Municipality of Strathroy-Caradoc

Regular Council Session

Minutes

Tuesday, September 02, 2025

6:00 P.m. - 7:00 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 Steve Pelkman
• Councillor Donna Pammer
• Councillor Sandi Hipple
• Councillor Greg Willsie
• Councillor Brian Derbyshire

Also Present:

• Rob Browning, Chief Administrative Officer
• Bill Dakin, Director of Financial Services/Treasurer
• Rob Lilbourne, Director of Community & Development Services
• Doug Payne, Director of Human Resources
• Mark Ortiz, Director of Engineering & Public Works
• Steve Beasley, Director of Fire Services/Fire Chief
• Heather Lalonde, Director of Economic Development & Community Engagement
• Tim Williams, Manager of Planning, County of Middlesex
• Jennifer Pereira, Director of Legal & Legislative Services/Clerk
• Melonie Carson, Deputy Clerk/Records Management Coordinator (Recorder)

Others Present:

• Justin Diotte, Sifton Properties Ltd.

  Rob Brunet, Brunet & Co.

  Sherry Power, Resident

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1.

Roll Call

Mayor Grantham confirmed Council attendance noting that Deputy Mayor McGuire was attending virtually.

2.

Call to Order/Approve Agenda

• Moved by Councillor Willsie
  Seconded by Councillor Hipple

  THAT: the September 2, 2025 Regular Council Meeting Agenda be approved as amended to move Item 10 - Engineering and Public Works Reports to go after Item 4.

  Carried

3.

Declaration of Pecuniary Interest

Deputy Mayor McGuire declared a pecuniary interest on Item #7.1.1 - SHGHP - Land Donation Update as he is a board member.

4.

Delegations, Community Presentations and Petitions

4.1

Justin Diotte, Sifton Properties Limited

Justin Diotte, Sifton Properties Limited, was in attendance to speak to the following reports: RFP Award - Mount Brydges Wastewater Servicing EA - EPW-2025-41 and Mount Brydges Upgrades Tender Update - EPW-2025-42.

4.2

Rob Brunet, Brunet & Co.

Rob Brunet, Brunet & Co., was present to speak to the Mount Brydges Upgrades Tender Update - EPW-2025-42 report.

5.

Engineering and Public Works 

5.1

RFP Award – Mount Brydges Wastewater Servicing EA - EPW-2025-41

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

• Moved by Councillor Brennan
  Seconded by Councillor Pelkman

  THAT: the contract for professional services to complete an Environmental Assessment for Wastewater Servicing of Mount Brydges be awarded to CIMA+ in the amount of $1,332,864 (ex HST).

  For (6)	Councillor Brennan, Councillor Hipple, Councillor Kennes, Councillor Pelkman, Mayor Grantham, and Deputy Mayor McGuire
  Against (3)	Councillor Pammer, Councillor Willsie, and Councillor Derbyshire

  Carried (6 to 3)

5.2

Mount Brydges Upgrades Tender Update - EPW-2025-42

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

• Moved by Councillor Brennan
  Seconded by Councillor Kennes

  THAT: Council provide Staff direction to prepare a response to the Ministry of Conservation, Environment and Parks confirming the Municipality’s intent to immediately proceed with the construction of Headworks and Extended Aeration Upgrades at the Mount Brydges Wastewater Treatment Facility, and further;
  
  THAT: Council provide Staff direction to proceed with tendering a contract for the construction of upgrades to the Mount Brydges Wastewater Treatment Facility, including new headworks facility and the conversion of existing RBC tanks to extended aeration, and further;
  
  THAT: Council provide Staff direction to issue an RFP for Site Inspection and Contract Administration services for the Mount Brydges Upgrades.

  For (6)	Councillor Brennan, Councillor Hipple, Councillor Kennes, Councillor Pelkman, Mayor Grantham, and Councillor Pammer
  Against (3)	Deputy Mayor McGuire, Councillor Willsie, and Councillor Derbyshire

  Carried (6 to 3)

6.

Public Meeting

6.1

Public Meeting No. 1

6.1.1

Motion to open the public meeting

• Moved by Councillor Kennes
  Seconded by Councillor Hipple

  THAT: the public meeting to consider an application for Zoning By-law Amendment for the property located at 245 Second Street, Strathroy, ON be hereby opened.

  Carried

6.1.2

Report to be presented by the Planner (Report: BBP-2025-77)

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

6.1.3

Comments and inquiries by the public for the proposed rezoning

None.

6.1.4

Comments and questions from Members of Council

The following Members of Council spoke: Councillor Pammer, Councillor Pelkman, Councillor Derbyshire, Councillor Willsie

6.1.5

Motion to close the public meeting

• Moved by Councillor Pelkman
  Seconded by Councillor Kennes

  THAT: the public meeting to consider an application for Zoning By-law Amendment for the property located at 245 Second Street, Strathroy, ON be hereby closed.

  Carried

6.1.6

Decision/Resolution

• Moved by Councillor Kennes
  Seconded by Councillor Pelkman

  THAT: the subject report BBP-77-2025 for ZBA 14-2025 be received for information.

  Carried

6.2

Public Meeting No. 2

6.2.1

Motion to open the public meeting

• Moved by Councillor Hipple
  Seconded by Councillor Derbyshire

  THAT: the public meeting to consider an application for Zoning By-law Amendment for the property located at 106 Front Street West, Strathroy, ON be hereby opened.

  Carried

6.2.2

Report to be presented by the Planner (Report: BBP-2025-78)

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

6.2.3

Comments and inquiries by the public for the proposed rezoning

The following members of the public spoke: Sherry Power

6.2.4

Comments and questions from Members of Council

The following Members of Council spoke: Councillor Pelkman, Councillor Willsie

6.2.5

Motion to close the public meeting

• Moved by Councillor Pelkman
  Seconded by Councillor Willsie

  THAT: the public meeting to consider an application for Zoning By-law Amendment for the property located at 106 Front Street West, Strathroy, ON be hereby closed.

  Carried

6.2.6

Decision/Resolution

• Moved by Councillor Willsie
  Seconded by Councillor Kennes

  THAT: rezoning application ZBA 13-2025 for 106 Front Street be received for information and further;
  
  THAT: rezoning application ZBA 13-2025 for 106 Front Street be deferred contingent upon OLT decision.

  Carried

7.

Approval of Minutes

7.1

Regular Council Meeting Minutes – August 5, 2025

• Moved by Councillor Kennes
  Seconded by Councillor Brennan

  THAT: the Regular Council Meeting minutes of August 5, 2025 be approved as written.

  Carried

8.

Consent Agenda

• Moved by Councillor Kennes
  Seconded by Councillor Pammer

  THAT: All items listed be consented.

  Carried

8.1

Communications

8.1.1

Middlesex-London Health Unit - Active Transportation Report, Infographic and Municipal Primer

8.1.2

Middlesex-London Board of Health Meeting Summary - July 24, 2025

8.1.3

SCRCA Meeting Highlights - April 17 and June 26, 2025

8.2

Reports from Departments

8.2.1

Alignment of Municipal Budgeting with Accrual Accounting Principles - FIN-2025-17

8.2.2

User Fee Review - CS-2025-33

8.2.3

Gateway Signage Update 2 - CS-2025-42

8.3

Reports from Boards and Committees

8.3.1

Committee of Adjustment Meeting Minutes - July 3, 2025

8.3.2

Tri Township Arena Board Meeting Minutes - July 09, 2025

9.

Consideration of Items Requiring Discussion (Consent Agenda)

9.1

SHGHP - Land Donation Update

Deputy Mayor McGuire declared a pecuniary interest on this item.

• Moved by Councillor Kennes
  Seconded by Councillor Brennan

  THAT: this item be received for information.

  Carried

9.2

Traffic Committee Q2 2025 Update - EPW-2025-37

• Moved by Deputy Mayor McGuire
  Seconded by Councillor Derbyshire

  THAT: Council receive this report for information, and further;
  
  THAT: Council approve the recommendations made by the Traffic Committee.

  Carried

10.

Notices of Motion

10.1

Councillor Donna Pammer

• Moved by Councillor Pammer
  Seconded by Councillor Brennan

  THAT: Council request that the Traffic Committee prepare a report about the operation of electric kick scooters within the municipality.

  Carried

10.2

Councillor Greg Willsie

• Moved by Councillor Willsie
  Seconded by Mayor Grantham

  THAT: Our Director of Engineering prepare a staff report with updated costs from 2021, provide a detailed review of the options, including life-cycle cost analysis, so that Council may decide to either proceed with the lowest cost option, or provide direction to pursue one of the other alternatives mentioned in the report, or a fourth option of constructing a new concrete tank beside the existing lined tank.

  Carried
• Moved by Councillor Pammer
  Seconded by Councillor Kennes

  THAT: Council take a 13 minute recess. 

  Carried

11.

Reports from Departments

11.1

Legal and Legislative Services 

The meeting resumed at 7:55pm.

11.1.1

2026 Municipal Elections – Voting Method - LLS-2025-11

Jennifer Pereira, Director of Legal and Legislative Services, was present to speak to the report and answer questions from members.

• Moved by Councillor Kennes
  Seconded by Councillor Pelkman

  THAT: Council approve the use of the internet/telephone alternative voting method for the 2026 Municipal Election being held on Monday, October 26, 2026, and further;
  
  THAT: Council waive the provisions of the purchasing by-law and authorize the Mayor and Clerk to enter into an agreement with Intelivote Systems Inc. for the provision of internet/telephone services for the 2026 Municipal Election, and further;
  
  THAT: By-law No. 90-25 be referred to the Consideration of By-laws Section of the agenda for approval.

  Carried

11.2

Financial Services 

11.2.1

Approval of 2024 Transfers to-from Deferred Revenue, Reserves and Reserve Funds - FIN-2025-16

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

• Moved by Councillor Kennes
  Seconded by Councillor Brennan

  THAT: Council confirms transfers to deferred revenue, reserves, and reserve funds in 2024 of $19,033,075 and transfers from deferred revenue, reserves, and reserve funds in 2024 of $13,649,806, and further;
  
  THAT: Council approves the transfer of 2024 year-end operating net revenue of $2,051,237 and 2024 capital net revenue of $(4,629,286) to-from departmental reserves.

  Carried

11.3

Building and Planning

11.3.1

Request to Remove ‘H’ Holding Zone for Westdell Subdivision Concession 3, Part of Lot 17 RP 34R2185 Parts 1 TO 3 & Part 4, geographic Township of Caradoc, Municipality of Strathroy-Caradoc - BBP-2025-68

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

• Moved by Councillor Kennes
  Seconded by Councillor Pelkman

  THAT: the Application for the removal of the Holding Zone (ZBA 16-2022), be approved, and further;
  
  THAT: By-law No. 87-25 be referred to the Consideration of By-laws Section of the Agenda for consideration and approval.

  Carried

11.3.2

Community Improvement Application – September 2025 – 95 Frank Street, Strathroy - BBP-2025-79

Heather Lalonde, Director of Economic Development and Community Engagement, was present to speak to the report and answer questions from members.

• Moved by Councillor Kennes
  Seconded by Councillor Pelkman

  THAT: Council approve Nicole Miller’s application for funding through the Beautification Program (Multiple Façades) and the Environment and Sustainability Program to the maximum amount of $19,699.09.

  Carried

11.3.3

Community Improvement Application - September 2025 - 27 Front Street W, Strathroy - BBP-2025-80

Heather Lalonde, Director of Economic Development and Community Engagement, was present to speak to the report and answer questions from members.

• Moved by Councillor Kennes
  Seconded by Councillor Pelkman

  THAT: Council approve Lynda Moore’s application for funding through the Beautification Program to the maximum amount of $594.75.

  Carried

11.3.4

Official Plan Review Update – August 2025 - BBP-2025-81

Jake DeRidder, Manager of Growth and Development, was present to speak to the report and answer questions from members.

• Moved by Councillor Pammer
  Seconded by Councillor Kennes

  THAT: Council approve an additional $67,612.55 to be used for the completion of the Official Plan Review project.

  Carried

12.

County Council Report

12.1

Middlesex County Council Highlights - August 12, 2025

13.

Announcements and Inquiries by Members

14.

In Camera

• Moved by Councillor Pelkman
  Seconded by Councillor Brennan

  THAT:  Council move into closed session at 8:43 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 of August 5, 2025);
  • One item pursuant to Section 239(2)(e) of the Municipal Act, 2001, as amended, regarding litigation or potential litigation, including matters before administrative tribunals, affecting the municipality (Tree Maintenance Agreement).
  Carried

15.

Open Session Resume

• Moved by Councillor Kennes
  Seconded by Councillor Willsie

  THAT: Closed Session adjourn at 8:56 p.m. and Open Session resume.

  Carried

16.

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 of August 5, 2025) (the meeting minutes were approved);
• One item pursuant to Section 239(2)(e) of the Municipal Act, 2001, as amended, regarding litigation or potential litigation, including matters before administrative tribunals, affecting the municipality (Tree Maintenance Agreement) (direction was given to staff).

• Moved by Councillor Pelkman
  Seconded by Councillor Kennes

  THAT: the direction in Closed Session be approved.

  Carried

17.

Consideration of By-laws

• Moved by Councillor Kennes
  Seconded by Councillor Brennan

  THAT: By-law No. 87-25, By-law No. 90-25, By-law No. 92-25, By-law No. 93-25, By-law No. 94-25. By-law No. 95-25, By-law No. 97-25, By-law No. 98-25 and By-law No. 99-25 receive first, second and third and final reading.

  Carried

17.1

By-law No. 87-25

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

17.2

By-law No. 90-25

A by-law to provide for the use of the internet and telephone voting methods for the 2026 Municipal Election and to authorize the execution of an agreement with Intelivote Systems Inc.

17.3

By-law No. 92-25

A by-law to appoint a Deputy Clerk (Melissa Tighe)

17.4

By-law No. 93-25

A by-law to appoint a Lottery Licencing Officer (Deputy Clerk/Lottery Licencing Officer)

17.5

By-law No. 94-25

A by-law to amend By-law No. 81-22, being a by-law to appoint members and council representatives to certain authorities, boards and committees.

17.6

By-law No. 95-25

A by-law to authorize the execution of a Community Improvement Plan, Beautification (Multiple Façades) & Environment and Sustainability Grant Agreement between the Corporation of the Municipality of Strathroy-Caradoc and Nicole Miller: 95 Frank Street, Strathroy.

17.7

By-law No. 96-25

Item was removed.

17.8

By-law No. 97-25

A by-law to authorize the execution of a Temporary Use Agreement between the Corporation of the Municipality of Strathroy-Caradoc and Sari Elyse Belzycki to permit a temporary second dwelling at 7013 Walkers Drive.

17.9

By-law No. 98-25

A by-law to authorize the execution of an agreement for the Management and Operations of Concession Services in Municipal Recreation Facilities.

17.10

By-law No. 99-25

A by-law to confirm the proceedings of the Council of the Corporation of the Municipality of Strathroy-Caradoc.

18.

Schedule of Meetings

• Regular Council Meeting - Monday, September 15, 2025 @ 6:00 p.m. (Council Chamber/Hybrid)
• Regular Council Meeting - Monday, October 6, 2025 @ 6:00 p.m. (Council Chamber/Hybrid)
• Regular Council Meeting - Monday, October 20, 2025 @ 6:00 p.m. (Council Chamber/Hybrid)

19.

Adjournment

• Moved by Councillor Kennes
  Seconded by Councillor Pelkman

  THAT: the September 2, 2025 Regular Council Meeting adjourn at 9:00 p.m.

  Carried