November 22 meeting highlights

Grey County Council met on Thursday, November 22 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 November 8 Council and Committee of the Whole meetings.  Council   Committee
• Council accepted the minutes of the November 6 Long-Term Care Committee of Management meeting.   Minutes

Committee of the Whole

• Council heard a presentation from Don Scott from Cuesta Planning Consultants. Don shared some concerns on behalf of the Tedford family about the impact of the proposed Georgiou Plan of Subdivision in Hanover.
• Council heard a presentation from Ron Davidson, a planner representing the Georgiou Plan of Subdivision. Ron shared background information about the work done prior to the submission of the plan and answered Council’s questions.
• After much consideration and discussion, Council approved an addendum to the Georgiou Plan of Subdivision in Hanover. The plan is for 67 new lots for detached housing and up to 59 townhouses. Report  Presentation
• Grey County is currently projecting a year-end surplus of $170,000 across all departments, a variance of about 0.12% of the total budget. The surplus includes the use of Federal Gas Tax Reserve Funding to offset higher than expected tenders for road projects. Actual year-end spending won’t be known until January or February.  Report
• Grey County has been approached by the Owen Sound and Chatsworth Agricultural Societies to create a regional agriculture learning and demonstration site beside Grey Roots Museum and Archives. Under the proposal, the site would host the regional agricultural fair, would preserve and demonstrate local agricultural history, and could be used for other agricultural projects and events. Council supported the partnership in principle and directed staff to help the agricultural societies apply for a Niagara Escarpment Plan amendment.  The proposed property would be donated by the current land owners, the Halls.  Report  Presentation
• Council received the first overview of the 2019 budget which outlined spending for service delivery and projects. The budget proposes a 2.23% tax increase to allow for infrastructure investment, new projects, inflation and added services. Another more formal budget presentation will happen in January with the incoming Grey County Council where more direction will be given.  Report
• Council received an update on the 2019 development charges. The rates are set annually based on the Statistics Canada Construction Price Index.
• Council approved minor changes to the traffic and parking by-law which impacts various sections of County roads. Some changes include extending certain 50km/h zones, adding and enlarging some roadside signage, restricting parking during the winter season and more. Appropriate signs and indicators will be installed as changes are implemented. A full table of changes can be found on the report.  Report
• Council approved two minor exemptions for tree removal in Grey Highlands.  Report 1  Report 2
• Grey County will participate in a public meeting for a proposed official plan amendment for a property in West Grey near Hanover. Report
• Grey County will extend its contract with the Grey Sauble Conservation Authority to manage the County’s forest and trails until the end of 2019. Next year the agreements will be updated to reflect the County’s changing needs and interests. Report
• Council approved a transfer of $15,000 from the Grey Roots reserves to support a project to build a war memorial at Moreston Heritage Village. Grey Roots was successful in receiving a grant from Veteran Affairs in addition to donations from the Friends of Moreston Village and other in-kind donations towards the project.  The memorial will recognize the role Grey County as a whole played in supporting the troops during the two Great Wars.  Report

Special Presentations

• The November 22 meeting was the final meeting of the council term. Warden Halliday presented all of the outgoing councillors with pins commemorating their years of service. More information can be found in the media release. 
• Warden Halliday gave his closing address.  Media Release

Other Good News and Celebrations

• Georgian Bluffs was ranked the 6^th safest community in Canada.
• Episodes of Real Farm Lives are now online and will feature the Ardiel family and their orchard. www.realfarmlives.ca  
• This Saturday. November 24 at 11 a.m. by the Library a plaque is being unveiled to recognize Polish soldiers who trained in the Owen Sound area.
• Owen Sound is hosting tours of the new City Hall from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, November 24.
• Councillors thanked all of the County staff for the great work they have done over the term.

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.