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General Government Committee
Minutes
Date:
Time:
Location:
October 16, 2023
9:30 a.m.
Council Chambers or Microsoft Teams
Municipal Administrative Centre
40 Temperance Street, 2nd Floor
Bowmanville, Ontario
Members Present: Councillor G. Anderson, Councillor S. Elhajjeh, Councillor L.
Rang, Councillor W. Woo, Councillor M. Zwart
Regrets: Mayor A. Foster, Councillor C. Traill
Staff Present: M. Dempster, J. Newman, L. Preston, G. Acorn, S. Brake, R.
Maciver, T. Pinn, C. Salazar, D. Speed
_____________________________________________________________________
1. Call to Order
Councillor Zwart called the meeting to order at 9:30 a.m.
2. Land Acknowledgement Statement
Councillor Woo led the meeting in the Land Acknowledgement Statement.
3. Declaration of Interest
There were no disclosures of interest stated at this meeting.
4. Announcements
Members of Committee announced upcoming community events and matters of
community interest.
5. Presentations/Delegations (10 Minute Time Limit)
5.1 Delegation by Janice Freund, Regarding, the Use and Ban of Rodenticides
Janice Freund was present, regarding the danger of rodenticides. Using an
electronic presentation, J. Freund explained past animal experiences with
rodenticides, provided an overview of the chemicals and why they are inhumane.
J. Freund stated that the City of Pickering banned the use of rodenticides on City
property in June 2023. Janice concluded by outlining the signs of toxicity and
answered questions from Members of Committee.
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5.2 Delegation by Allison Hansen, Regarding, the Use and Ban of Rodenticides
Allison Hansen, Campaign Director for Rodenticide Free Ontario, was present
regarding the dangers of rodenticides. Using an electronic presentation, Allison
provided an overview of the mission and vision of Rodenticide Free Ontario. A.
Hansen noted a previous animal experience with the chemical, provided an
overview of rodenticides and why they are a problem. Allison explained the
primary and secondary ingestion and sub lethal effects of rodenticides. A.
Hansen noted the effects on human health and outlined prevention methods.
Allison requested Committee to ban the sale and use of all rodenticides,
implement prevention measures, and provide community education. A. Hansen
answered questions from Members of Committee.
Resolution # GG-160-23
Moved by Councillor Rang
Seconded by Councillor Elhajjeh
Whereas council acknowledges that rodenticide products are unreasonably
dangerous, inhumane, and ineffective;
And whereas rodenticides are highly toxic, persistent and bio accumulative
compounds used to eliminate rodent populations by causing death by preventing
normal blood clotting, causing internal hemorrhaging, or disturbing nervous
system functions;
And whereas rodenticides pose serious threats to Ontario’s wildlife (including
raptors, songbirds, coyotes, snakes, and racoons) and the environment
(including aquatic ecosystems) through primary and secondary poisoning of non -
target species, and further threaten children and pets;
And whereas predators and scavengers are at a particularly high risk of
secondary poisoning because of their dependence on rodents as a food source,
with countless cases of poisoning across Ontario in the past decade;
And whereas rodenticides are an ineffective and counterproductive means of
controlling long-term rodent populations because they fail to address the root of
infestation problems (i.e., access to food, shelter and other attractants), and kill
predators that serve as natural and chemical-free methods of pest control (e.g., a
single owl eats around 1,000 rats per year);
And whereas the existing risk mitigation measures implemented by the f ederal
and provincial government are incapable of adequately addressing the threats
that rodenticides pose to the environment, wildlife, and human health; and
And whereas preventative measures are the best method of vector control;
And whereas eliminating non-essential use of rodenticides is consistent with the
precautionary principle
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And whereas Council wishes to enact a policy prohibiting the use of inhumane
vector control products to address public concern for the environmental wellbeing
of the community, and the health, safety and well-being of its inhabitants;
And whereas: Council deems it desirable and in the public interest to enact an
Animal Poison Prevention Policy for protecting wildlife, pets, and people from
unreasonable adverse effects caused by rodenticide use for the purpose of:
Eliminating inhumane methods of pest control;
Regulating and controlling the use, purchase, and sale of rodenticides;
Sustaining a healthy natural environment by protecting biodiversity;
Protecting significant and sensitive natural areas;
Protecting human health;
Maintaining water quality; and
Protecting fish habitat as defined in the Fisheries Act, Revised Statute of
Canada 1985.
Therefore be it resolved that Council adopts a policy banning the use of
rodenticides on all municipally owned properties, with immediate effect;
That Council directs Staff to communicate this policy direction to residents and
businesses including information on the harmful impacts of rodenticides and the
availability of humane, ecologically sustainable alternatives; and
That Council incorporates humane practices in regards to pest control on all
municipal properties.
Referred
Resolution # GG-161-23
Moved by Councillor Woo
Seconded by Councillor Elhajjeh
That the foregoing Resolution # GG-161-23 be referred to Staff to report back at
the December 4, 2023, General Government Committee meeting.
Carried
5.3 Delegation by Susan Ellis and Suzanne Elston, Regarding, Support for
Friends of Second Marsh - Love the Marsh! Fundraising Campaign
Susan Ellis and Suzanne Elston, Friends of Second Marsh, were present
regarding Love the Marsh! Campaign. Using an electronic presentation, S. Ellis
provided an overview of their mission and goals. Suzanne Elston requested
Council support for their five-year fundraising target of $500,000 for the Friends
of Second Marsh's Love the Marsh! Campaign to continue with education and
trail development.
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Resolution # GG-162-23
Moved by Councillor Anderson
Seconded by Councillor Elhajjeh
That the Delegation of Susan Ellis and Suzanne Elston, Friend of Second Marsh,
regarding support for Friends of Second Marsh - Love the Marsh! Campaign, be
received with thanks; and
That Council endorse the Friends of Second Marsh's Love the Marsh! Campaign.
Carried
5.4 Delegation by Dave Mason, Regarding, A Gift of Art Status
Dave Mason was present regarding A Gift of Art Status. D. Mason provided an
overview of what services A Gift of Art provides. Dave advised Committee of the
plan to sell their current building while remaining a registered charity and non -
profit corporation. D. Mason added that the equity will become an endowment to
support art classes, artists, and events. Dave advised that the Board is explorin g
options for a new location and stated that they will be focusing on education and
supporting the community moving forward. D. Mason answered questions from
Committee.
Resolution # GG-163-23
Moved by Councillor Woo
Seconded by Councillor Anderson
That the Delegation of Dave Mason, regarding A Gift of Art Status, be received
with thanks.
Carried
5.5 Delegation by Quinton Gibson, Regarding, a Request to Install a Pipe
Under the Road on Concession 3, Newcastle
Recess
Resolution # GG-164-23
Moved by Councillor Woo
Seconded by Councillor Elhajjeh
That the Committee recess for 5 minutes.
Carried
The meeting reconvened at 10:57 a.m. with Councillor Zwart in the Chair.
General Government Committee Minutes October 16, 2023
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Quinton Gibson was called upon but was not present.
Resolution # GG-165-23
Moved by Councillor Anderson
Seconded by Councillor Rang
That the delegation by Quinton Gibson, regarding a request to install a pipe
under Concession Road 3, Newcastle, be referred to the October 30, 2023,
Council meeting.
Carried
6. Consent Agenda
Resolution # GG-166-23
Moved by Councillor Anderson
Seconded by Councillor Elhajjeh
That all items listed in Section 6, with the exception of item 6.1.1, be approved on
consent in accordance with the Agenda.
Carried
6.1 Communications
6.2 Staff Reports and Staff Memos
6.2.1 FSD-038-23 2023 Contract Awards During Summer Recess
Resolution # GG-167-23
That Report FSD-038-23, and any related delegations or communication items,
be received for information.
6.2.2 FSD-039-23 Brown Street Reconstruction
Resolution # GG-168-23
That Report FSD-039-23 be received;
That Broz Excavating Inc. with a total bid amount of $1,992,226.67 (Net HST
Rebate) being the lowest compliant bidder meeting all terms, conditions and
specifications of tender CL2023-5 be awarded the contract for Brown Street
Reconstruction as required by the Planning and Infrastructure Services
Department;
That the total funds required for this project in the amount of $2,532,900 (Net
HST Rebate) which includes construction costs of $1,992,226.67 (Net HST
Rebate) and other related costs such as topographic survey, detailed design,
subsurface utility investigation, geotechnical investigation, utility relocations, (Bell
and Elexicon), material testing, inspection, contract administration, and
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contingencies of $540,673.33 (Net HST Rebate) is included in the approved
2021/2022 Capital Budget; and
That all interested parties listed in Report FSD-039-23, and any delegations be
advised of Council’s decision.
6.2.3 LGS-027-23 Health Benefit Program 2023 Renewal to November 1, 2024
Resolution # GG-169-23
That Report LGS-027-23 and any related communication items, be received;
That the Health Benefit Program be renewed with Sun Life to November 1, 2024,
at an overall increase of 5.7%; and
That the Clarington Public Library, Museums & Archives be advised of the
renewal program, and that they continue to be invoiced for their portion of the
benefit program as applicable; and
That the Deputy CAO/Solicitor, in consultation with the Chief Administrative
Officer, be authorized to approve administrative agreements as required for the
current and future benefit renewals, subject to satisfactory service and
acceptable terms with the benefit provider(s).
6. Consent Agenda
6.1 Communications
6.1.1 Correspondence from Nancy and Hugh Towie, Regarding Clarington Polar
Bear Swim 2024
Resolution # GG-170-23
Moved by Councillor Woo
Seconded by Councillor Elhajjeh
That the request for Emergency Services, Fire Hall #2, to attend the Clarington
Polar Bear Swim on January 1, 2024, in Newcastle, be approved .
Carried
7. Items for Separate Discussion
7.1 Correspondence by Ben McWade, P.Eng, Acting Manager, Construction
Management Services, Region of Durham, Regarding a Request for Noise
Bylaw Exemption
Resolution # GG-171-23
Moved by Councillor Woo
Seconded by Councillor Anderson
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That the request for Noise By-law Exemption, from Ben McWade, P. Eng, Acting
Manager, Construction Management Services, Region of Durham, for the
timeline of July 24, 2023, to December 31, 2023, be approved.
Carried
7.2 FSD-036-23 2023 Update on Prudent Investor
Resolution # GG-172-23
Moved by Councillor Woo
Seconded by Councillor Anderson
That Report FSD-036-23, and any related delegations or communication items,
be received;
That the Deputy CAO/Treasurer be directed to create the nece ssary documents
and agreements, such as investment policies and enabling by-laws, to facilitate
the adoption of the prudent investor standard;
That the Deputy CAO/Treasurer works with the Region of Durham and interested
local municipalities to explore whether there is sufficient support for establishing
a new local Joint Investment Board (JIB) under the prudent investor standard;
That the Deputy CAO/Treasurer work with ONE Investment Inc. to facilitate the
Municipality joining the ONE JIB if there is insufficient support for a local option;
and
That all interested parties listed in Report FSD-036-23, and any delegations, be
advised of Council’s decision.
Carried
7.3 LGS-026-23 Appointments to Various Committees
Resolution # GG-173-23
Moved by Councillor Woo
Seconded by Councillor Elhajjeh
That Report LGS-026-23, and any related delegations or communication items,
be received;
That the resignation of Cara Des Granges, from the Energy from Waste – Waste
Management Advisory Committee, be received with thanks;
That the resignation of Lyndsay Riddoch, from the Diversity Advisory Committee,
be received with thanks;
That the General Government Committee consider the applications for
appointments to the Bowmanville Santa Claus Parade Committee, Diversity
Advisory Committee, Energy from Waste – Waste Management Advisory
Committee, and Diversity Advisory Committee, and that the vote be conducted to
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appoint the citizen representatives, in accordance with the Appointment to
Boards and Committees Policy; and
That all interested parties listed in Report LGS-026-23 and any delegations be
advised of Council’s decision.
Carried
Bowmanville Santa Claus Parade Committee
Resolution # GG-174-23
That Saranya Anantharaman and Ashley Maika, be appointed to the Bowmanville
Santa Claus Parade Committee for a term ending, December 31, 2026.
Diversity Advisory Committee
Resolution # GG-175-23
That Joe Solway be appointed to the Diversity Advisory Committee for a term
ending December 31, 2024.
Energy from Waste - Waste Management Advisory Committee
Resolution # GG-176-23
That Glenn Baswick be appointed to the Energy from Waste - Waste
Management Advisory Committee for a term ending December 31, 2024.
8. Unfinished Business
8.1 PWD-007-23 School and Community Safety Zone Traffic Speeds
Resolution # GG-177-23
Moved by Councillor Anderson
Seconded by Councillor Elhajjeh
That Report PWD-007-23 and any related delegations or communication items,
be received;
That speed limits in school zones throughout Clarington be lowered to 30km/h;
That additional traffic calming measures on busy municipal roads be considered
following the introduction of a forthcoming comprehensive report by staff on
options and costs for implementation;
That Communications staff develop and execute a strategy to make the
community aware of school zone changes and the overall council plan to address
traffic concerns in the community; and
That all interested parties listed in Report PWD-007-23 and any delegations be
advised of Council’s decision.
Carried
General Government Committee Minutes October 16, 2023
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9. New Business
9.1 Appointment of Alternate Member of Council to Durham Regional Council
(Councillor Woo)
Resolution # GG-178-23
Moved by Councillor Woo
Seconded by Councillor Anderson
Whereas Section 268 (1) of the Municipal Act states that “the council of a local
municipality may appoint one of its members as an alternate member of the
upper-tier council, to act in place of a person who is a member of the councils of
the local municipality and its upper-tier municipality, when the person is unable to
attend a meeting of the upper-tier council for any reason” where the following are
not authorized:
1. the appointment of more than one alternate member during the term of
council;
2. the appointment of an alternate member to act in place of an alternate
member appointed under subsection 267 (1) or (2); or
3. the appointment of an alternate head of council of the upper-tier
municipality.
And whereas Council deems it necessary to put these measures in place;
Now therefore be it resolved that, in accordance with Appendix D, Procedure for
Alternate Council Members of the Region of Durham’s Procedural By-law,
Councillor Zwart be appointed as the Municipality of Clarington’s alternate
member to Durham Regional Council, to act in place of the Mayor or one of the
Clarington Regional Councillors, when they are unable to attend a meeting of
Regional Council for any reason, for the current term of Council.
Carried
9.2 Backyard Chickens (Councillor Zwart)
Councillor Zwart withdrew the motion.
10. Confidential Items
11. Adjournment
Resolution # GG-179-23
Moved by Councillor Elhajjeh
Seconded by Councillor Anderson
That the meeting adjourn at 11:27 a.m.
Carried