Essex County Council, Regular Meeting Minutes

Wednesday, June 19, 2024

Meeting Time:

Council Chambers, 2nd Floor

360 Fairview Avenue West

Essex, Ontario N8M 1Y6

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

Council:

• Michael Akpata, Deputy Mayor - Town of LaSalle
• Joe Bachetti, Deputy Warden / Deputy Mayor - Town of Tecumseh
• Tracey Bailey, Mayor - Municipality of Lakeshore
• Sherry Bondy, Mayor - Town of Essex
• Kimberly DeYong, Deputy Mayor - Town of Kingsville
• Chris Gibb, Deputy Mayor - Town of Amherstburg
• Hilda MacDonald, Warden / Mayor - Municipality of Leamington
• Gary McNamara, Mayor - Town of Tecumseh
• Crystal Meloche, Mayor - Town of LaSalle
• Michael Prue, Mayor - Town of Amherstburg
• Dennis Rogers, Mayor - Town of Kingsville
• Rob Shepley, Deputy Mayor - Town of Essex
• Larry Verbeke, Deputy Mayor - Municipality of Leamington
• Kirk Walstedt, Deputy Mayor - Municipality of Lakeshore

Administration:

• Allan Botham, Director, Infrastructure & Planning Services
• Jayne Brooks Keller, Administrator - Sun Parlor Home
• Katherine Hebert, County Clerk
• Don McArthur, Manager, Communication and Organizational Development
• Melissa Ryan, Director, Financial Services/Treasurer
• David Sundin, County Solicitor
• Crystal Sylvestre, Coordinator, Legislative and Community Services
• Sandra Zwiers, Chief Administrative Officer
• Rebecca Belanger, Manager of Planning Services
• Dee Blais, Executive Assistant to the CAO
• Justin Lammers, Chief, Essex-Windsor EMS

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1.

Closed Meeting

There was no closed meeting scheduled for June 19, 2024.

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 Essex County Civic Centre, Council Chambers. All members of Council were present.

6.

County Warden’s Welcome and Remarks

Warden MacDonald welcomed everyone to the meeting and commented on the extreme temperatures in the region.  Residents were encouraged all residents to being mindful of the heat's impact on personal health and to check on vulnerable individuals in their neighbourhoods and be respectful to outdoor workers, especially those in road maintenance and construction.

Significant road capacity expansion and rehabilitation projects were underway in the County and drivers were reminded to slow down, be patient, and follow directions near roadwork to ensure safety. The Warden extended appreciation to the Essex County Infrastructure and Planning Services staff and local public works teams for their efforts in maintaining the road network.

In honour of the first National Long-Term Care Day, the Warden offered appreciation and gratitude to the staff of Sun Parlor Home and to all long-term care workers across Windsor-Essex for their hard work and compassion.

Congratulations was extended to EMS District Chiefs David Jacobs and Mike Jacobs for each providing more than 45 years of service to the residents of Essex County and Windsor. The County of Essex began recognizing employees with long-term service pins this year. The Jacobs cousins are the first to reach the 45-year milestone. 

7.

Disclosure of Pecuniary Interest

There were no disclosures of pecuniary interest raised.

8.

Adoption of Regular Meeting Minutes

Minutes of the June 5, 2024 Essex County Council, Regular Meeting

• 171-2024
  Moved By Joe Bachetti
  Seconded By Rob Shepley

  That the minutes of the June 5, 2024 Regular Meeting of Essex County Council be adopted as presented.

  (Voted by show of hands)

  Carried

9.

Delegations and Presentations

9.1

Windsor Essex County Health Unit

Dr. Ken Blanchette, Chief Executive Officer; Dr. Mehdi Aloosh, Medical Officer of Health; Kristy McBeth, Director of Public Health Programs; Eric Nadalin, Director of Public Health Programs; and Linda Watson, Chief Nursing Officer and Director of Public Health Programs provided an overview of the work the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit (WECHU) has been focused on over the past year.

The delegation outlined how WECHU addresses local public health risks through evidence-informed approaches and data-driven assessments. Efforts are focused on integrating high-priority communities into public health strategies and balancing provincial programming requirements with local needs.

Key program areas include chronic disease prevention, mental health, healthy eating, physical activity, and built environment planning. Initiatives also cover healthy growth and development, food safety, safe water, environmental health, substance use and injury prevention, immunization, infectious disease control, school health, and oral health. The Ontario government’s Strengthening Public Health Strategy, set for implementation in January 2025, aims to optimize public health sector capacity, stability, and sustainability.

Dr. Blanchette thanked Council for their continued investment and support of public health programs, noting the impact their efforts make in the community to ease the stress and burden on hospitals and EMS.

• 172-2024
  Moved By Dennis Rogers
  Seconded By Chris Gibb

  That the delegation from the Windsor Essex County Health Unit be permitted to address Council and make a presentation.

  (Voted by show of hands)

  Carried

9.2

Zuzek Inc.

(Considered with item 12.1 Finalization of the Essex Region Shoreline Natural Hazard Mapping Initiative)

Peter Zuzek, President, Zuzek Inc.; James Bryant, Director of Watershed Management, Essex Region Conservation Authority (ERCA) and Rebecca Belanger, Manager, Planning Services provided an overview of the Shoreline Mapping Project. The initiative focused on identifying and mitigating shoreline natural hazards, including flooding, erosion, and dynamic beach hazards, as defined by the Provincial Policy Statement and Great Lakes Technical Guide. The update integrates climate change impacts, such as warming winter temperatures, increased storm activity, reduced ice cover, and higher lake levels, to address future risks.

Public engagement through open houses in Belle River, Harrow, Leamington, Essex, and LaSalle were held and the next steps included presenting the findings to the Essex Region Conservation Authority (ERCA) Board. The updated hazard maps would be utilized for planning and development evaluations and the data would be integrated into a coastal vulnerability and resilience study for the south shore of the County.

• 173-2024
  Moved By Tracey Bailey
  Seconded By Sherry Bondy

  That the delegation from the Zuzek Inc. be permitted to address Council and make a presentation.

  (Voted by show of hands)

  Carried

10.

Communications

10.1

Correspondence

• 175-2024
  Moved By Rob Shepley
  Seconded By Joe Bachetti

  That the correspondence listed on the Regular Agenda for June 19, 2024, be received, and any noted action approved. 

  (Voted by show of hands)

  Carried

10.1.1

Western Ontario Wardens' Caucus (WOWC)

May 2024 - Newsletter

10.1.2

Windsor Essex Regional Chamber of Commerce (WERCC)

June 6, 2024 Media Release - Windsor-Essex Regional Chamber of Commerce Expresses Deep Concern for potential PSAC-CIU Strike

10.1.3

Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO)

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

10.1.4

Tourism Windsor Essex Pelee Island (TWEPI)

2024 Visitor and Events Guides

10.2

Resolutions

There were no resolutions for June 19, 2024.

11.

Consent Agenda

• 176-2024
  Moved By Kimberly DeYong
  Seconded By Crystal Meloche

  That the items listed on the Consent Agenda for June 19, 2024, be received and approved.

  (Voted Electronically)

  In Favour (14)

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

  Carried

11.1

Windsor Essex Regional Community Safety & Well-Being Plan Update

Windsor Essex Regional Community Safety & Well-Being Plan Update

11.2

Summary of Outstanding Reports

Report number 2024-0619-LCS-R21-KH, Summary of Outstanding Reports, dated June 19, 2024, from Katherine Hebert, County Clerk

12.

Reports and Questions

12.1

Finalization of the Essex Region Shoreline Natural Hazard Mapping Initiative

Report number 2024-0619-IPS-R11-RB, Finalization of the Essex Region Shoreline Natural Hazard Mapping Initiative, dated June 19, 2024, from Rebecca Belanger, Manager, Planning Services

(Considered with item 9.2 Zuzek Inc.) 

• 174-2024
  Moved By Larry Verbeke
  Seconded By Crystal Meloche

  That Essex County Council receive report number 2024-0619-IPS-R11-RB Finalization of the Essex Region Shoreline Natural Hazard Mapping Initiative as information.

  (Voted Electronically)

  In Favour (14)

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

  Carried

12.2

2023 Consolidated Financial Statements

Report number 2024-0619-FIN-R13-MR, 2023 Consolidated Financial Statements, dated June 19, 2024, from Melissa Ryan, Director, Financial Services/Treasurer

Melissa Ryan, Director, Financial Services/Treasurer provided an overview of the 2023 Consolidated Financial Statements noting that KPMG LLP conducted the audit for 2023 and provided the County with a clean unqualified audit opinion. There were no control deficiencies found and confirmed the restatements of the 2022 Financial Information were accurate and appropriately applied.

It was noted that the financial health of the County was strong and that the 2023 Financial Statements highlight the commitment of the County to sound financial planning and long term fiscal sustainability.

Gary McNamara, Mayor - Town of Tecumseh left the meeting at 7:23 PM.

• 177-2024
  Moved By Chris Gibb
  Seconded By Michael Akpata

  That Essex County Council receive the 2023 County of Essex Consolidated Financial Report;

  That Essex County Council approve the 2023 County of Essex Consolidated Financial Statements; and

  That Essex County Council approve the 2023 Sun Parlor Home Residents’ Trust Fund Statements.

  (Voted Electronically)

  In Favour (13)

  Tracey Bailey, Larry Verbeke, Michael Prue, Chris Gibb, Sherry Bondy, Rob Shepley, Dennis Rogers, Kimberly DeYong, Kirk Walstedt, Michael Akpata, Crystal Meloche, Hilda MacDonald, and Joe Bachetti

  Carried

12.3

Traffic Control at the Intersection of County Roads 9 and 10

Report number 2024-0619-IPS-R10-AB, Traffic Control at the Intersection of County Roads 9 and 10, dated June 19, 2024 from Allan Botham, Director, Infrastructure and Planning Services

Allan Botham provided Council with the results of a traffic study conducted at the intersection of County Road 9 and County Road 10. The study indicates that an electric traffic signal system would be appropriate in this location.

Discussion took place regarding the current state of construction of the bridge adjacent to this intersection and whether it was financially and operationally feasible to accelerate the signalization of the intersection to coincide with current road closures.

• 178-2024
  Moved By Kimberly DeYong
  Seconded By Gary McNamara

  That Essex County Council receive report 2024-0619-IPS-R10-AB, Traffic Control at the Intersection of County Roads 9 and 10, as information.

  (Voted Electronically)

  In Favour (14)

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

  Carried

12.4

Cost Sharing Agreement with Town of Tecumseh

Report number 2024-0619-IPS-R14-AB Cost Sharing Agreement with Town of Tecumseh, dated June 19, 2024 from Allan Botham, Director, Infrastructure and Planning Services

Allan Botham provided County Council with information and recommendations related to entering into a Cost Sharing Agreement with the Town of Tecumseh related to Phase II of the County Road 42/County Road 43 project.

• 179-2024
  Moved By Gary McNamara
  Seconded By Joe Bachetti

  That Essex County Council receive Report number 2024-0619-IPS-R14-AB for information and authorize the Clerk and the Warden to execute the Costs Sharing Agreement with the Town of Tecumseh, substantially in the form appended to this Report.

  (Voted Electronically)

  In Favour (14)

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

  Carried

12.5

Shared Tower Lease Agreement

Report number 2024-0619-SPH-R04-JBK Shared Tower Lease Agreement, dated June 19, 2024, from Jayne Brooks Keller, Administrator, Sun Parlor Home

Jayne Brooks Keller provided Council with information pertaining to the request from Shared Tower Inc to lease lands from the Sun Parlor Home for the purpose of erecting a cellular signal tower.  Jayne outlined that the process of arriving at the agreement included consultations with internal and external partners, including Essex Region Conservation Authority.

Discussion took place with regard to the recommended proximity of cellular towers to residential areas and whether the distance of this installation would be adequate.

Brooks Keller advised that the revenue realized from the lease agreement would be allocated to a special fund that would support social programs to the residents of Sun Parlor Home.

• 180-2024
  Moved By Rob Shepley
  Seconded By Dennis Rogers

  That Essex County Council receive report number 2024-0619-SPH-R04-JBK as information and authorize the Warden and Clerk to execute a Lease Agreement with Shared Tower for the lease of approximately 80 square metres of land for the installation of a cellular signal tower.

  (Voted electronically)

  In Favour (14)

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

  Carried

12.6

SPH Building Condition Assessment

Report number 2024-0619-SPH-R03-JBK, SPH Building Condition Assessment, dated June 19, 2024 from Jayne Brooks Keller, Administrator, Sun Parlor Home

Jayne Brooks Keller provided the report to County Council that outlined redevelopment options associated with the efficient and effective operation of the County’s only long-term care home. The three options provided included redeveloping the existing home, building a new home, or continue to operate the home in its current form.

Brooks Keller explained that positive reputation of the home and the mandated requirement to provide a long-term care facility in the County make SPH a desirable option for the aging population and considerations must be given to ensure the facility is poised for success into the future. 

Discussion took place regarding current and forecasted need for long-term care beds and the role that the SPH plays in service to the community.

• 181-2024
  Moved By Tracey Bailey
  Seconded By Sherry Bondy

  That County Council receive report – SPH Building Condition Assessment for information; and

  That County Council authorize Administration to further explore options to redevelop Sun Parlor Home by engaging a consultant.

  (Voted Electronically)

  In Favour (14)

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

  Carried

13.

Unfinished Business

There was no Unfinished Business for June 19, 2024. 

14.

New Business

There was no New Business for June 19, 2024. 

15.

Adoption of By-Laws

• 182-2024
  Moved By Crystal Meloche
  Seconded By Kimberly DeYong

  That By-laws 2024-31 through 2024-33, having been read a first, second and third time, be finally passed and enacted. 

  (Voted Electronically)

  In Favour (14)

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

  Carried

15.1

By-law Number 2024-31

Being a By-law to authorize a cost sharing agreement between the Corporation of the County of Essex and the Town of Tecumseh

15.2

By-law Number 2024-32

Being a by-law to authorize a lease agreement between the County of Essex and Shared Tower Inc.

15.3

By-law Number 2024-33

Being a by-law to confirm the proceedings of the Council of the Corporation of the County of Essex for June 19, 2024

16.

Notice of Motion

16.1

Traffic Signals at the intersection of County Roads 9 and 10

Michael Prue brought forward the following Notice of Motion:

That Council approve the signals at CR 9 and CR 10 during the construction phase of that project, and that monies be found in the existing construction budget.

17.

Adjournment

• 183-2024
  Moved By Kimberly DeYong
  Seconded By Joe Bachetti

  That the Essex County Council meeting for June 19, 2024 be adjourned at 8:20 PM.

  (Voted by show of hands)

  Carried