The Corporation of the Town of Essex

Regular Council Meeting Minutes

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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 4 Councillor Rodney Hammond
  • Rita Jabbour, Manager, Planning Services
  • Vince Murphy, Assistant Manger, Parks and Facilities
  • Ann Marie Unis, Manager, Finance and Business
Regrets:
  • Jason Matyi, Councillor Ward 3
  • Kate Giurissevich, Director, Corporate Services
  • Colin Pyne, Youth Council Member
Also Present:
  • Doug Sweet, Chief Administrative Officer
  • Joseph Malandruccolo, Director, Legal and Legislative Services/Clerk
  • Jake Morassut, Director, Community Services
  • Lori Chadwick, Director, Development Services
  • Kevin Girard, Director, Infrastructure Services
  • Cassandra Roy, Legislative Clerk
  • Lauryn Smith, Youth Council Member

​Accessible formats or communication supports are available upon request. Please contact the Clerk’s Office at clerks@essex.ca or 519-776-7336 extension 1100 or 1101.

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

 

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 2, 2024

 
  • R24-04-114
    Moved ByCouncillor Verbeek
    Seconded ByDeputy Mayor Shepley

    That the published agenda for the April 2, 2024 Regular Council Meeting be adopted with the following amendment:

    That Councillor Matyi's Notice of Motion listed in Agenda Item 17.1.1 be deferred to the next Regular Meeting of Council.

    Carried

7.
Adoption of Minutes

 

7.1
Regular Council Meeting Minutes for March 18, 2024

This item has attachments. 
1.Post-Meeting Minutes - Regular Council Meeting_Mar18_2024 - English.pdf
  • R24-04-115
    Moved ByCouncillor Garon
    Seconded ByCouncillor McGuire-Blais

    That the minutes of the Regular Council Meeting held March 18, 2024 be adopted as circulated.

    Carried

7.2
Special Council Meeting Minutes for March 6, 2024

This item has attachments. 
1.Post-Meeting Minutes - Special Council Meeting_Mar06_2024 - English.pdf
  • R24-04-116
    Moved ByCouncillor Allard
    Seconded ByDeputy Mayor Shepley

    That the minutes of the Special Council Meeting held March 6, 2024 be adopted as circulated.

    Carried

8.
Public Presentations

 

9.
Unfinished Business

 

10.
Reports from Administration

 

10.1
Fire and Rescue Services-2024-01

This item has attachments. 
1.Essex Fire and Rescue 2023 Annual Report.pdf
2.Essex Fire Annual Report 2024_Revised Council.pdf

RE: Essex Fire and Rescue 2023 Annual Report

  • R24-04-117
    Moved ByDeputy Mayor Shepley
    Seconded ByCouncillor Allard

    That Fire and Rescue Services Report 2024-01 entitled Essex Fire and Rescue 2023 Annual Report prepared by Jason Pillon, Fire Chief, dated April 2, 2024, be received for information.

    Carried

10.2
Fire and Rescue Services-2024-02

This item has attachments. 
1.Emergency Management Program and Response Plan.pdf
2.By-Law No. 2315 Emergency Management Program and Emergency Response Plan.pdf

RE: Emergency Management Program and Emergency Response Plan

  • R24-04-118
    Moved ByCouncillor McGuire-Blais
    Seconded ByCouncillor Verbeek

    That Fire and Rescue Services Report 2024-02 entitled Emergency Management Program and Emergency Response Plan prepared by Jason Pillon, Fire Chief dated April 2, 2024, be received;

    That the Essex Emergency Management Program and Emergency Response Plan be approved, as submitted; and

    That By-Law No. 2315 being a by-law to adopt an Emergency Management Program and Emergency Response Plan governing the provisions of necessary services during emergencies for the Town of Essex be read a first, a second and a third time and finally passed on April 2, 2024.

    Carried

10.3
Planning-2024-08

This item has attachments. 
1.Request for Draft Plan of Subdivision (Ducharme Lane Phase 2) (File No. 37-T-24003) - Planning-2024-08.pdf
2.Ducharme Lane Phase 2.pdf

RE: Draft Plan of Subdivision Approval, Ducharme Lane Residential Subdivision, Phase 2 (Applicant: Fantuz Holdings Inc. c/o Gary Taveirne) (County of Essex File No.: 37-T-24003), Ward 2

Rita Jabbour, Manager, Planning Services provided Council with the details of the Draft Plan of Subdivision for Phase 2 of Ducharme Lane Residential Subdivision. She explained that the subject lands are located in the McGregor Secondary Settlement Area and are zoned to permit low density residential dwellings subject to the Holding (H) Zone restriction. She stated that proposed subdivision is for the construction of eighteen single-detached dwelling units which is under the land designation for the established zoning district. She noted that Administration is recommending Council conditionally approve the Draft Plan of Subdivision. 

Council directed questions to Administration regarding the stormwater management pond and the sanitary sewage collection system for the proposed subdivision.

  • R24-04-119
    Moved ByCouncillor Garon
    Seconded ByCouncillor Hammond

    That Planning Report 2024-08 prepared by Rita Jabbour, RPP, Manager, Planning Services dated April 2, 2024 be received; and

    That the Manager of Planning Services for the County of Essex be requested to give Draft Plan of Subdivision Approval to 1128737 Ontario Limited for the development of Phase 2 of the Ducharme Lane Residential Subdivision on lands comprising PT LTS 1 and 2 CONCESSION 12 to permit the development of eighteen (18) single detached dwellings, in accordance with the draft plan prepared by Dillon Consulting and dated February 20, 2024 and subject to the following conditions:

    1. That the Applicant enters into a subdivision agreement with the Municipality wherein the Applicant agrees to satisfy all the requirements, financial and otherwise, of the Municipality concerning the payment of development charges (including educational development charges), provisions of roads, installation and capacity of services, including sanitary sewage collection systems, water distribution system, private utilities and stormwater management facilities for the development of the lands within the plan,
    2. That the subdivision agreement include a condition to the satisfaction of the Town of Essex that acknowledges that sanitary allocation equivalent to 18 single detached dwellings for the proposed development will be available for a period of three (3) years commencing on the date of adoption of draft plan approval and that the allocation shall be deemed null and void should in the opinion of the corporation, construction of the dwellings not commence within the period specified in the condition,
    3. That the Applicant be required to provide to the Municipality cash in lieu of parkland,
    4. That the Applicant provide an easement along those lots that abut the Walker Drain to the satisfaction of the Town of Essex and for the purposes of drain maintenance and prohibiting buildings and structures within the easement, and,
    5. Such other conditions requested by the Manager of Planning Services for the County of Essex as a condition of Draft Plan of Subdivision approval.
    Carried

10.4
Finance and Business Services-2024-02

This item has attachments. 
1.2024 UWSS Wholesale Water Rate - Finance and Business Services-2024-02.pdf
2.01-25-24 Ltr to CAOs Rate Increase 2024 (REVISED).reviewed.pdf
3.Bylaw 2291 - Water and Sanitary Sewer Rates with Schedules A and B.pdf Amendement.pdf

RE: 2024 Union Water Supply System Wholesale Water Rate

  • R24-04-120
    Moved ByCouncillor McGuire-Blais
    Seconded ByCouncillor Garon

    That Finance and Business Services Report 2024-02 entitled 2024 Union Water Supply System Wholesale Water Rate prepared by Kate Giurissevich, CPA,CA, Director, Corporate Services/ Treasurer dated April 2, 2024 be received; and

    That Council approve an amendment to Schedule “A” to By-Law Number 2291 to reflect the new fee presented by Union Water Supply System (UWSS) effective April 1, 2024.

    Carried

10.5
Parks and Facilities-2024-03

This item has attachments. 
1.Colchester Harbour Security Services RFQ-CS-24-002 Results - Parks and Facilities-2024-03.pdf

RE: Colchester Harbour Security Services RFQ-CS-24-002

  • R24-04-121
    Moved ByCouncillor Garon
    Seconded ByDeputy Mayor Shepley

    That Parks and Facilities Report 2024-03 entitled Colchester Harbour Security Services RFQ-CS-24-002 prepared by Vince Murphy, Assistant Manager, Parks and Facilities, dated April 2,2024 be received;

    That Council award the Colchester Harbour Security Services RFQ-CS-24-002 to Inesa Security Services for the 2024 Harbour season from May 1 to October 14, 2024; and

    That Council allow the contract to be extended for the 2025 and 2026 Harbour Season, pending Inesa Security fulfills the RFQ requirements in 2024.

    Carried

10.6
Capital Works and Asset Management-2024-04

This item has attachments. 
1.AMP Consulting Services - Capital Works and Asset Management-2024-04.pdf

RE: 2024 and 2025 Asset Management Plan Consulting Services

  • R24-04-122
    Moved ByCouncillor McGuire-Blais
    Seconded ByDeputy Mayor Shepley

    That Capital Works and Asset Management-2024-04 entitled 2024 and 2025 Asset Management Plan Consulting Services by Erica Tilley, Assistant Manager, Capital Work & Asset Management dated April 2, 2024 be received, and

    That Council award the 2024 and 2025 Asset Management Plan consulting services to PSD Citywide Ltd. in the amount of $90,871.68, including non-refundable Harmonized Sales Tax.

    That Council approve the additional funding of $30,871.68 above the approved 2024 Capital Budget of $60,000 from the Town’s Ontario Community Infrastructure Reserve.

    Carried

10.7
Operations-2024-03

This item has attachments. 
1.Deer Crossing Sign on 3rd Concession - Operations-2024-03.pdf
2.3rdCon_DeerXing.pdf

RE: Deer Crossing Sign on 3rd Concession

  • R24-04-123
    Moved ByCouncillor Allard
    Seconded ByDeputy Mayor Shepley

    That Operations Report 2024-03 entitled Deer Crossing Sign on 3rd Concession prepared by Norm Nussio Manager, Operations and Drainage dated March18, 2024, be received; and

    That Council direct Administration to install the signs as recommended within this Report.

    Carried

10.8
Environmental Services-2024-02

This item has attachments. 
1.Housing-Enabling Water Systems Fund Application - Environmental Services-2024-02.pdf
2.Procurement Section 22 - Design Services.pdf

RE: Housing-Enabling Water Systems Fund

Kevin Girard, Director, Infrastructure Services, presented a timeline and the estimated cost associated with the Colchester South Sewage Works Expansion. He recommended that the Town of Essex submit a grant application to the Housing-Enabling Water Systems Fund to fund the Colchester South Sewage Works Expansion and if the Town successfully secures the grant, the Province will fund a maximum of 73% (up to 35 Millon) toward the cost of the project.

Council requested that if this grant was successful that Administration review reserve money to fund the additional monies.

Council further requested that a letter be sent to Anthony Leardi, MPP, Essex Ridding, outlining the grant application for the Colchester Water Pollution Control Plant.

  • R24-04-124
    Moved ByCouncillor McGuire-Blais
    Seconded ByDeputy Mayor Shepley

    That Environmental Services 2024-02 entitled, Housing-Enabling Water Systems Fund Application prepared by Kevin Girard, Director, Infrastructure Services and Kate Giurissevich, Director, Corporate Services dated April 2, 2024 be received; and

    That Council approve Option 1 as outlined below:

    That Council direct Administration to make an application to the Housing-Enabling Water Systems Fund for the design and construction of the Colchester Water Pollution Control Plant;

    That Council appoint Stantec Consulting Ltd. to provide engineering design services in the amount of $2,143,065.60 (including non-refundable HST) to complete preliminary and detailed design of the Colchester Water Pollution Control Plant in accordance with the completed request under Section 22 of the Town of Essex Procurement By-Law 2129; and

    That Council authorize the expenditure of $2,453,433.60 (including non-refundable HST) to complete the design of the Colchester Water Pollution Control Plant with funding of 16% from Ward 3 Wastewater Reserve and 84% from the Development Charges Reserves.

    Carried

10.9
Operations-2024-04

This item has attachments. 
1.Results of Request for Tender- Supply of Wood-Brush Chipper 2024 - Operations-2024-04.pdf

RE: Results of Request for Tender- Supply of Wood-Brush Chipper 2024

  • R24-04-125
    Moved ByCouncillor Garon
    Seconded ByCouncillor McGuire-Blais

    That Operations Report 2024-04 entitled Results of Request for Tender-Supply of Wood-Brush Chipper 2024 prepared by Norm Nussio Manager, Operations and Drainage dated April 2, 2024, be received;

    That Council award Request for Tender- Supply of Wood-Brush Chipper 2024 to Vermeer Canada Inc in the amount of $135,340.80 including non-refundable Harmonized Sales Tax; and

    That Council approve an additional $340.80 to be funded from Asset Management Reserve for capital project PW-24-0004.

    Carried

11.
Reports from Youth Members

 

12.
County Council Update

 

13.
Correspondence

 

13.1
Correspondence to be received

 
  • R24-04-126
    Moved ByCouncillor Verbeek
    Seconded ByDeputy 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

13.2
Correspondence to be considered for receipt and support

 

13.2.1
Township of Amaranth

This item has attachments. 
1.Operational Budget Funding.pdf

RE: Operation Budget Funding

  • R24-04-127
    Moved ByCouncillor Verbeek
    Seconded ByCouncillor McGuire-Blais

    That the correspondence from the Township of Amaranth dated March 12, 2024 regarding operation budget funding be received and supported; and

    That a letter of support be sent to the Honourable Doug Ford, Premier of Ontario, Anthony Leardi, MPP Essex Ridding, and Marit Stiles, Leader, Official Opposition.

    Carried

13.2.2
The Corporation of Loyalist Township

This item has attachments. 
1.Motion regarding solutions to resolve significant financial and budgetary pressures.pdf

RE: Significant Financial and Budgetary Pressures

  • R24-04-128
    Moved ByCouncillor McGuire-Blais
    Seconded ByDeputy Mayor Shepley

    That the correspondence from the Corporation of Loyalist Township dated March 18, 2024 regarding significant financial and budgetary pressures be received and supported; and

    That a letter of support be sent to the Honourable Doug Ford, Premier of Ontario, Anthony Leardi, MPP Essex Ridding, and Marit Stiles, Leader, Official Opposition.

    Carried

13.2.3
The Corporation of the Town of Bracebridge

This item has attachments. 
1.2024-03-14 New Provincial-Municipal Fiscal Framework.pdf

RE: New Provincial - Municipal Fiscal Framework

  • R24-04-129
    Moved ByCouncillor Verbeek
    Seconded ByCouncillor Allard

    That the correspondence from the Corporation of Bracebridge dated March 14, 2024 regarding new provincial Municipal fiscal framework be received and supported; and

    That a letter of support be sent to the Honourable Doug Ford, Premier of Ontario, Anthony Leardi, MPP Essex Ridding, and Marit Stiles, Leader, Official Opposition.

    Carried

13.2.4
Township of Puslinch

This item has attachments. 
1.Township of Puslinch Resolution regarding Enbridge Gas Follow-Up -All Ontario Municipalities.pdf

RE: Enbridge Gas

  • R24-04-130
    Moved ByCouncillor Hammond
    Seconded ByDeputy Mayor Shepley

    That the correspondence from the Township of Puslinch dated March 14, 2024 regarding Enbridge Gas follow-up be received and supported; and

    That a letter of support be sent to the Honourable Doug Ford, Premier of Ontario, the Honourable Todd Smith, Minister of Energy, Anthony Leardi, MPP Essex Ridding, and Chris Lewis, MP.

    Carried

13.2.5
Ministry for Seniors and Accessibility

This item has attachments. 
1.Nominations for the 2024 Ontario Senior of the Year.pdf
2.Senior of the Year Award.pdf

RE: 2024 Ontario Senior of the Year Award: Request of Nominee

  • R24-04-131
    Moved ByDeputy Mayor Shepley
    Seconded ByCouncillor McGuire-Blais

    That Council defer the 2024 Ontario Senior of the Year Award to the next Regular Council Meeting on April 15, 2024.

    Carried

13.2.6
Essex Festival Committee

This item has attachments. 
1.FW_ Cori McLean Resignation from Festival Committee_Redacted.pdf

RE: Resignation of Cori McLean from the Essex Festival Committee 

  • R24-04-132
    Moved ByCouncillor Garon
    Seconded ByCouncillor McGuire-Blais

    That the resignation of Cori McLean from the Essex Festival Committee be received; and

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

    Carried

13.2.7
OPP Detachment Board

This item has attachments. 
1.OPP Letter of Resolution Town of Essex.pdf

RE: OPP Detachment Board Appointments and Administration

  • R24-04-133
    Moved ByDeputy Mayor Shepley
    Seconded ByCouncillor Verbeek

    That the correspondence from the Corporation of the Town of Tecumseh, dated March 25, 2024, regarding OPP Detachment Board Appointments and Administration be received and supported;

    That Paul Sweet be appointed as the local community representative on the new Essex County OPP Detachment Board North for the remainder of this term in office;

    That Christopher Hales be selected as the at-large representative on the new Essex County OPP Detachment Board North

    That the new Essex County OPP Detachment Board-North be administered through Tecumseh, with costs incurred to administer the program being recovered equally from the three participating municipalities (Tecumseh, Lakeshore, Essex); and

    That Administration send a letter to the Corporation of the Town of Tecumseh confirming the forgoing.

     

    Carried

13.2.8
Essex Festival Committee

This item has attachments. 
1.Festival Committee - New Response Completed for Essex Festival Committee Application_Redacted.pdf

RE: Appointment of Essex Festival Committee Member

  • R24-04-134
    Moved ByCouncillor Garon
    Seconded ByCouncillor McGuire-Blais

    That the application by Caitlyn Back to be appointed to the Essex Festival Committee be received/received and supported.

    Carried

14.
Committee Meeting Minutes

 
  • R24-04-135
    Moved ByCouncillor McGuire-Blais
    Seconded ByCouncillor 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

15.
Financial

 

16.
New Business

 

17.
Notices of Motion

 

17.1
The following Notice of Motion was first presented at the February 20, 2024 Regular Council Meeting and subsequently deferred at the March 18, 2024 Regular Council Meeting and is being brought forward this evening for Council's consideration:

 

17.1.1
Councillor Matyi

 

Councillor Matyi's Notice of Motion was deferred to the next Regular Council Meeting on April 15, 2024.

  • That Town Administration prepare a comprehensive report that compares water-tight manhole covers to standard manhole covers by completing the following:

    1. Initiate a Study: Conduct a study to assess the feasibility and benefits of water-tight manhole covers in our specific context;
    2. Conduct Research: review studies, collaborate with professional networks, and review municipal practices to determine the feasibility of standardizing water-tight manholes; and
    3. Report Submission: Present the comparative report to Town Council.

17.2
The following Notice of Motion was first presented at the March 4, 2024 Regular Council Meeting and subsequently deferred at the March 18, 2024 Regular Council Meeting and is being brought forward this evening for Council's consideration:

 

17.2.1
Mayor Bondy

 
  • R24-04-136
    Moved ByMayor Bondy
    Seconded ByCouncillor McGuire-Blais

    That Council direct Administration to review the Development Standards Manual, including a review of the following items, and provide a summary of what other Towns are doing for the items:

    • use of v curb and barrier curbs,
    • use of water pipes used by the municipality for example plastic vs copper,
    • maintenance period in the Town of Essex, and
    • use of surety bonds in both commercial and residential development.
    Carried

17.3
The following Notice of Motion was presented at the March 18, 2024 Regular Council Meeting and is being brought forward this evening for Council's consideration:

 

17.3.1
Councillor Verbeek

 
  • R24-04-137
    Moved ByCouncillor Verbeek
    Seconded ByCouncillor Allard

    That Council direct Administration to prepare a report which considers whether or not Council should pass a By-Law prohibiting the release of latex and mylar helium balloons into the air in the Town of Essex.

    Carried

18.
Reports and Announcements from Council Members

 

Councillor Allard advised everyone to stay safe during the Solar Eclipse and advised that the Town of Essex was offering a solar eclipse viewing event at the Colchester Habour on April 8, 2024, from 12:00 - 4:00 PM.

19.
By-Laws

 

19.1
By-Laws that require a third and final reading

 

19.1.1
By-Law 2316

This item has attachments. 
1.By-Law No. 2316 - March 18, 2024, Regular Council Meeting Confirming By-Law (1).pdf

RE: Being a by-law to confirm the proceedings of the March 18, 2024, Regular Meeting of Council of the Corporation of the Town of Essex

  • R24-04-138
    Moved ByCouncillor McGuire-Blais
    Seconded ByCouncillor Allard

    That By-Law 2316 being a by-law to confirm the proceedings of the March 18, 2024, Regular Meeting of Council of the Corporation of the Town of Essex be read a third time and finally passed on March 18, 2024.

    Carried

19.1.2
By-Law 2299

This item has attachments. 
1.By-Law No. 2299 - Austin C Wright Drain Replacement Bridge for Nelner and New Bridge for Broser.pdf
2._y-rpt Austin C Wright Dr bridges REI2023D017.pdf

RE: Being a by-law to provide for the Austin C. Wright Drain: Replacement Bridge for Nelner & New Bridge for Broser, Geographic Township of Colchester South, Project REI2023D017, Town of Essex, County of Essex

  • R24-04-139
    Moved ByDeputy Mayor Shepley
    Seconded ByCouncillor Garon

    That By-Law 2299 being a by-law to provide for the Austin C. Wright Drain: Replacement Bridge for Nelner & New Bridge for Broser, Geographic Township of Colchester South, Project REI2023D017, Town of Essex, County of Essex be read a third time and finally passed on April 2, 2024.

    Carried

19.1.3
By-Law 2300

This item has attachments. 
1.By-Law No. 2300 Bondy No 1 Drain maintenance schedules of assessment.pdf
2.20230816 FINAL Report (w CofR Changes) - Bondy No. 1 Drain Maintenance Schedules of Assessment.pdf

RE: Being a by-law to provide for the Bondy No. 1 Drain: Maintenance Schedules of Assessment, Geographic Township of Colchester South, Project D22-063, Town of Essex, County of Essex

  • R24-04-140
    Moved ByDeputy Mayor Shepley
    Seconded ByCouncillor McGuire-Blais

    That By-Law 2300 being a by-law to provide for the Bondy No. 1 Drain: Maintenance Schedules of Assessment, Geographic Township of Colchester South, Project D22-063, Town of Essex, County of Essex be read a third time and finally passed on April 2, 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 2319

This item has attachments. 
1.By-Law No. 2319 - April 2, 2024, Regular Council Meeting Confirming By-Law.pdf

RE: Being a by-law to confirm the proceedings of the April 2, 2024, Regular Meeting of Council of the Corporation of the Town of Essex

  • R24-04-138
    Moved ByCouncillor McGuire-Blais
    Seconded ByCouncillor Garon

    That By-Law 2319 being a by-law to confirm the proceedings of the April 2, 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 April 2, 2024.

    Carried

20.
Adjournment

 
  • R24-04-139
    Moved ByDeputy Mayor Shepley
    Seconded ByCouncillor Hammond

    That the meeting be adjourned at 8:34 PM.

    Carried
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