Municipality of Strathroy-Caradoc

Regular Council Session

Minutes

Monday, December 18, 2023

6:00 P.m. - 9:00 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:

• Trisha McKibbin, Chief Administrative Officer
• Brianna Hammer-Keidel, Director of Legal & Legislative Services/Clerk
• Melonie Carson, Administrative Assistant (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
• Jake Straus, Director of Engineering & Public Works
• Mark Campbell, Police Chief

Others Present:

• Heather Lalonde, Development Commissioner

  Brad Morrison, Resident

  William Cocksworth, Resident

  Paul Van Bree, SLD

  Ed Veeke, SLD

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1.

Roll Call

The Clerk has confirmed Council attendance.

2.

Call to Order/Approve Agenda

• Moved by Councillor Hipple
  Seconded by Councillor Kennes

  THAT: the December 18, 2023 Regular Council Meeting Agenda be approved as circulated.

  Carried

3.

Declaration of Pecuniary Interest

None.

4.

Approval of Minutes

• Moved by Councillor Pelkman
  Seconded by Deputy Mayor McGuire

  THAT: the minutes be approved as written.

  Carried

4.1

Regular Council Meeting Minutes – December 4, 2023

4.2

Special Meeting of Council Meeting Minutes - November 27, 2023

4.3

Finance Committee Meeting Minutes - December 12, 2023

5.

Notice of Motion

5.1

Councillor Donna Pammer- To be Voted On

• Moved by Councillor Pammer
  Seconded by Councillor Hipple

  THAT: Staff provide Council with a report from the Planning and Engineering departments regarding the impact on a by-law requiring all new roads and remediated roads to include a bike lane with safety markers; and

  THAT: the report include best practices and examples of the options taken by other municipalities with similar by-laws.

  Carried

5.2

Councillor Brian Derbyshire- To be Voted On

• Moved by Councillor Derbyshire
  Seconded by Deputy Mayor McGuire

  THAT: A special meeting to provide an information session on Water and Wastewater take place on Tuesday, January 16 at 5:30 p.m. in the conference room, with the guest speaker to be Berta Bella Krichker, P. Eng., F.E.C.

  Carried

5.3

Councillor Donna Pammer- To be Voted On

• Moved by Councillor Pammer
  Seconded by Councillor Willsie

  THAT: Staff provide Council with a report with a comparative analysis (including financial implications) of the Municipality providing a mortgage from reserves to Caradoc Housing Corporation for the Adelaide Road housing project in Mount Brydges as opposed to the commercial mortgage.

  Loss

6.

Communications

• Moved by Councillor Kennes
  Seconded by Deputy Mayor McGuire

  THAT: Council receive the communication items for information.

  Carried

6.1

Municipality of Tweed - Resolution Regarding 1/3 Funding Grant Programs

• Moved by Mayor Grantham
  Seconded by Councillor Kennes

  THAT: Council support the motion and it be circulated to all local MPP's and MP's.

  Carried

6.2

City of Sudbury Council Motion to Amend OHSA

• Moved by Councillor Pelkman
  Seconded by Deputy Mayor McGuire

  THAT: Council support the motion from the City of Sudbury.

  Carried

6.3

Municipality of Chatham-Kent - Resolution Regarding Ontario Works Rates

6.4

Letter of Concerns to Land Development in Mount Brydges

6.5

Bluewater Recycling Association - Board of Directors Meeting Highlights - November 30, 2023

6.6

Letter from Alla's Ukrainian Pierogies & More

7.

Reports from Departments

7.1

Building and Planning

7.1.1

Proposed Amended Draft Fence By-law - November 2023 - BBP-2023-134

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

• Moved by Councillor Hipple
  Seconded by Councillor Brennan

  THAT: Report BBP-2023-134 be received by Council for information.
  

  Carried
• Moved by Councillor Kennes
  Seconded by Deputy Mayor McGuire

  THAT: Council direct staff to finalize the amended Fence draft by-law and bring it forward to a future Council meeting for approval, and further;
  
  THAT: Council direct staff to amend the Pool Fence By-law to increase the fines as recommended and bring forward the amended by-law to a future Council meeting for approval.

  Carried

7.1.2

Applications for Draft Plan of Subdivision, Official Plan Amendment & Rezoning ADELAIDE CON 4 SER PT LOTS 19 AND 20 RP 33R19731 PARTS 1 to 7 and 10 to 14 – in Strathroy Applicant/Owner: B.M. Ross & Associates Limited / SLD Group - BBP-2023-142

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

• Moved by Councillor Kennes
  Seconded by Deputy Mayor McGuire

  THAT: Report BBP-2023-142 regarding  39T-SC2302, OPA 1-2023 and ZBA 3-2023 be received by Council for information.

  Carried
• Moved by Councillor Pelkman
  Seconded by Deputy Mayor McGuire

  THAT: Amendment No. 17 to the Official Plan of the Municipality of Strathroy-Caradoc (application OPA 1-2023) which would re-designate the lands formerly part of the lands municipally known as 599 Albert Street, Strathroy from ‘Community Facility’ to ‘Residential’ and remove the requirement for a Secondary Plan be adopted and forwarded to the County of Middlesex for consideration and approval, and further;
  
  THAT: the rezoning application, ZBA 3-2023 which would rezone the lands formerly part of the lands municipally known as 599 Albert Street, Strathroy from ‘Future Development’ and ‘High Density Residential’ Zone to  site specific ‘High Density Residential Zones (R3-21-H-5),  Open Space (OS) Zone, and site specific ‘Medium Density Residential (R2-28-H-5), be approved, and further;
  
  THAT: By-law No.104-23 and By-law No.105-23 be referred to the Consideration of By-laws Section of the Agenda for approval.

  Carried

7.1.3

Additional Consultation Sessions for Comprehensive Review Project (Potential Settlement Boundary Expansion) - BBP-2023-147

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

• Moved by Councillor Hipple
  Seconded by Councillor Brennan

  THAT: Report BBP-2023-147 on the Additional Consultation Sessions for the Comprehensive Review Project (Potential Settlement Boundary Expansion) be received for information by Council.

  Carried

7.1.4

ZBA 20-2023 6919 Calvert Dr Report for Zoning By-law - BBP-2023-149

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

• Moved by Councillor Willsie
  Seconded by Councillor Pammer

  THAT: Report BBP-2023-149 regarding ZBA 20-2023 be received by Council for information.

  Carried
• Moved by Councillor Brennan
  Seconded by Councillor Willsie

  THAT: By-law No. 106-23 being a zoning by-law amendment that reflects Council’s approval of the application be referred to the Consideration of By-laws Section of the Agenda for approval.

  Carried

7.1.5

Assumption – South Creek Phase 3 & 4, Mt. Brydges - BBP-2023-146

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

• Moved by Councillor Willsie
  Seconded by Councillor Hipple

  THAT: Council receive report BBP-2023-146 for information.

  Carried
• Moved by Councillor Hipple
  Seconded by Councillor Kennes

  THAT: By-law No. 103-23 authorizing the assumption of Phase 4 and 5 of the South Creek Subdivision in Mt. Brydges be forwarded to Council for consideration of adoption.

  Carried

7.2

Community Services

7.2.1

West Middlesex Memorial Centre - Portable Toilets - CS-2023-30

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

• Moved by Deputy Mayor McGuire
  Seconded by Councillor Pelkman

  THAT: Council receives report CS-2023-30 West Middlesex Memorial Centre – Portable Toilets for information.

  Carried

7.2.2

Update/Renewal of the Joint Use Agreement with TVDSB and - CS-2023-36

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

• Moved by Councillor Brennan
  Seconded by Councillor Kennes

  THAT: Council receive report CS-2023-36 for information.

  Carried
• Moved by Councillor Brennan
  Seconded by Councillor Hipple

  THAT: Council renews the Joint Use Agreement with the Thames Valley District School Board (TVDSB) and the English Language Separate District School Board No. 38 operating as the London District Catholic School Board (LDCSB) for ten (10) years with successive ten (10) year renewals as laid out in the agreement.

  Carried

7.3

Engineering and Public Works 

7.3.1

Sanitary Private Drain Connection – Council Motion - EPW-2023-78

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

• Moved by Councillor Brennan
  Seconded by Councillor Kennes

  THAT: Council receive report EPW-2023-78 Sanitary Private Drain Connection – Council Motion for information.
• Moved by Councillor Derbyshire
  Seconded by Deputy Mayor McGuire

  THAT: Council defer receiving report EPW-2023-78 Sanitary Private Drain Connection – Council Motion for information until January 15, 2024.

  Carried
• Moved by Councillor Pelkman
  Seconded by Councillor Willsie

  THAT: Charges for residents affected by the mandatory connection fee be deferred until the Water and Wastewater Masterplan has been finalized.

  Carried

7.3.2

Train Whistle Cessation Feasibility - EPW-2023-79

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

• Moved by Councillor Derbyshire
  Seconded by Deputy Mayor McGuire

  THAT: Council receive report EPW-2023-79 for information.

  Tabled

7.3.3

Public Works Tandem Truck Purchase - EPW-2023-76

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

• Moved by Councillor Kennes
  Seconded by Councillor Brennan

  THAT: Council receive report EPW-2023-76.

  Carried
• Moved by Councillor Kennes
  Seconded by Councillor Willsie

  THAT: Council approves the purchase of a 2024 Tandem Truck for $425,290 plus HST from Team Truck Centres Limited, and further;
  
  THAT: Council approve the use of $25,290 plus HST funded from the fleet reserve.

  Carried

7.4

Chief Administrative Officer 

7.4.1

Conservation Authority Agreements - CAO-2023-11

Trisha McKibbin, CAO, was present to speak to the report and answer questions from members.

Council took a 5 minute recess at 7:39 p.m and resumed at 7:44 p.m.

• Moved by Councillor Kennes
  Seconded by Councillor Hipple

  THAT: Council receive Report CAO-2023 - 11 Conservation Authority Agreements for information.

  Carried
• Moved by Deputy Mayor McGuire
  Seconded by Councillor Kennes

  THAT: Council direct the Mayor and Clerk to execute the agreement, and further;
  
  THAT: By-law No. 79-23 be referred to the Consideration of By-laws Section of the Agenda for approval.

  Carried

8.

Reports from Boards and Committees

• Moved by Councillor Kennes
  Seconded by Councillor Hipple

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

  Carried

8.1

Police Services Board Monthly Activity Reports - October 2023

8.2

Police Services Board Meeting Minutes - October 17, 2023

8.3

Committee of Adjustment Meeting Minutes of November 2, 2023

8.4

Downtown Strathroy BIA Executive Meeting Minutes - October 10, 2023

8.5

Downtown Strathroy Executive BIA Meeting Minutes - November 14, 2023

9.

County Council Report

Deputy Mayor McGuire provided an update on the County Council Report adding that back in June, there was the AORS Tradeshow. The event raised $38,500 and the money went throughout the county noting that Toys for Tots in Strathroy received $9,500.  The Deputy Mayor also added that Mayor Grantham brought forward a motion to address two intersections in the community, Glendon Drive at Melbourne Road that traffic signals be installed at that intersection and further, that Longwoods Road and Melbourne Road in the Village of Melbourne, be engineered to be directed to make capital improvements to that intersection. The motion was brought before Council and it was passed. Deputy Mayor McGuire also noted that there are a number of other traffic lights to be installed throughout major intersections throughout the county.  Also dealt with Middlesex Centre's OPA 62 which was approved and is a very large development in Middlesex Centre which includes a 2 pad private arena, golf simulator, gym studios with physio therapy and restaurant.

10.

Enquiries or Comments by Members

Councillor Hipple congratulated Easton Cowan from Mount Brydges who made Team Canada.  Added that a really great football player who went to Caradoc North P.S. and SDCI highschool, and got re-signed from Toronto Argonauts and plays in the CFL and has done really well.  Councillor Hipple also talked about bobsledding, Kristen Bujnowski, who is bringing home the metals and is doing fabulous and resident of Caradoc and is continuing to be exceptional. Councillor Hipple also commented on the kids coming to see Santa, parades happening in the community, etc. Asks if you are out there and struggling, please reach out and ask for help. If you're not in need of help, asking you to look for signs and be compassionate and lend a hand. Wishing everyone an amazing, wonderful Christmas and please be aware of those around you and please don't drink and drive.

Councillor Kennes hopes everyone has a peaceful Christmas and holiday season and wishing everyone a good 2024.  Thanks all municipal staff for work, patience and perseverance over the past year and will work towards a successful 2024.  

Councillor Willsie thanks all community groups that are putting on the events and wishing everyone a Happy Holidays and all success in the New Year.

Councillor Brennan had concerns about the cost of the training session on January 16th and would like the cost to be revealed.  Councillor Brennan also wished everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year and thanks all the hardworking staff, and appreciates everything they do. Asks that no one drinks and drives.

Councillor Pelkman congratulated Brianna on her new role and also thanked everyone in the Legal and Legislative Services Department who have been sharing roles and responsibilities for all the time they've put in throughout the year.  Wished all the staff a Merry Christmas and Happy Holiday and the Directors for all their assistance.  Councillor Pelkman echoed the other comments and hopes that no one drinks and drives.

Councillor Derbyshire answered Councillor Brennan's question about the cost adding that there is not going to be any money exchanged. Councillor Derbyshire also thanked all staff, Council members and new CAO and congratulated the new Clerk and wished everyone a Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and a Happy New Year. Thanked staff for all their patience over the last year.

Councillor Pammer wished everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year and thanked staff for all support.  Councillor Pammer also echoed Councillor Hipple's comments adding that there are resources in the community available for people struggling, through Canadian Mental Health Association or some other services.

Deputy Mayor McGuire thinks Council is starting to come together as a group and is encouraged by that and congratulated Council.  The Deputy Mayor added that he has enjoyed the year and learned a lot and thanked staff and wished everyone a Happy Holidays.

Mayor Grantham echoed everyone's best wishes and comments on Christmas added that he and Councillor Brennan had the opportunity on Saturday to visit a new group of people in the community from the southern part of India. A group of 50 families here in Strathroy adding that it continues the tradition of inclusion and diversity this community has and welcoming diverse groups. The Mayor also added that it has been a great learning year.

11.

Schedule of Meetings

• Monday, January 15, 2024 @ 6:00 p.m.
• Monday, February 5. 2024 @ 6:00 p.m.
• Tuesday, February 20, 2024 @ 6:00 p.m.

12.

In Camera

• Moved by Councillor Hipple
  Seconded by Councillor Pelkman

  THAT:  Council move into closed session at 8:00 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); and
  • One item 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 or local board (Property Matter)
  Carried

13.

Open Session Resume

• Moved by Councillor Willsie
  Seconded by Councillor Kennes

  THAT: Closed Session adjourn at 8:22 p.m. and Open Session resume.

  Carried

14.

Report on Closed Session

Mayor Grantham reported 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); and
• One item 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 or local board (Property Matter)

• Moved by Councillor Derbyshire
  Seconded by Deputy Mayor McGuire

  THAT: the direction in Closed Session be approved.

  Carried

15.

Consideration of By-laws

15.1

By-law No. 79-23

• Moved by Councillor Kennes
  Seconded by Deputy Mayor McGuire

  THAT: By-law No. 79-23, receive first, second and third and final reading.

  Carried

15.2

By-law No. 98-23

• Moved by Councillor Kennes
  Seconded by Councillor Brennan

  THAT: By-law No. 98-23 receive first, second and third and final reading.

  Carried

15.3

By-law No. 99-23

• Moved by Councillor Hipple
  Seconded by Councillor Willsie

  THAT: By-law No. 99-23 receive first, second and third and final reading.

  Carried

15.4

By-law No. 103-23

• Moved by Councillor Derbyshire
  Seconded by Councillor Pelkman

  THAT: By-law No. 103-23 receive first, second and third and final reading.

  Carried

15.5

By-law No. 104-23

• Moved by Councillor Brennan
  Seconded by Deputy Mayor McGuire

  THAT: By-law No. 104-23 receive first, second and third and final reading.

  Carried

15.6

By-law No. 105-23

• Moved by Councillor Pelkman
  Seconded by Deputy Mayor McGuire

  THAT: By-law No. 105-23 receive first, second and third and final reading.

  Carried

15.7

By-law No. 106-23

• Moved by Councillor Brennan
  Seconded by Councillor Kennes

  THAT: By-law No. 106-23 receive first, second and third and final reading.

  Carried

15.8

By-law No. 108-23

• Moved by Councillor Pelkman
  Seconded by Councillor Hipple

  THAT: By-law No. 108-23 receive first, second and third and final reading.

  Carried

15.9

By-law No. 107-23

• Moved by Councillor Derbyshire
  Seconded by Councillor Pammer

  THAT: By-law No. 107-23 receive first, second and third and final reading.

  Carried

16.

Adjournment

• Moved by Councillor Kennes
  Seconded by Councillor Pelkman

  THAT: the December 18, 2023 Regular Council Meeting adjourn at 8:28 p.m.

  Carried