Council Meeting

Resolved that the February 5, 2024 Council meeting agenda be approved, as amended.

Resolved that the delegation from Steven Soos be received.

Resolved that the presentation from RJ Burnside and Associates be received.

Resolved that report DPW-24-02, Strategic Parking Management Study Phase 2 Completion, dated February 5, 2024 be received; 1. That Council endorse the strategies and recommendations provided in the report and enclosed presentation; and 2. That Council authorize staff to bring forward an additional study phase for consideration as part of the 2024 budget process, to advance the strategies and recommendations from Phase 2.

Resolved that Council amend Resolutions FC-24-005 and FC-24-006 within the Finance Standing Committee minutes to read as follows:  FC-24-005: Resolved that staff be directed to bring forth a monthly information report to Council that shows project stages, the budget of the project, the money spent to date, and the money forecasted; and 1. That the reports be distributed to Advisory and Standing Committees for information purposes.  FC-24-006: Resolved that staff be directed to bring forth a memorandum to Council about project oversight, and that the oversight will be internal. Yes (4): Mayor Jordan, Councillor Freake, Councillor Baradziej, and Councillor DiFlavio No (4): Councillor Davoli, Councillor Howe, Councillor Charrois, and Councillor Korstanje TIE,

Resolved that Council amend Resolutions FC-24-005 and FC-24-006 within the Finance Standing Committee minutes to read as follows:  FC-24-005: Resolved that staff be directed to bring forth a monthly report to the Finance Committee that shows project stages, the budget of the project, the money spent to date and the money forecasted.  FC-24-006: Resolved that Council receive the memo about internal project oversight.

Resolved that the following minutes be approved:  Corporate Services Committee - January 15, 2024  Council - January 15, 2024  Community Services Committee - January 23, 2024  Finance Committee - January 25, 2024, as amended  Planning and Development Committee - January 31, 2024

Resolved that the Council Endorsement Package for the Committee of Adjustment be

Resolved that the following minutes be received:  Grimsby Public Library Board - December 13, 2023  Committee of Adjustment - December 19, 2023  DIA AGM - January 16, 2024

Resolved that Ben Burns and Lisa Sproston be confirmed as Board members on the Grimsby Downtown Business Improvement Association.

Whereas in May of 2023, Town of Grimsby declared a state of emergency on mental health, housing affordability and addiction. Therefore be it resolved that the Town of Grimsby ask Niagara Region to deliver more preventative drug-education in our community. Be it further resolved that the Town of Grimsby make readily available to the community a collective of all resources for the assistance of addiction and mental health support and treatment. Be it further resolved that the Town of Grimsby approach the Canadian Mental Health Association and express interest in hosting a safe beds program in the Town of Grimsby. Be it further resolved that the Town of Grimsby, in partnership with the Niagara Regional Police collectively evaluate and advocate for the need of assistance from the Mobile Crisis Rapid Response Team. Be it further resolved that the Town of Grimsby advocate to the Province and the Region about the need to remove as many barriers as possible in seeking treatment in support of mental health and addiction, including but not limited to accessibility and affordability. Be it further resolved that the Town of Grimsby circulate the motion to all Niagara-area municipalities Be it further resolved that the Town of Grimsby circulate the motion to the following individuals with request for their response: - Dean Allison MP - Michael Tibollo, Ontario Associate Minister of Mental Health and Addictions - Sylvia Jones, Deputy Premier of Ontario and Ontario Minister of Health - Sam

Whereas the traditional budget process involved presenting budgets to standing committees for early feedback and streamlined discussions, contributing to an efficient and transparent decision-making process; and Whereas, there is a historical success associated with the inclusion of committee members and laypeople in the budget discussions, as demonstrated by the positive outcomes achieved in the past; and Whereas concerns have been raised about the exclusion of standing committees in the budget process, highlighting the potential loss of valuable community input and expertise; and Whereas, we acknowledge the need for proper training, guidelines, and communication to address concerns related to laymembers' roles and ensure their constructive participation in the budget process; and Whereas it is important to maintain transparency, accountability, and community engagement in the municipal decision-making process especially the budget process. Therefore be it resolved that the Town of Grimsby encourages the inclusion of standing committees in the budget process, with the objective of fostering transparency, maximizing community involvement, and ensuring efficient decision-making. Be it further resolved that the Council of the Town of Grimsby recommends the development of Standard Operating Procedures and guidelines to govern the roles and responsibilities of laymembers involved in the budget discussions. Be it further resolved that Town Council recommends providing training to

Resolved that the correspondence from the Niagara Region, City of Niagara Falls, Township of Wainfleet, Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry, and Enbridge Gas be received.

Whereas current provincial-municipal fiscal arrangements are undermining Ontario’s economic prosperity and quality of life; and Whereas nearly a third of municipal spending in Ontario is for services in areas of provincial responsibility and expenditures are outpacing provincial contributions by nearly $4 billion a year; and Whereas municipal revenues, such as property taxes, do not grow with the economy or inflation; and Whereas unprecedented population and housing growth will require significant investments in municipal infrastructure; and Whereas municipalities are being asked to take on complex health and social challenges – like homelessness, supporting asylum seekers and addressing the mental health and addictions crises; and Whereas inflation, rising interest rates, and provincial policy decisions are sharply constraining municipal fiscal capacity; and Whereas property taxpayers – including people on fixed incomes and small businesses – can’t afford to subsidize income re-distribution programs for those most in need; and Whereas the province can, and should, invest more in the prosperity of communities; and Whereas municipalities and the provincial government have a strong history of collaboration. Therefore, be it resolved that the Province of Ontario commit to undertaking with the Association of Municipalities of Ontario a comprehensive social and economic prosperity review to promote the stability and sustainability of municipal finances across Ontario. Be it furthe

Resolved that leave be given to introduce By-law 24-08 and that the same be read a first time, considered, and passed.