Below is a summary of key items discussed at the Municipality of Port Hope regular Council Meeting held on Tuesday, September 17, 2019. The full agenda and staff reports are available on the Council Portal.
Southbridge Care Homes Agreement
At their regular Meeting, Council authorized an agreement, which was executed by By-law, between the Municipality of Port Hope and Southbridge Care Home to ensure that certain development approvals, permits and related matters have been obtained and completed prior to the withdrawal of the Notice of Intention to Designate 65 Ward Street.
The Agreement stipulates that Southbridge Care Homes consents to obtain, at its sole cost, all approvals and satisfy all conditions as set out in the Agreement, and obtain from the Municipality all permits and approvals required to demolish any buildings on the Subject Lands site, for the construction of the project and development of the new long-term health care facility, prior to withdrawal of the Notice of Intention to Designate by the Municipality.
The Municipality of Port Hope has committed to the withdrawal of the Notice of Intention to Designate only upon satisfactory completion of all of the terms of the Agreement.
*A supplementary release on this Agreement will follow
Pre-Budget Approval of New Municipal Website
Council authorized pre-budget approval for the development of a new corporate website and tourism website for the Municipality of Port Hope. Staff will commence the website redesign project immediately and provide regular information and community engagement opportunities throughout the project timeline. This initiative aligns with the Strategic Plan goal of enhancing government services and creating corporate efficiencies through technology.
Centre of Excellence – Climate Action Plan
Council supported a made-in-Port Hope Climate Action project, as outlined by the Centre of Excellence for Environmental Sustainability Working Group, and directed Staff and the Group to proceed with the four-step plan in collaboration with McMaster University.
This initiative is connected to the mission statement of the current Strategic Plan, which calls for the delivery of efficient and effective government services with an approach that is financially sustainable and environmentally responsible.
Snowplow and Sander Truck
Council authorized a pre-budget approval request for the purchase of a one-ton diesel truck, equipped with dump body, snowplow and sander for use in the rural area. Pre-budget approval of this equipment will expedite the procurement process to ensure the vehicle is purchased in advance of the upcoming winter maintenance season and additionally improve the capacity of the Rural Roads Division.
Canada Infrastructure Program
After review of a Staff Report, Council approved the submission of an application to the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program: Community, Culture and Recreation Stream, for the construction of a new Seniors/Multipurpose facility, to be located at the Town Park Recreation Centre.
This is a Federal cost-shared infrastructure funding program between Federal, Provincial and Municipal governments and the Municipality of Port Hope is requesting 73.33% ($2,199,900) funding under the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program: Community, Culture and Recreation Stream for this project. The municipal portion ($800,100) of the funding required can be funded through a number of sources including Development Charges, Levy, as well as various applicable reserve funds, to be determined at a later date.
This initiative directly supports the objective within the Strategic Plan, as a first step in the development of a new facility to replace the Ruth Clarke Activity Centre for Seniors.
Kinsmen Park Gazebo
After deliberations at the September 3 Committee of the Whole Meeting, Council supported the installation of a gazebo in Kinsmen Park, to be located on the southeast side of the paved walking trail in Kinsmen Park, identified as Option 1 in the Staff Report dated August 23, 2019.
This initiative will provide an appealing and sheltered location for residents and visitors to enjoy the views of the Ganaraska River and the downtown area. The Port Hope Kinsmen Club has committed funds in the amount of $26,500 to complete this project and Staff will work within this budget amount.
Minutes from this meeting will be available pending approval at the next Council meeting on Tuesday, October 1, 2019, at which point they will become the official record of the meeting.
A recording of the September 17, 2019 Budget Committee meeting, Regular Council meeting and the Committee of the Whole meeting is available at porthope.ca/council-communications.
Author: Pete Fisher
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