February 27 Meeting Highlights

Grey County Council met on Thursday, February 27 at 9:30 a.m. in the Council Chamber for the regular session of council. The meeting was immediately followed by a session of committee of the whole. A recording of the meetings can be found on Grey County’s YouTube Channel.

County Council

• Council accepted the minutes of the February 13 County Council and Committee of the Whole meetings.  Council   Committee
• Council accepted the minutes of the February 11 Long-Term Care Committee of Management meeting.  Minutes
• Council received the February Board of Health report and the minutes of the January 24 Board of Health meeting.  Report  Minutes

Committee of the Whole

• Council heard a deputation from the Grey County Federation of Agriculture about the farmland tax rate. In recent years, farmland values have increased at a faster pace than residential properties, shifting more of the municipal tax burden to famers. The delegation asked council to consider lowering the tax rate further (currently 24% of the residential rate) so famers would pay closer to 3% of the overall levy which they have historically paid.  Presentation
• Council awarded a contract for the leasing of six new buses for the Grey Transit Route. Buses will take 90-120 days to be delivered.  Report  Presentation
• Council heard an update on the 2020-2021 Community Homelessness Prevention Initiative. Staff outlined what programs and services will be provided through this provincial funding.  Report
• Council received the draft Cycling and Trails Master Plan. Once complete, this plan will guide investments the County can make to improve our local cycling networks. The public are encouraged to review the plan and submit feedback over the next 30 days.  Report  Presentation  Project Page
• Staff presented a draft update to the Forest Management Plan. This plan outlines the harvesting and management of Grey County forest properties. Grey County will now seek input from the public and stakeholders.  Report  Draft Plan  Presentation
• Grey County has received an official plan amendment application for a quarry expansion in Georgian Bluffs known as the Sarawak Quarry. A public meeting will be scheduled. Report  Presentation
• Council presented the annual forest management report and reappointed by-law enforcement officers from the Grey Sauble Conservation Authority. Report Presentation
• Grey County will move forward with plans to remove the Orchardville bridge which has been closed for several years. Report
• Grey County ended 2019 with a surplus of around $1.2 million. Council received a report outline how these funds will be transferred to reserves to fund future services. Report
• Council received the 2019 Paramedic Services Response Time report. Grey County met or exceeded almost all targets.  Report  Presentation
• Council will provide $15,000 to the Saugeen Valley Children’s Safety Village in 2020. The safety village teaches children important lessons to help avoid preventable injuries and deaths.  Request

The Clerk’s Department maintains the official record for Grey County. This publication is intended to provide meeting highlights only. For official records, please refer to the meeting minutes, or contact the Clerk’s Department at 1-800-567-4739.