Dominique Lacelle

The meeting commenced with the adoption of the agenda. Key discussions involved disclosures of pecuniary interests, specifically concerning accounts payable for individuals associated with Wover Service Station and JP Design. The Mayor's report detailed numerous activities in February 2025, including meetings regarding a motocross rally, the Easter Ontario Warden caucus, discussions with the Regional Director of the Prescott County Council, a meeting with the safety committee, and participation in the EAS Ontario Health Unit Board meetings. The inauguration of the Saint-Albert outdoor skating rink and meetings of the land-use planning committee were also noted. Agenda Item 6 involved the adoption of several reports, including accounts payable statements for December 31, 2024, and January 31, 2024, the annual borrowing register for 2024, and annual reports concerning contaminated land, building permits, Drainage Superintendent activity, and water quality reviews from the Harian Water Agency for various months in 2024. Discussion also centered on the minutes of several previous meetings. The primary focus of Item 7.1 involved the Plantagenet Lagoon processing capacity, which is operating at 133% capacity. The Council considered two options: imposing a 12-month moratorium on new sanitation connections or allocating a specific number of new connections starting April 15, 2025, on a first-come, first-served basis. Discussion also touched upon proposing new connection rates for April 8, 2025. Council members expressed strong support for moving forward with modernization efforts for the lagoon system and raising connection fees universally across the Township.

The regular council meeting addressed the adoption of the agenda, which included a modification to item 10.5 regarding the renewal of municipal insurance for 2024 to 2025. A declaration of interest was noted for one member concerning account payable as an employee of Wover Service Station. Key announcements included a press conference regarding a partnership between the School Board and the United Counties Council to address labor shortages through school internships at the residence, and various civic recognitions for long-standing marriages and birthdays. The council moved to approve zoning application file B702023 concerning the creation of a new residential lot, subject to conditions including monetary compensation for parkland and road right-of-way adjustments. The council also approved application file B003 2024 for the creation of a new residential lot following a farm consolidation, subject to specific building setback and right-of-way conditions. Furthermore, results for the tender for the final phase of sidewalk replacement in the village of Plantage were presented, recommending acceptance of the lowest bid from Milen Excavation Limited for $182,405. Finally, the council discussed authorizing a study for water rate revisions and developing a ten-year financial plan for the drinking water system, with council members expressing differing opinions regarding the necessity and cost of the rate study.

The meeting commenced with the adoption of the agenda and disclosure of pecuniary interests. Discussions focused on two zoning by-law amendment requests (Z01-7-2025 and Z08-2025) for properties located at 507 rue François and 760 route de comte 19 Corine, respectively, concerning changes from low-density/rural residential to medium-density/rural exception X residential zoning to permit semi-detached dwellings and adjust frontage requirements. Concerns raised by local residents regarding these zoning changes included parking, drainage, traffic, snow storage, and property values, which were noted for inclusion in a future planning report. Additionally, the council addressed the operation of the marina for the 2025 season, presenting two options: Option A proposed a reorganization of hours and staffing to reduce costs by $14,203 while maintaining service levels, and Option B proposed ceasing gasoline sales and focusing solely on maintenance of the boat ramp. The council gave a directive to proceed with Option A, contingent on reviewing gasoline pricing. Finally, the committee discussed the Food Cycler pilot program for food waste diversion, based on a survey of 218 citizens regarding subsidized unit purchases.

The meeting focused on the presentation and discussion of the 2026 budget. Key topics included the adoption of the agenda and the presentation of the overall 2026 budget, totaling $22.2 million, split between $14.5 million for operations and $7.7 million for capital projects. The operational budget reflected a taxation decrease from 5.55% to 3.99%, resulting in an average residential tax increase of approximately $70 annually. New positions, including an assistant clerk and an engineering technician, were proposed. The treasurer highlighted municipal priorities reflecting citizen input, emphasizing security (police and fire) over roads and bridges. Furthermore, adjustments to council member and advisor compensation were detailed, including a 10% increase for advisors (unadjusted since 2019) and a 2% increase for the Mayor's salary reflecting inflation. The large capital budget increase is attributed to major projects such as fire department barracks and public works improvements related to the industrial park.

The special meeting commenced with the adoption of the agenda. A key resolution involved the adoption of Regulation 2025-70, which pertains to stopping, closing, and selling a portion of an unopened highway enterprise area. Following this, the meeting transitioned into the committee portion, which addressed leisure activities. A report was presented analyzing the operations of the Fève marina over the previous five years, noting a slight annual deficit averaging less than $5,000. Discussions included whether municipal management should continue in 2026 after failed private leasing attempts, staffing concerns related to liability risks, and potential revenue enhancements such as transforming the marina into a convenience store. Members debated the necessity of fuel sales to cover expenses versus the high associated salary costs. Subsequently, the committee discussed the Community Event Grant program for 2026, where 12 applications were received totaling $25,650 in monetary donations and $10,940 in in-kind donations. The administration recommended grant allocations based on event scores and positive economic impact.