Next Meeting of
County Council
November 15, 2017
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Remembering Councillor Hector Macmillan
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The monthly meeting of County Council began yesterday with a tribute to Trent Hills Mayor and County Councillor Hector Macmillan, who died last Tuesday following a brave battle with cancer. Warden Mark Walas delivered remarks, remembering Councillor Macmillan's "unwavering dedication and commitment to the betterment of his community." Following a short commemorative video produced by staff, Council observed a moment of silence in memory of Councillor Macmillan.
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Four paramedics recognized with Governor General's awards for exemplary service
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Northumberland Paramedic Ed Dunk was awarded one of the highest professional honours on September 28th as he accepted the Governor General's Emergency Medical Services Medal for 20 years of exemplary service. Over a dozen Northumberland Paramedics have now been honoured with this award since 2013. Paramedics
Brad Fish, Eric Lock and Robert McColeman were also recognized at this ceremony with a special bar representing 30-years of exemplary service, which will accompany their previously-awarded medal. Yesterday, Council recognized these individuals with a paramedic-inspired coin from the Canadian Mint.
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Local school children turn County plows into art
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Talented artists from three local elementary schools helped Northumberland County to celebrate this year's Local Government Week (Oct 15-21) by painting County snowplows in the theme of 'Ways We Work Together'. Local Government Week aims to increase awareness among the general public-and in particular youth-about the important role of local government in our communities. The Paint the Plow project encourages students to think broadly about the many ways that the programs, services and initiatives managed by municipal government touch their lives. Children from St. Mary's Catholic Elementary School in Grafton, St. Anthony's Catholic Elementary School in Port Hope, and Ganaraska Trail Public School in Port Hope participated. Look for these works of art as they plow roads near the schools this winter.
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Staff to develop tax policy recommendations for Council based on study
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In
preparation for developing annual tax policy recommendations for Council's consideration, County staff recently worked with MTE Consultants Inc. to produce a detailed review of the County's current tax policies. There were several factors that highlighted the need for a formal tax policy review. The County tax policies have remained fairly constant for several years. However, recent reassessment of properties by the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation (MPAC) resulted in a shift in the proportion of assessment and taxation burden across property classes commencing in 2017. This resulted in individuals and organizations requesting changes to tax policy as it applies to an applicable tax class of interest to them. Changes by the Ontario Ministry of Finance to statutes within the property taxation legislative framework in 2017 do increase flexibilities for municipal tax policy setting. A tax policy review was launched to ensure that potential impacts to property owners in all tax classes as a result of any recommended policy changes are fully understood. Council has directed staff to develop 2018 tax policy recommendations based on findings from the tax policy study, as well as Council directives and provincial policy changes.
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Occupational Health & Safety Strategic Plan approved
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In keeping with the County's Mission, which encourages staff to strive for 'best practice leadership', Council has approved a three-year corporate strategic plan for Occupational Health and Safety.
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Council authorizes pre-budget purchase of two ambulances
With two Northumberland Paramedics ambulances having reached the end of their service life, Council has authorized pre-budget approval to commit to the purchase of two 2018 ambulances in order to take advantage of savings opportunities, with the 2017 price set at $297,957.16 plus HST. Estimated cost savings will be $9,096.03.
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2017 Budget continues on track
County CAO Jennifer Moore and Finance Director & Treasurer Glenn Dees provided an update to Council on the status of the 2017 Budget and related projects as of the end of the third quarter, noting that the County is on track with projections.
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Council supports OFA position on Provincial Gas Tax
Council has supported the Eastern Ontario Wardens' Caucus (EOWC) and the Western Ontario Wardens' Caucus (WOWC) adoption of the Ontario Federation of Agriculture's (OFA) position that the Provincial Gas Tax funding criteria needs to be aligned with the Federal Gas Tax funding criteria, for any increase in funding additional to the current two cents per litre.
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When We Came from Away: a Canada 150 event
In honour of Canada 150, Art Gallery of Northumberland and Northumberland County present: When We Came from Away - 150 images and artifacts of immigration to Northumberland. This exhibit is a collection of accounts from local residents about their own immigration experience, or that of their parents or grandparents. Each narrative is accompanied by a photo of a memento brought to Canada from the immigrant's place of birth. 75 accounts and 75 sets of images: 150 stories and images of arrival. Friday, November 10 to Sunday, December 31, 2017 at the Art Gallery of Northumberland.
Grand Opening of Heritage Trail in the Northumberland County Forest: a Canada 150 event
In celebration of Canada 150, join us on Tuesday, November 7th at 10:00am for the Grand Opening of the Heritage Trail in the Northumberland County Forest. Experience the beauty of Northumberland nature by travelling this looped, 1km accessible trail. Follow the signs throughout the trail that tell the history of the Forest, from the time of glaciers, to historic habitats and First Peoples, to current ecology. Officials will deliver opening remarks and cut the ceremonial ribbon, followed by a guided tour for all, with hot chocolate and snacks! The trail begins at the Beagle Club Trailhead, which is located off Beagle Club Road, just north of County Road 45 in Alnwick/Haldimand.
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