Municipality of Strathroy-Caradoc

Regular Council Session

Minutes

Monday, November 18, 2024

6:00 P.m. - 10:00 P.m.

Hybrid Meeting (Council Chamber and Virtual)

Strathroy-Caradoc Municipal Office

52 Frank Street, Strathroy, Ontario

Present:

• Mayor Colin Grantham
• Deputy Mayor Mike McGuire
• Councillor John Brennan
• Councillor Frank Kennes
• Councillor Donna Pammer
• Councillor Sandi Hipple
• Councillor Greg Willsie
• Councillor Brian Derbyshire

Absent with Notice:

• Councillor Steve Pelkman

Also Present:

• Trisha McKibbin, Chief Administrative Officer
• Jennifer Pereira, Deputy Clerk/Lottery Licensing Officer (Recorder)
• Brianna Hammer-Keidel, Director of Legal and Legislative Services/Clerk
• Bill Dakin, Director of Financial Services/Treasurer
• Rob Lilbourne, Director of Community Services
• Doug Payne, Director of Human Resources
• Tim Williams, Manager of Planning, County of Middlesex
• Mark Ortiz, Director of Engineering & Public Works

Others Present:

• Todd Powell

  Dr. Ron Griffiths

  Melanie Franke

  Karen Karns

  Barb Wardell

  Jim Morton

  John Tyrell, RV Anderson

  Ken Logtenberg, B.M. Ross Associates Ltd.

---

1.

Roll Call

The Clerk has confirmed Council attendance.

Councillor Brennan confirms that he holds Councillor Pelkman's proxy vote in his absence.

2.

Call to Order/Approve Agenda

• Moved by Councillor Brennan
  Seconded by Councillor Kennes

  THAT: the agenda for the November 18, 2024 Regular Council meeting be amended to defer consideration of By-law No. 114-24 to December 2, 2024, and further, to add one additional item to be discussed in camera:

  • One item pursuant to Section 239(2)(f) of the Municipal Act, 2001, as amended, regarding advice subject to solicitor - client privilege (Mount Brydges Waste Water Treatment Facility).
  Carried

3.

Declaration of Pecuniary Interest

None.

4.

Presentations/Delegations/Petitions

4.1

Todd Powell, Resident, and Dr. Ron Griffiths - Delegation Regarding the Master Servicing Plan with Respect to the Mount Brydges Waste Water Treatment Facility

Deputy Mayor McGuire wonders if the plan caused any impairment to the environment. Dr. Griffiths indicates that nothing that is happening in the plant has had any impairment to the environment in any way. 

• Moved by Councillor Willsie
  Seconded by Councillor Hipple

  THAT: the delegation be received for information.

  Carried

5.

Public Meeting

5.1

Public Meeting No. 1

5.1.1

Motion to open the public meeting

• Moved by Councillor Kennes
  Seconded by Deputy Mayor McGuire

  THAT: the public meeting is to consider a Draft Plan of Subdivision and Rezoning for the property owned by Carroll Street East Developments Inc. located at 360 Carroll Street East be hereby opened.

  Carried

5.1.2

Report to be presented by the Planner

Tim Williams, Manager of Planning presents a report on the Draft Plan of Subdivision and Rezoning for the property located at 360 Carroll Street East. He indicates that the purpose of the information report is to provide Council and the public background information on the subdivision and zoning application to accompany the scheduled public meeting on the November 18^th Council Meeting.  The public meeting seeks to collect comments from the public and Council.  The proposal may then be amended, or additional information provided to address comments before a planning evaluation report is presented to Council. The property is located in Strathroy, northeast of the intersection at Saxton Road and Carroll Street East, with frontage on Carroll Street East. The land is currently used for agricultural crop production and a plant nursery in the northeast portion of the land. The settlement boundary is located along the eastern property line. Surrounding land uses include low density residential to the north across Carroll Street East, agricultural uses to the east and west, and single detached residential dwelling uses to the south. Two existing single unit dwellings are also located abutting the corners of the subject lands fronting onto Carroll Street East. The purpose of the subject subdivision and zoning by-law amendment applications are to facilitate the development of a residential subdivision containing 65 single-detached lots, 40 street townhouse units, a high-density residential block, a parkland block, a stormwater management block, a future development block, and two 1 ft. reserve blocks. The plan also proposes four new public roads with access to Carroll Street East.  A subsequent report will be provided and will include a full policy analysis and responses to comments received related to the zoning by-law amendment application, as well as provide recommendations for Council’s consideration. The Zoning By-law amendment application will receive final consideration by Strathroy-Caradoc Council at same a future council meeting. The Draft Plan of Subdivision will receive a decision by Strathroy-Caradoc Council which will be forwarded to County Council for a final decision.

 

5.1.3

Comments in support of the proposed rezoning

Taylor Whitney, on behalf of the applicant was present to support the report.

5.1.4

Comments in opposition to the proposed rezoning

None.

5.1.5

Comments and questions from Members of Council

Councillor Pammer requests a review to the access for this subdivision. Tim Williams, Manager of Planning indicates that the only frontage is Carroll Street which is the only access point for this subdivision.

Deputy Mayor McGuire wonders during the build phase if there would be consideration for a temporary access for the high-density building. Tim Williams indicates that yes that could be a consideration and could include that in the future consideration report. Deputy Mayor McGuire also asks how many storeys the high-density building would be. Tim Williams explains that it would be between 7-8 storeys.

Councillor Willsie wonders how the storm water will be dealt with and wonders about the visitor parking. Tim Williams, Manager of Planning explains that the stormwater management has been the delay of this report coming to Council as it has been expanded and designed and has been part of a larger group of other developments. He indicates that the streets are public roads and is different from a condominium plan, he adds that he would turn to the builder to pair driveways in order to accommodate extra vehicles. This would be added to the zoning by-law.

Councillor Hipple expresses that this area is already busy and very congested and is worried about additional vehicles.

Mayor Grantham wonders if the EMS and Emergency Services have been consulted regarding the one access point. Tim Williams confirms that they were part of the consultation.

Councillor Pammer also has concerns with a higher density, and wonders if there will be a sidewalk. Tim Williams indicates that the County Engineer has preliminary drawings for upgrades such as sidewalks.

5.1.6

Motion to close the public meeting

• Moved by Deputy Mayor McGuire
  Seconded by Councillor Brennan

  THAT: the public meeting is to consider a Draft Plan of Subdivision and Rezoning for the property owned by Carroll Street East Developments Inc. located at 360 Carroll Street East be hereby closed.

  Carried

5.1.7

Decision/Resolution

• Moved by Deputy Mayor McGuire
  Seconded by Councillor Kennes

  THAT: the subject report BBP-2024-125 for Draft Plan of Subdivision 39T-SC2301 and ZBA 23-2022 be received for information.

  Carried

5.2

Public Meeting No. 2

5.2.1

Motion to open the public meeting.

• Moved by Deputy Mayor McGuire
  Seconded by Councillor Derbyshire

  THAT: the public meeting is to consider a Zoning By-law Amendment for the property located at 6743 Olde Drive, be hereby opened.   

  Carried

5.2.2

Report to be presented by the Planner

Tim Williams, Manager of Planning presents a report on the application for Zoning By-law Amendment for the property at 6743 Olde Drive.  The purpose of the Zoning By-law Amendment application is to rezone the lands to be severed from the ‘General Agricultural (A1) Zone’ to a site-specific ‘Agricultural Small Holdings (A2-41) Zone’ and the lands to be retained from the ‘General Agricultural (A1) Zone’ to the ‘Agricultural Purposes Only (A3) Zone’.  The subject land comprises approximately 33.25 ha (82.2 ac) of agricultural land located on the south side of Olde Drive, east of Melbourne Road (County Road 9) in the former Township of Caradoc. Olde Drive is classified as a ‘local road’ under the jurisdiction of the Municipality of Strathroy-Caradoc. Surrounding land uses are predominantly agricultural and rural residential in nature. Staff are supportive of the proposed rezoning as it is considered to be consistent with the Provincial Planning Statement; conforms to the Official Plans of both the County of Middlesex and the Municipality of Strathroy-Caradoc; and represents sound land use planning.

5.2.3

Comments in support of the proposed rezoning

None.

5.2.4

Comments is opposition of the proposed rezoning

None.

5.2.5

Comments and questions from Members of Council

None.

5.2.6

Motion to close the public meeting

• Moved by Deputy Mayor McGuire
  Seconded by Councillor Derbyshire

  THAT: the public meeting is to consider a Zoning By-law Amendment for the property located at 6743 Olde Drive, be hereby closed.

  Carried

5.2.7

Decision/Resolution

• Moved by Councillor Hipple
  Seconded by Councillor Willsie

  THAT: Report BBP-2024-127 regarding rezoning application ZBA 18-2024, be received for information; and further,
  THAT: By-law 110-24 be referred to the Consideration of By-laws Section of the Agenda for consideration and approval.

  Carried

6.

Approval of Minutes

6.1

Regular Council Meeting Minutes – November 4, 2024

• Moved by Councillor Brennan
  Seconded by Deputy Mayor McGuire

  THAT: the Regular Council Meeting minutes of November 4, 2024 be approved as written.

  Carried

7.

Communications

• Moved by Councillor Kennes
  Seconded by Councillor Brennan

  THAT: Council receive the communication items 7.1, 7.4 and 7.5 for information.

  Carried
• Moved by Councillor Brennan
  Seconded by Councillor Kennes

  THAT: Council receive communication items 7. 2 & 7.3 for information. 

  Carried

7.1

Financial Services Department - October Payment Listing

7.2

St. Clair Region Conservation Authority Meeting Highlights - October 2024

7.3

Tom Mrakas, Mayor, Town of Aurora - Request for Support of Resolution Regarding Funding from Provincial and Federal Governments

7.4

Proposed Shared Tower Inc. Radiocommunication Tower - 8043 Olde Dr, Mt Brydges

7.5

Signum Wireless Community Notification for a 50m Telecommunication Tower - 8361 Glendon Dr, Mt Brydges

8.

Notice of Motion

8.1

Mayor Colin Grantham - Not to Be Voted On

THAT: Staff be directed to form a focus group of Seniors to understand the “gap” and need in Recreation activities delivered to the Seniors community, and further; 

THAT: Staff, using that report as the foundation, present Council with options for delivering the services identified by the focus group, with the report to include possible, if necessary, locations for further Seniors activities, and further;

THAT: The report to be delivered by the first Council meeting in February.

9.

Reports from Departments

9.1

Engineering and Public Works 

9.1.1

10-Year Road Needs Study - EPW-2024-76

Ken Logtenberg, B.M. Ross and Associates Lts made a presentation to Council on the 10-Year Road Needs Study.
Councillor Kennes wonders how we compare to other municipalities. Ken Logtenberg indicates that there have been some more changes within this municipality compared to others.

• Moved by Councillor Brennan
  Seconded by Councillor Kennes

  THAT: Council receive report EPW-2024-76 - 10-Year Road Needs Study for information.

  Carried

9.1.2

Water, Wastewater and Stormwater Masterplan - EPW-2024-80

• Moved by Councillor Kennes
  Seconded by Councillor Pammer

  THAT: Report EPW-2024-74 “Water, Wastewater and Stormwater Masterplan” be received for information.

  Carried
• Moved by Councillor Kennes
  Seconded by Councillor Brennan

  THAT: Council endorse the 2024 Water, Wastewater and Stormwater Master Plan as the recommended servicing strategies to meet Strathroy-Caradoc’s growth needs to 2046 as well as provide effective on-going continuity to existing serviced settlement areas, and further;

  
  THAT: Council direct Staff to file a Notice of Completion and commence the 45-day public review period as required under the Municipal Class Environmental Assessment (MCEA) process.

  Carried

9.1.3

Mount Brydges Wastewater Treatment Facility Program Update - EPW-2024-79

• Moved by Councillor Brennan
  Seconded by Councillor Kennes

  THAT: Report EPW-2024-79 Mount Brydges Wastewater Treatment Facility Program Update be received for information.

  Carried
• Moved by Councillor Derbyshire
  Seconded by Deputy Mayor McGuire

  THAT: Staff work the Powell Group and the neighboring landowners with which there are agreements and complete third-party operational review and process optimization.

  For (5)	Councillor Hipple, Deputy Mayor McGuire, Councillor Pammer, Councillor Willsie, and Councillor Derbyshire
  Against (4)	Councillor Brennan, Councillor Kennes, Councillor Pelkman, and Mayor Grantham

  Carried (5 to 4)
• Moved by Councillor Pammer
  Seconded by Councillor Brennan

  THAT: Council direct Staff to continue exploring Mount Brydges Wastewater Treatment Facility Program opportunities including converting the existing equalization tank construction contract to an equipment-supply contract, completing an operational review and process optimization, and conducting an inflow & infiltration study.

  For (9)

  Councillor Brennan, Councillor Hipple, Councillor Kennes, Councillor Pelkman, Mayor Grantham, Deputy Mayor McGuire, Councillor Pammer, Councillor Willsie, and Councillor Derbyshire

  Carried (9 to 0)

9.2

Legal and Legislative Services 

9.2.1

2025 Schedule of Council Meeting Dates and Locations - LLS-2024-13

• Moved by Councillor Pammer
  Seconded by Deputy Mayor McGuire

  THAT: Report LLS-2024-13 “2025 Schedule of Council Meeting Dates and Locations” be received for information.

  Carried
• Moved by Councillor Hipple
  Seconded by Councillor Kennes

  THAT: Council approve the 2025 Regular Council Meeting dates and Strategic Priorities Meeting dates as proposed.

  Carried
• Moved by Councillor Pammer
  Seconded by Councillor Kennes

  THAT: meetings are held in the Council Chambers in 2025. 

  Carried

9.3

Financial Services 

9.3.1

External Auditing Services RFP Results – Appointment for 2024 - FIN-2024-32

• Moved by Councillor Willsie
  Seconded by Councillor Kennes

  THAT: Report FIN 2024-32 “External Auditing Services RFP Results – Appointment for 2024” be received for information.

  Carried
• Moved by Councillor Pammer
  Seconded by Councillor Brennan

  THAT: MNP be appointed as the Municipality’s Auditor for the 2024 to 2028 Year Ends.

  Carried

9.3.2

Update Purchasing Policy - FIN-2024-33

• Moved by Councillor Brennan
  Seconded by Councillor Kennes

  THAT: Report FIN 2024-33 Updated Purchasing Policy be received for information.

  Carried
• Moved by Councillor Kennes
  Seconded by Councillor Brennan

  THAT: Council approve the updated Purchasing Policy and forward By-law 105-24 to the Consideration of By-laws section of the agenda for approval, and further;

   

  THAT: the Updated Purchasing Policy and the accompanying Accessible Purchasing Guidelines be posted to the Municipal Website.

  Carried

9.4

Building and Planning

9.4.1

OPA 1-2024 and ZBA2-2024 24546 Adelaide Road Planning Evaluation Report, BBP-2024-126

• Moved by Councillor Brennan
  Seconded by Deputy Mayor McGuire

  THAT: Report BBP-2024-126 regarding OPA 1-2024 and ZBA 2-2024 be received by Council for information.

  Carried
• Moved by Councillor Kennes
  Seconded by Deputy Mayor McGuire

  THAT: Amendment No. 19 to the Official Plan of the Municipality of Strathroy-Caradoc (application OPA 1-2024) which would re-designate the lands municipally known as 24546 Adelaide Road in Strathroy from ‘Commercial’ to ‘Residential- Special Policy 14’ be adopted and forwarded to the County of Middlesex for consideration and approval; and

   

  THAT: the rezoning application, ZBA 2-2024 which would rezone the lands part of the lands municipally known as 24546 Adelaide Road, Strathroy from “General Commercial (C1) zone” to site specific ‘High Density Residential (R3-24-H-4-H-10) as amended by staff, be approved; and

   

  THAT: By-law 112-24 and By-law 113-24 be referred to the Consideration of By-laws Section of the Agenda.

  Carried

9.4.2

22323 Adelaide Road – Consent Agreement - BBP-2024-135

• Moved by Councillor Kennes
  Seconded by Councillor Hipple

  THAT: Report BBP-2024-135 “22323 Adelaide Road – Consent Agreement” be received for information.

  Carried
• Moved by Councillor Brennan
  Seconded by Councillor Kennes

  THAT: Council forward By-law No.115-24 authorizing a Consent Agreement between the Municipality of Strathroy-Caradoc and Christina Maria Loyens to the Consideration of By-laws section of the agenda for approval.

  Carried

9.4.3

PLC 3-2024 615 and 617 Regent Street Planning Evaluation Report - BBP-2024-136

• Moved by Deputy Mayor McGuire
  Seconded by Councillor Derbyshire

  THAT: the subject report for PLC 3-2024 be received for information.

  Carried
• Moved by Councillor Kennes
  Seconded by Deputy Mayor McGuire

  THAT: Council pass Part Lot Control Exemption By-law No. 116-24 with respect to the subject lands Lot 20 Plan 33M-822, as generally illustrated in Attachment 2, and to expire two (2) years following passing by Council, and further;

  
  THAT: the By-law be forwarded to the County of Middlesex for approval.

  Carried
• Moved by Mayor Grantham
  Seconded by Deputy Mayor McGuire

  THAT: Council recess at 8:48 p.m.

   

  Carried
• Moved by Councillor Brennan
  Seconded by Deputy Mayor McGuire

  THAT: Council reconvene the meeting at 9:02 p.m.

  Carried

9.5

Community Services

9.5.1

Investment Grade Audit Update – Nov 18, 2024 - CS-2024-51

• Moved by Councillor Pammer
  Seconded by Councillor Brennan

  THAT: Report CS-2024-51 titled Investment Grade Audit Update – Nov 18, 2024 be received for information.

  Carried
• Moved by Councillor Pammer
  Seconded by Deputy Mayor McGuire

  THAT: Council deny staff to procure an agreement with Johnson Controls through CANOE procurement, with the intent of retrofitting the Municipality’s facilities, including the Gemini Sportsplex, West Middlesex Memorial Arena, Municipal Offices, and the Strathroy-Caradoc Police Station.

  Carried

9.6

Chief Administrative Officer

9.6.1

Economic Development Report - 2024 3rd Quarter Update - ED-2024-09

• Moved by Councillor Kennes
  Seconded by Deputy Mayor McGuire

  THAT: Report ED-2024-09 “Economic Development 2024 3^rd Quarter Update” be received for information.

  Carried
• Moved by Councillor Willsie
  Seconded by Deputy Mayor McGuire

  THAT: the Municipality use the remaining funds to extend services beyond the budget window and;

  THAT: the Municipality enter into discussions with Middlesex County to integrate application to Gas Tax Program and alter routes to better serve the population of Strathroy-Caradoc and Middlesex County.

  Carried

10.

Reports from Boards and Committees

• Moved by Deputy Mayor McGuire
  Seconded by Councillor Kennes

  THAT: the reports from boards and committees be received for information.

  Carried

10.1

BIA Board Meeting Minutes - September 10, 2024

10.2

BIA Board Meeting Minutes - October 08, 2024

11.

New Business

11.1

Verbal Report from Mayor Colin Grantham

Mayor Grantham provided a verbal update regarding recent discussions with neighbouring First Nations about long-term plans for a potential local recreation complex.

12.

County Council Report

12.1

County Council Highlights - November 12, 2024

13.

Enquiries or Comments by Members

Councillor Hipple was pleased with the great turnout at the Mount Brydges Remembrance Day Ceremonies. She adds that the Christmas Event in Mount Brydges was very successful. She congratulates Dylan Giffen from the Toronto Argonauts for the teams Cup win. She will be at the Mount Brydges Tim Hortons for Smile Cookie Day on Wednesday. All the funds are being donated to the Caring Cupboard in Mount Brydges and 137 Frank in Strathroy.

Councillor Willsie shares that the Open House at the Legion held by Councillor Willsie and Councillor Derbyshire was successful and was happy to see the community engagement.

Councillor Brennan compliments Brian Anderson, Head of the History Department and Rebecca Surman, Head of the Drama Department for two very moving Remembrance Day Ceremonies at Strathroy District Collegiate Insititute. 

Councillor Derbyshire invites the community to the Turkey Bingo in Melbourne on Nov 21, 2024.

Councillor Pammer reminders the community that Nov 23, 2024, is the Santa Claus Parade at 1pm. The Lighting of the Tree to take place on Nov 29, 2024, followed by and the Christmas Outdoor Market.

Deputy Mayor McGuire thanks Council for the honour of laying the wreath on Remembrance Day in Strathroy and thought it was one of the best attended by the community.

Mayor Grantham had the honour of presenting the Metal of Distinction to recipient Rick Wilkins.

14.

Schedule of Meetings

15.

In Camera

• Moved by Councillor Kennes
  Seconded by Councillor Derbyshire

  THAT:  Council move into closed session at 9:30 p.m. for the purpose of discussing the following:

  • One item in accordance with Council's Procedure By-law (to approve In-Camera Meeting Minutes)
  • Two items pursuant to Section 239(2)(c) of the Municipal Act, 2001, as amended, regarding a proposed or pending acquisition or disposition of land by the municipality (40 Metcalfe Street; Metcalfe Terrace).
  • One item pursuant to Section 239(2)(f) of the Municipal Act, 2001, as amended, regarding advice subject to solicitor - client privilege (Mount Brydges Waste Water Treatment Facility).
  Carried

16.

Open Session Resume

• Moved by Deputy Mayor McGuire
  Seconded by Councillor Pammer

  THAT: Closed Session adjourn at 10:09 p.m. and Open Session resume.

  Carried

17.

Report on Closed Session

Mayor Grantham reports that Council moved into closed session for the purpose of discussing the following:

• One item in accordance with Council's Procedure By-law (to approve In-Camera Meeting Minutes)
• Two items pursuant to Section 239(2)(c) of the Municipal Act, 2001, as amended, regarding a proposed or pending acquisition or disposition of land by the municipality (40 Metcalfe Street; Metcalfe Terrace).
• One item pursuant to Section 239(2)(f) of the Municipal Act, 2001, as amended, regarding advice subject to solicitor - client privilege (Mount Brydges Waste Water Treatment Facility).

• Moved by Councillor Willsie
  Seconded by Councillor Kennes

  THAT: the direction in Closed Session be approved.

  Carried

18.

Consideration of By-laws

• Moved by Councillor Kennes
  Seconded by Deputy Mayor McGuire

  THAT: By-law No. 105-24, By-law No. 110-24, By-law No. 112-24, By-law No. 113-24, By-law No. 115-24, By-law No. 116-24, By-law No. 117-24 receive first, second and third and final reading.

  Carried

18.1

By-law No. 105-24

18.2

By-law No. 106-24

18.3

By-law No. 110-24

18.4

By-law No. 112-24

18.5

By-law No. 113-24

18.6

By-law No. 115-24

18.7

By-law No. 116-24

18.8

By-law No. 117-24

19.

Adjournment

• Finance Committee Meeting - Monday, November 25, 2024 @ 5:00 p.m. - Council Chamber/Hybrid
• Regular Council Meeting - Monday, December 2 @ 6:00 p.m. - Council Chamber/Hybrid
• Finance Committee Meeting - Monday, December 09, 2024 @ 5:00 p.m. - Council Chamber/Hybrid
• Regular Council Meeting - Monday, December 16 @ 6:00 p.m. - Council Chamber/Hybrid

• Moved by Deputy Mayor McGuire
  Seconded by Councillor Kennes

  THAT: the November 18, 2024 Regular Council Meeting adjourn at 10:11 p.m.

  Carried