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.
Oct 24th, 2023
Click here for agenda
Presentations
10:05 a.m. – Presentation – Years of Service Recognition- I missed this part of the meeting
Sandra Crane- 35 years-Crossing Guard
Dan Clark – 20 years- Public Works
Mark Kluge – 5 years-Town Planner
10:20am-Chris Knechtel , RJ Burnside
-RJ Burnside Drawing – Ritchie Drive Subdrain – House 41 to 49-Page 22 on agenda Town Council directs staff and Burnside to approach Condo Board about the project. If Condo Board approves then Burnside to prepare a detailed work plan to be considered in the 2024 budget.
-RJ Burnside Technical Memorandum – Melody Lane and Water Street Sidewalk Review dated October 20, 2023*-Page 5 on this agenda addendum– Council discussed and I believe the decision was that Public works would investigate further and update council (audio cut in and out during the part). The South portion South of Melody will remain closed.
-Council also directed staff to prepare a report about drainage in subdivisons, bring forward direction for an agreement that can be brought forward to developers.
Unfinished Business
Town Hall Debrief – Verbal Discussion- I missed the first part of this discussion however I did catch the Deputy Mayors comments at the end that he felt (I am paraphrasing) the 40 people that attended were not fully representative of the rest of the constituents that also live in the community that did not attend the meeting. The deputy mayor indicated that he felt it was a lot of cost to put on this type of event and that he would not be inclined to have another one. The Mayor and CAO responded that they felt it was nice to see constituents face to face and give an opportunity for constituents to come out to be informed on council matters.
**Side note- I attended the public meeting and I thought it went really well. There was a lot of community leaders/volunteers in attendance and having them in the loop as well as able to share updated and accurate information with their groups/organizations etc..is a very good thing in my opinion. I am very much in support of my tax dollars being used to keep constituents informed and connected to their council. A member of the public at the end of the meeting thanked Town staff and Councillors for putting on this meeting and a round of applause followed, I echo this statement.
Staff Reports
By-Law Enforcement
-Staff Report – By-Law Enforcement Update- Page 23 on Agenda– Giving notices/educating the public about parking and giving out tickets when needed.
-Fence By-law – Corner Lots – Verbal discussion-Council discussed adjusting the by-law to minimize corner lot by law amendment applications.
CAO Update
-Treasurer-Staff Report –Treasurer’s Update and Monthly Procurement Report-Page 26 on agenda-Council Received.
-Staff Report – Town of Grand Valley Credit Card Policy-Page 34 on agenda– Council received and discussed
CAO/Clerk
-Council Memo – Sewage Plant Non-compliance for September 2023-Page 39 on agenda– Council Received
-Council Memo – Town of Grand Valley Donation to International Plowing Match
-Council Memo – Additional Information – Bill C-310 An Act to amend the Income Tax Act Volunteer Firefighting- Page 43 on agenda– Council Supports the Bill and discussed and the Deputy Mayor had talked with Fire Chief Justin Foreman and brought forward a recommendation to reduce eligible firefighting hours to receive tax credit.
-Staff Report – Vacant Land beside Emma Street Pumping Station- Page 45 on agenda-Council Receives the report and directs staff to present options for moving the driveway and update council on official zoning and planning.
-Staff Report – 2024 Grand Valley Council Meeting Schedule- Page 50 on Agenda– Council Discussed.
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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