Council Highlights - June 21

Council Discretionary Donation Policy

Staff have been directed to revise the draft Council Discretionary Donation Policy with amendments related to purchasing Township assets and private events, as well as removing limitations on the maximum amount that can be provided to eligible recipients. Council will have the opportunity to provide any additional requests for revisions to staff prior to finalization at a subsequent meeting.

2022 Budget & Business Plan Year End Results

Council received a report regarding the year end results of the 2022 Budget & Business Plan. The results indicated a tax based operating surplus, in which Council voted to allocate $508,501 to reduce the Township’s unfunded capital, $706,726.50 to be allocated to the Tax Rate Stabilization Reserve and $706,726.50 to be allocated to the Recreation Facility Reserve.

Lease Renewal – Elmvale Gateway

Council has authorized staff to renew a 5-year lease agreement with Suncor Energy Products Partnership for the use of 6 Yonge Street South in Elmvale. The property is used for a parkette and public parking lot.

DC Background Study By-law Adopted

The Township collects development charges (DCs) on new properties to help pay for growing municipal infrastructure and services. The Development Charges Act requires that a background study be prepared to determine fees based on current service levels and the forecasted amount, type and location of future development within the municipality. In 2022, the Township retained Watson & Associates Economists Ltd. to complete the Development Charges Background Study process and assist staff in preparing the DC analysis and policy recommendations. Council officially adopted the new Development Charges By-law at the June 21 meeting.

Doors Open Event

The Township’s Cultural and Heritage Advisory Committee will participate in the Doors Open Simcoe County Event on Saturday, August 26 and Sunday, August 27. The Springwater location selected for this year’s event is the Anten Mills Community Centre which was designated as a heritage building in 2021. In keeping with this year’s theme of ‘food’, local farms will be invited to take part in a farmers’ market during the event.

School Crossing Guard Program

At the August 3, 2022 meeting, Council approved the Township’s School Crossing Guard Program Policy. The policy required staff to complete an assessment of the requirements for school crossing guards at various locations throughout the Township. Through the assessment it was determined that crossing guards were not warranted at any location within the Township. As a result, Council have directed staff to follow the policy and discontinue the use of any school crossing guards in the Township.

Speed Concerns on Sant Rd.

Staff will prepare a report outlining options to curb traffic and speeding issues on Sant Road in Midhurst following a notice of motion brought forward by Councillor Fisher.

Wastewater Connections for Springwater Resident

As a result of a Notice of Motion by Councillor Fisher, Council has affirmed that existing residents in the Midhurst Settlement Area will not be required to connect to or pay for any new infrastructure related to the Wastewater Treatment Plant that is being constructed to service the developments in Midhurst. Additionally, unless ordered by the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change the Township will not require residents currently on private septic systems to connect to any new wastewater treatment system.

This summary is not a full representation of the meeting. For the official record, please refer to the minutes in the next Council Agenda. Past Council Meetings are available for viewing on the Township’s YouTube channel.