RM Dufferin discuss sticker shock, meeting format, building code

NOKOMIS - There were no conflicts of interest declared during the RM of Dufferin meeting held on January 12. The Reeve, Russ Kirzinger, went over the meeting format after a discussion with the CAO regarding the length of the previous meeting. The Chair will introduce the items on the agenda, the CAO will give the details and background, and if the Council has further information to add, they will do it then. Council will then discuss the matter before deciding. Decisions can be that the Council requires additional information. The CAO or a Councillor may gather additional information. If Council feels there is adequate information, they can make a motion to be voted on.

Councillor Bob Bennett asked a few questions for clarification. He brought it to the attention of the CAO that the minutes should reflect when a Councillor attends a meeting over Zoom as he noticed previous minutes noted, such as when he was away. The minutes presented for approval did not note that Councillor Fishley was in attendance via Zoom. The CAO said she would make the change.

As a result of two ratepayers going through sticker shock with the price of a fire call out, Reeve Kirzinger asked that information regarding the rates of the fire department be sent to ratepayers. He noted that the RM of Longlaketon sends the fire rates and recommendations of fire insurance to their ratepayers. The CAO said the rates are in the bylaw, and the need for insurance is in every newsletter that goes out with taxes. The CAO will gather more information to bring back for the next meeting. Councillor Ashton Riche said that the RM provides the information already and that it’s people’s fault if they don’t read it.

The CAO brought information to the Council regarding the new Building Code, with one of the significant changes being that agricultural residences are no longer exempt from inspection. If Council wants other farm buildings to include similar requirements, it would require an amendment to their building bylaw.

During the building bylaw discussion, the RM issued the permits before the inspection was completed in the past.

Council also discussed permit fees. Council passed a motion that the administration prepares a draft building bylaw that reflects the legislative requirements and provides consistent fees for building and development activities.

Council went in-camera to discuss the RMs Official Community Plan with a delegation from Robyn Rechenmacher, a SARM Community Planner.

After returning from the closed session, the Council asked the CAO for documents to be included for their review. The request came after it was noted that the Resolution to Confirm Eligibility for Revenue Sharing Grant was noted in the agenda as not having any supporting documents. The Reeve asked if there were documents that lay out the eligibility. The CAO said there was and that she would share that information. Councillor Mike McGill explained that it is helpful for Council to see the information.

Council went back into closed session when discussing specifics around ongoing concerns with stakeholders on the hookup to Daniel Drive. Council passed a motion authorizing urban systems to proceed on an application to the Targeted Sector Support Initiative grant, which would provide a 75% grant towards a feasibility study on potential egress for Northshore Lands, Buffalo Vista and North Grove to fulfil the requirement of Community Planning.

Council discussed the potential of moving meeting times to later in the day or the evening. Holding later meetings would potentially attract new councillors who have day jobs and can’t attend a minimum of 12 full-day meetings.