Council Briefs, February 20, 2024

Ottawa Valley Tourist Association Annual Budget

 Committee approved the presented budget from the Ottawa Valley Tourist Association.

Bass Fishing Derby – Greater Petawawa Civitan Club Request

Committee approved the request from the Greater Petawawa Civitan Club for the use of space at Centenary Park and waive any other fees associated for their annual fishing derby on August 10, 2024.

Request for Use of Park Space – Krista Johnson Memorial Run for Change

Committee supported the use of green space for the Krista Johnson Memorial Run for Change on June 9, 2024.

Music for a Cause – Request for Serving Alcohol

 Committee approved the serving of alcohol for the 2024 Music for a Cause at the Waterfront Park.

Pool Fundraising Update

An update was provided to Committee regarding the Pool Fundraising. A misunderstanding was had regarding the City advertising for fundraising. Staff was directed to meet with the Fundraising Committee and develop a joint communication strategy as to what is expected and desired from the City by the Fundraising Committee.

AORS Application for a Skills Development Fund for a Municipal Equipment Operator Course

It was indicated to Committee that a resolution would be coming to the evening’s Council meeting in support of an application by the Association of Ontario Road Supervisors (AORS) for a Skills Development Fund (SDF) through the Province’s Ministry of Labour, Training, Immigration and Skilled Trades. With current and anticipated staff shortages, AORS has been working with Fanshaw College Corporate Training Solutions to develop a Municipal Operator Course in an attempt to offer training to individuals. Council passed Resolution 2024-004 at the Council meeting in support. 

Electronic Surveillance Status Report

City staff presented Committee with an update on the electronic surveillance program. The first installation is complete and operational with two more installations scheduled to be completed within the coming weeks.

River Road Catchment Area – Request for Proposal P-23-15

Committee approved the award of the Engineering Design and Contract Administration Services for the River Road Catchment area to Egis (McIntosh Perry) with a contingency allowance. The total award was $359,953.86 plus applicable HST.

Amendment to the OHSA re: Employer Defined

It was indicated to Committee that a resolution would be coming forward at the Council meeting in support of the City of Greater Sudbury’s request that the Province of Ontario amend the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) to clarify the definition of “employer” to exclude owners that have contracted with a constructor for a project. Currently the OHSA has all municipalities in Ontario, including the City of Pembroke, subject to being charged and convicted as an employer for offences for which they have no control over and have contracted with an entity to assume plenary oversight and authority over the work as the constructor. Council passed Resolution 2024-005 at the Council meeting in support.

2023 WPP Annual Water Report

It was indicated to Committee that a resolution would be coming forwarded at the Council meeting later in the evening requesting acceptance of the City of Pembroke Drinking Water System 2023 Annual Water Reports. Council passed Resolution 2024-003 accepting the reports.

Annual Property Rental Fee: 237 Victoria St.

At the February 2, 2024 Special Meeting of the Finance & Administration Committee, the development of a formal lease agreement with the Pembroke Public Library was discussed. This evening’s report presented further information. The City owns 237 Victoria St. where the Pembroke Public Library operates. The Library has not been charged rent historically. The City engaged Rivington Commercial Appraisers Inc. to calculate the rental value of the property. Based on a gross building area of 12,812 square feet, the property rental value was appraised at $9 per square foot or $9,609 per month, $115,308 per year. Staff was directed to provide a list of City-owned properties leased out and the amounts that are charged for these properties, and report back to Committee at a future meeting.

2024 Budget Presentation 

Angela Lochtie, City Treasurer presented the 2024 Budget to Council.

2023 Council Remuneration

Angela Lochtie, City Treasurer presented the 2023 Council Remuneration report to Council.

Bylaw 2024-05 Budget 2024

Council passed By-law 2024-05, a by-law to adopt the estimates for the sums required during the year 2024 for the general, capital, and special purposes of the City of Pembroke.

By-law 2024-06 Waste Collection Disposal

Council passed By-law 2024-06, a by-law to impose an annual fee to be charged to owners or occupants of any building in the City of Pembroke to defray the cost of the collection and disposal of waste.

By-law 2024-08 2024 PBIA Budget Rates

Council passed By-law 2024-08, a by-law to adopt the budget estimates for the Pembroke Business Improvement Area and to establish the PBIA rates for 2024.

By-law 2024-09 2024 Tax Ratios

Council passed By-law 2024-09, a by-law to establish a tax ratio for each property class in relation to the residential class, which is used in the calculation of property taxes for the year.

By-law 2024-10 OVWRC Waste Management

Council passed By-law 2024-10, a by-law to impose an annual fee to be charged to owners of any building in the City of Pembroke to defray the cost of the Waste Management Facility and services.

By-law 2024-12 CUPE Agreement

Council passed By-law 2024-12, a by-law to provide for the execution of a Collective Agreement between the Corporation of the City of Pembroke and Canadian Union of Public Employees Local Number 24. Council passed the presented Resolution 2024-06 in support of Non-Union staff to received equivalent compensation.