Thread by @LoveWilmot

This evening's regular council meeting is preceded by a closed meeting. Full agenda package: calendar.wilmot.ca//townshipcalen…. Watch live at youtube.com/channel/UCcA8f… or follow along here 👇

By the way, in case you missed it, this was announced a short while ago.

https://twitter.com/WilmotTownship/status/1437525465498009602

Mayor Armstrong starts the meeting by asking for a moment's thoughts for the lives lost 20 years ago on 9/11. "May the victims continue to rest in peace."

The land acknowledgment is read by Coun Pfenning.

Coun Pfenning asks that people remember the children who did not make it home from residential schools, and she mentions the raising of the Every Child Matters flag.

First item: Wilmot Seniors Woodworking & Craft Centre License Agreement.

Coun Gordijk asks about the insurance policy, which Sandy Jackson (Acting CAO) answers.

Coun Hallman asks Ms Jackson if any other local groups have similar agreements. Ms Jackson says other woodworking groups operate in Township facilities, whereas this one is in licensed space, which makes it unique.

Next: Ms Jackson is presenting a report on the 2021 Mid-Term Work Program Report (p25 of the agenda package). She describes how these reports are now being handled, which is a new approach.

Coun Gordijk thanks Deputy Clerk Tracey Murray for her work preparing the report, as Coun Gordijk had asked for it to be streamlined and easier to follow.

Also asks about the "thank a neighbour" program, which is marked as completed, but there has been no news about any awards.

Ms Murray says the thank a neighbour was in the spring, and there she says there were social media posts.

There is currently no update on the flag raising protocol report.

In reply to Coun Gordijk's question, Ms Murray says the Crime & Safety Committee has been slow getting started due to recruitment.

Coun Hallman says she was unable to find any information about the thank a neighbour program on the Township's website, and local service groups have asked her for an update. Coun Hallman asks for this to be added to the site.

Patrick Kelly (Director of Finance) replies to Coun Gordijk's question about unsuccessful grant applications. He says that in those cases, no rationale is provided.

Coun Gordijk asks Ms Jackson (Director of Facilities & Recreation Services) about incorporating QR codes in parks, etc. Ms Jackson says that at the moment it comes down to resources.

The recommendation to endorse the report is carried.

Mr Kelly is presenting the Indigenous Reconciliation Action Plan – Update and Actions report (p37). This is a cross-Region working group.

From the report summary: "Social injustice and racism exist in every community, and now is the time for meaningful, immediate action."

"As we begin this journey of reconciliation, we acknowledge that we are learning along the way. We recognize the importance of being open, transparent, and accountable for the Reconciliation Action Plan and all subsequent actions."

Mr Kelly says other lower level municipalities in the Region are discussing similar proposals about the waiving fees for Indigenous ceremonial use of Township land on September 30 (Orange Shirt Day/Truth & Reconciliation Day).

A few excerpts from the report that's being discussed.

Coun Gordijk asks if there has been any uptake, due to the short amount of time before September 30 this year.

Mr Kelly says there has been some uptake in Kitchener, but more requests are to be expected.

A note about financial considerations.

Coun Hallman says she's received some questions from residents. She asks if other dates can be recognized and if fees for land use can be waived for those, too, such as Louis Riel Day. Mr Kelly says that makes sense, but more consultation is preferable.

Coun Pfenning asks for clarification on the flow of requests. Mr Kelly says it will help to ensure that requests go to the correct department/personnel. He clarifies that Wilmot requests will be considered by Wilmot staff. "It remains our decision."

Coun Gordijk asks if there will be a place on the website that will explain the logistics and submission form. Mr Kelly says that there will be resources on the Township's website. Kelly Baird (Communications Specialist) is on the communication subcommittee.

Here's the complete recommendation, which is carried.

Andrew Martin (Manager of Planning/EDO) is presenting his report about the Aggregate zoning status review (p42). The report includes this letter from Citizens For Safe Ground Water.

Coun Gordijk: Perth 120 metres for a setback, whereas Wilmot has 90 metres; are we locked in to 90 if we see a need to increase it?

Mr Martin: It will depend on the merits of individual applications.

Coun Hallman: If everything is variable, why wouldn't we stipulate bigger setbacks?

Mr Martin: The Aggregate Resources Act (ARA) sets the baseline.

Mr Martin says he can't speak to the setback standard that Perth chose.

Harold O'Krafka (Director of Development Services) says we can put whatever number we want, but every applicant still has to justify their application request.

Coun Hallman asks if the aggregate industry has responded to the CFSGW letter. Mr Martin says there was no response after the letter was circulated to them.

Coun Pfenning asks about the decision making regarding setbacks. She says that most people she's spoken to assume that directives set in bylaws are set in stone, but it seems that council will have limited authority in some cases.

Coun Pfenning notes that there are municipalities where residents are not happy about some zoning applications, but the authority comes from the provincial government. "There are regulations that are not set by our staff."

There are a couple of delegations speaking on this issue. First up is Samantha Lernout and Allan Ramsay.

In response to Coun Hallman's question, Mr Ramsay says it isn't necessarily the role of a councillor to advocate to the province, but the Township has the ability to set appropriate standards.

Mr O'Krafka says that each aggregate application is unique and acceptance is based on the scientific review of a specific site. Detailed studies have to be submitted and peer reviewed.

Coun Fisher asks if ARA has a set buffer in its policies, and what would Mr Ramsay recommend? Mr Ramsay says there isn't a standard for buffers. He says that 6-9 metres is what he sees on a regular basis.

Coun Hallman asks if the ARA has the *minimum* standard; Mr O'Krafka says it is.

The next delegation is Rory Farnan. He talks about how communities have been affected by gravel pits that haven't been rehabilitated. He reads letters from residents in North Dumfries who comment on how gravel pits have blighted their landscape. "Is this what we want for Wilmot?"

The report has been received for information.

Council is taking a five minute break.

We're back, with a report about the Repairs to Township Facilities (p51), presented by Ms Jackson, specifically the New Hamburg library.

Coun Gordijk asks if HVAC repairs are being reviewed at other facilities. Ms Jackson says that all facilities are being reviewed.

The Open Air By-law Update (p56) is being presented by Rod Leeson (Fire Chief).

Coun Hallman mentions her concerns about the fee charging structure, and doesn't support charging the $20 annually if nothing has changed from the previous year. Chief Leeson says there's a cost to use the service, and the fee helps to offset that cost.

Coun Gerber is in favour of the time and distance changes, as well as a number of other regulations.

Coun Fisher says he's found that there are numerous communities that charge for this service. He asks what the fine is if someone has a fire without a permit; Chief Lesson says it's $300.

Many of the questions and comments from councillors on this are on the subject of the fee, and how the Township can justify it. Chief Leeson says that he came from a municipality that introduced a system, and there was no pushback. The alternative is using the general levy.

Chief Leeson adds that there's an education component to the by-law.

Coun Fisher says a $20 user fee is fair, so that people who don't have a fire pit aren't charged.

RECOMMENDATION:
That Council approves the by-law to regulate the setting of Open Air Fires including establishing the times during which Open Air Fires may be set and to repeal By-law No. 2004-42 being a Bylaw to regulate the setting of fires and precautions to be observed.

The recommendation is carried.

Chief Leeson is now discussing the Fire Route Bylaw Update (p151).

Coun Gordijk asks if this will apply to adult lifestyle communities (Morningside, Stonecroft and Foxboro Green) when it comes to parking. Chief Leeson said it won't be an issue in those subdivisions.

Coun Hallman asks if this will include Cottage Lane in New Dundee; the Chief says it could.

RECOMMENDATION:
That Council approves Bylaw 2021-41 to designate private roadways as emergency Fire routes along which no parking of vehicles shall be permitted and to Repeal Bylaw No. 85-5 being a Bylaw to designate private roadways as emergency fire routes...

...and requirements to be observed.

Carried.

Correspondence: Council Code of Conduct Inquiry by Integrity Commissioner Dr Robert Williams.

Received for information.

Announcements: Coun Gordijk thanks Coun Hallman for organizing Concert For Terry in New Dundee last week, which raised $900.

Moreish ice cream trailer in Sobeys’ parking lot, is hosting a fundraiser this week. When you place your order, share how Terry or another person with cancer has inspired you & proceeds from your order will be donated to the Wilmot Terry Fox Run.

Coun Gordijk talks about how Fred and Darrell Fox have inspired her by carrying on their brother's work. She thanks the Township for its financial support with a grant.

Coun Hallman thanks Township staff for their hard work during the election, setting up polling places.

Coun Gordijk adds that the New Hamburg BoT is hosting a debate on Wednesday. facebook.com/NewHamburgBoT/…

We're adjourned at 9:57pm.