Council Highlights - Oct 20, 2020

At Tuesday night’s meeting Council appointed (3) new members to the Community and Economic Development Advisory Committee. The municipality previously received the resignation of three (3) members from this committee and posted a public call for applicants which was issued on the municipal website and Facebook page. Council reviewed all submissions and appointed Dawn McGeachy and Noreen Young to the committee. One of the resignations was a member representing the Pakenham business community and as there were no applications received from Pakenham, Councillor Denzil (Denny) Ferguson was appointed to represent Pakenham business interests in the interim. We would like to thank all applicants that took the time to apply and we’re excited to have the new members join this important committee!

Chris Loreto and Konner Fung-Kee-Fung of Strategy Corp presented the findings and recommendations from the Service Delivery Review project. The consultants discussed opportunities for upgrades to technology, their short-term recommendations, a strategic governance review, the corporate strategic planning framework and cycle, aligning the organization around strategic priorities, strengthening Councillors as Governors of Mississippi Mills, the organizational review, and the use of contracted services. Council will discuss the recommendations of staff with regards to the implementation of the plan from the Service Delivery Review report at their Special Council meeting on October 27^th at 10 am.

Council also received two delegations regarding the Cost Sharing Agreement from the Mississippi Mills Public Library Board and the Carleton Place Water Dragons. A motion to request a meeting with Carleton Place and Beckwith will proceed to Council on November 3, 2020 for consideration. Other Councillor’s motions regarding the Cost Sharing Agreement with Carleton Place and Beckwith were deferred pending the outcome of the November 3, 2020 motion and the proposed actions of that motion.

You’ll soon be seeing a new digital sign out front of the Almonte Community Centre as Council approved the tender quote from Toshiba to provide a digital sign that will cycle through information that staff will be able to enter digitally from multiple locations. Information will include current and upcoming events, programs and important alerts in Mississippi Mills.

Council has proclaimed this week as Waste Reduction Week in Mississippi Mills as an effort to reduce waste, conserve resources and educate the community about sustainable living. Waste Reduction Week in Canada is a year-round program, focused on the principles of circular economy, resource efficiency, and waste reduction.  Council passing the proclamation for Waste Reduction Week in Canada, supports the Municipality’s ongoing environmental efforts and achievements, while encouraging new innovative ideas and solutions to the many environmental challenges we face including climate change, water pollution, and preservation of natural resources.

Mississippi Mills would like to welcome Cynthia Moyle back to the Municipality. Cynthia is a retired Clerk/Treasurer with many years experience and knowledge in the municipal field. She will be taking over as Acting Clerk while Jeanne Harfield is on maternity leave. Thank you to Cynthia and we look forward to working with you again!

The following staff reports were heard by Committee of the Whole and will be brought forward at an upcoming Council meeting for final approval:

• Award of Contract PW-20-19 One 2020-21 Single-Axle Truck
• Award of Contract PW-20-20 One 2020-21 All Season Combination Dump Body Spreader
• Zoning By-law Amendment Z-14-20 Concession 11, W Part Lot 12 and W Part Lot 11, 191 Waba Road, Pakenham
• 56 John Street Encroachment

Upcoming Meetings:

•  Special Service Delivery Review Meeting – October 27, 2020 at 10:00 a.m. (Council Chambers)
• Regular Meeting – November 3, 2020 at 6:00 p.m. (Council Chambers)
• Regular Meeting – November 17, 2020 at 6:00 p.m. (Council Chambers)