Municipality of Strathroy-Caradoc

Regular Council Session

Minutes

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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 Steve Pelkman
  • Councillor Donna Pammer
  • Councillor Sandi Hipple
  • Councillor Greg Willsie
  • Councillor Brian Derbyshire
Absent with Notice:
  • Councillor Frank Kennes
Also Present:
  • Trisha McKibbin, Chief Administrative Officer
  • Brianna Hammer-Keidel, Director of Legal and Legislative Services/Clerk
  • Melonie Carson, Deputy Clerk/Records Management Coordinator (Recorder)
  • Bill Dakin, Director of Financial Services/Treasurer
  • Rob Lilbourne, Director of Community Services
  • Tim Williams, Planner
  • Mark Ortiz, Director of Engineering & Public Works
Others Present:
  • David Welwood, Planning Consultant (JL Richards & Associates Ltd.)

    John Tyrrell, RV Anderson

    Paul Kitson, Westdel

    Steve Riczu

    Jim Morton

    Richard Berkmomortel

    Laura Berkmortal

    Debra Reid

    Mike Reid

    Brad Morrison

    Marcy McKillop

    Manjit Bains


Mayor Grantham confirmed Council attendance noting that Councillor Kennes was absent with notice and Councillor Brennan held his proxy.

  • Moved byCouncillor Hipple
    Seconded byDeputy Mayor McGuire

    THAT: the November 4, 2024 Regular Council Meeting Agenda be approved as circulated.

    Carried

Councillor Willsie declared a conflict on item 4.1.

  • Moved byDeputy Mayor McGuire
    Seconded byCouncillor Brennan

    THAT: the public meeting to consider an application for Zoning By-law Amendment for the property located at 8668 Longwoods Road, Mt Brydges be hereby opened.

    Carried

David Welwood, Planning Consultant (JL Richards & Associates Ltd.), was present to speak to the report adding that the lands are municipally known as 8668 Longwoods Road in the Municipality of Strathroy-Caradoc and are approximately 0.767 ha in size with approximately 181.5 m of frontage along Longwoods Road (County Road 2) and approximately 42.8 m of frontage on Mill Road. The lands are currently used for residential purposes and contain a dwelling with a detached garage and accessory sheds. The property is located to the northwest side of the intersection of Longwoods Road and Mill Road. The purpose of the Zoning By-law Amendment application is to permit a secondary dwelling unit on a property in the Agricultural Small Holding (A2) zone. In addition to permitting a secondary dwelling unit, the application also seeks several site specific provisions from the requirements of the Zoning By-law.  These include:

  • An exterior side yard of 16.5 metres whereas 20 m is required;
  • A ground floor area for accessory structures of approximately 173% that of the principal dwelling, whereas the Zoning By-law requires a lot coverage for accessory structures not exceeding 80% of the ground floor area of a dwelling;
  • Location of a secondary suite on a ground floor;
  • An accessory building is located in the front yard, whereas the Zoning By-law restricts the construction of buildings in the front yard;
  • The height of accessory buildings on the property are 5.5 m, 8.2 m, and 6 m for the existing dwelling/proposed secondary suite, attached garage, proposed new accessory building, respectively, whereas the Zoning By-law requires accessory buildings to be no higher than 4.5 m in height; and
  • A setback for development from the centreline of an arterial road under County jurisdiction being 30.8 metres, whereas 38 m is required.

The proposed dwelling will be significantly larger than the existing dwelling, therefore the new dwelling will become the primary dwelling and the existing dwelling will become a secondary suite for the purposes of calculating zoning requirements. 

Richard Berkmomortel doesn't think the amendments are in line with the agricultural practices, rather someone wanting to have two building on one property and thinks there is a lot of president being set here for allowing all the A2 small parcel properties across Strathroy-Caradoc to allow all these seven deviations being requested as part of this proposal. Added that the second house being larger than the primary house is not permitted, being aware that the second house will become the secondary.  Secondary property can be allowed if there are full municipal services, which there are not and there are no sewer services that are being supplied. Richard also had concerns about natural heritage system closeby and thinks there should be other studies that should be considered with respect to allowing this proposal.

  • Moved byCouncillor Hipple
    Seconded byDeputy Mayor McGuire

    THAT: the public meeting to consider an application for Zoning By-law Amendment for the property located at 8668 Longwoods Road, Mt Brydges be hereby closed.

    Carried
  • Moved byDeputy Mayor McGuire
    Seconded byCouncillor Derbyshire

    THAT: the subject report BBP-2024-122 for Zoning By-law Amendment be received for information.

    Carried
  • Moved byDeputy Mayor McGuire
    Seconded byCouncillor Willsie

    THAT: the public meeting to consider an application for Zoning By-law Amendment for the Fieldcrest subdivision be hereby opened.

    Carried

Tim Williams, Manager of Planning, County of Middlesex, was present to speak to the report noting that the purpose of the subject zoning by-law application is to facilitate the development of 118 townhouse units on private roads with visitor parking and amenity open space throughout the development. The development has access to Willis Avenue and Newton Circle. The application is proposing an earthen berm along the CN railway and no dwelling units will be within 30 m of the railway, however, the details of the berm are proposed to be addressed during the site plan process so the applicants have proposed a hold be placed on the zone for noise and vibration. The development proposal also includes a plan to move the parkland to “in front” of the development along Willis Avenue. This also improves the access point to the subdivision’s stormwater facility. The current plan for the townhouse development does not include any dedicated space stormwater management however stormwater retention techniques are proposed on each lot and storm sewers will outlet to the subdivision’s stormwater management pond.

Scott Allen, MHBC Planning, acting on behalf of the registered owner, agrees with staffs official findings.  Scott spoke in favour of the application and is looking forward to advancing the rezoning application before Council in the near future and thanked municipal staff for their assistance.

Deputy Mayor McGuire thinks development is great and a good use of the lands, however has concerns with the long stretch of roadway that is closest to the train tracks, which has units 110-118 and 97-109.  Concerned that the long stretch of road, should emergency services have to attend unit 97 and those emergency services could potentially get trapped in that area and wondering why this road wouldn't extend back around eliminating unit 96 and hook back into the road servicing out front of unit 32. Tim Williams, Manager of Planner, County of Middlesex, added that this is certainly something that staff can look at and something that is normally addressed during site plan.

Councillor Pelkman is thrilled to see the types of housing that are being proposed that will provide different price points for people. Suggested that the one entrance onto Willis be moved onto the other street so two entrances are further apart.

Councillor Willsie commented on the depth of the front and rear yards and doesn't think this is a lot of space and has concern about the area.

Councillor Brennan has concerns about the distribution of visitor parking and how far it is from some of the units and would like to see the distribution reconsidered.

  • Moved byDeputy Mayor McGuire
    Seconded byCouncillor Willsie

    THAT: the public meeting to consider an application for Zoning By-law Amendment for the Fieldcrest subdivision be hereby closed.

    Carried
  • Moved byDeputy Mayor McGuire
    Seconded byCouncillor Hipple

    THAT: the subject report BBP-2024-121 for ZBA 1-2024 be received for information.

    Carried
  • Moved byCouncillor Brennan
    Seconded byCouncillor Pelkman

    THAT: the public meeting to consider a Redline to Draft Plan of Subdivision & Zoning By-law Amendment for the Westdell Edgewood Subdivision be hereby opened.

    Carried

Tim Williams, Manager of Planning, County of Middlesex, adding that the purpose of the subject redline subdivision and zoning by-law amendment applications are to facilitate the change in the development of a subdivision from 83 to 114 dwellings units. There are also changes to the northern interface with the subdivision to the north (SC-2201). This redline proposes to include additional lands and complete a road loop so that a temporary road loop is not required. There are minor adjustments to the stormwater management pond as such the size of the pond is slightly larger. The site is approximately 9.033 ha in size and is located in the southwest portion of Mt. Brydges and north of Parkhouse Drive and east of Rougham Road.  The parcel has connection to Edgewood Lane and Trillium Way open roads (to the south) as well as an unopened road allowance being an extension of John Street to the east of the subject site. These lands are currently designated for residential development and were zoned for a residential subdivision when it was draft approved. The lands are currently vacant with some preliminary site alteration occurring over the past few years. In the past the site had been used for crop production and natural heritage/woodlands. A remnant woodlot is also located on site.  Surrounding land uses include primarily agricultural land to the south and west, low density residential land uses in the form of single detached and semi-detached dwellings to the north and east. From a servicing perspective, municipal water and sanitary service are located at Adelaide Road and Parkhouse and there are plans to bring services to the property and provide service to the development through the municipal-lead Parkhouse Drive reconstruction project.

Marcy McKillop, neighbouring resident, has concerns with the higher density that is being proposed, and the stormwater block hasn't changed in size, so has concerns around stormwater management given the high density.  

Mayor Grantham had concerns about the density and if if fits within the nature of Mount Brydges.

Councillor Brennan wondered if there is anything that the developer or municipality can do in terms of green scaping the infrastructure in the area to allow more water to be absorbed within the development and reduce the amount of runoff.  

Councillor Pelkman noted that he lives on a street with 40' lots, but will caution there needs to be parking for a minimum of 3 cars per property because if there isn't, they end up parking on the street and thinks 40' lots would work, however shares a concern about increasing lot coverage to 55% with the 40' lots.

Councillor Willsie wanted clarification on page 10 of the report, Engineering and Public Works portion, and there's a part that says about adding to the draft plan about the plan of subdivision getting into internal infrastructure and servicing required. The Councillor remembers on an earlier one that this developer asked to be able to build no-connect because they had the permit to take water before we could do Parkhouse so they would have to do all their de-watering and put all the infrastructure in before the municipality could start Parkhouse, so believes developer asked for a permit to build their show houses to start selling while we were doing Parkhouse and this seems like it would not allow them to do that and they would have to wait until Parkhouse was completely finished and done to our specification before they can build. Councillor Willsie would like to know how that changed and how we got to the clause we are at now. Tim Williams added that this is a newer standard clause to address Mount Brydges capacity situation, so this is designed to put a hold on development in this subdivision if there is no capacity at the time in which they're looking to register the plan of subdivision. It's the registration of the subdivision, so the no-connect building permit for the purposes of model homes and alike, that would be something that would be handled separate from this.

  • Moved byDeputy Mayor McGuire
    Seconded byCouncillor Willsie

    THAT: the public meeting to consider a Redline to Draft Plan of Subdivision & Zoning By-law Amendment for the Westdell Edgewood Subdivision be hereby closed.

    Carried
  • Moved byCouncillor Brennan
    Seconded byCouncillor Willsie

    THAT: the subject report BBP-2024-120 for Draft Plan of Subdivision 39T-SC1702 and ZBA 16-2024 be received for information.

    Carried
  • Moved byDeputy Mayor McGuire
    Seconded byCouncillor Hipple

    THAT: the public meeting to consider a Draft Plan of Subdivision and Zoning By-law Amendment for the Westdell Edgewood Subdivision be hereby opened.

    Carried

Tim Williams, Manager of Planning, County of Middlesex, presented the report adding that the purpose of the subject subdivision and zoning by-law amendment applications are to facilitate the development of a subdivision containing 54 dwellings units. The plan also proposes 1 new public road and an extension of an existing road with access to the first phase of the subdivision (not yet constructed) to the south and second draft plan of subdivision to the west by another developer/owner. Ultimately the development would connect to existing roads, being Parkhouse Drive and Rougham Road. The proposal also includes two open space blocks for natural heritage protection. The site is approximately 10.8 ha in size and is located in the southwest portion of Mt. Brydges and north of Parkhouse Drive and east of Rougham Road.  The parcel is land locked by two draft approved subdivisions to the west and south of the subject site (SC1901 and SC 1702). These lands are currently designated for residential development but are not zoned for residential uses.  The lands are currently vacant and have in the past comprised of agricultural land in crop production and natural heritage/woodlands. A remnant woodlot is also located on site. The woodlands are designated significant and have been damaged in the past by the owner and, through court order, the owner has been required to replant the area.  Surrounding land uses include agricultural land to the south and west, and low density residential land uses in the form of single detached and semi-detached dwellings to the north and east. From a servicing perspective, municipal water and sanitary service are located at Adelaide Road and Parkhouse and there are plans to bring services to the property and provide service to the development through the municipal-lead Parkhouse Drive reconstruction project. 

Paul Kitson, Westdell, spoke in support of the application and clarified some of the comments received from members and the public.

Marcy McKillop asked if the replanting was proposed behind the homes on Trillium Place where the trees were initially removed. Also wanted to know if the tree replanting was going to be managed through the subdivision as a condition or outside of the subdivision planning process.  Tim Williams, Manager of Planning, added that the trees are being replanted and added that the court provided direction and the woodlands conservation officer is monitoring and attends the site to confirm the trees are being planted and how they're being planted and that they're making it to the next stage.  

Councillor Pelkman has concerns about encroachment from people who think they can extend their own lots by encroaching on the greenspace and is wondering what strategies are going to be put in place to ensure that the creepage doesn't take place. Tim Williams, Manager of Planning, noted that those areas are some of the areas that are to be re-planted as the court order and generally will see a fence to be constructed, usually chainlink, black, and 5', but can look into that further so that it is clear where a lot begins and ends and where the woodland is.  

Councillor Willsie inquired about "FD" on the map.  Tim Williams added that it's the current zoning and that will in the future be part of the Environmental Protection area.

Councillor Pammer was curious whether there are trails or a walkway and if there are, where are the access points.  Tim Williams added that there is no intention to walk through this area as it's a significant woodlands area and given the replanting, there wouldn't be space left for pathway.

  • Moved byCouncillor Brennan
    Seconded byDeputy Mayor McGuire

    THAT: the public meeting to consider a Draft Plan of Subdivision and Zoning By-law Amendment for the Westdell Edgewood Subdivision be hereby closed.

    Carried
  • Moved byDeputy Mayor McGuire
    Seconded byCouncillor Brennan

    THAT: the subject report BBP-2024-124 for Draft Plan of Subdivision 39T-SC2201 and ZBA 3-2022 be received for information.

    Carried
  • Moved byDeputy Mayor McGuire
    Seconded byCouncillor Brennan

    THAT: the October 21, 2024 Regular Council Meeting Minutes be approved as written, and further;

    THAT: the October 15, 2024 Finance Committee Meeting Minutes be approved as written.

    Carried
  • Moved byCouncillor Derbyshire
    Seconded byCouncillor Willsie

    THAT: only Federal, Provincial, and Municipal flags be flown at the flag poles of municipality-owned properties.

    For (1)Councillor Derbyshire
    Against (8)Councillor Brennan, Councillor Hipple, Councillor Kennes, Councillor Pelkman, Mayor Grantham, Deputy Mayor McGuire, Councillor Pammer, and Councillor Willsie
    Loss (1 to 8)
  • Moved byCouncillor Derbyshire
    Seconded byCouncillor Pammer

    THAT: the Strathroy-Caradoc Fire Services Advisory Committee look into a report on fire calls, and further; 

    THAT: the report should consist of the number of full-time calls and the number of volunteer calls, and further; 

    THAT: the calls be broken down between emergency calls, fire calls, training activities, and community service activities.

    Carried

Bill Dakin, Director of Financial Services/IT & Treasurer, was present to speak to the report and answer questions from members.

  • Moved byCouncillor Brennan
    Seconded byCouncillor Pelkman

    THAT: Council receive report FIN 2024-26 Updated Purchasing Policy for information.

    Carried
  • Moved byDeputy Mayor McGuire
    Seconded byCouncillor Pammer

    THAT: Council defer this to the next meeting to receive a redline version attached to this document.

    Carried

Bill Dakin, Director of Financial Services/IT & Treasurer, was present to speak to the report and answer questions from members.

  • Moved byDeputy Mayor McGuire
    Seconded byCouncillor Hipple

    THAT: Report FIN-2024-28 – Section 357 Application – 7697 Parkhouse Drive be received for information.

    Carried
  • Moved byCouncillor Derbyshire
    Seconded byCouncillor Willsie

    THAT: the Section 357 application for 7697 Parkhouse Drive be approved for processing for a total credit to the tax account of -$218.53.

    Carried

Bill Dakin, Director of Financial Services/IT & Treasurer, was present to speak to the report and answer questions from members.

  • Moved byCouncillor Pammer
    Seconded byCouncillor Pelkman

    THAT: Report FIN 2024-29 “External Auditing Services RFP Results – Appointment for 2024” be received for information.

    Carried
  • Moved byCouncillor Pelkman
    Seconded byCouncillor Brennan

    THAT: Council defer this to one of the next two meetings to receive further information on the discrepancy between the bids.

    Carried

Bill Dakin, Director of Financial Services/IT & Treasurer, was present to speak to the report and answer questions from members.

  • Moved byCouncillor Hipple
    Seconded byDeputy Mayor McGuire

    THAT: Council receive report FIN-2024-30 “Bush Truck Lease to Replace FPO 1 Vehicle” for information.

    Carried
  • Moved byCouncillor Willsie
    Seconded byCouncillor Derbyshire

    THAT: Council refer this to a Finance Committee Meeting when the Fire Department presents their 2025 budget.

    Loss
  • Moved byDeputy Mayor McGuire
    Seconded byCouncillor Hipple

    THAT: Council approve the lease of a Bush Truck and the internal transfer of the vehicles with the station to accommodate the replacement of the FPO 1 vehicle.

    Carried

Tim Williams, Manager of Planning, County of Middlesex, was present to speak to the report and answer questions from members.

  • Moved byCouncillor Derbyshire
    Seconded byCouncillor Pelkman

    THAT: Report BBP-2024-123 regarding rezoning application ZBA 15-2024, be received by Council for information.

    Carried
  • Moved byCouncillor Hipple
    Seconded byCouncillor Derbyshire

    THAT: By-law No. 108-24 be referred to the Consideration of By-laws Section of the Agenda for consideration and approval.

    Carried

Rob Lilbourne, Director of Community Services, was present to speak to the report and answer questions from members.

Councillor Pammer asked if the municipality would be on the hook for the $125,000 if they signed into an agreement and were not successful in receiving the grant.

  • Moved byCouncillor Brennan
    Seconded byCouncillor Pammer

    THAT: Council receive report CS-2024-49 titled Investment Grade Audit for information.

    Carried
  • Moved byCouncillor Willsie
    Seconded byMayor Grantham

    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, and further;

    THAT: Council deny allocating $25,000.00 from the Asset Management Reserve fund to conduct the investment grade audit. 

    Tabled
  • Moved byDeputy Mayor McGuire
    Seconded byCouncillor Brennan

    THAT: Council defer this until the next meeting of Council so that Director of Community Services can receive an answer to Councillor Pammer's question and bring it back to Council.

    Carried

Mark Ortiz, Director of Engineering and Public Works, was present to speak to the report and answer questions from members.

John Tyrrell, RV Anderson, was present to provide a presentation to Council on the Water, Wastewater and Stormwater Masterplan and answer questions from members.

  • Moved byDeputy Mayor McGuire
    Seconded byCouncillor Brennan

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

    Carried
  • Moved byCouncillor Derbyshire
    Seconded byDeputy Mayor McGuire

    THAT: this be deferred until after Mark Ortiz's report is received.

    Carried

Councillor Pammer gave a recognition of the wonderful poppy display at Strathroy Town Hall and Mt Brydges.  Thanked and congratulated the army of people who helped put it together.  The Councillor also wanted to mention that there is a series of events planned in November for Remembrance Day.

Councillor Derbyshire echoed Councillor Pammer's comments for Remembrance Day.

Councillor Willsie wanted to remind everyone to support your legions.  There are events in all three towns coming up, the Mount Brydges and Strathroy cenotaph coming up next Monday and Melbourne's is Sunday November 10th.

Councillor Hipple echoed Councillor Pammer's comments on the incredible poppy displays and thanked everyone involved.  The Councillor has also had a few residents mention the excitement of the indoor walking and pickleball in Mount Brydges, however they would like to see it happen at night and everyone works during the day and was wondering if there is a chance for it to be extended to night time hours.  Director Lilbourne will look into it, however the challenge with the evenings is that this is the rentable hours and the facility is primarily used for other rentals.

  • Finance Committee Meeting - Tuesday, November 12, 2024 @ 5:00 p.m. - Council Chamber/Hybrid
  • Regular Council Meeting - Monday, November 18 @ 6:00 p.m. - Council Chamber/Hybrid
  • 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
  • Moved byDeputy Mayor McGuire
    Seconded byCouncillor Pelkman

    THAT: By-law No. 107-24, By-law No. 108-24 and By-law No. 109-24 receive first, second and third and final reading.

    Carried

A by-law to authorize the execution of an agreement with the County of Middlesex (Middlesex Supports Program) (regarding the Can I Play Too? program).

A by-law to remove the holding (H) symbol from certain lands located in the Municipality of Strathroy-Caradoc (Southgrove Subdivision).

Being a by-law to confirm the proceedings of the November 4, 2024 Regular Council of the Corporation of the Municipality of Strathroy-Caradoc.

  • Moved byDeputy Mayor McGuire
    Seconded byCouncillor Hipple

    THAT: the November 4, 2024 Regular Council Meeting adjourn at 8:58 p.m.

    Carried
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