Committee of the Whole - November 28, 2022

Please note that all Committee of the Whole decisions are subject to Council approval. The next Council meeting is scheduled for December 12 at 7:00 p.m. If you have any questions regarding agenda items or decisions made at Committee or Council meetings, please email council@ramara.ca.

Comments from Councillor Hetherington

Councillor Hetherington provided remarks to his constituents and family due to his absence at the Inaugural meeting. Councillor Hetherington thanked the constituents of Ward 4 for having confidence in him to represent Ward 4 for another term. He thanked his family, including his daughters - Connie and Gail, his son Steven and wife, Pam, grandchildren Owen and Parker and his wife, Geraldine. Councillor Hetherington also thanked those who worked on his campaign and previous members of the Council. He said he looks forward to serving with the new Council over the next term. Please note that Councillor Hetherington was sworn in previous to the Inaugural meeting. 

Inaugural Media Release

Inaugural Video

Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks Presentation

Chris Hyde and Sheri Broeckel from the Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP) provided a presentation on the roles and responsibilities of the Ministry. Specifically, Sheri provided an overview of the seven divisions within the Ministry, including the Compliance Division, which works closely with municipalities to review municipal class and environmental compliance through inspections and annual reporting. Currently, the Bayshore Village Sewage Works is operating in non-compliance and is required to become in compliance with applicable regulations and the Certificate of Approval. Through discussions, the MECP advised that a Class Environmental Assessment will need to be completed, outlining viable and achievable solutions that satisfy regulations and acts and bringing the Bayshore Village Sewage Works into compliance. 

Bayshore Village Sewage Works Compliance Action Plan Update

At the February 7, 2022, Council meeting, Council approved the Bayshore Village Compliance Action plan that outlined proactive measures that would bring the Bayshore Village Sewage works into compliance for the 2022 spray season. This would include the Inflow and Infiltration (I&I) reduction program, enhance spray practices, move forward to complete Environmental Assessment (EA) study and apply for regulatory relief for the effluent disposal rate. A progress report is due on or before January 9, 2023, to MECP that would update the Ministry on the Township's efforts and plans to develop a permanent solution to prevent non-compliance in the future. Committee approved to make efforts to advance the completion of the Class EA study by budgeting to update the Class EA study in 2023. 

Council Salaries and Honorariums

Earlier this year, staff worked with Marianne Love of ML Consulting to complete a Compensation Review for Council comprising of a market analysis of ten comparable municipalities. Committee approved the following: 

• Adjust the base pay rates for the Mayor to $44,792, the Deputy Mayor to $30,348 and the Councillor to $25,673 effective January 1, 2023, to reflect the 60th percentile of the defined comparator group and that the base pay rates be adjusted in 2023 with the economic adjustment provided to the 2023 Management/Non-union Salary Grid. 2.
• Continue determining and applying annual adjustments to base pay, using the % adjustment provided for the Employee Salary Grid.
• Adopt the practice of reviewing Council Compensation before the nomination period in the last year of Council.

Council member appointments to Boards, Committees and Agencies

Committee approved the following Internal Boards and Committees for the 2022-2026 term: 

Committee approved the following External Boards and Committees for the 2022-2026 term: 

Council Benefits and Amenities Bylaw

The Council and Amenities Bylaw was updated to ensure it encompassed the benefits and amenities members of the Council are receiving and is comparable with other municipalities. Committee approved the following added sections or lines:

• Alcohol will not be reimbursed, and members of the Council must submit an itemized receipt for all expenses.
• Members of the Council are reimbursed $50 per month towards cell phone and internet costs.
• Automatic enrollment of Members of Council into OMERS.
• Township will provide service towards IT equipment and equipment must be returned at the end of the term.
• Council members can spend up to $100 when engaged in representing the Township at any training sessions, events or meetings.

Willison Sideroad - Al Soorty Development

Committee approved to bring this report back to a later meeting when the developer or representative can be present. 

Appointments to Committees and Boards

Committee approved the appointments to Committees and Boards. The announcement of those appointed to each board and committee will be presented at the December 12, 2022 Council meeting. 

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