Council Meeting

Be it resolved that Council confirm the agenda as presented.

Be it resolved that Council receive the presentation regarding backyard chickens by Sara West for information.

Be it resolved that Council receive the Southgate Community Fund Update presentation by Stuart Reid, Community Foundation Grey Bruce and Karl Ellis, Southgate Community Fund, Chair, for information.

Be it resolved that Council approve the minutes from the November 5, 2025 Council and Closed Session meetings as presented.

Be it resolved that Staff Report CBO2025-005 be received for information; and That Council consider approval of by-law 2025-117 – Brad Wesley Holdings Inc – Development Charges Deferral Agreement.

Be it resolved that Staff Report FIRE2025-017 be received for information; and That Council consider approval of By-law 2025-119 to enter into a Fire Protection Agreement with the Township of Melancthon.

Be it resolved that Staff Report EDO2025-019 be received for information; and That Council approve Dundalk Village Pharmacy Ltd for Community Improvement Plan project funding for building improvements to the property located at 1 Main St E, Dundalk in the amount of $5,863.00. Yay (6): Mayor Milne, Deputy Mayor Dobreen, Councillor Ferguson, Councillor Shipston, Councillor John, and Councillor Singh Soares Nay (1): Councillor Rice

Be it resolved that Staff Report EDO2025-020 be received for information; and That Council consider joining Saugeen Connects in future budget discussions, starting in 2027.

Be it resolved that Staff Report PL2025-087 be received for information; and That Staff be directed to submit comments in response to the Province’s request for comments to the noted EROs.

Be it resolved that Council amend the second clause to state: “That Council support staff in providing letters of support to Team Town Hall for the Dundalk Old Town Hall restoration efforts, for specific grants and funding they may be applying for in the future.”

Be it resolved that Staff Report FIN2025-037 be received for information; and That Council support staff in providing letters of support to Team Town Hall for the Dundalk Old Town Hall restoration efforts, for specific grants and funding they may be applying for in the future.

Be it resolved that Staff Report CL2025-037 be received for information; and That Council approve By-law 2025-116 being a by-law to provide for the levying of the costs resulting from the construction of the Love/Sherk Drainage Works.

Be it resolved that Staff Report CAO2025-034 be received for information; and That Council approve retaining Fischer Law for legal representation; and That Council direct staff to execute the retainer agreement with Fischer Law.

WHEREAS, the Township of Southgate has embraced a hybrid/electronic policy to achieve flexibility in meeting attendance for both council, staff and the public; and WHEREAS, it is becoming more common for participants to log in to meetings when in person participation is not possible; and WHEREAS, the policy expressly outlines the requirements for virtual participation to ensure all members have the ability to participate fully; and WHEREAS, it isn’t enough for a council member to be logged into a meeting. It is important to be seen as an active participant; and WHEREAS, it is best practice to review policy that affects Council participation in advance of an election; NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that staff be directed to review and report on the electronic participation policy as to its current function and effectiveness as soon as practical.

Be it resolved that Council amend the motion to amend the fourth clause that states: “That Council direct staff to send a letter to Southgate’s School Board Trustee, to be forwarded to the Blue Water District School Board for further discussion and consideration.”

WHEREAS the safety of children and caregivers walking to and from school is a priority for the Township of Southgate; and WHEREAS current pedestrian routes around the stormwater management pond may pose safety concerns for families travelling on foot; and WHEREAS there is a need to review both short-term and long- term solutions to ensure safe access to local schools, particularly for students who must navigate areas adjacent to the stormwater pond; NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council directs staff to send a letter to Southgate’s School Board Trustee, to be forwarded to the Blue Water District School Board for further discussion and consideration. Yay (7): Mayor Milne, Deputy Mayor Dobreen, Councillor Rice, Councillor Ferguson, Councillor Shipston, Councillor John, and Councillor Singh Soares

Be it resolved that Council receive the Consent Agenda dated November 19, 2025 (save and except items 11.1) for information.

Be it resolved that Council receive staff report REC2025-007 – Recreation Fall Update as information.

Be it resolved that the following by-laws dated November 19, 2025 (save and except items 13.1) be read a first, second and third time, finally passed, signed by the Mayor and the Clerk, sealed with the seal of the Corporation and entered into the by-law book.

Be it resolved that by-law number 2025-116 being a by-law to amend by-law number 2023-090, being a by-law to provide for the levying of the costs resulting from the construction of the “Love/Sherk Drainage Works” be read a first, second and third time, finally passed, sealed with the seal of the Corporation and entered into the by-law book.

Be it resolved that Council proceed into closed session at 3:30 PM in order to address matters relating to personal matters about an identifiable individual, including municipal or local board employees (Sec239(2)(b))(Subject: HR Matter) and personal matters about an identifiable individual, including municipal or local board employees (Sec239(2)(b))(Subject: CAO Review); and That all those required remain in attendance.

Be it resolved that Council proceed out of closed session at 3:43 PM.

Be it resolved that by-law number 2025-122 being a by-law to confirm the proceedings of the Council of the Corporation of the Township of Southgate at its regular meeting held on November 19, 2025 be read a first, second and third time, finally passed, signed by the Mayor and the Clerk, sealed with the seal of the Corporation and entered into the by-law book.

Be it resolved that Council adjourn the meeting at 3:45 PM.