Essex County Council Regular Meeting Minutes

Wednesday, June 16, 2021

7:00 P.m. - 10:00 P.m.

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

Council:

• Gary McNamara, Warden, Mayor, Town of Tecumseh
• Joe Bachetti, Deputy Mayor, Town of Tecumseh
• Tracey Bailey, Deputy Mayor, Municipality of Lakeshore
• Tom Bain, Mayor, Municipality of Lakeshore
• Marc Bondy, Mayor, Town of LaSalle
• Aldo DiCarlo, Mayor, Town of Amherstburg
• Hilda MacDonald, Mayor, Municipality of Leamington
• Crystal Meloche, Deputy Mayor, Town of LaSalle
• Leo Meloche, Deputy Mayor, Town of Amherstburg
• Richard Meloche, Deputy Mayor, Town of Essex
• Nelson Santos, Deputy Warden, Mayor, Town of Kingsville
• Gord Queen, Deputy Mayor, Town of Kingsville
• Larry Snively, Mayor, Town of Essex
• Larry Verbeke, Deputy Mayor, Municipality of Leamington

Administration:

• Mike Galloway, Chief Administrative Officer
• Mary Birch, Director of Council & Community Services/Clerk
• Jayne Brooks Keller, Administrator - Sun Parlor Home
• Kristie Cronin, Director of Human Resources
• Bruce Krauter, Chief, Essex Windsor EMS
• Don McArthur, Manager, Communication and Organizational Development
• Jane Mustac, Director of Infrastructure Services/County Engineer
• Sandra Zwiers, Director of Financial Services/Treasurer
• Katherine Hebert, Deputy Clerk
• Jeanie Diamond Francis, Manager, Community Services
• Rebecca Belanger, Manager of Planning Services
• Jerry Behl, Manager, Transportation Planning

---

1.

Closed Meeting

There was no closed meeting scheduled for June 16, 2021.

2.

Moment of Reflection

3.

Singing of ‘O Canada’

4.

Recording of Attendance

Warden McNamara attended the meeting virtually from the Essex County Civic Centre, Council Chambers. All other members of Council participated in the meeting virtually, via video conferencing from alternate remote locations.

5.

Disclosure of Pecuniary Interest

There were no disclosures of pecuniary interest raised.

6.

Adoption of Regular Meeting Minutes

June 2, 2021 Essex County Council, Regular Meeting Minutes

• 134-2021
  Moved By Tom Bain
  Seconded By Tracey Bailey

  That the minutes of the June 2, 2021, Regular Meeting of Essex County Council be adopted as presented.

  Carried

7.

County Warden’s Welcome and Remarks

Warden McNamara welcomed the members of County Council, Administration and members of the public and delivered the following greeting:

Good evening.

I want to start by saying there is no place for hate here.

Since this council last met, four members of the Afzaal family in London, Ontario, were killed while out on an evening walk. The man charged with their murders is alleged to have targeted them simply for being Muslim.

This tragedy has sent waves of shock and outrage around the world. It is yet another wake-up call to Canadians that we can do better.We have heard members of the Muslim community in Windsor-Essex express sadness, fear and frustration. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Afzaal family and friends, but we know words are not enough.

We need to call out discrimination in all its forms. We need to stand up to those who think it is OK to target others different from them with hateful words and acts. Our differences make our communities richer. We need to value and celebrate our diverse beliefs, cultures, sexual orientations, family histories, stages of life and abilities.

This weekend the Multicultural Council of Windsor and Essex County’s annual Carrousel event kicks off. It celebrates our cultural diversity and inspires our sense of community. I encourage everyone to take time to enjoy and appreciate Carrousel at Home over the next two weeks. Let’s embrace that enthusiasm for exploring our own community and getting to know neighbours who are different from us.

Talk, listen, laugh and have those difficult conversations that help us overcome fear and mistrust. This is the way we become better. This the way we make it hard for hate to find a home here.

I want to finish by giving a shout-out to our seniors. Thank you for your resilience and many contributions to every community in Essex County.

This is Seniors Month in Ontario and, hopefully, it is a turning point in the pandemic that has hit many of you hard. The theme of Seniors Month is stay safe, active and connected. I think that’s good advice for all of us.

8.

Delegations and Presentations

8.1

South Essex Community Council - Leamington Homelessness Project

Alissa Enns, Project Leader - Leamington Homelessness Project, introduced by Jeanie Diamond-Francis, Manager, Community Services - County of Essex provided a presentation regarding local homelessness, with a focus on Leamington, as part of an ongoing awareness campaign.

Jeanie Diamond-Francis explained that this project, under the leadership of Mayor MacDonald, was developed to address growing needs of those experiencing homelessness in the Municipality of Leamington and was a collaboration of community and faith-based leaders formed under a seed grant to identify needs and strategize solutions.

Alissa Enns provided Council with a presentation including statistical information regarding local vacancy and rental rates, housing market and subsequent impacts on homelessness, causes and prevention of homelessness and offered suggestions towards mitigating homelessness in South Essex. Ms. Enns explained the prevalence of hidden homelessness in the County and the need to connect people to resources required noting that homeless population are less likely to utilize traditional supports and thereby population data is currently unreliable. Ms. Enns advised that the organization was analyzing lived experiences and collecting data on an on-going basis and that final research recommendations would include more accurate population counts and local solutions.

Hilda MacDonald expressed gratitude towards the group and their efforts to identify challenges and work together towards solutions. Ms. MacDonald outlined solutions being considered including redeveloping the former Leamington District Secondary School property to create housing for residents in need.

Discussions included considerations for regional solutions. It was noted that, as the consolidated municipal service manager, the City of Windsor had approved the Home Together: Windsor Essex Housing and Homelessness 10 year Master Plan and would be providing an update to County Council on the implementation later in the year.

• 135-2021
  Moved By Gord Queen
  Seconded By Marc Bondy

  That the delegation from the South Essex Community Council Leamington Homelessness Project Leader, be permitted to address County Council.

  Carried

8.2

Windsor Essex Community Housing Corporation (WECHC)

Kirk Whittal, COO, provided a presentation regarding program updates for the Windsor Essex Community Housing Corporation.  Also available for questions were, from the City of Windsor Jelena Payne, Community Development Health Services Commissioner, Debbie Cercone, Executive Director, Housing and Children's Services, Tina Moore, Coordinator Housing Administration & Development and Mike Deimling, Social Housing Analysis.

Kirk Whittal provided the Current State and Future Needs Report of the WECHC. Mr. Whittal defined the differences between social and affordable housing and the roles and responsibilities of the service providers; the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing Ontario, the City of Windsor, Social Housing in Windsor/Essex and the WECHC Board of Directors.

The different types of housing facilities under WECHC and their funding models were explained. The allocation of units across both the City and County were outlined.

He explained the supply and demand challenges being experienced with increasing unfunded capital liabilities are preventing WECHC’s participation in the housing market and in turn increasing waitlists for people in need. Additionally, he noted that aging units may not meet accessibility standards and therefore cannot be occupied by some residents. Current funding and operating practices were identified as not being sustainable. A desired solution was stated as being mixed income neighbourhoods that represent a broader spectrum of the community.

It was explained that WECHC had negotiated funding through the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) to provide funding solutions to repair and maintain current stock over the next eight years.  Phase 1 of the funding would not increase housing units but would be used to repair and renew current properties to meet energy efficiency targets and bring accessible amenities to current standards. Phase 2 was noted as obtaining more stock in areas in need. It was stated that specific units had not been selected at the present time for that project. Energy and accessibility targets were identified as being part of the plan. It was also noted that significant energy retrofits were required to meet 20 percent reduction in emissions through green energy requirements.

It was explained that desired outcomes included determining demand and where the organization could move inside and outside of the current City/County agreement. Collaboration between all stakeholders was noted as being required to realize the goals of CHC.

It was explained that asset management software would be used to assess need of repair based on age of unit, life safety components, and other asset needs with annual capital plans being presented to their Board of Directors for review.

• 136-2021
  Moved By Tom Bain
  Seconded By Hilda MacDonald

  That the delegation from the Windsor Essex Community Housing Corporation be permitted to address County Council.

  Carried

8.3

WSP Consultants - County Road 22 Alternative Design Strategies

David Lukezic, Project Manager, and Justin Jones, Community Engagement Specialist, WSP Consultants, provided a presentation regarding a Public Information Centre(PIC), for County Road 22 alternative design strategies.

Jane Mustac introduced the project and explained that the County of Essex and the Municipality of Lakeshore had partnered on this project and that the PIC process had identified that there was a need for alternative transportation elements in this area.

David Lukezic explained the existing infrastructure and the scope of the PIC. Mr. Lukezic outlined the preferred design options expressed in a 2006 study and compared them to the findings in this study. Both reports indicated a marked interest in active transportation.

Mr. Lukezic provided Council with information regarding next steps and indicated that detailed design parameters, including drainage solutions, would be available in the fall.  Council was assured that pedestrian signal design would be in accordance with Lakeshore’s request.

• 137-2021
  Moved By Aldo DiCarlo
  Seconded By Richard Meloche

  That the delegation from WSP Consultants be permitted to address County Council.

  Carried

8.4

Regional Physician Recruitment

Joan Mavrinac, Physician Recruitment Officer, provided an update to County Council on Regional Physician Recruitment initiatives.

Joan Mavrinac explained to Council the challenges that the pandemic created for physician recruitment. Border closures and other restrictions prevented local and international medical students from completing compulsory exams to become fully active in their disciplines.  She also noted an increased reluctance of physicians to move to different areas.

Ms. Mavrinac outlined the per capita requirements of Windsor Essex noting that retirement of physicians, coupled with pandemic challenges had contributed to the gap in physician coverage.  Ms. Mavrinac further explained that Windsor Essex was the third fastest growing community in Canada and highlighted the benefits the physician recruitment initiative and other incentives provided through local medical schools, have made to ensure locally trained physicians consider Windsor Essex as their area of practice.

Discussion with Council included local need and Ms. Mavrinac was applauded for her continued commitment and gains this program provided for residents. It was noted that Ms. Mavrinac would return to Council with further updates once the pandemic was over and more would be known regarding licensing exams resuming.

• 138-2021
  Moved By Hilda MacDonald
  Seconded By Marc Bondy

  That the delegation from the Regional Physician Recruitment Officer be permitted to address County Council.

  Carried

9.

Communications

9.1

Correspondence

• 139-2021
  Moved By Leo Meloche
  Seconded By Nelson Santos

  That the correspondence listed on the Regular Agenda for June 16, 2021, be received and any noted action approved. 

  Carried

9.1.1

Notice of Public Information Centre

Notice of Public Information Centre RE County Road 22 Design Alternatives and Strategy Study - Online Virtual Public Information Center: Thursday June 17th, 2021, starting at 6:30 p.m. with a question and answer period to follow. Virtual PIC Weblink: https://www.countyofessex.ca/CR22PIC 

9.1.2

Hydro One Networks Inc. 

June 2021 - Hydro One Chatham to Lakeshore Line  Notice of Completion of  Draft Environmental Study Report

9.1.3

Percy Hatfield, MPP

Letter from Percy Hatfield, MPP, in support of Essex County Council's June 2, 2021 resolution to Premier Ford regarding the provision of a discretionary regional reopening strategy 

9.1.4

Rural Ontario Municipal Association (ROMA)

June 7, 2021 - Request for Input on ROMA Governance and 2022 Conference

9.1.5

Ontario 211

May 31, 2021 - ONN State of the Sector Survey

9.1.6

Windsor-Essex Regional Chamber of Commerce (WERCC)

June 8, 2021 - WERCC Newsletter

9.1.7

William James Gibb - Thank You

Expression of Thanks from the family of Bill Gibb, for the memorial donation. (Former member of County Council)

9.1.8

Lawrence Cosgrove - Thank You

Expression of Thanks for the memorial donation, from the family of Lawrence Cosgrove (Former Member of County Council)

9.1.9

Township of Archipelago

Resolution RE Bill 228, Banning un-encapsulated Polystyrene Foam

9.1.10

Township of Archipelago

Resolution RE Bill 279, Environmental Protection Amendment Act, Microplastics

9.1.11

Municipality of Calvin

Resolution RE Support for Dead End Roads Bus Turnaround

9.1.12

Municipality of Calvin

Resolution RE Expanded Lottery Licencing to Assist Small Organizations

9.1.13

Town of Fort Erie

Resolution RE Capital Gains Tax

• 140-2021
  Moved By Tom Bain
  Seconded By Larry Snively

  That Essex County Council support the resolution of the Council of Fort Erie, opposing the elimination of Capital Gains Tax exemptions on primary residences.

  Carried

9.1.14

Town of Gore Bay

Resolution RE Support for Lottery Licencing for Small Organizations

9.1.15

Town of Halton Hills

Resolution RE Elimination of the LPAT

9.1.16

Township of Havelock-Belmont-Methuen

Resolution RE Drainage Matter on CN Railway

9.1.17

Township of Havelock-Belmont-Methuen

Resolution RE Use of Automictic Speed Enforcement Photo Radar by Municipalities 

9.1.18

Township of Havelock-Belmont-Methuen

Resolution RE Continuous Increases of Cost for Municipal Insurance

9.1.19

Township of Huron-Kinloss

Resolution RE Three Digit Dialing Suicide Hotline

9.1.20

Township of Huron-Kinloss

Resolution RE Support for Fire Departments and Infrastructure Program

9.1.21

Township of Huron-Kinloss

Resolution RE Support for Small Organizations and Lottery Licencing

9.1.22

Township of Lake of Bays

Resolution RE Invasive Phragmites

9.1.23

Township of Lake of Bays

Resolution RE MFIPPA, in Support of the Municipality of Leamington

9.1.24

Township of Lanark Highlands

Resolution RE Planning Act Timelines

9.1.25

Township of Rideau Lakes

Resolution RE Funding Perpetual Maintenance for Cemeteries

9.1.26

Municipality of Shuniah

Resolution RE Requesting Tax Relief on 2020 CERB Payment

9.1.27

Municipality of South Huron

Resolution RE Support for MFIPPA Reform

9.1.28

Municipality of West Lincoln

Resolution RE Health Canada Open Consultation: Requesting a Review of Cannabis Licensing & Enforcement

9.1.29

Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO)

June 1, 2021 - AMO Policy Update – Stay at Home Orders to Expire Tomorrow with COVID-19 Restrictions Still in Place

9.1.30

Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO)

June 3, 2021 - AMO Watchfile Online

9.1.31

Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO)

June 3, 2021 -  AMO Policy Update – Blue Box Regulation Released and Province Easing Restrictions on Long-Term Care

9.1.32

Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO)

June 5, 2021 - AMO 2021 Conference Can’t Miss Program

9.1.33

Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO)

June 7, 2021 - AMO Policy Update – Province Moving to Step One of Its Roadmap to Reopen on Friday, June 11th, 2021

9.1.34

Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO)

June 8, 2021 - AMO 2021 Training Human Rights and Equity The Role and Obligations of Municipal Leaders

9.1.35

Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO)

June 10, 2021 - AMO Watchfile Online

9.1.36

Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO)

June 10, 2021 - AMO Policy Update – Province Announces Employment Services Changes and Phase 2 of Natural Gas Expansion Program in Rural, Northern, and Indigenous Communities

9.2

Resolutions

There were no resolutions for Council's consideration for June 16, 2021.

10.

Consent Agenda

• 141-2021
  Moved By Tracey Bailey
  Seconded By Larry Verbeke

  That the recommendations in the Administrative Reports listed as items 10.1 and 10.2, on the Consent Agenda for June 16, 2021, be approved and further that the information item listed as item 10.3 on the said Consent Agenda be received.

  Carried

10.1

Regional Community Safety and Well-Being Plan Interim Report

Report from Leonardo Gil, Project Manager - Community Safety and Well-Being Plan, RCSW-BP Interim Report

10.2

Approval of Invoices for Legal and Consulting Services

Report number 2021-0616-ADM-R005-MG, Approval of Invoices for Legal and Consulting Services, dated June 16, 2021 from Mike Galloway, Chief Administrative Officer

10.3

Windsor Essex Food Policy Council (WEFPC)

Minutes of the January 28, February 25, March 25, April 22 and May 27, 2021 Windsor Essex Food Policy Council meetings.

11.

Reports and Questions

11.1

Essex County Accessibility Advisory Committee (ECAAC)

Minutes of the May 13, 2021 Essex County Accessibility Advisory Committee meeting, Gord Queen, Vice Chair.

• 142-2021
  Moved By Gord Queen
  Seconded By Marc Bondy

  That the minutes of the Essex County Accessibility Advisory Committee for May 13, 2021 be approved.

  Carried

11.2

County Road 22 Corridor Study Update

Report number 2021-0616-ISD-R020-JM, County Road 22 Corridor Study Update, dated June 16, 2021 from Jane Mustac, Director of Infrastructure Services Department/County Engineer.

A presentation was provided under Delegations and Presentations Item 8.3 by David Lukesic.

• 143-2021
  Moved By Tracey Bailey
  Seconded By Aldo DiCarlo

  That County Council receive report number 2021-0616-ISD-R020-JM, County Road 22 Corridor Study Update, as information

  Carried

11.3

Tender Summary - Culvert on County Road 50, West Townline Drain C-50-060

Report number 2021-0616-ISD-R019-JM, Tender Summary - Culvert on County Road 50, West Townline Drain C-50-060, dated June 16, 2021 from Jane Mustac, Director, Infrastructure Services Department/County Engineer

Jane Mustac presented the report regarding the emergency culvert replacement on County Road 50. It was explained that, the State of Good Repairs report identified this work to be scheduled in 2022, but a recent significant weather event caused a wash out requiring the work to be expedited.  Temporary repairs were completed at the time of the weather event, to return the road to service.  An advanced program including the damaged section was created.  Of the five tender submissions received, four were under the engineers estimate.

• 144-2021
  Moved By Larry Snively
  Seconded By Marc Bondy

  That the tender for Project Number 159-2021 County Road 50 Culvert over West Townline Drain be awarded to South Shore Contracting of Essex County Inc. for a total tender amount of $558,850.00 plus H.S.T.

  Carried

11.4

Town of Tecumseh New Official Plan with Proposed Modifications

Report number 2021-0616-PS-R02-RB, Town of Tecumseh New Official Plan (OP) with Proposed Modifications, dated June 16, 2021 from Rebecca Belanger, Manager, Planning Services.

Rebecca Belanger presented the report regarding the new Official Plan for the Town of Tecumseh. Ms. Belanger explained the new Official Plan had been under development for the last few years, with eleven discussion papers being presented to support the development of the Official Plan as presented.

The Town of Tecumseh endorsed the proposed modifications at their May 25, 2021 Council Meeting.

Sixteen areas of modifications were outlined in the Notice of Decision. Consultation or reference for the proposed modifications were sought from various community resources and legislation.  The modifications relate to:

• Indigenous relations amendments were prepared following consultations with the Walpole First Nations.
• Additional residential units following discussions with the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing.
• Water resources and hazard land sections of the plan including clarifications surrounding source water policies and limited regulation area under Conservation Authorities Act.
• Climate change, accessibility, lot severance adding COE as authority, temporary use for garden suites enhanced to 20-year period to align with Development Charges Act.

Ms. Belanger advised that, upon approval of Council, the Notice of Decision would be provided to the appropriate parties for consideration and if there were no appeals received in the time allotted, the Plan would be final.

• 145-2021
  Moved By Marc Bondy
  Seconded By Joe Bachetti

  That County Council receive the report of the Manager, Planning Services with regard to the Town of Tecumseh Official Plan, and authorize the Manager, Planning Services to issue a Notice of Decision on behalf of the County of Essex to approve the Town of Tecumseh Official Plan, subject to the modifications as outlined in the draft “Decision” attached to Report number 2021-0616-PS-R02-RB.

  Carried

11.5

Replacement of Computers in EWEMS Vehicles

Report number 2021-0616-EMS-R004-BK, Replacement of Computers in EWSWS Vehicles, dated June 16, 2021 from Bruce Krauter, Chief, EWEMS

Chief Bruce Krauter presented a report regarding the replacement of computers in EWEMS vehicles.

Chief Krauter explained that a combination of computer configurations were used for documentation of patient care records, mapping and dispatch records, call response records and other service requirements and that the previous allotment of computers were purchased four years ago and were at the end of their intended life span.

He explained that the current computers were a rugged style well suited for rough service environments such as paramedic service.  The procurement process included participating in a standing offer through an approved public sector buying group.  Chief Krauter advised that the total purchase price included the devices, required mounting hardware, licensing and extended warranty and that the procurement of these goods was included in the 2020 budget for EWEMS.

• 146-2021
  Moved By Larry Snively
  Seconded By Leo Meloche

  That Essex County Council authorize Essex Windsor EMS to proceed with the procurement of replacement computer devices, compatible mounting hardware and programming in the amount of $591,766.50 (plus HST) from Kinetics GPO Inc., CDW Distribution and Interdev Technologies.

  Carried

11.6

2021/2022 Comprehensive Insurance Program Renewal Update

Report number 2021-0616-FIN-R09-SZ, 2021/2022 Comprehensive Insurance Program Renewal Update, dated June 16, 2021 from Sandra Zwiers, Director, Financial Services Department/Treasurer

Sandra Zwiers provided a report explaining that the current insurance policy would expire before the next Council meeting and the Annual Insurance Program premium information was not available from AON for Council to approve at the current meeting.  She requested that Council support delegating the authority to approve the program to the CAO, when the information became available to herself and the CAO.

Council supported the delegation of authority to CAO, Mike Galloway and authorized Treasurer, Sandra Zwiers to proceed with the insurance program and provide a report to Council at the July 21, 2021.

• 147-2021
  Moved By Marc Bondy
  Seconded By Richard Meloche

  That County Council delegate authority to the CAO to approve, prior to the June 30, 2021 expiration date, the County of Essex Comprehensive Insurance Program for the period June 30, 2021 to June 30, 2022;

  And further, that Administration provide County Council with a formal report regarding the approved Comprehensive Insurance Program at the July 21, 2021 regular meeting of County Council.

  Carried

12.

Unfinished Business

12.1

Road Rationalization Study Update

Marc Bondy requested an update regarding the Road Rationalization Project. Mike Galloway notified Council that the local CAO's group had met to formulate a plan to have a consultant assist to facilitate further discussion on Road Rationalization with the anticipation that a Transportation Master Plan would be beginning in the fall. It was confirmed that the initiative would proceed in a collaborative manner, with the local CAO's and staff in all local municipalities.

13.

New Business

There was no New Business brought forward on June 16, 2021.

14.

Adoption of By-Laws

• 148-2021
  Moved By Tom Bain
  Seconded By Aldo DiCarlo

  That By-law 2021-24, having been read a first, second and third time, be finally passed and enacted. 

  Carried

14.1

By-law Number 2021-24

Being a By-law to Confirm the Proceedings of the Council of the Corporation of the County of Essex for June 16, 2021.

15.

Notice of Motion

There were no Notices of Motion for June 16, 2021.

16.

Adjournment

That the Essex County Council meeting for June 16, 2021 be adjourned at 10:22 PM.

• 149-2021
  Moved By Nelson Santos
  Seconded By Marc Bondy
  Carried