The Corporation of the Town of Essex

Regular Council Meeting Minutes

Monday, October 07, 2024 at 6:00 P.m. - 9:00 P.m.

Location: Essex Municipal Building, 33 Talbot Street South and by livestream at https://www.youtube.com/user/EssexOntario

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
• David McBeth, Manager, Capital Works & Asset Management
• Rita Jabbour, Manager, Planning Services
• Kevin Carter, Manager, Building Services/Chief Building Official
• Rob Mackie, Manager, Environmental Services
• Cassandra Roy, Legislative Clerk
• Lauryn Smith, Youth Council Member
• Cole Foster, Youth Council Member

​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 September 23, 2024 at 6:00 PM Council moved into Closed Session as permitted to do so pursuant to Section 239 2(i) of the Municipal Act, 2001, as amended, 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.

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 October 7, 2024

• R24-10-409
  Moved By Deputy Mayor Shepley
  Seconded By Councillor Verbeek

  That the published agenda for the October 7, 2024 Regular Council Meeting be adopted with the following amendments:

  1. That Agenda Item 8.4 and 8.5 be added to allow for delegations from Dawn Bezaire and Dana and Nigel Williams as it relates to the Street Light Banner Policy in Agenda Item 10.7; and

  3. That Agenda Item 10.7 be moved up to the Agenda Item 10.1 as it relates to the delegates in Agenda Item 8.4 and 8.5.

  Carried

7.

Adoption of Minutes

7.1

Regular Council Meeting Minutes for September 16, 2024

• R24-10-410
  Moved By Deputy Mayor Shepley
  Seconded By Councillor Verbeek

  That the minutes of the Regular Council Meeting held September 16, 2024 be adopted as circulated.

  Carried

8.

Public Presentations

8.1

Gianmarco Giglio, Director Windsor Region, GIP Paving Inc.

RE: Extension for Excess Soil at 5080 Walker Road

Gianmarco Giglio, Director Windsor Region, GIP Paving Inc. explained that GIP took over the fill and grade contract at 5080 Walker Road site in 2022 with the purpose of creating productive farmland. He stated that mitigation measures can be taken to reduce dust and to cleanup the site. He requested a 2-year extension to the fill permit to dump excess soil on the property at 5080 Walker Road.

Council directed questions to the Delegate and to Administration regarding the extension. Administration confirmed that if this extension was granted, other fill and grade sites would potentially come forward requesting extensions.

Mayor Bondy requested a recorded vote:

• R24-10-411
  Moved By Councillor Hammond
  Seconded By Councillor Verbeek

  That the delegation by Gianmarco Giglio, Director Windsor Region, GIP Paving Inc. be received.

  Carried
• R24-10-412
  Moved By Councillor McGuire-Blais
  Seconded By Councillor Matyi

  That Council approve an extension to permit excess soil at 5080 Walker Road.

  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	1	7	0	0

  Defeated (1 to 7)
• R24-10-413
  Moved By Councillor Hammond
  Seconded By Councillor Matyi

  That the request for an extension to permit excess soil at 5080 Walker Road be denied.

  Carried

8.1.1

David Keller and Kevin Keller

RE: Opposition to the Fill and Grade Permit Extension at 5080 Walker Road

David Keller explained that this site generates excess noise in the area and since the permit expired 4 weeks ago the noise has stopped and he has been able to enjoy his property. He explained the site has overgrown weeds, gravel and unlevel grade with pieces of aggregate, asphalt, and plastic wood.

Kevin Keller explained that the owner has not been farming the land and the area that is finished has also not been utilized for farming. He noted that since this project started, 8,500 loads have been brought in and he believes the water to be manageable at this point.

• R24-10-414
  Moved By Councillor Hammond
  Seconded By Councillor Matyi

  That the delegation by David Keller and Kevin Keller regarding the fill and grade permit at 5080 Walker Road be received.

  Carried

8.2

Town of Essex - Colchester Beach Certificate of Accessibility

RE: Certificate of Accessibility for Colchester Beach from Assisted Living Goes Out (ALGO)

Jake Morassut, Director, Community Services, announced that the Town of Essex was presented an award entitled "Certificate of Accessibility" from Assisted Living Goes Out (ALGO) in connection with the accessible initiatives at the Colchester Beach and Harbour over the last few years.

• R24-10-415
  Moved By Deputy Mayor Shepley
  Seconded By Councillor Allard

  That the presentation by Jake Morassut, Director, Community Services, regarding the Town of Essex - Colchester Beach Certificate of Accessibility be received; and

  That the correspondence from the County of Essex regarding the Outdoor Accessibility Fest-for-All be received.

  Carried

8.2.1

County of Essex

RE: Outdoor Accessibility Fest-for-All

8.3

Verbal Report by Mayor Bondy regarding the Detroit River Canadian Cleanup: Fresh Water Initiative

RE: Detroit River Canadian Cleanup: Fresh Water Initiative

Mayor Bondy provided a verbal report on the Detroit River Canadian Cleanup Fresh Water Initiative and highlighted Essex Region Conservation Authority's (ERCA) proposal for a large-scale nutrient reduction program to help meet the objectives of the Great Lakes Water Quality agreement.

• R24-10-416
  Moved By Councillor Matyi
  Seconded By Councillor Hammond

  That the verbal report from Mayor Bondy regarding the Detroit River Canadian Cleanup: Fresh Water Initiative be received.

  Carried

8.4

Dawn Bezaire

Dawn Bezaire on behalf of the Essex Legion Branch 201 explained that Legion members approved the pursual of a streetlight banner process to honor the local veterans through the Solute Our Vets Banner Project Committee for a collaborated effort. She explained that the Essex project was on hold pending the completion of the streetscape and the proposed Streetlight Banner Policy includes a $40 charge per banner each time the banners are installed. She requested that these banners be displayed from Legion Week in mid-September to the week after Remembrance Day and that any fees for the installation, removal, and maintenance of the banners by the Town of Essex be waived to honour the sacrifice that the veterans have made.

• R24-10-417
  Moved By Councillor McGuire-Blais
  Seconded By Deputy Mayor Shepley

  That the delegation by Dawn Bezaire on behalf of the Legion regarding the Remembrance Day banners be received.

  Carried

8.5

Dana and Nigel Williams

Nigel Williams expressed that he is a veteran who has battled for his country, and veterans have only one day a year to be recognized. He stated that to honour veterans, the Legion should not be charged for displaying veteran's banners for Remembrance Day.

Dana Williams explained that both her and her husband are retired from the miliary and served until they were both injured in service. She further explained that when they retired from service, the military provided them with a choice of where they wanted to move in Canada and choose Essex despite not having family here. She stated that there should be no fee for recognizing veterans for their service near Remembrance Day.

• R24-10-418
  Moved By Councillor Hammond
  Seconded By Councillor Verbeek

  That the delegation by Dana and Nigel Williams regarding the Remembrance Day banners be received.

  Carried

9.

Unfinished Business

10.

Reports from Administration

10.1

Operations-2024-09

RE: Streetlight Banner Policy

Previously Agenda Item 10.7 in the published Agenda and moved to Agenda Item 10.1 at the adoption of the published Agenda.

David McBeth, Manager, Capital Works and Infrastructure Services, presented the draft Streetlight Banner Policy and explained that the streetlight banners are to celebrate the Town's culture and history, promote local tourism, and special events that are consistent with the values of the Town of Essex. He stated that the Town will approve the final banner designs prior to the production and installation and noted that the banners can only be maintained or remove by the Town of Essex Public Work's Department. He outlined that the policy has a maximum display time of 30 days however, extensions can be granted, and banners can be installed at a maximum of 12 times per year. He noted that it is recommended that a fee be charged to install and remove the banners although Council can waive fees per their discretion.

Council discussed various options.

• R24-10-419
  Moved By Councillor McGuire-Blais
  Seconded By Deputy Mayor Shepley

  That Council direct Administration to revise the Policy to only allow the installation of streetlight banners for the Town of Essex, Essex Business Improvement Area (BIA), Harrow Chamber of Commerce and Veterans;

  That the banners for the Essex and Harrow Legions be installed a maximum of 4 times per year at no cost; and

  That the cost to install and remove the banners for the Essex and Harrow Legions be included in future operating budgets.

  Carried

10.2

Planning-2024-09

RE: ZBA-05-24 (103 Centre Street, Essex centre)

• R24-10-420
  Moved By Deputy Mayor Shepley
  Seconded By Councillor Verbeek

  That Planning Report-2024-23- entitled ZBA-05-24 (103 Centre Street, Essex centre) prepared by Ian Rawlings, Junior Planner, dated October 7, 2024 be received; and

  That By-Law Number 2364, being a By-Law to amend By-Law 1037, the Comprehensive Zoning By-Law for the Town of Essex, to permit the use of the existing Single Unit Dwelling located at 103 Centre Street as a Medical Office, be read a third time and finally passed on October 7, 2024.

  Carried

10.3

Planning-2024-22

RE: Release of Securities for the 80 Maidstone Avenue West Subdivision (Ward 1)

Lori Chadwick, Director, Development Services, reminded Council that this matter was heard at the Special Council Meeting of September 23, 2024 and that the applicant is seeking to use an existing single unit dwelling as a medical office. She noted that the applicant has addressed Council's concerns relating to a shared driveway and onsite parking. She explained that a fence cannot be constructed between the driveways as it would cause an impact to sight lines however the applicant will seek alternative measures to delineate the driveway through placement of planters and other decorative instruments. She stated that the applicant has approached the Essex Retirees Social Club who have granted parking spaces and noted that the expansion of the driveway by only 20cm would result in a width of 5 1.2 m which would allow for an additional parking space side-by-side resulting in three on-site parking spaces.

• R24-10-421
  Moved By Councillor McGuire-Blais
  Seconded By Councillor Matyi

  That Planning Report-2024-22 entitled Release of Securities for the 80 Maidstone Avenue West Subdivision (Ward 1) prepared by Ian Rawlings, Junior Planner dated October 7, 2024 be received;

  That the performance securities on file for the 80 Maidstone Avenue West Subdivision be reduced to $452,862.93; and

  That performance securities in the amount of $227,843.42, plus any earned interest, be returned to the Developer.

  Carried

10.4

Planning-2024-28

RE: Notice of Intention to Designate and Removal of Properties from Heritage Register

Rita Jabbour, Manager, Planning Services, presented to Council the heritage recommends for 18 Talbot Street (Former Bennigan’s in Essex Centre), 2547 County Road 20 (Former Fina Gas Station) and 103 Kings Street West in Harrow. She recommended that Council authorize a Notice of Intention to Designate at 18 Talbot Street as it has design, historical and contextual value. She further recommended to remove the reference to 2547 County Road 20 as it only meets one out of the nine categories and advised that the Notice of Intention to Designate 103 King Street West should be withdrawn as the by-law to designate the property was defeated at the Regular Council Meeting held September 3, 2024.

• R24-10-422
  Moved By Councillor Hammond
  Seconded By Councillor Allard

  That Planning Report-2024-28 entitled Request for Notice of Intention to Designate 18 Talbot Street North (Essex Centre, Ward 1) and to Remove Certain Properties from the Heritage Register (2547 County Road 20 East, Harrow, Ward 4) and to Withdraw the Notice of Intention to Designate for 103 King Street West (Harrow, Ward 4) prepared by Rita Jabbour, RPP, Manager, Planning Services dated October 7, 2024 be received;

  That Council authorize a ‘Notice of Intention to Designate’ for the lands municipally known as 18 Talbot Street North in accordance with Section 29 of the Ontario Heritage Act (Essex Centre Ward 1);

  That Council remove reference to the lands municipally known as 2547 County Road 20 East (the former Fina Gas Station) from the Town of Essex Heritage Register in accordance with Section 27 of the Ontario Heritage Act; and

  That Council withdraw the Notice of Intention to Designate for 103 King Street West (Harrow, Ward 4) subsection 29 (7) of the Ontario Heritage Act.

  Carried

10.5

Capital Works and Asset Management-2024-15

RE: Sidewalk at Victoria Avenue at Thomas Street

• R24-10-423
  Moved By Councillor Garon
  Seconded By Councillor McGuire-Blais

  That Capital Works and Asset Management Report-2024-15 entitled Sidewalk at Victoria Avenue at Thomas Street prepared by David McBeth, Manager, Capital Work and Asset Management dated October 7, 2024, be received; and

  That Council direct Administration to start negotiations with the property owner of 65 Victoria Avenue for an easement over the area required to complete a sidewalk connection to the new trail on Victoria Avenue per this report.

  Carried

10.6

Capital Works and Asset Management-2024-16

RE: Driveway at 33 Irwin Avenue

David McBeth, Manager, Capital Works and Infrastructure Services, explained that at the October 7, 2024 Regular Council meeting the property owner of 33 Irwin Avenue requested his driveway entrance be expanded and Council directed Administration to return with a report on the cost of widening the entrance. Mr. McBeth provided a summary the report including the cost associated with widening the driveway and recommended that the cost of widening the driveway be paid for by the property owner.

• R24-10-424
  Moved By Councillor Garon
  Seconded By Councillor McGuire-Blais

  That Council table the motion until the Mayor, Deputy Mayor and the Ward 1 Councilllors have a meeting with Administration and an onsite meeting with the property owner of 33 Irwin Avenue.

  Tabled

10.7

Environmental Services-2024-07

RE: Housing Enabling Water Systems Fund Intake 2

Director Giurissevich provided an update to Council regarding the unsuccessful application to Housing Enabling Water System Fund and provided an overview of the financial impact of submitting an application to the Housing Enabling Water System Fund Intake 2.

Council discussed the reasoning behind the first unsuccessful application and the uncertainty of growth in the Colchester area.

• R24-10-425
  Moved By Councillor Matyi
  Seconded By Councillor Allard

  That Environmental Services Report-2024-07 entitled, Housing Enabling Water Systems Fund Intake 2 prepared by Kevin Girard, Director, Infrastructure Services dated October 7th, 2024 be received; and

  That Council does not proceed with a second application to the Housing-Enabling Water Systems Fund for the construction of the Colchester Water Pollution Control Plant.

  Carried

10.8

Legal and Legislative Services-2024-07

RE: 2025 Regular Council Meeting Dates

• R24-10-426
  Moved By Councillor Verbeek
  Seconded By Councillor Matyi

  That Legal and Legislative Services Report-2024-07 entitled 2025 Regular Council Meeting Dates prepared by Joe Malandruccolo, Director, Legal and Legislative Services/Clerk dated October 7, 2024 be received; and

  That the dates for the 2025 Regular Council Meetings proposed herein be approved.

  Carried

10.9

Corporate Services-2024-06

RE: Water/Wastewater Billing and Collection Policy Revisions

Mayor Bondy left the meeting at 8:00 PM and returned at 8:02 PM prior to the motion.

Kate Giurissevich, Director, Corporate Services, provided an overview of the revised policy and recommendation to eliminate tenants as the primary account holders as of April. 1, 2025.

Council discussed providing landlords with the ability to disconnect the water and Rob Mackie, Manager, Environmental Services, explained the implications this has on staff and residents.

• R24-10-427
  Moved By Councillor Hammond
  Seconded By Councillor Allard

  That Corporate Services Report-2024-06 entitled Water/Wastewater Billing and Collection Policy Revisions prepared by Kate Giurissevich, Director, Corporate Services/Treasurer dated October 7, 2024 be received; and

  That Council approve the attached revised Water/Wastewater Billing and Collection Policy, which including the elimination of tenants as primary account holders effective April 1, 2025.

  Carried

10.10

Corporate Services-2024-07

RE: Adoption of 2024 Development Charge By-Law and 2024 Part XII Charges

• R24-10-428
  Moved By Deputy Mayor Shepley
  Seconded By Councillor Hammond

  That Corporate Services Report-2024-07 entitled Adoption of 2024 Development Charge By-Law prepared by Kate Giurissevich, CPA/CA, Director, Corporate Services/Treasurer dated October 7, 2024 be received;

  That By-Law 2384 being a By-Law for the Imposition of Development Charges in the Town of Essex be read a first, a second, and a third time and finally passed on October 7, 2024; and

  That By-Law 2385 being a By-Law to impose water and wastewater charges to recover capital cost of installing water and wastewater services necessary to service new users to the system be read a first, a second, and a third time and finally passed on October 7, 2024.

  Carried

10.11

Community Services-2024-39

RE: Special Event Notice – Essex Legion Remembrance Day Ceremony (Essex Centre)

• R24-10-429
  Moved By Councillor Verbeek
  Seconded By Councillor Garon

  That Community Services Report-2024-39 entitled Special Event Notice – Essex Legion Remembrance Day Ceremony (Essex), prepared by Jake Morassut, Director, Community Services, dated October 7, 2024, be received; and

  That Council approve closing Talbot Street North/South from Cameron Avenue to Brien Avenue West on November 11, 2024 between 10:15 AM and 12:00 PM for the Essex Legion Remembrance Day Ceremony.

  Carried

10.12

Community Services-2024-40

RE: Special Event Notice – Jingle Bell Run, Walk and Wheel

• R24-10-430
  Moved By Councillor Allard
  Seconded By Deputy Mayor Shepley

  That Community Services Report-2024-40 entitled Special Event Notice – Jingle Bell Run, Walk and Wheel, prepared by Jake Morassut, Director, Community Services, dated October 7, 2024, be received; and

  That Council approve closing Talbot Street North/South from approximately 516 Talbot Street North to Iler Avenue on November 10, 2024 between 8:30 AM and 1:30 PM for Jingle Bell Run, Walk and Wheel.

  Carried

10.13

Community Services-2024-42

RE: Special Event Notice – Essex Centre BIA – Tiny Tot Parade

• R24-10-431

  That Community Services Report-2024-42 entitled Special Event Notice – Essex Centre BIA Tiny Tot Parade, prepared by Jake Morassut, Director, Community Services, dated October 7, 2024, be received; and

  That Council approve closing Talbot Street North from Laird Avenue to Victoria Avenue on October 25, 2024 between 9:45 AM and 11:30 AM for the Essex Centre Tiny Tot Parade.

  Carried

11.

Reports from Youth Members

Lauryn, Youth Council Member reported that on Thursday, October 10, 2024, Essex Highschool will be having their annual homecoming game against Villanova High School.

 

12.

County Council Update

Deputy Mayor Shepley provided an update regarding road safety issues in Essex County. He stated that the County is conducting a review of 1084 intersections and 185 road segments to identify safety concerns as part of the new Road Safety Management program initiative to help the County prioritize safety measures and monitor their effectiveness in reducing collisions.

• R24-10-432
  Moved By Councillor Verbeek
  Seconded By Councillor Garon

  That the County of Essex, Regular Meeting minutes listed in Agenda Item 12, be received.

  Carried

12.1

County of Essex, Regular Council Meeting Minutes - August 12, 2024

12.2

County of Essex, Regular Council Meeting Minutes - September 4, 2024

13.

Correspondence

13.1

Correspondence to be received

• R24-10-433
  Moved By Councillor McGuire-Blais

  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

Ombudsman Ontario

RE: Water and Wastewater Billing and Collection

13.1.2

City of Kitchener

RE: Renovictions and Safe and Adequate Housing

13.1.3

Essex Region Conservation

RE: Essex Region Source Protection Committee - Municipal Representation

13.2

Correspondence to be considered for receipt and support

13.2.1

Essex Accessibility Advisory Committee

RE: Resignation of Corrine Bridger from the Essex Accessibility Advisory Committee

Deputy Mayor Shepley left the meeting and provided regrets at 8:21 PM

• R24-10-434
  Moved By Councillor Allard
  Seconded By Councillor Matyi

  That the resignation of Corrine Bridger from the Essex Accessibility Advisory Committee be received; and

  That Council direct Administration to write a letter of appreciation and thanks for her commitment to the Essex Accessibility Advisory Committee.

  Carried

13.2.2

E.L.K Energy Board of Directors

RE: Resignation of Brandon Chartier, Director from the E.L.K. Energy Board of Directors

• R24-10-435
  Moved By Councillor Garon
  Seconded By Councillor McGuire-Blais

  That the resignation of Brandon Chartier, Director from the E.L.K. Energy Board of Directors be received; and

  That Council direct Administration to write a letter of appreciation and thanks for his commitment to the E.L.K. Energy Board of Directors.

  Carried

13.2.3

Community Living Essex County

RE: National Disability Employment Awareness Month - October 2024

• R24-10-436
  Moved By Councillor Matyi
  Seconded By Councillor Allard

  That the correspondence from Community Living Essex County asking Council to consider proclaiming the Month of October as National Disability Employment Awareness Month in the Town of Essex be received or received and supported; and if supported

  That Council proclaim the month of October as National Disability Employment Awareness Month in the Town of Essex by adopting the following resolution:

  Whereas, Light it Up! For NDEAM® spotlights the many ways people who have a disability contribute to businesses and their communities, demonstrating how disability inclusion in employment can drive success and competitiveness; and

  Whereas, Light it Up! For NDEAM® is the main event of Ontario Disability Employment Network (“ODEN”) and is a national movement celebrating its fifth anniversary with a one-night coordinated special lighting event which occurs on the third Thursday of every October; and

  Whereas, in 2023, almost 700 locations in nearly 150 communities across Canada illuminated in purple and blue. This nationwide collaboration involves ODEN, the Canadian Association for Supported Employment, MentorAbility Canada, the federal government, municipal and provincial governments, Jobs Ability Canada, and many community-based agencies. It is this collective effort that makes "Light It Up! For NDEAM®" a powerful event in big cities, small towns, and rural communities from coast to coast; and

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

  Therefore, I, Sherry Bondy, Mayor of the Town of Essex, do hereby proclaim the month of October as National Disability Employment Awareness Month and invite businesses to participate in the national event to further celebrate workplace accomplishments of people with disabilities across Essex County on October 17, 2024 for Light it Up! For NDEAM Day.

  Carried

13.2.4

Ontario Coalition For Better Child Care

RE: Annual Child Care Worker and Early Childhood Educator Appreciation Day - October 24, 2024

• R24-10-437
  Moved By Councillor Hammond
  Seconded By Councillor Allard

  That the correspondence from Ontario Coalition for Better Child Care asking Council to consider proclaiming October 24 as Annual Child Care Worker and Early Childhood Educator Appreciation Day in the Town of Essex be received or received and supported; and if supported

  That Council proclaim October 24, 2024 as Annual Child Care Worker and Early Childhood Educator Appreciation Day in the Town of Essex by adopting the following resolution:

  Whereas years of research confirms the benefits of high-quality early learning and child care for young children’s intellectual, emotional, social and physical development and later life outcomes; and

  Whereas child care promotes the well-being of children and responds to the needs of families and the broader community by supporting quality of life so that citizens can fully participate in and contribute to the economic and social life of their community; and

  Whereas trained and knowledgeable Registered Early Childhood Educators are the key to quality in early years and child care programs – in licensed child care, Early ON programs, child life programs, and full-day kindergarten;

  Whereas Registered Early Childhood Educators and child care workers will be vital to the success of the Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care system;

  Therefore, I Sherry Bondy, Mayor of the Town of Essex do hereby proclaim that October 24, 2024 be designated the 24th annual Child Care Worker and Early Childhood Educator Appreciation Day in recognition of the education, dedication and commitment of child care workers to children, their families and quality of life of the community.

  Carried

14.

Committee Meeting Minutes

• R24-10-438
  Moved By Councillor Hammond
  Seconded By Councillor Verbeek

  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

Essex Centre Business Improvement Area - July 17, 2024

14.2

Essex Municipal Heritage Committee - July 25, 2024

14.3

Santa's Village Committee -August 7, 2024

14.4

Co-An Park - August 14, 2024

15.

Financial

15.1

Q2 Capital Variance Report as at July 31, 2024

• R24-10-439
  Moved By Councillor McGuire-Blais
  Seconded By Councillor Hammond

  That the Q2 Capital Variance Report as at July 31, 2024 be received. 

  Carried

16.

New Business

17.

Notices of Motion

17.1

The following Notice of Motion was presented at the September 16, 2024 Regular Council Meeting and is being brought forward this evening for Council's consideration:

17.1.1

Councillor Matyi

• R24-10-440
  Moved By Councillor Matyi
  Seconded By Councillor Verbeek

  Whereas invasive phragmites (Phragmites australis) is a highly aggressive plant species that has significantly impacted ecosystems in Essex County, including wetlands and coastal areas, by outcompeting native flora, disrupting wildlife habitats, and blocking drainage systems;

  Whereas the Town of Essex recognizes the need for sustainable, effective methods of controlling invasive species to protect biodiversity and ecosystem health; and

  Whereas biological control methods, particularly the introduction of moth species (Archanara neurica and Lenisa geminipuncta) as biocontrol agents, have shown promising results in the management of invasive phragmites in Ontario, under the leadership of Ducks Unlimited Canada, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, and the University of Toronto;

  Now Therefore, be it resolved that the Council of the Town of Essex:

  1. Request that the Town of Essex formally reach out to the Essex Region Conservation Authority (ERCA) to obtain the necessary contacts and information regarding participation in the phragmites biological control program.
  2. Authorize the Mayor and/or designated municipal officials to draft and send letters expressing the Town's interest in collaborating with ERCA and other relevant agencies, such as Ducks Unlimited Canada, and the University of Toronto for the inclusion of Essex in future biocontrol release sites.
  3. Commit to exploring all available measures to combat the spread of invasive phragmites, including herbicide use, mechanical removal, and potential integration of the moth biocontrol program, to ensure long-term ecological protection in the region.
  4. Direct the Administration to report back to the Council with updates on communications with ERCA and other agencies, as well as the next steps required for participation in the biocontrol initiative.
  Carried

17.2

The following Notices of Motion are for presentment only and will be brought forward for Council's consideration at the October 21, 2024 Regular Council Meeting:

17.2.1

Deputy Mayor Shepley

Moved By Deputy Mayor Shepley

That Council direct Administration to review the feasibility and cost of adding a controlled pedestrian crossing over County Road 13 (Erie St South) at Wellington Street in Harrow.

17.2.2

Mayor Bondy

Moved By Mayor Bondy

That Town of Essex Council direct Administration to complete a second Phase to the Official Plan Project prior to its adoption, which will include a Local Comprehensive Review (LCR), to inform the new Town of Essex Official Plan;

That Administration and Council use the information gained from the LCR to determine the opportunities and constraints associated with Town of Essex land use designations, particularly Primary and Secondary Settlement Areas, the appropriateness of the current settlement areas to accommodate the forthcoming growth, including the consideration of constraints that will inhibit the available settlement areas and whether or not settlement areas need to be reallocated to more appropriate locations to meet growth demands; 

That Administration and Council take into consideration results from various infrastructure servicing studies and the cost for current residents, in particular, and also future residents to expand on infrastructure that currently does not exist;

That Council direct Administration to include funding in the 2025 Budget for Phase 2 of the Official Plan Project; and

That Administration take into consideration the County of Essex’s upcoming Specialty Crop Study on the quality of farmland identified as that will require the highest level of protection for these valuable agricultural lands.

18.

Reports and Announcements from Council Members

19.

By-Laws

19.1

By-Laws that require a third and final reading

19.1.1

By-Law 2369

RE: Being a by-law to confirm the proceedings of the September 16, 2024, Regular Meeting of Council of the Corporation of the Town of Essex

• R24-10-441
  Moved By Councillor McGuire-Blais
  Seconded By Councillor Hammond

  That By-Law 2369 being a by-law to confirm the proceedings of the September 16, 2024, Regular Meeting of Council of the Corporation of the Town of Essex be read a third time and finally passed on October 7, 2024.

  Carried

19.2

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

19.3

By-Laws that require a first and second reading

19.3.1

By-Law 2388

RE: Being a by-law to confirm the proceedings of the October 7, 2024, Regular Meeting of Council of the Corporation of the Town of Essex

• R24-10-442
  Moved By Councillor McGuire-Blais
  Seconded By Councillor Matyi

  That By-Law 2388 being a by-law to confirm the proceedings of the October 7, 2024, Regular Meeting of Council of the Corporation of the Town of Essex be read a first and a second time and provisionally passed on October 7, 2024.

  Carried

20.

Adjournment

• R24-10-443
  Moved By Councillor McGuire-Blais
  Seconded By Councillor Verbeek

  That the meeting be adjourned at 8:43 PM.

  Carried