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.
October 13th, 2020
You can find the agenda here
Question & Answer Period
I posed the following question:
With Grand Valley set for expansive residential growth, I wonder if council and town staff have put consideration into ensuring that new subdivisions have accessible walking/biking trails in addition to sidewalks?
I have noticed that other neighbouring communities that experienced similar residential growth as Grand Valley seemed in most cases to factor in walking paths into their new subdivision plans and in some cases had the paths connect to existing or older subdivisions within the community.
With covid-19 I believe we have had an opportunity to shine the light on some deficiencies within our town of being able to provide accessible and safe paths for our residents to be able to get outside and enjoy the fresh air and get some exercise safely year-round. Currently, we have the Rail trail as well as Hereward Park that have paths available in town (beyond sidewalks/roads) and I did notice this past spring that those areas were heavily used especially on evenings and weekends by (I assume) residents of our town. I can only imagine how much busier these areas will get when the town’s population grows with these new planned developments”.
The Mayor and Council responded that they had discussed this before and they talked about if it was in the recreation plan already. It was suggested that the council follow up on this.
Unfinished Business
Covid 19 Emergency Updates- Plans for winter maintenance.
Proposal for Front Entrance Upgrades-The town staff has reached out to engineering firm to manage the project. Council discussed the quote provided from an engineering firm and a question came up from Councillor Miles asking whether we can have a local builder complete the project. Council decided to move ahead with have the engineering firm present plans and scope of project and then council will review.
Business appreciation Month- Baskets with tickets were dropped off to local businesses.
Wastewater Treatment Plant Tour-Oct 29th is planned for the tour
Staff Reports
CAO/Clerk Treasurer
Announcement of Sabrina VanGerven as Deputy Clerk/Communications Coordinator.
Tile Drain Loan application- Council approves the tile drain loan application for Lot #32, Concession 6-7, #322453
Procedural By-law amendment for electronic meetings- Small amendment made to the draft by adding the wording “necessary for reasons that are clear and defensible”.
Use of 23 Mill Street West and agreement with the 85 Tornado Squadron- Highland Youth for Christ and 85 Tornado Squadron to share the space. Small renotvations need to be done, council approves Highland Youth for Christ to enter into a sub-lease with 85 Tornado Squadron and that $1200 will be issued for repairs needed to the site.
Mobile Food Truck License Application-for Beigs Pizza, concerns brought up about the unit being a sea contianer that has been renovated. They discussed making sure the unit can be moved, is maintained. Council approved the application with the contignecy that final sign off from the fire department.
Updated Off-Road Vehicle By-law- Council approves the draft by-law to be put forward for final approval.
Village Gateway Signage project-Grand Valley was not included in the revised project. CAO reached out to the company that gave a quote for this project and will present to council when received.
Water Tower Analysis – The first report from Landmark received.
Draft Agreement with RJ Burnside and Associates Limited – Surge Tank
Engineering. Council approves the agreement.
Public Works Superintendent
Spruyt Avenue is almost done- some deficiencies noted which will need to be dealt with.
Truck inspections happeing this month
Trip Hazards noted on sidewalks and will be plained down
Salt shed repairs completed and inspected with no issues
Ditching still in process
Grass cutting is still happening on the sides of the road.
New trees are being planted- a few more are being planted near the cenotaph
Deckers family has donated a spruce tree to replace a tree at the pavilion. The tree that was there and used as part of a the Christmas tree decorating celebration was stressed and marked for removal. Council approved this.
Report – Winter Sidewalk Maintenance Cost Breakdown 2020 and Winter
Sidewalk Maintenance Options- Council discussed how with the town growth it may not be sustainable in the future for the town to be responsible for snow removal on sidewalks. Some of the council felt that it should be part of taxes for the town to do sidewalk removal and other council members expressed that it would be a big cost saving for the town to put this service to a minimal level and have residents clear their own sidewalks. Approval for option 2.
Boundary Road Agreement and Draft By-law – Amaranth / East Luther Townline
Deputations
Kevin Bechard, Daniel Hrycyna, Lisgar (Grand Valley) Ltd. re: Scott Street Subdivision- Seeking approval of draft conditions, companion zoning application and request for allocation of 14 single detached equivalents for servicing.
Public Works-Verbal Update
Winter sand quotes and stacker discussion-1) $16,130 stacker rental included 2)$16,800 + stacker rental. Council approved to proceed with quote #1.
Hand Rails completed on Main street
Bridge 11 few outstanding items to complete
Spruyt Street- Main services to be worked on this week
Cachet Homes- sidewalk, topsoil and pavement repairs still needing to be completed.
Medical Centre repairs completed
Schedule for final grass cutting first weekend in October
Brushing of the ditches to be completed 2nd weekend of October
Ditching- almost done
Salt Shack Coverall Replacement- Should be completed next week.
Boundary Road Agreement – East/West Luther Townline- Every other year Town of Grand Valley is responsible for maintaining the road, this year is our year and Wellington North will be responsible for next year (April-April). Review agreement, council approved the by-law to execute the agreement.
Town Planners Report
New application for County road 25- Build garage, being reviewed.
William Street- Planner has not heard back from applicant will circle back.
Oosterhof Application- Severance conditions being met
Rentsch application- coming to council next meeting.
Thomasfield Phase 3 A- Very close to registering subdivision sgreemetn.
Golden Homes- finalized some aspects on-site plan. Hope to have this before council before the end of the year.
Status Report update on report file with County for Urban Exopansion.
Scott Street Development Report- Meeting took place with the developer to address concerns raised by the public and council from the last recommendation report. Part of the condominium development is 13 townhomes, 8 single detached and 3 single detached on Scott Street. 15 parking spots have been added. One townhome was removed and one detached home has been removed from the original application. Application for a zoning change and draft plans for subdivision approved.
Pending Items list
Parking at Grand Valley and District Public School – Town staff is working with the school on drop off and pick up areas for parents.
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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