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ALL MEETINGS ARE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
UNLESS OTHERWISE STATED.
You are welcome to bring in a deputation or concern to any council meeting by sending the written request in to the township by Wednesday morning 9 a.m. prior to the meeting.
Verbal questions are allowed at General Committee and Council Meetings.
Planning meetings are exempt as these meetings are only to present planning projects to council or to discuss planning projects and concerns. You may still attend and comment, but only on the item presented.
MANY EVENTS HAPPEN
THROUGHOUT THE TOWNSHIP
THAT
WILL NOT BE ON MY WEBPAGE
IF YOU WANT TO BE KEPT UP TO DATE
ON COUNCIL AFFAIRS AND TOWNSHIP EVENTS
BY EMAIL
PLEASE CONTACT ME
AND I SHALL PUT YOU ON THE
E-MAILING LIST.
SCOUTS CANADA
is starting a new Beavers Colony in September
1st Ramara Beavers
Wednesday Nights 6:30 p.m.
at Knox Presbyterian Church in Uptergrove
INFORMATION NIGHT will be repeated
later in the year
Anyone interested in joining,
or volunteering, please
call me at 325-6371, 325-6654 OR Ron Lawson at 325-1198
There are no words that can describe the loss we feel
at the sudden and tragic passing that took
our works manager, Bill Newman at the early age of 53.
He was looking forward to his golden years of early retirement,
but God reached down and took him to his final rest.
If you have road issues, be patient,
myself as well as staff have to adjust to the loss.
FOR ANY INFORMATION, YOU CAN ALWAYS CHECK THE MINUTES
ON THE TOWNSHIP WEBSITE. www.ramaratownship.on.ca
RESOLUTIONS THAT CAME OUT OF BUDGET DISCUSSION
CW26.09..Transfer the investing in Ontario Grant to the infrastructure initiative reserve
..............Amend building revenues to $310,000
..............Transfer all property standards to the General expenditures page
...............Reduce the Committee of Adjustment conference budget to $9,000
...............Delete the second floor lighting in Building (Planning/Building/ Water building)
............... Transfer planning consultant to the Planning and Development budget
................Transfer $60,409 to the Building General Reseve to cover the shortfall
................ in Building revenues
.................List Simcoe Road paving at $324,270
.................Transfer Concession Road 9 to reconstruction
.................Delete Anderson Aveue from paving in the amount of $145,400 and replace
..................with Lakeshore Drive $208,000 with $62,600 coming from the reserve
...................Transfer Anderson Avenue to year 2010 in the Capital Forecast
(Anderson Avenue was actually already in the 2010 spot.
We moved it up and than back again.)
....................Include in Road Construction, Amilia Drive reconstruction in the amount of
.................... $90,000 with this amount coming from the reserves
.................... Delete the guardrails from the bridge on Paradise and budget for in 2010 and
.....................Transfer the $27,000
.....................Increase the swim revenues by $1,000
CW28.09 ....... that staff investigate with Transport Canada the possibility of reconstruction
......................Concession Road 7 between Highwawy 12 and County Road 169 as a truck
...................... bypass route when the main CN line is closed on Highway 12
CW29.09 ........ that we establish a program to provide proper garbage pick up in our parks
......................and along the trails and budget in 2009 $4,000 for labour and $12,000 for litter
.......................containers with the capital being provided from the Parkland Reserve
CW30.09......... that we move toward recovering 50% of the swim program within the next three
.......................years and that staff recommend the appropriate increase in fees.
CW31.09 ........that we remove shelter costs from provincial animal control and combine it with
......................canine control
CW32.09 .........That we provide the $5,000 grant to Physician Recruitment only if the
....................... Medical Centre is part of their recruitment tour AND THAT they be advised
CW33.09...........That we not hire a part time purchasing agent at this time
CW34.09............That we not open the Lagoon City washrooms in 2009.
cw35.09 .......... (A) AMEND SEWER SYSTEMS ELECTRICITY TO $105,000
........................(B) AMEND WATER SYSTEMS ELECRICITY TO $80,000
........................(C) ADJUST THE PARKLANE WATER RATE TO $1,067
CW36.09 ........That we charge a $35. administration fee per month on each equivalent
.......................sewage usage user not connected to the Brechin municipal system for the period
..................... January 1, 2009 to 9 July 31, 2009; and required bylaw be prepared
CW37.09.. That we apply the $26,000 surplus from the OSTAR grant to the Parklane water system.
CW38.09 ...That we met with Charles Manners and Janet Banfield and discussed the proposed
..................Library Board budget and that we receive the budget.
CW39.09 ...That we met with Janet Banfield of Our Ramara and discussed the proposed newsletter
................ contemplated by Our Ramara
CW40.09 .....That we discussed and received the Medical Centre Board budget
CW41.09 .....That we ask for public comments to the draft budgets for discussion on
....................March 2, 2009 and approval for the budgets on March 16, 2009
CW42.09 ...... That we discussed the request from Our Ramara for a garnt of $1,000 for a
.....................newsletter. And that we advise we will not fund the request at this time.
CW43.09 .......That we discussed the 209 Proposed Grants and recommend the following
......................changes:
.........................(a) delete the Our Ramara grant for the newsletter
(was only requested and not in budget to start with )
.........................(b) reduce the grant to Ramona to the 2008 level of $1,000
..........................(c) reduce the Youth Committee grant to the 2008 level of $250.
.........................AND THAT we receive the budget of $6,500. and approve of the grant list
.........................as amended.
CW44.09 ..........That we include the grant for the internet service in the 2009 expenditures.
CW45.09 ...........That the following change be made to the General Expenditure Budget
........................(a) amend Corporate Services contracts to $29,000
CW46.09 ............That we re-allocate $100,000 from Administration Building Reserve in 2008
..........................and place it into the Tax Rate Stabilization Fund
..........................AND THAT we transfer the $100,000 to 2009 budget. (WAS DEFEATED AT
..........................GENERAL COMMITTEE, COULD BE CHANGED AGAIN AT MARCH 16 MEETING )
This created an overall increase on the property taxes of: 3.67% ...
when blended with the county will actually turn out 2.67% overall.
Our choice will be: Do we charge the full 2.6% blended increase to the ratepayers this year?
Do we take money out of $248,000 that was granted to us from the province to do with as we please and place it into the Tax Stabilization Fund to reduce the impact this year?,
or do we add this fund to the building of the accessible administration and council building? (mandated for 2012)
The major contribution to this deficit is wages, the reduced revenue in Building, a new employee to deal with the provincial mandate PSAB and an increase in general expenses.
TO THINK ABOUT.......
With the country going into a recession, this could be worse next year and if new expenses come down the line, we will be facing an increase again next year.
Also, 2012 is the deadline for a new accessible administration building. We will need the money toward that when the time comes. If we do not prepare for this, then your increase may be more next year than this year on an even higher assessment. As you can guess, my stand is that we pay as we go and charge the 2.67% this year and hope we can bring down expenses and up revenues next year. We have a year now to focus on this. New councillors have had two years to study the process and have a better understanding of what needs to be kept in focus.
But the final decision lays with you...the ratepayer....do you want to take a chance and use the money to reduce this year's burden and deal with next year when it comes or do we take the bull by the horn and pay up this year and have money to meet our obligations next year.
I would like to know how you feel.
Please email or phone me and let me know.
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DOG TAGS DUE
Fees are: $16.00 prior to March 1st..
Late penalties will be charged after March 1st $34.00 for a total of $50.00
This was in your tax bill newsletter. Get your tags NOW if you nave not done so.
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TO BE OF ASSISTANCE WITH THE GREEN BIN PROGRAM,
The County of Simcoe Customer Service Call Centre is extending their hours to support our residents throughout the new Organics Program launch period.
Beginning Monday September 22nd the Call Centre will be open:
7:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Monday to Thursday
8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Friday
10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on SaturdayThe green bin distribution is almost complete. If you have not yet received your green bin and believe you are eligible, please contact Customer Service at (705) 735-6901,
1-800-263-3199 or by e-mail to info@simcoe.ca.
Visit County at simcoe.ca
HIGH SPEED INTERNET
Council agreed to an application for funding for High Speed Broadband connections, under the government's Rural Connections Broadband Program. Although council wished for the entire Township to be in the application, staff prepared a draft excluding Washago and smaller areas. The explanation being, that the application would be more attractive and possible had a better chance of success as the areas included presented a more viable business plan.
A further application would possibly follow in February and September 2009 to include adjoining areas.
I have mailed out surveys to find out how many people wish to have, but are not able to get high speed internet connection.
It is important to have this information in order to know where the needs are.
I CAN FILL THIS OUT BY PHONE. WITH YOU. THE SOONER THE BETTER. CALL ME AT 325-6371
INFO ON THE DEAD CARP ISSUE:
There is a full press release from the County of Simcoe on the township page. township.ramara.on.ca
THE MNR WILL NOT HELP in this issue. They are only collecting data at this point.
A few people reported an unusual number of dead craw fish on shore. If you have any new developments you wish to report to the MNR....their number is 1-866-929-0994
BUT THE COUNTY CAME ON BOARD TO HELP.
Garbage trucks WILL COLLECT FISH on regular collection dates.
DEAD CARP have to be DOUBLE Bagged and not weigh more than 20 kg. or 44 pounds AND AT THE CURB AT 7 A.M.COLLECTION DAY.
DURING THE CRISIS, RESIDENTS ARE ALLOWED 5 EXTRA BAGS OF DEAD CARP.
RESIDENTS MAY ALSO DISPOSE OF DEAD CARP FREE OF CHARGE duing the outbreak at the County Landfill Site at 5200 County Rd. 169, 3 kms. north of Udney.
The landfill site operates Monday to Wednesday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
IT IS ADVISED THAT ALTHOUGH THERE IS NO HEALTH RISK
FOR ANYONE BEING IN THE WATER,
RESIDENTS SHOULD WASH THEIR HANDS WITH SOAPY WATER AND DISINFECT SHOVELS OR OTHER TOOLS USED IN COLLECTING DEAD FISH.
NO ONE CAN TELL HOW LONG THIS WILL LAST.
I will post any update and information as it becomes available.
REPORT ON COUNCIL MEETING - MONDAY MARCH 31, 2008
RATIFICATION OF COMMITTEE AND PLANNING MINUTES
The business of council is to ratify the recommendations brought forward from the Planning and General Meetings. This is done by adopting the minutes of those meetings.
There is no need for me to repeat the content of these minutes as they are readily available on the township webpage. Click on the link at the left.
INFRASTRUCTURE MILL GRANT
Our application to the MILL Grant has been accepted and $600,000 will be available to upgrade and pave Conc. 11 from Hwy. 12 to 25th Side Rd. and the 25th Side Rd. to Hwy. 12. This is the alternate emergency route if an accidents happens on the Rama Rd. Therefore it is a welcome upgrading on that particular stretch.
NO ADDED TOWNHALL MEETING
A request to revisit the Procedure Bylaw and add a meeting at Ramona for the furthest northern part of our Township was defeated. It will be next year, before that request can be addressed again. Longord Town Hall meeting will have to serve the entire northern area for this year.
OPP REPORT
OPP Inspector Wright presented the 2007 Year End Report. We have support of OPP constables on the Ramara Community Policing as well as the reglar duties we contract for. It gives us a very good insight on the full support of the OPP for our contract, which cost us less than we budgeted for in 2007.
FUN FEST REQUEST
Fun Fest committee requested council to wave licence and permit fees for the 2008 Fun Fest. It was agreed to do so, but this would be the last year we could do that.
TRAIL BRIDGE OVER NARROWS
Correspondence was receceived from Trails for Life Committee to request our support for a study on the feasibility of constructing a trail bridge across the narrows. The study would cost Ramara $1,200. Council decided to support the study, because crossing the existing traffic bridge on foot, is a safety hazard, especially in the winter., plus it connects the Ramara Trail to Orillia. This however, in no way commits us to the construction of such a bridge.
LIGHT FEES IN BAYSHORE VILLAGE
John Taylor sent correspondence to council in regards to street lighting service in Bayshore Village. They only have six lights and feel this is an exhorbant fee of $26.53 charged to each resident of Bayshore Village for six lights. ("A 63% increase over 2007") The matter was deferred to general committee for further discussion.
MORE AVAILABLE GRANTS ANNOUNCED, BUT WE WILL WAIT FOR OFFICIAL LEGISLATION
Correspondence received spoke of more provincial funding for infrastructure available. But we shall wait until all that is legislated before we get too excited.
THANK YOU LETTER
A Thank you letter tto Twsp. staff, mayor and council, was received from Allan and Lynne Scott for holding a successful town hall meeting. It is nice to receive positive corespondence and I thank Allan and Lynne for letting us know they felt positive about the meeting.
JUNE IS SENIOR MONTH
Each year the government of Ontario designates June as Senior month. and Ramara supported that motion. With so much on the agenda, I forgot to make special note of sending nomination forms out to organizations and associations and will do so at the next general meeting.
400TH ANNIVERSRY OF QUEBEC CITY
2008 marks the 400th anniversary of the founding of Quebec City. Samuele de Champlain founding explorer of Quebec City also travelled to Orillia and is commemorated there by a statue in Couchiching Park. The founding of Quebec has effected Canada nationally through various explorers. The Legislature will ring their bells at 11 a.m. on July 3, 2008 to commemorate this important event in our history. Ramara Council voted to request churches in the community to ring their bells at 11 a. m. on July 3, 2008.
PUBLIC MEETING ON BUILDING CODE FEES AND CHARGES
A public meeting will be held Monday April 21 2008 at 7 p.m . on the Council Chambers to present the amendments to the Building Bylaw which include changes to Building code fees and charges. See the township web page at ramara@township.ramara.on.ca for full details.
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Report on Town Hall Meeting
held at the Ramara Centre
March 19, 2008
The first of four Town Hall meetings was held at the Ramara Centre. The meeting went very well and most of us felt it was very successful. Richard Bates, CAO gave an overview of the municipality and and the structure of departments. All staff members were present to help answer ratepayers' questions. Issues that came out of the meeting were of course, as always, ROADS, lack of funding and need of repair and upgrading.
A ratepayer also brought up a concern for the lack of identity for Ramara Townshnip. We need to enforce who and where we are. An oversight on the part of council when deciding on the dates of Town Hall metings, was brought to our attention. We did not have one in July or Aujgust when most of the cottagers are up. Something council needs to consider at our next meeting.
Other business was the decision on how the debt balance on the different community wells would be paid off and it remained that each well be paid off by their individual user groups. I do not see that changing with the last council vote. This is now coming into the fifth year and time will eventually end this debate.
The annual road tour was brought up and will take place in April again. And again, juggling of funds and needs will be addressed and what maintenance will be placed on the priority list.
See you at the next Town Hall Meeting in Longford, June 4.
Report March 3, 2008
The vote on the water debt rate ended up that each well covers their own debt.
A public meeting will give the public to have their input.
TAXATION BUDGET
I had asked for another budget meeting day, but the best I got was that all councillors read over their budget information and come back to see what they want to cut out.
Well, there is little to cut out. Our deputy mayor Clarke wanted to remove the capital
expenditure on roads but that would be ludricous. We are far behind as it is.
So, the end result was a budget of $10,227,760 at an increase of 7.5% which when equated with overal Simcoe County and education taxes would end up in a 4.6% increase on your 2008 tax
Next year I will be asking for 3 days for budget discussion.Together, we can discuss every aspect and get response whether it can be pulled out or not on the spot to make decisions. Now we came back to the table and some of the items could not be pulled because of total commitment.
WELL, IF WE CAN'T TAKE EXPENSES OUT....THEN WE BETTER WORK ON GETTING MORE INCOME IN. We have a year to make this happen.
ORKNEY BEACH RD AND FOUNTAIN DRIVE PATHWAY
The Issue with the pathway through the Meleca property was finally resolved and the Meleca's can now go ahead with the site plan. Council decided not to require the official 10 ft. easement, but leave the courtesy easement as is to be enjoyed by the neighbours as it had been for 25 years past.
EARTH HOUR
Correspondence was received in regards to Earth hour on March 29 from 8 - 9 p.m. More info on earthhour.org. We all must do our part to stop global warming and Anita Dubeau, mayor of Penetanguishene sent a challenge for all of us to turn our lights out for an hour from 8 p.m. o 9 p.m. Again more at earthhour.org.
Councillor O'Donnell's concern with Level of Service Report Works Department
Our CAO Richard Bates responded and decided to add my name to the O'Donnell comments on the level of service on road plowing and sanding. I was only the typist in this regard. I could not possibly comment on this as it was before my time on council and I do not know anything about this issue.
b>RED CROSS MONTH
March has been proclaimed Red Cross month in Ramara Township.
Car Allowance:
I guess our Mayor Bill Duffy will have to keep score of his kilometres on the roads. Council decided against giving him a flat rate of $370.00 a month.
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REPORT FEBRUARY 12, 2008
ARCHIVES MISSING
I noticed that the archives of all agendas
and reports and minutes were missing.
I don't know if that happend when they transferred to the new site.
I brought this up at council and hopefully they will be replaced.
For myself, I want them to be placed in the new site.
I am sure so does the general public.
Many unfinished projects require us
to relate back to much earlier than 2007.
WATER RATES:
As expected, the equalizing of the water debts was voted
back to the original status quo....Bayshore and Lagoon City
did not want to pay for any share of other areas.
AS IT STANDS NOW:.............................EQUALIZING CHARGE AGAINST DEBT AND USAGE:
Brechin Lagoon City ............ 461.00 ............equalized would be ..516.42
Bayshore ............................ 491.00........................................... 516.42
South Ramara, Heritage .......901.00 ........................................... 516.42
South Ramara, Mara Shore .. 935.00 ........................................... 516.42
Val Harbour ...................... 691.00 ............................................ 516.42
Davy Drive ....................... 826.00 ............................................ 516.42
Parklane ...........................1,368.00 .......................................... 516.42
Somerset ........................... 671.00 .......................................... 516.42
ANOTHER ALTERNATE METHOD SUGGESTED
BY STAFF IS:
An environmental levy on general taxation to fund the outstanding deficits.
A 1% increase in taxation would raise approximately $50,000.
If I understand this right, this would mean that
ALL ratepayers, even those on a well and not getting any benefit from this water
would be paying for the debt.
NOT A METHOD I WOULD VOTE FOR:
My stance on the water issue is that it should be paid for equally between all community well users AT $516.42 per year.
The water systems were assumed by the Township. At that time, I believe they were debt free. The township became owner and the supplier of water at each location.
Then Walkerton happened and the province came down with new regulations and upgrading.
That responsibility would have been the township's, as they were the supplier of the water.
It does not matter how much it would cost to each individual system location then, but how much more the water wqould cost to cover the costs of supplying it to all consumers.
We have kept water usage and debt rate separate. But the debt rate should be equal across the board just as the water usage is. The debt is actually part of a service charge to supply water.
This billing sholuld work the same as any utility,. The cost of doing business and receiving the service is equally shared by all users. It should not cost you more for water at one of the the township than another.
ALSO, FUTURE DEBTS AS OF LAST YEAR, WERE EQUALIZED SO WHY NOT THIS DEBT?
THIS WILL NO DOUBT BE A HOT DEBATE ON MARCH 3.
AND AT THE PUBLIC MEETING MARCH 17.
TAX RATE INCREASE OF 7.9%
I COULD NOT VOTE TO ACCEPT THE BUDGET!
WITH A 7.9 % INCREASE
Deputy Mayor Clarke beat me to the punch to oppose the increase
but, I requested for another meeting, where council could see
what could be taken out and diverted into 2009. which the Deputy Mayor
thought was futile, as we were told what the tax rate was as
we went along. Item for item, does not give you a total overview
of the whole package. You don't see this until you are finished.
However, the outcome of this was messing up the roads plan.:
Deputy Mayor Clarke was going to go back and upset the road forecast by
taking out roads and I was adamently against this.
We are only doing 8 roads,.....by far not even close to
catching up to the road work that should be done.
To make a long debate short, council adopted the budget,
so that it could be taken up again March 3, and agreed to go home,
look over the budget and see where we can delay some
project to 2009 and save. Every $50,000 is 1% in taxes.
Hopefully, as I stated in my response to council, more
development will happen and the Building Department has
some good news in 2008 and 2009 so we can absorb
the deferred projects into that year without costing the
per centage we took out this year.
HUMAN RESOURCES TERMS OF REFERENCE
Councillor Bill White was ill and absent from the meeting,
so Human Resources Terms of References were deferred.
This is an important issue and all councillors should be
present.
TOWNSHIP ANSWERING SERVICE:
The Township answering service was discussed and the
result was that the complaint line would be last direction.
All departments would b e mentioned with their extensions first
and then if you have a concern/complaint would be mentioned,
directing the customer to dial 0.
CHEQUE REGISTRY/VOUCHERS
Requesting the cheque registry/vouchers back was shot down
by council. Sorry....only I found it necessary to know who
why and how much was being paid ou monthly. The rest
of council is happy with the Variance Report.
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The equalizing of the water community well debts
had been carried in principal, but not any more.
CHANGED SEE, NOTICE ABOVE
The council decided that all debts should be
equalized over the municipal water users.
However, I hear rumbles already of one
councillor changing his position, so the vote will be lost.
The following is the proposed costing for 2008:
AS IT STANDS NOW:...............................EQUALIZING CHARGE AGAINST DEBT AND USAGE:
Brechin Lagoon City .......... 461.00 ..........equalized would be ..516.42
Bayshore .......................... 491.00........................................ 516.42
South Ramara, Heritage .....901.00 ....................................... 516.42
South Ramara, Mara Shore 935.00 ....................................... 516.42
Val Harbour ..................... 691.00 ........................................ 516.42
Davy Drive ...................... 826.00 ........................................ 516.42
Parklane .........................1,368.00 ....................................... 516.42
Somerset ......................... 671.00 ........................................ 516.42
The discussion will come up at General Committee Monday.
Margaret Black, Corporate Manager, Treasuer
advised me, she will an alternate method to council
should we not get the qualized debt payment
carried.
ALTERNATE METHOD SUGGESTED IS:
"Status quo from 2007, a 5-year phase-in of consolidated rates
OR an environmental levy on general taxation to fund the outsatnding deficits.
A 1% increase in taxation would raise approximately $50,000.
If I understand this right, this would mean that ALL ratepayers, even those
on a well and not getting any benefit from this water would be paying
for the debt.
NOT A METHOD I WOULD VOTE FOR:
We shall not know for sure where we stand until the end of
the Public Meeting to be held on March 17
The story is not over yet.
Another issue that came up at Planning Committee
was the walk path through the property from
Orkney Beach Rd to Fountain Beach Rd.
The property owners had agreed to the path
and now wish it to be removed.
The emergency road that was discussed back
in November 2006 is not required and the
township will not put a road through from
Orkney Beach Rd to Fountain Drive.
ONLY THE PATHWAY IS REQUIRED TO REMAIN.
HUMAN RESOURCES TERMS OF REFERENCE:
The proponents of the Human Resources Committee have come up with
the terms of reference and the terms have been sent in to be on
the agenda for this Monday. Budget meetings were Wednesday, Jan. 30 and Thursday Jan. 31, 2008
Capital expenses on road improvements is always the most difficult
decisions to be made towards the yearly budget.
The 2008 portion of the 10 year forecast on roads remained pretty
well the same as decided on December 13.
Side Road 25 and Conc. 11 from Hwy 12 to Side Road 25
were taken aside for a grant application.
We concentrated on getting the 2008 plan set and then have
another session/s later meeting to finish the 10 year forecast.
Council agreed in principle on the budget as it stands now. Before
the final decisions after the public meeting, we still have a chance
to determine whether the budget could be skimmed down. There are
still some items to be determined. The Library and community centres
have not yet brought in their budgets. As it stands we are looking at an
increase of 7.8 per cent. The greatest portion of this increase is the
result of provincially mandated programs.
We tried to be as fair as possible this yearto all departments.
As always, there is never enough money to go around and
the wishlist always has to be cut. This seems to happen
on roads all the time. The result so far will go to the
general committee for further discussion.
WATER AND SEWER RATES TO BE EQUAL TO ALL USERS -
USER FEES AND DEBT PAYOUT
Council decided in principal to equalize the communal water and
sewer rates equally across the board including the debt payout.
This means that all users of the Water would pay $516.42.
THIS IS ALREADY CHANGED.
It was realized that it is time to have all recipients pay the same
amount of money for the same product; the argument being the
same as last year, that it is not the fault of the individual user
that they do not have a large community to help pay for their system.
All recipients of water should be paying the same amount.
The sewer users were considered in the same way. That users
all should share equally in the cost. All users (Lagoon City
and Bayshore would be paying $615.63
PUBLIC MEETING ON BUDGET DECISIONS
If no one flips their vote, this will be the decision when the
final budget comes out at the public meeting on March 17.
The public will then have a chance to have their say on the decision.
HUMAN RESOURCES COMMITTEE
The motion for a Human Resources Committee had been carried and the proponents of this
committee have been working on the terms of reference. The result will be
presented to council at the General Meeting Feb. 11 when the CAO and the other members
of council can review them and add any policies they feel have been left out
It will then come back to the following General Committee on March 17 for a vote and
presented to Council on March 31 for final adoption.
THE FOLLOWING ARE THE TERMS OF REFERENCE PROPOSED FOR THE HUMAN RESOURCES
COMMITTEE
HUMAN RESOURCES COMMITTEE TERMS OF REFERENCES
INTRODUCTION:
The Human Resources Committee is intended to bring staff and council closer together. An understanding of who does what, and how many do what will give us more insight into the time and staff available to process our requests. A knowledge of what qualifications our staff have will give us a better understanding of what we can expect from staff and what our limits are in enhancing our services. It should also give us an informed insight into the need of support staff.
The Human Resources Committee should be welcomed by managerial staff as it this sector of staff from any accusations of favouritism or discrimination and possibly the ratepayers from costly litigation by being another means of mediation in case of disagreeable results through any human relations processes.
Where normal procedures have failed, it is essential that employees of the township, alone or together, and without fear of recrimination or reprisal, be able to truthfully approach the Human Resources Committee in total confidence and in writing. A verbal approach may only be presented to the chair, who shall put the issue in writing and have the personell sign to confirm the report to be presented to the Human Resources Committee. Again confidentiality shall be respected.
MANDATE:
The Human Resources Committee shall be an extension to policies now in place.
The Human Resources Committee shall be given written copies of all labour related policies and pertinent information now in place, with the exception of Conduct of Conduct which is a separate issue and has already been presented and voted on by council.
Human Resources Committee is to work with the CAO/Clerk to develop policies dealing with personnel related matters; to assure that all personnel are dealt with fairly and consistently; and all personnel issues result in the best possible solutions; and to promote a fair and competitive process is used to hire, promote or discipline.
An important responsibility of the Human Resources Committee will be to attempt early resolutions and/or redress of workplace problems, disputes, dismissal actions, and discrimination and harassment allegations. The Human Resource Committee will make every reasonable effort to shield the public, the township and its employees from the grief, stress and expense associated with unresolved complaints.
The Human Resources Committee shall report to council and council shall make final decisions.
The Human Resources Committee shall be comprised of 2 councillors, the mayor and the CAO/Clerk. All but the chair will have a vote unless there is a tie, in which case the chair shall vote to break the tie.
The CAO/Clerk shall keep minutes of the meeting, receive agenda items from council, Human Resources Committee members, staff and elsewhere as appropriate and provide a sealed copy to each committee member prior to the meeting. The CAO/Clerk will sequence the agenda.
Three committee members shall represent a quorum.
The Human Resources Committee shall appoint a chair at their first meeting.
The attendance of the township solicitor for advice and opinion may be necessary from time to time. In this case, the matter will be reported to council and a confidential meeting of council shall take place.
Failing resolution through the established chain of command through the supervisor to the CAO, in case of a dispute issue with an employee, the employee and department head involved may state their cases to the Human Resources Committee who will make recommendation on the issue to council.
All matters coming before the Human Resources Committee shall be CONFIDENTIAL. Reports and recommendations shall be prepared by the CAO/Clerk and presented to council as agenda items. Normal procedures regarding confidentiality shall apply in all cases.
The Human Resources Committee shall be informed of any and all personnel matters that may result in loss of pay or benefits, whether through termination or suspension prior to the loss or change have been affected.
The Human Resources Committee shall be made aware, prior to, of any personnel changes such as retiring, appointing, promotions and hiring to assure transparency of the proper competitive process.
Staff shall present the Human Resources Committee with a business case for, and prior to, hiring personnel, even at the entrance level, as it impacts budget.
Meetings of the Human Resources Committee shall fall under Section 9…(Meetings of Special Committees) of the Procedure Bylaw now referred to as Report No. CD04-08.
The Human Resources Committee shall encourage professional development and career path opportunities for staff.
The Human Resources Committee shall ensure due diligence in respect of senior staff appointments and related outside search.
These terms of references shall be open to receive revisions as deemed necessary from time to time. The Terms herein may only be amended by motion of council.
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