Essex County Council, Regular Meeting Minutes

Wednesday, March 19, 2025

Closed Meeting - 5:15PM - Regular Meeting - 6:00PM

Council Chambers, 2nd Floor

360 Fairview Avenue West

Essex, Ontario N8M 1Y6

https://video.isilive.ca/countyofessex/live.html

Council:

• Michael Akpata, Councillor
• Joe Bachetti, Deputy Warden
• Tracey Bailey, Councillor
• Sherry Bondy, Councillor
• Kimberly DeYong, Councillor
• Chris Gibb, Councillor
• Hilda MacDonald, Warden
• Gary McNamara, Councillor
• Crystal Meloche, Councillor
• Rob Shepley, Councillor
• Larry Verbeke, Councillor
• Kirk Walstedt, Councillor
• Tony Gaffan, Councillor, (Alternate Member)

Absent:

• Michael Prue, Councillor
• Dennis Rogers, Councillor

Administration:

• Allan Botham, Director, Infrastructure & Planning Services
• Katherine Hebert, County Clerk
• Justin Lammers, Chief, Essex-Windsor EMS
• Darrel Laurendeau, Director, Information Technology
• Don McArthur, Manager, Communication and Organizational Development
• Kyla Pritiko, Director, Human Resources
• Melissa Ryan, Director, Financial Services / Treasurer
• David Sundin, Director, Legislative and Legal Services / County Solicitor
• Crystal Sylvestre, Manager, Records and Accessibility / Deputy Clerk
• Sandra Zwiers, Chief Administrative Officer
• Jerry Behl, Manager, Transportation Planning and Development
• Adam Craig, CEO and Chief Librarian, Essex County Library

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1.

Closed Meeting

A Closed Meeting was held at 5:15 PM on March 19, 2025.

• 078-2025
  Moved By Kimberly DeYong
  Seconded By Chris Gibb

  That Essex County Council move into a Closed Meeting, pursuant to Section 239 (2) (b) of the Municipal Act, 2001, as amended for the following reasons:

  (b)    personal matters about an identifiable individual, including municipal or local board employees;

  Carried
• 082-2025
  Moved By Gary McNamara
  Seconded By Kimberly DeYong

  That Essex County Council adjourn and rise from the Closed Meeting of Essex County Council for March 19, 2025 at 5:23 PM.

  Carried

2.

Moment of Reflection

3.

Singing of ‘O Canada’

4.

Land Acknowledgement Statement

We acknowledge the land on which the County of Essex is located is the traditional territory of the Three Fires Confederacy of First Nations, comprised of the Ojibway, Odawa and Potawatomie Peoples. 

We specifically recognize Caldwell First Nation and other First Nations which have provided significant historical and contemporary contributions to this region. 

We also value the contributions of all Original Peoples of Turtle Island, who have been living and working on this land from time immemorial.

5.

Recording of Attendance

Warden MacDonald and members of Council attended the meeting at the County of Essex Administration Building, Council Chambers.

Michael Prue and Dennis Rogers were absent.

Tony Gaffan attended as the Alternate member for the Town of Kingsville.

6.

County Warden’s Welcome and Remarks

Warden MacDonald welcomed Council, Administration and the viewing audience to the Regular meeting.

The Warden reminded residents of the opportunity to participate in a Public Information Centre for the County Road 22 Corridor Reconstruction Project being held March 20, 2025 at the Atlas Tube Centre. Information could be found on the County’s website.

7.

Disclosure of Pecuniary Interest

There were no disclosures of pecuniary interest raised.

8.

Adoption of Regular Meeting Minutes

• 083-2025
  Moved By Rob Shepley
  Seconded By Gary McNamara

  That the minutes of the March 5, 2025 Regular Meeting of Essex County Council be adopted as presented.

  Carried

9.

Delegations and Presentations

• 084-2025
  Moved By Crystal Meloche
  Seconded By Kimberly DeYong

  That the order of the agenda for March 19, 2025 be amended, to consider the Administrative Report listed as item 12.1 Introduction of Employee Excellence Awards under item 9. Delegations and Presentations. 

  Carried

9.1

Employee Excellence Awards

Recipients of the County of Essex Employee Excellence Awards were presented with their awards and recognition.

10.

Communications

10.1

Correspondence

• 086-2025
  Moved By Chris Gibb
  Seconded By Crystal Meloche

  That the correspondence listed on the Regular Agenda for March 19, 2025, be received and any noted action approved.

  Carried

10.1.1

Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO)

• AMO Watchfile Newsletter
• AMO Policy Updates
• AMO Calendar - Education Events 

10.1.2

Thames-Sydenham and Region Source Protection Committee Appointment

Letter from Durham County RE Appointment of Brett Clutterbuck to the Thames-Sydenham and Region Source Protection Committee as representative for Elgin, Essex and Chatham-Kent for the term of June 1, 2025, to June 1, 2029 dated March 5, 2025.

10.1.3

New Acute Care Hospital

PMO Report March 2025 - Update on the New Windsor Essex Acute Care Hospital Project

The PMO Report is an update from the Project Management Team for the New Windsor/Essex Acute Care Hospital Project.

In this edition, balancing performance, aesthetics, and functionality in the selection of materials and finishes, a bold vision for technology in the new facility, and an onsite inventory assessment is now underway as part of the Furniture, Fixture and Equipment strategy. 

10.1.4

County Road 22 Reconstruction

Notice of Public Consultation Centre No. 2 - County of Essex and Municipality of Lakeshore - County Road 22 Reconstruction

Date: March 20, 2025
Time: 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm (Note there will be a presentation at 7:00PM)
Location: Atlas Tube Recreation Centre - Renaud Room, 447 Renaud Line, Belle River, Ontario N0R 1A0

10.1.5

Tourism Windsor Essex Pelee Island

2025-03-12 - TWEPI News 

10.1.6

Windsor Essex Regional Chamber of Commerce (WERCC)

March 11, 2025 Newsletter

• Windsor-Essex Chamber of Commerce and Invest WindsorEssex launch the Windsor-Essex Economic Trade Task Force
• 2025 Warden's Luncheon with County of Essex Warden Hilda MacDonald

10.2

Resolutions

There were no resolutions for consideration for March 19, 2025

11.

Consent Agenda

• 087-2025
  Moved By Rob Shepley
  Seconded By Tracey Bailey

  That the Administrative Report listed as item 11.1, and the minutes listed as items 11.2 through 11.4 on the Consent Agenda for March 19, 2025, be received and approved as required.

  In Favour (13)

  Tracey Bailey, Larry Verbeke, Chris Gibb, Sherry Bondy, Rob Shepley, Kimberly DeYong, Kirk Walstedt, Michael Akpata, Crystal Meloche, Hilda MacDonald, Gary McNamara, Joe Bachetti, and Tony Gaffan

  Carried

11.1

Summary of Outstanding Reports for March 19, 2025

Report number 2025-0319-LLS-R13-KH, Summary of Outstanding Reports for March 19, 2025, from Katherine Hebert, County Clerk

11.2

Essex Windsor Solid Waste Authority (EWSWA)

Minutes of the February 4, 2025 meeting of the Essex Windsor Solid Waste Authority Board

11.3

Essex County Accessibility Advisory Committee (ECAAC)

Minutes of the February 6, 2025 Meeting of Essex County Accessibility Advisory Committee

11.4

Essex County Library (ECL)

Minutes of the November 27, 2024 meeting of the Essex County Library Board

12.

Reports and Questions

12.1

Introduction of Employee Excellence Awards

Report number 2025-0319-LLS-R12-DM, Introduction of an Employee Excellence Awards, dated March 19, 2025, from Don McArthur, Manager, Communication and Organizational Development

Don McArthur provided Council with information about the inaugural County of Essex Employee Excellence Awards, which would be presented annually to employees from across the corporation in four categories: Teamwork, Innovation, Service Excellence, and Empowerment.

Warden MacDonald and CAO Sandra Zwiers offered their appreciation to the Honourees and all staff that contribute to the success of the County every day.

The Honourees were introduced with a brief summary of their exceptional effort and each were provided with a certificate or plaque for their achievement.

• 085-2025
  Moved By Joe Bachetti
  Seconded By Gary McNamara

  That Essex County Council receive report number 2025-0319-LLS-R12-DM, Introduction of Employee Excellence Awards as information.

  Carried

12.2

Strategic Plan Implementation Update

Report number 2025-0319-LLS-R03-SZ, Strategic Plan Implementation Update, dated March 19, 2025 from Sandra Zwiers, Chief Administrative Officer

Sandra Zwiers provided an update on the progress of the County of Essex first Strategic Plan, including an overview of the Plan’s development process and implementation roadmap.

Achievements of 2024 and initiatives underway for 2025 were highlighted for Council, under each of the three Strategic Goals.

Michael Akpata, Councillor left the meeting at 6:59 PM.

• 088-2025
  Moved By Larry Verbeke
  Seconded By Kimberly DeYong

  That Essex County Council receive report number 2023-0305-CAO-R02-SZ, Strategic Plan Implementation Update as information.

  In Favour (12)

  Tracey Bailey, Larry Verbeke, Chris Gibb, Sherry Bondy, Rob Shepley, Kimberly DeYong, Kirk Walstedt, Crystal Meloche, Hilda MacDonald, Gary McNamara, Joe Bachetti, and Tony Gaffan

  Carried

12.3

EWEMS Operational Tempo Update

Report number 2025-0319-EMS-R02-JL, EWEMS Operational Tempo Update, dated March 19, 2025 from Justin Lammers, Chief, Essex-Windsor EMS

Chief Justin Lammers provided Council with information pertaining to the operational tempo that was developed sourcing data to the end of 2024.

Chief Lammers explained that the data was sourced from Ambulance Call Reports, and where applicable, the numbers were adjusted to reflect the use of Public Access Defibrillators in the community.

Chief Lammers reminded Council that a service delivery review would be undertaken in 2025 to ensure the service is functioning as effectively as possible.

Michael Akpata, Councillor joined the meeting at 7:09 PM.

• 089-2025
  Moved By Tony Gaffan
  Seconded By Crystal Meloche

  That Essex County Council receive report number 2025-0319-EMS-R02-JL EWEMS Operational Tempo Update as information.

  In Favour (13)

  Tracey Bailey, Larry Verbeke, Chris Gibb, Sherry Bondy, Rob Shepley, Kimberly DeYong, Kirk Walstedt, Michael Akpata, Crystal Meloche, Hilda MacDonald, Gary McNamara, Joe Bachetti, and Tony Gaffan

  Carried

12.4

County Road 46 at the Intersection of County Road 19 – Speed and Safety Review

Report number 2025-0319-IPS-R06-JB, County Road 46 at the Intersection of County Road 19 – Speed and Safety Review, dated March 19, 2025, from Jerry Behl, Manager, Transportation Planning and Development

Jerry Behl offered information related the review of safety and speed at the intersection of County Roads 46 and 19.

It was explained that a comprehensive review had been completed referencing the Transportation Association of Canada guidelines, statistics on traffic activity and physical features present in the area in question.  The review determined that a recommendation to reduce the speed limit on County Roads 46 at the intersection of County Road 19 would be appropriate.

• 090-2025
  Moved By Gary McNamara
  Seconded By Joe Bachetti

  That Essex County Council receive report number 2025-0319-IPS-R06-JB, County Road 46 at the Intersection of County Road 19 – Speed and Safety Review, for information; and,

  That Essex County Council direct Administration to reduce the speed limit on County Road 46 from 80km/h to 60km/h from 50 metres east of Middle Road and 50 metres west of North Talbot Road; and,

  That by-law 2025-10 be adopted, amending By-law 26-2002 to Regulate Traffic and Parking on Highways within the Essex County Roads System, ‘Schedule H’ to reduce the speed on County Road 46 from 50 metres east of Middle Road and 50 metres west of North Talbot Road from 80km/h to 60km/h.

  In Favour (13)

  Tracey Bailey, Larry Verbeke, Chris Gibb, Sherry Bondy, Rob Shepley, Kimberly DeYong, Kirk Walstedt, Michael Akpata, Crystal Meloche, Hilda MacDonald, Gary McNamara, Joe Bachetti, and Tony Gaffan

  Carried

12.5

County Road 11 Near Concession 4, Town of Essex – Speed and Safety Review

Report number 2025-0319-IPS-R07-JB, County Road 11 Near Concession 4, Town of Essex – Speed and Safety Review, dated March 19, 2025, from Jerry Behl, Manager, Transportation Planning and Development

Jerry Behl offered information related the review of safety and speed at the intersection of County Road 11 Near Concession 4.

It was explained that a comprehensive review had been completed referencing the Transportation Association of Canada guidelines, statistics on traffic activity and physical features present in the area in question.  The review determined that a recommendation to extend the 50 km/h posted speed limit on County Road 11 near Concession 4 would be appropriate.

• 091-2025
  Moved By Rob Shepley
  Seconded By Sherry Bondy

  That Essex County Council receive report number 2025-0319-IPS-R07-JB, County Road 11 Near Concession 4, Town of Essex – Speed and Safety Review, as information; and,

  That Essex County Council direct Administration to reduce the speed limit on County Road 11 from 3^rd Concession Road to 50 metres north of 4^th Concession Road; and,

  That by-law 2025-10 be adopted, amending By-law 26-2002 to Regulate Traffic and Parking on Highways within the Essex County Roads System, ‘Schedule H’ to reduce the speed on County Road 11 from 3^rd Concession Road to 50 metres north of 4^th Concession Road from 80km/h to 50km/h.

  In Favour (13)

  Tracey Bailey, Larry Verbeke, Chris Gibb, Sherry Bondy, Rob Shepley, Kimberly DeYong, Kirk Walstedt, Michael Akpata, Crystal Meloche, Hilda MacDonald, Gary McNamara, Joe Bachetti, and Tony Gaffan

  Carried

12.6

Consolidated Delegation of Authority By-law

Report number 2025-0319-LLS-R14-DS, Consolidated Delegation of Authority By-law, dated March 19, 2025 from David Sundin, Director, Legislative and Legal Services/County Solicitor

David Sundin explained that the County has, over time, delegated authority to a variety of positions or parties.  The proposed By-law 2025-11 would provide a list of delegations for ease of reference.  It was noted that the proposed by-law did not affect any of the delegations and would bring the County into compliance with Section 270(1) of the Municipal Act.

• 092-2025
  Moved By Kimberly DeYong
  Seconded By Crystal Meloche

  That Essex County Council receive report number 2025-0319-LLS-R14-DMS, Consolidated Delegation of Authority By-law, and adopt By-law 2025-11, being a By-law Authorizing the Delegation of Powers, and Duties by the Council of the Corporation of the County of Essex, to certain Members of Administration.

  In Favour (13)

  Tracey Bailey, Larry Verbeke, Chris Gibb, Sherry Bondy, Rob Shepley, Kimberly DeYong, Kirk Walstedt, Michael Akpata, Crystal Meloche, Hilda MacDonald, Gary McNamara, Joe Bachetti, and Tony Gaffan

  Carried

12.7

Limited Use of Golf Cars on Roadways in Lighthouse Cove in the Municipality of Lakeshore

Report number 2025-0319-LLS-R15-DS, Limited Use of Golf Cars on Roadways in Lighthouse Cove in the Municipality of Lakeshore, dated March 19, 2025 from David Sundin, Director, Legislative and Legal Services/County Solicitor

Allan Botham provided information regarding a golf car pilot project that was approved by the Ministry of Transportation for the Municipality of Lakeshore in the Lighthouse Cove community.  The pilot project was granted to three communities in Ontario and expires June 2031.

It was explained that the Lakeshore had passed a by-law to approve the use of golf cars in the prescribed area. Approval from County Council in addition to Lakeshore was required as County Road 39 is part of the road system in the approved pilot program.

• 093-2025
  Moved By Kirk Walstedt
  Seconded By Tracey Bailey

  That Essex County Council receive Report Number 2025-0319-LLS-R15-DMS, Limited Use of Golf Cars on Roadways in Lighthouse Cove, for information and adopt the necessary By-law to permit the Golf Car Pilot Project to proceed.

  In Favour (13)

  Tracey Bailey, Larry Verbeke, Chris Gibb, Sherry Bondy, Rob Shepley, Kimberly DeYong, Kirk Walstedt, Michael Akpata, Crystal Meloche, Hilda MacDonald, Gary McNamara, Joe Bachetti, and Tony Gaffan

  Carried

13.

Unfinished Business

13.1

Phragmites Control Across the County of Essex

At the February 5, 2025 meeting of Essex County Council, Council considered report number 2025-0205-IPS-R02-AB, Phragmites Control Across the County. The report was received by resolution of Council 035-2025. Councillor Prue raised a motion on the matter, and it was duly seconded by Councillor McNamara. The motion was postponed definitely by resolution 034-2025 until March 19, 2025. 

Gary McNamara had seconded the Motion on February 5, 2025 and withdrew support for the motion on March 19, 2025.

Councillor McNamara explained that after further consultation with the environmental team at Town of Tecumseh he was not inclined to support the Motion, and therefore withdrew his Second.

• 094-2025
  Moved By Michael Prue
  Seconded By Chris Gibb

  That Essex County Council direct Administration to begin a governance process to consult with local municipalities towards a concerted effort led by the County to establish a Phragmites Control program.

  Lost

14.

New Business

14.1

Fresh Water Protection and Agreements

At the March 5, 2025 meeting of Essex County Council, Councillor Michael Akpata brought forward the following:

Preamble:
Whereas the County of Essex is touched by fresh water at both the local municipal and upper tier level; and
Whereby Ontario holds more than half of the world’s fresh water; and

Whereas multiple bilateral agreements between Canada and the United States of America have been signed, ensuring that this fresh water is protected for current users and future generations; and

Whereas, the County of Essex is a member municipality of the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiative, a bi-national coalition concerned with the ethical and responsible use, and protection and preservation of fresh water resources; and,

Whereas the current US President, while campaigning stated that ‘there is a large faucet’ in Canada, indicating that there is ‘extra’ water in Canada; and 
Whereas current bilateral agreements do not appear to be followed by the new US Government Administration in a number of areas.

• 095-2025
  Moved By Michael Akpata
  Seconded By Crystal Meloche

  That the County of Essex call upon the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiative to advocate for continued adherence to established agreements regarding fresh water resources and to continued bi-national, state, provincial, and municipal efforts to protect and conserve these resources; and,

  That County Council call upon the Federal and Provincial Governments to take any and all necessary steps to ensure that the current agreements that are in place for the protection of fresh water are followed, so that the residents of the County of Essex can continue to maintain access to clean fresh water; and further,

  That the Federal and Provincial Governments ensure that water outflow is included in any discussions with the United States Government as part of ongoing interactions;

  That both Canadian and American federal, provincial, state and municipal governments maintain funding envelopes for the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiative

  In Favour (13)

  Tracey Bailey, Larry Verbeke, Chris Gibb, Sherry Bondy, Rob Shepley, Kimberly DeYong, Kirk Walstedt, Michael Akpata, Crystal Meloche, Hilda MacDonald, Gary McNamara, Joe Bachetti, and Tony Gaffan

  Carried

14.2

Public Reporting of Closed Meeting

A Closed Meeting of Essex County Council was held at 5:15PM, prior to the regular Council meeting this evening as permitted, and pursuant to Section 239 (2) (b) of the Municipal Act, 2001, as follows:

(b) personal matters about an identifiable individual, including municipal or local board employees;

in relation to information provided within report number 2025-0319-HR-R02-KP. Council provided administration with direction and instruction to proceed with the recommendations provided for in the report.

15.

Adoption of By-Laws

• 096-2025
  Moved By Tracey Bailey
  Seconded By Kirk Walstedt

  That By-laws 2025-10 through 2025-12 and 2025-14, be given three readings, and having been read a first, second and third time, be finally passed and enacted. 

  In Favour (13)

  Tracey Bailey, Larry Verbeke, Chris Gibb, Sherry Bondy, Rob Shepley, Kimberly DeYong, Kirk Walstedt, Michael Akpata, Crystal Meloche, Hilda MacDonald, Gary McNamara, Joe Bachetti, and Tony Gaffan

  Carried

15.1

By-law Number 2025-10

Being a By-law to Amend By-law Number 26-2002, Being a By-law to Regulate Traffic and Parking on Highways within the Essex County Roads System (Schedule H)

15.2

By-law Number 2025-11

Being a By-law Authorizing the Delegation of Authority, Powers, and Duties by the Council of the Corporation of the County of Essex to Certain Members of Administration

15.3

By-law Number 2025-12

Being a by-law to authorize the use of Golf Cars on the portion of County Road 39 that is within the urban area of Lighthouse Cove, in the Municipality of Lakeshore

15.4

By-law Number 2025-14

Being a By-law to confirm the proceedings of the Closed and Regular meetings of Essex County Council, for March 19, 2025

16.

Notice of Motion

There were no notices of motion for consideration for March 19, 2025

17.

Adjournment

• 097-2025
  Moved By Kirk Walstedt
  Seconded By Rob Shepley

  That the Essex County Council meeting for March 19, 2025 be adjourned at 7:56 PM.

  Carried