THE CORPORATION OF THE MUNICIPALITY OF EAST FERRIS

REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES

Tuesday, October 26, 2021

6:00 P.m. - 9:00 P.m.

Corbeil Park Hall

PRESENT:

• Pauline Rochefort, Mayor
• Terry Kelly, Councillor
• Erika Lougheed, Councillor
• Steven Trahan, Deputy Mayor
• Rick Champagne, Councillor

STAFF PRESENT:

• Monica L. Hawkins, Clerk
• Jason Trottier, CAO/Treasurer

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1.

Call to Order

Mayor Rochefort called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.

2.

Adoption of Agenda

• 2021-297
  Moved by Councillor Kelly
  Seconded by Deputy Mayor Trahan

  THAT the draft agenda presented to Council and dated the 26th day of October, 2021 be adopted as amended with the following:

  • Add under Section 17 of the agenda In-Camera Session:  "Discussion of Cassellholme Re-development", under Section 239(2) of the Municipal Act, item (h);
  • Remove under Section 17 of the agenda In-Camera Session:  "COVID-19 Vaccination Policy under Section 239(2), item (b). 
  Carried Mayor Rochefort

3.

Accepting the Minutes of the Previous Meeting(s):

• 2021-298
  Moved by Councillor Lougheed
  Seconded by Councillor Champagne

  THAT the minutes of the Council Meeting held October 12th, 2021 be adopted as circulated.

  Carried Mayor Rochefort

4.

Business Arising from the Minutes

None for this session

5.

Declarations of Conflict of Interest

a.

Item No. 8(e) Committee Reports, Committee of Adjustment Minutes-File No. B-2021-37

6.

Chair's Comments:

Mayor Rochefort advised that the municipality is seeing severe issues with flooding due to beavers.  The Municipality will be looking at bringing a by-law forward regarding nuisance beavers.

Mayor Rochefort advised that the Municipality released its quarterly "Snapshot" newsletter.  It can be viewed on the Municipal Website.

7.

Delegations to Council:

a.

Sonya Lavigne

Sonya Lavigne made a presentation to Council regarding Roads and Severances.  Ms. Lavigne is concerned with water issues, and impact on existing homes.

8.

Committee Reports:

a.

Public Works and Infrastructure Committee

None for this session

b.

Community Emergency Management Committee

None for this session

c.

Fire and Emergency Services Committee

Councillor Kelly advised that he attended the Nuclear Waste Management meeting along with Volunteer Fire Fighter Perter MacDonald.

d.

Planning Advisory Committee

1.

Minutes of October 20th, 2021

2.

Recommendations from Minutes (4 recommendations)

• 2021-299
  Moved by Deputy Mayor Trahan
  Seconded by Councillor Lougheed

  WHEREAS no public input was received at the public meeting of the Planning Advisory Committee meeting held October 20th, 2021 for File No. C-2021-07 for the Municipality of East Ferris as the applicant for the lands described as CON 11 PT LOT 14 PCL 895 NIP 5636 W/F on what is locally known as Corbeil Road has applied for a zoning by-law amendment to rezone the property from the existing RH (Hamlet Residential) zone to C1 (General Commercial);

  AND WHEREAS the rezoning will recognize the existing office use and proposed new office use;

  AND WHEREAS the application is consistent with the Provincial Policy Statement, 2014;

  AND WHEREAS the application is in conformity with the policies contained within the Official Plan for the Municipality;

  BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED that Council approves the recommendation from the Planning Advisory Committee Meeting held October 20th, 2021, Resolution No. 2021-26.

  Carried Mayor Rochefort
• 2021-300
  Moved by Councillor Champagne
  Seconded by Councillor Kelly

  WHEREAS no public input was received at the public meeting of the Planning Advisory Committee meeting held October 20th, 2021 for File No. C-2021-08 for the Municipality of East Ferris as the applicant for the lands described as all lots shown on Plan M180 between 1095 Derland Road and the railway to the west, on what is locally known as Derland Road has applied for a zoning by-law amendment to rezone the property from the existing A (Agricultural) zone to C1S (General Commercial Special) zone.

  AND WHEREAS the rezoning will permit a "Building Supply Outlet" to be constructed on the property with a small retail store and a storage area for building materials and equipment;

  AND WHEREAS the application is consistent with the Provincial Policy Statement, 2014;

  AND WHEREAS the application is in conformity with the policies contained within the Official Plan for the Municipality;

  BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED that Council approves the recommendation from the Planning Advisory Committee Meeting held October 20th, 2021, Resolution No. 2021-27.

  Carried Mayor Rochefort
• 2021-301
  Moved by Deputy Mayor Trahan
  Seconded by Councillor Lougheed

  WHEREAS no public input was received at the public meeting of the Planning Advisory Committee meeting held October 20th, 2021 for File No. C-2021-09, Tom Dufresne as the applicant for the lands described as CON 15 PT LOT 21 PLAN 36R-3644 PART 1 2 3 PCL 14343 W/F on what is locally known as Highway 17 East has applied for a zoning by-law amendment to rezone the property from A (Agricultural) zone to C1S (General Commercial Special) zone in order to recognize the existing dog day care operations on the property;

  AND WHEREAS the application is consistent with the Provincial Policy Statement, 2014;

  AND WHEREAS the application is in conformity with the policies contained within the Official Plan for the Municipality;

  BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED that Council approves the recommendation from the Planning Advisory Committee Meeting held October 20th, 2021, Resolution No. 2021-28.

  Carried Mayor Rochefort
• 2021-302
  Moved by Councillor Champagne
  Seconded by Councillor Kelly

  WHEREAS public input was received and considered during the public meeting of the Planning Advisory Committee held October 20th, 2021;

  AND WHEREAS the Planning Advisory Committee is of the opinion that the public comments received did not raise issues requiring further review;

  AND WHEREAS a request has been received by Merv and Pauline Leach on behalf of Sean Stortz to close and purchase the original shoreline road allowance abutting their property described as PLAN M475 BLK A PCL 12836 W/F on Hemlock Island;

  AND WHEREAS By-law No. 2015-35 provides policies and procedures for the disposition of Shoreline Road Allowances in the Municipality of East Ferris;

  AND WHEREAS the request would comply with the policies set out in By-law No. 2015-35;

  BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED that Council approves of the recommendation from the Planning Advisory Committee Meeting held October 20th, 2021, under Resolution No. 2021-28 and approve the request made by Merv and Pauline Leach on behalf of Sean Stortz to close and purchase the original shoreline road allowance abutting their property and proceed in accordance with applicable regulations, policies and procedures set out in By-law No. 2015-35.

   

  Carried Mayor Rochefort

e.

Committee of Adjustment

• Councillor Champagne declared a conflict on this item. (Councillor Champagne declared a conflict of interest under item #8 (e) Committee Reports of the agenda, regarding  File No. B-2021-37.  Councillor Champagne is the owner of the property.  Councillor Champagne did not participate or vote on any discussion of this application.)

1.

Minutes of October 20th, 2021

f.

Recreation, Parks and Culture Committee

1.

Minutes of Meeting

2.

Recommendations from Minutes (4 recommendations)

• 2021-303
  Moved by Councillor Champagne
  Seconded by Deputy Mayor Trahan

  WHEREAS the Recreation, Parks and Culture Committee recommended to Council that the Parks & Recreation Master Plan created by the University of Quebec be held onto by the Recreation Department as a resource only, for future reference should the Municipality wish to pursue a more current Parks & Recreation Master Plan;

  BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED that Council approves of this recommendation.

  Carried Mayor Rochefort
• 2021-304
  Moved by Councillor Lougheed
  Seconded by Councillor Champagne

  WHEREAS the Recreation, Parks and Culture Committee recommended to Council that the Draft Amendments made to the Facility Fee Policy and amendments to Schedule ‘A’ Recreation, Parks and Facilities Fees By-law No. 2019-22 be adopted as circulated;

  BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED that Council approves of this recommendation.

  Carried Mayor Rochefort
• 2021-305
  Moved by Deputy Mayor Trahan
  Seconded by Councillor Kelly

  WHEREAS the Recreation, Parks and Culture Committee recommended to Council that the Draft Advertising Program be adopted as circulated;

  BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED that Council approves of this recommendation.

  Carried Mayor Rochefort
• 2021-306
  Moved by Councillor Champagne
  Seconded by Councillor Lougheed

  WHEREAS the Recreation, Parks and Culture Committee recommended to Council that the Draft Ice Allocation Policy be adopted as circulated;

  BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED that Council approves of this recommendation.

  Carried Mayor Rochefort

g.

Economic Development Committee

None for this session

h.

Communications Committee

None for this session

i.

East Ferris Centennial Celebration Committee

Mayor Rochefort and Deputy Mayor Trahan did a report from the meeting held October 26th, 2021.

1.

Minutes of October 12th, 2021

j.

Municipal Office Project/Technical Advisory Committee

None for this session

9.

Board Reports:

a.

Library Board

None for this session

b.

Police Services Board

1.

Community Safety Well Being Advisory Committee

Mayor Rochefort did a report on the latest CSWB Advisory Committee.  Councillor Champagne did a report on the "Let's Remember Adam" - Bus Cameras.

10.

Departmental Reports & Resolutions:

None for this session

11.

Notice of Motions

None for this session

12.

By-laws:

a.

By-law No. 2021-45 - 1st, 2nd and 3rd Reading

• 2021-307
  Moved by Councillor Champagne
  Seconded by Councillor Kelly

  WHEREAS Council for the Municipality of East Ferris deems it expedient to pass three readings of the following by-law at this session; BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED THAT a By-law to amend By-law No. 2019-22; a By-law with respect to the establishment and requirement of the payment of fees for information, services, activities and use of the Corporation's property, BE READ  a first, second and third time, passed and numbered 2021-45;

  AND THAT said by-law be signed by the Mayor and Clerk and sealed with the Seal of the Corporation.

  Carried Mayor Rochefort

b.

By-law No. 2021-46 - 1st, 2nd and 3rd Reading

• 2021-308
  Moved by Councillor Lougheed
  Seconded by Councillor Kelly

  WHEREAS Council for the Municipality of East Ferris deems it expedient to pass three readings of the following by-law at this session; BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED THAT a By-law to enter into a Mutual Assistance Agreement between the Corporation of the Township of Bonfield, the Corporation of the Municipality of Callander, the Corporation of the Township of Chisholm, the Corporation of the Municipality of East Ferris, the Corporation of the Township of Nipissing and the Corporation of the Municipality of Powassan, BE READ  a first, second and third time, passed and numbered 2021-46;

  AND THAT said by-law be signed by the Mayor and Clerk and sealed with the Seal of the Corporation.

   

   

  Carried Mayor Rochefort

13.

Correspondence and Information Items:

a.

Ministry of Finance

b.

Ministry of Solicitor General

c.

Municipality of Calvin

Council will be discussing in the In-Camera Session

d.

DNSSAB

Councillor Kelly advised that he has a DSSAB meeting on October 27th, 2021.

e.

MPAC

f.

AMO Communications

g.

ROMA Communications

h.

ROMA - 2022 Conference

Council discussed the matter of delegations at the ROMA 2022 Conference.  Resolution to be prepared for next Council meeting for approval of delegation requests.

i.

Ontario Good Roads Association

j.

Bibianne Devost

Manager of the Planning and Economic Development advised that there is a proposal in the first draft of the Comprehensive Zoning By-law regarding the matter of short term rentals.

k.

Enbridge Gas

14.

Action Items:

a.

Approval of Correspondence and Information circulated with the Agenda

• 2021-309
  Moved by Councillor Lougheed
  Seconded by Deputy Mayor Trahan

  THAT Council approve the Correspondence and Information as circulated with the agenda of October 26th, 2021.

  Carried Mayor Rochefort

b.

Referred from last meeting: FONOM

• 2021-310
  Moved by Councillor Champagne
  Seconded by Councillor Kelly

  THAT Council for the Municipality of East Ferris supports the resolution from the Federation of Northern Ontario Municipalities (FONOM)  regarding Consolidation of Agencies to address the Opioid, Mental and Addiction Crisis. 

   

  Carried Mayor Rochefort

c.

Boards and Committees Policy

Council discussed the amendments of the Boards and Committees.  Minor changes to be done.  Staff will implement and bring forward at a later meeting for approval.

d.

Council and Committee Meetings

Council returned to in-person meeting for the first time this evening.  Council gave the direction to the PAC and CoA as well to return to in-person meetings.  Staff will be bringing a resolution at the next meeting.

15.

Approval of Accounts Payable

• 2021-311
  Moved by Deputy Mayor Trahan
  Seconded by Councillor Lougheed

  THAT Council approve the general accounts for the Municipality of East Ferris as indicated in the cheque register(s) dated October 26th, 2021 in the amount of $1,130,504.81.

  Carried Mayor Rochefort

16.

Other Business

None for this session

17.

In Camera

Council passed a resolution to go to in-camera session.  At the start of the meeting, Council passed a resolution to amend the agenda by removing the item of in-camera discussion regarding COVID-19 Vaccination Policy.  The matter of COVID-19 Vaccination Policy still was required for in-camera session under Section 239(2), item (d).

• 2021-312

  THAT this meeting proceeds to In-Camera session at 7:52  p.m., under Section 239(2) of the Municipal Act, 2001, S.O. 2001, c.25 in order to address a matter pertaining to: 

  • Advice that is subject to solicitor-client privilege, including communications necessary for that purpose;
  • Labour relations or employee negotiations;
  • Information explicitly supplied in confidence to the municipality or local board by Canada, a province or territory or a Crown agency of any of them.

   

  Carried Mayor Rochefort
• 2021-313
  Moved by Councillor Lougheed
  Seconded by Deputy Mayor Trahan

  THAT we do now adjourn this In-Camera meeting at 8:34 p.m. and return to our regular session of Council.

  Carried Mayor Rochefort

18.

Confirmatory By-Law

a.

By-law No. 2021-47 - 1st, 2nd and 3rd Reading

• 2021-314
  Moved by Deputy Mayor Trahan
  Seconded by Councillor Champagne

  WHEREAS Council for the Municipality of East Ferris deems it expedient to pass three readings of the following by-law at this session; BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED THAT a By-law to confirm the proceedings of Council from October 12th, 2021 to October 26th, 2021, BE READ  a first, second and third time, passed and numbered 2021-47;

  AND THAT said by-law be signed by the Mayor and Clerk and sealed with the Seal of the Corporation.

  Carried Mayor Rochefort

19.

Adjournment

• 2021-315
  Moved by Councillor Champagne
  Seconded by Councillor Kelly

  THAT we do now adjourn at 8:35 p.m. and meet again on November 9th, 2021.

  Carried Mayor Rochefort