It was the final meetings featuring the existing version of Smiths Falls council.
Niki Dwyer chose not to run again, Lorraine Allen is retiring after 12 years as a councillor, and her long-time colleague Wendy Alford lost her re-election campaign.
There were several priority items on the committee of the whole agenda which made their way to the council meeting for discussion and decision.
Smiths Falls officially entered a docking agreement with Le Boat after agreeing to it in principle this summer where they passed pre-budget approval of $130,000 for additional docks that they’ll lease out as part of a seven-year agreement, recovering the upfront costs over that time according to CAO Malcom Morris. There will be two docks added in 2023, not four as originally planned to bring the fleet total to 32.
Council also pulled the near $75,000 trigger on new equipment at the water treatment plant to reduce the potential harm which could come with existing water testing methods.
With the ‘lame duck’ council status, council is prohibited of green lighting purchases in excess of $50,000. But earlier this year they granted Morris the ability to make these decisions on their behalf during said status. Council simply provided verbal support Monday night.
They also appointed a new by-law officer, Isaac Taylor, who is now the second by-law enforcement officer employed by the town following a recent resignation. Taylor started November 1st.
Additionally, 11 of 14 heritage designated buildings saw a by-law revamp to meet the new criteria with the final three deferred for the next council.
The town also entered a shared service agreement with Perth to have building inspector Steven Leroux work in Smiths Falls weekly after recruitment attempts proved fruitless in past four months.
Council also supported staff’s recommendation not to provide a further ice rental discount for the 2023 Docs on Ice fundraiser.
Director of Community Services Art Manhire said referred to the benefiting charities not being related to Smiths Falls, the social activities being largely centered in Perth, their ice booking fees being some of the lowest already, and town staff aren’t aware of other municipalities providing a discount for the tournament.
Story by Grant Deme
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