Council Rundown
December 12, 2023
The Regular Meeting of Council of December 12, 2023 featured a number of items followed by a Special Meeting Following the Regular to discuss matters in closed session pertaining to personal matters about identifiable individuals and labour negotiations. These are elaborated upon below.
Public Hearing and Adoption of Bylaw 3171/23 for a Zoning Bylaw Amendment
There was a public hearing and deliberations on a Zoning Bylaw Amendment to rezone a remaining portion of a vacant property to the east of Yusko Crescent which is intended to eventually accommodate an application for a plan of subdivision. Council approved this amendment and staff tentatively expect to receive an application for a plan of subdivision in 2024.
Recommendation regarding specification and ordering of one Pumper/Tanker Fire Truck
Council approved a recommendation to order a new fire truck in the first quarter of 2024 to replace our existing pumper/tanker (9120) which is now 31 years old. Wait times for new fire trucks of this kind are between 18 to 30 months, leaving 2-3 years for the Department to continue budgeting funds toward the reserve to pay for the truck. The estimated purchase price is $450,000 and the Town currently has $300,000 in reserve. The additional funds required will be saved for in 2024 and 2025 while waiting for the truck.
Municipal Insurance and Risk Management Services
Council approved the proposal of Municipal Insurance Services Ltd. and Marsh Canada for the provision of insurance and risk management services for the Town with an annual premium of $199,575. This represents a 4% increase over 2023.
Condensed Work Week
Council approved the continuation of a condensed work week on a permanent basis. A trial period took place from July to December revealing that it worked quite well for the Municipal Office. Some employees now work Monday to Thursday while others work Tuesday to Friday, for longer shifts. This has allowed the Municipal Office to be open longer hours from Monday-Friday 7:30 am to 5:00 pm. The condensed work week has reportedly resulted in better work/life balance, reduction in sick time, overall better mental health for employees, and has allowed some employees additional time to volunteer their time throughout the week. These findings are similar to those of other municipalities or organizations that have done the same. For operational reasons, the pilot has not been proven to work for other departments of the Town so far.
New Membership Structure at Recreation Complex
A new membership structure for the Recreation Complex has been approved. This structure will provide for one membership fee that will provide patrons with access to the entire facility (pool, squash courts and fitness centre). The old membership structure segregated memberships by area which is no longer the norm in the sector. A single membership fee is expected to increase use of the entire facility while providing more value for less money overall to patrons.
OPP Detachment Planning
Council approved a staff recommendation to work with the OPP on a potential donation of land for a new OPP Detachment. Town owned land in the Panache Lake Road area is being explored for this purpose.
Member Motion regarding Skate Board Park
A Member Motion directing staff to prepare a staff report and feasibility study for a skate board park in Espanola was defeated by Council. Primary positions opposing the motion were that the Corporation has a number of aging recreational amenities that will require considerable investment in the near future, amongst other major expenses that need to be prioritized.
Update regarding Strategic Plan Q4
The CAO/Treasurer provided an update on progress on the Town’s Strategic Plan: Our Gateway to Growth 2023-2027. Of the 35 objectives, a solid number of them are underway with some already completed since the plan was adopted in summer 2023. The full report can be viewed in the agenda package.
Mayor and Councillor Announcements
All Councillors expressed wishes of Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to the community.
Councillor Nadeau expressed his gratitude to Town Staff for all of the support over the past year.
Councillor Duplessis reported on his attendance at the Domtar/Unifor Action Centre grand opening on December 12th. The Councillor expressed that there are great resources for workers there and is hopeful that this will be helpful to the community. The Centre is supposed to operate until October 2024.
Councillor Kallioinen expressed a happy belated Finnish Independence Day and expressed his best wishes to the Finn community in Espanola and the importance of keeping the language and culture alive in this part of the world. He also expressed his gratitude for the Action Centre opening and echoed Councillor Duplessis’ comments in that respect. Finally, Councillor Kallioinen also expressed his thanks to staff for their hard work and support throughout the year.
Mayor Gervais expressed his gratitude to his fellow Council Members and that it has been a pleasure working with them this year and for our community. He expressed his sincere thanks to staff for their continued support and also reminded the public to be patient with our Public Works Department as they have a number of new employees who are learning and training on every day operations.
Special Meeting following the Regular Meeting
Following a closed session to discuss personal matters about identifiable individuals and labour relations, the Mayor reported that an update was provided on labour negotiations with the Town’s two unions CUPE Locals 534 and 4705. In addition, a question was asked in the open session regarding whether or not there were plans to utilize the squash courts at the complex for other purposes as one court has recently been converted to a larger changeroom for female hockey players. The CAO/Treasurer provided an answer that at this time, there are ideas of what could be done, but no concrete plans have been made. An increase in use of the courts might occur with the new membership structure approved at the meeting and this will be monitored over the coming months before any major considerations are made for the re-purposing of the courts.
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.