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, April 19, 2021 at 6:00 P.m. - 9:00 P.m.

Location: https://www.youtube.com/user/EssexOntario

Present:

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

Also Present:

• Chris Nepszy, Chief Administrative Officer
• Doug Sweet, Director, Community Services/Deputy CAO
• Jeffrey Morrison, Director, Corporate Services/Treasurer
• 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
• Cassandra Roy, Legislative Clerk, Legal and Legislative Services
• Nelson Silveira, Economic Development Officer
• Alex Denonville, Manager, Strategic Communications
• Rita Jabbour, Manager, Planning Services
• Jason Pillon, Deputy Fire Chief
• Rick Arnel, Fire Chief
• Jake Morassut, Manager, Parks and Facilities
• Edua Marczinko, Youth Council Member
• Ehva Hoffman, Youth Council Member

This meeting was hosted and chaired from the Town of Essex Municipal Building. Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic this meeting was not open to the public for in person attendance but was available electronically via livestream and also for viewing post-meeting on YouTube at www.youtube.com/EssexOntario

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1.

Call to Order

Mayor Snively called the meeting to order at 6:03 P.M.

2.

National Anthem

3.

Closed Meeting Report

Robert Auger, Town Solicitor, Legal and Legislative Services/Clerk, provided a verbal report on the Closed Meeting held on April 19, 2021. He reported that Council met electronically in Closed Session, on April 19, 2021 at 4:00 PM as permitted to do so by sections 239 (2) (b) and 239 (2) (c) of the Municipal Act. 

At the Closed Meeting Council discussed personal matters about an identifiable individual, discussed a proposed acquisition of land by the municipality, and a proposed disposition of land by the municipality.

At this meeting Council gave direction to Administration to disclose in public session this evening that Council wishes Administration to send a letter of acknowledgement to the Essex-County Chinese Canadian Association regarding its recent media release received by the Town dated April 10, 2021.

Further, Council gave direction to Administration to disclose in public session that Council wishes Administration to send an invitation to the Greater Essex County School Board to schedule a meeting to discuss the former Harrow High School Property. 

Lastly, Council gave direction to Administration to disclose in public session its intention to declare as surplus to the needs of the Municipality the properties known as First Street, and Second Street on Plan 1461 Colchester and that portion of Erie Street outlined in Plan 1461, and identified as property identification number 751880058, these properties collectively being unopened road allowances within the property commonly known as Caboto Park.

• R21-04-144
  Moved By Councillor Bjorkman
  Seconded By Councillor Bowman

  That Council declare the properties known as First Street, Second Street and the portion of Erie Street outlined in Plan 1461 (property identification number 751880058) as being surplus to the needs of the municipality; and

  That Administration be directed further to bring to Council at the May 3, 2021 Regular Council Meeting a by-law authorizing the sale of those properties by way of direct sale to the abutting land owners being the current owner of the property commonly known as Caboto Park.

  Carried

4.

Declarations of Conflict of Interest

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

5.

Adoption of Published Agenda

5.1

Regular Council Meeting Agenda for April 19, 2021

• R21-04-145
  Moved By Councillor Verbeek
  Seconded By Councillor Garon

  That the published agenda for the April 19, 2021 Regular Council Meeting be adopted with the following additions/amendments:

  1. That a verbal report by Doug Sweet, Director, Community Services/Deputy CAO regarding Town of Essex facilities and the recent orders issued by the Province be added to the Agenda as Item 9.1;

  2. That Agenda Item 12.1.1.3 be moved to Correspondence to be Considered for Receipt and Support and added as Agenda item 12.2.2;

  3. That two Notices of Motion by Councillor Verbeek be added to the Agenda as Agenda Items 16.2.2 and 16.2.3 for presentment and to be brought back for Council’s consideration at the next Regular Meeting of Council.

  Carried

6.

Adoption of Minutes

6.1

Regular Council Meeting Minutes for April 6, 2021

• R21-04-146
  Moved By Deputy Mayor Meloche
  Seconded By Councillor Bowman

  That the minutes of the Regular Council Meeting held April 6, 2021 be adopted as circulated.

  Carried

7.

Public Presentations

8.

Unfinished Business

9.

Reports from Administration

9.1

Director, Community Services/Deputy CAO, Doug Sweet Verbal Report

RE: COVID-19 Facilities

Doug Sweet, Director, Community Services/Deputy CAO, provided a verbal report regarding the recent Stay-at-Home order issued by the Province. Mr. Sweet advised that the Colchester Harbour, Colchester Beach, sports fields, skate parks, picnic areas and pavilions are now closed however outdoor playgrounds, parks, greenspace and washroom facilities remain open. Mr. Sweet further advised that the Town would continue to offer virtual programs while the recreational facilities are closed.

• R21-04-147
  Moved By Councillor Garon
  Seconded By Councillor Bjorkman

  That the verbal report by Doug Sweet, Community Services/Deputy CAO, be received. 

  Carried

9.2

Economic Development-2021-05

RE: Agritourism Development Strategy

In conjunction with this report, Trevor Jonas Benson, Vice President and Caroline Morrow, Senior Destination Development Officer from the Culinary Tourism Alliance provided Council with a high-level presentation/summary of the Agritourism Development Strategy detailing the immediate and short-term actions recommended in the report

• R21-04-148
  Moved By Councillor Bowman
  Seconded By Councillor Bjorkman

  That Economic Development-2021-05 entitled Agritourism Development Strategy prepared by Nelson Silveira, Economic Development Officer dated April 19, 2021 be received;

  That the presentation from Mr. Benson and Ms. Morrow of the Culinary Tourism Alliance be received; and

  That Council adopt the Town of Essex Agritourism Development Strategy and direct Administration to begin the implementation process.

  Carried

9.3

Economic Development-2021-03

RE: Building Report and Development Overview March 2021 

• R21-04-149
  Moved By Councillor Bowman
  Seconded By Deputy Mayor Meloche

  That Economic Development-2021-03 entitled Building Report and Development Overview March 2021 prepared by Nelson Silveira, Economic Development Officer dated April 19, 2021 be received for information.

  Carried

9.4

Economic Development-2021-04

RE: Community Improvement Plan Update (Quarter 1 2021)

• R21-04-150
  Moved By Councillor Bondy
  Seconded By Councillor Garon

  That Economic Development-2021-04 entitled Community Improvement Plan Update (Quarter 1 2021) Summary prepared by Nelson Silveira, Economic Development Officer dated April 19, 2021 be received.

  Carried

9.5

Parks and Facilities-2021-02

RE: Free Menstrual Products at Two Recreational Facilities

• R21-04-151
  Moved By Councillor Verbeek
  Seconded By Councillor Bjorkman

  That Community Services Report 2021-004 entitled Free Menstrual Products at Two Town Recreational Facilities be received; and

  That Council approve the installation of menstrual dispensers and disposal containers at the Essex Centre Sports Complex and Harrow and Colchester South Complex for one year beginning in August 2021 as a pilot project to provide free access to menstrual products in Town of Essex recreation facilities.

  Carried

9.6

Parks and Facilities-2021-03

RE: Refrigeration System at the Essex Centre Sports Complex

• R21-04-152
  Moved By Councillor Bowman
  Seconded By Councillor Verbeek

  That Parks and Facilities-2021-03 report entitled Capital Project CS-21-0057 Refrigeration System at the Essex Centre Sports Complex, Scope Addition prepared by Jake Morassut, Manager, Parks and Facilities, dated April 19, 2021 be received;

  That Council approve the additional work of replacing of two Bitzer Compressors in 2021;

  That Council approve the addition of replacing two motor bearings while the compressors are being replaced; and

  That Council approve the addition of repairing the heat exchanger gaskets while the compressors and bearings are being replaced.

  Carried

9.7

Planning-2021-08

RE: Site Plan Control Approval - 3900 North Malden Road

• R21-04-153
  Moved By Deputy Mayor Meloche
  Seconded By Councillor Bowman

  That Planning-2021-08 entitled Site Plan Control Approval (3900 North Malden Road, Colchester North, Ward 2) prepared by Corinne Chiasson, Assistant Planner, Planning Services, dated April 19, 2021 be received; and

  That By-Law 2009, being a By-Law to enter into a Site Plan Control Agreement between the Corporation of the Town of Essex and Lorne McKim for the conversion of the existing dwelling to accommodate the housing of farm help at 3900 North Malden Road, be read a first, a second and a third time and finally passed April 19, 2021.

  Carried

9.7.1

By-Law 2009

RE: By-Law to enter into a Site Plan Control Agreement between The Corporation of the Town of Essex and Lorne McKIm

9.8

Planning-2021-09

RE: Official Plan and Zoning By-Law Amendment(s) to permit Second Dwelling Unit (SDU) Policies and Regulations for the Town of Essex

Ms. Jabbour gave a detailed summary of her Report and answered the questions of Council in regards to same.

• R21-04-154
  Moved By Councillor Bowman
  Seconded By Councillor Vander Doelen

  That Planning-2021-09 entitled Official Plan and Zoning By-Law Amendment(s) to permit Second Dwelling Unit (SDU) Policies and Regulations for the Town of Essex prepared by Rita Jabbour, RPP, Manager, Planning Services dated April 19, 2021 be received;

  That Council direct Administration to prepare a Zoning By-Law Amendment with the proposed zoning regulations concerning Second Dwelling Units under Appendix B; and

  That By-Law Number 2013, being a By-Law to Amend the Official Plan for the Town of Essex to Permit Second Dwelling Unit Policies in Detached Structures on Lands Designated “Agricultural”, be read a first, a second and a third time and finally passed April 19, 2021.

  Carried

10.

Reports from Youth Members

Both Ms. Hoffman and Ms. Marczinko had nothing to report this evening

11.

County Council Update

12.

Correspondence

12.1

Correspondence to be received

• R21-04-155
  Moved By Deputy Mayor Meloche
  Seconded By Councillor Bowman

  That all of the correspondence listed in Agenda Item 12.1 be received and, where indicated, to further share such information with the community using suitable methods of communication.

  Carried

12.1.1

Correspondence relating to COVID-19 Pandemic

12.1.1.1

Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing

RE: Declaration of Provincial Emergency under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act and Amendments to the Reopening Ontario Act

12.1.1.2

Ministry of Solicitor General

RE: Declaration of Provincial Emergency under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act and Amendments to the Reopening Ontario Act

12.1.2

The Corporation of The Town of Amherstburg

RE: Amendments to the Agricultural Tile Drainage Installation Act

12.1.3

City of Kitchener

RE: Planning Act Timelines

12.1.4

Township of Essa

RE: Support - Bill 257, Schedule C

12.1.5

The Corporation of the Township of Hudson

RE: Support for Fire Departments

12.1.6

Harrow Early Immigrant Research Society

RE: Letter of thanks for Essex Community Partnership Fund donation

12.1.7

Canadian Transportation Museum and Heritage Village

RE: Letter of thanks for Community Partnership Fund donation

12.2

Correspondence to be considered for receipt and support

12.2.1

County of Essex, Essex-Windsor Emergency Medical Services

RE: Paramedic Recognition Banners

• R21-04-156
  Moved By Councillor Bjorkman
  Seconded By Councillor Bowman

  That the correspondence from the County of Essex, Essex-Windsor Emergency Medical Services requesting that temporary banners be hung in Essex Centre and Harrow for the period of May 16 to June 6, 2021 in support of Paramedic Services Week, be received and supported; and

  That Administration send a letter of no objection to E.L.K. Energy Inc. in support of the temporary banners.

  Carried

12.2.2

The Corporation of the Town of Amherstburg

RE: Universal Paid Sick Days in Ontario

• R21-04-157
  Moved By Councillor Verbeek
  Seconded By Councillor Bondy

  That  the correspondence from The Town of Amherstburg and St. Catherines regarding universal paid sick days be received and supported, and

  That a letter of support be sent to the Province of Ontario, The Town of Amherstburg and the City of St. Catherines.

  A recorded vote was requested by Councilor Bondy.

  	Support	Opposed
  Mayor Snively		X
  Deputy Mayor Meloche		X
  Councillor Garon		X
  Councillor Bowman		X
  Councillor Verbeek	X
  Councillor Bjorkman	X
  Councillor Vander Doelen		X
  Councillor Bondy	X
  Results	3	5

  Defeated (3 to 5)

13.

Committee Meeting Minutes

• R21-04-158
  Moved By Councillor Bowman
  Seconded By Councillor Garon

  That all the Committee Meeting minutes listed in Agenda Item 13, together with any recommendations to Council noted therein, be received, approved and adopted as circulated.  

  Carried

13.1

Essex Municipal Heritage Committee - February 25, 2021

13.2

Essex Police Services Board - March 4, 2021

13.3

Arts, Culture and Tourism Committee - March 10, 2021

13.4

Committee of Adjustment - March 16, 2021

13.5

Court of Revision - March 17, 2021

14.

Financial

15.

New Business

16.

Notices of Motion

16.1

The following Notices of Motion were presented at the April 6, 2021 Regular Council Meeting and are being brought forward this evening for Council's consideration:

16.1.1

Mayor Snively

RE: Land Acknowledgement

• R21-04-159
  Moved By Mayor Snively
  Seconded By Councillor Verbeek

  That Administration research and consult with local First Nations, indigenous organizations and other community champions in creating or developing a land acknowledgement statement for the Town of Essex.

  Carried

16.1.2

Councillor Bondy

RE: Safe and Reliable Supply of Electricity from Hydro One

• R21-04-160
  Moved By Councillor Bondy
  Seconded By Councillor Garon

  That Essex Council send a letter to Hydro One to let them know of the concerns we have in our municipality of frequent power outages that are negatively impacting both our residential homes and businesses.

  A recorded vote was requested by Councilor Bondy:

  	Support	Opposed
  Mayor Snively	X
  Deputy Mayor Meloche	X
  Councillor Garon	X
  Councillor Bowman	X
  Councillor Verbeek	X
  Councillor Bjorkman	X
  Councillor Vander Doelen	X
  Councillor Bondy	X
  Results	8	0

  Carried (8 to 0)

16.2

The following Notice of Motion is being presented this evening and will be brought forward for Council's consideration at the May 3, 2021 Regular Council Meeting:

16.2.1

Mayor Snively

RE: Recognizing Significant Dates

• Moved By Mayor Snively

  That the Town of Essex Council recognizes significant dates such as special milestone anniversaries and birthdays for members in our community. 

16.2.2

Councillor Verbeek

RE: Fill By-Law

• Moved By Councillor Verbeek

  That when permits are issued in accordance with By-Law 1799 referred to as the Fill By-Law that such permits only be extended or renewed once after the initial permit to limit the negative impact the ongoing extensions are having on community residents and roadways.

16.2.3

Councillor Verbeek

RE: Secondary Plan for McGregor

• Moved By Councillor Verbeek

  That a secondary plan be created for McGregor (Ward 2) similar to those issued in Essex Centre, Harrow and Colchester South and as indicated in the Strategic Plan for this term of Council.

17.

Reports and Announcements from Council Members

18.

By-Laws

18.1

By-Laws that require a third and final reading

18.1.1

By-Law 2007

Being a by-law to confirm the proceedings of the April 6, 2021, Regular Meeting of Council of The Corporation of the Town of Essex

• R21-04-160
  Moved By Deputy Mayor Meloche
  Seconded By Councillor Bowman

  That By-Law 2007 being a by-law to confirm the proceedings of the April 6, 2021, Regular Meeting of Council of The Corporation of the Town of Essex, be read a third time and finally passed April 19, 2021.

  Carried

18.1.2

By-Law 1988

Being a by-law to provide for the 13th Concession West Drain Reconsidered Report: New Bridge for Martin, Geographic Township of Colchester North, Project REI2020D027, Town of Essex, County of Essex

• R21-04-161
  Moved By Councillor Bjorkman
  Seconded By Councillor Garon

  That By-Law 1988 being a by-law to provide for the 13th Concession West Drain Reconsidered Report: New Bridge for Martin, Geographic Township of Colchester North, Project REI2020D027, Town of Essex, County of Essex be read a third time and finally passed April 19, 2021.

  Carried

18.2

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

18.2.1

By-Law 2008

Being a by-law to amend By-Law Number 1666, 1682, 1698, 1715, 1734, 1793, 1807, 1808, 1824, 1837, 1849, 1859, 1860, 1861, 1871, 1904, 1920, 1964, 1968, 1987, being by-laws to authorize Drainage works pursuant to the Drainage Act, R.S.O. 1990.

• R21-04-162
  Moved By Councillor Bowman
  Seconded By Councillor Bjorkman

  That By-Law 2008 being a by-law to amend By-Law Number 1666, 1682, 1698, 1715, 1734, 1793, 1807, 1808, 1824, 1837, 1849, 1859, 1860, 1861, 1871, 1904, 1920, 1964, 1968, 1987, being by-laws to authorize Drainage works pursuant to the Drainage Act, R.S.O. 1990 be read a first, a second and a third time and finally passed April 19, 2021.

  Carried

18.2.2

By-Law 2010

Being a by-law to establish tax rates and additional charges for Municipal, County and Education purposes for the year 2021

• R21-04-163
  Moved By Councillor Garon
  Seconded By Councillor Bowman

  That By-Law 2010 being a by-law to establish tax rates and additional charges for Municipal, County and Education purposes for the year 2021 be read a first, a second and a third time and finally passed April 19, 2021.

  Carried

18.2.3

By-Law 2014

Being a by-law to appoint a Deputy Fire Chief for the Town of Essex

• R21-04-164
  Moved By Councillor Bondy
  Seconded By Councillor Vander Doelen

  That By-Law 2014 being a by-law to appoint a Deputy Fire Chief for the Town of Essex be read a first, a second and a third time and finally passed April 19, 2021.

  Carried

18.3

By-Laws that require a first and second reading

18.3.1

By-Law 2015

Being a by-law to confirm the proceedings of the April 19, 2021, Regular Meeting of Council of The Corporation of the Town of Essex

• R21-04-165
  Moved By Councillor Bjorkman
  Seconded By Councillor Garon

  That By-Law 2015 being a by-law to confirm the proceedings of the April 19, 2021, Regular Meeting of Council of The Corporation of the Town of Essex be read a first and a second time and provisionally adopted on April 19, 2021.

  Carried

19.

Adjournment

• R21-04-166
  Moved By Deputy Mayor Meloche
  Seconded By Councillor Verbeek

  That the meeting be adjourned at 8:15 P.M.

  Carried