eNewsletter | October 22, 2015

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Shared Services Annual Update from CAO Committee
 
During yesterday's session of County Council, Acting CAO Jennifer Moore presented the annual update report on shared services to generate efficiencies among municipalities in Northumberland County.  This report highlights current inter-municipal working groups and recent activities that continue to build momentum toward greater efficiencies.  Ms. Moore noted that "what we have found is the willingness of municipal staff from across Northumberland to identify opportunities to achieve greater effectiveness."
 
The report also contains details on nine priority areas for 2015/2016 including:  Fire Dispatch and Communications, County-wide Recreation Strategy, Economic Development & Tourism Strategy, Resource Development, Procurement & Joint Purchasing, Emerald Ash Borer Strategy, Emergency Planning, Land Use Planning and Chief Building Officials/By-Law Enforcement. 
Third Quarter Report Presented
 
Following the approval of the Strategic Plan by Council in September, a Third Quarter Report detailing progress toward strategic goals was presented to Council. Work toward most strategic priorities had begun during this quarter with further movement toward the goals detailed in the 2016 Business Plans.


Also highlighted in the report is a third quarter financial update that confirms the County's strong financial position in terms of the 2015 budget year, reserves and debt servicing costs. Concern continues to be noted with the overall infrastructure deficit and funding needed to maintain the County's assets.  Warden Marc Coombs commented: "the detail is excellent--really impressive. It is a good update to tell us exactly where we are."
Economic Development & Tourism Staff Acknowledged

Eileen Lum and Trissia Mellor from the County's Economic Development & Tourism Department were both congratulated by Council as recipients of 2015 Economic Developers Association of Canada (EDAC) awards.  Warden Marc Coombs congratulated Lum and Mellor for "advancing local economic development opportunities."  The national awards were presented to Ms. Lum for the design and development of the Northumberland Avatar project and to Ms. Mellor for the promotion of the Ontario Agri-Food Venture Centre.
Fire Dispatch Tender Award
 
County Council awarded a tender to Peterborough Fire Services to provide a coordinated Fire Dispatch Service for all Northumberland County.  After receiving the recommendation from all Northumberland Fire Chiefs, Council voted to move forward with this identified shared service priority.  Benefits of this approach include:  enhanced services to the public, provision of reliable and integrated communications systems, and increased safety to both the public and firefighters.


With the approval of the tender, staff will begin moving forward with the transition with all Fire Services expected to be on board by mid 2016. 
Tenders and Purchasing News
 
Balcony Repairs at 8 King St. W. Colborne: Council awarded the tender to Jeffery G. Wallans Construction at their bid price of $69,900 plus HST.
 
Supply and Install a Lift at 2 Francis St. Brighton:  The tender was granted to Jeffery G. Wallans Construction at their bid price of $99,450 plus HST.
 
Repairs to the Morganston Sand Dome Roof: In order to guarantee safe and effective work sites, staff requested that replacement work on the Morganston sand dome roof be advanced from 2016 to 2015.  Approval of this project will require the transfer of funds previously placed in the reserve fund due to savings realized in the 2015 tendering process.
Notes
 
Local Government Week Proclamation: Council proclaimed the week of October 18 to 24, 2015 Local Government Week in Northumberland County.
Provincial Offences Act costs:  Council passed a resolution requesting that the Ministry of the Attorney General (MAG) phase in cost recovery rates for adjudication, increase court costs to offset the increase in adjudication rates and a copy of the resolution be forwarded to MAG, the MPP, AMO, member municipalities, the Municipal Court Managers' Association and the EOWC. 
Procedural By-Laws: After presenting proposed changes to Council in September and providing Public Notice, the amendments to Council's Procedural By-Laws were passed.
Syrian Refugee Funding Support: Council approved the provision of $10,000 through the Community and Social Services Department to local faith groups to assist with sponsoring Syrian refugee families who plan to relocate in Northumberland.
        Read More
 
Strategic Plan Video: In an effort to provide details about the goals of the 2015-2019 Strategic Plan in a quick and engaging format, a 4 minute video summarizing the Plan was presented to Council.
 
United Way presentation: Paul Macklin, Campaign Coordinator presented information about the 2015 United Way campaign. 

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