February 22nd - Regular Council
As February comes to a close and we’re reminded that it is still, in fact, winter. I wanted to provide some additional thoughts and comments on last nights’ meeting.
Wishing you and yours a great rest of the week.
4. Closed Session Items:
c) Donna Hewitt, Director, Corporate Services re: Acquisition/disposition of land; Education or training of members in accordance with Section 239 (3.1) of the Municipal Act, 2001, as amended (2299 Highway 11 North).
It was important for council to understand the process that is followed when municipally-owned lands are potentially sold.
6. Recognition of Achievements:
a) Sheila Spring, Records Management Clerk re: Completion of Four Units of Municipal Law Program, The Association of Municipal Clerks and Treasurers of Ontario (AMCTO).
b) 4:30 p.m.: Charlie Beatty re: Freestyle Ski Accomplishments
Congratulations to Sheila, a Township of Oro-Medonte employee, for continuing her education, and to Charlie, a young resident, for putting our community on the world stage. We celebrate their achievements.
12. Reports of Municipal Officers for Information Only:
a) Nelly Morrow, Director, Finance/Chief Financial Officer; and Robin Dunn, CAO; re: Baker Tilly KDN LLP Audit Planning Report 2023 - 2024; and Budget Deliberations.
This item is important. As a council, we have a duty to represent the public and direct the auditor, in some respects, on any areas of concern we may have. I commend CFO Morrow on initiating the process of having the audit planning report drafted and presented in an open forum. Audits are a cornerstone of our financial system and it is important that everyone understands the frameworks used and their importance. I would like to note that we stressed to Mrs. Morrow and her team the importance of meeting FIR deadlines.
b) ES2023-03, Jennifer Barrick, Manager, Environmental Services re: 2022 Drinking Water Compliance Reports for Township of Oro-Medonte Drinking Water Systems.
I am happy to report that all municipal drinking water systems in Oro-Medonte have been in compliance with their reporting requirements, and none of them had levels of any contaminants or minerals that exceeded provincial legislative requirements. The updated 2022 reports are not yet available on the Townships website but they’re available on the agenda, and will become available here
17. Notice of Motions: a) Brought by Councillor Clark, January 25, 2023. Notice of Motion for February 8, 2023 Council Meeting. To be dealt with at the February 22, 2023 Council Meeting.
The motion to retain all council meetings on YouTube for constituents to view when it is convenient for them passed. This will serve as an easily accessible record of the proceedings of council on contentious issues that may arise.
b) Brought by Councillor Hutcheson Notice of Motion for February 22, 2023 Council Meeting. To be dealt with at March 8, 2023 Council Meeting.
In my opinion, the cost of administering canine registration (required under provincial legislation) should be borne by the individuals who choose to have them as pets, including myself, not by the general taxpayers.
Yours in Service,
David Clark