Council briefs: Clearview takes another stab at electoral reform
At its Dec. 14 meeting, council has approved a plan to seek public input on a council review – taking a look at its size and structure.
“With the regional review that has recently occurred, it has prompted councils all over Ontario to look at their size,” said Clerk Pamela Fettes.
Staff will be putting forward different options in a survey, including reducing the number of wards, doing away with wards and voting for a determined number of council members at-large, or maintaining the status quo. Some options discussed are:
a. seven-member council: five wards, mayor and deputy mayor;
b. five members elected at large: three councillors, mayor and deputy mayor;
c. seven members elected at large: five councillors, mayor and deputy mayor;
d. Maintaining the current ward system – a 9-member council: seven ward councillors, mayor and deputy mayor.
Council completed a ward boundary review in 2013. During the last review council decided to stick with seven wards plus a mayor and deputy mayor, with some changes to the ward boundaries.
Indigenous themed sports logos/names
In response to a request from Christopher Dodd, Mayor Doug Measures said Indigenous-themed sports logos have been removed from township recreation facilities and parks and recreation staff is working on a policy outlining the use of Indigenous-themed logos and names in Clearview. He said staff will be turning its attention to the matter in the New Year with the hope of presenting the policy for council consideration by March.
Winter market
Creemore Farmers’ Market president and manager Helen Martin made a deputation to council asking for a space to operate the winter market, considering its importance as an essential service.
Martin had made arrangements for the winter market to operate at Station on Green but the board decided to close the facility when the region went into the orange designation for COVID-19 controls. She said in other red and grey zones, farmers’ markets are operating safely, sometimes in empty arenas.
Pending council budget decisions
Councillor Thom Paterson was unsuccessful in convincing council to tackle some big spending decisions before the current budget session closes.
“Several significant 2021 budget spending items are pending, awaiting council deliberations on their need, timing and funding source,” reported Paterson. “Pandemic precautions have played a major part in delaying these decisions. Further agreed-to discussions with staff and external agencies are required to fully understand the options to be put before Council during this budget session.”
Paterson was hoping to convene working sessions on a) expanded bylaw and policing enforcement; b) small hall renovations/AODA compliance; c) social/senior housing; and d) Collingwood Street Bridge, to be included in the 2021-2025 budget process, but there were no takers.
The Brix
Council approved a zoning bylaw amendment for The Brix, a 72-unit condo development at Mary Street and Edward Street in Creemore. The effect of the application is to ensure the entire site has the same residential high-density exception zone. This is to allow for some changes to the plan, going from three buildings to two.
The developer, MDM Developments, will be bringing forward a site plan application, including a tree preservation plan and landscaping plan for approval.
Manortown Homes street names
The proposed Manortown Homes residential development in Stayner received draft plan approval for a total of 81 units comprising of a mix of 39 single-detached dwellings and 42 townhouses on two public roads. The property abuts Highway 26 to the north and is immediately west of Timbr Mart.
Council approved street names “Manor Drive” and “Ferguson Way.” The latter was selected from the list of historic street names due to former councillor and mayor Ken Ferguson’s support for the development of the emergency hub next door and for his volunteer service with the Clearview Fire Department.
Waiving arena advertising fees
Council supported a proposal by parks, culture and recreation general manager Terry Vachon to waive all advertising fees at the township’s two arenas this season because there are few people there to see them.
The Creemore arena is closed and there are no fans in the Stayner arena. The decision will result in a financial loss of $24,000 ($19,000 for Stayner and $5,000 for Creemore.)
Accessibility
Based on a recommendation of the Accessibility Advisory Committee, staff will update the Facility Accessibility Design Standards (FADs) document and consider a phased in approach when appraising the long-term plans regarding the small hall renovations becoming AODA compliant.
“It is the first objective of the Accessibility Advisory Committee to provide a useable space for people with all abilities to visit and participate in activities being hosted by the hall boards as well as any residents who rent the Small Halls,” reported Human Resources manager Tammy Gill, who is the staff rep on the committee. “The secondary objective of the Accessibility Advisory Committee would be to enable people with all abilities to work in the halls such as the kitchen and other mechanical areas.”
Digital newsletter
Council has approved a new digital format newsletter and blog, to be published on the township website at clearview.ca.
The newsletter will be published online and distributed by e-mail three times per year, with printed copies made available at Clearview Public Library branches and the Administration Centre. This will replace a hard copy that used to go out in the mail.
Council members will also each have a blog entitled Council Corners.
