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.
Jan 30, 2024
Click here for agenda
Announcements
-Proclamation – Dufferin Community Foundation Nonprofit Appreciation Week –February 12-18, 2024-Page 18 on agenda
-Dufferin Community Foundation – NonProfit Appreciation Week – Special Breakfast Event – Morning Glory – Thursday, February 15, 2024.
Deputations
-Shirley Boxem, Vice-Chair, Dufferin Community Foundation Board and Grants Committee Chair and Michele Fisher, Executive Director, Dufferin Community Foundation- Page 20 on agenda–
-Althea Alli, President/Founder, Dufferin County Multicultural Foundation-Presentation – virtual attendance- Page 33 on Agenda– Council approved to proclaim June 27th as Multicultural Day and put it up on the electronic sign as well as approved a $300 donation to the foundation.
-Joanne Stevenson, CEO, Grand Valley Public Library, Grand Valley Public Library Board-2024 Budget – Grand Valley Public Library- Page 37 on the agenda. Council received the report and approved the budget.
Unfinished Business
-Grand Valley ROMA Delegation –Honourable Todd Smith, Minister of Energy – Verbal Update- I could not really hear the verbal update on this as the audio did not come out clearly online.
Staff Reports
-By-Law Enforcement-Report – By-law Enforcement Update-Page 39 on Agenda– Council Received the report
-Recreation Facilities Manager-Report – Recreation Facilities Manager Update – to be provided on
Addendum Agenda- I didn’t see the report on the addendum and could not fully hear the verbal update but there was discussion about the plan for an outdoor rink. From what I could hear the Recrreation Facilities Manager is researching refrigeration and is working with the Community Centre Board to see the feasibility.
CAO/Clerk-Treasurer
-Report – Treasurer Update – Verbal Update
-Report – Monthly Procurement Update-Page 42 on Agenda
-Report – Council Meeting Efficiency Recommendations- Page 44 on Agenda-Council discussed, public question & answer period was discussed and whether it should remain as is where a member of the public can address council verbally with a question during the council meeting. Staff recommendation was to-
“amending the Procedural By-law to remove references to “discussions” and replace with “written
submissions and/or written questions”. This amendment would require the delegate to
give prior notice of their issue, which would address transparency concerns and
increase meeting efficiency as staff can be prepared to provide accurate and complete
information to Council during meetings, reducing the number of times an item needs to
return to Council. The provision of written submissions, in advance of meetings, gives
members of Council the opportunity to seek additional information from staff prior to
meeting and assists in discussions and decisions at meetings, also reducing the
frequency an item returns to Council”
Council put this to a vote and Councillors Latam, Jonker and Dart were in favour of following staffs recommendation and Deputy Mayor Rentsch was opposed and made a statement about not providing more barriers to the public to address council.
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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