Special Council - 2024/25 Budget

That the Special meeting of the Council of the Township of Springwater of November 22, 2023 come to order at 1:00 p.m.

That the report from the Communications Officer regarding direct mail newsletter options be received; and, That staff be directed to: Option 1 Continue with a monthly 8.5x11 (1 sheet, 2 page) newsletter, printed on 100lb gloss paper. Option 2 Implement a quarterly, 11x17 format (2 sheets, 8 page) newsletter, printed on 70lb uncoated paper and cease the distribution of a monthly newsletter. Amended C693B-2023 Moved by Alexander Seconded by Moore That the motion now before Council be amended as follows: Strike out Option 1 and 2 and add: And That a 8.5x11 monthly newsletter, printed on 50lb colour paper, with the number of pages as required considering mailing costing ensuring to not exceed the 50g weight, be approved.

That the report from the Communications Officer regarding direct mail newsletter options be received; and, That an 8.5x11 monthly newsletter, printed on 50lb colour paper, with the number of pages as required considering mailing costing ensuring to not exceed the 50g weight, be approved.

That the 2024 Draft Capital Budget & Ten-Year Capital Plan, be included for consideration in the final draft of the 2024/25 budget. Amended Moved by Fisher Seconded by Cabral That the motion now before Council be amended as follows: And That project 2022-50 – Elmvale Library Branch Renos, be removed from the Capital Budget.

That project 2022-50 - Elmvale Library Branch Renos move forward as follows: - Painting of the Elmvale Library Branch, at a cost of approximately $6,000 be approved to move forward; and, That a report be brought forward outlining costs for the replacement of the light fixtures, to be considered by Council for approval.

That the 2024 Draft Capital Budget & Ten-Year Capital Plan, be included for consideration in the final draft of the 2024/25 budget; and, That project 2022-50 - Elmvale Library Branch Renos move forward as follows: - Painting of the Elmvale Library Branch, at a cost of approximately $6,000 be approved to move forward; and, That a report be brought forward outlining costs for the replacement of the light fixtures, to be considered by Council for approval.

That the 2024 NVCA operating levy request in the amount of $215,957.77 representing Springwater’s share, be included for consideration in the final draft of the 2024/25 budget. Amended C696B-2023 Moved by Moore Seconded by Cabral That the motion now before Council be amended as follows: That $26,464.00 be added to the 2024 budget for future consideration of Category 2 and 3 programs, requesting further detailed information regarding the services and final costs within those categories prior to entering into any agreement.

That the 2024 NVCA operating levy request in the amount of $215,957.77 representing Springwater’s share, be included for consideration in the final draft of the 2024/25 budget; and, That $26,464.00 be added to the 2024 budget for future consideration of Category 2 and 3 programs, requesting further detailed information regarding the services and final costs within those categories prior to entering into any agreement.

That the Library program change, Community Librarian in the amount of $70,417.00, be included for consideration in the final draft of the 2024/25 budget. Councillor Thompson requested a recorded vote. Yes: Coughlin, Garwood, and Thompson No: Cabral, Alexander, Moore, and Fisher

That the Library program change, Strategic Plan in the amount of $5,000.00, be included for consideration in the final draft of the 2024/25 budget. Councillor Thompson requested a recorded vote. Yes: Coughlin, Cabral, Garwood, Thompson, and Moore No: Alexander and Fisher

That Program Change - GIS Coordinator, be included for consideration in the final draft of the 2024/25 budget.

That Program Change - Service Springwater Contract, be included for consideration in the final draft of the 2024/25 budget.

That Program Change - Communications Assistant, be included for consideration in the final draft of the 2024/25 budget.

That Program Change - Support Assistant - Part time to Full time, be included for consideration in the final draft of the 2024/25 budget.

That Program Change - Assistant, People - Health & Safety and Learning, be included for consideration in the final draft of the 2024/25 budget. Councillor Thompson requested a recorded vote. Yes: Coughlin, Garwood, and Thompson No: Cabral, Alexander, Moore, and Fisher

That $50,000 be included in the 2024 budget, funded from the Tax Rate Stabilization Fund, for the hiring of a consultant to assist, People - Health & Safety and Learning. Deputy Mayor Cabral requested a recorded vote. Yes: Coughlin, Cabral, Garwood, Alexander, Thompson, Moore, and Fisher

That remaining funds for the Hepburn Park Development Fund be allocated to project 2020-46 - Replace Homer Barret Rink Boards, to remain in 2025.

That the staff appreciation and recognition budget be increased by $2,000.00, to be funded by taxation.

That Council hereby direct that COLA for Non-Union/Management staff be 2% for 2024. Councillor Thompson requested a recorded vote. Yes: Cabral, Garwood, Alexander, Moore, and Fisher No: Coughlin and Thompson

That the draft 2024/25 Tax Based Operating Budget, as amended, be

That By-law 2023-112 to confirm and adopt the proceedings of Council at the Special Meeting held on November 22, 2023 listed herein be signed and sealed by the Mayor and Clerk.

That the Special Meeting of the Township of Springwater does now adjourn at 4:16 p.m. to meet again in a Regular Meeting on December 6, 2023 at 6:30 p.m.