200813 PBC MINThe Corporation of the Town of Tillsonburg
Parks, Beautification & Cemeteries Advisory Committee Meeting
August 13, 2020
9:00 a.m.
Electronic Meeting MINUTES
Present: Marian Smith, Councillor Esseltine, Paul DeCloet, Barbara Wareing, Mayor
Molnar, Christine Nagy, Ken Butcher (joined at 9:18 a.m.), Maurice Verhoeve (joined at
9:23 a.m.)
Staff: Laura Pickersgill, Legislative Services Coordinator; Matt Johnson, Supervisor of
Parks & Cemetery
Regrets: Donna Scanlan, Bob Marsden, Sue Saelens, Mike Dean
1. Roll Call 2. Call to Order The meeting was called to order at 9:12 a.m. 3. Adoption of Agenda Resolution #1 Moved by: Paul DeCloet Seconded by: Barbara Wareing THAT the Agenda as prepared for the Parks, Beautification & Cemeteries Advisory
Committee meeting of August 13, 2020, be adopted. Carried 4. Adoption of Previous Minutes
Resolution #2
Moved by: Councillor Esseltine Seconded by: Paul DeCloet THAT the Minutes as prepared for the Parks, Beautification & Cemeteries Advisory Committee meeting of July 9, 2020, be adopted. Carried 5. Disclosures of Pecuniary Interest and the General Nature Thereof There were no disclosures of pecuniary interest declared.
6. Cemetery Flower Campaign
Matt Johnson provided an update on the cemetery flower campaign. It was noted that there were not enough resources or funding to be able to maintain and upkeep
the flower pots used in the last campaign. Matt provided examples of artificial toppers for grave sites designed by Garden Gate. It was noted that these could be sold to the Town at a reduced rate of $45/topper. There would not be much maintenance with these and they have a
guaranteed usage of one year before they need replacing. Matt indicated that staff would like to keep the winter wreath program. Opportunity was provided for comments and feedback from the committee. It was discussed that some members do not prefer the look of artificial flowers. Another suggestion was to
order planter pots on a request by request basis rather than ordering a bulk quantity all at once. It was noted that by using this method potted plants could be made specific to their location, for example, a sunny grave site would have a pot with sun loving plants. This option would still require someone to consistently water the pots. Another suggestion was to offer a variety of live plants or artificial toppers. It was
suggested that a planting could be done in the ground in front of the gravesite. Another option would be to look at having a four season program at $100/pot with seasonal flowers swapped in for each season. It was suggested that maintenance options for the planters could be done by a private third party company or a volunteer group if available.
Matt will gather quotes on the suggestions and bring this information back at the next committee meeting. Matt noted that the current cemetery by-law does not outline what is permitted to be
placed on the gravesites but rather it does prescribe the timing of when different plantings can be placed on gravesites. 7. Explore 2021 Paul DeCloet would like to take the lead on this project representing the Committee.
Paul will reach out individually to each committee member following the meeting to
determine their interest in participation and planning of this event.
Paul noted that the event could include working with Paul Gagnon from the LPRCA
on identifying trees on the Carroll Trail.
Laura will review funding opportunities from the Province for funding events in 2021
that were impacted by the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic.
8. Cemetery By-Law Update Laura will follow up with the Clerk and report back on timing of when the revised
cemetery by-law will be brought in front of the Committee for comment.
9. Fall Beautification Program It was noted that the BIA will be putting some fall mums in the downtown planters. Matt indicated that there will be six pots placed around the columbarium in the cemetery. He would like to see the Town follow a consistent approach with beautification and use the same colour schemes at multiple Town facilities and parks. The beautification program started with Canada 150 with a unified colour
scheme which was very beneficial. Christine noted that the horticultural society provides the fall beautification services at the Museum and the Rotary Clock Tower. It was brought forward that mineral springs park needs a cleanup and update.
Matt and Laura will review the MOU that was recently adopted by Council between the Town and the BIA. Staff will provide clarity on the responsibilities outlined in this MOU at the next meeting. It was noted that the MOU is currently an agreement for one year but is to act as a framework to plan for long-term sustainability of
responsibilities between the Town and the BIA. Matt noted that the BIA is now responsible for the pots downtown and around the clock tower and that the Town Parks Department would just be providing a cleanup in those areas (not any plantings). 10. Next Meeting September 17, 2020 at 9:00 a.m. 11. Adjournment
Resolution #3 Moved by: Barbara Wareing Seconded by: Paul DeCloet THAT the August 13, 2020 Parks, Beautification and Cemeteries Advisory Committee meeting be adjourned at 9:52 a.m.
Carried