Council Highlights for November 7, 2022
View the full agenda package for Council
Budget Open House
The Director of Corporate Services and Treasure presented the approved 2023 Budget schedule summary as part of the 2023 Budget Open House. The presentation provided details on the purpose of the Budget. The Budget is a financial plan that outlines the money the Town will raise and spend within one year. Council and staff received three presentations during the portion of the meeting, and additional public requests were not received via email.
The presentation for support for the Pelham Soccer Club was received by council for consideration in the 2023 Budget. The presentation highlighted the increased growth of the club and the request for a continued partnership with the Town of Pelham to provide fields and field maintenance for the club. The Pelham Soccer club has experienced growth in participant numbers, and the current field quantity and condition do not meet the club's current and projected demand. The request included the consideration for additional field maintenance and an additional field location or options for the 2023 season.
A presentation from the Lincoln Pelham Public Library for a mobile library unit was received for consideration in the 2023 budget. The proposed request of $110,000, to be shared between Lincoln and Pelham municipalities, detailed the purchase of a retrofitted electric vehicle to serve as the mobile library. The mobile library service would be provided on a 750km route in the municipalities and serve residents outside the traditional branch. The proposal details the inclusion of the activities to be built into regular staff rotation in a pilot program, with no additional staffing costs anticipated. The mobile library unit would have the opportunity to expand services as projected need and demand increased.
The Niagara Division of Niagara Community Railway provided a presentation for the installation of Interpretive Railway Boards for council consideration for the 2023 budget. The presentation included the description of the proposed interpretive board that would support sharing the railways' history. The request from council of $1,000 would cover the remaining cost of the sign not already fundraised for and the installation. The sign has been requested to be installed at the entrance to the Steve Bauer Trail at the Port Robinson Road Entrance adjacent to the existing bench. The interpretive sign would be ready for installation in 2023 if supported, and the Town of Pelham would be acknowledged on the sign and invited to an unveiling. Councillor Olson remarked the Pelham Historical Society had expressed interest in supporting the event and signage project should it be approved by council.
Councillors were provided with an opportunity to make requests for additional items to be added to the 2023 Budget considerations. Councillor Wink requested the inclusion of parking in the Ridgeville business area, which would provide eight additional parking spaces. The Director of Public Works has advised this request will be included as a budget line item for consideration in the 2023 Budget. Councillor Stewart requested the inclusion of the lighted crosswalk in Fenwick at the Wellington School crossing. The Director of Public Works has advised this request will be included as a budget line item for consideration in the 2023 Budget. Councillor Haun requested the inclusion of replacement trees for any that have died. The Director of Public Works has advised this request will be included as a budget line item for consideration in the 2023 Budget. The Town of Pelham Tree Policy details the requirements for the tree canopy. A staff report is scheduled for a December council meeting and will include additional details on Forestry operations for the 2022 year and the 2023 continuation.
Staff Reports for Information or Action
The Director of Public Works provided an update on the emergency Sulphur Springs Road work. The project is proceeding well, and the contractor is scheduled to complete work within the next two weeks. The estimated costs for the repair are currently on budget.
Councillor Olson requested a report on the More Homes Built Faster: Ontario's Housing Supply Action Plan. Bill 23 has received second reading, and there is potential that it will amend seven different legislations. There would be anticipated impacts to the Town of Pelham in operational processes, engineering review, and financial implications for development charges. In addition, the Province announced development on the GreenBelt area on Friday, November 4, which is currently out for 30-day review and public feedback and comment. In the Niagara region, lands in Grimsby would be impacted. The proposed development has no impact on the GreenBelt within the Pelham area. The Director of Planning will bring a report on implications to council pending the result of Bill 23.
Correspondence Items
Councillor Olson requested a report on the More Homes Built Faster: Ontario's Housing Supply Action Plan. Bill 23 has received second reading, and there is potential that it will amend seven different legislations. There would be anticipated impacts to the Town of Pelham in operational processes, engineering review, and financial implications for development charges. In addition, the Province announced development on the GreenBelt area on Friday, November 4, which is currently out for 30-day review and public feedback and comment. In the Niagara region, lands in Grimsby would be impacted. The proposed development has no impact on the GreenBelt within the Pelham area. The Director of Planning will bring a report on implications to council pending the result of Bill 23.
Friends of Maple Acre requested a $5000 contribution to the Tree Carving project adjacent to the Maple Acre Branch of the Lincoln Pelham Library. Mayor and council approved the request based on fundraising that had previously been collected as part of the sale of sponsored pavers during the 160th Celebration of Fenwick. Funds from the fundraising efforts had been allocated for projects beautifying the Fenwick area.
Reports from Members of Council
Councillor Hildebrandt provided a summary of the Final Utility Sustainability Committee Report. To date, the electricity-saving measures recommended by the committee have resulted in an overall cost reduction. The cold-water ice flooding saves 60K a year for the Meridian Community Centre. The led light savings will be reflected in future billings as the retrofit first phase will take place in December 2022. The committee and staff have continued to work with Hydro One to change of rate classification and ensure the correct rate for the Meridian Community Centre facility.
Staff Reports
The Town of Pelham council received staff reports, including three from the Recreation, Culture and Wellness Department related to community events and a fourth from the Planning Department.
· The 2023 Christmas in Pelham Report included the Outdoor Christmas market as a municipally significant event and approved road closures for December 2, 2022, to accommodate the event.
· The 2023 Pelham Summerfest Final Report identified the 2023 Pelham Summerfest dates as July 13-16. The event was approved as a municipally significant event. The report requested that the amount included in the 2023 budget considerations for the event be increased to $25,000.
· The 2022 Summer Chill Series Final Report, which includes the Farmers Market and Thursday Night Supper Market, was received by council. Council approved the 2023 dates as municipally significant events, which included the Thursday evenings from June 8 to September 21, 2023.
· Town of Pelham staff provided a report for council consideration on the keeping and licensing options for chickens in Pelham in the areas not currently zoned for agriculture purposes. The Town of Pelham Zoning by-law does not permit the keeping of chickens or hens within the urban boundary. The report and matter have been deffered to a January 2023 meeting at the request of council.
Notice of Motion
Councillor Olson put forward a notice of Motion for the Town of Pelham to consider in the 2023 Budget and continue for future years. The request included providing annual financial support, in the amount of $2,500 and adjusted as needed for inflation, for the Remembrance Day fly-over supplied by the Canadian Warplane Museum with support from the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 613, on November 11.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Leah Letford, Communications Specialist | 905-980-6653 | lletford@pelham.ca