Council Meeting Highlights - June 7
For Immediate Release - Friday, June 10, 2022 - Port Hope, ON
Below is a summary of key items discussed at the Municipality of Port Hope Council and Committee of the Whole Meetings held on Tuesday, June 7, 2022. 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.
Prescribed fees for service
Council approved, by By-law, the recommended amendments to the Prescribed Fees for Services By-law specifically regarding, Curb Cutting fees, Parking Meter fees, and Taxi fares.
Acting Fire Chief appointed
Council approved a By-law to appoint current Deputy Fire Chief Jeff Ogden to the position of Acting Fire Chief, Community Emergency Management Coordinator, Emergency Management Program Committee Chair, and Municipal Emergency Control Group Director.
Director of Protective Services and Fire Chief Dan Smith’s last day with the Municipality was May 27, 2022. Until a recruitment process is completed, it is necessary for Council to appoint an individual to the acting position to fulfil the role. This will ensure leadership continuity and the sustained day-to-day management of operations related to Fire and Emergency Services.
Thompson Drive
Council approved the Site Plan Agreement and Subdivision Agreement with One Thompson Inc. which permits the development of 15 freehold townhouse units with a common shared space.
Racquet Club agreement
Council approved the agreement renewal with the Port Hope Racquet Club. Council also supported a staff recommendation to install one pickleball court at the tennis courts located at the Town Park Recreation Centre to accommodate public demand for outdoor pickleball play.
Committee of the Whole
The following are highlights from the Committee of the Whole Meeting.
Delegation – Seniors Month
Trish Baird, CEO of Community Care Northumberland, provided a delegation regarding June being Seniors Month. For more information on Seniors Month activities in the Municipality, visit our Seasonal Activities web page.
3852 Ganaraska Road
Staff provided a report for information outlining the submitted Draft Plan of a Subdivision application and the Zoning By-law Amendment application submitted for the lands municipally known as 3852 Ganaraska Road in Garden Hill. The applicant is proposing the development of 43 single detached homes and one block for a 10 to 21-unit apartment building. Staff considers both applications complete and a virtual Public Meeting is proposed for July 6, 2022, at 6:30 p.m.
Heritage Designation – 65 Ward Street
Staff provided a report outlining that the current ‘Notice of Intention to Designate’ for this property will be withdrawn on July 1, 2022 if no action is taken by the Municipality. Staff was seeking endorsement and direction for next steps.
Committee directed staff to prepare a report and a draft resolution that supports the designation for 65 Ward Street to bring forward at the June 20, 2022, Heritage Port Hope meeting for discussion. Staff was also directed to prepare a report, with the appropriate By-law to be presented directly to Council on the June 21, 2022, meeting.
Fishing update
Staff provided an update, for information, regarding the 2022 fishing seasons. To date, the tactics used for education and enforcement are proving effective and continues to be a high priority. Staff will continue to engage with their partners, including the GRCA and provincial ministries, to address issues and work towards further educational opportunities.
Proposed installation of a rainbow crosswalk
Staff provided a report seeking direction on the installation of a rainbow crosswalk. Proper installation of this type of crosswalk is a specialized project requiring high quality product and application to ensure longevity. A budget allocation of $15,000 is required for installation. A resolution will be brought to Council to direct staff to coordinate the installation of a rainbow crosswalk at a prominent location in Port Hope no later than June 2023 and allocate a budget of up to $15,000.00 for the installation.
Asset Management Plans
Staff provided a report seeking the approval of the following Asset Management Reports:
- Drinking Water Asset Management Plan, consistent with Provincial regulations
- Wastewater Asset Management Plan, consistent with Provincial regulations
- Stormwater Asset Management Plan, consistent with Provincial regulations
- Transportation Asset Management Plan, consistent with the Provincial regulations
A resolution will be presented to Council at a future meeting to approve the above plans and to update the Strategic Asset Management Policy to add the CAO, Asset Management & GIS Coordinator to the Executive Lead.
Minutes and video recordings
Meeting minutes will be available pending approval at the next Council meeting on Tuesday, June 21, 2022, at which point they will become the official record of the meeting.
Recordings of the June 7, 2022, Council and Committee of the Whole meetings are available on the Council web page.