Managing New Development in Richmond Hill
Richmond Hill is hosting a public meeting on Wednesday, April 15 to seek the community’s input about a new development charge. Development charges help pay for the cost of new infrastructure that is required to provide municipal services to new development (e.g. roads, watermains, stormwater management and outdoor recreation) and are collected from developers at the time building permits are issued. The new fee is for sanitary sewer infrastructure required for new development. Consulting with the community about this new development charge reinforces Richmond Hill’s commitment to sound fiscal management. More information about the report and meeting date, including how to register to attend, will be provided in March. For more information, contact David Dexter, Director, Financial Services & Treasurer, at 905-771-2484.

Council Extends Integrity Commissioner Services Contract
Council approved a contract extension for integrity commissioner services while staff proceed with a request for proposal process to identify candidates and retain a new integrity commissioner for Richmond Hill. Amberley Gavel Ltd.’s contract expires at the end of April, after providing services to Richmond Hill since November 2013. Council and staff expect to award a new contract by mid-summer. The Integrity Commissioner’s duties include providing impartial, third party, professional advice to Council and responding to any compliance issues, along with matters relating to ethical responsibilities and obligations under the Code of Conduct. Education and advisement of the community is also part of this role. At another meeting earlier this month, Council directed staff to review the Council Code of Conduct, the Member of Council Expense Policy and the draft Council Mailing Policy, which will coincide with the new contract for integrity commissioner services. To file a complaint and/or to learn more about the Council Code of Conduct, visit RichmondHill.ca/CouncilCode or contact Gloria Collier, Acting Town Clerk & Manager, Legislative Services, at 905-747-6363.