Essex County Council, Regular Meeting Minutes

Wednesday, June 18, 2025

6:00 P.m. - 11:00 P.m.

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
• Michael Prue, Councillor
• Dennis Rogers, Councillor
• Rob Shepley, Councillor
• Larry Verbeke, Councillor
• Kirk Walstedt, Councillor

Absent:

• Mark Carrick, Councillor, (Alternate Member)
• Tony Gaffan, Councillor, (Alternate Member)
• Brian Houston, Councillor, (Alternate Member)
• John Kerr, Councillor, (Alternate Member)
• Diane Pouget, Councillor, (Alternate Member)
• Paul Tiessen, Councillor, Municipality of Leamington (Alternate Member)
• Kimberly Verbeek, Councillor, Town of Essex (Alternate Member)

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
• Rebecca Belanger, Manager, Planning Services
• Heidi McLeod, Manager, Accounting - Administration / Deputy Treasurer

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1.

Closed Meeting

A Closed Meeting was held at 5:30 PM on June 18, 2025.

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 County Council attended the meeting at the County of Essex Administration Building, Council Chambers

6.

County Warden’s Welcome and Remarks

Warden MacDonald welcomed everyone to the Regular meeting. The Warden encouraged all residents to use extra caution when navigating
County Roads during construction season to ensure all road workers return home safely.

The Warden also reminded residents that there were several opportunities for to offer input into the County’s Transportation Master
Plan. Public Information Centre dates could be found on the County of Essex website at countyofessex.ca 

7.

Disclosure of Pecuniary Interest

There were no disclosures of pecuniary interest raised.

8.

Adoption of Regular Meeting Minutes

• 184-2025
  Moved By Gary McNamara
  Seconded By Rob Shepley

  That the minutes of the June 4, 2025 Regular Meeting and the June 4, 2025 Special Meeting of Essex County Council be adopted as presented.

  Carried

9.

Delegations and Presentations

• 185-2025
  Moved By Larry Verbeke
  Seconded By Crystal Meloche

  That item 12.1 Progress Report: Windsor Essex Regional Community Safety & Well-Being Plan be brought forward during Delegations and Presentations. 

  Carried

9.1

Windsor Essex Regional Community Safety and Well-being Plan

Michelle Oake, Project Lead, Human & Health Services, and Stephen Lynn, Manager, Social Policy and Planning, City of Windsor, provided a presentation to Council regarding the 'Annual Progress Report of the Windsor Essex Regional Community Safety & Well-Being Plan and Next Steps – City Wide'

Considered in consort with agenda item 12.1 Progress Report: Windsor Essex Regional Community Safety & Well-Being Plan. 

Michelle Oake outlined the Windsor and County regional plan developed from the framework provided by the Ministry to employ multiple disciplines to reduce priority risks before they result in poor results.

It was explained that the eight goals are defined as regional priorities. The preventative and upstream approach to achieving the goals was outlined and the accomplishments to date were highlighted.

The City and County cost share the implementation of the Plan and had secured grant funding to provide deliverables. 

10.

Communications

10.1

Correspondence

• 187-2025
  Moved By Tracey Bailey
  Seconded By Gary McNamara

  That the correspondence listed on the Regular Agenda for June 18, 2025, be received and any noted action approved. 

  Carried

10.1.1

Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO)

• AMO Watchfile Newsletter
• AMO Policy Update  - Bill 46 and Bill 10 Supporting Public Safety Workers
• AMO Calendar - Education Events

10.1.2

County of Essex Transportation Master Plan

County of Essex Transportation Master Plan, Notice of Public Information Centre No. 2. 

Members of the public are invited to attend the Public Information Centre to provide your input. The County and its Consultant (R.J. Burnside & Associates Limited) will be present to discuss the study and answer your questions. Additional information about the study is available at: https://www.countyofessex.ca/TransportationMasterPlan

10.1.3

Windsor Essex County Health Unit

May 15, 2025 Bulletin RE Windsor-Essex County Health Unit Board of Health BOH Resolution - Lyme Disease Prevention

10.1.4

City of Windsor

• May 29, 2025 Correspondence RE Tariffs, Economy and Trade
• May 29, 2025 Correspondence RE Request Removal from Strong Mayors List

10.1.5

District of Parry Sound Municipal Association

June 6, 2025 Resolution RE Supporting Municipal Ethics Through Access and Education

10.2

Resolutions

There were no resolutions for consideration for June 18, 2025.

11.

Consent Agenda

• 188-2025
  Moved By Larry Verbeke
  Seconded By Chris Gibb

  That the information item listed as item 11.1 on the said Consent Agenda be received, and that the recommendation in the Administrative Report and the Minutes listed as item 11.2 and 11.3 on the Consent Agenda for June 18, 2025, be received and approved.

  Carried

11.1

Windsor Essex Regional Community Safety and Well-being Plan - System Leadership Table

Minutes of the Windsor Essex Regional Community Safety and Well-being Plan - System Leadership Table meeting, dated December 11, 2024

11.2

Summary of Outstanding Reports - June 18, 2025

Report number 2025-0618-LLS-R30-KH, Summary of Outstanding Reports, dated June 18, 2025, from Katherine Hebert, County Clerk

11.3

Essex-Windsor Solid Waste Authority (EWSWA)

Minutes of the meeting of the Essex-Windsor Solid Waste Authority Board, dated May 6, 2025

12.

Reports and Questions

12.1

Progress Report: Windsor Essex Regional Community Safety & Well-Being Plan

Report number 2025-0618-LLS-R32-DMS, Progress Report: Windsor Essex Regional Community Safety & Well-Being Plan, dated June 18, 2025, from David Sundin, Director, Legislative and Legal Services/County Solicitor 

• 186-2025
  Moved By Chris Gibb
  Seconded By Kimberly DeYong

  That County Council receive Administrative Report Number 2025-0618-LLS-R32-DMS, Progress Report: Windsor Essex Regional Community Safety & Well-Being Plan, as information; and,

  That County Council approve the Progress Report of the Windsor Essex Regional Community Safety & Well-Being Plan and its submission to the Ministry of the Attorney General; and,

  That County Council direct Administration to develop a revised Community Safety & Well-Being Plan in cooperation with the City of Windsor and the Regional Systems Leadership Table and to bring the said revised Community Safety & Well-Being Plan back before County Council for approval.

  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

Annual Council Education and Training Plan

Report Number 2025-0618-LLS-R31-DMS, Annual Council Education and Training Plan, dated June 18, 2025, from David Sundin, Director, Legislative and Legal Services/County Solicitor  

David Sundin reviewed the County's Strategic Goal of "Growing as Leaders in Public Service Excellence" and the request of Council to develop an annual training plan. The outlined plan aims to support this goal throughout the remainder of the term of Council.

• 189-2025
  Moved By Joe Bachetti
  Seconded By Sherry Bondy

  That Essex County Council approve Administrative Report Number 2025-0618-LLS-R31-DMS, Annual Council Education and Training Plan; and,

  That Administration be directed to schedule the training contained in the Annual Training Plan.

  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

2025 Asset Management Plan (AMP)

Report number 2025-0618-FIN-R14-MR, 2025 Asset Management Plan (AMP), dated June 18, 2025, from Melissa Ryan, Director, Financial Services/Treasurer

Melissa Ryan introduced Heidi McLeod to provide the Asset Management Plan (AMP) presentation.

Heidi McLeod explained that the AMP included both core and non-core assets and the proposed level of service. Detailed information regarding the condition of the County's assets and the resulting financial implications was provided by department.

• 190-2025
  Moved By Rob Shepley
  Seconded By Sherry Bondy

  That Essex County Council approve report number 2025-0604-FIN-R14-MR, 2025 Asset Management Plan (AMP); and,

  That administration be directed to incorporate the findings of the 2025 Asset Management Plan into the 2026 Budget preparation process to continue to address the shortfall in replacement costs.

  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

2024 County of Essex Consolidated Financial Statements

Report number 2025-0618-FIN-R15-MR, 2024 County of Essex Consolidated Financial Statements, dated June 18, 2025, from Melissa Ryan, Director, Financial Services/Treasurer

Melissa Ryan provided an overview of the 2024 Consolidated Financial Statements noting that KPMG LLP conducted the audit for 2024 and provided the County with a clean audit option. It was noted that three new accounting standards had been implemented with no negative impacts. 

The County continues to be on strong financial footing the 2024 Financial Statements highlight the commitment of the County to sound financial planning and long-term fiscal sustainability.

• 191-2025
  Moved By Michael Akpata
  Seconded By Crystal Meloche

  That Essex County Council receive report number 2025-0618-FIN-R15-MR, 2024 County of Essex Consolidated Financial Statements Report as information and

  That Essex County Council approve the 2024 County of Essex Consolidated Financial Statements; and

  That Essex County Council approve the 2024 Sun Parlor Home Residents’ Trust Fund Statements.

  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

Summary of Public Comments - OPA 8, 720-730 Mersea Road 8, Municipality of Leamington

Report number 2025-0618-IPS-R14-RB, Summary of Public Comments - OPA 8, 720-730 Mersea Road 8, Municipality of Leamington, dated June 18, 2025 from Rebecca Belanger, Manager, Planning Services

Rebecca Belanger noted that no further comments had been received. The Amendment would be sent to the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing.

• 192-2025
  Moved By Gary McNamara
  Seconded By Rob Shepley

  That Essex County Council receive report number 2025-0618-IPS-R14-RB, Summary of Public Comments OPA 8 720-730 Mersea Road 8, as information and that By-law 2025-26 being a by-law to adopt Official Plan Amendment number 8 be approved at the appropriate time.

  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 18, 2025.

14.

New Business

14.1

Public Reporting of Closed Meeting

Essex County Council met in a Closed Meeting at 5:30 PM, as permitted, and pursuant to Section 239 (2) (d) of the Municipal Act, 2001, to receive information related to Confidential Administrative Report Number 2025-0618-HR-R06-KP Collective Bargaining Update - Ontario Nurses Association (ONA) Local 8.

Council provided administration with direction and instruction to negotiate with ONA within the parameters outlined in the confidential report.

Council also received information, as permitted, and pursuant to Section 239(2)(b) and (f) of the Municipal act, 2001, as amended, pertaining to Confidential Administrative Report Number 2025-0618-LLS-JDF, Supportive Housing Update.

The Closed Meeting adjourned at 5:55 PM.

 

15.

Adoption of By-Laws

• 193-2025
  Moved By Michael Prue
  Seconded By Chris Gibb

  That By-laws 2025-26 and 2025-28 be given three readings, and having been read a first, second and third time, be finally passed and enacted. 

  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 2025-26

Being a by-law to adopt Official Plan Amendment Number 8 - 720-730 Mersea Road 8, Municipality of Leamington, to the County of Essex Official Plan

15.2

By-law Number 2025-28

Being a by-law to confirm the proceedings of the Council of the Corporation of the County of Essex, Regular and Closed Meetings, for June 18, 2025

16.

Notice of Motion

There were no Notices of Motion for June 18, 2025.

17.

Adjournment

• 194-2025
  Moved By Dennis Rogers
  Seconded By Kimberly DeYong

  That the Essex County Council meeting for June 18, 2025 be adjourned at 7:20 PM.

  Carried