The Corporation of the Town of Essex

Special Council Meeting Minutes

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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 3 Councillor Brad Allard
  • Ward 4 Councillor Rodney Hammond
Absent:
  • Ward 2 Councillor Kim Verbeek
  • Ward 3 Councillor Jason Matyi
Also Present:
  • Doug Sweet, Chief Administrative Officer
  • Joseph Malandruccolo, Director, Legal and Legislative Services/Clerk
  • Kevin Girard, Director, Infrastructure Services
  • Kate Giurissevich, Director, Corporate Services
  • Jake Morassut, Director, Community Services
  • 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.

 

The purpose of this meeting was for Council to discuss the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing's intent to expand Strong Mayor Powers.

1.
Call to Order

 

Mayor Bondy called the meeting to order at 4:30 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.
Declarations of Conflict of Interest

 

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

4.
Adoption of Published Agenda

 

4.1
Special Council Meeting Agenda for April 14, 2025

 
  • SP25-04-006
    Moved ByCouncillor McGuire-Blais
    Seconded ByCouncillor Hammond

    That the published agenda for the April 14, 2025 Special Council Meeting be adopted as presented.

    Carried

5.
Reports from Administration

 

5.1
Verbal Report by Joseph Malandruccolo, Director, Legal and Legislative Services/Clerk

This item has attachments. 
1.Strong Mayor Powers.pdf

RE: Correspondence from Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing - Intent to Expand Strong Mayor Powers

Joseph Malandruccolo, Director, Legal and Legislative Services/Clerk presented on the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing's intent to expand Strong Mayor Powers to the municipality. He explained that if this legislation is passed some powers can be delegated, some powers cannot be delegated, and some can only be forfeited. He further explained that the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing have a general public submission portal and Mayor Bondy provided Council with a proposed resolution for the online submission. He noted that at the Regular Council Meeting of April 22, 2025, Mayor Bondy will bring forth a motion to Council and Administration will provide a report with more information and Mayoral instructions. 

Director Malandruccolo stated that the proposed legislative relating to the implementation of Strong Mayor Powers will take effect on May 1, 2025.

  • SP25-04-007
    Moved ByDeputy Mayor Shepley
    Seconded ByCouncillor McGuire-Blais

    That the verbal report by Joseph Malandruccolo, Director, Legal and Legislative Services/Clerk regarding the correspondence from the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing dated April 9, 2025, relating to the intent to expand Strong Mayor Powers be received for information. 

    Carried
  • SP24-04-008
    Moved ByMayor Bondy
    Seconded ByCouncillor McGuire-Blais

    That Council for the Town of Essex direct Administration to submit the following comment to the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing prior to April 16, 2025, through the Province’s Regulatory Registry Website: 

    Council for the Town of Essex believes that the Province of Ontario is undermining the local governance model and municipal independence by attempting to advance its priorities and download its responsibilities to municipalities through the proposed Strong Mayor Powers. Strong Mayor Powers erode the democratic process and fundamentally alter the historical model of local governance which has existed for almost two centuries, through the grant to the head of Council of the authority to give direction and make decisions without the usual consensus from the majority of Council and creating a power imbalance by providing the head of Council with special powers that other members generally do not have. Therefore, Council of The Corporation of the Town of Essex formally opposes the expansion of Strong Mayor Powers, as announced on April 9, 2025, and 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.

    Carried

6.
Public Presentations

 

7.
Adjournment

 
  • SP25-04-009
    Moved ByCouncillor Garon
    Seconded ByCouncillor Hammond

    That the meeting be adjourned at 4:57 PM.

    Carried
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