City Council Meeting – Structured Summary

High-level summary - The council advanced several governance and service items, including updates to the election sign bylaw, clerk/communications reviews, holiday closure planning, and enforcement/animal control initiatives. Key motions approved included the Election Sign Bylaw Updates and multiple accomplishment reports, with public input opportunities noted for bylaw updates and advertising rules.

Five Most Important Topics Discussed

1) Election Sign Bylaw Updates (TC25-21) - The council discussed standardizing election sign sizes, considering a 5x5 foot dimension to avoid sightline obstruction. A participant noted, "This bylaw is coming forward to all municipalities... it is a standard number and size across all 12 municipalities." - File Number: TC25-21. There were concerns raised about the practicality of obtaining 5x5 materials, which are not standard sizes and may require special orders.

2) 2026 Holiday Closure Policy (TC26-04) - Discussion focused on closing Town Hall administration on December 31st, 2026, with staff using existing floater or vacation days. The chair stated, "There’s no financial impact as staff would use existing floater or vacation days to accommodate the closure." - A councillor added, "We want to get this approved now so staff are aware that they need to save the holiday for this day. So it's not a free day." Emergency services, the operations center, and the Peach King Arena would remain open to ensure essential services are available.

3) IT Accomplishments and Credit Card Payment Issues (ITI 26-25) - The IT sector highlighted 2025 accomplishments, including upgrades like replacing the town’s phone system with modern software and strengthening cybersecurity. A council member commented, "You guys are there on at the drop of a penny, you're just there to help at all times." - A critical issue was raised about the town hall’s ability to accept credit card payments: the problem was described as "an absolute nightmare," with a request to staff to "take it away and look at it and come back with something on that because it needs to be fixed for sure." File reference: ITI 26-25 ITSI Accomplishments.

4) Dog Licensing and Animal Control Enforcement (L26-1205) - The discussion covered dog licensing improvements, enforcement statistics, and use of DocuPet to reunite lost dogs with owners. Henry stated, "Our messaging is getting to the residents, and they are getting their dog licenses," and "That alone right there pays for the service itself." - Reports included 652 resident concerns addressed by the enforcement agency, 31 provincial offense notices, and two DOA charges. The progression in enforcement was summarized as: "That progression within our enforcement tactics has resulted in the need for charges. So therefore, that's why those stats are up, and we will continue to hold those individuals accountable." The DocuPet system and dog licensing were highlighted as key tools for safety and compliance.

5) Clerk’s Division Accomplishments and 2025 Preparedness (TC26-03) - Updates from the Clerk’s Division emphasized transparency and preparedness for governance and elections. A notable line: "We’ve got a public listing of mayoral decisions and directions on our website... to ensure the use of strong mayor powers is carried out transparently and consistently." File Number: TC26-03. - The discussion underscored ongoing governance enhancements and election readiness.

File Numbers Discussed - TC25-21: Election Sign Bylaw Updates - TC26-03: 2025 Clerk’s Division Accomplishments - TC26-04: 2026 Holiday Closure Policy - ITI 26-25: ITSI Accomplishments - L26-1205: Municipal Law Enforcement Accomplishments - DC26-1: 2025 Communications Accomplishments - CEO 26-2: 2025 Human Resources Accomplishments

Opportunities for Public Input - Public input opportunities exist through public consultations on the election sign bylaw updates and third-party advertising regulations. Residents are encouraged to participate in consultations and can reference Ontario’s third-party advertising guide for context. Additional channels include online platforms referenced for ongoing questions and feedback (e.g., Let’s Talk Grimsby-style inputs and other public engagement portals).

Motions Passed, Rejected, or Deferred - Election Sign Bylaw Updates (TC25-21) - Outcome: Passed - Details: Approved the draft election sign bylaw (Appendix A) and the draft user fee amendment bylaw (Appendix C). - 2025 Clerk’s Division Accomplishments (TC26-03) - Outcome: Passed - Details: The report was received for information. - 2025 IT Accomplishments (ITI 26-25 ITSI Accomplishments) - Outcome: Passed - Details: The report was received for information; next steps include investigating credit card payment system improvements. - 2025 Communications Accomplishments (DC26-1) - Outcome: Passed - Details: The report was received for information; highlighted growth in digital presence and transparency. - 2025 Human Resources Accomplishments (CEO 26-2) - Outcome: Passed - Details: Report received; emphasis on talent management and staff development. - 2026 Holiday Closure Policy (TC26-04) - Outcome: Passed - Details: Town Hall administration closure on December 31; staff to use floater/vacation days; essential services remain open. - 2025 Municipal Law Enforcement Accomplishments (L26-1205) - Outcome: Moved to the floor for discussion (not yet concluded in this section) - Details: Ongoing discussion on enforcement statistics and strategies, including parking and animal control. - Right-of-Way Bylaw - Outcome: Deferred - Details: Further discussion and public consultation planned.

Councillors Present - Mayor Jordan - Councillor How - Councillor Vardy - Councillor Marty - Councillor Bernie

Notes - The meeting featured updates from multiple departments (Clerk’s Division, ITSI, HR, Communications) and outlined ongoing timelines for public input and future meetings (e.g., March 9, 2026 at 12:12 p.m.). Public input channels and online engagement platforms were repeatedly referenced to encourage resident involvement in bylaw updates, advertising guidelines, and strategic planning.