Southgate Council Digest
Southgate council dealt with upcoming municipal land sales, the annual integrity commissioner's report and other matters at its Apr. 3 meeting.
OPEN FORUM
Janice Kaikkonen came to council to address what she called “government overreach” in a notice she received about the canine bylaw.
She said she was willing to pay for dog tags, but objected to the “ridiculous paper pushing and intrusion into my person life” of the notice saying fines will be laid with failure to comply to: payment, declaration of rabies vaccination, dog licence application form and full description of dogs.
An update on the township website clarified that the letter was distributed to all residents,. It thanked those who already registered, paid and collected tags, and provided a link to the registration needed for those who have not done so.
PRINCIPLES INTEGRITY
The township’s “integrity commissioner”, a third-party which answers questions and investigates complaints about the municipality made its report, covering May 1, 2022 and Jan. 31, 2024.
The representative said that all six complaints received were resolved informally, without need of a full investigation and public report. There is a “disposition letter” sent to the complainant.
The firm said it serves as an independent resource and guide and increases public perception that elected and appointed officials act with integrity, by providing a review mechanism.
The two main areas covered are the Municipal Act (including codes of conduct) and the Municipal Conflict of Interest Act.
During the time period, the firm gave one education session on ethics and integrity, and provided seven confidential responses to requests for advice.
LAND SALE UPCOMING
Council declared a parcel of land next to Lystek in the Eco Park to be surplus, and will offer it for sale at a minimum bid of $200,000 per acre.
The staff report said that an opinion of value was received by council. The property lies beyond where the Eco Parkway now ends.
LAND SALE
A neighbour has bought a portion of township-held storm water pond property. Council heard earlier that the neighbour was maintaining the property, and it was not needed by public works.
The property was sold to Gregory and Margot Ford for $10,000.
DRAINAGE WORKS
Council accepted a drainage petition from Martin and Rita Martin and Joseph M and Adina Bauman and Brendan Macdonald for property near Southgate Sideroad 7 and Grey Road 9. The purpose is to construct a new open channel and deepen or widen an existing watercourse.
Tom Pridham, drainage superintendent will make a report to council.
HOLSTEIN AGRO-EXPO
Council supported naming the Holstein Agro Expo and Rodeo on July 1 as a significant municipal event, in connection with organizers obtaining a special occasion permit.
GOOD NEWS
Under the Good News & Celebrations, Coun. Singh Soares acknowledged the many cultures and traditions of Southgate, including the celebration of Easter, and Sikh Heritage Month in April as well as the Baisakhi spring harvest festival marking the Sikh New Year. She also mentioned the Holstein Maple Fest being held the weekend of Apr. 13 and 14.
Coun. Shipston mentioned the Blood Donor Clinic to be held in Dundalk on Apr. 20.
CLOSED MEETING
A closed meeting was held on a proposed or pending acquisition or disposition of land by the municipality or local board. The subject was “property sale update”.
M.T. Fernandes, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Dundalk Herald
