This week, Town Council will convene at 5:30pm for a meeting of the Policies and Priorities Committee. The agenda for this meeting can be found here.

Communications include the Town of Lakeshore dated March 9, 2018 Re: Dog Pound Services.  Lakeshore is requesting input from Town Council regarding the vision for the Dog Pound including a possible rebranding. 

Reports include:

a. CS-2018-19 2018 Keeping of Urban Chickens.  Administration is requesting direction as to whether the raising of chickens ought to be regulated or prohibited within the urban limits of the Town.  The options presented are:

1. Amend the Animal Control By-law No. 1999-07 to prohibit the keeping of urban chickens in urban areas.
2. Prohibit urban chickens in residential areas and allow residents to make a request to Council for an exemption to permit hen coops based on guidelines and criteria to be established. 
3. Regulate the keeping of urban chickens through a permit or licensing program. If this option were preferred, Administration would develop a licensing model and regulations, including an annual permit fee and inspection. The fee would be adequate to cover staffing resources to administer, monitor and enforce the program. 

b. CS-2018-28 Council Post-Retirement Benefits.  A legal opinion has been received stating the Council must enact a separate by-law authorizing access to Post-Retirement Benefits after 16 years of service.  It cannot be addressed administratively.  The extension of benefits exists in several municipalities.  Administration is requesting direction on this item.

c. CS-2018-29 Noise By-law Amendment.  Council has asked to delegate authority for certain noise by-law exemptions.  It is recommended that the Director Parks & Recreation be authorized to grant a noise by-law exemption for special events held in compliance with the Outdoor Special Events Policy No. 85, which do not offer the sale and/or consumption of alcohol and are scheduled within the hours of 8:00am to 11:00 pm.

New Business includes a discussion of the Canada Revenue One-Third Tax Exemption elimination for municipal officials by the Federal Government.  This exemption supplied to Town Councillors a blanket tax credit to cover job-related costs such as mileage.

Regular business begins at 7pm.  The agenda for this meeting can be found here.

Delegations include Richard Zarour, President; Maria Giorlando, Vice President; Melanie Turner, Treasurer; Optimist Club of St. Clair Beach who will be reporting on Club activities.