Municipality of Strathroy-Caradoc

Regular Council Session

Minutes

Monday, January 20, 2025

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

Absent with Notice:

• Councillor Donna Pammer
• Councillor Sandi Hipple
• Councillor Greg Willsie

Also Present:

• Jennifer Pereira, Deputy Clerk/Lottery Licensing Officer (Recorder)
• Brianna Hammer-Keidel, Director of Legal and Legislative Services/Clerk
• Bill Dakin, Director of Financial Services/Treasurer
• Rob Lilbourne, Director of Community Services
• Doug Payne, Director of Human Resources
• Tim Williams, Manager of Planning, County of Middlesex
• Mark Campbell, Police Chief
• Mark Ortiz, Director of Engineering & Public Works

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1.

Roll Call

The Clerk has confirmed Council attendance.

2.

Call to Order/Approve Agenda

• Moved by Councillor Brennan
  Seconded by Councillor Pelkman

  THAT: the January 20, 2025 Regular Council Meeting Agenda be approved as circulated.

  Carried

3.

Declaration of Pecuniary Interest

None.

4.

Presentations/Delegations/Petitions

4.1

Medal of Distinction Presentation

Mayor Grantham presented the Medal of Distinction award to recipients Rick Wilkens(was not able to attend in person) and Chris Soares.

4.2

Strathroy Canada Day Committee

Chris Das, Strathroy Canada Day Committee provided Council with an update. He indicates that on June 29, 2025 and the Gemini Sportsplex there will be a Canada Day Celebration which will incorporate a drone show. For anyone who would like to donate to this event, please use this email. ([e-mail])

• Moved by Councillor Kennes
  Seconded by Deputy Mayor McGuire

  THAT: the Canada Day Committee presentation be received for information.

  Carried

5.

Public Meeting

5.1

Public Meeting No. 1

5.1.1

Motion to open the public meeting

• Moved by Deputy Mayor McGuire
  Seconded by Councillor Kennes

  THAT: the public meeting for the proposed official plan amendment and zoning by-law amendment for the property known as 24605 Saxton Road, Strathroy. be hereby opened.

  Carried

5.1.2

Report to be presented by the Planner

Tim Williams, Senior Planner presents his report on the proposed rezoning for the property at 24605 Saxton Road. The purpose of the subject information report is to provide Council and the public background information on the proposed official plan amendment (OPA) and zoning by-law amendment (ZBA). This public meeting seeks to collect comments from the public and Council.  The proposal may then be amended, or additional information provided to address comments before a planning evaluation report is presented to Council. The subject site area is approximately 3.14 ha (7.76 ac) in size with approximately 140 metres of frontage along Saxton Road. The lands are currently vacant of buildings and not used.  The property is located on the southwest side of Saxton Road at the south end of Strathroy.

5.1.3

Comments in support of the proposed rezoning

Jamie Robertson, SBM spoke in support of the application.

5.1.4

Comments in opposition to the proposed rezoning

Residents of Twin Elm Estates had concerns with the location of the proposed development, the height of the building, the access to Twin Elms and if these units will be rentals or not.

5.1.5

Comments and questions from Members of Council

Council members were overall in support of the application, but had some concerns regarding drainage and the demands on the wastewater system.

5.1.6

Motion to close the public meeting

• Moved by Councillor Derbyshire
  Seconded by Councillor Pelkman

  THAT: the public meeting for the proposed official plan amendment and zoning by-law amendment for the property known as 24605 Saxton Road, Strathroy. be hereby closed.

  Carried

5.1.7

Decision/Resolution

• Moved by Deputy Mayor McGuire
  Seconded by Councillor Kennes

  THAT: the subject report BBP-2025-01 for Official Plan Amendment 03-2024 and Zoning By-law Amendment 5-2024 be received for information.

  Carried

6.

Approval of Minutes

• Moved by Councillor Kennes
  Seconded by Deputy Mayor McGuire

  THAT: the following meting minutes be received for information:

  • Regular Council Meeting Minutes - December 16, 2024
  • Special Meeting Minutes - January 13, 2025
  • Finance Committee Meeting Minutes - January 13, 2025
  Carried

6.1

Regular Council Meeting Minutes – December 16, 2024

6.2

Special Meeting Minutes - January 13, 2025

6.3

Finance Committee Meeting - January 13, 2025

7.

Communications

• Moved by Councillor Brennan
  Seconded by Councillor Kennes

  THAT: Council receive the communication items for information.

  Carried

7.1

Middlesex-London Board of Health Meeting Summary - December 12, 2024

7.2

2024 Quarter 4 Building Permit Detailed Summary Report

8.

Notice of Motion

8.1

Councillor Greg Willsie - Not to Be Voted On

Whereas: The Fire Advisory Committee was specifically created for community engagement;
Whereas: Council was informed members were chosen specifically for their lack of fire experience;
Whereas: The Fire Advisory Committee specifically states in the terms of reference that they are not responsible for operations, facilities or programs;
Whereas: The items proposed for discussion by the chair of the Fire Advisory Committee during the Oct 16, 2024 meeting appear to violate the existing terms of reference;
Therefore be it Resolved That: The Terms of Reference for the Fire Advisory Committee be reviewed and updated with a clear scope and mission matching the definitions originally presented to Council; and further,
That: all meetings of the Fire Advisory Board be suspended until this review is complete and updated terms of Reference are approved by Council.

8.2

Councillor Brian Derbyshire - Not to Be Voted On

THAT: Council set a date for the annual CAO Review.

9.

Reports from Departments

9.1

Legal and Legislative Services 

9.1.1

Fire Protection Grant Agreement - LLS-2025-01

• Moved by Councillor Kennes
  Seconded by Deputy Mayor McGuire

  THAT: Report LLS-2025-01 “Fire Protection Grant Agreement” be received for information.

  Carried
• Moved by Deputy Mayor McGuire
  Seconded by Councillor Brennan

  THAT: Council authorize the execution of the Ontario Transfer Payment Agreement related to the Fire Protection Grant awarded to the Municipality, and further;
  
  THAT: authorizing By-law No. 06-25 be forwarded to the Consideration of By-laws section of the agenda for approval.

  Carried

9.1.2

Strathroy-Caradoc Housing Corporation – Council Member Appointees - LLS-2025-02

• Moved by Deputy Mayor McGuire
  Seconded by Councillor Kennes

  THAT: Report LLS-2025-02 “Strathroy-Caradoc Housing Corporation – Council Member Appointees” be received for information.

  Carried
• Moved by Deputy Mayor McGuire
  Seconded by Councillor Brennan

  THAT: Councillor Pelkman and Councillor Derbyshire be appointed to the Strathroy-Caradoc Housing Corporation as Council appointees for the balance of the term.
  
  
  

  Carried
• Moved by Deputy Mayor McGuire
  Seconded by Councillor Pelkman

  THAT: staff prepare an amendment to the Municipality’s Appointment By-law for a future Council meeting.

  Carried

9.2

Financial Services 

9.2.1

Section 357 Application - FIN-2025-01

• Moved by Deputy Mayor McGuire
  Seconded by Councillor Brennan

  THAT: Report FIN-2025-01 “Section 357 Application – 21438 Adelaide Road” be received for information.

  Carried
• Moved by Councillor Pelkman
  Seconded by Councillor Brennan

  THAT: the Section 357 Application for 21438 Adelaide Road be approved for processing in the amount of a -$464.37 credit to the tax account.

  Carried

9.2.2

2025 Interim Tax Levy Bylaw - FIN-2025-02

• Moved by Deputy Mayor McGuire
  Seconded by Councillor Derbyshire

  THAT: Report FIN-2025-02 “2025 Interim Tax Levy By-law” be received for information.

  Carried
• Moved by Councillor Pelkman
  Seconded by Deputy Mayor McGuire

  THAT: the 2025 Interim Tax Levy be no more than 50% of the total taxes for municipal and school board purposes levied for 2024, and further;
  
  THAT: By-law No. 01-25 authorizing the 2025 Interim Tax Levy be forwarded to the Consideration of By-laws section of the agenda for approval.

  Carried

9.2.3

2025 Budget Deliberations - FIN-2025-03

• Moved by Councillor Brennan
  Seconded by Councillor Kennes

  THAT: Report FIN-2025-03 “2025 Budget Deliberations” be received for information.

  Carried
• Moved by Deputy Mayor McGuire
  Seconded by Councillor Pelkman

  THAT: the scheduled Finance Committee meeting dates of January 27, February 10, and February 24 be cancelled, and further;
  
  THAT: the proposed 2025 Municipal Budget, inclusive of changes recommended at the January 13 Finance Committee meeting requiring a $24,427,860 taxation levy, which is a 5.6% Tax Levy increase over 2024 equating to a 4.5% Tax Rate increase over 2024, be brought forward for approval by bylaw at the February 3, 2025 Council meeting.

  Carried

9.3

Building and Planning

9.3.1

Community Improvement Plan Applications – January 2025 - BBP-2025-02

• Moved by Councillor Brennan
  Seconded by Deputy Mayor McGuire

  THAT: Report BBP-2025-02 “Community Improvement Plan Applications – January 2025” be received for information.

  Carried
• Moved by Councillor Kennes
  Seconded by Councillor Pelkman

  THAT: Council approve Michael and Julianne Kloss’ application for funding through the Additional Unit Program to the maximum amount of $6,777.56, and further;
  
  THAT: By-law No. 02-25 authorizing the execution of the CIP Agreement be forwarded to the Consideration of By-laws section of the agenda for approval.

  Carried

9.4

Community Services

9.4.1

Bleacher Tender Award – Jays Care Foundation Grant - CS-2025-02

• Moved by Councillor Brennan
  Seconded by Councillor Kennes

  THAT: Report CS-2025-02 “Bleacher Tender Award – Jays Care Foundation Grant” be received for information.

  Carried
• Moved by Councillor Kennes
  Seconded by Councillor Derbyshire

  THAT: Council approve the awarding of the Bleacher Tender to W.H. Reynolds of Cambridge ON for the value of $28,301.91 plus HST.

  Carried

9.5

Engineering and Public Works 

9.5.1

Waste Transfer Station Operations Tender Award - EPW-2025-04

• Moved by Councillor Kennes
  Seconded by Councillor Pelkman

  THAT: Report EPW-2025-04 “Waste Transfer Station Operations Tender Award” be received for information.

  Carried
• Moved by Councillor Kennes
  Seconded by Councillor Brennan

  THAT: Council direct to staff to enter into an agreement with Sarnia Paving Stone for the Operations of the Municipality’s Waste Transfer Stations for a total 5-year contract estimated value of $998,308 excl. HST.

  Carried

10.

Reports from Boards and Committees

• Moved by Councillor Brennan
  Seconded by Councillor Pelkman

  THAT: items 10.1, 10.2, 10.3, and 10.5 of reports from boards and committees be received for information.

  Carried
• Moved by Deputy Mayor McGuire
  Seconded by Councillor Kennes

  THAT: item 10.4 of the reports from boards and committees be received form information.

  Carried

10.1

Tri Township Arena Meeting Minutes - November 14, 2024

10.2

Police Services Board General Meeting Minutes – November 19, 2024

10.3

Police Services Board Monthly Activity Reports - November 2024

10.4

Tri-Township Arena Meeting Minutes - December 12, 2024

10.5

Fire Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes - November 20, 2024

11.

County Council Report

Deputy Mayor McGuire provides some highlights of the January 14, 2025 Middlesex County Council Meeting. He indicates that Chris Traini, County Engineer shares updates on the Glendon Drive Roundabout, and well as there will be a delay on the streetlights at Glendon Drive/Melbourne Road due to weather. 

12.

Enquiries or Comments by Members

Mayor Grantham reminds the public that during this cold weather event there are supports available. 137 Frank Street, the Women's Shelter and the Library. He adds that anyone requesting any support should contact the community navigator.

13.

Schedule of Meetings

14.

In Camera

• Moved by Councillor Kennes
  Seconded by Councillor Brennan

  THAT:  Council move into closed session at 7:26 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)
  • One item pursuant to Section 239(2)(c) of the Municipal Act, 2001, regarding a proposed or pending acquisition or disposition of land by the municipality (22569 Troops Road);
  • One item pursuant to Section 239(2)(e) and Section 239(2)(f) of the Municipal Act, 2001, regarding litigation or potential litigation, including matters before administrative tribunals, affecting the municipality and regarding advice subject to solicitor-client privilege (Ward 2 Zoning Matter).
  Carried
• Moved by Councillor Pelkman
  Seconded by Councillor Brennan

  THAT: Council take a 10 minute recess.

  Carried

15.

Open Session Resume

• Moved by Councillor Brennan
  Seconded by Councillor Pelkman

  THAT: Closed Session adjourn at 8:00 p.m.  and Open Session resume.

  Carried

16.

Report on Closed Session

Mayor Grantham reports that Council moved into closed session for the following:

• One item in accordance with Council's Procedure By-law (to approve In-Camera Meeting Minutes)
• One item pursuant to Section 239(2)(c) of the Municipal Act, 2001, regarding a proposed or pending acquisition or disposition of land by the municipality (22569 Troops Road);
• One item pursuant to Section 239(2)(e) and Section 239(2)(f) of the Municipal Act, 2001, regarding litigation or potential litigation, including matters before administrative tribunals, affecting the municipality and regarding advice subject to solicitor-client privilege (Ward 2 Zoning Matter).

• Moved by Councillor Brennan
  Seconded by Deputy Mayor McGuire

  THAT: the direction in Closed Session be approved.

  Carried

17.

Consideration of By-laws

• Moved by Deputy Mayor McGuire
  Seconded by Councillor Kennes

  THAT: By-law No. 01-25, No. 02-25, By-law No. 05-25 and By-law No. 06-25 receive first, second and third and final reading.

  Carried

17.1

By-law No. 01-25

17.2

By-law No. 02-25

17.3

By-law No. 05-24

17.4

By-law No. 06-25

18.

Adjournment

• Moved by Deputy Mayor McGuire
  Seconded by Councillor Kennes

  THAT: the January 20, 2025 Regular Council Meeting adjourn at 8:02 p.m.

  Carried