The Corporation of the Town of Essex

Regular Council Meeting Minutes

Monday, March 03, 2025 at 6:00 P.m. - 9:00 P.m.

Location: Essex Municipal Building, 33 Talbot Street South

Present:

• Mayor Sherry Bondy
• Deputy Mayor Rob Shepley
• Ward 1 Councillor Joe Garon
• Ward 2 Councillor Kim Verbeek
• Ward 3 Councillor Brad Allard
• Ward 3 Councillor Jason Matyi
• Ward 4 Councillor Rodney Hammond

Regrets:

• Ward 1 Councillor Katie McGuire-Blais

Also Present:

• Doug Sweet, Chief Administrative Officer
• Joseph Malandruccolo, Director, Legal and Legislative Services/Clerk
• Jake Morassut, Director, Community Services
• Kate Giurissevich, Director, Corporate Services
• Lori Chadwick, Director, Development Services
• Norm Nussio, Manager, Operations and Drainage
• Kevin Carter, Manager, Building Services/Chief Building Official
• Jason Pillon, Fire Chief
• Jacey Brockman, Deputy Fire Chief
• Cassandra Roy, Legislative Clerk

​Accessible formats or communication supports are available upon request. Please contact the Clerk’s Office at [email protected] or 519-776-7336 extension 1100 or 1101.

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1.

Call to Order

Mayor Bondy called the meeting to order at 6:00 PM. 

2.

Land Acknowledgement

We acknowledge that this land is the traditional territory of the Three Fires Confederacy of First Nations (comprised of the Ojibway, the Odawa, and the Potawatomi Peoples), and of the Huron-Wendat Peoples. We value the significant historical and contemporary contributions of local and regional First Nations and all of the Original Peoples of Turtle Island who have been living and working on the land from time immemorial.

3.

National Anthem

4.

Closed Meeting Report

Joe Malandruccolo, Director, Legal & Legislative Services/Clerk reported that on March 3, 2025 at 4:00 PM Council moved into Closed Session as permitted to do so pursuant to Section 239 2(f) (i) and (j) of the Municipal Act, 2001, S.O. 2001, c. 25. as amended to receive advice that is subject to solicitor-client privilege, including communications necessary for that purpose; and to discuss a trade secret or scientific, technical, commercial, financial or labour relations information, supplied in confidence to the municipality or local board, which, if disclosed, could reasonably be expected to prejudice significantly the competitive position or interfere significantly with the contractual or other negotiations of a person, group of persons, or organization; and to discuss a trade secret or scientific, technical, commercial or financial information that belongs to the municipality or local board and has monetary value or potential monetary value.

Director Malandruccolo further reported that on March 3, 2025 at 5:00 PM Council moved into Closed Session as permitted to do so pursuant to Section 239 2(c) of the Municipal Act, 2001, S.O. 2001, c. 25. as amended to discuss a proposed or pending acquisition or disposition of land by the municipality or local board.

5.

Declarations of Conflict of Interest

There were no declarations of conflict of interest noted at this time.

6.

Adoption of Published Agenda

6.1

Regular Council Meeting Agenda for March 3, 2025

• R25-03-080
  Moved By Deputy Mayor Shepley
  Seconded By Councillor Verbeek

  That the published agenda for the March 3, 2025 Regular Council Meeting be adopted with the following amendments:

  1. That Agenda Item 10.5 regarding the Greenhouse Light Abatement By-Law be moved to Agenda Item 8.3 under Public Presentations to allow the delegates Bill Jamieson and Starr Livingstone, to speak to this by-law;

  2. That the correspondence in Agenda Item 13.1.2 from Union Water Supply System be moved up to Agenda Item 8.1; and

  3. That Agenda Item 16.1 under New Business be added to request that Administration send a letter to Telus to activate the Cell Tower.

  Carried

7.

Adoption of Minutes

7.1

Regular Council Meeting Minutes for February 18, 2025

• R25-03-081
  Moved By Councillor Garon
  Seconded By Councillor Hammond

  That the minutes of the Regular Council Meeting held February 18, 2025 be adopted as circulated.

  Carried

7.2

Special Council Meeting Minutes for January 20, 2025

RE: Committee of the Whole

• R25-03-082
  Moved By Councillor Matyi
  Seconded By Deputy Mayor Shepley

  That the minutes of the Special Council Meeting held January 20, 2025 be adopted as circulated.

  Carried

8.

Public Presentations

8.1

Rodney Bouchard, General Manager and Chief Executive Officer, Union Water Supply System (UWSS)

RE: Union Water Supply System Presentation

Rodney Bouchard, General Manager and Chief Executive Officer, Union Water Supply System, provided an update on the recent restructuring, and the upcoming capital projects.

• R25-03-083
  Moved By Deputy Mayor Shepley
  Seconded By Councillor Verbeek

  That the Union Water Supply System (UWSS) presentation be extended for an additional 5 minutes.

  Carried
• R25-03-084
  Moved By Councillor Hammond
  Seconded By Deputy Mayor Shepley

  That the presentation by Rodney Bouchard, General Manager and Chief Executive Officer, Union Water Supply System (UWSS) be received.

  Carried

8.1.1

Town of Essex 2024 Water Reports

RE: 2024 Annual and Summary Water Reports

• R25-03-085
  Moved By Deputy Mayor Shepley
  Seconded By Councillor Verbeek

  That the correspondence listed in Agenda Item 8.1.1 regarding the 2024 Essex Water Reports be received.

  Carried

8.2

Derek Roy, Manager of Supports overseeing Career Compass, and Tammy Dalgleish, Employment Specialist on the Career Campus, Community Living Essex County

RE: Community Living Essex County - Career Compass

Derek Roy, Manager of Supports overseeing Career Compass, Community Living Essex County provided the benefits that Career Compass has to offer in the municipality. He explained that Career Compass works with people that have intellectual disabilities and pairs them with employers in the community.

Council directed Administration to come back with a report on how the Town of Essex can participate in the Career Compass program.

• R25-03-086
  Moved By Councillor Matyi
  Seconded By Deputy Mayor Shepley

  That the presentation by Derek Roy, Manager of Supports overseeing Career Compass, and Tammy Dalgleish, Employment Specialist on the Career Campus, Community Living Essex Community Living be received; and

  Whereas Community Living Essex County (CLEC) is the largest Developmental Services Sector provider in the West Region, supporting over 700 individuals and employing over 700 staff;

  And Whereas CLEC’s Career Compass program provides employment opportunities for individuals of all abilities and promotes inclusive hiring practices;

  And Whereas the municipality has an opportunity to demonstrate leadership in inclusive employment and workforce development;

  Therefore, be it resolved that administration be directed to develop a plan to fulfill CLEC’s request by:

  1. Exploring hiring opportunities through Career Compass;
  2. Identifying ways to participate in the Youth in Action: Summer Work Experience program; and
  3. Demonstrating community leadership in inclusive hiring practices.

  Be it further resolved that administration report back with recommendations on how the municipality can support these initiatives.

  Carried

8.3

Legal and Legislative Services-2025-01

RE: Greenhouse Light Abatement By-Law (2025)

Joe Malandruccolo, Director, Legal and Legislative Services/Clerk, presented the proposed Greenhouse Light Abatement By-Law. He explained that at the Regular Council Meeting of December 19, 2022, Council provisionally adopted the Greenhouse Light Abatement By-Law. Administration waited to return with the amended version due to the challenges that the Municipality of Leamington faced with their Greenhouse Light Abatement By-Law as it was viewed as too restrictive. Director Malandruccolo explained that this by-law is being presented in such a way to ensure enforceability. 

Council directed Administration to revisit the ability to make revisions to the By-Law by increasing the times that greenhouse lights are completely shut off.

• R25-03-087
  Moved By Councillor Verbeek
  Seconded By Councillor Matyi

  That Legal and Legislative Services Report-2025-01 entitled Greenhouse Light Abatement By-Law (2025) prepared by Joe Malandruccolo, Director, Legal and Legislative Services/Clerk, dated March 3, 2025, be received; and

  That By-Law 2211 being a by-law to require the abatement of interior greenhouse light emissions be read a first and a second time and provisionally adopted on March 3, 2025.

  Tabled

8.3.1

Delegations

• R25-03-088
  Moved By Deputy Mayor Shepley
  Seconded By Councillor Matyi

  That the delegations listed in Agenda Item 8.3.1 be received. 

  Carried

8.3.1.1

Bill Jamieson

Bill Jamieson explained that he is opposed to the Greenhouse Light Abatement By-Law and suggested deferring the implementation of the By-Law to allow for more public consultation. He noted that effectiveness of Kingsville's Greenhouse Light By-Law and asked Council to review Kingsville's by-law. He further provided concerns with artificial light as it has a negative impact on plants and animals.

Director Malandruccolo explained that Kingsville's By-Law is not a Light Abatement By-Law and is a Nuisance By-Law at the discretion of the officer.

8.3.1.2

Starr Livingstone

Starr Livingstone explained that he is opposed to the By-Law and provided concerns regarding taxes received for greenhouses and the infrastructure requirements of a greenhouse. He noted further concerns surrounding the effects on nature and impacts on our wellbeing by not being able to see the nighttime sky.

9.

Unfinished Business

10.

Reports from Administration

10.1

Fire and Rescue Services-2025-02

RE: Essex Fire and Rescue 2024 Annual Report

• R25-03-089
  Moved By Councillor Allard
  Seconded By Councillor Verbeek

  That Fire and Rescue Services Report-2025-02 entitled Essex Fire and Rescue 2024 Annual Report prepared by Jason Pillon, Fire Chief, Fire and Rescue Services, dated March 3, 2025, be received for information.

  Carried

10.2

Fire and Rescue Services-2025-03

RE: Grant Funding – The Ministry of the Solicitor General, Office of the Fire Marshal - Fire Protection Grant

• R25-03-090
  Moved By Councillor Hammond
  Seconded By Councillor Matyi

  That Fire and Rescue Services Report-2025-03 entitled Grant Funding – The Ministry of the Solicitor General, Office of the Fire Marshal - Fire Protection Grant, prepared by Jason Pillon, Fire Chief, Fire and Rescue Services, dated March 3, 2025, be received; and

  That Council approve the 2025 post budget approval for the Capital Project Firefighter Cancer Prevention Supplies in the amount of $24,691.35, to be fully funded from grant funding received from The Ministry of the Solicitor General, Office of the Fire Marshal which will further strengthen and improve the Essex Fire and Rescue Services cancer prevention measures.

  Carried

10.3

Fire and Rescue Services-2025-04

RE: Cobalt Magnet (CM25) Nuclear Emergency Exercise

Jason Pillon, Fire Chief, Fire and Rescue Services, provided an overview on the upcoming Cobalt Magnet exercise that will be taking place on March 17 and 18 in the Town of Essex. He explained that he Town of Essex was selected as a designated host municipality and will host a reception/decontamination centre at Fire Station 2 for senior Administration, the Fire Department, and some designated staff members to partake in a simulation of a nuclear event at the FERMI plant in Michigan. 

• R25-03-091
  Moved By Councillor Hammond
  Seconded By Councillor Verbeek

  That Fire and Rescue Services Report-2025-04 entitled Cobalt Magnet (CM25) Nuclear Emergency Exercise prepared by Jason Pillon, Fire Chief, Fire and Rescue Services, dated March 3, 2025, be received for information.

  Carried

10.4

Parks and Facilities-2025-03

RE: Results of Request for Proposal – Design, Supply, and Install Playground Equipment for Co-An Park

Jake Morassut, Director, Community Services, explained the Town of Essex held a two-week virtual vote held from February 7 to February 21, 2025, to allow the public to review and rank four designs for Co-An Park. He announced that the design that was selected and received the most votes was listed as option 3 on the Town of Essex website from New World Play Solutions.

• R25-03-092
  Moved By Councillor Verbeek
  Seconded By Deputy Mayor Shepley

  That Parks and Facilities Report-2025-03 entitled Results of Request for Proposal – Design, Supply, and Install Playground Equipment for Co-An prepared by Jake Morassut, Director, Community Services, dated March 3, 2025, be received; and

  That Council award the Request for Proposal to Design, Supply, and Install Playground Equipment for Co-An Park to New World Park Solutions Inc in the amount of $389,791.00 (including non-refundable tax), with 50% funded from the Town of Amherstburg.

  Carried

10.5

Operations-2025-01

RE: Erie Wellington Crosswalk

Norm Nussio, Manager, Operations and Drainage, provided an overview of the proposed crosswalk at Erie and Wellington in Harrow and noted that it will be brought back from Council’s decision during the 2026 budget deliberations.

• R25-03-093
  Moved By Deputy Mayor Shepley
  Seconded By Councillor Hammond

  That Operations Report-2025-01 entitled, Erie Wellington Crosswalk prepared by Norm Nussio, Manager, Operations and Drainage, dated March 3, 2025, be received for information.

  Carried

10.6

Development Services-2025-01

RE: Noise By-Law Amendments

Lori Chadwick, Director, Development Services provided an overview of the revised Noise By-Law within the Town of Essex. She stated that the current noise By-Law is subjective, and the new proposed by-law specifies decibel ranges which can be measured with the use of sound level meters. 

• R25-03-094
  Moved By Deputy Mayor Shepley
  Seconded By Councillor Hammond

  That Development Services Report-2025-01 entitled Noise By-Law Amendments prepared by Lori Chadwick, Director, Development Services dated March 3, 2025 be received; and

  That By-Law 2242, being a by-law to repeal and replace By-Law 2038 to prohibit and regulate noise in the Town of Essex, be read a first and a second time and provisionally adopted on March 3, 2025.

  Carried

11.

Reports from Youth Members

12.

County Council Update

Deputy Mayor Shepley explained that the Bridge Youth Resource Centre in Leamington provided an update to County Council on the non-profit organization’s tiny home community project, which will see the construction of 38 housing units. He further explained other matters considered by County Council.

13.

Correspondence

13.1

Correspondence to be received

• R25-03-095
  Moved By Councillor Allard
  Seconded By Deputy Mayor Shepley

  That all of the correspondence listed in Agenda Item 13.1 be received and, where indicated, to further share such information with the community using suitable methods of communication.

  Carried

13.1.1

Support Canadian Business and Consumers

13.1.1.1

Township of Uxbridge

RE: Implementation of Buy Canadian Policy

13.1.1.2

Eastern Ontario Warden's Caucus (EOWC)

RE: EOWC Support of Canadian and Ontario Governments’ Negotiations with the United States Government on Trade Tariffs

13.1.1.3

Township of Archipelago

RE: Support Canadian Business and Consumers

13.1.2

Town of Goderich

RE: Wide Licensing Framework for Rideshare Companies

13.1.3

City of Woodstock

RE: Speeding, Distracted Driving, and Impaired Driving

13.2

Correspondence to be considered for receipt and support

13.2.1

The City of Windsor

RE: Opioids Crisis and Homeless Encampments

• R25-03-096
  Moved By Councillor Hammond
  Seconded By Deputy Mayor Shepley

  That the correspondence from the City of Windsor dated February 24, 2025, regarding the Opioids Crisis and Homeless Encampments be received and supported; and

  That a letter of support be sent to the Honourable Doug Ford, Premier of Ontario, Honourable Peter Bethlenfalvy, Minister of Finance, Honourable Paul Calandra, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, Honourable Kinga Surma, Minister of Infrastructure and Anthony Leardi, Member of Provincial Parliament, Essex.

  Carried

14.

Committee Meeting Minutes

• R25-03-097
  Moved By Deputy Mayor Shepley
  Seconded By Councillor Matyi

  That the Committee Meeting minutes listed in Agenda Item 14, together with any recommendations to Council noted therein, be received, approved and adopted as circulated.

  Carried

14.1

Co-An Park Committee - December 11, 2024

14.2

Essex Centre Business Improvement Area (BIA) - January 15, 2025

14.3

Committee of Adjustment - January 21, 2025

14.4

Essex Festival Committee - January 29, 2025

14.5

Essex Municipal Heritage Committee - January 30, 2025

14.6

Finance Committee - February 18, 2025

Recommendation to Council:

FIN25-02-15
Moved By Mayor Bondy
Seconded By Councillor Garon

That the Finance Committee recommend that Council direct the Community Services staff meet with the Executive of the Essex Youth Centre to see what programs for youth were provided in 2024 and what programs are scheduled for 2025 to avoid duplication in programs.

Carried

15.

Financial

16.

New Business

16.1

Mayor Bondy

• R25-03-098
  Moved By Mayor Bondy
  Seconded By Councillor Matyi

  That the Town of Essex send a letter of support for the expansion of the telecommunication network in the region to benefit the community as a whole;

  That TELUS completed the consultation process that was required by Kingsville's policy and ISED and received the concurrence letter from the Town of Kingsville where the structure is located. In this context, the Town of Essex reviewed the location that TELUS is proposing for the installation of the telecommunication tower in the Town of Kingsville located on Vacant Land on County Road 23; GOSFIELD NORTH CON STR PT LOT 281 RP 12R22814 PT Parts 3 to 5 12R23080 Part 2; Town of Kingsville; and

  That the Town of Essex supports the installation of the tower and is encouraging TELUS to put the tower in service as soon as possible, as it will also benefit the community of Essex.

  Carried

17.

Notices of Motion

17.1

The following Notices of Motion were presented at the February 18, 2025 Regular Council Meeting and are being brought forward this evening for Council's consideration:

17.1.1

Mayor Bondy

• R25-03-099
  Moved By Mayor Bondy
  Seconded By Councillor Verbeek

  That Council direct Administration to review the amount of garbage containers in our downtown cores to be effective in keeping our community clean, this includes the addition of cigarette butt containers as well.

  Carried

17.1.2

Mayor Bondy

• R25-03-100
  Moved By Mayor Bondy
  Seconded By Councillor Matyi

  That the Council of the Town of Essex direct the Town’s Administration to request more information from the County of Essex regarding the proposed uploading of the management of phragmites to the County of Essex in advance of making a decision at the local level. Information such as scope, level of service and costs associated with the program would be helpful in determining next steps.

  Carried

17.2

The following Notices of Motion are for presentment only and will be brought forward for Council's consideration at the March 17, 2025 Regular Council Meeting

17.2.1

Mayor Bondy

Moved by Mayor Bondy

That Council direct Administration to prepare a report identifying ways the Town can encourage Canadian purchasing, while still acting within applicable legislation, including an assessment of our current procurement by-law and potential revisions to achieve this.

17.2.2

Deputy Mayor Shepley

Moved by Deputy Mayor Shepley

Whereas the Essex Centre Streetscape project is now complete; and

Whereas it is essential to evaluate how the revised streetscape plan has affected traffic flow and to identify opportunities for improving signage to enhance traffic efficiency and pedestrian safety; the key goals of the project.

Be it resolved that Council direct Administration to prepare a report addressing the following traffic efficiency and pedestrian safety aspects of the project, as a thorough review of these aspects will help ensure that traffic flow remains efficient and pedestrian safety is optimized in alignment with the Streetscape project's objectives:

1. No Left Turn Restriction into Schinkel’s
• Provide the rationale for the existing restriction on left turns into Schinkel’s when traveling north on Talbot.
• Explore options for removing the restriction, including potential impacts and considerations.
2. No Left Turn Restriction onto Laird Avenue
• Provide the rationale for the newly implemented restriction on left turns onto Laird Avenue when traveling north on Talbot.
• Assess the feasibility of removing this restriction or introducing a time-based restriction, including potential impacts and considerations.
3. Feasibility of Flashing Indicators at Key Crosswalks
• Evaluate the potential for implementing flashing indicator functions at the two busiest crosswalks in Essex Centre:
• Talbot & Wilson
• Talbot & Laird Avenue
• Include legislative requirements, estimated costs, and necessary steps for implementing new crosswalk controls at these locations.

17.2.3

Councillor Matyi

Moved by Councillor Matyi

Whereas the Town of Essex recognizes high-speed internet access as a basic human right and essential for residents, businesses, and agriculture; and

Whereas due to the challenges of limited broadband in rural areas, particularly in Essex County, Council for the Town of Essex advocates for increased investment in rural broadband infrastructure; and

 Whereas Council for the Town of Essex urges that the procurement for these services prioritize Canadian-based companies and exclude foreign providers, ensuring security, job creation, and adherence to Canadian standards.

 Now therefore, that Council direct Administration to draft a letter to be signed by the Mayor of the Town and sent to the Ontario and Federal Governments, as well as local MPPs and MPs advocating for these priorities, highlighting the importance of equitable access to reliable internet and emphasizing that rural broadband is crucial for economic development, education, healthcare, and overall community well-being.

18.

Reports and Announcements from Council Members

Councillor Garon and Deputy Mayor Shepley congratulated Colin Danes on his accomplishments and his induction into the Brock University Hall of Fame.

Councillor Verbeek announced that on March 15, 2025, the McGregor Columbian Club will host a cornhole fundraiser for Co-An Park.

19.

By-Laws

19.1

By-Laws that require a third and final reading

19.1.1

By-Law 2420

RE: Being a by-law to confirm the proceedings of the February 18, 2025, Regular Meeting of Council of the Corporation of the Town of Essex

• R25-03-101
  Moved By Councillor Garon
  Seconded By Deputy Mayor Shepley

  That By-Law 2420 being a by-law to confirm the proceedings of the February 18, 2025, Regular Meeting of Council of the Corporation of the Town of Essex be read a third time and finally passed on March 3, 2025.

  Carried

19.2

By-Laws that require a first, second, third and final reading

19.2.1

By-Law 2424

RE: Being a by-law to authorize an amendment to a lease agreement between the Town of Essex and the Harrow Health Centre Incorporated for office space at the McGregor Community Centre located at 9571 Walker Road, McGregor, Ontario

• R25-03-102
  Moved By Councillor Verbeek
  Seconded By Deputy Mayor Shepley

  That By-Law 2424 being a by-law to authorize an amendment to a lease agreement between the Town of Essex and the Harrow Health Centre Incorporated for office space at the McGregor Community Centre located at 9571 Walker Road, McGregor, Ontario be read a first, a second and a third time and finally passed on March 3, 2025.

  Carried

19.2.2

By-Law 2425

RE: Being a By-Law to amend By-Law 2404, being a by-law to provide for the dedication of parkland or the payment in lieu thereof for all development or redevelopment in the Town of Essex

• R25-03-103
  Moved By Councillor Hammond
  Seconded By Councillor Matyi

  That By-Law 2425 being a By-Law to amend By-Law 2404, being a by-law to provide for the dedication of parkland or the payment in lieu thereof for all development or redevelopment in the Town of Essex be read a first, a second, and a third time and finally passed on March 3, 2025.

  Carried

19.2.3

By-Law 2426

RE: Being a by-law to name the extension of the street Ducharme Lane on the Draft Plan of Subdivision for Part of Lots 1 and 2, Concession 12, and the section of the road from the 12th Concession to Ducharme Lane in the Geographic Township of Colchester in the Town of Essex

• R25-03-104
  Moved By Deputy Mayor Shepley
  Seconded By Councillor Allard

  That By-Law 2426 being a by-law to name the extension of the street “Ducharme Lane” on the Draft Plan of Subdivision for Part of Lots 1 and 2, Concession 12 and the section of the road from the 12th Concession to Ducharme Lane in the Geographic Township of Colchester in the Town of Essex be read a first, a second and a third time and finally passed on March 3, 2025.

  Carried

19.3

By-Laws that require a first and second reading

19.3.1

By-Law 2423

RE: Being a By-Law to amend By-Law 384, being a by-law respecting fences to be erected within the municipal limits of the Town of Essex

• R25-03-105
  Moved By Councillor Matyi
  Seconded By Councillor Garon

  That By-Law 2423 being a by-law to amend By-Law 384, being a by-law respecting fences to be erected within the municipal limits of the Town of Essex be read a first and a second time and provisionally adopted on March 3, 2025.

  Carried

19.3.2

By-Law 2427

RE: Being a by-law to confirm the proceedings of the March 3, 2025, Regular Meeting of Council of the Corporation of the Town of Essex

• R25-03-106
  Moved By Deputy Mayor Shepley
  Seconded By Councillor Hammond

  That By-Law 2427 being a by-law to confirm the proceedings of the March 3, 2025, Regular Meeting of Council of the Corporation of the Town of Essex be read a first, a second and provisionally adopted on March 3, 2025.

  Carried

20.

Adjournment

• R25-03-107
  Moved By Deputy Mayor Shepley
  Seconded By Councillor Hammond

  That the meeting be adjourned at 8:24 PM.

  Carried