Sylvain Bilodeau

The council meeting addressed various administrative and community matters. Key topics included the adoption of expenses for February 2026, the authorization of tax sale procedures for outstanding arrears, and the adoption of a regulation regarding the maintenance of buildings. The council discussed and supported a joint position on the underground installation of a power line to protect regional lands and agricultural interests. Additionally, the council approved contracts for dust abatement, hired a public works operator, supported the Fête nationale du Québec, and addressed financial support requests for local organizations and events. A resolution was passed to proclaim a day for the promotion of positive mental health, and the council advocated for changes to immigration policies regarding temporary foreign workers to support local economic stability.

The board meeting covered several municipal administration and public service items, including the adoption of a code of ethics for municipal elected officials, the approval of an operating deficit for the local housing office, and an agreement to continue participating in the rental supplement program. The council addressed urban planning matters such as permit regulations, zoning modifications, and minor derogations. Public service discussions focused on emergency responder and 9-1-1 service agreements, as well as the sale of municipal equipment including a tractor, backhoe, and trucks. The council also formally denounced the closure of a local bank's automated teller machine. Community and cultural initiatives were supported through financial contributions to local school equipment, the development of a roadside rest area, partnership funding for local cultural organizations, and support for community events.

The council meeting covered several key administrative and operational items. Financially, expenditures for January 2026 were adopted, totaling $512,161.93 for accounts payable and $177,205.99 for salaries. The council adopted Regulation 02-2026 to promote residential construction in 2026, authorizing the general manager to manage the process for selling properties due to unpaid 2025 taxes, including setting a payment deadline of March 13, 2026. Progress payment #3 for the road reconstruction of the 8e-Rang was approved. In planning and development, members were nominated to the Building Demolition Committee, and a notice of motion was given for Regulation 03-2026 regarding building occupancy and maintenance. Contracts were awarded for fuel supply and delivery to Harnois Énergie inc., for sewer grate pumping to HPV Inc., for road marking to Durand Marquage et Associés Inc., and for ditch clearing to Entreprise Godbout et fils. The resignation of a public works employee was accepted, and approval was granted for the repair of grinder #1. The composition and mandate of the steering committee for the Family Policy and Age-Friendly Municipality were established. Finally, financial support was approved for Agir collectivement dans Bellechasse ($986) and for a participant in the 2026 Winter Jeux du Québec ($100). Municipal priorities for public safety surveillance in 2026 were also adopted.

The extraordinary session focused on critical fiscal and planning matters for the upcoming year. Key discussions included the unanimous adoption of the 2026 Budget, which projects total revenues and expenditures balancing at $6,260,046 across various categories, including Administration, Public Safety, Transportation, and Recreation. The council also adopted the Three-Year Capital Investment Program (PTIs) for 2026-2027-2028, committing significant investments over those years. Furthermore, notice was given for a future motion regarding Bylaw 01-2026, which will establish the tax rates and compensation tariffs for the 2026 fiscal year. The session concluded with a question period exclusively addressing the 2026 Budget, the PTI, and the proposed taxation project, covering topics such as library relocation costs and financing for road repairs.

The regular council session included the adoption of the agenda and the minutes from previous meetings in December 2025. Key financial discussions involved the adoption of expenses for December 2025 and the unanimous approval of By-law 01-2026 regarding property tax rates and compensation tariffs for the 2026 fiscal year, based on the previously adopted 2026 budget. Motions of notice were given for by-laws intended to promote residential construction and commercial development in 2026. The council also approved the list of new municipal employee salaries and the remuneration for municipal elected officials for 2026, along with the delegation of municipal files to council members and the establishment of compensatory fees for additional committee meetings. In planning matters, the members of the Urban Planning Advisory Committee for 2026 were approved, and the council authorized the renewal of a non-agricultural use authorization for a gravel pit. In public services, discussions included the MTQ's response regarding speed limit reduction on Route 279, the appointment of six volunteers for the First Responders service for 2026, ratification of a joint tender process with the MRC for fuel supply and delivery, approval of the Bellechasse-Sud Fire Department loan by-law for respiratory protection apparatus purchase, and acknowledgment of the refusal of financial aid for road rehabilitation on Rang de la Pointe-Lévis. Financial aid was also authorized for church parking lot snow removal and the Hôtel-Dieu de Montmagny Foundation benefit dinner, while the report on quarry and gravel pit royalties redistribution was presented.