Municipality of Strathroy-Caradoc

Regular Council Session

Minutes

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Hybrid Meeting (Virtual and In-Person)
Present:
  • Mayor Colin Grantham
  • Deputy Mayor Mike McGuire
  • Councillor John Brennan
  • Councillor Frank Kennes
  • Councillor Steve Pelkman
  • Councillor Donna Pammer
  • Councillor Sandi Hipple
  • Councillor Greg Willsie
  • Councillor Brian Derbyshire
Also Present:
  • Jennifer Pereira, Deputy Clerk/Lottery Licensing Officer (Acting Clerk)
  • Melonie Carson, Administrative Assistant (Recorder)
  • Bill Dakin, Acting CAO/Director of Financial Services/IT & Treasurer
  • Rob Lilbourne, Director of Community Services
  • Jennifer Huff, Director of Building and Planning
  • Doug Payne, Director of Human Resources
  • Tim Williams, Planner
  • Jake Straus, Director of Engineering & Public Works
Others Present:
  • Brody Luis

    Nick Dyjach

    Brady Robb

    Erin Riley

    Tyler Tremblay

    Michael Arts, Integral Farms Produce Inc.

    Marcella Chute

    Jay McGuffin, MBPC

    Eric Steele, MBPC

    Jessica Vanderheide

    William Cocksworth

    Sophia Abrantes

    Peter Bakker, Debaski Inc

    Ryan Bakker, Debaski Inc

    Teresa Bakker, Debaski Inc

    Keno Bakker, Debaski Inc

    Klaud Czeslawski, Debaski Inc.

    Stephen Richardson

    Leyah Richardson

    A. Richardson

    George Vereyken, Spriet Associates London Ltd.

     


  • Moved byDeputy Mayor McGuire
    Seconded byCouncillor Kennes

    THAT: the public meeting to consider an application for rezoning for the property located at 130 Beech Street, Strathroy be hereby opened.

    Carried

Tim Williams, Senior Planner, presented the report on the application for rezoning for the property located at 130 Beech Street, Strathroy. The purpose of the zoning by-law amendment application is to permit 4 dwelling townhouse block. The current zoning permits single detached dwellings and secondary units. The property is 0.3 ac in size and has 29.9 m in frontage and located on the south side of Beech Street.  The surrounding area is primarily residential, while to the north on Metcalfe Street West and Maitland Terrace there are commercial properties. The development proposes to remove the existing home and replace it with a 4 dwelling townhouse block with 2 parking spaces per unit. The building is proposed to be two storeys in height. The parking spaces will be in the front and the rear yard will be used an amenity area for the dwellings. The application has been circulated to agencies and the public in accordance with the requirements of the Planning Act. This included the circulation of the Notice of Public meeting to residents living within 120 metres of the subject application on July 14, 2023. No comments were received prior to the public meeting. Staff are supportive of the proposed rezoning as it is considered to be consistent with the Provincial Policy Statement, in conformity with the County of Middlesex Official Plan, Strathroy-Caradoc Official Plan and represents good planning.

Nick Dyjach, Agent, spoke in support of the application.

Erin Riley, resident, had concerns about the water table and noted that every time it rains it becomes a lake. 

Tyler Tremblay, resident, also had concerns with the water table as well as more traffic (safety concerns), not having a proper sidewalk, noise and privacy. Tyler also mentioned concerns about property value and noted that if this goes forward, would like to see a fence installed around property to address noise and privacy concerns.

Councillor Willsie questioned the staff report that states that this proposal is temporary in nature and would like staff to confirm. Tim Williams, Senior Planner, confirmed that this was a typographic error and apologized.

Councillor Pammer wanted to know how the water and sidewalk concerns would be addressed. Director Straus commented on the 10 year capital forecast and noted that next year this segment of roadway is proposed for a design with construction to follow the year after and this would include new sewers, new infrastructure, sidewalks, new roads and street lights.

Deputy Mayor McGuire wondered how stormwater will be managed on the property. Tim Williams, Senior Planner, added that there was a review done by staff, and this is a building that will be occupying 22-23% coverage of the property and in this situation, would expect some infiltration in the rear yard and that's what's being proposed.  The applicant/owner have proposed infrastructure to act as a spot to collect water and have the water leave the site at a slower pace, while allowing the existing water runoff from the surrounding areas to happen at a peak and then for the site to follow. The Planner added that this street will see improvements in the coming years, and this would be a temporary measure until the improvements take place.

Councillor Pelkman asked when the street will be redeveloped with sidewalks, if there will still will be parking for 4 vehicles per driveway.  Tim Williams added that the sidewalk would be put on the municipal side of the lot line, so the driveway would remain as is. Councillor Pelkman showed support for the neighbours request for fencing.

  • Moved byCouncillor Kennes
    Seconded byCouncillor Pelkman

    THAT: the public meeting to consider an application for rezoning for the property located at 130 Beech Street, Strathroy be hereby closed.

    Carried
  • Moved byDeputy Mayor McGuire
    Seconded byCouncillor Willsie

    THAT: the subject rezoning application, ZBA 11-2023 be approved.

    Carried
  • Moved byDeputy Mayor McGuire
    Seconded byCouncillor Brennan

    THAT: the public meeting to consider an application for temporary rezoning for the property located at 8157 Inadale Drive be hereby opened.

    Carried

Tim Williams, Senior Planner, presented the report on the application for temporary rezoning for the property located at 8157 Inadale Drive, Mt Brydges. The purpose of the subject zone change is to permit the farm workers on the subject lands for a temporary three year period of time. The second purpose of the application is to provide relief from Section 4.26(1) of the Zoning By-law that requires a seasonal farm worker dwelling be located on a minimum of 40 hectare lot whereas the subject lands are less than 40 hectare. The subject lands are approximately 39.63 ha in size and are located on the south side of Inadale Drive mid-block between Adelaide Road and McEvoy Road. No concerns or comments have been received by the public and staff are supportive of the proposed rezoning of the subject lands to permit worker dwelling use on the subject lands for a temporary period.  In this case for three 3 years, being the maximum period for a temporary zoning by-law under the Planning Act.   Further, staff are supportive of the site-specific amendments to permit the lot size as the intent of the zoning by-law is being met.

Councillor Kennes wondered why this is temporary and what happens after 3 years.  Tim Williams, Senior Planner, advised that the existing Official Plan as well as the County Official Plan, has seasonal workers fit in a category where it's temporary housing, and the idea that these buildings aren't occupied all year and are not permanent structures. However seeing a change in this way and the OPA3 (County Official Plan) recently changed it to not say temporary and the OPA14 (Strathroy Official Plan) also looks at it slightly different, however it's not approved today, so working on a framework that exists today. 

Councillor Brennan questioned, that once these bunkhouses are occupied and in operation if they will be subject to a periodic inspection and if so, by who.  Tim Williams adds that the Health Unit inspects as well as the Fire Department and both are necessary for the owners to receive approval for new temporary workers to arrive at their farms. 

  • Moved byCouncillor Brennan
    Seconded byCouncillor Kennes

    THAT: the public meeting to consider an application for temporary rezoning for the property located at 8157 Inadale Drive be hereby closed.

    Carried
  • Moved byDeputy Mayor McGuire
    Seconded byCouncillor Hipple

    THAT: the application for temporary rezoning be approved.

    Carried
  • Moved byCouncillor Pelkman
    Seconded byCouncillor Kennes

    THAT: the public meeting to consider an application for an Official Plan Amendment and Zoning By-law Amendment regarding the property located at 599 Albert Street be hereby opened.

    Carried

Tim Williams, Senior Planner, presented the report on the application for an Official Plan and Zoning By-law Amendment for 599 Albert Street. The purpose of the subject official plan and zoning by-law amendment application are to facilitate the development of this property with four storey apartment building with 85 units with a private driveway and 102 parking space split between visitor and tenant parking. The property is 1.95 ac in size and located on the north side of Albert Street. The intent of the subject report is to provide Council and the public with information regarding the proposed development, the relevant policies and regulatory context, and to summarize comments received by the public and agencies to date.

Jay McGuffin & Eric Steele, MCPC, spoke in support of the application.

Councillor Willsie asked where the overflow from the parking lot will go. Tim Williams, Senior Planner, suggested that the applicant speak to the parking justification, however noted that the second bedrooms are going to be occupied by potentially younger people or children. This location is also in reasonable walking/biking distance of the downtown core, and proposing bicycle parking on this property.

Mayor Grantham asked if these units are proposed to be affordable or attainable as part of the proposal.  Eric Steele, MCPC, added that there are no plans of having to incorporate affordable housing units as part of the proposal at this time, however the proposal to increase the density of the site provides an opportunity for more attainable housing as it provides a diversity of housing forms in the community and these units are typically more attainable than a single detached unit.

  • Moved byCouncillor Kennes
    Seconded byCouncillor Hipple

    THAT: the public meeting to consider an application for an Official Plan Amendment and Zoning By-law Amendment regarding the property located at 599 Albert Street be hereby closed.

    Carried
  • Moved byCouncillor Kennes
    Seconded byCouncillor Pammer

    THAT: The subject report BBP-2023-90 for OPA 2-2023 and ZBA 4-2023 be received for information.

    Carried
  • Moved byCouncillor Brennan
    Seconded byDeputy Mayor McGuire

    THAT: Council adopt the Engineers Report for the Saulsbury West Drain 2022 – Addendum Report, and give first and second reading to provisional By-law No. 59-23 for the project.

    Carried
  • Moved byCouncillor Pelkman
    Seconded byCouncillor Pammer

    THAT: Council receive item 5.3 for information.

    Carried
  • Moved byCouncillor Kennes
    Seconded byCouncillor Hipple

    THAT: Council receive items 5.2 & 5.4 for information.

    Carried

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

  • Moved byCouncillor Kennes
    Seconded byCouncillor Brennan

    THAT: Council receive for information the Final Report to Council from BDO Canada LLP regarding the December 31, 2022 Financial Statement Audit.

    Carried

Jennifer Huff, Director of Building & Planning, was present to speak to the 2023 Q2 Building Permit Stats and answer questions from members.

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

  • Moved byCouncillor Kennes
    Seconded byDeputy Mayor McGuire

    THAT: the report FIN-2023-30 be received for information; and
    THAT: the applications be approved for processing.

    Carried

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

  • Moved byCouncillor Kennes
    Seconded byCouncillor Brennan

    THAT: Council receive report FIN-2023-32 for information.

    Carried
  • Moved byCouncillor Willsie
    Seconded byCouncillor Derbyshire

    THAT: Council recommends administration develop recommendations for the draft 2024-2027 multi-year operating budget that give Council a starting position of a tax impact at or below the estimated rate of annual inflation, that continues to replenish and build Reserve and includes capital spending at or above 2023 levels and build reserve funds.

    Carried
  • Moved byCouncillor Kennes
    Seconded byCouncillor Willsie

    THAT: the schedule of Finance Committee Meetings be accepted with the addition of Monday, September 25th.

    Carried

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

  • Moved byCouncillor Kennes
    Seconded byCouncillor Pammer

    THAT: Council receive report FIN-2023-33 for information and file.

    Carried

Bill Dakin, Acting CAO/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 have the fee credited and waived for the sewer non-connect fee until January 1st, 2024 for those residents in Mount Brydges on Adelaide Road, Queens Street and Lions Park Drive that are part of the current Private Drain Connection (PDC) and that the intake for the $17,500 be deferred to January 1st, 2024 also.

    Carried

Jennifer Huff, Director of Building & Planning, was present to speak to the report and answer questions from members.

  • Moved byCouncillor Pammer
    Seconded byCouncillor Pelkman

    THAT: Council receive report BBP-2023-89 for information.

    Carried

Jennifer Huff, Director of Building & Planning, was present to speak to the report and answer questions from members.

  • Moved byCouncillor Hipple
    Seconded byCouncillor Kennes

    THAT: Council receive Report BBP-2023-98 for information.

    Carried
  • Moved byCouncillor Brennan
    Seconded byCouncillor Kennes

    THAT: Council direct staff to begin the recruitment process for a Planning Assistant.

    Loss
  • Moved byDeputy Mayor McGuire
    Seconded byCouncillor Pammer

    THAT: Council defer the following motion to the September 5th meeting:

    THAT:
     Council direct staff to begin the recruitment process for a Planning Assistant.

    Carried

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

  • Moved byCouncillor Brennan
    Seconded byCouncillor Kennes

    THAT: Report CS-2023-19 titled Strathroy Library Replacement be received for information; and further
    THAT: Council approves the awarding of the tender to Bullock Roofing Inc. for a value of $424,800.00 plus HST.

    Carried

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

  • Moved byCouncillor Pelkman
    Seconded byDeputy Mayor McGuire

    THAT: Council receive report CS-2023-20 for information.

    Carried
  • Moved byCouncillor Kennes
    Seconded byCouncillor Pammer

    THAT: Council directs staff to include option 3 in the 2024 Engineering and Public Works Capital Budget Program.

    Carried

Jake Straus, Director of Engineering & Public Works, was present to speak to the report and answer questions from members.

  • Moved byCouncillor Kennes
    Seconded byCouncillor Pelkman

    THAT: Council receive report EPW-2023-44 for information.

    Carried
  • Moved byCouncillor Brennan
    Seconded byDeputy Mayor McGuire

    THAT: the speed limit on Pannell Lane between Head Street and Drury Lane be reduced to 40 km/hr.

    Carried

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

  • Moved byCouncillor Kennes
    Seconded byCouncillor Pammer

    THAT: Council accepts report CAO-2023-04 for information.

    Carried
  • Moved byCouncillor Kennes
    Seconded byCouncillor Hipple

    THAT: Council approves the Revised Member Code of Conduct and the Council –Staff Relations Policy.

  • Moved byCouncillor Willsie
    Seconded byCouncillor Pammer

    THAT: Council refer the approval of the Revised Member Code of Conduct and the Council-Staff Relations Policy to the September 18th meeting until there has been legal advice from Wayne Meagher, Middlesex County Solicitor, and there is a redline version from staff.

    Carried
  • Moved byCouncillor Hipple
    Seconded byCouncillor Pammer

    THAT: By-law No. 52-23 receive first, second and third and final reading.

    Carried
  • Moved byCouncillor Hipple
    Seconded byCouncillor Pelkman

    THAT: By-law No. 53-23 receive first, second and third and final reading.

    Carried
  • Moved byCouncillor Kennes
    Seconded byCouncillor Pammer

    THAT: By-law No. 54-23 receive first, second and third and final reading.

    Carried
  • Moved byDeputy Mayor McGuire
    Seconded byCouncillor Brennan

    THAT: By-law No. 55-23 receive first, second and third and final reading.

    Carried
  • Moved byCouncillor Kennes
    Seconded byCouncillor Pelkman

    THAT: By-law No. 57-23 receive first, second and third and final reading.

    Carried

Based on previous discussion, this item was referred to the September 18th meeting.

  • Moved byCouncillor Kennes
    Seconded byCouncillor Brennan

    THAT: By-law No. 59-23 receive first and second reading only.

    Carried

Deputy Mayor McGuire spoke to the County Council Highlights.

Councillor Kennes commented on the night market and how it was a great event and how great it was to see so many people in the community out.

Councillor Willsie thanked all the farmers for maintaining the roadsides. The Councillor would also like to make a change to how Council receives documents that are revised from staff and to have them all redlined.

Councillor Brennan acknowledged all the staff at the aquatic center for doing a great job at the pool and also how successful aqua fit has been.

Councillor Pelkman had a request from a resident who lives on Sutherland and the request was that the road gets tar and chipped as the road is receiving a higher degree of traffic and the result has been more ruts in the road.

Councillor Hipple congratulated Mark Bujnowski who is a Mount Brydges resident, and was named to the Senior World Champion team and is headed to Budapest to represent Canada for shot put. 

Councillor Pammer is encouraged to see intensification in units and proposals coming forward for apartments and townhomes in the community, and once they are built will put us in a great position for residents. The Councillor would also would like an update on the status of the sale of the former Seniors Centre. Acting CAO Dakin adds that there will be a report brought forward when the new CAO starts.

Deputy Mayor McGuire was looking for information on the status of the Westdell/Sifton proposal, what the issues are and if it will come back to Council. The Deputy Mayor is also looking for a report from Director Straus in regards to the theory that is used by the municipality when applying the $17,500 figure and how is it applied in Mount Bdydges on Queen Street.  He also wanted further information about the sidewalk along Victoria Street, would like to know County's future considerations about redevelopment of Victoria Street.

Mayor Grantham commented on the night market and how successful it was and thanks all staff for their hard work.  The Mayor also thanked Acting CAO Dakin for all his help over the last few months.
Mayor Grantham mentioned that he was interviewed by CTV in regards to the Servicing Agreement with Adelaide Metcalfe and spoke to this matter.

  • Moved byDeputy Mayor McGuire
    Seconded byCouncillor Willsie

    THAT: Council receive a report on the Westdell/Sifton Servicing Agreement.

    Carried
  • Moved byDeputy Mayor McGuire
    Seconded byCouncillor Derbyshire

    THAT: Council receive information on the theory behind when Private Drain Connection (PDC) was initially brought in.

    Carried
  • Moved byDeputy Mayor McGuire
    Seconded byCouncillor Kennes

    THAT: Council receive a report back from the County for plans of all county roads within the Strathroy-Caradoc boundary before having the discussion about the $100,000 sidewalk.

    Carried
  • Tuesday, September 05, 2023 @ 6:00 p.m.
  • Monday, September 18, 2023 @ 6:00 p.m.
  • Tuesday, October 3, 2023 @ 6:00 p.m.

Council moved into closed session at 9:03pm to discuss a property matter regarding safety concerns and a procedural matter to approve In-Camera meeting minutes as permitted by Section 239 of the Ontario Municipal Act and Council’s Procedure By-law. 

  • Moved byCouncillor Brennan
    Seconded byDeputy Mayor McGuire

    THAT: Council move into closed session.

    Carried

Mayor Grantham reported that council moved into closed session to discuss a property matter regarding safety concerns and a procedural matter to approve In-Camera meeting minutes as permitted by Section 239 of the Ontario Municipal Act and Council’s Procedure By-law. 

  • Moved byCouncillor Kennes
    Seconded byCouncillor Brennan

    THAT: the meeting adjourn at 9:25pm.

    Carried
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