Michael Seiling

The meeting began with a performance of 'Oh Canada'. A discussion arose regarding the minutes of previous meetings, specifically concerning the recording of a vote on moving into caucus, which the clerk agreed to update. A primary focus was the closure of pecuniary interest declarations. Council considered and passed motions to approve the closing of a portion of a public highway as per bylaws, and also moved to allow a delegation to speak regarding gas rates, despite the topic not being on the formal agenda. The delegation heavily criticized the Council's perceived lack of concrete action regarding the Natural Gas Purchase Policy (from 2006), citing previous discussions in May and June. The delegation requested an immediate review of the policy, a scientific survey, and an inquiry by an auditing firm to determine past overpayments, suggesting that a more balanced policy could lead to future savings. Council members questioned the basis of the delegation's representation and the financial implications of the requested reviews, while also noting that the City does not profit from rate differentials.

The special council meeting addressed a Notice of Motion concerning the pause of future installations of Automated Speed Enforcement (ASE) cameras on municipal streets until a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Regional Municipality of Waterloo is approved. The motion aims to ensure revenue sharing and the city's ability to amend ASE camera operating times. Discussions centered on the potential doubling of fines under the new administrative penalty system (O. Reg 355/22) compared to the Highway Traffic Act, and concerns were raised about prioritizing intersection safety over school zone enforcement. Council members also requested staff investigate the feasibility of the city running its own ASE program, either directly or via a third party. Specific ASE locations, both existing and proposed on municipal roads, were reviewed for context.

The Special Council meeting focused on the removal of excess granular materials generated primarily from water main breaks and sewer excavations on city property. Discussions centered on the required testing for contamination, disposal procedures based on contamination levels, and the current storage capacity, noting an accumulation of approximately 24,000 metric tons over three years, which exceeds the estimated annual generation of 8,000 tons. It was clarified that this excess material is co-mingled and unsuitable for road base reuse. The second agenda item involved Arts and Culture sustainability funding, specifically addressing the museum's allocation of $120,000 in sustainability funding plus approximately $112,000 in in-kind contributions (like parking and space maintenance). It was noted that the sustainability funding is the only cash grant the museum receives from the city. Discussions also touched upon the overall review of sustainability funding allocation scheduled for later in the year and the meaning of a 'one-time allocation' being a commitment only for the current year.

The meeting commenced with introductions, welcoming back a Heritage Planner and providing an update on heritage staff resourcing and the reorganization of the planning division into two separate teams. Key discussions centered on a Heritage Permit Application for 125 Joseph Street concerning the replacement of seven broken panes of glass with new tempered thermal sealed units, while retaining and refurbishing the original window units. The committee also addressed a Notice of Intention to Demolish for 1027 King Street East, which is part of a redevelopment proposal involving two new towers; staff recommended receiving the notice to allow the 60-day period to run. Furthermore, the committee reviewed updates regarding Bill 23 and the Municipal Heritage Register review, specifically assessing two properties, 91 Madison Avenue and another property, against designation criteria under Ontario Regulation 906.

The special council meeting addressed two agenda items. The first item was moved and seconded for discussion and carried. An emergent, urgent, and time-sensitive add-on item required a two-thirds majority vote to be added, which was subsequently approved. This add-on item concerned the extension of a contract related to the REAP program, as failure to renew would result in staff layoffs and program halts. The urgency stemmed from notification received late the previous Friday. Discussion confirmed that budget money exists for the program, which is a partnership funded partly by a municipal matching contribution against a grant from the Ministry of Environment. The extension sought was through March 31, 2016, with future direction pending the stormwater master plan review. Following the decision on the extension, a motion to post three readings was moved and seconded, with one councilor opposing the three readings. The meeting concluded with a motion to adjourn.