Essex County Council Regular Meeting Minutes

Wednesday, March 04, 2020

Meeting Time: 6:30 PM Closed Meeting; 7:00 PM Regular Meeting

Council Chambers, 2nd Floor

360 Fairview Avenue West

Essex, Ontario N8M 1Y6

519-776-6441, ext. 1335

Council:

• Gary McNamara, Warden, Mayor, Town of Tecumseh
• Joe Bachetti, Deputy Mayor, Town of Tecumseh
• Tracey Bailey, Deputy Mayor, Town of Lakeshore
• Tom Bain, Mayor, Town of Lakeshore
• Marc Bondy, Mayor, Town of LaSalle
• Aldo DiCarlo, Mayor, Town of Amherstburg
• Crystal Meloche, Deputy Mayor, Town of LaSalle
• Leo Meloche, Deputy Mayor, Town of Amherstburg
• 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
• Morley Bowman, Alternate Councillor, Town of Essex

Absent:

• Hilda MacDonald, Mayor, Municipality of Leamington
• Richard Meloche, Deputy Mayor, Town of Essex

Administration:

• Mary Birch, Director of Council & Community Services/Clerk
• Jayne Brooks Keller, Administrator - Sun Parlor Home
• Robin Greenall, CEO/Chief Librarian, Essex County Library
• Bruce Krauter, Chief, Essex Windsor EMS
• Rob Maisonville, Chief Administrative Officer
• Jane Mustac, Director of Infrastructure Services/County Engineer
• Greg Schlosser, Director Human Resources
• Sandra Zwiers, Director of Financial Services/Treasurer
• Renée Trombley, Manager Corporate Communications and Organizational Development
• Katherine Hebert, Deputy Clerk
• Danielle Dunlop, Administrative Assistant to the Chief of EWEMS

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1.

Closed Meeting

A Closed Meeting was held on March 4th, 2020 at 6:30 p.m.

• 26-2020
  Moved By Marc Bondy
  Seconded By Aldo DiCarlo

  That Council move into a closed meeting pursuant to Section 239 (2) (c ) and (h) of the Municipal Act, 2001, as amended for the following reasons:

  • The proposed acquisition of lands by The Corporation of the County of Essex.
  • Information explicitly supplied in confidence to the County by the Province.
  Carried
• 28-2020
  Moved By Tom Bain
  Seconded By Joe Bachetti

  That Council rise from the Closed meeting.

  Carried

2.

Moment of Reflection

3.

Singing of ‘O Canada’

5.

Disclosure of Pecuniary Interest

There were no conflicts of pecuniary interest declared.

6.

Adoption of Regular Meeting Minutes

Essex County Council Meeting Minutes for February 19, 2020

• 29-2020
  Moved By Larry Verbeke
  Seconded By Aldo DiCarlo

  That the minutes of the February 19, 2020 Regular Meeting of Essex County Council be adopted as presented.

  Carried

4.

Recording of Attendance

Hilda MacDonald and Richard Meloche were absent.  Councillor Morley Bowman was in attendance as the alternate member for the Town of Essex.

 

7.

County Warden’s Welcome and Remarks

Warden McNamara welcomed all in attendance and the viewing audience.  He addressed the global awareness of the Corona-virus and advised that the Public Health Unit and local hospitals were working diligently to assure that proper protocols and contingency programs were being put in place. He stressed the need to be prepared as much as possible for a potential pandemic.

8.

Delegations and Presentations

8.1

Support for Canadian Automotive Strategy (Addendum Item)

Dave Cassidy, President Local 444, Unifor National Skilled Trades Chairperson, seeking Essex County Council's support of their call on the Federal Government to develop a Canadian Auto Policy.

David Cassidy spoke to the recent announcement of the discontinuance of the third shift at the Windsor Assembly Plant scheduled for June 29, 2020.  Mr. Cassidy stated that the local 'feeder plants' would be effected as well.

Mr. Cassidy stated that they were seeking financial aid from the Federal Government for a new SUV to be manufactured at the Windsor Assembly Plant. Mr. Cassidy requested a letter of support from County Council and the local municipalities to send to the Federal Government, requesting the development of a National Automotive Strategy.

Warden McNamara thanked Mr. Cassidy for his remarks and agreed that a new product for the plant was critical.  He addressed the lack of investment in the auto sector in Canada and it's local impact. He stated that, as community leaders, local politicians needed to support men and women that would to be affected.

Mayor Bondy questioned the Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) laws. Mr. Cassidy advised that the laws are around emissions and that there are 13 states that the caravan cannot be sold in due to its weight.

Warden McNamara indicated that he would like to include in the letter of support for a National Automotive Strategy to also include a recommendation for FCA to bring the new product here as well.

• 30-2020
  Moved By Larry Snively
  Seconded By Marc Bondy

  That Essex County Council grant an exception to Policy #95-004 - Delegations to County Council , in accordance with Section 5.2 and permit Mr. Cassidy to speak to Essex County Council.  (requires 2/3 vote)

  Carried
• 31-2020
  Moved By Aldo DiCarlo
  Seconded By Gord Queen

  The Essex County Council send a letter to the federal government in support of the development of National Automotive Strategy, ensuring there are sector development goals and investment targets in place;

  And further that the correspondence be circulated to local municipalities in Essex County, seeking their support as well. 

  Carried

11.

Reports and Questions

11.4

County Road 42 – Expropriation Phases 2, 3, and 5

Report Number 2020-0304-IS-R008-JM, dated March 4, 2020, from the Director of Infrastructure Services/County Engineer.

David Sundin, County Solicitor, explained that County Council was the approval authority for the expropriation of properties required for Phases 2,3 and 5, which would be necessary for the expansion of County Road 42.  Mr. Sundin reviewed the legal descriptions of the properties included and the Reasons for Decision for approving the required properties.

• 33-2020
  Moved By Marc Bondy
  Seconded By Tom Bain

  That County Council authorize the execution of By-law 2020-10 for the expropriation of certain lands for the widening of a portion of County Road 42 (Phases 2,3, and 5).

  Carried

9.

Communications

9.1

Correspondence

• 34-2020
  Moved By Tracey Bailey
  Seconded By Crystal Meloche

  That the correspondence listed on the regular agenda for March 4, 2020 be received and any noted action approved. 

  Carried

9.1.6

Municipality of Southwest Middlesex 

Received a copy of correspondence regarding their February 12, 2020 resolution supporting the intent of Bill 156, Security from Trespass and Protecting Food Safety Act, 2019 and requesting the Province to also include protections against trespass for grain farm operations.

Mayor Bondy asked that Council consider supporting the resolution of the Municipality of Southwest Middlesex seeking to add a provision to include grain farm operators to Bill 156, Security From Trespass and Protecting Food Safety Act, 2019.

• 35-2020
  Moved By Marc Bondy
  Seconded By Leo Meloche

  That Essex County Council support the resolution of the Municipality of Southwest Middlesex seeking to add a provision to include grain farm operators to Bill 156, Security From Trespass and Protecting Food Safety Act, 2019.

  Carried

9.2

Resolutions

There were no resolutions for Council's consideration for March 4, 2020.

10.

Consent Agenda

• 36-2020
  Moved By Nelson Santos
  Seconded By Larry Snively

  That the information item listed as item 10.1 on the Consent Agenda for March 4, 2020 be received.

  Carried

11.

Reports and Questions

11.1

Essex County Library Board 

Minutes of the Essex County Library Board for January 22, 2020, Nelson Santos, Chair.

That the minutes of the Essex County Library Board for January 22, 2020 be received.

Deputy Mayor Leo Meloche advised that he had some books he wished to donate to the Library. Ms. Greenall advised that she could assist in finding an organization which could benefit from the donation.

• 37-2020
  Moved By Nelson Santos
  Seconded By Crystal Meloche

  That the minutes of the Essex County Library Board for January 22, 2020 be received.

  Carried

11.2

2020 Annual Debt Repayment Limit

Report Number 2020-0304-FIN-R003-SZ, dated March 4, 2020,  from Sandra Zwiers, Director of Financial Services Department/Treasurer.

Ms. Zwiers reported on the 2020 annual debt repayment limit established by the OMB.

 

• 38-2020
  Moved By Marc Bondy
  Seconded By Gord Queen

  That County Council receive the 2020 Annual Repayment Limit report for information.

  Carried

11.3

Sun Parlor Home LSAA Amending Agreement

Report 2020-0304-SPH-002-JBK LSAA Extension from Jayne Brooks-Keller, Administrator, Sun Parlor Home. 

(Revised recommendation - March 3, 2020)

Ms. Brooks-Keller provided a report addressing 'housekeeping' issues related to the Long Term Care Services Accountability Agreement, noting that terminology in the previous agreement was being altered to reflect changes in the governance structure from the Local Health Integration Network to Ontario Health.  She advised that the extension agreement would lapse June 30th, 2020 at which time a new agreement with Ontario Health should be available.  She noted there were no funding changes proposed in the extension agreement.

• 39-2020
  Moved By Tracey Bailey
  Seconded By Tom Bain

  That the Warden and Clerk be authorized to enter into the Long-term Care Home Service Accountability Agreement (LSAA) for the Sun Parlor Home with the Erie St. Clair LHIN for the period April 1, 2020 - June 30, 2020;

  And further that Essex County Council authorizes the execution of the Declaration of Compliance indicating that, to the best of their knowledge and belief, Sun Parlor Home has fulfilled, its obligations under the LSAA in effect during the period January 1, 2019 to December 31, 2019.

  Carried

11.5

Civic Centre Lease Agreements - Essex County Federation of Agriculture (ECFA) and the Essex-Windsor Solid Waste Authority (EWSWA)

Report Number 2020-0304-IS-R006-JM, dated March 4, 2020, from Jane Mustac, Director of Infrastructure Services/County Engineer.

Ms. Mustac presented a report recommending formalizing lease agreements for space in the Civic Centre with the Essex County Federation of Agriculture and the Essex Windsor Solid Waste Authority.

In response to a question, Deputy Mayor Leo Meloche was advised that they were gross leases. 

• 40-2020
  Moved By Crystal Meloche
  Seconded By Leo Meloche

  That County Council adopt By-Laws #2020-08 and #2020-09, authorizing the execution of lease agreements with the Essex County Federation of Agriculture and the Essex-Windsor Solid Waste Authority.

  Carried

11.6

Tender Summary - 2020 Road Rehabilitation, Hot Mix Overlay

Report 2020-0304-ISD-R009-JM Tender Summary - 2020 Rehabilitation - Hot Mix Overlay, from Jane Mustac, Director of Infrastructure Services Department. 

Ms. Mustac presented a report providing a recommendation on the award of the tender for the 2020 Road Rehabilitation - hot mix overlay.  She advised that an exemption to the noise by-law would be sought from the Town of Tecumseh to allow for evening work.

• 41-2020
  Moved By Marc Bondy
  Seconded By Aldo DiCarlo

  That the tender for Hot Mix Overlay be awarded to Mill-Am Corporation for a total Tender amount of $4,050,074.50 plus H.S.T.

  Carried

12.

Unfinished Business

13.

New Business

13.1

Public Reporting of Closed Meeting

Warden McNamara reported that a Closed Meeting of Essex County Council was held at 6:30 p.m., prior to the regular Council meeting, pursuant to Sections 239 (2)(c) and (h) of the Municipal Act, 2001, as amended.

Council was provided with legal advice regarding the acquisition of lands required by the County for the widening of County Road 42 and diversion of County Road 43, including the expropriation approval process for lands required by the County for Phases 2, 3 and 5 of the County Road 42 project.

Council was also present with information which was explicitly supplied in confidence to the County by the Province.

14.

Adoption of By-Laws

• 42-2020
  Moved By Tom Bain
  Seconded By Aldo DiCarlo

  That By-laws 2020-08 through 2020-12, having been read a first, second and third time, be finally passed and enacted. 

  Carried

14.1

By-law Number 2020-08 

A By-law to authorize the execution of a Lease Acknowledgement Agreement and Agreement to Formalize Lease between the Corporation of the County of Essex and the Essex County Federation of Agriculture.

15.

Notice of Motion

13.

New Business

13.2

Lesperance Road

Deputy Mayor Bachetti requested that Infrastructure Services investigate the timing of the traffic signals in the North/South corridor at the intersection of Banwell and Lesperance Roads.  He noted that complaints had been received, particularly between 4 to 6 pm.

16.

Adjournment

• 43-2020
  Moved By Marc Bondy
  Seconded By Crystal Meloche

  That the Essex County Council meeting for Wednesday, March 4, 2020 be adjourned at 7:50 PM.

  Carried