Municipality of Strathroy-Caradoc

Regular Council Session

Minutes

Tuesday, September 05, 2023

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

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 (Recorder)
• Brianna Hammer-Keidel, Deputy Clerk/Communications Co-ordinator (Recorder)
• Bill Dakin, Director of Financial Services/Treasurer
• Rob Lilbourne, Director of Community Services
• Jennifer Huff, Director of Building and Planning
• Doug Payne, Director of Human Resources
• Tim Williams, Planner
• Erin Besch, Planner
• Jake Straus, Director of Engineering & Public Works
• Trisha McKibbin, Chief Administrative Officer

Others Present:

• Josh Smith, Community Navigator
  Joe Winser, Middlesex County
  Mike Devos, Spriet Associates
  Heather- staff
  Steve Beasley, Deputy Fire Chief

   

---

1.

Declaration of Pecuniary Interest

None.

• Moved by Councillor Pelkman
  Seconded by Councillor Hipple

  THAT: Item 9.4 - By-law 62-23, the appointment of the Chief Administrative Officer be moved to the beginning of the agenda.

  Carried

2.

Presentations/Delegations/Petitions

2.1

Josh Smith, Middlesex County Community Navigator

Joe Winser and Josh Smith, Middlesex County updates Council on the Homelessness Initiatives being done throughout Middlesex County.

3.

Public Meeting

3.1

Public Meeting No. 1

3.1.1

Motion to open the public meeting

• Moved by Councillor Brennan
  Seconded by Councillor Kennes

  THAT: the public meeting to consider an application for rezoning for the property located at 7620 Walkers Drive be hereby opened.

  Carried

3.1.2

Report to be Presented by the Planner

Tim Williams, Senior Planner presents his report on the application for zoning by-law amendment for the property at 7630 Walkers Drive. He indicates that the application was conditionally approved by the Committee of Adjustment on July 6, 2023. The subject zone change application proposes to re-zone the ‘lands to be severed’ to a site-specific ‘Agricultural Small Holdings (A2-35) Zone’ and to re-zone the ‘lands to be retained’ to a site-specific ‘Agricultural Purposes Only (A3-8) Zone’ in order to satisfy one of the consent conditions. The subject lands comprise approximately 20.7 ha (51.15 ac) of agricultural land located on the north side of Walkers Drive, east of Sutherland Road, in the former Township of Caradoc. The severed lands, being the residential lot, are approximately 0.53 ha (1.3 ac) in size and contain a single detached dwelling with an attached garage and a garden shed. The lands are privately serviced with a well and a septic system. Access to the dwelling is currently provided by a driveway with access to Walkers Drive. The retained farm parcel is approximately 20.17 ha (49.84 ac) in area and contains a driveshed that is to be used for farm implement storage. It is noted that hydro service to the driveshed is wholly contained on the proposed lands to be retained. The remainder of the land is in agricultural production. Staff note that a site-specific ‘A3’ zone is proposed to recognize the side yard width of 4 m (13.1 ft) between the driveshed and the new residential lot line, whereas a minimum of 5 m (16.4 ft) is required in the ‘A3’ zone. Staff are supportive of the proposed rezoning as it is considered to be consistent with the Provincial Policy Statement; conforms to the Official Plans of both the County of Middlesex and the Municipality of Strathroy-Caradoc; and represents sound land use planning.

3.1.3

Comments in support of the proposed rezoning

None.

3.1.4

Comments in opposition to the proposed rezoning

None.

3.1.5

Comments and questions from Members of Council

None.

3.1.6

Motion to close the public meeting

• Moved by Deputy Mayor McGuire
  Seconded by Councillor Brennan

  THAT: the public meeting to consider an application for rezoning for the property located at 7620 Walkers Drive be hereby closed.

  Carried

3.1.7

Decision/Resolution

• Moved by Councillor Hipple
  Seconded by Councillor Brennan

  THAT: the rezoning application be approved.

  Carried

4.

Approval of Minutes

4.1

Regular Council Meeting Minutes – August 8, 2023

• Moved by Councillor Kennes
  Seconded by Councillor Pammer

  THAT: the meeting minutes be approved as written.

  Carried

5.

Drainage Matters

5.1

Funk South Drain 2023 – Engineers Report Consideration Meeting - EPW-2023-47

Mike Devos, Spriet Associates presents a report on the Consideration of the Funk South Drain 2023.

5.1.1

Staff will give an overview of the work required.

5.1.2

Questions from affected property owners.

None.

5.1.3

Request from those present to add or remove their name(s) from the petition.

None.

5.1.4

Comments or questions from members of Council.

None.

5.1.5

Decision. (If approved, first and second reading of the by-law is required.)

• Moved by Deputy Mayor McGuire
  Seconded by Councillor Pelkman

  THAT: Council adopt the Engineers Report for the Funk South Drain 2023, and give first and second reading to provisional By-law #56-23 for the project.

  Carried

6.

Communications

• Moved by Councillor Hipple
  Seconded by Councillor Kennes

  THAT: Council receive the communication items for information.

  Carried

6.1

Final Ombudsman Report- Sewer Connection Charges

6.2

CN Railway - Resolution in Support of Rail Safety Week 2023

• Moved by Mayor Grantham
  Seconded by Councillor Willsie

  WHEREAS Rail Safety Week is to be held across Canada from September 18 to 24, 2023;
  WHEREAS, 232 railway crossing and trespassing incidents occurred in Canada in 2022; resulting in 66 avoidable fatalities and 43 avoidable serious injuries;
  WHEREAS, educating and informing the public about rail safety (reminding the public that railway rights-of-way are private property, enhancing public awareness of the dangers associated with highway rail grade crossings, ensuring pedestrians and motorists are looking and listening while near railways, and obeying established traffic laws) will reduce the number of avoidable fatalities and injuries cause by incidents involving trains and citizens; and
  Whereas Operation Lifesaver is a public/private partnership whose aim is to work with the public, rail industry, governments, police services, media and others to raise rail safety awareness;
  WHEREAS CN has requested City Council adopt this resolution in support of its ongoing efforts to raise awareness, save lives and prevent injuries in communities, including our municipality;
  THERFORE; It is hereby RESOLVED to support national Rail Safety Week to be held from September 18 to 24, 2023.

  Carried

6.3

ChildCan

6.4

St. Clair Region Conservation Authority

6.5

Municipality of Powassan

6.6

City of Stratford

6.7

City of Hamilton

6.8

Township of Emo

6.9

Municipality of Chatham-Kent

6.10

Melbourne Agricultural Society- Noise Exemption Request - Tractor Pull on September 8, 2023

• Moved by Deputy Mayor McGuire
  Seconded by Councillor Brennan

  THAT: Council approve the noise exemption request for the Melbourne Agricultural Society's Tractor Pull event on September 8, 2023.

  Carried

7.

Reports from Departments

7.1

Building and Planning

7.1.1

September 2023 Request for Draft Plan of Subdivision Extension – 39T-1702 Westdell (Edgewood, Mt. Brydges) - BBP-2023-101

Jennifer Huff, Director of Building and Planning presents a report on the September 2023 Request for Draft Plan of Subdivision- Westdell (Edgewood, Mt Brydges). An extension for the draft plan of subdivision approval of file 39T-SC1702 (Edgewood in Mt. Brydges) was approved by Strathroy-Caradoc Council and Middlesex County Council on March 7^th, 2023 for a period of 6 months, the new lapse date is September 11^th, 2023. A request by Westdell for an additional extension was received in July, 2023. This request for extension has been discussed with the Director of Engineering and Public Works, the Senior Development Co-ordinator and the Middlesex County Director of Planning.  Staff recommend a one-year extension. 

• Moved by Deputy Mayor McGuire
  Seconded by Councillor Kennes

  THAT: Council receive report BBP-2023-101 for information.
  
  

  Carried
• Moved by Deputy Mayor McGuire
  Seconded by Councillor Willsie

  THAT: the County of Middlesex be forwarded notice that the Council of Strathroy-Caradoc recommends approval for a one year extension of the draft plan of subdivision for 39T-SC1702.

  Carried

7.1.2

Local Service – Oversizing Policy - BBP-2023-102

Jennifer Huff, Director of Building and Planning presents a report on the Local Service - Oversizing Policy.

• Moved by Deputy Mayor McGuire
  Seconded by Councillor Kennes

  THAT: Council receive report BBP-2023-102 for information.
  
  

  Carried
• Moved by Deputy Mayor McGuire
  Seconded by Councillor Kennes

  THAT: Council direct staff to present a Local Service – Oversizing Policy for Council to review and consider for approval during a future Council meeting.

  Carried

7.1.3

Request to Remove ‘H’ Holding Zone – File No: ZBA18-2023 9213 Thorn Drive – Candace & Osvaldo Fiorino - BBP-2023-107

• Moved by Councillor Kennes
  Seconded by Councillor Pelkman

  THAT: the rezoning application be approved.

  Carried

7.2

Community Services

7.2.1

Fire Stations Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) – Testing Tender Award - CS-2023-21

• Moved by Councillor Hipple
  Seconded by Councillor Brennan

  THAT: Report CS-2023-21 titled Fire Stations Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) – Testing Tender Award be received for information.

  Carried
• Moved by Councillor Pelkman
  Seconded by Councillor Hipple

  THAT: Council approves the awarding of the tender to EXP Services Inc. for a value of $6,537.05 including HST.

  Carried

7.2.2

565 Lions Park Drive Site Investigation Testing Tender Award - CS-2023-22

• Moved by Councillor Hipple
  Seconded by Councillor Pelkman

  THAT:  Council receive report CS-2023-22 for information.
  

  Carried
• Moved by Councillor Kennes
  Seconded by Councillor Pelkman

  THAT: Council award the tender for the Site Investigation Testing at 565 Lions Park Drive to PINCHIN for a value of $53,486.25 plus HST.

  Carried

7.3

Engineering and Public Works 

7.3.1

Parkhouse Drive and Troops Road Intersection - Engineering Services Award - EPW-2023-48

Deputy Mayor McGuire asks about a speed evaluation. Jake Straus, Director of Engineering and Public Works indicates that all measures will be looked at including a speed evaluation. 

Councillor Kennes and Brennan support going forward with this.

Councillor Willsie has concerns about the design being over budget. 

• Moved by Councillor Kennes
  Seconded by Councillor Pelkman

  THAT: Council receive report EPW-2023-48 Parkhouse Drive & Troops Road Intersection – Engineering Services Award for information.

  Carried
• Moved by Councillor Hipple
  Seconded by Councillor Pelkman

  THAT: Council award the Engineering Services to GM BluePlan Engineering in the amount of $74,660.00 (excluding HST), and
  THAT: Council approve $10,000 for HST and Contingency Allowance.

  Carried

7.3.2

Adelaide Road Sewer Extension - Engineering Services Award - EPW-2023-49

• Moved by Councillor Pelkman
  Seconded by Councillor Kennes

  THAT: Council receive report EPW-2023-49 Adelaide Road Sewer Extension – Engineering Services Award for information.

  Carried
• Moved by Councillor Kennes
  Seconded by Councillor Brennan

  THAT: Council award the Engineering Services to Spriet Associates Engineers & Architects in the amount of $145,546 (excluding HST); and
  THAT: Council approve $15,000 for HST and Contingency Allowance.

  Carried

7.3.3

Sanitary Private Drain Connection Charge Information - EPW-2023-50

• Moved by Deputy Mayor McGuire
  Seconded by Councillor Pelkman

  THAT: Council receive report EPW-2023-50 for information.

  Carried

7.4

Fire Services 

7.4.1

Purchase of 2nd set of PPE - FIRE-2023-07

Councillor Pelkman wonders if the equipment will be treated as fleet in order to build a reserve to plan ahead for the purchase of new gear when needed. Bill Dakin, Director of Financial Services indicates that this will be part of the replacement reserve plan going forward.

• Moved by Councillor Kennes
  Seconded by Councillor Brennan

  THAT: Council receive report FIRE-2023-07 for information.
  
  

  Carried
• Moved by Councillor Hipple
  Seconded by Deputy Mayor McGuire

  THAT: Council approve the purchase of a 2^nd set of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), for every member of the department, the purchase cost to be included in the 2024 budget as well as redirection of 2023 Capital monies.

  Carried

7.5

Chief Administrative Officer

7.5.1

Hiring Report - Chief Administrative Officer and Cemetery Assistant, HR-2023-13

• Moved by Councillor Hipple
  Seconded by Councillor Pelkman

  THAT: Report HR-2023-13, Hiring Report – Chief Administrative Officer and Cemetery Assistant, be received for information.

  Carried

8.

Reports from Boards and Committees

• Moved by Councillor Kennes
  Seconded by Councillor Brennan

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

  Carried

8.1

Committee of Adjustment Meeting Minutes - July 6, 2023

8.2

Tri-Township Meeting Minutes- June 8, 2023

8.3

Bluewater Recycling Association Board of Directors Meeting Highlights - August 17, 2023

8.4

Police Services Board Monthly Activity Reports - July 2023

8.5

Police Services Board Meeting Minutes - July 18, 2023

9.

Consideration of By-laws

9.1

By-law No. 56-23

• Moved by Councillor Willsie
  Seconded by Councillor Kennes

  THAT: By-law 56-23, receive first and second reading.

  Carried

9.2

By-law 60-23

• Moved by Deputy Mayor McGuire
  Seconded by Councillor Pelkman

  THAT: By-law 60-23, receive first, second and third and final reading.

  Carried

9.3

By-law 61-23

• Moved by Councillor Hipple
  Seconded by Councillor Brennan

  THAT: By-law 61-23, receive first, second and third and final reading.

  Carried

9.4

By-law No. 62-23

• Moved by Deputy Mayor McGuire
  Seconded by Councillor Pelkman

  THAT: By-law 62-23, receive first, second and third and final reading.

  Carried

9.5

By-law No. 63-23

• Moved by Councillor Kennes
  Seconded by Councillor Willsie

  THAT: By-law 63-23, receive first, second and third and final reading.

  Carried

9.6

By-law No. 65-23

• Moved by Deputy Mayor McGuire
  Seconded by Councillor Pelkman

  THAT: By-law 65-23 receive first, second and third and final reading.

   

  Carried

10.

County Council Report

Deputy Mayor McGuire briefly shares the Middlesex-London Paramedic Service 2022 Performance Report and the County Council Highlights of August 15, 2023.

10.1

Middlesex-London Paramedic Service - 2022 Performance Report

10.2

County Council Highlights - August 15, 2023

11.

Enquiries or Comments by Members

Councillor Kennes announces that the Wester Fair opens up on Friday September 8, 2023 for the next 10 days. 

Councillor Willsie wonders about an updated report on the reserve accounts. Bill Dakin, Director of Financial Services indicates that the update will be included in the 3rd Quarter report coming forward. 

Councillor Derbyshire express that the Melbourne Agricultural Hall is hosting a Tractor Pull and Dance Party event on September 8, 2023. He also wonders about having some Council meetings to be held in Mount Brydges and Melbourne. 

Councillor Brennan comments on how well the outdoor pool was utilized this year. He is very pleased with hard work of staff in how they have made it a very vibrant place to be this summer.

Councillor Pelkman thanks all the volunteers that stepped up and helped out during this summer. He acknowledges the staff that worked so hard to get all of these events done. 

Councillor Hipple reminds the community that tomorrow September 6th is the first day back to school and encourages everyone to take in account their speed on their commute.

Councillor Pammer reminds the community that there are some speed limits that have changed around the school zone areas.

Deputy Mayor McGuire reminds the community that there are new speed bumps on Darcy Drive, He explains that those are there to aid in keeping traffic on Head Street and out of those neighborhoods. 

• Moved by Mayor Grantham
  Seconded by Councillor Pammer

  THAT: Council direct staff to draft a report on a Sign By-law.

  Carried

12.

In Camera

• Moved by Councillor Kennes
  Seconded by Councillor Willsie

  THAT: Council move into closed session.

  Carried

13.

Report on In Camera Matters

Mayor Grantham reports that Council moved into closed session to discuss the proposed land acquisition and disposal of land, legal matters relating to the Adelaide-Metcalfe Servicing Agreement and the Ontario Land Tribunal 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.

14.

Schedule of Meetings

15.

Adjournment

• Moved by Councillor Brennan
  Seconded by Councillor Kennes

  THAT: the meeting adjourn at 9:02 p.m.

  Carried