Essex County Council Regular Meeting Minutes

Wednesday, November 01, 2023

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:

• Mary Birch, Director, Legislative and Community Services/Clerk
• Allan Botham, Director, Infrastructure & Planning Services
• Jayne Brooks Keller, Administrator - Sun Parlor Home
• Adam Craig, CEO and Chief Librarian - Essex County Library
• Katherine Hebert, Manager, Records and Accessibility/Deputy Clerk
• Don McArthur, Manager, Communication and Organizational Development
• David Sundin, County Solicitor
• Crystal Sylvestre, Coordinator, Legislative and Community Services
• Sandra Zwiers, Chief Administrative Officer
• Rebecca Belanger, Manager of Planning Services
• Justin Lammers, Chief, Essex-Windsor EMS
• Heidi McLeod, Manager, Accounting - Administration/Deputy Treasurer
• Melissa Ryan, Director, Financial Services / Treasurer

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1.

Closed Meeting

Essex County Council held a Closed Meeting at 5:00PM on November 1, 2023.

• 295-2023
  Moved By Rob Shepley
  Seconded By Crystal Meloche

  That Council move into a closed meeting pursuant to Section 239 (2) (d) of the Municipal Act, 2001, as amended for the following reason(s):

  • Labour relations or Employee negotiations.
  Carried
• 297-2023
  Moved By Rob Shepley
  Seconded By Michael Akpata

  That Essex County Council adjourn, and rise from the Closed Meeting at 5:11 PM. 

  Carried

2.

Moment of Reflection

3.

Singing of ‘O Canada’

Members of the Royal Canadian Legion presented poppies to members of Essex County Council.

The following people attended on behalf of the Royal Canadian Legion:

• Korean War Veteran Spike Bell
• Afghanistan War Veteran James Dorner
• RCL Branch 157 Amherstburg President Ernie Gazdig
• RCL Branch 201 Essex President Dave Renaud
• RCL Branch 338 Harrow President Jeremy Sinasac
• RCL Branch 399 Belle River President Richard Brooks
• RCL Branch 399 Belle River 1^st Vice President Ernie Parent
• RCL Branch 594 Tecumseh President Morris Brause
• RCL Branch 594 Tecumseh Poppy Chair Gerry Ciurysek

Reverend Gene Lotz presented to Warden MacDonald his books, The Anguish of War and Canadians in a Forgotten War.

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.

6.

County Warden’s Welcome and Remarks

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

The Warden reminded everyone to offer a donation towards the Royal Canadian Legion Poppy drive to honour the service and sacrifice of veterans by supporting Legion programs.

Warden MacDonald thanked Deputy Mayor Michael Akpata for his service to our Country and for his efforts to organize the poppy presentation.

7.

Disclosure of Pecuniary Interest

There were no disclosures of pecuniary interest raised.

8.

Adoption of Regular Meeting Minutes

Minutes of the October 18, 2023 Regular and Special meetings of Essex County Council. 

• 298-2023
  Moved By Crystal Meloche
  Seconded By Larry Verbeke

  That the minutes of the October 18, 2023 Regular and Special Meetings of Essex County Council be adopted as presented. (Voted by Show of Hands)

  Carried

9.

Delegations and Presentations

9.1

Tourism Windsor Essex Pelee Island (TWEPI)

Gordon Orr, Chief Executive Officer, Lynnette Bain, Vice President Destination Development and Jason Toner, Director of Marketing & Communications presented TWEPI’s plans for 2024 and unveiled the new video highlighting their marketing brand

Gordon Orr highlighted TWEPI’s accomplishments in 2023, including connections made to local and international users in a variety of methods.

Jason Toner reviewed the statistics related to communication methods compared to 2022 noting significant increases.

Lynnette Bain provided the overview of TWEPI’s plans for 2024 and unveiled the new video containing the marketing brand.

• 299-2023
  Moved By Rob Shepley
  Seconded By Gary McNamara

  That the delegation from TWEPI be permitted to address County Council.(Voted by Show of Hands)

  Carried

9.2

Ministry of Transportation

Kyle Saulnier, Area Manager and Sivaganesh Tharmabala, Senior Project Engineer - MTO, presented virtually, regarding the Highway 3 Widening from Essex to Leamington: Phase 3 Contract 2 P3 Design Build Finance Delivery

To be considered with agenda item 12.1 Highway 3 Widening Construction Update

Kyle Saulnier provided Council with an update regarding Phase 3 Contract 2 in the Highway 3 Widening Project.

Contract 2 included the 15.7 km section of roadway east of County Road 23 to west of County Road 34 and was expected to begin in 2024.

Kyle explained that the design included four permanent road closures to enhance safety by limiting access and routing traffic to three signalized intersections. Road realignment and drainage modifications were planned at several intersections along Highway 3.

Discussion included the impacts of the intersection closures to the agriculture community, noting specifically the potential for accessing properties on either side of Highway 3 by travelling through settlement areas with farm machinery.  Kyle explained that the issue was scheduled to be discussed at an Ontario Land Tribunal merit hearing on November 2, 2023.

Increased vehicle noise was brought forward as a concern following the completion of previous phases due to different surface treatments; to which Kyle offered information regarding the mechanisms in place to report concerns.

• 300-2023
  Moved By Joe Bachetti
  Seconded By Rob Shepley

  That the delegation from the Ministry of Transportation be permitted to address County Council. (Voted by Show of Hands)

  Carried

9.3

NPG Planning Solutions and Miller Silani, Planning Consultants

Larry Silani, Official Plan Planning Advisor, Miller Silani, Planning Consultants and Mary-Lou Tanner, President, NPG Planning Solutions offered County Council an update regarding the County of Essex Official Plan Review Update - Policy Directions

To be considered with agenda item 12.2

Mary Lou Tanner reviewed the work that had been completed to date and discussed next steps in the process of refreshing the County’s Official Plan.

Mary Lou explained that the goal was to integrate important key elements that will focus the growth of the County in a sustainable manner.

Mary Lou explained each of the key themes and how each contribute to the positive growth of the County.

Mary Lou reviewed different scenarios and offered recommendations based on the data collected to best address housing and job growth concerns. 

Mary Lou explained that feedback would continue to be accepted into early December 2023 and a first draft of the new Official Plan would be released in January 2024.

Discussion included the importance of regularly reviewing the Official Plan to ensure that the plan is working as intended and course correct if needed.

• 302-2023
  Moved By Rob Shepley
  Seconded By Kirk Walstedt

  That the delegation from NPG Planning Solutions and Miller Silani Planning Consultants be permitted to address County Council. (Voted by A Show of Hands)

  Carried

9.4

Canada South Land Trust

Patricia McGorman, President, was scheduled to speak to County Council about the importance of conserving the natural heritage.  (In reference to Item 12.4 Natural Heritage Areas Preservation By-law.)

Patricia McGorman experienced technical difficulties and the presentation was not provided.

• 304-2023
  Moved By Rob Shepley
  Seconded By Michael Prue

  That the delegation from the Canada South Land Trust be permitted to address County Council. (Voted by Show of Hands)

  Carried

10.

Communications

10.1

Correspondence

• 305-2023
  Moved By Kirk Walstedt
  Seconded By Joe Bachetti

  That the correspondence listed on the Regular Agenda for November 1, 2023, be received and any noted action approved. (Voted by Show of Hands)

  Carried

10.1.1

Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO)

• October 16, 2023 AMO Online Training - Competing Rights: What You Need to Know
• October 18, 2023 Policy Update - Social and Economic Prosperity Review
• October 19, 2023 AMO Watchfile Online
• October 26, 2023 AMO Watchfile Online

10.2

Resolutions

10.2.1

Western Ontario Warden's Caucus

Correspondence to the Provincial government requesting that Strong Mayor Powers be reversed and requesting financial resources be allocated to rural and small urban municipalities to assist in tackling the housing and affordability crisis in Ontario.

• 306-2023
  Moved By Crystal Meloche
  Seconded By Kimberly DeYong

  The Essex County Council receive and support the resolution from the Western Ontario Warden's Caucus requesting that Strong Mayor Powers be reversed. (Voted by Show of Hands)

  Carried

10.2.2

Western Ontario Warden's Caucus

Correspondence to the Minister of Energy in support of the "Leave to Construct Threshold" change from $2 million to $20 million for hydrocarbon lines, while maintaining current requirements and expectations for Indigenous consultation and environmental review for projects greater than $2 million and less than $10 million.

• 307-2023
  Moved By Gary McNamara
  Seconded By Joe Bachetti

  The Essex County Council receive and support the resolution from the Western Ontario Warden's Caucus supporting updating the Leave to Construct Threshold for hydrocarbon lines. (Voted by Show of Hands)

  Carried

11.

Consent Agenda

There were no items for the Consent Agenda for November 1, 2023.

12.

Reports and Questions

12.1

Highway 3 Widening Construction Update (Def. from October 18, 2023)

Report number 2023-1018-IPS-R35-AB, Highway 3 Widening Construction Update, dated October 18, 2023 from Allan Botham, Director, Infrastructure and Planning Services 

To be considered with agenda item 9.2 MTO Delegation.

Allan Botham explained that the proposed Agreement between the County and the Ministry of Transportation defined the responsibilities of each party during Contract 2 of the Highway 3 Widening project.

• 301-2023
  Moved By Dennis Rogers
  Seconded By Crystal Meloche

  That Essex County Council authorize the Warden and the Clerk to execute an Agreement with MTO in substantially the form of Agreement appended to this Report.

  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

County of Essex Official Plan Review Update- Policy Directions

Report number 2023-1101-IPS-R39-RB, County of Essex Official Plan Review Update- Policy Directions, dated November 1, 2023, from Rebecca Belanger, Manager, Planning Services

To be considered with Agenda Item 9.3

• 303-2023
  Moved By Gary McNamara
  Seconded By Tracey Bailey

  That Essex County Council receive Report 2023-1101-IPS-R39-RB from the Manager, Planning Services with regard to the County of Essex Official Plan Review Process.

  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

12.3

Summary of Comments from the Public Meeting for OPA to Modify CIP Policies

Report number 2023-1101-IPS-R38-RB, Summary of Comments from the Public Meeting for OPA to Modify CIP Policies, dated November 1, 2023 from Rebecca Belanger, Manager, Planning Services 

Rebecca Belanger summarized the outcomes of the Public Meeting held on October 4, 2023 to gather input regarding OPA-4.  Rebecca reported that there were no comments presented at the Public meeting nor had there been any comments received before the meeting.  Rebecca reminded Council that other public organizations had provided support of the Official Plan Amendment.

Rebecca explained that the next steps would be to provide a copy of the executed By-law to the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing and the County’s local tier municipal partners. Following that, as the program guide was developed it would be circulated through the local tier municipal offices for comments and return to County Council for review and approval.

• 308-2023
  Moved By Chris Gibb
  Seconded By Larry Verbeke

  That Essex County Council receive 2023-1101-IPS-R38-RB, from the Planner, with regard to the proposed Official Plan Amendment No. 3 and adopt By-law 2023-52. (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

Natural Heritage Areas Preservation By-law

Report number 2023-1101-IPS-R37-RB-DS, Natural Heritage Areas Preservation By-law, dated November 1, 2023 from Rebecca Belanger, Manager, Planning Services and David Sundin, County Solicitor  

Rebecca Belanger and David Sundin provided the report to Council in response to a Motion approved at the March 15, 2023 Regular Meeting of County Council requesting a report regarding the feasibility of a tree cutting and site alteration by-law pertaining to designated protected natural heritage features and land identified on the natural environment overlay in the Essex County Official Plan.

David Sundin explained that as a result of the passage of Bill 68, Modernizing Ontario's Municipal Legislation Act, 2016, municipalities were required under the Municipal Act, 2001, Section 270 (1) 7. to adopt and maintain policies regarding:

270(1) 7. The manner in which the municipality will protect and enhance the tree canopy and natural vegetation in the municipality.

David explained that the County was yet to put in place a by-law pertaining to this legislation and provided some examples of by-laws that had been used in other municipalities throughout Ontario.

Rebecca reviewed variety of legislations and programs that could be used to define the parameters of the by-law and outline the responsibilities should Council choose to implement a by-law.

Discussion included the types of property a by-law may include and enforcement opportunities and constraints.

• 309-2023
  Moved By Chris Gibb
  Seconded By Crystal Meloche

  That Essex County Council receive Report number 2023-1101-IPS-R37-RLB-DMS, Natural Heritage Areas Preservation By-law, dated November 1, 2023, from Rebecca Belanger, Manager, Planning Services and David Sundin, County Solicitor;

  That Essex County Council direct Administration to investigate potential approaches to further enhance/implement/improve the existing policies and by-laws of the County regarding tree preservation and tree canopy enhancement; and

  That Council direct Staff to bring a further Report to Council regarding options and next steps related to a Natural Heritage Areas Preservation By-law for County Council's further consideration following consultation with each of the local municipalities and prior to proceeding with a formal public engagement initiative. (Voted Electronically)

  In Favour (11)	Larry Verbeke, Michael Prue, Chris Gibb, Sherry Bondy, Rob Shepley, Dennis Rogers, Kimberly DeYong, Michael Akpata, Crystal Meloche, Hilda MacDonald, and Joe Bachetti
  Opposed (3)	Tracey Bailey, Kirk Walstedt, and Gary McNamara

  Carried

12.5

Essex-Windsor EMS 2024 Pre-Budget Approval for Full-Time Staff Enhancement

Report number 2023-1101-EMS-R02-JL, Essex-Windsor EMS 2024 Pre-Budget Approval for Full-Time Staff Enhancement, dated November 1, 2023, from Justin Lammers, Chief, Essex-Windsor Emergency Medical Services

Chief Lammers provided Council with the report regarding approval for six full time equivalents for the remainder of 2023.

Chief Lammers explained that activating the additional staff would serve to relieve some of the pressures being experienced by the service by realigning resources.

• 310-2023
  Moved By Kimberly DeYong
  Seconded By Larry Verbeke

  That Essex County Council approve Essex-Windsor EMS to enhance Paramedic staff by six (6) FTE starting November 20, 2023. (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

Essex-Windsor EMS 2024 Pre-Budget Vehicle Procurement Approval

Report number 2023-1101-EMS-R09-JL, Essex-Windsor EMS 2024 Pre-Budget Vehicle Procurement Approval, dated November 1, 2023, from Justin Lammers, Chief, Essex-Windsor Emergency Medical Services 

Chief Lammers reported that the anticipated delivery of the requested vehicles would be Fall 2024 to Spring 2025 and procurement of the proposed vehicles required a deposit to prevent any further delay in delivery.

Chief Lammers explained that three of the eight proposed ambulances would be a cab and chassis purchase only, allowing EWEMS to transfer the patient compartment and other major conversion components from existing units.  The Chief further explained that this was only an option one time and therefore the remaining five units would be full units in order to furnish the Asset Management Plan fleet replacement schedule and enhancement plans into the future.

The Early Response Vehicles had not been formally quoted and the order dates were unconfirmed; the requested amount was in line with industry expectations.  The request for pre-budget approval was presented to allow the service to respond quickly should the units become available for order.

The vehicle replacement schedule indicated that three District Chief vehicles were scheduled to be replaced in 2024.  After consultation with the fleet department, Chief Lammers recommended that it was practical to purchase one unit in 2024 and extend the schedule for replacement of the other two to 2025.

• 311-2023
  Moved By Tracey Bailey
  Seconded By Joe Bachetti

  That Essex County Council provide Essex Windsor EMS with 2024 pre-budget approval to proceed with:

  1. The 2024 ordering of eight (8) Crestline Coach Ltd. Type III ambulances with a total purchase price of $1,751,477 (plus HST).
  2. The 2024 ordering of three (3) Emergency Response Vehicles with conversion for an estimated purchase price of $360,000 (plus HST).
  3. The 2024 ordering of one (1) pickup truck with conversion, for an estimated purchase price of $153,000 (plus HST). (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

12.7

Corporate Policies Finance/Accounting Updates

Report number 2023-1101-FIN-R21-HM, Corporate Policies Finance/Accounting Updates, dated November 1, 2023, from Heidi McLeod, Manager, Accounting - Administration/Deputy Treasurer

Heidi McLeod provided an overview of policy revisions for the finance department.

Heidi explained that the new Policy 2023-05 Asset Retirement Obligations Policy was presented to identify and measure the County’s obligations under the Public Sector Accounting Board section 3280. This section requires municipalities to report legal obligations that the County has with respect to the retirement of certain tangible capital assets as liabilities in the annual Financial Statements.

Review of Policy 2019-002 Strategic Asset Management Policy was conducted after a review of other municipal policies, and in conjunction with O.Reg 588/17. Heidi explained that the revisions more clearly define the framework for the development of future asset management plans, ensures alignment with other County long-term planning initiatives, and works in collaboration with local municipalities for shared assets

Heidi further explained that Policy 2009-003 Accounting for Tangible Capital Assets Policy had been reviewed and revised to adjust the estimated useful life of our assets and streamline asset subclasses.

• 312-2023
  Moved By Michael Prue
  Seconded By Dennis Rogers

  That Essex County Council adopt 2023-05 Asset Retirement Obligations Policy and approve the proposed revisions to Policy 2019-002 (Strategic Asset Management) and 2009-003 (Tangible Capital Assets Policy). (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

12.8

Expropriation of Parts 27 and 28 on Reference Plan 12R-27997

Report number 2023-1101-LCS-R28-DS, Expropriation of Parts 27 and 28 on Reference Plan 12R-27997, dated November 1, 2023, from David Sundin, County Solicitor 

• 313-2023
  Moved By Sherry Bondy
  Seconded By Gary McNamara

  That Essex County Council defer agenda item 12.8 Expropriation of Parts 27 and 28 on Reference Plan 12R-27997 to the November 15, 2023 Regular meeting of Essex County Council. (Voted by Show of Hands)

  Carried

13.

Unfinished Business

13.1

Unfinished Business - Summary of Outstanding Reports for November 1, 2023

Report Number 2023-1101-LCS-R27-MB, Unfinished Business - Summary of Outstanding Reports for November 1, 2023

• 314-2023
  Moved By Larry Verbeke
  Seconded By Chris Gibb

  That Essex County Council receive report number 2023-1101-LCS-R27-MB, Summary of Outstanding Reports as information. (Voted by Show of Hands)

  Carried

14.

New Business

14.1

Public Reporting of Closed Meeting

A Closed Meeting was held prior to the regular meeting of Council this evening, pursuant to Sections 239 (2) (d) of the Municipal Act, 2001 as amended.

Council was advised that a tentative settlement on a 3 year collective agreement with Teamsters Local 879, had been reached.  The union membership had met and ratified the tentative agreement.

• 315-2023
  Moved By Gary McNamara
  Seconded By Rob Shepley

  That Essex County Council authorize the ratification of the 3-year collective agreement as negotiated between the Corporation and Teamsters Local 879 for the term April 1, 2023 to March 31, 2026. (Voted by Show of Hands)

  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

14.2

Traffic Control Study at the intersection of County Rd 9 and Alma Road

Michael Prue brought forward the following Notice of Motion:

Whereas Amherstburg Town Council has voted at their October 10, 2023 meeting to direct Mayor Prue and/or Deputy Mayor Gibb to introduce a Notice of Motion to County Council requesting a Traffic Control Study at the intersection of County Rd 9 and Alma Road;

And whereas this intersection is owned by the County of Essex and is located within the Municipality of Amherstburg;

Now therefore, Essex County Council requests that County Administration conduct a Traffic Study for the said intersection.

• 316-2023
  Moved By Michael Prue
  Seconded By Chris Gibb

  Whereas Amherstburg Town Council has voted at their October 10, 2023 meeting to direct Mayor Prue and/or Deputy Mayor Gibb to introduce a Notice of Motion to County Council requesting a Traffic Control Study at the intersection of County Rd 9 and Alma Road;

  And whereas this intersection is owned by the County of Essex and is located within the Municipality of Amherstburg;

  Now therefore, Essex County Council requests that County Administration conduct a Traffic Study for the said intersection. (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

14.3

Cost report regarding by-law 2023-40

Gary McNamara brought forward the following notice of motion:

That Administration prepare a report disclosing all costs incurred on the Regional Waste initiative, including costs of administration and consultants of both the Essex Windsor Solid Waste Authority and the County of Essex.

• 317-2023
  Moved By Gary McNamara
  Seconded By Rob Shepley

  That Administration prepare a report disclosing all costs incurred on the Regional Waste initiative, including costs of administration and consultants of both the Essex Windsor Solid Waste Authority and the County of Essex. (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, Hilda MacDonald, Gary McNamara, and Joe Bachetti
  Opposed (1)	Crystal Meloche

  Carried

14.4

2023 Silver Cross Mother

Michael Akpata brought forward the following Point of Information:

Local Silver Cross Mother, Theresa Charbonneau was attending the Silver Cross Mother Day ceremony in Ottawa to announce the Royal Canadian Legion Silver Cross Mother for 2023 and was unable to attend the poppy presentation on November 1, 2023.

The Royal Canadian Legion named Gloria Hooper, of St. Claude, Manitoba as the National Silver Cross Mother for 2023. Mrs. Hooper would represent all Silver Cross Mothers at the National War Memorial in Ottawa on Remembrance Day. Mrs. Hooper’s son, Sapper Chris Holopina was a member of the Canadian Army and was killed in Bosnia in 1996.

15.

Adoption of By-Laws

• 318-2023
  Moved By Larry Verbeke
  Seconded By Chris Gibb

  That By-law 2023-50, 2023-52 and 2023-53, 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 2023-50

Being A By-law to authorize the execution of an Agreement with His Majesty the King in right of the Province of Ontario as represented by the Minister of Transportation regarding the expansion of King's Highway 3 between County Road 23 and County Road 34.

15.2

By-law Number 2023-52

Being a By-law to adopt Official Plan Amendment Number 3 to the County of Essex Official Plan

15.3

By-law Number 2023-53

Being a By-law to confirm the proceedings of the Council of the Corporation of the County of Essex for November 1, 2023

16.

Notice of Motion

16.1

Physician Recruitment

Chris Gibb brought forward the following Notice of Motion:

Whereas Amherstburg Town Council has voted at their October 23, 2023 meeting to direct Mayor Prue and/or Deputy Mayor Gibb to bring forward a Notice of Motion to County Council a request for Administration to bring a report back on how the Physician Recruitment position could be reintroduced for the County of Essex.

16.2

Procedural By-law

Crystal Meloche brought forward the following Notice of Motion:

Whereas Administration will be presenting a revised Essex County Procedure By-law for County Council's consideration at the December 6, 2023, County Council Meeting;  

And whereas County Council does not yet know the extent of the revisions that will be proposed in the revised By-law;  

And Whereas Section 10.1 of the existing By-law provides that the Agenda and supporting documents will be made available "to members of council in the calendar week prior to that in which the meeting falls" and such agenda is usually distributed on the Friday of that week;  

And Whereas Section 10.3 provides that agendas and supporting material will be "posted on the County's website on the Monday preceding the meeting" unless the Monday is a holiday, at which point the material is published on the Tuesday;  

And Whereas these publishing dates don't provide enough time for members of County Council, nor members of the public, to review the agenda material;  

Accordingly, it is moved that, Section 10.1 of the Procedure By-law be amended to provide that the agenda, including supporting documents, be made available to members of council at least seven (7) days prior to the meeting;  

And that Section 10.3 be amended to provide that the agenda, with supporting documents, be posted on the County of Essex's website.  

17.

Adjournment

• 319-2023
  Moved By Rob Shepley
  Seconded By Joe Bachetti

  That the Essex County Council meeting for November 1, 2023 be adjourned at 9:09 PM. (Voted by Show of Hands)

  Carried