The Corporation of the Town of Essex

Special Council Meeting Minutes

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Location: https://www.youtube.com/user/EssexOntario
Present:
  • Mayor Larry Snively
  • Deputy Mayor Richard Meloche
  • Councillor Joe Garon
  • Councillor Morley Bowman
  • Councillor Kim Verbeek
  • Councillor Steve Bjorkman
  • Councillor Sherry Bondy
  • Councillor Chris Vander Doelen
Also Present:
  • Chris Nepszy, Chief Administrative Officer
  • Robert Auger, Town Solicitor, Legal and Legislative Services/Clerk
  • Shelley Brown, Deputy Clerk, Legal and Legislative Services
  • Doug Sweet, Director, Community Services/Deputy CAO
  • Jeffrey Morrison, Director, Corporate Services and Treasurer
  • Lori Chadwick, Director, Development Services
  • Kevin Girard, Director, Infrastructure Services
  • Kate Giurissevich, Manager, Finance and Business Services/Deputy Treasurer
  • Rick Arnel, Fire Chief

This meeting was hosted from the Town of Essex Municipal Building, 33 Talbot Street South, Essex. Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, this meeting can only be viewed by the public electronically via livestream on YouTube.

1.
Call to Order
 

Mayor Snively called the meeting to order at 6:00 pm.

2.
Declarations of Conflict of Interest
 

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

3.
Adoption of Published Agenda
 

3.1
Special Council Meeting Agenda for November 30, 2020
 

  • SP20-11-005
    Moved ByCouncillor Bjorkman
    Seconded ByCouncillor Bowman

    That the published agenda for the November 30, 2020 Special Council Meeting re: 2021 Budget Walkthrough be adopted as presented.

    Carried

4.
Presentations from Administration
 

4.1
Chris Nepszy, Chief Administrative Officer
 

4.1.1
RE: COVID-19 Update
 

Chris Nepszy, Chief Administrative Officer provided an update on the impact of the region being moved into Red due to the pandemic. Mr. Nepszy advised that all activities at the arenas have been suspended however programming will continue to be provided.

Doug Sweet, Director, Community Services advised that operational impacts including staffing will not be impacted at this time however if it continues it may have impact on staffing.

Councillor Bondy inquired about layoffs and staffing and if casual workers get any hours stating that it may be better to lay them off so they can get subsidy program.

Mr. Sweet advised that casual workers can only work at arenas and there is work to be done for them at this time.

4.1.2
RE: Introduction RE: 2021 Budget Walkthrough
 

Chris Nepszy, Chief Administrative Officer stated that despite the many challenges this year in our community, Administration was able to maintain and deliver on the commitment to provide essential municipal services to citizens, stakeholders and business owners.

Mr. Nepszy further stated that during the Strategic Plan update it was noted that the Town was able to find innovative ways to provide critical programming for quality of life, mental health achieving a lot progress on the Corporate Strategic Plan.

Mr. Nepszy advised that his vision as Chief Administrative Officer is for Administration and Council to have a thorough knowledge of the budget and the budget process including an understanding of the pressures and constraints. This was achieved that by ensuring all staff were involved in process and accountable for their respective budget(s).

Mr. Nepszy concluded that the budget package together with the video and comparator slides includes a lot information for residents.

4.2
Jeffrey Morrison, Director, Corporate Services/Treasurer
This item has attachments. 

1.2021 Town of Essex Budget - Proposed - November 30, 2020 - Accessible.pdf

Presentation RE: 2021 Budget Walkthrough

Mr. Morrison provided an overview of the proposed 2021 operating and capital Budgets. Council was reminded that this was just a walkthrough of the Budgets and Council would have ample opportunity between now and the next scheduled budget meeting to review, ask questions and request further information if necessary. 

  • SP20-11-006
    Moved ByCouncillor Garon
    Seconded ByDeputy Mayor Meloche

    That the presentation by Jeffrey Morrison, Director, Corporate Services/Treasurer entitled, 2021 Budget Walkthrough, be received.

    Carried

5.
Adjournment
 

  • SP20-11-007
    Moved ByCouncillor Bjorkman
    Seconded ByCouncillor Vander Doelen

    That the meeting be adjourned at 9:40 pm.

    Carried
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