Council briefs: Action on climate committee slated for new year
“Council is still committed to creating a climate committee,” said Mayor Doug Measures in response to a query from former Clearview council member Doug McKechnie at the Dec. 11 council meeting.
In June of 2022, council passed a motion championed by McKechnie at the encouragement of his constituents, to take multiple steps to address climate action, including appointing a Climate Action Committee.
At the direction of council, COA John Ferguson has been working toward establishing a committee within the framework of the township’s new Strategic Plan.
Ferguson said staff is working on 60 initiatives, with climate action being a priority.
“Once we get all the initiatives together, we want to show the public the initiatives through a dashboard,” he said, with the goal of launching in January, including a terms of reference and selection process for the climate committee.
“I know we can’t change the world ourselves but every little bit that we can do will help,” said McKechnie.
Council chambers accessibility renovation
Council has approved the design for a renovation project (above) that will render council chambers fully accessible. Staff were directed to proceed to tender after approving the plan that will result in the dais being lowered to floor level and moved out from the outer wall to allow for turning radiuses that comply with accessibility standards. The entry will be equipped with automated accessible doors, and a moveable podium will be made available at the centre of the room to allow for barrier-free access. Lighting solutions and technology updates will also be incorporated to improve live-streaming and sound within the chambers.
About $25,000 of the total renovation cost of $284,109 is coming from grants received for accessibility and improvements to technology. Council was advised there is a chance additional funding will be needed if tender prices continue to come in higher than expected, as has been the case with the township’s other accessibility renovations.
Council will meet at the arena in Stayner during the renovation period, which is estimated to be January to May.
Cemeteries
Clearview council has supported a request from the clerk’s department asking that the province step up to take on some of the responsibilities associated with management, maintenance and administration of cemeteries that are abandoned or transferred to the municipality.
The Township of Clearview currently owns and operates nine cemeteries, four of which are considered active, meaning there is still available space to be sold or burials to take place.
“Cemetery transfers and abandonments have been an ongoing concern for Clearview Township for many years,” reported clerk Sasha Helmkay-Playter. “When you look at the large geography of the township there are many cemeteries within the boundaries that have the potential to be transferred.”
She said the issue has been identified as a concern for many municipalities in Ontario.
The motion passed at the Dec. 11 council meeting asks the Ministry of Public and Business Service Delivery and the Bereavement Authority of Ontario to consider amending the Funeral, Burial and Cremation Services Act to: identify the province as the default owner and operator of a cemetery when it is abandoned; provide annual funding to assist municipalities with maintenance; provide free training opportunities for municipalities regarding cemetery administration; and investigate and support the design of universal cemetery software for use by municipal cemetery operators that can be offered at an affordable cost.
Budget presented, no comments received
The community was mum on the 2024 municipal budget during a Dec. 11 public meeting.
Council put forward a budget with a net municipal tax increase of 6.5 per cent, and an estimated blended rate increase of 4.55 per cent (once education, policing and county taxes are factored in).
Property owners will pay an additional $49 per $100,000 of assessment.
“This council has worked diligently to bring forward the best budget we can,” said Mayor Doug Measures.
No comments were received.
Council is expected to pass the final budget and tax bylaw in May.
