Merissa Bokla

The committee meeting covered a wide range of municipal business. Key topics included the disposition and sale of Lamport Park, the consideration and approval of a 4% Municipal Accommodation Tax, and the implementation of a new Ice Allocation Policy. Discussions also addressed industrial land needs, updates on the Facilities Master Plan including property divestment and fire facility expansions, and the awarding of construction contracts for various municipal infrastructure projects, including street reconstructions. Additionally, the committee received several deputations on local power issues, municipal accommodation taxes, and land use, and reviewed staff reports regarding purchasing activities, post-secondary internship programs, and asset disposal.

The board meeting focused on several key items including an update on the Delhi Kozub Community Room space, which was deferred to a future date. Reports were received and discussed regarding Ontario Public Library Week 2025, the Operations Monitoring report for October 2025, the Security and Safety report, the Social Return on Investment 2024 report, and the Ontario Library Service Board Assembly report. Additionally, the board approved the 2026 Library Board Meeting Schedule with one revision and passed the Confirming By-law regarding the meeting's proceedings.

The Council-in-Committee meeting covered several items, including an early closed session regarding potential litigation, and receipt of several information memos related to special events, delegated purchasing authority, and drainage construction billing. Deputations were heard concerning the Servicing Allocation Policy, zoning issues, and the Ice Allocation Policy. The committee approved a sole source purchase of a remote access vehicle for paramedics, authorized a ten-year memorandum of understanding with the Port Dover Lions Club, and provided directions on security guard services at Talbot Gardens. Furthermore, the committee approved updates to the Servicing Allocation Policy, discussed procedural by-law amendments, and reviewed a recap of the Port Dover beach season with directions for future planning. The meeting concluded with a closed session addressing litigation updates and personnel matters.

The council meeting addressed a variety of municipal matters. Key discussions included an amendment to the zoning by-law for a property on Victoria Street in Simcoe, a review and approval of the Water and Wastewater Collection Policy, and consent for the Haldimand Norfolk Housing Corporation to enter into a financing agreement for an affordable housing development on Gibraltar Street. The council also processed several drainage-related by-laws, discussed interim property tax levies, and conducted a closed session regarding litigation matters and the CAO performance review. Additionally, an appointment was made for an alternate member to the Grand Erie Public Health Board.

The committee reviewed and approved the upcoming 2026 meeting schedule. A presentation regarding the Council Annual Energy Report highlighted trends in electricity, natural gas, and fleet fuel costs, as well as the evaluation of electric vehicles for county use. Additionally, the committee discussed changes to recycling programming in the county, noting the shift in responsibility to producers and the impact on recycling services for businesses.