
March 8, 2019 · 0 Comments
Following an overview of the changes made to date, and with consideration of comments received by residents, Council passed the 2019 budget. The 2019 budget incorporates a 2.2% inflationary increase over 2018. The Treasurer further noted that with the growth in the Town’s overall assessment, the tax rate for Mono’s portion of property taxes will decrease.
Internet Service Task Force
to be established
As many people know only too well, affordable Internet options available to Mono residents, especially those who live in rural parts of the town, are limited at best. In an effort to better understand the factors affecting
Internet availability & affordability, the Town will be setting up a task force. It will examine service levels including quality and cost.
Applications are currently being sought for members for this task force, with a deadline to apply of March 11th. Please see the Town’s Committee Meetings page if you are interested in applying.
Council raises concern with MTO
Mayor Ryan sent a letter to the Minister of Transportation, Jeff Yurek, detailing the safety concerns the Town has regarding Highway 9 and Highway 10. These include lack of traffic lights at Hwy 10 & Mono Centre Road and at Hwy 9 & 2nd Line EHS; the need to expand Hwy 10 to four lanes; and adding a second westbound lane to Hwy 9 west of 1st Line EHS.
Video recording Council meetings
Council considered a staff report on recommended options to live stream council meetings to the Internet. The recommendations include one or two cameras plus a feed from the council chamber’s presentation projector. This would allow council and staff to be captured on video as well as any presentations shown on the projector. Those making delegations, however, would not be recorded. This would all be streamed live to either the Town’s You Tube channel or, optionally, integrated into the current agenda management website.
Council asked staff to investigate the feasibility of using a 360° camera so that both council and delegations could be recorded.
Citizen Engagement Charter
Council reviewed a draft Citizen Engagement Charter for the Town. The Citizen Engagement Charter acts as an agreement between and among Town of Mono elected representatives and the residents of Mono regarding citizen engagement with their local government that establishes the commitments, responsibilities, and fundamental concepts of this relationship. It allows for responsible decision-making through a range of perspectives, experiences, and knowledge and involves sharing ideas in ways that support learning and the creation of sustainable solutions.
Council will be soliciting input from residents on the draft charter. Keep an eye on the Town’s website and social media for further details on a town wide survey.
Updated Council Code of Conduct
Council approved an updated Code of Conduct. In addition to applying to members of Council, the new code of conduct now includes certain local boards, as defined by an amendment to the Municipal Act. The code of conduct was also updated to reflect that the Town has had an Integrity Commissioner since 2017.