Council Meeting Highlights – February 12, 2024

Proclamation and Flag Raising – Scout Guide Week Feb 18-24, 2024 (Item 10a)

• Resolved that the Council of the Corporation of the Township of Russell do hereby proclaim February 18-24, 2024 as Scout-Guide of Canada Week in the Township of Russell; and that the Township of Russell raise the Scout-Guide of Canada flag from February 18-24, 2024, in honour of this special week.
• Motion was adopted as presented.

Asset Management Plan (AMP) - CSAS-AM-2024-01 (Item 11c)

In December 2017, Ontario Regulation 588/17, known as the Asset Management Planning for Municipal Infrastructure was enacted under the infrastructure for Jobs and Prosperity Act. This regulation aims to establish a more standardized framework to streamline asset management planning and reporting processes for municipalities across Ontario.  Among its provisions, the regulation mandates that municipalities develop asset management policies, asset management plans, levels of service, lifecycle management strategies, and financing strategies. By July 1st, 2024, all municipalities are required to have an asset management plan encompassing both Core and Non-Core assets. This plan should include an inventory of assets, current levels of service measured by standard metrics, and the associated maintenance costs.

Looking ahead, by July 1st, 2025, the Asset Management Plan (AMP) must incorporate "proposed" levels of service, along with corresponding lifecycle management and financial strategies to support these proposed levels. The AMP serves as a roadmap, delineating strategies for efficiently managing and maintaining assets throughout their lifecycle.  A critical aspect of the AMP involves evaluating the financial implications associated with enhancing the level of service. This evaluation includes an assessment of potential impacts on taxation and other departmental service levels. By conducting thorough assessments, stakeholders can make informed decisions regarding asset management strategies.

It's worth noting that the Township of Russell has awarded the contract to PSD Citywide for the development of its Asset Management Plan. This signifies a proactive step towards aligning with the regulatory requirements and ensuring effective management of municipal assets.

Resolution to support Ontario Energy Board Decision (Item 18a)

• Presented by Pierre Leroux that the Township of Russell supports the Ontario Energy Board Decision to secure access to natural gas for our community and Ontario.
• Motion was adopted as presented.

Discussion on an Agenda Item - Question Period on Meeting of the Day (Item 18b)

Council adopted a motion: That Council receive Councillor Tarnowski's request as Notice regarding proposed amendments to Council’s Procedural By-law # 2021-127 to strike out the Question Period on Meeting of the Day and authorize the Clerk to bring forward the amending by-law for consideration by Council at its next Regular Council Meeting on February 26, 2024.