Essex County Council, Regular Meeting Minutes

Wednesday, December 03, 2025

9:00 A.m. - 5:00 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
• Adam Craig, CEO and Chief Librarian, Essex County Library
• Jeanie Diamond Francis, Manager, Community Services
• Heidi McLeod, Manager, Accounting - Administration / Deputy Treasurer
• Claire Bebbington, Deputy County Solicitor
• Natasha Sheeler, Director, Health and Community Services/Administrator

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1.

Call to Order

Warden MacDonald called the meeting to order at 9:00 AM. 

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 County of Essex Administration Building, Council Chambers.

Dennis Rogers, Councillor left the meeting at 1:35 PM.

6.

County Warden’s Welcome and Remarks

Warden MacDonald welcomed Council, administration and guests to the 2026 Budget Deliberation meeting.

The Warden expressed gratitude to County Administration for bringing forward the proposed 2026 Budget in response to the strategic priorities
set by Council and while being mindful of the challenging economic climate and maintaining service levels.

7.

Disclosure of Pecuniary Interest

There were no disclosures of pecuniary interest raised.

8.

Adoption of Minutes

There were no minutes for consideration. 

9.

Delegations and Presentations

There were no delegations or presentations for December 3, 2025.

10.

Communications

10.1

Correspondence

• 346-2025
  Moved By Larry Verbeke
  Seconded By Crystal Meloche

  That the correspondence listed on the Regular Agenda for December 3, 2025, be received.

  Carried

10.1.1

The Thrive Network

2025-11-28 Letter of Support for Continued Funding of the Essex County Homelessness Hub (ECH2) Overnight Program, received via Contact Council

10.2

Resolutions

There were no resolutions for consideration for December 3, 2025.

11.

Consent Agenda

• 347-2025
  Moved By Gary McNamara
  Seconded By Chris Gibb

  That the recommendations included in the reports listed as items 11.1 and 11.2 on the Consent Agenda for December 3, 2025, be approved.   

  Carried

11.1

2025 County of Essex Credit Rating - Standard & Poor’s

Report number 2025-1203-FIN-R28-MR, 2025 County of Essex Credit Rating - Standard & Poor’s, dated December 3, 2025, from Melissa Ryan, Director, Financial Services/Treasurer 

11.2

County Administration Building Ground Floor Renovation

Report number 2025-1203-IPS-R28-AB, County Administration Building Ground Floor Renovation, dated December 3, 2025, from Allan Botham, Director, Infrastructure and Planning Services.

12.

Reports and Questions

12.1

Chief Administrative Officer's Summary - 2026 County of Essex Budget

Sandra Zwiers, Chief Administrative Officer provided remarks regarding the development and planning of the 2026 County of Essex Budget

Sandra Zwiers provided an expression of gratitude to Council for their continued support of Administration, and to Administration for
working to provide a fiscally responsible budget that supports the County's overall operation and presents a budget in line with
service demands. 

12.1.1

County of Essex 2026 Advocacy Priorities

Report number 2025-1203-CAO-R12-SZ, County of Essex 2026 Advocacy Priorities, dated December 3, 2025, from Sandra Zwiers, Chief Administrative Officer.

Sandra Zwiers outlined the five priorities of the 2026 program that would guide coordinated advocacy efforts at the provincial and federal levels and through municipal partnerships, ensuring that the County advances issues critical to regional growth, sustainability, and service delivery.

Next steps would include actioning the priorities on the County’s website and social media along with partnering with
allied organizations to bring forward a collective voice for action. 

• 348-2025
  Moved By Dennis Rogers
  Seconded By Crystal Meloche

  That Essex County Council receive report number 2025-1203-CAO-R12-SZ, County of Essex 2026 Advocacy Priorities as information and direct Administration to integrate the endorsed priorities into the County’s Advocacy Strategy and 2026 Advocacy Calendar.

  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

2026 Budget Overview - Treasurer's Report

Report Number 2025-1203-FIN-R34-MR, 2026 Budget Overview -Treasurer's Report, dated December 3, 2025 from Melissa Ryan, Director, Financial Services/Treasurer

Melissa Ryan thanked the Financial Services Team for their commitment to the budget process.

The 2026 budget was introduced as a fiscally lean, responsible and sustainable budget that maintained service levels by aligning
funding with council priorities and public expectations.

Managing inflation, increasing costs of goods and demographic growth were challenges requiring planned funding to maintain
stability and plan for the future.

• 349-2025
  Moved By Joe Bachetti
  Seconded By Crystal Meloche

  That Essex County Council receive report number 2025-1203-FIN-R35-MR, 2026 Budget Overview- Treasurer’s Report, as information; and, 

  That the 2026 Budget package be received for public deliberation.

  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

2026 Budget - Community Services/Residential Services Homes

David Sundin, Director, Legislative and Legal Services/County Solicitor, Natasha Sheeler, Director Health and Community Services/Sun Parlor Home Administrator, and Jeanie Diamond-Francis, Manager, Community Services, provided a presentation regarding the Community Services/Residential Services Homes 2026 Budget Estimates.

• 350-2025
  Moved By Tracey Bailey
  Seconded By Dennis Rogers

  That the presentation for the proposed 2026 Community Services/Residential Services Homes budget be received and further that the 2026 Budget Estimates for Community Services/Residential Services Homes be Received and Approved; provided the City of Windsor increases the per diem rate as well.

  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

2026 Budget - Sun Parlor Home

Natasha Sheeler, Director, Health and Community Services/Sun Parlor Home Administrator, provided a presentation regarding the Sun Parlor Home 2026 Budget Estimates. 

• 351-2025
  Moved By Michael Prue
  Seconded By Kimberly DeYong

  That the presentation for the proposed 2026 Sun Parlor Home budget be received and further that the 2026 Budget Estimates for Sun Parlor Home be Received and Approved.

  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
• 352-2025
  Moved By Crystal Meloche
  Seconded By Michael Akpata

  That Essex County Council recess until 10:45 AM. 

  Carried

12.5

2026 Budget - Essex-Windsor Emergency Medical Services

Justin Lammers, Chief, Essex-Windsor Emergency Medical Services, provided a presentation regarding the Essex-Windsor Emergency Medical Services 2026 Budget.  

• 353-2025
  Moved By Kimberly DeYong
  Seconded By Crystal Meloche

  That the presentation for the proposed 2026 Essex-Windsor Emergency Medical Services budget be received and further that the 2026 Budget Estimates for Essex-Windsor Emergency Medical Services be Received and Approved.

  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

2026 Budget - Infrastructure and Planning Services

Allan Botham, Director, Infrastructure and Planning Services provided a presentation regarding the 2026 Infrastructure and Planning Services Budget Estimates; and Rebecca Belanger, Manager, Planning Services, provided a presentation regarding the 2026 Planning Services Budget Estimates.

• 354-2025
  Moved By Chris Gibb
  Seconded By Dennis Rogers

  That the presentation for the proposed 2026 Infrastructure and Planning Services budget be received and further that the 2026 Budget Estimates for Infrastructure and Planning Services be Received and Approved.

  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
• 355-2025
  Moved By Crystal Meloche
  Seconded By Michael Prue

  That Essex County Council recess until 12:48 PM. 

  Carried

12.7

2026 Budget - Essex County Library Board

Adam Craig, Chief Librarian/Chief Executive Officer, provided a presentation regarding the Essex County Library 2026 Budget Estimates. 

• 356-2025
  Moved By Sherry Bondy
  Seconded By Joe Bachetti

  That the presentation for the proposed 2026 Essex County Library Board budget be received and further that the 2026 Budget Estimates for Essex County Library Board be Received and Approved.

  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

2026 Budget - General Government Services

Melissa Ryan, Director, Financial Services/Treasurer, provided a presentation regarding an overview of the General Government Services 2026 Budget Estimates.

• David Sundin, Director, Legal and Legislative Services/County Solicitor provided a presentation regarding the 2026 Legislative and Legal Services Departmental Budget as well as the 2026 Council Budget.
• Melissa Ryan, Director, Financial Services/Treasurer, provided a presentation regarding the 2026 Financial Services Departmental Budget.
• Darrel Laurendeau, Director, Information Technology Services, provided a presentation regarding the 2026 Information Technology Services Departmental Budget. 
• Danielle Dunlop, Interim Director, Human Resources, provided a presentation regarding the 2026 Human Resources Departmental Budget.

• 357-2025
  Moved By Kirk Walstedt
  Seconded By Gary McNamara

  That Essex County Council reduce the proposed line item 10-560-1101 of the General Government - Council Services budget to maintain the 2025 level.

  In Favour (13)

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

  Carried
• 358-2025
  Moved By Larry Verbeke
  Seconded By Chris Gibb

  That the presentation for the proposed 2026 General Government budget be received and further that the 2026 Budget Estimates for General Government be Received and Approved, as amended.

  In Favour (13)

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

  Carried

12.9

2026 Budget - External Commitments

Melissa Ryan, Director, Financial Services/Treasurer, provided a presentation regarding the 2026 External Commitments Budget Estimates.

• 359-2025
  Moved By Gary McNamara
  Seconded By Michael Prue

  That the Essex County budget be adjusted to reflect the 2025 contribution to the New Windsor Essex Hospital System Reserve to be the sum of $7,040,000.

  In Favour (12)	Tracey Bailey, Larry Verbeke, Michael Prue, Chris Gibb, Sherry Bondy, Kimberly DeYong, Kirk Walstedt, Michael Akpata, Crystal Meloche, Hilda MacDonald, Gary McNamara, and Joe Bachetti
  Opposed (1)	Rob Shepley

  Carried
• 360-2025
  Moved By Michael Prue
  Seconded By Joe Bachetti

  That the presentation for the 2026 proposed External Commitments budget be received and, that the 2026 Budget Estimates for External Commitments be Received and Approved, as amended.

  In Favour (13)

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

  Carried

12.10

2026 Final Budget

Consideration of the overall proposed 2026 Budget.

• 361-2025
  Moved By Kimberly DeYong
  Seconded By Joe Bachetti

  That the Room G28 Safety and Efficiency Project be added to the 2026 General Government - Corporate Management budget as outlined on Line 19 of the Appendix III of the Treasurer’s Report.

  In Favour (11)	Larry Verbeke, Chris Gibb, Sherry Bondy, Rob Shepley, Kimberly DeYong, Kirk Walstedt, Michael Akpata, Crystal Meloche, Hilda MacDonald, Gary McNamara, and Joe Bachetti
  Opposed (2)	Tracey Bailey, and Michael Prue

  Carried
• 362-2025
  Moved By Crystal Meloche
  Seconded By Kimberly DeYong

  That the County Administration Building Generator Study be added to the 2026 Infrastructure and Planning Services budget as outlined on Line 18 of the Appendix III of the Treasurer’s Report.

   

  In Favour (11)	Larry Verbeke, Michael Prue, Chris Gibb, Sherry Bondy, Kimberly DeYong, Kirk Walstedt, Michael Akpata, Crystal Meloche, Hilda MacDonald, Gary McNamara, and Joe Bachetti
  Opposed (2)	Tracey Bailey, and Rob Shepley

  Carried
• 363-2025
  Moved By Crystal Meloche
  Seconded By Kimberly DeYong

  That the County Administration Building Summer Humidity Investigation be added to the 2026 Infrastructure and Planning Services budget as outlined on Line 23 of the Appendix III of the Treasurer’s Report.

   

  In Favour (10)	Larry Verbeke, Michael Prue, Chris Gibb, Sherry Bondy, Kimberly DeYong, Michael Akpata, Crystal Meloche, Hilda MacDonald, Gary McNamara, and Joe Bachetti
  Opposed (3)	Tracey Bailey, Rob Shepley, and Kirk Walstedt

  Carried
• 364-2025
  Moved By Crystal Meloche
  Seconded By Kimberly DeYong

  That the County Administration Building West to South Sidewalk be added to the 2026 Infrastructure and Planning Services budget as outlined on Line 24 of the Appendix III of the Treasurer’s Report.

   

  In Favour (8)	Larry Verbeke, Sherry Bondy, Kimberly DeYong, Michael Akpata, Crystal Meloche, Hilda MacDonald, Gary McNamara, and Joe Bachetti
  Opposed (5)	Tracey Bailey, Michael Prue, Chris Gibb, Rob Shepley, and Kirk Walstedt

  Carried
• 365-2025
  Moved By Chris Gibb
  Seconded By Crystal Meloche

  That the Community Programs Coordinator be added to the 2026 Essex-Windsor EMS budget as outlined on Line 1 of the Appendix III of the Treasurer’s Report, to be divided in accordance with the weighted assessment formula. 

  In Favour (10)	Larry Verbeke, Michael Prue, Chris Gibb, Sherry Bondy, Kimberly DeYong, Michael Akpata, Crystal Meloche, Hilda MacDonald, Gary McNamara, and Joe Bachetti
  Opposed (3)	Tracey Bailey, Rob Shepley, and Kirk Walstedt

  Carried
• 366-2025
  Moved By Joe Bachetti
  Seconded By Sherry Bondy

  That the Additional Training Hours be added to the 2026 Essex-Windsor EMS budget as outlined on Line 5 of the Appendix III of the Treasurer’s Report, to be divided in accordance with the weighted assessment formula.

  In Favour (10)	Larry Verbeke, Michael Prue, Chris Gibb, Sherry Bondy, Kimberly DeYong, Michael Akpata, Crystal Meloche, Hilda MacDonald, Gary McNamara, and Joe Bachetti
  Opposed (3)	Tracey Bailey, Rob Shepley, and Kirk Walstedt

  Carried
• 367-2025
  Moved By Crystal Meloche
  Seconded By Michael Akpata

  That Essex County Council recess until 2:50 PM.

  Carried
• 368-2025
  Moved By Tracey Bailey
  Seconded By Kirk Walstedt

  That Essex County Council reserve $375,000 in the Roadway Expansion reserve for the CWATS Program.

  In Favour (12)	Tracey Bailey, Michael Prue, Chris Gibb, Sherry Bondy, Rob Shepley, Kimberly DeYong, Kirk Walstedt, Michael Akpata, Crystal Meloche, Hilda MacDonald, Gary McNamara, and Joe Bachetti
  Opposed (1)	Larry Verbeke

  Carried
• 369-2025
  Moved By Crystal Meloche
  Seconded By Joe Bachetti

  That the Traffic Signal at CR 20 & Martin Lane (LaSalle) be approved and funded from the Roadway Expansion reserve in 2026.

  In Favour (13)

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

  Carried
• 370-2025
  Moved By Joe Bachetti
  Seconded By Gary McNamara

  That the Commander of Operations be added to the 2026 Essex-Windsor EMS budget as outlined on Line 3 of the Appendix III of the Treasurer’s Report, to be divided in accordance with the weighted assessment formula. 

  In Favour (6)	Larry Verbeke, Sherry Bondy, Michael Akpata, Crystal Meloche, Gary McNamara, and Joe Bachetti
  Opposed (7)	Tracey Bailey, Michael Prue, Chris Gibb, Rob Shepley, Kimberly DeYong, Kirk Walstedt, and Hilda MacDonald

  Lost
• 371-2025
  Moved By Kimberly DeYong
  Seconded By Crystal Meloche

  That the Traffic Signal at CR 20 & CR 23 (Essex/Kingsville)  be approved and funded from the Roadway Expansion reserve in 2026.

  In Favour (11)	Tracey Bailey, Larry Verbeke, Michael Prue, Chris Gibb, Sherry Bondy, Rob Shepley, Kimberly DeYong, Michael Akpata, Crystal Meloche, Gary McNamara, and Joe Bachetti
  Opposed (2)	Kirk Walstedt, and Hilda MacDonald

  Carried
• 372-2025
  Moved By Kimberly DeYong
  Seconded By Gary McNamara

  That Essex County Council Approve as amended the overall proposed 2026 Net Levy requirement for the County of Essex in the amount of $145,144,950

  In Favour (13)

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

  Carried

13.

Unfinished Business

There were no items of Unfinished Business for consideration for December 3, 2025.

14.

New Business

14.1

New Hospital Delegation Update

Councillor Bondy requested an update to the status of the County's request to receive a delegation regarding the New Hospital.  

Sandra Zwiers explained that a Joint meeting between the County and the City of Windsor had been tentatively scheduled twice in the
Fall of 2025 to receive an update regarding the Hospital. Finalized information was not yet available and the meetings were
subsequently cancelled. Administration was waiting to obtain a date where a meeting can be scheduled that would be meaningful,
worthwhile and productive. An update will be provided to Council as soon as more information became available.

15.

Adoption of By-Laws

• 373-2025
  Moved By Gary McNamara
  Seconded By Joe Bachetti

  That By-law 2025-53 be given three readings, and having been read a first, second and third time, be finally passed and enacted. 

  In Favour (13)

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

  Carried

15.1

By-law Number 2025-53

Being a By-law to confirm the proceedings of the Council of the Corporation of the County of Essex Regular Meeting - 2026 Budget Deliberations, for December 3, 2025

16.

Notice of Motion

There were no Notices of Motion for consideration for December 3, 2025.

17.

Adjournment

• 374-2025
  Moved By Chris Gibb
  Seconded By Larry Verbeke

  That the Essex County Council meeting for December 3, 2025 be adjourned at 3:22 PM.

  Carried