Lighthouse overlooking Ottawa River.

Council Briefs, December 19, 2023

Parks & Recreation Committee

Waterfront Committee Request

Committee agreed to issue a revised invoice for 2023 Waterfront Gardener (summer labour) from $19,402.00 to $9,701.00; and
That for the next five years, the Pembroke Petawawa District Community Foundation and City of Pembroke would share 50% of the Waterfront Gardener costs. The Foundation would continue to employ one summer student in partnership with the Pembroke Horticultural Society; and
That the City of Pembroke will hire an additional summer student to support the Waterfront grounds and maintenance and pay any remaining costs, not covered by available summer employment grants for this summer employment.
The Millenium Waterfront project began in August 1998 and Mr. Fred Blackstein spoke to Committee about the legacy, the tens of thousands of volunteer hours that supported the many projects, as well as the future of funds and its limited capacities.

Santa Claus Parade of Lights

An informational report was provided to Committee highlighting the 2023 Santa Claus Parade of Lights which had 80+ parade entries, the successful Pembroke Professional Firefighters’ Association hotdog reception, and the many sponsors for the events.

Kinsmen Pool Active Monitoring

At the December 11 Special Meeting of Council, Council directed staff to find proactive measures to monitor deterioration of the Kinsmen Pool’s structure until a decision is made to either close the pool or take actions to repair the structure. Committee approved HP Engineering personnel to carry out weekly inspection until a decision is made during the budget meetings. The cost for the inspections will come from the pools 2023 and 2024 operating budgets.

Collective Agreement Renewal – CUPE Local 24

Committee directed staff to prepare the necessary By-law for a future Council meeting. The current Collective Agreement between the City and CUPE Local 24 expires as of December 31, 2023. The new agreement would be for a four-year period January 1, 2024, to December 31, 2027. The new agreement is estimated to increase the 2024 budget for CUPE staff by $277,098 representing a 1.2% levy increase.

Operations Committee

Sole Sourcing – Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR) for Filters, Launderers and Under Tile Drains

Committee agreed to a sole source procurement to supply and install all filtration equipment, including performing the state of good repairs for the filter boxes, procure and install the temporary mobile filtration unit and manage the complete scope of the construction works.

2023 Annual Accessibility Status Report

Committee approved the 2023 Annual Accessibility Status Report which will be posted on the City’s website. The report highlights the progress made in 2023 to identify, remove, and prevent barriers to ensure that everyone can participate fully in a diverse community.

Council

By-law 2023-88 – Taxi By-law

Council approved By-law 2023-88 a new taxi by-law. The new by-law will include limousines in the taxicab definition and repeal the limousine by-law, remove the limit for the number of taxicabs and allow the market to dictate the number of vehicles for hire, remove the requirement for the City to license taxicab drivers, taxicabs cannot exceed 10 years of age, inspections per year will depend on the age of the vehicle (one safety/year for vehicles 1-5 years old and two safety inspections for vehicles 6-10 years old), and taxi metres will be optional with maximum fee kept.

By-law 2023-89 Enabling Accessibility Fund Agreement (Kinsmen Pool Lift)

Council approved By-law 2023-89 to enter into an Enabling Accessibility Fund – Small Projects Component Agreement between His Majesty the King in Right of Canada as represented by the Minister of Employment and Social Development and the City of Pembroke. This agreement will replace the decades old lift at the Kinsmen Pool which will assist people with mobility issues. The fund provides approximately 75% of the overall cost in the amount of $26,682.00 with the City being responsible for the additional costs of upwards to $6,670.50. The new lift can be repurposed to another facility if need be.

By-law 2023-90 MPAC Data Sharing and Services Agreement

Council approved By-law 2023-90 to enter into a Data Sharing and Services Agreement between the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation (MPAC). The new agreement combines and replaces several dated agreements regarding data sharing and services into a single document.

Legal Services Procurement

A motion was made by Councillor Purcell to lift from the table a motion tabled at the April 18, 2023, Council meeting. The motion recommended that the City go out to market for competitive bid the procurement of professional legal services currently retained by Sheppard and Gervais Law Services. The motion was defeated.

Resolution 2023-023

Council approved Resolution 2023-023 approving the City of Pembroke 2022 DWQMS Management Review Report.

Resolution 2023-024

Council approved Resolution No 2023-024 approving the City of Pembroke Accessibility Policy and Plan and the 2023 Accessibility Compliance Report.