The Corporation of the Municipality of St.-Charles

MINUTES

Regular Meeting of Council

Wednesday, October 16, 2024 at 6:00 P.m. - 10:00 P.m.

Council Chambers (Municipal Office)

2 King Street East

St.-Charles, Ontario P0M 2W0

Members Present:

• Mayor: Paul Branconnier
• Councillor: Julie Laframboise
• Councillor: Mathieu Pothier

Members Absent:

• Councillor: Monica Loftus
• Councillor: Joshua Lachance

Staff Present:

• Chief Administrative Officer: Denis Turcot
• Clerk: Tammy Godden
• Director of Finance / Treasurer: Pamela McCracken
• Chief Building Official: Andrea Tarini
• Director of Operations: Michelle Clark

Guests:

• Angie Whitty

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1.

MEETING CALLED TO ORDER & ROLL CALL

1.1

Resolution to open the meeting

Mayor Branconnier advised that both Councillor Loftus and Councillor Lachance send their regrets.

• Resolution: 2024-359
  Moved by: Councillor Pothier
  Seconded by: Councillor Laframboise

  BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council for the Corporation of the Municipality of St.-Charles hereby opens the Regular Meeting of Council at 6:00 p.m. on October 16, 2024.

  CARRIED

1.2

Indigenous Land Acknowledgement

Mayor Branconnier delivered the prepared Indigenous Land Acknowledgement.

2.

ADOPTION OF AGENDA

2.1

Resolution to adopt the agenda

• Resolution: 2024-360
  Moved by: Councillor Laframboise
  Seconded by: Councillor Pothier

  BE IT RESOLVED THAT the agenda for the Regular Meeting of Council held October 16, 2024 be adopted as presented.

  CARRIED

3.

DISCLOSURES OF PECUNIARY INTEREST

None declared.

4.

PRESENTATIONS AND DELEGATIONS

4.1

St.-Charles Lions Club - Establishment and Inauguration

Ms. Whitty presented to Council as provided in the agenda package. Ms. Whitty further advised that the Lions Club will be active effective November 9, 2024, but the inauguration will be at a later date. Ms. Whitty extended an invitation to Council to attend the Open House on November 9, 2024 and advised that anyone looking to join and become a Lion is welcome to attend.

4.2

Segal Construction - Municipal Housing Development

Mr. Segal did not attend the meeting.

5.

ANNOUNCEMENTS AND INQUIRIES BY MEMBERS OF THE GENERAL PUBLIC AND BY COUNCIL

5.1

Councillor Pothier - Re: Public Skating

Councillor Pothier advised that there have been some inquiries about public skating. He suggested that once we are aware of times available they should be posted as soon as possible.

The Clerk advised Council that staff had posted both public skating and shinny information on the municipal website calendar today. The Clerk further advised that it is not certain whether all of the dates have been posted, but definitely some have been and the rest will follow.

6.

NOTICE OF MOTIONS

Nil.

7.

ADOPTION OF MINUTES

7.1

Resolution to adopt the minutes of meetings

• Resolution: 2024-361
  Moved by: Councillor Laframboise
  Seconded by: Councillor Pothier

  BE IT RESOLVED THAT the minutes of the following meetings of Council be adopted as presented: 

  • Regular Meeting of Council of February 15, 2023;
  • Committee of the Whole Meeting of March 1, 2023;
  • Regular Meeting of Council of March 15, 2023; and,
  • Committee of the Whole Meeting of October 2, 2024.
  CARRIED

8.

CORRESPONDENCE FOR INFORMATION

8.1

Resolution to receive correspondence for information

• Resolution: 2024-362
  Moved by: Councillor Pothier
  Seconded by: Councillor Laframboise

  BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council for the Corporation of the Municipality of St.-Charles receives the following correspondence for information: 

  1. Email from McGarry dated September 11, 2024, regarding Resolution of Support from the Township of Larder Lake;
  2. Copy of letter from Amaranth dated September 18, 2024, regarding Provincial Updates to the Municipal Elections Act;
  3. Email from Hilliard dated September 19, 2024, regarding Resolution of Support for the Municipality of Tweed;
  4. Copy of letter from Bradford West Gwillimbury dated September 20, 2024, regarding Ontario Deposit Return Program;
  5. Letter from Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness dated September 24, 2024;
  6. Email from East Ferris dated September 25, 2024, regarding Resolution - Combined ROMA / AMO Annual Conference;
  7. Copy of letter from Tay Valley dated September 25, 2024, regarding Public Sector Salary Disclosure;
  8. Letter from Ministry of Natural Resources dated September 26, 2024, regarding New Government Funding for Ontario Imagery;
  9. Copy of letter from Cobourg dated September 27, 2024;
  10. Letter from Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness dated September 27, 2024;
  11. Copy of letter from Parry Sound dated October 2, 2024;
  12. Copy of letter from Cobourg dated October 4, 2024, regarding Motion from Mayor Lucas Cleveland regarding Support of Involuntary Care for Individuals with Severe Mental Health and Addictions Issues;
  13. Copy of letter from Springwater dated October 4, 2024;
  14. Copy of letter from Clearview dated October 8, 2024, regarding Support Resolution - Updates to the Municipal Elections Act;
  15. Letter from St. Joseph dated October 8, 2024, regarding Recommendations for Government Regulation of Nicotine Pouches; and,
  16. Email from Ontario Big City Mayors Caucus dated October 10, 2024, regarding Support for Ontario's Big City Mayors (OBCM) Solve the Crisis Campaign;

  and directs staff to:

  • draft a Resolution in support on items: 4, 7, and 16. 
  CARRIED

8.2

Resolution Stemming from July 17, 2024 Regular Meeting of Council - Item 7.0 - Correspondence #5

• Resolution: 2024-363
  Moved by: Councillor Laframboise
  Seconded by: Councillor Pothier

  BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council for the Corporation of the Municipality of St.-Charles hereby supports Resolution No. 2024-125 passed by the Corporation of the Town of Cobalt, regarding a PS3280 accounting standard covering asset retirement obligations;

  AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT a copy of this Resolution be sent to the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, Paul Calandra; the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO); the Federation of Ontario Municipalities (FONOM); and all Ontario Municipalities.

  CARRIED

8.3

Resolution Stemming from July 17, 2024 Regular Meeting of Council - Item 7.1 - Correspondence #6

• Resolution: 2024-364
  Moved by: Councillor Pothier
  Seconded by: Councillor Laframboise

  BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council for the Corporation of the Municipality of St.-Charles hereby supports the Resolution dated June 27, 2024 passed by the Town of Petrolia supporting the Resolution dated May 13, 2024 passed by the City of Belleville, regarding family doctors;

  AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT a copy of this Resolution be sent to the Premier Doug Ford; Minister of Health, Sylvia Jones; the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO); our local Member of Provincial Parliament (MPP); and all Ontario Municipalities.

  CARRIED

8.4

Resolution Stemming from July 17, 2024 Regular Meeting of Council - Item 7.1 - Correspondence #7

• Resolution: 2024-365
  Moved by: Councillor Laframboise
  Seconded by: Councillor Pothier

  BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council for the Corporation of the Municipality of St.-Charles hereby supports the Resolution dated June 24, 2024 passed by the City of St. Catharines, regarding the Green Roads Pilot Project;

  AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT a copy of this Resolution be sent to the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO); and all Ontario Municipalities.

  CARRIED

8.5

Resolution Stemming from July 17, 2024 Regular Meeting of Council - Item 7.1 - Correspondence #22

• Resolution: 2024-366
  Moved by: Councillor Pothier
  Seconded by: Councillor Laframboise

  BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council for the Corporation of the Municipality of St.-Charles hereby supports Resolution 207-2024 passed by the Township of Terrace Bay, regarding sustainable funding for OPP in small rural municipalities;

  AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT a copy of this Resolution be sent to the Premier Doug Ford; the Solicitor General of Ontario, Michael Kerzner; the Minister of Finance, Peter Bethlenfalvy; the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO); our local Member of Provincial Parliament (MPP); and all Ontario Municipalities.

  CARRIED

8.6

Resolution Stemming from August 14, 2024 Regular Meeting of Council - Item 7.1 - Correspondence #10

• Resolution: 2024-367
  Moved by: Councillor Pothier
  Seconded by: Councillor Laframboise

  BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council for the Corporation of the Municipality of St.-Charles hereby supports Resolution #RC24168 passed by the Municipality of Wawa, regarding Immediate Action Needed to Support Ontario's Forest Sector;

  AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT a copy of this Resolution be sent to the Premier Doug Ford; the Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry, Graydon Smith; the Minister of Northern Development, Greg Rickford; the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO); our local Member of Provincial Parliament (MPP); and all Ontario Municipalities.

  CARRIED

8.7

Resolution Stemming from August 14, 2024 Regular Meeting of Council - Item 7.1 - Correspondence #19

• Resolution: 2024-368
  Moved by: Councillor Laframboise
  Seconded by: Councillor Pothier

  BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council for the Corporation of the Municipality of St.-Charles hereby supports Resolution #2024-08-07-10 passed by the Township of Brudenell, Lyndoch & Raglan, urging the Government to promptly resume the assessment cycle;

  AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT a copy of this Resolution be sent to the Premier Doug Ford; the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, Paul Calandra; the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO); our local Member of Provincial Parliament (MPP); and all Ontario Municipalities.

  CARRIED

8.8

Resolution Stemming from September 18, 2024 Regular Meeting of Council - Item 7.1 - Correspondence #11

• Resolution: 2024-369
  Moved by: Councillor Laframboise
  Seconded by: Councillor Pothier

  BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council for the Corporation of the Municipality of St.-Charles hereby supports Motion No. 24-366 passed by the City of Quinte West, regarding the Canada Community-Building Fund;

  AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT a copy of this Resolution be sent to the Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau; the Minister of Finance, Chrystia Freeland; the Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities, Sean Fraser; the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO); our local Member of Parliament (MP); and all Ontario Municipalities.

  CARRIED

8.9

Resolution Stemming from September 18, 2024 Regular Meeting of Council - Item 7.1 - Correspondence #17

• Resolution: 2024-370
  Moved by: Councillor Laframboise
  Seconded by: Councillor Pothier

  BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council for the Corporation of the Municipality of St.-Charles hereby supports Resolution 2024-EM1-2 passed by the Township of Nairn and Hyman and the Township of Baldwin, regarding concerns with the transport and deposition of Naturally Occurring Radioactive Material (NORM) at the Agnew Lake Tailings Management Area;

  AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT a copy of this Resolution be sent to the Premier of Ontario, Doug Ford; the Minister of Mines, George Pirie; the Minister of Transportation, Prabmeet Sarkaria; the Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks, Andrea Khanjin; the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO); our local Member of  Provincial Parliament (MPP); and all Ontario Municipalities.

  CARRIED

9.

STANDING COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS / REPORTS - MOTIONS

9.1

ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES COMMITTEE

9.1.1

Resolution Stemming from October 2, 2024 Committee of the Whole Meeting - Item 6.1.1 - Landfill Design and Operations Consulting Proposal

• Resolution: 2024-371
  Moved by: Councillor Laframboise
  Seconded by: Councillor Pothier

  BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council for the Corporation of the Municipality of St.-Charles authorizes Pinchin Ltd. to provide Waste Management Strategies and Design for the St.-Charles Landfill Site at a cost of $8,510.00 plus H.S.T.

  CARRIED

9.1.2

Report to Council - Q3 2024 - Environmental Services Department

The Director of Operations presented the report as provided in the agenda package.

9.2

FINANCE COMMITTEE

9.2.1

Resolution to receive the Cash Disbursement Register for the month of September, 2024

• Resolution: 2024-372
  Moved by: Councillor Laframboise
  Seconded by: Councillor Pothier

  BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Cash Disbursement Register of the month of September, 2024 be received in the amount of:

  • $235,593.19.
  CARRIED

9.2.2

Report to Council - 2025 OPP Fees

The Treasurer presented the report as provided in the agenda package.

9.2.3

Report to Council - Pumper Truck Financing

The Treasurer presented the report as provided in the agenda package. The Treasurer advised of an error on page 4 of the report, the last column should read $500,000.00 and not $50,000.00 in the Loan Amount line. Following discussion, Council agreed that they would delay making a final decision until all member of Council are available to comment. Council also requested that some additional bank rate information be obtained and presented.

9.3

GENERAL GOVERNMENT COMMITTEE

9.3.1

Report to Council - Enbridge - Request for Support

The Chief Administrative Officer presented the report as provided in the agenda package. Following discussion Council supported the recommendation to provide a formal expression of support for the natural gas expansion project by way of a letter from the Mayor.

• Resolution: 2024-373
  Moved by: Councillor Laframboise
  Seconded by: Councillor Pothier

  BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council for the Corporation of Municipality of St.-Charles wishes to formally express its support for the natural gas expansion project to the community of St.-Charles, Ontario;

  AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT the Mayor is authorized to send a letter on behalf of the Municipality in support of the natural gas expansion project.

  CARRIED

9.3.2

Report to Council - Save On Energy Grant - Lighting Retrofit

The Chief Administrative Officer presented the report as provided in the agenda package. Following discussion Council supported the recommendation to contribute $3,203.55 to upgrade the lights at the Fitness Centre and the Community Centre.

• Resolution: 2024-374
  Moved by: Councillor Pothier
  Seconded by: Councillor Laframboise

  BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council for the Corporation of the Municipality of St.-Charles approves the amount of $3,203.55 to upgrade the lights at the Fitness Center and Community Center;

  AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT if there is insufficient funds remaining in the operating budget for the lighting upgrades, that the funds be taken from the Contingency Reserve.

  CARRIED

9.3.3

Report to Council - Request from Connect 55+ Connect re: Community Centre

The Chief Administrative Officer presented the report as provided in the agenda package. Following discussion, Council agreed with the recommendation as presented as Option 1 in the report to Council, being to waive the rental fee and that no additional insurance was required as it is a municipal program.

9.3.4

Report to Council - Integrity Commissioner Services - Extension Agreement

The Clerk presented the report as provided in the agenda package. Following discussion, Council agreed with the recommendation to enter into the Amending Agreement with Cunningham Swan Carty Little & Bonham LLP for Integrity Commissioner Services to December 31, 2026.

9.4

PARKS & RECREATION SERVICES COMMITTEE

9.4.1

Report to Council - Ontario Sport Recreation Grant

The Chief Administrative Officer presented the report as provided in the agenda package. Following discussion, Council provided direction to the Chief Administrative Officer to proceed with the applying for the arena roof under the Ontario Sport Recreation Grant.

9.5

PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE

9.5.1

Report to Council - Q3 2024 - SEBBS Building Department

The Chief Building Official presented the report as provided in the agenda package.

9.6

PROTECTION TO PERSONS & PROPERTY COMMITTEE

9.6.1

Report to Council - Hiring a New Municipal Law Enforcement Officer (MLEO)

The Chief Building Official presented the report as provided in the agenda package.

9.6.2

Report to Council - Q3 2024 - SEBBS By-Law Services Department

The Chief Building Official advised that the Manager of By-Law Service sends his regrets as he was not feeling well this evening. The Chief Building Official presented the report as provided in the agenda package. The Chief Building Official further added that a survey regarding backyard hens should be going out late this week or early next week and reporting on that will follow by end of the year.

9.6.3

Report to Council - Agreement with OPP for 911 Services

The Chief Administrative Officer presented the report as provided in the agenda package. The Chief Administrative Officer confirmed that the rate has not changed. Following discussion, Council agreed to enter into the Agreement with OPP for 911 Services.

9.7

TRANSPORTATION SERVICES COMMITTEE

9.7.1

Resolution Stemming from October 2, 2024 Committee of the Whole - Item 6.5.1 - Work Order / Fleet Operations Software

• Resolution: 2024-375
  Moved by: Councillor Laframboise
  Seconded by: Councillor Pothier

  WHEREAS the 2024 Municipal Budget was adopted by Council on June 19, 2024 by Resolution No. 2024-274;

  AND WHEREAS as part of the 2024 Municipal Budget, funds were allocated for the purchase of Maintenance Manager Software;

  BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council for the Corporation of the Municipality of St.-Charles approves that the $20,000.00 for the purchase of Maintenance Manager Software be reallocated for the purchase of Fleet Operations Software.

  CARRIED

9.7.2

Resolution Stemming from October 2, 2024 Committee of the Whole - Item 6.5.2 - Streetlight Policy

• Resolution: 2024-376
  Moved by: Councillor Laframboise
  Seconded by: Councillor Pothier

  WHEREAS Council for the Corporation of the Municipality of St.-Charles has read the proposed Streetlight Policy;

  BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council for the Corporation of the Municipality of St.-Charles hereby adopts Policy SER-004 Streetlight Policy, as attached.

  CARRIED

9.7.3

Report to Council - Q3 2024 - Public Works / Transportation Services Department

The Director of Operations presented the report as provided in the agenda package.

10.

BY-LAWS

10.1

First and second reading

• Resolution: 2024-377
  Moved by: Councillor Laframboise
  Seconded by: Councillor Pothier

  BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council for the Corporation of the Municipality of St.- Charles hereby gives first and second reading to the following By-Laws:

  • By-Law 2024-41 - Being a By-Law to Appoint a Municipal Law Enforcement Officer as Authorized under the Police Services Act and a Property Standards Officer for the Corporation of the Municipality of St.-Charles;
  • By-Law 2024-42 - Being a By-Law to Enter into a Lease Agreement with Health Sciences North;
  • By-Law 2024-43 - Being a By-Law to Enter into an Agreement for the Provision of Primary Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) Services with His Majesty the King in Right of Ontario as Represented by the Minister of the Solicitor General on Behalf of the Ontario Provincial Police;
  • By-Law 2024-44 - Being a By-Law to Enter into an Amending Agreement - Integrity Commissioner Services with Cunningham Swan Carty Little & Bonham LLP; and,
  • By-Law 2024-45 - Being a By-Law to Enter into an Agreement with Karen Jones Consulting Inc.
  CARRIED

10.2

Third and final reading

• Resolution: 2024-378
  Moved by: Councillor Pothier
  Seconded by: Councillor Laframboise

  BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council for the Corporation of the Municipality of St.-Charles hereby gives third reading to and finally passes By-Law 2024-41.

  CARRIED

10.3

Third and final reading

• Resolution: 2024-379
  Moved by: Councillor Laframboise
  Seconded by: Councillor Pothier

  BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council for the Corporation of the Municipality of St.-Charles hereby gives third reading to and finally passes By-Law 2024-42.

  CARRIED

10.4

Third and final reading

• Resolution: 2024-380
  Moved by: Councillor Pothier
  Seconded by: Councillor Laframboise

  BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council for the Corporation of the Municipality of St.-Charles hereby gives third reading to and finally passes By-Law 2024-43.

  CARRIED

10.5

Third and final reading

• Resolution: 2024-381
  Moved by: Councillor Pothier
  Seconded by: Councillor Laframboise

  BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council for the Corporation of the Municipality of St.-Charles hereby gives third reading to and finally passes By-Law 2024-44.

  CARRIED

10.6

Third and final reading

• Resolution: 2024-382
  Moved by: Councillor Laframboise
  Seconded by: Councillor Pothier

  BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council for the Corporation of the Municipality of St.-Charles hereby gives third reading to and finally passes By-Law 2024-45.

  CARRIED

11.

ADDENDUM (If required and by Resolution)

Nil.

12.

CLOSED SESSION

Nil.

13.

RECONVENE TO OPEN SESSION

14.

ADJOURNMENT

14.1

Confirmation By-Law - First and second reading

• Resolution: 2024-383
  Moved by: Councillor Laframboise
  Seconded by: Councillor Pothier

  BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council for the Corporation of the Municipality of St.- Charles hereby gives first and second reading to the following By-Law:

  • By-Law 2024-46 - Being a By-Law to Confirm the Proceedings of Council at its Special Meeting of Council held September 26th, 2024; at its Committee of the Whole Meeting held October 2nd, 2024; at its Special Meeting of Council held October 16th, 2024; and, at its Regular Meeting of Council held October 16th, 2024.
  CARRIED

14.2

Confirmation By-Law - Third and final reading

• Resolution: 2024-384
  Moved by: Councillor Laframboise
  Seconded by: Councillor Pothier

  BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council for the Corporation of the Municipality of St.-Charles hereby gives third reading to and finally passes By-Law 2024-46.

  CARRIED

14.3

Resolution to adjourn the meeting

• Resolution: 2024-385
  Moved by: Councillor Pothier
  Seconded by: Councillor Laframboise

  BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council for the Corporation of the Municipality of St.-Charles hereby adjourns the Regular Meeting of Council at 7:44 p.m. on October 16th, 2024.

  CARRIED