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 are what I perceive as highlights from the council meeting and are my interpretation of what I hear at the meetings 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 (link provided below) as well as reading the official meeting minutes when they are available. You can also watch the video recording of the council meeting to get the full context.
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/watch the recrodings and read through all of the agenda’s and minutes.
January 28th, 2025
Click here for agenda
Click here for video recording of meeting of the Special Budget Meeting. The video from the regular meeting has not yet been posted.
Amy’s Highlights of the Regular Town Council Meeting
Insurance Deputations- Council asked the Insurance Rep to come back with an updated quote based on increasing deductibles to save some $- Page 17 on agenda
CEO of Library deputation on library budget- Page 61 on Agenda
Council approves bylaw to lower rates of speed within GV to 40km as presented and amended (amendment was to add Main st north and south to water st in its entirety)- Page 74 on agenda
By-Law Enforcement- Parking at the school drop off and pick up was discussed and how there have been complaints on this. Council suggested town staff reach out to the school to discuss.
Special Budget Meeting
The draft budget was discussed at this meeting, you can see the agenda here. I watched the live stream but it seemed that there were members of the public there in person. There was some interruption from the public in the meeting and the town staff/Mayor indicated that they were not taking public comments/questions for this meeting. Just so the general public knows anyone is welcome to attend open council meetings however during this council term the public question & answer period where members of the public could stand up in front of council during a meeting and ask questions was removed. Public Q&A is by prior submission only. Also, if you do decide to attend a meeting in person please be aware that their are microphones located right above the public seating area. These microphones help the sound quality for the live stream and recording of the meetings however they do pick up conversations from the public seating area as well even if you are whispering them.
If you have a questions, concern etc.. that you would like council/staff to address best to email that department/council member directly alternatively you can email the general email for the town- [email protected] or call the town : 1-519-928-5652
-Council Discussed Sections one by one and went over areas to decrease the budget.
One of the biggest areas discussed that I heard was the reduction in costs for the Recreation Department- Including the town ceasing operations of the campground, the operating expense compared to the revenue was a large gap. Councillor Latam suggested that an area that could be trimmed as well in the recreation department would be limiting number of staff (in the past 2 years the council has approved the hiring of 3 full time employees in the recreation department). Councillor Latam suggest that the town could contract out gardening (this was in place in previous years), expand our existing grass cutting contract, reducing the amount of time that Rec staff manages splash pad etc.. Councillor Latam also asked what the ROI was on the recreation program coordinator which was the most recent hire who has been in the position for approximately 6 months. Councillor Latam indicated that the recreation department keeps coming up in his conversation with constituents about how to reduce costs.
End of my notes
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.
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