Council Meeting

THAT the Regular Council Meeting held on January 29, 2024 be called to order at 7:00 p.m.

THAT the Agenda as presented for January 29, 2024 be adopted, as amended.

THAT the Minutes of the January 15, 2024 Regular Council Meeting be adopted as presented.

THAT Report CS-2024-02, Trail Maintenance Agreement with the Region of Waterloo be received for information; and THAT the Mayor and Clerk be authorized to execute a Trail Maintenance Agreement with the Regional Municipality of Waterloo for Baden Hills Regional Forest and Walker Woods Regional Forest.

THAT Report COR-2024-05 be received; and further, THAT Council ratifies the motion of the Finance and Budget Committee made on January 25, 2024 to provide a pre-budget approval in the amount of $25,000 for the 2024 Wilmot Canada Day Event.

THAT at its February 12, 2024 meeting, Township of Wilmot Council declare portions of the Peel Street, Burns Street and Mill Street road allowances, described in report DS-2024-01, as surplus lands; AND THAT the Mayor and Clerk be authorized to execute an agreement under Section 40 of the Planning Act to eliminate the requirement for off-street parking for the proposed redevelopment of 183 Mill Street, as described in report DS-2024-01, subject to the following: That the perpendicular parking spaces within the Peel Street road allowance be reserved for use by 183 Mill Street; That LYNC, or any subsequent owner of 183 Mill Street, be responsible for winter maintenance of the perpendicular parking and sidewalk located within the Peel Street road allowance; That in consideration of this exemption, LYNC: make a payment, as required under Section 40(2) or the Planning Act, in the amount of two dollars, construct a parking lot at 73 Burns Street consisting of approximately 39 parking spaces to the specifications approved by the Township through the site plan control process, with 13 of these spaces reserved for public use, and construct/mark 4 parallel parking spaces on Mill Street to the satisfaction of the Township.

THAT Council approve the request made by 66 Hincks GP Inc. to remove a holding symbol affecting Part Lot 38, Plan 1552 and Part of Lot 7, Plan 532A, municipally known as 66 Hincks Street, New Hamburg.

THAT By-Laws 2024-04, 2024-05, and 2024-06 as attached to this Agenda be read a first, second and third time, and finally passed in Open Council.

THAT By-Laws 2024-03 as attached to this Agenda be read a first time.

WHEREAS transparency and accountability in financial matters are fundamental to good governance and public trust; WHEREAS it is essential for taxpayers to have a clear understanding of how their tax dollars are being utilized at the Township level; WHEREAS the surrounding municipalities, such as Woolwich, have set a precedent for detailed and transparent budgetary practices; THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that Council requests that the 2025 budget be structured in a manner that aligns closely with the formats used by surrounding municipalities, specifically referencing the model used by the Township of Woolwich, to facilitate comparative analysis and ensure consistency in regional budgetary practices. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED the Council mandates that each department within our municipality provides a detailed, line-by-line breakdown of their proposed budget for the fiscal year 2025. This breakdown should include, but not be limited to, operational costs, capital expenditures, projected revenues, and any specific project allocations. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED this detailed budget breakdown will be made available to the public through the municipal website and other appropriate channels, ensuring that all taxpayers and stakeholders have access to clear and comprehensive financial information. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED the adoption of this detailed budget format will aid the Council in making more informed decisions about resource allocation, prioritization of projects, and overall financial

THAT the Confirmatory By-Law as attached to this Agenda be read a first, second and third time, and finally passed in Open Council.

THAT we do now adjourn to meet again at the call of the Mayor.

THAT we do now adjourn to meet again at the call of the Mayor. 11