Council Highlights - October 19, 2020
View the full agenda package for Council
Christmas in Pelham changes on their way
Pelham's annual holiday event, Christmas in Pelham, will look slightly different in 2020 than in previous years. Approved by Council on Monday night, the 2020 event will have an expanded event footprint, putting physical distancing requirements, controlling the number of participants, and modeling similar to the successful 2020 Pelham Farmers Market layout and protocols in place.
The other key element of the Christmas in Pelham season is the Santa Claus Parade, organized by the Fenwick Lions Club with support from the Town of Pelham staff. This annual event provides a "family tradition" for residents of the town. With the impact of COVID-19 on parades, a reverse parade model, supported by Town staff, was proposed for the 2020 season. The reverse parade would take the route off Canboro Road in Fenwick and into Centennial Park in Fenwick. The reverse parade allows for static floats along the park's designated route, and spectators would then drive through the event to see the floats
Both elements of the Christmas in Pelham will be contingent on the most recent and changing requirements for attendees' safety regarding COVID-19 as deemed necessary by the Province of Ontario and the Niagara Region Public Health. Town staff continue to monitor and consult with industry professionals on best practices and update event plans as recommendations change. Both the Outdoor Christmas Market and the Santa Claus Reverse Parade would be cancelled if they could not adhere to any new restrictions that come into effect.
Council receives petition for three-way stop sign at Pelham Street and Shorthills Place
Council received a petition for the installation of a three-way stop sign at Pelham Street and Shorthills Place.
Director of Public Works, Jason Marr, informed Council that these types of requests are often accompanied by a warrant study, similar to that of one conducted last year at Hurricane Road and Pelham Street; this study indicated that a three-way stop sign was not warrantees din this location.
In accordance with the Town's traffic calming policy, Town staff will start collecting data to determine whether the Town would proceed with any traffic calming measures at this location.
Public code of conduct policy
Chief Administrative Officer David Cribbs introduced a public code of conduct policy on Monday night, receiving Council's approval.
As per the report, "The onset of the Covid-19 pandemic has undoubtedly increased stress, anxiety and exacerbated mental health issues across Canada. Town staff have noticed a significant increase in the amount of conflict, bullying, harassment, ridicule and general opposition from members of the community as staff attempt to provide services. While the root cause of this behavioural shift may be understandable, the Occupational Health and Safety Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. O.1, as amended, makes it clear that an employer must provide a safe and harassment free work environment.
As such, Town administration recommends to Council the approval and adoption of the attached Public Code of Conduct. The purpose of the Code is to ensure that staff are free from bullying, harassment and discrimination while providing public services. The proposed Code of Conduct clearly communicates the steps to be taken if and when breaches occur, which potentially include blocks on electronic and telephone communication with staff, and/or the issuance of short term bans or longer term trespass orders at Town facilities.
The purpose of the attached policy is to clearly define a Code of Conduct for community members accessing Town services, and outline procedures for dealing with inappropriate behaviour arising from the use of Town services.
The policy covers all municipal property and special events and covers staff working out in the community at large (such as bylaw officers while on patrol, building inspections, parks staff, aquatics staff, etc.). The policy includes examples and the processes in place for staff in dealing with incidents from minor to major cases requiring a trespass order. Only the Fire Chief or Town Bylaw Enforcement Officers may issue trespass orders. The policy also covers incidents which occur during special events, on social media, traditional written communications and by phone."
Safe Restart Agreement-Municipal Operating Funding
Council supported the assessment that the Town of Pelham’s financial situation requires provincial funding under Phase 2 on the basis that the funding under Phase 1 is not sufficient to address 2020 COVID-related operating pressures, and Town of Pelham’s decision to apply for Phase 2 funding.
Under the federal-provincial Safe Restart Agreement, the Ontario government is providing up to $4 billion in emergency assistance so that municipalities are supported as they respond to COVID-19. As part of this agreement, $1.39 billion in funding is being made available to Ontario’s 444 municipalities in two phases for general municipal operating pressures. The government distributed $695 million in Phase 1. It will be distributing $695 million in Phase 2.
Phase 1 funding was allocated to municipalities in August 2020, on a per household basis. The Town of Pelham received $428,500 towards the projected COVID-19 shortfall of $669,336 as reported on the July 27, 2020 report to Council.
The Phase 2 funding template was released by the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing on October 1, 2020. A webinar was held on October 5 discussing the application process and what items are eligible for Phase 2 funding. One of the requirements is a Council resolution that Council supports the application for Phase 2 funding based on the need of the funds. The deadline for the application is October 30, 2020.
The reporting template will have actual revenue and expenditures to September 30 and projected revenue and expenditures from October 1 to December 31. The
reporting format is based on the Financial Information Return categories.
The timelines for gathering the information is tight. A decision on the amount of Phase 2 funding will be made before the end of December 31, 2020. Payments of this grant will be made in early January 2021.