SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES – AGENDA 60
CORPORATION OF THE TOWNSHIP OF LAIRD
June 30, 2026, at 5:30 pm
Laird Township Council Chambers

1. Call to Order

   Mayor Evoy called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m.

2. Declaration of Pecuniary Interest
3. Agenda Approval

   #160-26
   Moved by: Wayne Junor
   Seconded by: Todd Rydall

   BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council hereby approves the June 30, 2026, agenda as presented.

   Carried.

4. Delegations and Presentations
5. Adoption of Minutes of Previous Meeting
6. Adoption of Accounts
7. Staff and Committee Reports
   1. Road Superintendent (Roads, Waste Disposal & Recycling, and Maintenance)
   2. Clerk Administrator, Deputy Treasurer
   3. Treasurer’s Report
   4. Recreation Committee & Recreation Sub-Committees
   5. Cemetery Board
   6. Planning Board
   7. Police Detachment Board
   8. Algoma District Services Administrative Board (ADSAB)
   9. Algoma District Municipal Association (ADMA)
8. Unfinished Business
9. New Business
   1. Laird Hall
      1. Foundation Work

         Council discussed the condition of the Laird Hall foundation.

         #161-26
         Moved by: Todd Rydall
         Seconded by: Matt Frolick

         BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council directs the Clerk to have Stobie Mechanical & Welding proceed with leveling the Laird Hall on a Time and Material basis, and further that Glen Irwin be authorized as Project Manager to approve all Time and Material invoices for payment.

         Carried.

         1959
      2. Ductwork Requirements

         Council discussed the requirement of repairing ductwork due to structural repairs of the Laird Hall.

         #163-26
         Moved by: Brad Shewfelt
         Seconded by: Wayne Junor

         BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council requests that the Clerk obtain a quote from DCR HVAC for the required ductwork repairs at Laird Hall.

         Carried.

   2. Laird Fairgrounds
      1. Water Supply Issue

         Council received a report from the Acting Road Superintendent regarding the Fairgrounds water supply failure on Monday morning. The flow sensors showed only six inches of water in the system. The Acting Road Superintendent excavated the line, removed the loop, and confirmed that the pump is now set at 100 feet and producing approximately five gallons per minute, which is considered a good rate; however, additional storage capacity is required.

         The Acting Road Superintendent proposed purchasing either a 1,000-gallon tank for $5,500 or a 2,000-gallon tank for $8,500 from Ed Karhi, who can fabricate a custom tank. Council directed the Acting Road Superintendent to proceed with the 2,000-gallon tank, which will supplement the Township’s existing four 1,500-gallon tanks.

         The Acting Road Superintendent advised that the well itself is functioning properly and the water supply is stable. Council was further advised that the plumber’s quote for the required work is expected to be approximately $10,000.

         Direction arising from this discussion is reflected in resolution #164-26.

      2. Deep Well Pump Assessment

         Council received a report from the Acting Road Superintendent informing Council that a deep well needs to be installed as the well is no longer an artesian well.

         Direction arising from this discussion is reflected in resolution #164-26

      3. Electrical System Review

         Council received a report from the Acting Road Superintendent regarding electrical issues that occurred during the June 20, 2026 rental at the Laird Fairgrounds. With the removal of the kitchen island, several circuits were lost, resulting in renters relying on the remaining outlets, which were already supporting fridges and freezers. This led to outlets being overloaded during the event.

         Through discussion, it was recommended to replace certain breakers and add additional circuits to ensure the gazebo’s electrical system is resilient for future rentals. It was noted that the existing stoves are on 30-amp circuits and should be on 40-amp circuits. Council also discussed the possibility of switching to gas stoves, as prolonged stove use during rentals causes the electrical system to heat significantly.

         Council further discussed water backing up in the old men’s bathroom during the rental, indicating that the greywater holding tank may be full. The Laird International Raceway kitchen also experienced a backup. Council discussed incorporating the LIR sewage system into the Environmental Compliance Approval (ECA) design and directed staff to consult with engineer Marc Pilon regarding this addition.

         #164-26
         Moved by: Todd Rydall
         Seconded by: Wayne Junor

         1960

         BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council authorize the Clerk to proceed with emergency electrical repairs at the Fairgrounds, including connection of the new deep well pump, on a Time and Material basis, and that the Acting Road Superintendent approve all Time and Material costs.

         Carried.

      4. Time-and-Material Manpower Support

         During discussion under the Fairgrounds Water Supply item, the Acting Road Superintendent advised Council that he is struggling to complete required work due to staffing shortages. He noted that road staff are currently on holiday, that he is seeking to take holidays himself, and that the Roads Department is behind schedule.

         Council asked the Clerk for an update on the hiring process for the Temporary Senior Machine Operator position. The Clerk reported that few applications have been received to date and that the posting remains open until July 10, 2026.

         Council discussed options to provide immediate operational support, including contracting staff from Stobie Mechanical & Welding to assist the Acting Road Superintendent on a time-and-material basis. Following this discussion, Council passed Resolution #165-26 authorizing the Clerk to contract time-and-material manpower as needed.

         #165-26
         Moved by: Matt Frolick
         Seconded by: Brad Shewfelt

         BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council authorize the Clerk to contract time-and-materials manpower to assist the Acting Road Superintendent as needed.

         Carried.

10. Notices of Motion
11. Closed Session
12. Communications and Correspondence
13. Mayor and Council Comments
14. By-laws
    1. 2090-26 Conformity By-law

       #166-26
       Moved by: Matt Frolick
       Seconded by: Brad Shewfelt

       BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council adopts By-law 2090-26, being a by-law to confirm the proceedings of the meeting of Council held on June 30, 2026.

       Carried.

    1961
15. Adjournment

    #167-26
    Moved by: Todd Rydall
    Seconded by: Wayne Junor

    BE IT RESOLVED THAT this Council shall now adjourn to meet again on July 16, 2026 or until the call of the chair.

    Carried.