The Corporation of the Town of Essex

Regular Council Meeting Minutes

This meeting was held electronically during a time of Declared Emergency pursuant to Town of Essex By-Law 1902

Monday, June 20, 2022 at 6:00 P.m. - 9:00 P.m.

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

Present:

• Mayor Richard Meloche
• Deputy Mayor Steve Bjorkman
• Ward 1 Councillor Joe Garon
• Ward 1 Councillor Morley Bowman
• Ward 2 Councillor Kim Verbeek
• Ward 3 Councillor Chris Vander Doelen
• Ward 3 Councillor Jason Matyi
• Ward 4 Councillor Sherry Bondy

Also Present:

• Doug Sweet, Chief Administrative Officer
• Lori Chadwick, Director, Development Services
• Kevin Girard, Director, Infrastructure Services
• Robert Auger, Town Solicitor, Legal and Legislative Services/Clerk
• Shelley Brown, Deputy Clerk, Legal and Legislative Services
• Kate Giurissevich, Director, Corporate Services
• Jake Morassut, Director, Community Services
• Maja Bakalic, Assistant Manager, Legal and Legislative Services
• Kevin Carter, Manager, Building Services/Chief Building Official
• Cynthia Cakebread, Manager, Recreation and Culture
• Nelson Silveira, Economic Development Officer
• Thomas Coke, Main Street Ambassador

​Accessible formats or communication supports are available upon request. Please contact the Clerk’s Office at [e-mail] or 519-776-7336 extension 1100 or 1101.

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1.

Call to Order

Mayor Meloche 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

Robert Auger, Town Solicitor/Clerk, Legal and Legislative Services, provided a verbal report on the Closed meeting held on June 20, 2022.

He reported that Council met in Closed session on June 20, 2022, at 4:30 PM as permitted to do so by Section 239(2) (e) of the Municipal Act. At the Closed meeting Council discussed litigation or potential litigation including tribunal matters affecting the municipality. Council provided further direction in respect to a tribunal matter.

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 June 20, 2022

• R22-06-291
  Moved By Councillor Bondy
  Seconded By Councillor Verbeek

  That the published agenda for the June 20, 2022 Regular Council Meeting be adopted with the following amendment:

  1. That Agenda Item 17.3 and 17.5 be moved up to Agenda Item 8.2.1 and 8.2.2 restively.

  Carried

7.

Adoption of Minutes

7.1

Regular Council Meeting Minutes for June 6, 2022

• R22-06-292
  Moved By Councillor Bowman
  Seconded By Councillor Garon

  That the minutes of the Regular Council Meeting held June 6, 2022 be adopted as circulated.

  Carried

8.

Public Presentations

8.1

Glen Mills, Troy Labidie and Andrew Kawala

RE: Outstanding Issues in Townsview Estates

Mr. Mills spoke to some of the outstanding issues or concerns that he stated residents have concerning the Townsview Estates Subdivision including its slow progress towards completion. Mr. Mills stated that that some of these issues related to the broken drainpipe, low water pressure and overall lack of communication and transparency by the Developer and/or Town. In Particular he claimed that the Town approved permits for driveways but it was not communicated at the time the permit was issued that the driveways could potentially be cut during construction of the sidewalks. He requested that in the future, the Town send a letter advising how these issues will be rectified and expected timelines concerning same.

Mr. Labidie explained that he applied for a driveway permit based on the plan he originally received. The plan indicated that the location of the sidewalks would be on his side of the road however he was subsequently informed that the sidewalk plan had changed such that he is losing significant additional driveway space. He further stated that a couple years ago residents requested that the sidewalk instead be constructed on the opposite of the road near the retention pond so as to provide easy access to the mailboxes and the park. He further requested that a sidewalk connecting Morris Drive to Maidstone Avenue through the open greenspace along the retention pond to facilitate a safe path to the Essex Public.

Mr. Kawala stated that he resides on Morris Drive and his backyard has a four feet slope drop-off from his yard to the adjacent farmer’s field. He stated that this was a safety issue for his children but he explained that to build a fence in his backyard, he would have to move the fence inward and lose additional space in his backyard. He requested a timeline on when this slope would be fixed.

Kevin Girard, Director, Infrastructure Services, in response to the delegates explained that the Town and developer are working together to resolve the deficiencies and stated that the seven broken cleanouts were previously addressed. He noted that the current sidewalk location on the opposite side of the retention pond on Morris Drive is consistent with the original plan.

He further noted that at a recent site visit the Town requested that the developer and contractor communicate more directly with homeowners and advised that correspondence will be mailed out from the developer/contractor regarding the sidewalk construction and the broken cleanouts. He further stated that the Town and developer are further exploring solutions regarding the grade issues in the rear yards on Morris Drive. Finally, he noted that Administration will investigate the issue with the water pressure.

• R22-06-293
  Moved By Deputy Mayor Bjorkman
  Seconded By Councillor Verbeek

  That the delegations by Glen Mills, Troy Labidie and Andrew Kawala regarding outstanding issues in Townsview Estates be received.

  Carried

8.2

Peter Valente, President,1849749 Ontario Limited

RE: Addressing Complaints from Homeowners in Townsview Subdivision

Mr. Valente, President, 1849749 Ontario Limited, addressed and spoke to the homeowner concerns regarding grading, sidewalks, deficiencies, and communication in regards to Townsview Estate Subdivision. He communicated that he understood the frustrations expressed by the delegates and that the company is continuing to work diligently on the development despite setbacks and delays associated with coming out of the pandemic.

• R22-06-294
  Moved By Deputy Mayor Bjorkman
  Seconded By Councillor Garon

  That the delegation regarding Townsview Estate Subdivision by Peter Valente be received.

  Carried

8.2.1

Councillor Bondy

As moved from Item 17.1.3 on the Agenda as published.

• R22-06-295
  Moved By Councillor Bondy
  Seconded By Councillor Verbeek

  That a "Caution Children Playing" sign be added on Morris Drive due to the fact that there is a park on Morris Drive and residents are requesting signage.

  Carried

8.2.2

Councillor Bondy

As moved from Item 17.1.5 on the Agenda as published.

• R22-06-296
  Moved By Councillor Bondy
  Seconded By Councillor Verbeek

  That the sidewalk to be constructed on Morris Drive be deferred and Council direct Administration to prepare a report regarding the feasibility of moving the sidewalk on Morris Drive to the opposite side of the road and that the report be brought back for consideration at the July 18, 2022 Regular Council meeting.

  Councillor Bondy requested a recorded vote:

  Voters	Support	Opposed	Conflict En
  Mayor Meloche	X
  Councillor Bondy	X
  Deputy Mayor Bjorkman	X
  Councillor Bowman	X
  Councillor Garon	X
  Councillor Verbeek	X
  Councillor Vander Doelen		X
  Councillor Matyi	X
  Results	7	1	0

  Carried (7 to 1)

8.3

Cynthia Swift, Lead Audit Engagement Partner, KPMG LLP

RE: Town of Essex 2021 Financial Statements

Cynthia Swift, Lead Audit Engagement Partner, KPMG LLP, provided a review of the 2021 Audited Financial Statements for the Town of Essex and stated that the Town was in excellent financial health.

• R22-06-297
  Moved By Councillor Vander Doelen
  Seconded By Councillor Bowman

  That the presentation of the 2021 Audited Financial Statements for the Town of Essex by Cynthia Swift, Lead Audit Engagement Partner, KPMG LLP, be received; and

  That the 2021 Audited Financial Statements for the Town of Essex, be adopted as presented.

  Carried

8.4

Gloria Cavenago and Linda Jeffery, Magnolia Ranch

RE: Request for a Temporary Noise Permit under Noise Control By-Law 2038 at 178 County Road 50, Harrow (Magnolia Ranch)

Gloria Cavenago, Magnolia Ranch, stated that they are requesting a temporary noise permit under Noise Control By-Law 2038 on Saturdays from 5:00 PM until 11:00 PM from May 28 to October 29, 2022.

Deputy Mayor Bjorkman asked what measures Magnolia Ranch has taken to mitigate the sound. 

Ms. Cavenago explained that she has strong communications with the DJ's that are present at the events and advised that they have moved the location of the DJ's in the tent, they have added walls to the tent, and a night manager is present to ensure the sound system (specifically the base) is at an adequate noise level.

Deputy Mayor Bjorkman called a Point of Order during Ms. Cavenago's presentation as she discussed neighbouring residents and advised to keep the discussion to the request at hand.

Kevin Carter, Manager, Building Services, explained that the proponents are essentially asking for is a temporary noise permit from Noise Control By-Law 2038 under Section 9 not Section 2.1 (c) as stated in the application. He stated that to be granted a temporary noise permit, the proponents would have to submit to the Town their proposed mitigation measures relating to the source of music and the volume of music which is regulated under the Noise By-Law. Mr. Carter advised that he has not received this information from the proponents. He further advised and reminded the delegation that the application as submitted does not grant the proponents unlimited amplified music but rather provides two extra hours. He advised that if Magnolia Ranch is seeking loud amplified music, the intent of a noise permit under By-Law 2038 is for a temporary basis where notice could be provided to resident.

• R22-06-298
  Moved By Councillor Garon
  Seconded By Councillor Vander Doelen

  That Gloria Cavenago and Linda Jeffery be permitted to address Council regarding their request for a temporary noise permit under Noise Control By-Law 2038 at 178 County Road 50, Harrow (Magnolia Ranch).

  Carried
• R22-06-299
  Moved By Deputy Mayor Bjorkman
  Seconded By Councillor Bondy

  The delegation by Gloria Cavenago and Linda Jeffery regarding a request for a temporary noise permit under Noise Control By-Law 2038 at 178 County Road 50, Harrow (Magnolia Ranch) be received; and

  That the request for a temporary noise permit providing for an exemption from Noise By-Law 2038 be denied.

  Councillor Bondy requested a recorded vote:

  Voters	Support	Opposed	Conflict En
  Mayor Meloche	X
  Councillor Bondy	X
  Deputy Mayor Bjorkman	X
  Councillor Bowman		X
  Councillor Garon	X
  Councillor Verbeek	X
  Councillor Vander Doelen		X
  Councillor Matyi	X
  Results	6	2	0

  Carried (6 to 2)

9.

Unfinished Business

10.

Reports from Administration

10.1

 Community Services-2022-03

RE: HIGH FIVE® Accreditation Verification

• R22-06-300
  Moved By Councillor Verbeek
  Seconded By Councillor Bowman

  That Community Services Report-2022-03 entitled HIGH FIVE® Accreditation Verification prepared by Cynthia Cakebread, Manager Recreation and Culture dated June 20, 2022, be received; and

  That the HIGH FIVE® Accreditation Verification information be received for Council and public information.

  Carried
• R22-06-301
  Moved By Deputy Mayor Bjorkman
  Seconded By Councillor Matyi

  That the presentation regarding the High Five Accreditation Verification by Cynthia Cakebread, Manager, Recreation and Culture be received.

  Carried

10.2

Community Services-2022-11

RE: Special Event Notice – Essex Fun Fest Car Show Road Closure – July 9, 2022

• R22-06-302
  Moved By Councillor Verbeek
  Seconded By Deputy Mayor Bjorkman

  That Community Services Report-2022-11 entitled Special Event Notice – Essex Fun Fest Car Show Road Closure– July 9, 2022 prepared by Jake Morassut, Director, Community Services, dated June 20, 2022 be received; and

  That Council approve closing the Eastbound Lane on Fairview Avenue West between Hanlan Street and Talbot Street South in Essex Centre between 11:00 AM and 5:00 PM for the Essex Fun Fest Car Show.

  Carried

10.3

 Community Services-2022-12

RE: Special Event Notice – Harrow Chamber Open Streets – June 24, 2022

• R22-06-303
  Moved By Deputy Mayor Bjorkman
  Seconded By Councillor Matyi

  That Community Services Report-2022-12 entitled Special Event Notice – Harrow Chamber Open Streets – June 24, 2022 prepared by Jake Morassut, Director, Community Services, dated June 20, 2022 be received;

  That Council approve the granting of a temporary noise permit under Noise Control By-Law No. 2038 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Friday June 24, 2022 to accommodate the entertainment for the Harrow Chamber Open Streets event; and

  That Council approve the closure of King Street between 44 King Street (OPP Station) and Erie Street, with Queen Street to McAffee throughway remaining open, between 4:00 PM and 8:00 PM for the Harrow Chamber Open Streets.

  Carried

10.4

Community Services-2022-14

RE: Special Events Resource Team (SERT) – June Update

• R22-06-304
  Moved By Councillor Bowman
  Seconded By Councillor Matyi

  That Community Services Report-2022-14 entitled Special Event Resources Team (SERT) – June Update prepared by Jake Morassut, Director, Community Services, dated June 20, 2022 be received.

  Carried

10.5

Economic Development-2022-10

RE: My Main Street Local Business Accelerator Program

Nelson Silveira, Economic Development Officer, explained the My Main Street Accelerator Program has been successful and the majority of business owners within the main streets of Essex and Harrow have been notified of this program. He stated that once a business participates in the market research report they are eligible to apply for a non-repayable contribution grant aimed to support local businesses for a total of $10,000 for each eligible business.

Tom Coke, Main Street Ambassador, stated that as part of his introduction and implementation of the program he has met and interacted with business owners in Essex and Harrow Center to understand their needs and obtain their feedback so that the Town can continue to work with its business owners.

• R22-06-305
  Moved By Councillor Bowman
  Seconded By Deputy Mayor Bjorkman

  That Economic Development Report-2022-10 entitled My Main Street Accelerator Program prepared by Nelson Silveira, Economic Development Officer dated June 20, 2022 be received.

  Carried

10.6

Economic Development-2022-11

RE: Building Report and Development Overview May 2022

• R22-06-306
  Moved By Councillor Vander Doelen
  Seconded By Councillor Garon

  That Economic Development Report-2022-11 entitled Building Report and Development Overview May 2022 prepared by Nelson Silveira, Economic Development Officer dated June 20, 2022, be received for information.

  Carried

10.7

 Development Services-2022-09

RE: Development Standards Manual Capital Budget

• R22-06-307
  Moved By Deputy Mayor Bjorkman
  Seconded By Councillor Vander Doelen

  That Development Services Report-2022-09 entitled Development Standards Manual Capital Budget prepared by Lori Chadwick, Director, Development Services, dated June 20, 2022 be received; and

  That Council approve the additional expenditure of $6,500.00 for PZ-19-0007 for the Development Standards Manual and that the overage be funded from the Public Works Contingency Reserve, thereby bringing the total budget for PZ-19-0007 to $86,076.00.

  Carried

10.8

Parks and Facilities-2022-10

RE: Request for Additional Funds for the Replacement of Rink Netting at Essex Centre Sports Complex

• R22-06-308
  Moved By Councillor Bondy
  Seconded By Councillor Bowman

  That Parks and Facilities Report-2022-10 entitled Request of Additional Funds for the Replacement of Rink Netting at Essex Centre Sports Complex, prepared by Jake Morassut, Director, Community Services dated June 20, 2022 be received; and

  That Council approve an additional $1,470.78 to be funded from the Asset Management Reserve for capital project CS-22-0044 Replace Rink Netting at Essex Centre Sports Complex.

  Carried

10.9

Parks and Facilities-2022-11

RE: Request for Additional Funds for the Replacement of Rink Netting at the Harrow and Colchester South Community Centre

• R22-06-309
  Moved By Councillor Vander Doelen
  Seconded By Councillor Matyi

  That Parks and Facilities Report-2022-11 entitled Request of Additional Funds for the Replacement of Rink Netting at the Harrow and Colchester South Community Centre, prepared by Jake Morassut, Director, Community Services dated June 20, 2022 be received; and

  That Council approve an additional $3,512.06 to be funded from the Asset Management Reserve for capital project CS-22-0040 Harrow Arena Spectator Netting.

  Carried

10.10

Planning-2022-15

RE: Site Plan Control Approval for 0 Parnell Street (Applicant: McGregor Development Corporation), Ward 2

Lori Chadwick, Director, Development Services, provided a summary of the site control approval plan and stated that the applicant is seeking site plan approval for Phase 1 for the apartment building that will have 116 dwelling units. She noted that the Town's Zoning By-Law requires 1.25 parking spaces per dwelling unit for total of 145 parking spaces and that this site plan proposes 153 parking spaces. She further explained that the Town's Zoning By-Law requires 15% of parking spaces to be identified as visitor parking for a total of 22 spaces and 1% of the parking spaces must be barrier free for a total of 6 parking spaces.

• R22-06-310
  Moved By Councillor Bowman
  Seconded By Councillor Verbeek

  That Planning Report-2022-15 entitled Site Plan Control Approval for 0 Parnell Street (Applicant: McGregor Development Corporation), Ward 2 prepared by Rita Jabbour, RPP, Manager, Planning Services dated June 20, 2022, be received;

  That By-Law 2163, Being a by-law to enter into a Site Plan Control Agreement with McGregor Development Corporation for the development of a 116-unit multiple dwelling at the lands located at 0 Parnell Street in the McGregor Hamlet (Ward 2) be read a first, a second and a third time and finally passed June 20, 2022; and

  That it is recommended that at the end of fiscal year 2022, any budget overage for the waiver of development charges be temporarily funded from the Landfill Reserve and repaid with taxation revenue from growth for the 2023 budget and onwards (if necessary).

  Carried
• R22-06-311
  Moved By Councillor Bowman
  Seconded By Councillor Bondy

  That Council direct Administration to review the Zoning By-Law and Development Standards so as to review the raising of minimum standards relating to parking spaces in relation to future development.

  Councillor Bondy requested a recorded vote:

  Voters	Support	Opposed	Conflict En
  Mayor Meloche	X
  Councillor Bondy	X
  Deputy Mayor Bjorkman	X
  Councillor Bowman	X
  Councillor Garon	X
  Councillor Verbeek	X
  Councillor Vander Doelen		X
  Councillor Matyi	X
  Results	7	1	0

  Carried (7 to 1)

10.11

Planning-2022-19

RE: Bill 109 (More Homes for Everyone Act, 2022) - Changes to the Planning Act Affecting Site Plan Control Approval

Lori Chadwick, Director, Development Services, explained that the purpose of this report is to amend the Delegation of Authority By-Law to delegate approval for site plan control and site plan control amendments to the Town's Director, Development Services in consultation with the Manager, Planning Services and that this is in accordance with Bill 109 (More Homes for Everyone Act, 2022). She stated that Council is required to appoint an employee of the municipality as an authorized agent to carry out all site plan control approvals for applications submitted on or after July 1, 2022. She explained that the purpose of Bill 109 is to streamline the process to make it easier to build community housing thereby helping to increase the supply of housing and affordability. She stated that this is a mandated under the legislation and if the Town chooses not to delegate, the Town will lose the ability to control site plans and will no longer have the ability to implement site plan controls.

• R22-06-312
  Moved By Councillor Vander Doelen
  Seconded By Councillor Matyi

  That Planning Report-2022-19 entitled Bill 109 (More Homes for Everyone Act, 2022) Changes to the Planning Act Affecting Site Plan Control Approval prepared by Rita Jabbour, RPP, Manager, Planning Services dated June 20, 2022 be received; and

  That By-Law 2177 being a by-law to amend By-Law 1924, being a by-law to Delegate the Duties and Powers of the Council of the Town of Essex, to delegate approval of plans and drawings respecting applications for Site Plan Control and Site Plan Control Amendments, be read a first, a second and a third time and finally passed on June 20, 2022.

  Councillor Vander Doelen requested a recorded vote:

  Voters	Support	Opposed	Conflict En
  Mayor Meloche	X
  Councillor Bondy	X
  Deputy Mayor Bjorkman	X
  Councillor Bowman	X
  Councillor Garon	X
  Councillor Verbeek	X
  Councillor Vander Doelen	X
  Councillor Matyi	X
  Results	8	0	0

  Carried (8 to 0)

10.12

Finance and Business Services-2022-07

RE: 2023 Essex Open Budget Plan

• R22-06-313
  Moved By Councillor Garon
  Seconded By Councillor Matyi

  That Finance and Business Services Report-2022-07 entitled 2023 Essex Open Budget prepared by Katelynn Giurissevich, Director, Corporate Services dated June 20, 2022 be received; and

  That Council endorse the 2023 Open Budget Plan.

  Carried

10.13

Legal and Legislative Services-2022-25

RE: Sidewalk Patio By-Law 2160

• R22-06-314
  Moved By Councillor Garon
  Seconded By Councillor Bondy

  That Legal and Legislative Services Report-2022-25 entitled Sidewalk Patio By-Law prepared by Maja Bakalic, Assistant Manager Legal and Licensing dated June 20, 2022 be received; and

  That By-Law 2160, Being a By-Law to regulate the use of sidewalk patios within geographical boundaries of the Town of Essex be read a first, a second and a third time and be finally passed June 20, 2022 with the noted amendments to extend the patio season from March 1st until November 1st and lowering the deposit (if required) to $500 opposed to $1000.

  Carried

11.

Reports from Youth Members

12.

County Council Update

12.1

Essex County Council Regular Meeting Minutes - May 18, 2022

Deputy Mayor Bjorkman stated that at the last County Council Meeting Mayor Meloche spoke to the Town of Essex's motion requesting all garbage and organic waste to be administered by the County of Essex so as to provide the Town with more cost-efficient user fees and accounting levies.

• R22-06-315
  Moved By Deputy Mayor Bjorkman
  Seconded By Councillor Garon

  That the minutes of the Regular County Council Meeting held May 18, 2022 be received.

  Carried

13.

Correspondence

13.1

Correspondence to be received

• R22-06-316
  Moved By Councillor Bondy
  Seconded By Councillor Bowman

  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

Community School Alliance

RE: Virtual Annual Meeting - Tuesday August 9, 2022 at 7:00 PM 

13.1.2

Town of Fort Erie

RE: Federal Government’s Plans to Tax Vacant Foreign Owned Properties

13.1.3

Town of Fort Erie

RE: Bidding Wars on Apartment Rentals

13.1.4

Town of Fort Erie

RE: Voluntary Russian Sanction Request

13.1.5

Municipal Engineers Association

RE: The Retention of Professional Engineers at Ontario Municipalities

13.1.6

Community Living Essex

RE: Charity Golf Classic

13.2

Correspondence to be considered for receipt and support

14.

Committee Meeting Minutes

• R22-06-317
  Moved By Councillor Bondy
  Seconded By Councillor Matyi

  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 Board - April 12, 2022

14.2

Essex Centre Business Improvement Area Board - May 10, 2022

14.3

Essex Accessibility Advisory Committee - May 11, 2022

15.

Financial

16.

New Business

17.

Notices of Motion

17.1

The following Notices of Motion were presented at the June 6, 2022 Regular Council Meeting and are being brought forward this evening for Council's consideration:

17.1.1

Councillor Vander Doelen

Agenda Item 17.1.1 was deferred to the July 4, 2022 Regular Council Meeting.

Moved By Councillor Vander Doelen

That Council discuss the difficulty some farmers in Ward 3 have been encountering while trying to get raw water lines and other infrastructure approved for their food growing operations.

17.1.2

Mayor Meloche

Agenda Item 17.1.2 was deferred to the July 4, 2022 Regular Council Meeting.

Moved By Mayor Meloche

That Council direct Administration to review the feasibility of developing a regulation/by-law limiting storage of any type/classification of fireworks in any one location that totals in excess of 100lbs for not longer than 3 months from the date of delivery into the Town of Essex. All Provincial and Federal regulations would still apply to the manner in which these fireworks need to be stored.

17.1.3

Councillor Bondy

Councillor Bondy's Notice of Motion was moved to Item 8.2.1 under Public Presentations as it relates to Townsview Estates.

17.1.4

Mayor Meloche

Agenda Item 17.1.4 was deferred to the July 4, 2022 Regular Council Meeting.

Moved By Mayor Meloche

Whereas, the cost of gasoline is becoming unaffordable to the average family/person;

And whereas, many students have difficulty with regular and affordable transportation back and forth for schooling opportunities;

And whereas, the Town of Essex is committed to be environmentally responsible and wanting to reduce traffic congestion;

And whereas, there is potential Provincial funding available for a large portion of the cost of transit service;

And whereas, transit from the Windsor area to Colchester would complement our Tourism strategy for that region;

Therefore, that the Town Council direct Administration include $60,000 in the 2023 budget for a consultant to prepare a document on the feasibility, funding, and operational process to securing public transit for a route from St. Clair College, up County Road 11 (Walker Road), with stops at Paquette Corners, McGregor and Harrow, and furthermore travels down County Road 13 (Erie Road) to Colchester for a last stop and then back down the same Corridor returning to St. Clair College.

17.1.5

Councillor Bondy

Councillor Bondy's Notice of Motion was moved to Item 8.2.2 under Public Presentations as it relates to Townsview Estates.

17.1.6

Councillor Bondy

Agenda Item 17.1.6 was deferred to the July 4, 2022 Regular Council Meeting.

Moved By Councillor Bondy

That Essex Council send a letter to the Province of Ontario and the Federal Government to share concerns of behalf of residents with the increase in the price of gasoline. 

17.2

The Following Notice of Motion is being presented this evening and will be brought forward for Council's consideration at the July 4, 2022 Regular Council Meeting:

17.2.1

Councillor Bondy

That Essex Council invite both Hydro One and E.L.K Energy to a Special Council meeting to have a public discussion about the causes and the solutions to the ongoing power flickers and outages in the municipality of Essex.

18.

Reports and Announcements from Council Members

Councillor Bondy announced that Project Hope is collecting donations Saturday, June 25, 2022 at the Agricultural Hall in Harrow from 10:00 AM-2:00 PM.

Mayor Meloche announced that the Miracle Food Drive in Essex, McGregor and surrounding areas will take place on Monday, June 27, 2022 and the drop off locations will be at the McGregor Community Centre, Holy Names Church in Essex, Essex Food Bank, and Essex Salvation Army.

Councillor Verbeek advised that tickets are available for the Sip ’N Shop Wine Mixer being held during the Essex Fun Fest on Thursday, July 7th at 7:30 PM.

Councillor Garon announced that the tickets to the Sip ‘N Shop Wine Mixer cost $10 and with proceed going to Essex County Community Living.

19.

By-Laws

19.1

By-Laws that require a third and final reading

19.1.1

By-Law 2161

Being a by-law to confirm the proceedings of the June 6, 2022, Regular Meeting of Council of the Corporation of the Town of Essex

• R22-06-318
  Moved By Deputy Mayor Bjorkman
  Seconded By Councillor Vander Doelen

  That By-Law 2161 being a by-law to confirm the proceedings of the June 6, 2022, Regular Meeting of Council of The Corporation of the Town of Essex be read a third time and finally passed on June 20, 2022.

  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 2170

Being a by-law to confirm the proceedings of the June 20, 2022, Regular Meeting of Council of the Corporation of the Town of Essex

• R22-06-319
  Moved By Councillor Matyi
  Seconded By Councillor Bowman

  That By-Law 2170 being a by-law to confirm the proceedings of the June 20, 2022, Regular Meeting of Council of the Corporation of the Town of Essex be read a first and a second time and provisionally adopted on June 20, 2022.

  Carried

20.

Adjournment

• R22-06-320
  Moved By Deputy Mayor Bjorkman
  Seconded By Councillor Vander Doelen

  That the meeting be adjourned at 10:05 PM.

  Carried