Infrastructure Services Committee

BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Minutes of the December 5, 2024 Infrastructure Services Committee Meeting be adopted as circulated.

BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Infrastructure Services Committee recommends that Council approve suspending the purchase of a backhoe for another year in order to review the condition of all equipment; AND THAT an increase to the maintenance budget for the current backhoes be considered during budget deliberations.

WHEREAS the Dean Lake Bridge closure has raised significant concerns from residents of Dean Lake regarding community safety, emergency services, road maintenance, and overall accessibility; AND WHEREAS the Community Voices Committee (CVC) has formally presented their concerns and requests to Council, highlighting the need for effective communication, transparency, and regular updates concerning the status and future of the Dean Lake Bridge; AND WHEREAS the Infrastructure Services Committee (ISC) acknowledges the importance of maintaining consistent, transparent communication with the CVC and the broader community regarding developments related to the Dean Lake Bridge; NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Community Voices Committee (CVC) be granted a standing delegation on the ISC meeting agenda to allow for regular input, updates, and discussions regarding the Dean Lake Bridge; AND THAT a standing agenda item titled "Dean Lake Bridge Update" be included on each monthly ISC meeting agenda to ensure that progress reports, key findings, and updates related to the Dean Lake Bridge are consistently provided and discussed; AND THAT staff shall provide updates to the ISC as new information becomes available regarding the Dean Lake Bridge as determined based on Council’s direction; AND THAT the Infrastructure Services Committee commits to maintaining open, transparent, and timely communication with the CVC and the affected community members through these standing agenda items and de

WHEREAS the Community Voices Committee (CVC) has submitted a comprehensive list of questions regarding the Dean Lake Bridge closure, seeking clarity on various aspects including safety, funding, planning, engineering, and decision timelines; AND WHEREAS it is in the best interest of transparency and open communication to provide the CVC with responses to their inquiries; NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Infrastructure and Services Committee (ISC) recommends that Council approve a compiled list of the questions posed by the CVC along with the corresponding answers that have been addressed and that this approved list be subsequently provided to the CVC to ensure clarity regarding the status of their inquiries.

WHEREAS Public Works has identified areas of immediate concern on Chevis Road, including ditch rock areas and the steep hill coming off the river, which require attention prior to Spring to prevent road shoulder and lane washouts; AND WHEREAS Public Works’ proposed short-term approach, including ditch rock removal, stockpiling of blasted rock for future use, and having Type II B granular material available for addressing soft spots, has been supported by Tulloch Engineering; AND WHEREAS obtaining quotes rather than proceeding through a formal tender process will expedite the required work to be completed before Spring; NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council authorize an upset limit of $160,000 for the immediate repairs to Chevis Road; AND THAT the procurement process for this work be conducted through a request for quote rather than a formal tender, in accordance with the Municipality’s procurement policy, to facilitate timely completion of the work; AND THAT staff be directed to proceed with securing the necessary services to complete the work as soon as possible.

WHEREAS the Infrastructure Services Committee has reviewed the Municipality of Huron Shores' Dedicated – Unassumed – Seasonal Public Highways – Status Change Requirements Policy in response to a request from Mr. Puddister regarding municipal maintenance of Partridge Trail; AND WHEREAS the Committee has determined that the policy remains relevant and appropriate for addressing requests of this nature; NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Infrastructure Services Committee recommends that Council complete a secondary review to ensure that the existing policy remains relevant.

BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Infrastructure Services Committee recommends that Council authorize participation in the 2025 Amalgamated Tender process with the East Algoma Road Superintendent Association (EARSA) for the provision of materials required in 2025, as presented by the Public Works Superintendent.

BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Infrastructure Services Committee recommends the 2024 Asset Management Plan be submitted to Council for approval.

BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Infrastructure Services Committee recommends that Council grant pre-budget approval for the purchase of a used vehicle for the Facilities and Recreation Labourer, at a cost not to exceed $25,000.

BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Infrastructure Services Committee does adjourn at 3:46 p.m.