Municipality of Strathroy-Caradoc

Regular Council Session

Minutes

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Electronic Meeting - Zoom
Present:
  • Mayor Joanne Vanderheyden
  • Deputy Mayor Brad Richards
  • Councillor Neil Flegel
  • Councillor John Brennan
  • Councillor Sandi Hipple
  • Councillor Frank Kennes
  • Councillor Steve Pelkman
  • Councillor Larry Cowan
Absent with Notice:
  • Councillor Marie Baker
Also Present:
  • Fred Tranquilli, Chief Administrative Officer/Clerk
  • Brianna Hammer-Keidel, Deputy Clerk/Communications Co-ordinator (Recorder)
  • Joe Pilon, Director of Information Technology
  • Bill Dakin, Director of Financial Services
  • Rob Lilbourne, Director of Community Services
  • Tim Williams, Planner
  • Jennifer Huff, Director of Building and Planning
  • Jake Straus, Director of Engineering & Public Works
  • Brent Smith, Fire Chief
Others Present:
  • Lindsay Laskey, Manager of Accounting / Deputy Treasurer

    David Gobbi (BDO)

    Pete Barnes (BDO)

    Ken Tupholme


None.

  • Moved byCouncillor Hipple
    Seconded byCouncillor Pelkman

    THAT: an additional item be added to the agenda as item "5.3 - Communications" regarding a Notice of Public Meeting Regarding a Building Permit Fee By-law scheduled for December 6, 2021.

    Carried

David Gobbi (BDO) and Pete Barnes (BDO) presented the draft 2020 audited financial statements for the Municipality.

  • Moved byDeputy Mayor Richards
    Seconded byCouncillor Cowan

    THAT: the December 31, 2020 draft audited financial statements for the Municipality of Strathroy-Caradoc and the December 31, 2020 draft audited financial statements for the Municipality of Strathroy-Caradoc Trust Funds be approved.

    Carried

Councillor Kennes inquired about the last time the audit process has gone out for RFP. The Director of Finance confirmed that it has been about five years, however, there are not many options available for specialized municipal auditors. The Director indicated that staff can request RFPs for 2022 year-end.

  • Moved byCouncillor Kennes
    Seconded byCouncillor Hipple

    THAT: the accounting firm of BDO Canada LLP be appointed as the Municipality’s external auditor for the December 31, 2021 year-end.

    Carried
  • Moved byCouncillor Kennes
    Seconded byCouncillor Brennan

    THAT: Council confirms transfers to deferred revenue, reserves, and reserve funds in 2020 of $13,814,182 and transfer from deferred revenue, reserves, and reserve funds in 2020 of $8,906,917; and further,

    THAT: Council approves the transfer of 2020 year-end operating net revenue of $6,198,831 and 2020 capital net revenue of $(6,091,957) to/from departmental reserves.

    Carried

The purpose of this public meeting was to consider an application for a Zoning By-law Amendment (ZBA 13-2021) by 2410172 Ontario Ltd. regarding 22661 Troops Road.

  • Moved byCouncillor Pelkman
    Seconded byCouncillor Brennan

    THAT: the public meeting to consider an application for rezoning (ZBA 13-2021) by 2410172 Ontario Inc. regarding 22661 Troops Road be hereby opened.

    Carried

Tim Williams, Senior Planner, presented the report, explaining that the purpose of the application is to rezone four new residential building lots created by provisionally approved consent applications. The lots will be rezoned from "General Agricultural (A1)" to a site-specific "Rural Residential (R5-6)" to facilitate the construction of single detached dwellings on the lots.

The Planner explained that the "Rural Residential" designation is a legacy of former Caradoc Township zoning that is permitted in this particular area, but that such a designation would not be expanded. Comments received on the application included requirements from CN regarding proposed safety setbacks, proposed slopes and height of a safety berm, a noise attenuation wall or safety fence, and grading to direct storm waters away from the CN right of way. Further, the side yard and back yard of the parcel closest to the railway would need to be fenced in, and that particular parcel would require an additional condition noted on an Agreement of Purchase and Sale regarding CN right of way and possible noise.

Planning staff are supportive of the proposed rezoning as the application is considered to be consistent with the Provincial Policy Statement, in conformity with the County of Middlesex Official Plan and Strathroy-Caradoc Official Plan, and represents good planning. 

  • Moved byCouncillor Pelkman
    Seconded byCouncillor Hipple

    THAT: the public meeting to consider an application for rezoning (ZBA 13-2021) by 2410172 Ontario Inc. regarding 22661 Troops Road be hereby closed.

    Carried
  • Moved byCouncillor Brennan
    Seconded byCouncillor Kennes

    THAT: Zoning By-law Amendment application ZBA 12-2021 for 22661 Troops Road be approved.

    Carried
  • Moved byDeputy Mayor Richards
    Seconded byCouncillor Pelkman

    THAT: the meeting minutes be approved as written.

    Carried
  • Moved byCouncillor Brennan
    Seconded byCouncillor Pelkman

    THAT: Council receive the communication items for information.

    Carried

Regarding a proposed development at 392 Second Street hosted by 2728539 Ontario Inc.

Resolution regarding Professional Development Day on Municipal and School Board Election Day, October 24, 2022.

A virtual public meeting is scheduled for December 6, 2021 at 6:00 p.m. to consider a proposed new Building Permit Fee By-law under Section 7 of the Building Code Act.

Members generally noted that with the continued growth of the community a Fire Master Plan is important to keep residents and firefighters safe; and further, that it is important to responsibly plan for the future so residents do not experience a drastic increase to property taxes to accommodate such needs.

  • Moved byCouncillor Kennes
    Seconded byCouncillor Hipple

    THAT: Council receive and action the Master Fire Plan and Fire Hall Location Study as suggested in the recommendations and timelines.

    Carried
  • Moved byCouncillor Brennan
    Seconded byCouncillor Pelkman

    THAT: Report HR-2021-19, Hiring Report – Drainage Superintendent, be received for information.

    Carried
  • Moved byDeputy Mayor Richards
    Seconded byCouncillor Kennes

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

    Carried
  • Moved byCouncillor Flegel
    Seconded byCouncillor Brennan

    THAT: By-law 60-21 receive first, second, and third and final reading:

    A by-law to amend By-law No. 43-08, being the Comprehensive Zoning By-law of the Municipality of Strathroy-Caradoc (regarding 22661 Troops Road).

    Carried

None.

Deputy Mayor Richards reported that Middlesex County Council met on November 9. Members reviewed the County Strategic Plan and approved OPA 13 as forwarded by the Municipality of Strathroy-Caradoc. The inaugural meeting for Middlesex County Council is set for December 2 with two candidates for Warden: Alison Warwick and Brad Richards.

Deputy Mayor Richards attended the recent Remembrance Day ceremony at the Cenotaph and laid a wreath. 

Councillor Hipple attended the Remembrance Day ceremony in Mount Brydges. The Councillor also reminded residents that leaves can be brought to transfer stations free of charge. Councillor Hipple congratulated local resident Taylor Kehoe who just signed with Alabama University for a golf scholarship.

Councillor Flegel encouraged residents to take advantage of the transfer station. The Councillor confirmed that the Mount Brydges Transfer Station would be open on December 18 due to the Christmas holiday.

Councillor Kennes inquired about property reassessments being postponed again. The Director Finance confirmed that MPAC reassessments have been pushed back to 2023; current property tax rates are based on 2016 numbers with a small incremental markup each year. The 2023 reassessments may be surprising to some residents as they adjust to current values.

Councillor Brennan spoke of Remembrance Day at the Strathroy Cenotaph, where he appreciated the ringing bells of Town Hall, the commemorative statue of Arthur Currie, and the updated fountain with the commemorative brass plaques: these are all little touches that have come together. The Councillor noted that the Strathroy Library has been refurbished and has now re-opened.

Councillor Pelkman noted his appreciation for working with senior members of the community and those who sacrificed. The Councillor also visited the transfer station over the weekend and appreciated the efficient process despite large attendance.

Mayor Vanderheyden laid a Remembrance Day wreath at the Mount Brydges cenotaph. The Mayor congratulated Dr. Vanderwalle and the newly opened family health centre, which has brought three new doctors to the community. The Middlesex County Women's Caucus is hosting an event on Thursday. Mayor Vanderheyden flew to Newfoundland as FCM President to speak at the Municipalities Newfoundland and Labrador Women's Leadership Summit.

  • Monday, December 6, 2021 @ 6:00 p.m.
  • Monday, December 20, 2021 @ 6:00 p.m.

A proposed schedule of 2022 Council meetings was attached.

  • Moved byDeputy Mayor Richards
    Seconded byCouncillor Flegel

    THAT: the meeting adjourn at 7:20 p.m.

    Carried