Pat Miljour

The council meeting addressed several municipal matters, including the declaration of pecuniary interests, the recovery of unpaid taxes, and a commitment to counter the intimidation of elected officials. Discussions were held regarding support for a regional coalition to address the underinvestment in local hospitals. The council also approved contributions to community organizations, indexed the remuneration for staff and elected officials, reviewed the monthly balance sheet for first responders, and discussed road maintenance, public works projects, the acquisition of a new municipal vehicle, and plans for replacing street lighting.

The council held special meetings to adopt the 2025 municipal budget, the 2025-2026-2027 three-year capital plan, and the taxation by-law 594-24 for the 2025 financial year, which sets property tax rates, service fees for water and waste, and various special taxes for specific roads. Additionally, the council set interest rates for 2025, decided to handle the maintenance of the Vendée skating rink with internal municipal staff rather than external contractors, and authorized the hiring of an occasional attendant for the ecocentre.

The Council discussed several key administrative and operational items, including the recognition of a local volunteer and the advancement of the tower project through a notice of public consultation. Significant portions of the meeting were dedicated to staffing and hiring approvals, including positions for patrol officers, public works personnel, an assistant inspector, ecocentre attendants, and summer camp staff. The Council also addressed financial matters such as the ratification of disbursements, the allocation of water service surpluses, the renewal of Chamber of Commerce membership, and the postponement of loan repayments for community organizations affected by revenue losses. Further actions included authorizing a stormwater drainage easement, preparing for upcoming general elections, and reviewing proposals for mobile kitchen rentals.

The council discussed general administration matters including a financial contribution to the Association des propriétaires du Lac-de-la-Sucrerie, authorization for expenses related to the Municipal Innovation Summit, and the acquisition of a specific lot. The agenda included awarding mandates for building renovations and purchasing crushed stone, along with signing an agreement for environmental management. Additionally, the council addressed urban planning items such as animal control regulations and expenditures for a footbridge, as well as submitting grant applications for senior and recreational infrastructure programs, and membership in the Société des musées du Québec.

The council discussed various administrative and community matters, including the formation of an intermunicipal service board, the adoption of an ethics and conduct code for municipal elected officials, and the revision of real estate transfer tax rates. Key infrastructure and safety topics included the securement of local road intersections, the assessment of bridge maintenance solutions, and the purchase of snow removal equipment. Additionally, the meeting covered waste management reports, the adoption of an intervention plan for municipal infrastructure, and several urban planning regulatory updates regarding building maintenance, zoning classifications, and conditional uses. Finally, the council approved a new policy and action plan for senior citizens and discussed toponymic regularization.