Committee of the Whole - June 5, 2023

Please note that all Committee of the Whole decisions are subject to Council approval. The next Council meeting is scheduled for June 26, 2023 at 7:00 p.m. If you have any questions regarding agenda items or decisions made at Committee or Council meetings, please email jgalvao@ramara.ca.

2022 Financial Statements 

Richard Steiginga from Baker Tilly presented the Township of Ramara's 2022 Financial Statement. The statement showed that the Township received a clean audit opinion. As well, it was noted that the Township's reserves and cash balances have increased gradually over the past five years and has put the Township in a strong financial position going into 2023.

View the full 2023 Financial Statements

The graph to the right illustrates how the Township has increased its financial assets over the past five years with the Township focusing on building reserves, increasing its savings, and lowering its account receivables in unpaid taxes. 

The graph to the left illustrates the revenue and expenses trend over the past five years. Over the past five years, revenues have increased over expenses to help build a strong reserve balance for future capital work.   

Notice of Motion

Mayor Clarke put forward two Notices of Motion to Committee.

1. The first Notice of Motion is to not implement the Municipal Accommodation Tax (MAT) on Short-Term Rental Accommodations (STRAs). The MAT was first introduced to offset the expenses related to the licensing and enforcement of STRA; however, during the budgeting process, Council approved increasing the fees and fines to help offset any costs.
2. The second Notice of Motion is to not implement the Municipal Accommodation Tax (MAT) on hotels.

Committee approved both Notices of Motion at this time.

Compressed Work Week - 6 Month Trial

In an effort to find innovative and progressive ways to attract talent and retain skilled staff, a Compressed Work Week policy and report was presented to Committee for their consideration. The policy outlined that staff would continue to work 70 hours over nine days, rather than the current ten, with every other Wednesday off. Staff will be separated into two groups with a Director or Manager available in each group to ensure management can be accessed by either staff or the community. This will also ensure that Service Standards are not affected, so residents or visitors have consistent service and support. The Committee approved the implementation of the Compressed Work Week beginning September 2023 for six months, with a follow-up report to Council in March 2024.    

Delegation of Authority to Amend Records Retention Schedule

As outlined in the Municipal Act, municipalities shall retain and preserve the records of a municipality in a secure and accessible manner, with the retention period being determined based on Provincial and Federal legislation and internal needs. Before the introduction of Bill 68, Modernizing Ontario's Municipal Act Legislation Act, 2017, the Municipal Act required a two-step approval process to amend Record Retention Schedules: Clerk then the Municipal Auditor. With the removal of the Municipal Auditor approval, Council may delegate authority to the Clerk to ensure that the Records Retention Schedule meets current legislation and business needs; Council may now delegate this authority to the Municipal Clerk, who is responsible for the Municipality's records. Committee approved delegating the authority to the Municipal Clerk to approve and amend the Township of Ramara's record Retention schedule.

The Ramara Experience - Chamber of Commerce 

Councillor Bell presented the Ramara Experience Strategy, in partnership with the Township of Ramara, that will seek to enrich the success of businesses in the Township of Ramara by increasing their visibility in Ramara and throughout the County. The sub-Committee of the Chamber of Commerce will look at developing and promoting Ramara Businesses through various communication and marketing strategies, including a spend local campaign. The membership will consist of volunteers, including a Chair, Secretary, Treasurer and Four (4) members from Ramara's business community. Committee approved to receive this as information.

Modernizing Ontario's Environmental Assessment Program

This report on the agenda has been deferred to the Monday, July 10, 2023 meeting.

Have Your Say : Help Us Shape Ramara

Ramara's Council needs the community's help in developing the Strategic Plan to guide the Township and set its vision for the next four years. The plan will provide a road map of the key initiatives and actions that Ramara will work towards. Provide feedback on important municipal matters like development and growth, infrastructure, parks, trails, recreation, etc.

Visit our Strategic Plan page to complete the survey or register for one of our in-person Pop-up Input Sessions.

Need a computer, visit the Township Administration Building to fill out the survey or sign up for the Pop-up Input Session held in each ward.

Have Your Say

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For More Information

For more details on any of these items, see the full meeting Agenda or view the meeting on the Township of Ramara's YouTube Channel.

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.