Council Rundown
November 28, 2023
Due to a technical issue, the audio/video recording of the November 28, 2023 Council Meeting is not available. The November 28, 2023 Regular Meeting of Council featured two presentations and five major items.
Espanola Regional Hospital and Health Centre
A presentation was provided by Espanola Regional Hospital and Health Centre (ERHHC) representatives Jane Battistelli, CEO and Jon Brunetti, Primary Care Manager, regarding the Town’s annual donation to physician recruitment efforts. ERHHC is seeking a $30,000 donation from the Town in 2024, representing a $10,000 increase over the historical $20,000 donated by the Town for physician recruitment.
FoodCycler/Countertop Composter Pilot
A presentation was provided by Farah Sheriffdeen of FoodCycle Science regarding the completion of the recent food cycler pilot program in Espanola. Data reported that, of the participants, the vast majority reported having over half a garbage bag less to leave at the curb each week (0.55) which would equate to a reduction of 28.5 garbage bags per household per year being trucked to the local landfill. Later in the meeting, Council approved a recommendation from staff to offer the Food Cycler devices at a subsidized cost to all residents and further information on the roll out of this program will be communicated.
Recommendation regarding YMCA Summer Day Camps
Council approved a recommendation to enter into an agreement with the YMCA of Northeastern Ontario to have the YMCA offer 8 weeks of day camps for children in summer 2024 at the Espanola Recreation Complex. The agreement provides the YMCA with the facilities to deliver the program at no cost and includes a $3,000 donation from the Town for materials and supplies for the camps. As part of this program, the YMCA will be hiring locally for summer camp counsellor roles. This agreement will mark the return of summer day camps to Espanola after over a decade for school-aged children.
Recommendation regarding Janitorial Contract
Council awarded the janitorial contract for the Municipal Office, OPP Station, Firehall and Public Works office to Green Maples Environment for an annual cost of $65,731 starting in 2024 with annual increases for a 3-year term. There were five proposals received and evaluated as part of staff’s recommendation.
Recommendation regarding Age-Friendly Assessment & Action
Council awarded a contract to KA Community Consulting to conduct an Age-Friendly Community Assessment and Action Plan. The Age-Friendly Community Action Plan is intended to help ensure that any of the over 2200 local senior (55+) residents of Espanola and the surrounding communities are receiving adequate and appropriate access to services and public spaces throughout the municipality. The cost of the contract is $29,840. The Town is receiving a grant for $25,000 through the Province’s Inclusive Communities program.
Recommendation regarding a request to amend the Noise Bylaw
A request from a resident to amend the Noise Bylaw to further limit the times during which construction equipment can be operated was discussed and it was the consensus of Council not to pursue any amendments.
Member Motions
Three Member Motions were approved to support resolutions circulated by three other municipalities to recommend to the Province that there be a permanent increase to the annual base funding for the Northern Ontario School of Medicine University, that tax credits be increased for Firefighters and Search and Rescue volunteers, and that the Highway Traffic Act be amended to prohibit passing on double solid yellow lines.
Mayor and Councillor Announcements
All Council Members commended the public and staff for the great turnout at the previous weekend’s Rockin’ Around the Christmas Oval event held at the Recreation Complex and Track and Field.
Councillor Nadeau acknowledged that this week will mark the final day of work for the first large group of Domtar employees being impacted by the idling of the Pulp and Paper Mill. He expressed his well wishes to them all in their future endeavours and/or hope that they may all be working together again in the future.
Deputy Mayor Kelly commended the Espanola Little Theatre for their interactive event over the weekend at the Elks Hall.
Mayor Gervais expressed that as some time has passed in respect of family and friends, he wished to officially acknowledge the passing of long-time Public Works employee and then Maintenance Leader, Dean Gibson, who passed away late in October. The Mayor expressed that he will be greatly missed by all.
Mayor Gervais also took a moment to acknowledge that in addition to this great loss, the Public Works Department has had to welcome a number of new employees to fill vacancies over the past year. With this turn-over comes a transition period where new employees need to learn to operate the many new pieces of equipment that are utilized by the Department and gain the experience needed to provide the quality of service that the Town is very proud of. No less than best efforts will be made to keep up with typical standards of road cleaning throughout the winter, but the public is asked to be patient and to temper expectations as the Department works through this learning and transition period.
Special Meeting Following the Regular (Closed Session)
Council went into a closed session to discuss matters pertaining to identifiable individuals, a pending disposition or acquisition of land, and labour relations. It was further elaborated upon by the Mayor at the exit of the closed session that the labour relations item pertained specifically to negotiations with both CUPE Locals 534 and 4705 who are due for new collective agreements as of 2024.
The Council Rundown provides a summary of each Council Meeting. The official record of each meeting is the Meeting Minutes and can be found in the Council Meetings section of the website. Video recordings of meetings are similarly available in the same section. Any questions regarding Council Meetings can be directed to Joseph Burke, Town Clerk at [email protected] or by calling 705-869-1540.