Back to SearchThe meeting began with significant in camera discussions for two items. First, Council provided direction to the municipal solicitor to proceed to Court with a vexatious litigant application. Second Council appointed two (2) new members of the Mississippi River Power Corporation Board. Recently the terms ended for two long-standing directors. A Selection Committee was created to determine the process and criteria for filling these positions with two candidates chosen, Mr. Patrick McNeil and Mr. David Goldsmith P.Eng. We would like to thank all applicants that expressed an interest and congratulate the two new members on being selected to sit on this important board!
Jim Mountain, Community Planner Associate for Big Thinking, presented to Council on the Space Needs Analysis for the Almonte Public Library. Jim discussed the history and importance of the Almonte library to the community, along with a summary of their space analysis process, consultation with staff and public, space allocations, design options, costs, and their preferred option. To view a recording of the presentation as well as the full report please visit the municipal website.
Council will be partnering with the Lanark County Interval House and Community Support on a new mosaic pebble art project for Almonte. This initiative is to increase awareness of sexual and gender-based violence and offers a place of remembrance, peace and hope for those affected. Staff will be sending out communications in the coming month asking for public consultation on this exciting new project.
Livestreamed and in-person Council meetings will look a little different in the near future as Council has approved a livestreaming system upgrade. Livestreaming Council meetings was identified as a municipal priority to increase openness and transparency and to increase accessibility for those wishing to watch Council meetings. The upgraded system has many benefits including an on site encoder to record all meetings even during internet interruptions, access to performance and viewership reporting, splash screens for closed meetings, different presentation views for those watching from home, and an option for in-person/online meetings.
During Tuesday night’s meeting Council supported the 2021 Census taking place in May 2021 and encouraged all residents of Mississippi Mills to complete their census questionnaire online at www.census.gc.ca. Accurate and complete census data supports programs and services in our area such as schools, daycare, family services, housing, emergency services, roads, public transportation and skills training for employment, that benefit our community. Statistics Canada will also be hiring approximately 32,000 people across the country to assist with census collection.
The following staff reports were heard by Committee of the Whole and will be brought forward to Council at an upcoming Council meeting for final approval:
- Winter Maintenance Sidewalks
- Repair to Emergency Management Generator
Due to the Provincial State of Emergency and Stay at Home Order the municipal offices and facilities are still closed to the public. Staff will regularly be checking their emails and voice messages to continue to serve residents, please allow additional time for a response. Payments and documents can be dropped off in our secure drop box/safe at the back of the municipal office located at 3131 Old Perth Road, Almonte.
Upcoming Meetings:
- Special Committee of the Whole Meeting – February 9, 2021 at 1:00 p.m. (Virtual)
- Regular Meeting – February 16, 2021 at 6:00 p.m.
- Regular Meeting – March 2, 2021 at 6:00 p.m.
