February 8th, 2023 - Regular Council Meeting
February has started and spring is just a few weeks away, even though some days feel like it's already here. At last night's council meeting, there were a few items that I wanted to provide additional comment on.
Items 4c)
Robin Dunn, CAO re: Litigation affecting the Municipality/Solicitor-client privilege (Legal Update, Cannabis, Zone 1 Water, Short Term Rentals).
The motions that came out of the meeting are relatively self-explanatory. The council will continue to appeal recent OLT decisions on cannabis and short-term rentals and await a decision on the Zone 1 water issue, which had a hearing on February 8th, 2023. Additionally, important to note the township will refrain from mediation with the group related to Short-term Rentals.
Good to note: Decisions can be found here
Cannabis Decision is Case # OLT-22-002249
Short Term Rentals Case # OLT-22-002196
8 a)
Presentation by John Mascarin, Aird & Berlis LLP re: Municipal Restructuring Presentation.
The presentation by John Mascarin of A&B was done very quickly, but provides some very important legal background on what the steps are (and who holds all the power) in the event of a municipal restructuring (think of Barrie’s annexation of some of innisifil’s Land in 2009). The Minister of Municipal Affairs (Hon. Steve Clark – No relation) has a lot of authority in this matter in the event that either of our surrounding municipalities were looking for some of our land.
17a)
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.
It is important for transparency to make council meetings easily accessible to the public. Meetings will still be available upon request at the township office, but providing an additional, more accessible avenue through YouTube can help improve public engagement
18 a) By-Laws: 2023-009: A By-law to Appoint Municipal Law Enforcement Officers/Provincial Offences Officers and to Repeal By-law Nos. 2022-038, 2021-054 and any other applicable by-law enacted to Appoint Municipal Law Enforcement Officer/Provincial Offences Officers, “Appointment By-law.
Councillor Young asked questions to clarify the appointments of municipal officers, which are either legislatively required positions, such as fire chief and chief building officer, or to allow individuals to perform duties, like building inspectors and by-law enforcement officers. These appointments are important to ensure the effective functioning of the municipality. Similar by-laws will be passed on a semi regular basis (at minimum annually) to ensure the township staff has the appropriate enforcement authority under the Municipal Act, 2001
Please make sure to reach out to me if you have any questions or concerns,
Yours in Service,
David Clark