*Disclaimer- not very many of the following votes were contentious but for transparency I wanted to share them anyway. The two bold ones were the most heated.
Many decisions in our Council Chambers are not contentious and have majority in agreement where there is little debate. Some of the motions though councillors debate back and forth and the vote is not always unanimous. Other motions are landmark votes where the vote could potentially changing the landscape of our town. Those are the votes I am trying to capture in the voting record. This is only how I voted- it does not show if the motion passed or failed. Please refer to the original meeting minutes for that information.
March 1st Council Meeting
Kelsey Santarossa, Youth Council Coalition of Canada
RE: The Hour-for-Hour Challenge to Provide Additional Opportunities for
Youth in Essex
R21-03-072
Moved By Councillor Verbeek
Seconded By Councillor Bondy
That Administration be directed to obtain a membership with the Youth
Council Coalition of Canada to be funded from the Community Partnership
Fund.
Kelsey Santarossa, Youth Council Coalition of Canada
RE: The Hour-for-Hour Challenge to Provide Additional Opportunities for
Youth in Essex.
Infrastructure Services-2021-02
RE: Engineering Services for Ward 1 Storm Improvements
R21-03-074
Moved By Councillor Bowman
Seconded By Councillor Vander Doelen
That Infrastructure Services-2021-02 entitled Engineering Services for
Ward 1 Storm Improvements prepared by Kevin Girard, Director of
Infrastructure Services dated March 1, 2021 be received; and
That Council appoint Stantec Consulting Ltd. to provide engineering
services in the amount of $642,919.68 (including non-refundable HST) to
design, assist in procurement, and administer project PW-19-0064 – Ward
1 Storm Improvements in accordance with the completed request under
Section 22 of the Town of Essex Procurement By-law 1043.
Infrastructure Services-2021-05
RE: Ward 1 Water Supply West of Highway 3
R21-03-075
Moved By Councillor Garon
Seconded By Councillor Bjorkman
That Infrastructure Services-2021-05 entitled Ward 1 Water Supply West
of Highway 3 prepared by Kevin Girard, Director, Infrastructure Services
dated March 1, 2021 be received;
That Council approve the sole sourcing to Dillon Consulting and Coco
Paving Inc., acting as the Design-Build Team for the Ministry of
Transportation’s Highway 3 Widening Project (Contract 2020-3006), to
design and construct a new watermain crossing Highway 3 as described
in this report; and
That Council authorize the expenditure of $148,569.60 including
applicable taxes from the Town’s water reserves to design, construct and
administer the installation of the watermain crossing Highway 3 at the 14th
Concession.
March 15th Council Meeting
R21-03-086: Bylaw 855
Moved By Councillor Vander Doelen
Seconded By Councillor Bowman
That Council declare the property known as 96 County Road 50 West as being
surplus to the needs of the municipality and further that Administration be
directed to provide the requisite public notice and then bring back to Council at
the April 6, 2021 regular meeting a By-law authorizing the sale of the subject
property by way of direct sale to the proponents James Flynn and Kim Lewis all
in accordance with By-law 855 being a By-law to establish Policies and
Procedures for the Sale and Disposition of Surplus land.
Perry Basden, Heritage Colchester
RE: Friends of Colchester Schoolhouse
Mr. Basden, President, Heritage Colchester provided Council with an
update on Heritage Colchester stating they have now achieved not-forprofit status and are now incorporated in the Province of Ontario.
Mr. Basden stated that there are various stages of restoration that he
intends to pursue and the first stage is working with the Architectural
Conservancy of Ontario. He said he is also seeking to have the Bagot
Street and Sullivan Street area declared as a heritage historical center for
Colchester. Mr. Basden said he would like to continue to move forward
towards the future goal of using the schoolhouse for public uses and a tourist attraction. He stated that he has submitted his presentation and plan to the Town with the hopes that there can be future negotiations
between Heritage Colchester and the Town in working towards an agreement with respect to restoration and future uses for the schoolhouse.
R21-03-092
Moved By Councillor Bondy
Seconded By Deputy Mayor Meloche
That the presentation and update regarding the Colchester Schoolhouse
as presented by Perry Basden of Heritage Colchester be received and
that Town administration meet with Heritage Colchester (with
communications/updates to the Heritage Committee) to discuss proposals
regarding future uses for the Colchester Schoolhouse.
James Flynn and Kim Lewis
RE: 96 County Road 50 West
James Flynn presented to Council their proposal for the development of a
motor inn at 96 County Road 50 West. Mr. Flynn explained that after the
proposal with Colchester Schoolhouse they wanted to demonstrate their
ongoing commitment to the community. Mr. Flynn stated that site plans
are currently being created but the plan is for a retro style motor inn with
e-bike rentals and a food truck.
Mr. Flynn said this plan aligns with the Colchester Improvement Plan and
Secondary Plan. He stated that the Inn would be on the corner of County
Road 50 and Dunn which will open visually to the south and have little
impact as possible to residents of the north. Mr. Flynn noted that it would
be professionally managed by The Grove Hotel and the plan is to attract
and promote tourism while supporting small businesses. He anticipated
that this Inn would inject over 1.5 million dollars annually into the
community.
R21-03-093
Moved By Councillor Vander Doelen
Seconded By Councillor Bjorkman
That the presentation regarding 96 County Road 50 West Street
presented by James Flynn and Kim Lewis be received.
Legal and Legislative Services-2021-01
RE: Stray Cat Intake Agreement with Windsor Essex County Humane
Society
R21-03-094
Moved By Councillor Bowman
Seconded By Councillor Bondy
That Legal and Legislative Services 2021-01 entitled Stray Cat Intake
Agreement with Windsor-Essex County Humane Society prepared by
Shelley Brown, Deputy Clerk, Legal and Legislative Services dated
January 18, 2021 be received, and
That the agreement with Windsor-Essex County Humane Society for the
intake of stray cats as approved in By-Law 1974, with the Town paying the
Windsor-Essex County Humane Society amount of $25.00 per stray cat,
be extended for a one-year period, retroactive to January 1, 2021.
Finance and Business Services-2021-01
RE: 2020 Funding of Financial Commitments
R21-03-095
Moved By Councillor Bjorkman
Seconded By Deputy Mayor Meloche
That Finance and Business Services-2021-01 entitled 2020 Funding of
Financial Commitments prepared by Jeffrey R. Morrison, Director,
Corporate Services dated March 15, 2021 be received,
That Council approve the funding of the balance of the Town’s
commitment to the John R. Park Homestead Education Centre for a
designated Tourist Information Centre named for the Town of Essex that
falls outside of the Colchester Community Improvement Plan (CIP)
through the utilization of GG-20-0002 Council Contingency in the amount
of $34,793, with the balance remaining funded from the Town’s Land
Acquisition Reserve, and
That Council approve the temporary borrowing from the Landfill Reserve,
for the deficit portion of waived development charges for hard and soft
services in the amount of $397,216.26 to be funded and repaid in the
2022 Budget.
Planning-2021-06
RE: Notice of Intention to Designate (195 Bagot Street, Colchester
Schoolhouse)
R21-03-098
Moved By Councillor Bjorkman
Seconded By Councillor Verbeek
That Planning-2021-06 entitled Notice of Intention to Designate (195
Bagot Street, Colchester Schoolhouse) prepared by Rita Jabbour, RPP,
Manager, Planning Services dated March 15, 2021 be received,
That Council authorize the ‘Notice of Intention to Designate’ for the
property municipally known as 195 Bagot Street (Colchester
Schoolhouse), and
That the Notice be published in a newspaper having general circulation in
the Municipality and the Notice be served on the Ontario Heritage Trust in
accordance with subsection 29 (3) of the Ontario Heritage Act.
Planning-2021-03
RE: Subdivision Agreement for Parkland Woods (1552843 Ontario
Limited)
R21-03-100
Moved By Councillor Bowman
Seconded By Councillor Verbeek
That Planning Report-2021-03 entitled Subdivision Agreement for
Parkland Woods (1552843 Ontario Limited) prepared by Rita Jabbour,
RPP, Manager, Planning Services dated March 15, 2021 be received,
That Council adopt By-Law 1993 being a bylaw to enter into a Subdivision
Agreement between the Corporation of the Town of Essex and1552843
Ontario Limited for the lands comprising Part of Lot 12, Second Range of
the Gore (former Colchester South), and
That the Subdivision Agreement be registered against the lands to which
it applies by the Municipality as notice to prospective purchasers.
Town of Essex
RE: Urgent Need for Hospital Funding in Windsor-Essex
R21-03-102
Moved By Councillor Bowman
Seconded By Councillor Vander Doelen
That Essex Council join the other local Essex County municipalities
in affirming its support for this transformational project, noting that
our municipalities continue to grow and that our residents require
access to a state-of-the-art hospital servicing the entire region; and
That the letter of support be sent to Taras Natyshak, MPP,
Premiere Doug Ford, Minister Elliott, City of Windsor and all local
municipalities.
The Corporation of the City of Sarnia and Township of Lake of Bays
RE: Colour Coded Capacity Limits and Capacity Limits for
Restaurants in Stage 2 under the Reopening Ontario Act, 2020
R21-03-103
Moved By Councillor Verbeek
Seconded By Councillor Bondy
That the correspondence from The Corporation of the City of
Sarnia and the Township of Lake of Bays regarding the colour
coded capacity limits and capacity limits for restaurants in stage 2
under the Reopening Ontario Act, 2020 be received and supported,
and
That a letter of support be sent to the Province of Ontario, the
Windsor-Essex Health Unit, the Canadian Union of Public
Employees, the Ontario Medical Association, the Nurses
Association, The Corporation of the City of Sarnia and the
Township of Lake of Bays.
April 6th Council Meeting
Public Presentations
7.1 Ken Knapp Ford
RE: Requesting the use of Spitfire Park to host Event
Randy Voakes spoke on behalf of Ken Knapp Ford regarding hosting an
event at the Spitfire Park that would include a farmer’s market and car
show featuring local businesses. Mr. Voakes advised that, pending
COVID-19 restrictions, the event would take place on Tuesday,
September 14, 2021.
Mr. Voakes stated that he is seeking financial support in the form of the
waiver of fees.
Doug Sweet, Director, Community Services/Deputy CAO, advised that the
next step would be to complete the special events form available on the
Town of Essex website.
R21-04-116
Moved By Councillor Verbeek
Seconded By Councillor Garon
That the delegation by Randy Voakes and James Knapp on behalf of Ken
Knapp Ford be received.
David Cassidy, Fitness Fury
RE: COVID-19 Lockdown
David Cassidy, owner, Fitness Fury, spoke about the ongoing COVID-19
restrictions. Mr. Cassidy noted that the numbers have been down in
Windsor-Essex County and felt that the area has been doing their part. He
said that his business has been closed for 8 months and the lockdown is
impacting our community with small businesses suffering.
Mr. Cassidy asked if Council would support small businesses by writing a
letter of support.
R21-04-117
Moved By Councillor Verbeek
Seconded By Councillor Garon
That the presentation by David Cassidy be received, and
That the Town of Essex calls upon the Ontario Government, and all local
and Provincial health officials to immediately bring to an end the
devastation that is occurring to our small businesses and allow our small
businesses to remain open to in-store sales but with limited capacity (such
capacities being proportionate to the size of the business) and with
increased safety measures in place as appropriate;
And that the Town of Essex calls upon the Ontario Government and all
local and Provincial health officials to recognize and alleviate the unfair
impacts a province wide shutdown has on our local small businesses
when there are many other regions in the Province that have significantly
higher COVID-19 rates/cases than those of Windsor-Essex County; and
that the Town further asks our local and Provincial health officials to
continue to provide even more detailed local data to support and
demonstrate the fact that the Windsor-Essex region should not have the
same restrictions imposed as in other regions throughout the province with
much higher cases.
And further the Town of Essex makes this call upon the Ontario
Government and all local and Provincial health officials in recognition of
the fact that most importantly it is the individual, the people behind our
small businesses who, together with others in our community, are
suffering as a result of the current shutdown. While it is vitally important to
take all reasonable measures to combat the spread of COVID-19 it is
equally important to recognize and take steps to protect the mental health
of all Ontarians who are suffering at this time and respectfully our small
businesses in the Windsor-Essex region are suffering greatly and so we
again call on the Ontario Government and all local and Provincial health
officials to recognize and alleviate the unfair impacts a province wide
shutdown is continuing to have on our local small businesses.
And that finally, this resolution be sent with a request for support to the
Province, local and provincial Health Authorities, our local M.P.P. and all
local municipalities.
Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), Chris Nepszy Verbal Report
Noise By-Law Exemption – Parkland Estates
Chris Nepszy, Chief Administrative Officer, stated that an exemption to the
Town’s Noise By-Law has been requested by the developers of Parkland
Estates, if needed, due to ongoing storm and sanitary infrastructure
construction and the possibility of needing to use or run of pumps for
dewatering purposes.
R21-04-118
Moved By Councillor Bjorkman
Seconded By Councillor Vander Doelen
That an exemption to the Noise By-Law be granted to the developers of
Parkland Estates pursuant to the following conditions:
That the exemption be limited to the use of pumps/generators for
dewatering purposes for the storm and sanitary infrastructure
construction; and
There shall be Notification to the Town and adjacent property owners if
pumps/generators are to be run between the hours of 8:00 PM and
7:00 AM; and
If there is a need to run said pumps/generators for a duration longer
than 5 consecutive days then there shall be a requirement to consult
further with Town Administration together with a further request for
exemption with rationale.
Legal and Legislative Services-2021-05
RE: Prohibition on the Use of Corporate Resources during an Election
Mr. Auger provided a summary of this report and received and responded
to comments/questions from Council.
R21-04-119
Moved By Councillor Verbeek
Seconded By Councillor Vander Doelen
That Legal and Legislative Services-2021-05 entitled Policy: Prohibition
on the Use of Corporate Resources during an Election prepared by Robert
W Auger, Town Solicitor/Clerk dated April 6, 2021 be received, and
That the Town of Essex Policy: Prohibition on the Use of Corporate
Resources during an Election attached hereto as Schedule “B” to this
report be adopted as presented and in replacement of the current policy.
Legal and Legislative Services-2021-06
RE: Front End Financing for Municipal Capital Facilities and a Policy for
Future Large Scale Developments
Mr. Auger provided a summary of this report and received and responded
to comments/questions from Council.
R21-04-120
Moved By Councillor Bowman
Seconded By Councillor Verbeek
That Legal and Legislative Services-2021-06 entitled Front End Financing
for Municipal Capital Facilities and a Policy for Future Large Scale
Developments be received;
That Council approves the Town of Essex entering into an Agreement
with Essex Town Centre Ltd. for the provision of municipal capital facilities
in accordance with the terms and conditions of the said Agreement
attached hereto as Schedule “A” to this Report;
That By-Law 1937 being a by-law to enter into an Agreement between
Essex Town Centre Ltd. and the Town of Essex for the Provision of
Municipal Capital Facilities be read a first, second and third time and be
finally adopted on April 6 2021; and
That in accordance with this Report and its Agreement that Council direct
Administration to formulate a formal policy to serve or guide future
requests for assistance in relation to large scale developments in the
Town of Essex.
Legal and Legislative Services-2021-07
RE: Integrity Commissioner Annual Report 2020 and Extension of Service
R21-04-121
Moved By Councillor Bjorkman
Seconded By Councillor Vander Doelen
That Legal and Legislative Services 2021-07 entitled Integrity
Commissioner Annual Report 2020 and Extension of Services prepared
by Robert W Auger and dated April 6, 2021 be received;
That the Integrity Commissioner Annual Report for 2020 attached hereto
as Schedule “A” to this Report be received for Council and public
information, and
That Council approve the two year extension of the current Integrity
Commissioner Agreement up to and including December 31, 2023.
Community Services-2021-03
RE: Colchester Beach and Parking Enforcement
R21-04-124
Moved By Councillor Vander Doelen
Seconded By Councillor Garon
That Community Services-2021-003 entitled Colchester Beach and
Parking Enforcement – 2021 be received, and
That Council approve contracting Commissionaires Security to provide
parking enforcement around Colchester Park and Colchester Beach
areas, and in addition provide staffing for beach security on the Colchester
Beach for the 2021 summer operating season.
Mayor Snively
RE: Land Acknowledgement
Moved By Mayor Snively
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.
16.1.2 Councillor Bondy
RE: Safe and Reliable Supply of Electricity from Hydro One
Moved By Councillor Bondy
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.
April 19th Council Meeting
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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, EssexWindsor 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.
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
Mayor Snively
RE: Land Acknowledgement
R21-04-159
Moved By Mayor Snively
Seconded By Councillor Verbeek
Regular Council Meeting Minutes – April 19, 2021 Page 9
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.
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.