Sumiye Sugawara

The committee discussed the cleaning of veteran's grave markers, the status of the Cemetery Bylaw revision and related administrative forms, and the progress on Cemetery Water Tap maintenance. Additional agenda items included scheduling the sanding of garbage boxes, finalizing the Cemetery Caretaker's onboarding, and planning historical cemetery cleanup efforts, including tree removal, gravel cleaning, fence repairs, and potential budget allocation for ongoing improvements.

The council discussed amendments to the municipal fees and charges bylaw, specifically regarding marina storage, mini-putt course fees, and community stage rental conditions. The meeting also included an evaluation of the Seniors Snow Removal Subsidy Pilot Program, with deliberations on improving program administration, advertising methods, and eligibility criteria for the upcoming winter season. Additionally, the council formally acknowledged the resignation of a long-standing member from the Library Board.

The council meeting addressed several administrative and operational matters. Key topics included the presentation of final reports by outgoing student council members, the implementation of 2026 property tax and litigation bylaws, and the establishment of new guidelines for quarterly departmental reports to improve council-staff relations and performance tracking. The council discussed the necessity of regular operational updates and accountability mechanisms to ensure initiatives are effectively managed and completed.

The council discussed and approved the 2026 operating and capital budgets, which include an increase in the municipal levy and focus on infrastructure projects such as sewer upgrades, fire rescue truck replacement, and road repaving. The council also authorized a letter of support for the Lakehead Search and Rescue funding application for a new vehicle. Additionally, the council received an update from the public works department regarding the Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks inspection report of the local drinking water system and the successful procurement of a single axle plow truck.

The council discussed and endorsed the implementation of a concurrent hybrid voting model for the upcoming municipal election, which includes internet, telephone, and in-person paper ballot options. Key topics included the procurement of software to manage electoral lists and prevent double voting, the establishment of an election reserve fund, and the selection of the community center as the polling station to ensure secure connectivity and technical oversight for the election.