Log outMember's Log in
Present:
Angus Toulouse
Anna Marie Abitong
Arnelda Bennett
Leroy Bennett
McKenzie Toulouse (Virtual)
Michael Abitong
Nicole Eshkakogan
Paul Eshkakogan
Rhonda Stoneypoint
Staff:
Andrea Hajt-Jacobs, Director – Director of Council Secretariat
Natalie Spenser, Human Resources
Darla Boston, Political Office Administrative Assistant
Meggan McCracken, Acting Director of Finance
Samantha Keysis, Director Lands, Resources & Environment
Sean Cassidy, Director of IT & Communications
Junita Skruibis, Director of Family & Community Support (Virtual) Roger Jones, Assistant Director – Council Secretariat (Virtual)
Ryan McLeod, Financial Advisor (Virtual)
Susan Dechamps, Director of Long-Term Care (Virtual)
Evan O’Leary, Sagamok Development Corporation Manager (Virtual)
Regrets:
Sheldon Toulouse
Opening Prayer by Leroy Bennett
Meeting called to order @ 9:45 AM
Motion 2023/10 #11
Sagamok Chief & Council motion to accept agenda as presented.
Moved by: Lawrence Solomon
Seconded by: Michael Abitong
A/O: 0
CARRIED
Approval of the minutes from the previous October 10th, 2023 Council meeting have been deferred to the upcoming November 2023 meeting.
• Koognaasewin – Presentation and Overview of the Reimaging Component
• Koognaasewin – Child Well Being Law
• Letter to Kerry Francis CEO- Assumption of Prevention Services
• BN Opioid Stats Report
• Q2 Report
• BN Food Security Decisions- Tabled as more Data is required.
Lunch Break from 11:54am - 12:47pm
In the interest of transparency and open communication, Communications & IT is looking at upgrading the current Owl video camera system with additional units. The intention is for this to be used for live streaming future Council meetings. The goal is to have multiple Owl cameras with microphones to capture all possible discussion during meetings with high quality audio and video.
An update was provided on the status of the New School Construction, and potential changes in the proposed Move-In Date for students and staff. The previous established date was January 8th, 2024; however, a new date of January 15th, 2024 is being brought forward. Furthermore, during the move-in period, there may be a need to close the school for a 3-day period, with students given homework packages during the closure until the new school is open and ready.
No decision has been made, and further discussion is to be deferred to the next Council meeting in November.
Motion 2023/10 #12
Sagamok Chief & Council motion to accept the Multi-Service Connection Cost Agreement for Subdivision-Maple Ridge Phase 1C – Under Option “A” Expansion/Connection #000303186239-2023-10-13
Moved by: Arnelda Bennett
Seconded by: Anna Marie Abitong
A/O: 0
CARRIED
Motion 2023/10 #13
Sagamok Chief & Council motion to proceed with the 2 million investment opportunity for the end of October with the loan term not to exceed 5 months for March 31st, 2024, with Interested to be paid monthly at $25 000.00 per month.
Move by: Arnelda Bennett
Second by: Anna Marie Abitong
A/O: 0
CARRIED
The audit for the 2022/2023 Fiscal Year is nearly complete, and reportedly to be made available in November 2023, if Council is able to approve the audit report prior to the Annual General Meeting. However, given the repeated delays from KPMG, discussion was had about seeking the services of BDO rather than KPMG for future audits.
HR is proposing a standardization for essential workers’ compensation during Council mandated holidays, such as the Christmas break. Given the essential nature of certain departments and difficulty in finding coverage for those periods, HR is recommending amending the Chief & Council Declared Holiday Policy to allow for Holiday Pay, Regular Pay plus Overtime during the Christmas Holidays. Eagles Lodge will require their own separate policy as they are an essential service provider.
Motion 2023/10 #14
Sagamok Chief & Council motion to accept Option 2 for Essential Workers – to grant holiday pay, regular pay for hours worked plus overtime during the Christmas Holidays upon Manager approval.
Moved by: Anna Marie Abitong
Second by: Leroy Bennett
A/O: 0
CARRIED
Discussion: Emphasis on our essential workers and the need to appreciate them in order to keep their services, and should be compensated accordingly.
Lands Resources and Environment – Samantha Keysis
Two applications for residential land allocations were brought forward for Arthur Trudeau and Tanya Keysis. However, both applications were deferred due to environmental issues with the proposed lots, and the need to potentially reassess a new location for both candidates.
Discussion was had on where to best purchase cords of wood for those who require wood for heat. A variety of sellers from around the area have been approached for quotes, which would include delivery.
• Date to present the Finite Carbon to council, next day council meeting November 28th, 2023
The Long Term Care Q2 Report has been deferred to next meeting.
The Mental Health & Addictions Q2 Report has been deferred to next meeting.
The Membership & Estates Q2 Report has also been deferred to next meeting.
Planning & Infrastructure – Ross Assinewe
Motion 2023/10 #15
Sagamok Chief & Council motion to accept BCR 2023-10-35 - Green & Inclusive Building
Moved by: Anna Marie Abitong
Seconded by: Leroy Bennett
A/O: 0
CARRIED
Motion 2023/10 #16
Sagamok Chief & Council motion to accept the Planning & Infrastructure Q2 Report as presented.
Moved by: Anna Marie Abitong
Seconded by: Lawrence Solomon
A/O: 0
CARRIED
Motion 2023/10 #17
Sagamok Chief & Council motion that Rent to Own homes of Sandra Eshkakogan and Craig and Velma Toulouse be transferred to them, subject to:
1. LRE effecting the transfer of the lands via CP, or if appropriate, customary land transfer process of Sagamok Anishnawbek;
2. Finance Department working with tenants to sign a transfer agreement, which should be prepared by legal counsel.
3. The Tenants putting in place a homeowner’s property and liability insurance policy. It is further recommended that rent be waived on these properties from November 1, 2023 to January 31, 2024, in anticipation of the homes and lots being transferred via a Band Council Resolution in approximately January 2024. Moved by: Anna Marie Abitong Second by: Micheal Abitong
A/O: 0
CARRIED
Housing Committee Update – No motion required at this time.
o ISC gathering November 15-16 2023
• Presentation of Hydro One Proposed Partnership Structure
• BN – Hydro One – Opportunities for Indigenous Communities
Health – Nicole Eshkakogan
• Request for In Camera for CFA – Deferred to next meeting.
• Deferred
Motion 2023/10#18
Sagamok Chief & Council motion to adjourn the meeting.
Moved by: Lawrence Solomo
Second by: Michael Abitong
A/O: 0
CARRIED
Closing Prayer by Leroy Bennett
Next Meeting: November 28th 2023 - All day meeting. An emergency meeting will be called once the audit is completed.
Z’gamok Enterprises Inc. is a corporation 100% owned by the Sagamok Anishnawbek. It is mandated to maximize the economic development opportunities of the Sagamok Anishnawbek First Nation within its traditional lands and within the Northern Ontario region in the resource sector and in services related to construction and resource development.
