Council Rundown
February 13th, 2024
The Regular Meeting of Council of February 13th featured two items.
Food Bank
Mr. Grant Lewis provided a presentation regarding the Espanola Helping Hands Food Bank. The presentation focused on the programs and services they provide. The Food Bank has submitted a request to Council for the Town to donate the annual cost of their building rental costs which are currently $1,500 monthly or $18,000 annually. The request will be considered by the Corporate Services Committee at its March 5th meeting.
Non-union Staff Remuneration
In line with the Collective Agreement for CUPE 534 as per the typical practice according to the Salary Administration Policy, Council approved a 4% increase to non-union staff remuneration for 2024. Council has opted to defer an increase to Council remuneration to the next Corporate Services Committee Meeting to request more information from staff on comparator municipalities.
Mayor and Councillor Announcements
Councillor Hayden commended all involved with organizing activities for the Winter Carnival.
Councillor Massicotte expressed that it was a fantastic carnival weekend and thanked the fellow members of Council that assisted with the cooking for the BBQ that was put on by Council as part of the carnival on Saturday afternoon.
Councillor Kallioinen echoed the comments around the carnival and provided his regrets for unfortunately not being able to attend this year. Kallioinen acknowledged the announcement that Cascades Inc. would be closing its corrugated mill in Trenton, ON, representing yet another plant in the paper industry announcing closure or idling in Ontario. Kallioinen expressed that this should be considered a wake up call by the Provincial and Federal levels of government that they need to act. Kallioinen further expressed that he recently had the opportunity to learn more about the Espanola and Area Situation Table which is a collaborative table of health and social service providers who come together in crisis situations involving vulnerable individuals who need a variety of support. Kallioinen has expressed that he is joining the Espanola Lions Club.
Special Meeting following the Regular Meeting
Following the Regular Meeting a closed session was held to discuss matters pertaining to land disposition and personal matters about identifiable individuals.
The Council Rundown provides a summary of each Council Meeting. The official record of each meeting is the Meeting Minutes and can be found in the Council Meetings section of the website. Video recordings of meetings are similarly available in the same section. Any questions regarding Council Meetings can be directed to Joseph Burke, Town Clerk at [email protected] or by calling 705-869-1540.