July 26 Meeting Highlights

Grey County Council met on Thursday, July 26 at 9:30 a.m. in the Council Chamber. The council meeting was immediately followed by a session of committee of the whole. A recording of this meeting can be found on the County’s YouTube Channel.

County Council

• Council accepted the minutes of the July 12 council and committee of the whole meetings.   Council   Committee
• Staff are working on amendments to the consulting contract with Sienna Senior Living. The updated contract will be presented at the next Council meeting on August 9.  The enhanced scope will allow Sienna to provide more consulting support to Grey County until a management contract can be finalized.
• Council heard an update on the Community Hub project. The change in provincial government has made additional funding sources uncertain at this time. Grey County is still in negotiations with the Bluewater District School Board regarding the surplus Sydenham School property and the project continues moving forward.
• Council passed a by-law giving the CAO additional authority to make certain decisions that council will be unable to make if the County enters a “lame duck” period on July 27, 2018. The lame duck rules are laid out in the Municipal Act. The CAO will continue to report and discuss all actions with council and will not act independently.  By-Law

Committee of the Whole

• Council supported a motion to cover $250 in costs for Councillor Paul McQueen to run for a seat on AMOs County Caucus.
• Council received the year-end projections based on May 31, 2018. The projections were given by function and currently the County is expecting a $300,000 surplus. This considers Council’s direction to fund some over budget projects from the Federal Gas Tax Reserve and other internal reserves.  Report
• Council supported an official plan amendment for the Orchard Pit north of Mount Forest, east of Highway 6.   Report   Presentation
• Grey County will purchase a new wood chipper, with a winch, for roadside maintenance.   Report
• Council heard the results of a homelessness campaign which was held earlier. This campaign, required by the Province, helps to understand the scope of homelessness in our area. Grey County learned many lessons that will be used to improve the next study in two years. Report

Good News and Celebrations

• This weekend, July 27, 28 and 29, is the Sights and Sounds Festival in Hanover. This is the 14^th year for the “biggest block party” in the area.
• On Saturday, August 4 there will be an event at the St. Michaels cemetery on Irish Block Road. There will be a mass and ceremony followed by a barbeque and music at the home of Michael and Jerrie Traynor.
• July 25 was the Alpha Street Fair at the Grey County housing community in Owen Sound. There were many activities for residents and staff from the County were helping at the event. Councillor Wright highlighted the ongoing activities that are promoting community development at the location.
• August 11 is the Colleen Lantz Memorial Run (1k, 5k, 10k). The event is now a fundraiser for Wes for Youth supporting mental health services for youth in our community.

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.