review- Page 94
Fence By-Law update discussion-Draft on page 116, the council made a few amendments to the draft. Council asked for the by-law to be amended with the discussed changes and brought back to the next meeting.
Report from Water Manager- high usage right now in town due to 3 factors, high temperatures, lack of rain, year over year growth with new construction. Recommended water restrictions and concerned over the opening of a splash pad with current water usage rates. Council directed staff to come up with some directives to put in place for situations like this for the next meeting.
South Luther Cemetery Report- Page 128 report regarding maintenance and repairs on the monuments in the cemetery. Plan
Public Works-Verbal Update
Grading and Calcium done
Bridge 17 consturction for July 16th for about 1-2 weeks
Sidewalks completed and hand rails will go up when done
Clean up from Ice storm still ongoing
Bridge 11 still has some outstanding items need to completed
Spuryt St Construction set to start on August 3rd, Trees will need to be taken down which will be completed by Stump Busters.
Sidewalk at Medical Centre still has issues, hoping to have this done by end of summer at the latest.
3 tiles to be installed on Amaranth Street East past the bridge
Town Planners Report
Building Permits and Fence permits are being issued. The planner is available by email.
Public meeting upcoming for 28 Main Street N and 2 other potentials.
Scott St Development Recommendation Report-this report is planned to be put forward at the August Council meeting.
Urban Design Guidelines- Being done online now with the University of Waterloo, will start in September. Hoping to have something by the end of the year to put in front of the council.
Deputy Mayor moved the staff to be directed to explore parking in the urban area and come to the council with a report.
Scott Street Recommendation Report for Reconstruction Agreement- Put forward to the council for approval. After discussion and 2 votes, the first one did not pass and then after adding some additional verbiage to a new motion the agreement was approved.
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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