Combined Committee of the Whole and Council
Committee of the Whole

Short-Term Rental Accommodation Buffer Zone - 300m 

Mark DeFreitas presented to Council regarding an Short-term Rental Accommodation permit for the property at 2757 Stone Gate Road. Mark is asking Council to reconsider his Short-term Rental Accommodation licence for many reasons, including that the current 300 meter restriction does not infringe on the house or driveway but the rest of the property. Council approved for staff to write a report to be provided at a later meeting.

2864 Concession Road A - Official Plan (OP-1/23) and Zoning Bylaw (Z-4-23) Amendments

Jesse Auspitz of NPG Planning Solutions and Steven Vocella, owner of the property, provided a presentation regarding the applications for an Official Plan and Zoning Bylaw amendment for 2864 Concession Road A. The applications would facilitate the development of two new residential lots for single-detached dwelling units serviced via septic beds and cisterns. D.M. Wills Associates Limited, Township of Ramara planners, also provided a report regarding the applications with a recommendation to refuse the Official Plan and Zoning Bylaw amendments. After quite a lengthy discussion, Council approved to refuse the Official Plan and Zoning Bylaw Amendments OP-1/23 and Z-4/23.   

Properties with Open Permits and Property Standard Violations

At a prior meeting, members of the Council requested a report from staff regarding implementing a process that would deal with properties with an open building permit that also violate Ramara's property standards bylaw. Staff recommend implementing a four-step property standards program that involves the following: persistent inspection of properties, promotion of orderly site management, compliance through engagement with owners and revocation of permits as a final step. With improved coordination efforts between the Building and Bylaw Enforcement departments, the current disconnect between property standards and open building permits will decrease. The Council approved the Building and Bylaw Departments to implement a four-step property standards program.

Removing of Holding - Partial - 5807 Rama Road

This report to list the holding provision at 5801 Rama Road is forwarded to the next Council meeting on September 25, 2023.

Mid Year Financial Review

Manon Higgins, Director of Finance/Treasurer, provided a Mid-Year Financial review presentation highlighting the township's budgeted and actual expenses as of July 31, 2023. The highlights of the presentations are as follows: 

• Some departments have spent less than 50% of their budgeted expenses due to capital projects not yet completed or invoices received for completed projects.
• Tax receivables have increased slightly this year, with 26 properties starting the tax sale process. 13 properties paid the cancellation price, 13 are registered for tax sale, and five went through the tax sale process held on Thursday, August 24, 2023. Please note that the current year's tax receivable breakdown incorporates September tax installment payments that are due September 25.
• Reserves are shown to be decreasing due to planned capital projects that moved from prior years (2021- 2022) to this year.

CAO Performance Review Policy

The Manager of Human Resources / Health and Safety provided the CAO Performance Review Policy to Council with the intention of creating an opportunity between the CAO and Council to increase effective communication, set goals that support their career objectives, ensure that the CAO's goals are aligned with the municipality's strategic plan, create a formal record and encourage growth and development. Council approved for Mayor Basil Clarke, Deputy Mayor Keith Bell, and Councillor Snutch to be appointed to the CAO Performance Review Committee. 

Lagoon City Parks and Waterways Commission Requests to Council for Harbour Entrance Upgrades 

The Lagoon City Parks and Waterways Commission is requesting the Township to cover the costs of making the harbour entrance into Lagoon City more inviting and aesthetically pleasing by installing a gateway sign and painting the water treatment plant. Council approved to add the painting of the water treatment plan to the spring road tour for Council to see the area visually and later consider it for the 2025 budget.

Land Acknowledgement

A Land acknowledgment is used to honour and express gratitude to the indigenous people who have lived and worked on this land historically and presently. With assistance from Rama First Nation, a land acknowledgment has been created. When conducting township business, it will be presented at the beginning of any special and momentous events or celebrations. Council approved that the Township will recognize the Anishinaabeg people in a land acknowledgment at significant events and celebrations while conducting Township business. 

Draft Strategic Plan

In consultation with the community, including residents, businesses and organizations, a Draft Strategic Plan has been developed to set out the Township's vision over the next four years. The community has their chance to provide feedback on the Draft Strategic Plan until Tuesday, September 19 at 4:30 p.m., when it will be brought back to the September 25 Council meeting to be adopted. The Final Strategic Plan will include a work plan outlining timelines for key initiatives in each of the key strategic priorities. Have your say before September 19 at 4:30 p.m. at www.ramara.ca/haveyoursay. 

Council 

Mayor's Remarks

The Mayor opened the meeting with a moment of silence for Councillor and former Chief of Rama First Nation, Rodney Noganosh, who passed away on August 7, 2023. Rodney served 25 years on Rama's Band Council and was instrumental in initiating the transfer of roads from Ramara to Rama First Nation - an unprecedented process that has taken over six years to complete. The Mayor and members of Council provided an overview of the various events that they attended over the last month.

• On July 29, Councillor Fisher participated in the Brechin Mara Legion Golf Tournament.
• On July 31, the Mayor and other members of the Council participated in the flag-raising for Fierte Simcoe Pride (FSP).
• On August 4, the Mayor and other members of the Council attended Sustainable Orillia's 5th Annual 'All-Electric Vehicle Weekend' that explored the current and fast-growing world of electric vehicles and equipment. On August 10 - Councillor Fisher attended the Ramara Township Public Library's Murder Mystery Party for a night of fun and excitement.
• On August 13, the Mayor and other members of the Council attended Brechin & District Lion's Club - Meet & Greet Fun Day. The Mayor acknowledged that many children tried to dump him in the dunk tank, but Brian Graham successfully hit the target. Residents can view the Mayor falling into the dunk tank on our social media channels.
• On August 19, the Mayor attended the ribbon-cutting in Mara Shores for the North Toronto Centurions Motorcycle Club's Annual Cruisin' for the Cause charity ride that raised $40,000 for Sick Kids Hospital. The club has raised over $100,000 for Sick Kids Hospital.
• On August 19 - Councillor Bell attended the Poker Run for Dad event hosted by Pier One in Lagoon City, which, over the years, has raised over $100,000 for prostate cancer. She also attended the Ramara Chamber of Commerce's annual volleyball tournament. Congratulations to the winners - Point of Mara Resorts and Trailer Park.
• On August 19-23, the Mayor, Councillor Fisher, Councillor Tuju, Councillor Bell, CAO Drinkwalter and staff attended the AMO 2023 Annual General Meeting and Conference in London and had five scheduled delegations with Ministers that discussed topics related to the Brechin Community Improvement Plan to servicing on Rama Road.
• On August 25 - The Mayor spoke to the riders participating in the Canada 911 Ride Foundation ride honouring Ontario emergency personnel who have died in the line of duty. Thank you to our Ramara Fire, who hosted the group at Station 2 for lunch. This year, the group donated a generator for our new rescue truck, and last year, they donated a defibrillator to our Brechin Legion.
• On August 26 - The Mayor and Councillor Tuju attended the Rama Powwow - one of the biggest powwows in Ontario. It was held at the John Snake Memorial Community Multi-Purpose Grounds and included Dance and Singing contests, three Grant Entries, and more.
• On August 26 - The Mayor, Councillor Snutch and Councillor Tuju attended the Washago Art Club auction that raised $3,300 for a monument going up along County Road 169. They also attended the Lake St. John annual corn roast and spoke to the association about upcoming projects, such as the new playground at Bluebird Park.
• On August 26 -  Councillor Fisher participated in the Sylvan Glenn golf tournament.
• On August 27 - Mayor Clarke attended a 80th Birthday party for a Ramara resident. 

CAO's Remarks

CAO Drinkwalter provided updates to the community:

• The Draft Strategic Plan is available to the community for feedback until Tuesday, September 19 at 4:30 p.m. Have your say today at www.ramara.ca/haveyoursay.
• The Township Administration Office will be closed this Monday, September 4, for the Labour Day long weekend and will reopen on Tuesday, September 5, at 9 a.m. 

Bills and Bylaws

• A By-law to Acquisition 2287 Highway 12
• A By-law to amend Parking Bylaw on Bonnie Beach Road, Lake Avenue, Lakeshore Drive and Lone Birch Trail
• A Bylaw to Amend Zoning Bylaw of 4162 Orkney Beach Road - View Staff Report
• A By-law to Acquisition 2291 Highway 12

Reminders

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The Meeting highlights are prepared to give residents a timely update on decisions of Council. The Council Meeting Minutes are the official record of the meeting.