Dawn Newhook

The council convened for a special meeting to conduct interviews for a new Chief Administrative Officer following the resignation of the previous CAO who served for 34 years. The council moved into a closed session to discuss these personal matters related to the recruitment process. Following the closed session, the council reconvened in open session to approve the confirmatory bylaw for the proceedings.

The council meeting centered on the endorsement of the Eastern Ontario IT Collaborative's responsible AI governance framework, which sets guidelines for the safe and appropriate usage of artificial intelligence within the municipality. Additionally, a presentation was provided on a community-based research project that established the first township-wide inventory of aquatic invasive species, mapping the presence and distribution of various restricted aquatic plants, fish, and invertebrates.

The Council conducted its inaugural meeting, which included the administration of the Declaration of Office to the Mayor-elect and Councillors-elect. The meeting also featured the official presentation of the gavel, the Mayor's inaugural address, and the election and appointment of a Deputy Mayor for the 2018-2022 term of Council.

The council meeting addressed several procedural and community planning matters. Key agenda items included a public meeting regarding a zoning bylaw amendment application for property re-zoning from rural to shoreline residential, which was subsequently approved. The council also received a presentation from the Eastern Ontario Regional Network regarding a county governance and affordability study, covering financial pressures and potential future models for municipal governance.

The Committee of Adjustment reviewed two minor variance applications. The first application by Weber for a property on Bear Lake Road sought to increase the maximum width of shoreline structures to construct a new boat house and dock; the committee approved the application with a condition regarding existing dock dimensions. The second application by Enright for a property on Jones Road involved the demolition of an existing dwelling and construction of a new one, requiring multiple variances related to setbacks and gross floor area. The committee approved this application subject to conditions including surveyor confirmation of setbacks, sewage system approvals, and the implementation of construction mitigation measures.