The Corporation of the Town of Essex

Regular Council Meeting Minutes

Tuesday, April 22, 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 1 Councillor Katie McGuire-Blais
• Ward 2 Councillor Kim Verbeek
• Ward 3 Councillor Brad Allard
• Ward 3 Councillor Jason Matyi
• Ward 4 Councillor Rodney Hammond

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
• Kevin Girard, Director, Infrastructure Services
• Lauryn Smith, Youth Council Member
• Cassandra Roy, Legislative Clerk
• David McBeth, Manager, Capital Works & Asset Management
• Norm Nussio, Manager, Operations and Drainage
• Rob Mackie, Manager, Environmental Services
• Erica Tilley, Assistant Manager, Capital Works & Asset Management
• Lindsay Dean, Drainage Superintendent

​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 6:01 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

Moment of Silence

A moment of silence was observed in honour of Sue Desjarlais a Councillor at the Town of LaSalle who was a member on the Essex Regional Conservation Authority Board and the John R Park Homestead Board.

A moment of silence was further observed in honour of Greg Horoky who was a former Town of Essex police officer as well as the organizer of the annual Colchester Walleye Derby.

4.

Closed Meeting Report

Joe Malandruccolo, Director, Legal & Legislative Services/Clerk reported that on April 22, 2025 at 4:30 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 April 22, 2025

• R25-04-169
  Moved By Deputy Mayor Shepley
  Seconded By Councillor Allard

  That the published agenda for the April 22, 2025 Regular Council Meeting be adopted with the following amendment:

  That Agenda Item 13.14 be added to allow for a Verbal Report from Doug Sweet, CAO.

  Carried

7.

Adoption of Minutes

7.1

Regular Council Meeting Minutes for April 7, 2025

• R25-04-170
  Moved By Councillor Matyi
  Seconded By Councillor Garon

  That the minutes of the Regular Council Meeting held April 7, 2025 be adopted as circulated.

  Carried

8.

Public Presentations

8.1

Adrien Gignac-Eddy, Chief Operations Officer, Christopher MacLeod, GIS Lead, and Sarah Cipkar, Chief Executive Officer, Resimate Inc.

RE: Interactive Mapping Site - Detached Accessory Dwelling Unit ("ADU") Mapping Tool

Adrien Gignac-Eddy, Chief Operations Officer Resimate Inc. presented an overview of the Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) on the Town of Essex GIS and demonstrated how Essex residents can use the program to see if they are permitted to add an ADU onto their property.

• R25-04-171
  Moved By Councillor McGuire-Blais
  Seconded By Deputy Mayor Shepley

  That Adrien Gignac-Eddy, Chief Operations Officer, Christopher MacLeod, GIS Lead, and Sarah Cipkar, Chief Executive Officer, Resimate Inc., be allocated 15 minutes to present the Interactive Mapping Site - Detached Accessory Dwelling Unit Mapping tool.

  Carried
• R25-04-172
  Moved By Deputy Mayor Shepley
  Seconded By Councillor Matyi

  That the presentation by Adrien Gignac-Eddy, Chief Operations Officer, Christopher MacLeod, GIS Lead, and Sarah Cipkar, Chief Executive Officer, Resimate Inc. regarding the Detached Accessory Dwelling Unit mapping tool be received for information.

  Carried

8.2

Verbal Report by Mayor Bondy and Deputy Mayor Shepley regarding the Good Roads Conference

RE: Good Roads Conference 2025: Update from Mayor Bondy and Deputy Mayor Shepley

Mayor Bondy and Deputy Mayor Shepley provided a verbal update from the Good Roads Conference on the various tools to address urban transportation, accident data, speeding, and asset management. Deputy Mayor highlighted that the Town of Essex is one of the only local municipalities that recycles aggregates for their roads.

• R25-04-173
  Moved By Councillor Matyi
  Seconded By Councillor Allard

  That the verbal report by Mayor Bondy and Deputy Mayor Shepley regarding the Good Roads Conference be received for information.

  Carried

9.

Unfinished Business

10.

Reports from Administration

10.1

Environmental Services-2025-01

RE: Condition and Operational Capacity of Wastewater Treatment Facilities

Rob Mackie, Manager, Environmental Services provided an update of all the wastewater treatment facilities within the Town of Essex and their current capacity and future requirements.

• R25-04-174
  Moved By Deputy Mayor Shepley
  Seconded By Councillor Verbeek

  That Environmental Services Report-2025-01 entitled Condition and Operational Capacity of Wastewater Treatment Facilities prepared by Rob Mackie, Manager, Environmental Services dated April 22, 2025, be received for information.

  Carried

10.2

Capital Works and Asset Management-2025-10

RE: Electric Vehicle (EV) Charger Grant Update

• R25-04-175
  Moved By Councillor McGuire-Blais
  Seconded By Councillor Verbeek

  That Capital Works and Asset Management Report-2025-10 entitled EV Charger Grant Update by David McBeth, Manager, Capital Works and Asset Management dated April 22, 2025 be received; and

  That Council approve a post-budget capital project for EV Chargers in the amount of $109,696.68 to be funded 100% from approved grant monies.

  Carried

10.3

Capital Works and Asset Management-2025-11

RE: Draper and Sydenham Streetlighting

• R25-04-176
  Moved By Councillor Verbeek
  Seconded By Councillor Allard

  That Capital Works and Asset Management Report-2025-11 entitled Draper and Sydenham Streetlighting by David McBeth, Manager, Capital Works and Asset Management dated April 22, 2025 be received for information.

  Carried

10.4

Capital Works and Asset Management-2025-12

RE: 3rd and 4th Concession Speed Limits

Erica Tilley, Assistant Manager, Capital Works and Asset Management, explained that at the Regular Council Meeting held on December 2, 2024, Council requested that Administration prepare a report regarding speed limits on the 3rd and 4^th Concession.  Administration noted that in October 2015, Council through way of motion, reduced the speed limits on the 4th Concession to 60 km/h to address concerns with wildlife crossing and sightings without a traffic study. Administration recommended that the 3rd and 4^th Concession be raised to the previous speed limit of 80 km/h.

Council directed Administration to report back to Council at a future Council meeting with a more in-depth review on the 3rd and 4th Concession.

By way of a friendly amendment Council passed the following resolution:

• R25-04-177
  Moved By Councillor Hammond
  Seconded By Councillor McGuire-Blais

  That Capital Works and Asset Management Report-2025-12 entitled, 3^rd and 4^th Concession Speed Limits prepared by Erica Tilley, Assistant Manager, Capital Works and Asset Management dated April 22, 2025 be received; and

  That Council direct Administration to postpone the motion  to repeal By-Law 1454 and amend Schedule “A” to By-Law 1061 being a by-law to regulate rates of speed on highways to change the speed limit on the 4^th Concession from County Road 11 to County Road 23 from 60 km/h to 80 km/h and the motion to amend Schedule “A” of By-Law 1061 being a by-law to regulate rates of speed on highways to change the speed limit on the 3^rd Concession from County Road 11 (Queen Street) to 100 meters west of Drummond Road from 60km/h to 80km/h to allow for a more in-depth review of the traffic flow on the 3rd and 4th Concession including the rate of speed on the north and southbound lanes of McCormick.

   

  Carried

10.5

Operations-2025-06

RE: Community Safety Zones Essex District High School

Norm Nussio, Manager, Operations and Drainage, presented a report recommending the establishment of a new Community Safety Zone in the vicinity of Essex District High School on Talbot Street between Maidstone Avenue and Hopgood Sideroad due to the recent construction of the plaza across from the high school.

By way of a friendly amendment, Council directed Administration to expand the new Community Safety Zone on Talbot Street North to Kenn Knapp Ford located at 390 Talbot Street North.

• R25-04-178
  Moved By Deputy Mayor Shepley
  Seconded By Councillor Verbeek

  That Operations Report-2025-06 entitled Community Safety Zones Essex District High School prepared by Norm Nussio Manager, Operations and Drainage dated April 22, 2025, be received; and

  That Council direct Administration to implement a Community Safety Zone on Talbot Street North from Maidstone Avenue near Ken Knapp Ford located at 390 Talbot Street North, and on Maidstone Avenue from the Talbot Street North to Allen Avenue and amend By-Law No. 915 to reflect such.

  Carried

10.6

Drainage-2025-03

RE: Municipal Drainage Activity Report

Lindsay Dean, Drainage Superintendent, presented the Annual Drainage Report on the current and future drainage works occurring within the Town of Essex.

• R25-04-179
  Moved By Councillor McGuire-Blais
  Seconded By Councillor Allard

  That Drainage Report-2025-03 entitled Annual Drainage Report prepared by Lindsay Dean, Drainage Superintendent dated April 22, 2025 be received for information.

  Carried

10.7

Drainage-2025-02

RE: Richmond Drain Overview

Lindsay Dean, Drainage Superintendent, explained that at the Regular Council Meeting held on December 2, 2024 Council approved a Notice of Motion requesting a report from Administration on the Richmond Drain and information on how to improve the Richmond Drain. Ms. Dean provided three options for Council to consider which included a master drainage study, a Section 76 for a new maintenance schedule or a Section 78 for an improvement project. Administration recommendation that Council allow this project to be initiated by an assessed landowner as the cost to complete a Section 78 will be borne by all benefitting land and road owners, the drain appears to be functioning as designed, and the Town has not received any formal complaints regarding the condition of the Richmond Drain.

Councillor Hammond requested a recorded vote:

• R25-04-180
  Moved By Councillor Matyi
  Seconded By Councillor Verbeek

  That Drainage Report-2025-02 entitled Richmond Drain Overview prepared by Lindsay Dean, Drainage Superintendent dated April 22, 2025 be received for information; and

  That Council direct Administration to hold an open house to explain the Drainage Act.

  Voters	Support	Opposed	Conflict	Regrets
  Mayor Bondy	X
  Councillor Garon	X
  Councillor Verbeek	X
  Councillor Matyi	X
  Councillor McGuire-Blais	X
  Councillor Hammond		X
  Deputy Mayor Shepley	X
  Councillor Allard	X
  Results	7	1	0	0

  Carried (7 to 1)

10.8

Finance and Business Services-2025-04

RE: Tax Adjustments – Section 357.(1), Section 358, and Section 359

• R25-04-181
  Moved By Deputy Mayor Shepley
  Seconded By Councillor McGuire-Blais

  That Finance and Business Services Report-2025-04 entitled Tax Adjustments – Section 357.(1), Section 358, and Section 359 prepared by Heather MacDonald, Manager, Revenue and Customer Relations and Michaele Woodiwiss, Tax Coordinator, Finance and Business Services, dated April 22, 2025 be received; and

  That Council approve the cancellation, reduction, refund, or increase of taxes in accordance with the provisions under Section 357.(1), Section 358 and Section 359 of the Municipal Act, 2001.

  Carried

10.9

Development Services-2025-04

RE: Climate Change Adaptation Plan Annual Report

Lori Chadwick, Director, Development Services provided an update to Council on the Climate Change Adaption Plan and noted that an updated report on all the action items can be found on the Town of Essex website.

• R25-04-182
  Moved By Councillor McGuire-Blais
  Seconded By Councillor Verbeek

  That Development Services Report-2025-04 entitled Climate Change Adaptation Plan Annual Report prepared by Lori Chadwick, Director, Development Services and Marc Tortola, Manager, Communications dated April 22, 2025 be received for information. 

  Carried

10.10

Community Services-2025-06

RE: Special Event Notice – Essex Centre StreetFest 2025

• R25-04-183
  Moved By Councillor Allard
  Seconded By Councillor McGuire-Blais

  That Community Services Report-2025-06 entitled Special Event Notice – Essex Centre StreetFest 2025, prepared by Jake Morassut, Director, Community Services, dated April 22, 2025, be received;

  That Council approve a temporary noise exemption in accordance with Noise By-Law 2038 from 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM on Saturday, June 21, and Saturday October 11, 2025, for two-day market events, and from 2:00 PM to 10:00 PM on Saturday, August 16, 2025 for an evening market event to accommodate the entertainment for the Essex Centre StreetFest; and

  That Council approve closing Talbot Street North between Victoria Street and Laird Avenue from 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM on Saturday, June 21, and Saturday October 11, 2025, for the Essex Centre StreetFest day market events and on Saturday August 16, 2025, from 2:00 PM to 10:00 PM for the Essex Centre StreetFest evening market event.

  Carried

10.11

Community Services-2025-03

RE: National Day of Mourning – April 28

• R25-04-184
  Moved By Councillor Verbeek
  Seconded By Councillor Matyi

  That Community Services Report-2025-03 entitled National Day of Mourning prepared by Jake Morassut, Director, Community Services dated April 22, 2025, be received for information.

  Carried

10.12

Legal and Legislative Services-2025-02

RE: Fence Replacement at Erie Cemetery HS-25-0001

• R25-04-185
  Moved By Councillor Allard
  Seconded By Deputy Mayor Shepley

  That Legal and Legislative Services Report-2025-02 entitled Fence Replacement at Erie Cemetery HS-25-0001 prepared by Shelley Brown, Deputy Clerk, Legal and Legislative Services dated April 22, 2025 be received; and

  That Council approve the additional funding of $4,383.82 above the approved Capital Budget of $39,983.54 for replacement of the fence at Erie Cemetery (HS-25-0001) to be funded from the Asset Management Plan (AMP) Reserve.

  Carried

10.13

Legal and Legislative Services-2025-04

RE: Strong Mayor Powers

Joseph Malandruccolo, Director, Legal and Legislative Services/Clerk, presented the proposed legislation relating to the implementation of Strong Mayor Powers to an additional 169 municipalities which includes the Town of Essex. Director Malandruccolo explained the additional powers that would be granted under this Act and stated that the Mayor has notified the Clerk that as of May 1, 2025, she will be delegating various items back to the CAO and Council to maintain the Town's current practices.

Councillor Garon left the meeting at 8:04 PM.

• R25-04-186
  Moved By Councillor Verbeek
  Seconded By Councillor Allard

  That Legal and Legislative Services Report-2025-04 entitled Strong Mayor Powers prepared by Joe Malandruccolo, Director, Legal and Legislative Services/Clerk dated April 22, 2025 be received for information.

  Carried

10.13.1

Mayor Bondy

Mayor Bondy requested a recorded vote:

• R25-04-187
  Moved By Mayor Bondy
  Seconded By Councillor Hammond

  Whereas on April 9, 2025, the Government of Ontario (hereafter, the “Province”), led by Premier Doug Ford, announced a proposal to expand “Strong Mayor Powers” as provided for by Part VI.1 of the Municipal Act, 2001, to the heads of council in 169 additional municipalities including the Town of Essex, effective May 1, 2025;

  And whereas Strong Mayor Powers erode democratic process and have fundamentally altered the historic model of local governance which has existed for almost two centuries, by:

  • Providing the head of council with the authority to give direction and make certain decisions without the usual consensus from a majority of the members of council; and,
  • Creating a power imbalance by providing the head of council with special powers that other members do not generally have.

  And whereas the Province is undermining the local governance model and municipal independence by attempting to advance its priorities through municipalities, and downloading its responsibilities to the same.

  Now there be it resolved that:

  • The Council of the Corporation of the Town of Essex (“Council”) formally opposes the expansion of Strong Mayor Powers, as announced on April 9, 2025;
  • Council requests that the proposed amendments to O. Reg. 530/22 to Expand Strong Mayor Powers and Duties to Additional Municipalities not include the Town of Essex; and
  • Council directs the Clerk to forward a copy of this resolution to the Honourable Doug Ford, Premier of Ontario, Honourable Rob Flack, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, Anthony Leardi, MPP, Essex, Lisa Gretzky, MPP Windsor West, Andrew Dowie, MPP Windsor-Tecumseh, Trevor Jone, MPP Chatham-Kent-Leamington, AMCTO, AMO and all Ontario Municipalities.

  Voters	Support	Opposed	Conflict	Regrets
  Mayor Bondy	X
  Councillor Garon				X
  Councillor Verbeek	X
  Councillor Matyi	X
  Councillor McGuire-Blais	X
  Councillor Hammond	X
  Deputy Mayor Shepley	X
  Councillor Allard	X
  Results	7	0	0	1

  Carried (7 to 0)

10.14

Verbal Report by Doug Sweet, Chief Administrative Officer (CAO)

RE: Harrow High - Request for Proposal (RFP)

Doug Sweet, CAO provided a verbal report on the RFP for the Harrow High development and stated that no submissions were received. Council directed Administration to reissue the RFP and remove the 20% Affordable Housing component.

Mayor Bondy passed the gavel to Deputy Mayor Shepley.

• R25-04-188
  Moved By Mayor Bondy
  Seconded By Councillor McGuire-Blais

  That Council directed Administration to reissue the RFP and remove the 20% Affordable Housing component.

  Carried

11.

Reports from Youth Members

Lauryn Smith, Youth Councillor updated Council on the clean-up for Earth Day and thanked the students and staff who participated in the annual Earh Day cleanup.

12.

County Council Update

Deputy Mayor Shepley provided a County Council update on the presentation regarding safety concerns at the intersection of County Road 18 and County Road 15. Essex County recently completed a review of over 1,084 intersections and 1,085 interconnecting road segments, to identify areas that may need safety improvements with the goal to build a multi-year Road Safety Program which will be updated annually. He announced that County Council pre-approved the purchase of two more Essex Windsor EMS ambulances for 2026 to help meet growing demand. He further explained other matters considered by County Council.

13.

Correspondence

13.1

Correspondence to be received

• R25-04-189
  Moved By Deputy Mayor Shepley
  Seconded By Councillor Hammond

  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

Strong Mayor Powers

13.1.1.1

County of Essex

13.1.1.2

Town of Kingsville

13.1.1.3

Town of Amherstburg

13.1.1.4

Town of Saugeen Shores

13.1.1.5

Town of Tillsonburg

13.1.1.6

Township of Rideau Lakes

13.1.1.7

Town of Aylmer

13.1.1.8

The Town of Tecumseh

13.1.1.9

Municipality of Bluewater

13.1.2

Township of Central Frontenac

RE: US Tariffs Response

13.1.3

City of Peterborough

RE: Use of X

13.1.4

Essex County OPP Detachment Board - North

RE: Essex County OPP Detachment Board Minutes of February 10, 2025

13.2

Correspondence to be considered for receipt and support

13.2.1

Prince Edward - Lennox and Addington Social Services

RE: Ontario Works Financial Assistance Rates

• R25-04-190
  Moved By Councillor Verbeek
  Seconded By Councillor Matyi

  That the correspondence from Prince Edward-Lennox and Addington Social Services dated April 10, 2025, regarding Ontario Works Financial Assistance Rates be received and supported; and

  That a letter from the Town of Essex be sent to Honourable Doug Ford, Premier of Ontario, The Ministry of Children, Community, and Social Services, the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing, the Association of Municipalities of Ontario, and the Ontario Municipal Social Services Association.

  Carried

13.2.2

Ontario Provincial Police - Crime Prevention and Community Support Bureau

RE: Response to Criminal Record Check Processing Times

• R25-04-191
  Moved By Councillor Verbeek
  Seconded By Deputy Mayor Shepley

  That the correspondence from the Ontario Provincial Police - Crime Prevention and Community Support Bureau dated April 10, 2025, regarding criminal cheque record processing times be received and supported; and

  That a letter from the Town of Essex be sent to the Ontario Provincial Police - Crime Prevention and Community Support Bureau.

  Carried

13.2.3

Town of Essex Fire and Rescue Services

RE: International Firefighters' Day - May 4, 2025

• R25-04-192
  Moved By Councillor McGuire-Blais
  Seconded By Councillor Verbeek

  That the correspondence from the Town of Essex Fire and Rescue Services asking Council to consider proclaiming International Firefighters' Day in the Town of Essex be received and supported; and
  

  That Council proclaim May 4, 2025, as International Firefighters' Day in the Town of Essex by adopting the following resolution:

  Whereas, Firefighters dedicate their lives to the protection of life and property; and sometimes that dedication is in the form of countless hours volunteered over many years, in others it is many selfless years working in the industry; in all cases it risks the ultimate sacrifice of a firefighter's life; and

  Whereas, International Firefighters' Day (IFFD) is a time where the community can recognize and honor the sacrifices that firefighters make to ensure that their communities and environment are as safe as possible; it is also a day in which current and past firefighters can be thanked for their contributions; and

  Whereas, International Firefighters' Day is observed each year on the 4^th of May on where we remember the past firefighters who have died while serving our community or dedicated their lives to protecting the safety of us all; and show our support and appreciation to the firefighters worldwide who continue to protect us so well throughout the year; and

  Whereas, hailing from all walks of life, they are our mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles, grandparents, neighbors, and friends. They protect us without wanting of recognition or reward. In our time of need they are there with courage, compassion and loyalty. They are the essence of the true meaning of community.

  Now Therefore, I, Sherry Bondy, Mayor of the Town of Essex, on behalf of the Town Council and community at large, now call upon all citizens of the Town of Essex and upon all patriotic, civic, and educational organizations to observe the day of May 4, 2025, in recognition of the patriotic service and dedicated efforts of our fire and emergency services personnel.

  Carried

13.2.4

Fibromyalgia Association Canada

RE: Fibromyalgia Awareness Day - May 12, 2025

• R25-04-193
  Moved By Councillor Matyi
  Seconded By Councillor Allard

  That the correspondence from Fibromyalgia Association Canada asking Council to consider proclaiming Fibromyalgia Awareness Day in the Town of Essex received and supported; and

  That Council proclaim May 12, 2025 as Fibromyalgia Awareness Day in the Town of Essex by adopting the following resolution:

  Whereas, Fibromyalgia Awareness Day aims to raise awareness and end the stigma and discrimination that accompany this chronic illness;

  Whereas, Fibromyalgia Association Canada is the only national organization in Canada that supports only fibromyalgia;

  Whereas, Fibromyalgia affects about 5% of Canada’s population – over 2,000,000 men, women and children of all ages and races in Canada are afflicted with this chronic illness;

  Whereas, Fibromyalgia often takes an average of three (3) to five (5) years to diagnosis;

  Whereas, there is no known cause of, prevention of, or cure of fibromyalgia;

  Whereas, Fibromyalgia (FM) is a complex illness whose symptoms vary widely and may include debilitating chronic pain, overwhelming fatigue, and cognitive impairment;

  Whereas, patients with Fibromyalgia often have a number of co-existing conditions, which may include chronic myofascial pain, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ), environmental sensitivities, anxiety and depression;

  Whereas, Fibromyalgia (FM) greatly reduces quality of life, can cause total disability and also affect families, friends and employers. Living with chronic pain and fatigue on a daily basis can lead to social isolation, so it is important for sufferers and their families, friends, and caregivers to know that they are not alone; 

  Whereas, people with Fibromyalgia (FM) have a right to be treated with dignity and have a right to pain relief;

  Whereas, together we will find ways to enhance the quality of lives for people affected by fibromyalgia and together find a cure; and

  Whereas, the Town of Essex encourages local business and community members to participate by illuminating key landmarks in purple for Fibromyalgia Awareness Day.

  Therefore, I, Sherry Bondy, Mayor of the Town of Essex, on behalf of the Town Council and community at large do hereby proclaim May 12, 2025 as Fibromyalgia Awareness Day in the Town of Essex.

  Carried

14.

Committee Meeting Minutes

15.

Financial

15.1

Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing

RE: 2025 Annual Repayment Limit

• R25-04-194
  Moved By Councillor McGuire-Blais
  Seconded By Deputy Mayor Shepley

  That the Town of Essex 2024 Annual Repayment Limit be received for information.

  Carried

16.

New Business

17.

Notices of Motion

17.1

The following Notice of Motion was presented at the April 7, 2025 Regular Council Meeting and is being brought forward this evening for Council's consideration:

17.1.1

Mayor Bondy

Mayor Bondy passed the gavel to Deputy Mayor Shepley.

• R25-04-195
  Moved By Mayor Bondy
  Seconded By Councillor McGuire-Blais

  That Council direct Administration to draft a letter to the County of Essex Council to be signed by the Mayor on behalf of the Town attaching the Town’s letter to the Province regarding sky rocketing rent rates in land leased communities and asking County of Essex Council to report on their concerns regarding rent rates for land leased properties within their municipalities and, if their municipalities have similar concerns, to advocate for the County to take the lead on addressing this with the Province as a regionally collective concern.

  Carried

17.2

The following Notices of Motion are for presentment only and will be brought forward for Council's consideration at the May 5, 2025 Regular Council Meeting:

17.2.1

Deputy Mayor Shepley

Moved By: Deputy Mayor Shepley

Whereas proposed amendments to Ontario Regulation 530/22 will provide Strong Mayor Powers to the Mayor of the Town of Essex; and

Whereas these powers will provide the Mayor with expanded authority over certain municipal decisions; and

Whereas Ontario Regulation 530/22 requires that Council be informed in a timely manner of when such powers are exercised, but does not require that Council be informed of the specific rationale for the use of such powers.

Now Therefore, be it resolved that anytime the Mayor chooses to use the Strong Mayor Powers otherwise than to approve By-Laws or to effectively delegate or forfeit those Strong Mayor Powers, Administration shall be required to request from the Mayor the rationale for the use of such powers and to notify all members of Council of the Mayor’s response within 2 business days of such use of the Strong Mayor Powers.

17.2.2

Councillor McGuire-Blais

Moved By: Councillor McGuire-Blais

That Essex Council direct Administration to prepare anti-bullying and respectful workplace signage for distribution to commercial businesses, in collaboration with the Essex Centre BIA and the Harrow & Colchester South Chamber of Commerce.

17.2.3

Councillor Verbeek

Moved By: Councillor Verbeek

That Administration prepare a cost estimate to be included in the 2026 budget deliberations to install a sidewalk along Grondin/Arquette in McGregor from Sainte-Ursule Elementary School to the 11^th Concession to facilitate the safe passage of students and pedestrians to and from school.

18.

Reports and Announcements from Council Members

Councillor Verbeek thanked Town of Essex staff members for assisting with the tree planting for Earth Day.

19.

By-Laws

19.1

By-Laws that require a third and final reading

19.1.1

By-Law 2436

RE: Being a by-law to confirm the proceedings of the April 7, 2025, Regular Meeting of Council of the Corporation of the Town of Essex

• R25-04-196
  Moved By Deputy Mayor Shepley
  Seconded By Councillor Allard

  That By-Law 2436 being a by-law to confirm the proceedings of the April 7, 2025, Regular Meeting of Council of the Corporation of the Town of Essex be read a third time and finally passed April 22, 2025.

  Carried

19.2

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

19.2.1

By-Law 2437

RE: Being a by-law to amend By-Law 2129, being a by-law to Adopt a Policy for the Procurement and Disposal of Goods and Services

• R25-04-197
  Moved By Councillor McGuire-Blais
  Seconded By Deputy Mayor Shepley

  That By-Law 2437 being a by-law to amend By-Law 2129, being a by-law to Adopt a Policy for the Procurement and Disposal of Goods and Services be read a first, a second, and a third time and finally passed on April 22, 2025.

  Carried

19.2.2

By-Law 2435

RE: Being a by-law to establish tax rates and additional charges for Municipal, County and Education purposes for the year 2025

• R25-04-198
  Moved By Councillor Matyi
  Seconded By Deputy Mayor Shepley

  That By-Law 2435 being a by-law to establish tax rates and additional charges for Municipal, County and Education purposes for the year 2025 be read a first, a second, and a third time and finally passed on April 22, 2025.

  Carried

19.2.3

By-Law 2444

RE: Being a by-law to Enter into an Agreement to sell all of the Shares of E.L.K. Energy Inc. and E.L.K. Solutions Inc.

• That By-Law 2444 being a by-law to Enter into an Agreement to sell all of the Shares of E.L.K. Energy Inc. and E.L.K. Solutions Inc. be read a first, a second, and a third time and finally passed May 5, 2025.

19.3

By-Laws that require a first and second reading

19.3.1

By-Law 2438

RE: Being a by-law to confirm the proceedings of the April 22, 2025, Regular Meeting of Council of the Corporation of the Town of Essex

• R25-04-199
  Moved By Councillor McGuire-Blais
  Seconded By Councillor Matyi

  That By-Law 2438 being a by-law to confirm the proceedings of the April 22, 2025, Regular Meeting of Council of the Corporation of the Town of Essex be read a first and a second time and provisionally adopted on April 22, 2025.

  Carried

20.

Adjournment

• R25-04-200
  Moved By Deputy Mayor Shepley
  Seconded By Councillor McGuire-Blais

  That the meeting be adjourned at 8:46 PM.

  Carried