Below is a summary of key items discussed at the Municipality of Port Hope Council and Committee of the Whole Meetings held on Tuesday, August 3, 2021. The agendas and staff reports are available on the Agendas and Minutes page of our website. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this meeting was held electronically via video conference.
Council Meeting:
The following are highlights from the Council Meeting.
Water System Financial Plan
Council approved the Water System Financial Plan. The approved water/wastewater rate structure set water/wastewater rates through to 2029. Revising the Water Financial Plan enables the Municipality to proceed with updating the Port Hope Municipal Drinking Water License.
Walton Street Reconstruction
Council approved a two-part approach to the Walton Street reconstruction. This approach will allow the project to move forward on the less congested area of Walton Street, while providing more time for consultation and design on the downtown core section.
Public consultation on the Pine Street to Mill Street section of the design will be sought over the next several months. Staff will report back to Council in the fall or winter of 2021 with the findings from this additional consultation and their recommendation for final design.
The detailed design of Walton Street from Church Street to Pine Street will be completed and considered for reconstruction in 2022.
Committee of the Whole:
The following are highlights from the Committee of the Whole Meeting.
Social Media Policy
Council considered the newly developed Social Media Policy. The policy outlines specific guidelines and standards to ensure that appropriate use of the tools is being maintained by all municipal staff and elected officials. Social media platforms have been used by municipal staff since 2010 to enhance communication and information-sharing with the public and other audiences.
Second Quarter (Q2) Financial Report
Staff provided a report to Council that details a preliminary review of actual to budget for Q2 2021. In the first six months, the departments are relatively consistent with the year-to-date operating budget with some variances due to the timing of revenue receipts and related expenses.
Zoning By-law Amendment Application
Staff provided a report to Council respecting proposed Zoning By-law Amendment (ZB04-2021) for 65 Ward Street. Council authorized staff to prepare for notification and public meeting requirements in accordance with the Planning Act.
Salmon Fishing Update
Staff provided Council an update on the annual salmon run and enforcement program. The report acknowledges the anticipated impacts and the considerations to be made with COVID-19. Preparation is being planned with communications, promotions and most notably, enforcement and operations.
Environmental Advisory Committee
Councillor Mink put forth a Notice of Motion. The motion recommends that upon completion of the final step of the McMaster Project, the Climate Change Working Group is hereby dissolved in accordance with the approved terms of reference schedules to By-law 05/2021; and that members of the former Tree Advisory Committee and the Climate Change Working Group will be asked to participate as members of the Environmental Advisory Committee and a resolution confirming appointment will be brought forward for consideration at a future council meeting.
Master Fire Plan and Community Risk Assessment
Staff provided a report outlining the progress of the Master Fire Plan and Community Risk Assessment. After completing a competitive Request for Proposal (RFP) process, The Loomex Group was selected as the successful bidder to complete the plan. This plan will assist in setting strategic goals for fire services and emergency management.
Minutes and video recordings
Meeting minutes will be available pending approval at the next Council meeting on Tuesday, September 7, 2021, at which point they will become the official record of the meeting.
Recordings of the August 3, 2021, Council and Committee of the Whole meetings will be available at porthope.ca/council.
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