Essex County Council Regular Meeting Minutes

Meeting #:
Date:	Wednesday, July 17, 2019
Time:	Closed Meeting 6:30 PM; Regular Meeting 7:00 PM (Amended Agenda - July 17, 2019)
Location:	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
• Hilda MacDonald, Mayor, Municipality of Leamington
• Crystal Meloche, Deputy Mayor, Town of LaSalle
• Leo Meloche, Deputy Mayor, Town of Amherstburg
• Richard Meloche, Deputy Mayor, Town of Essex
• 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

Administration:

• Mary Birch, Director of Council & Community Services/Clerk
• Jayne Brooks Keller, Director of Nursing, Sun Parlor Home
• Bruce Krauter, Chief, Essex Windsor EMS
• Rob Maisonville, Chief Administrative Officer
• Jane Mustac, Director of Infrastructure Services/County Engineer
• Greg Schlosser, Director Human Resources
• Renée Trombley, Manager Corporate Communications and Accessibility
• Sandra Zwiers, Director of Financial Services/Treasurer
• Crystal Sylvestre

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1.

Closed Meeting

A Closed Meeting was held at 6:30 P.M.

• 128-2019
  Moved By Marc Bondy
  Seconded By Tom Bain

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

  • Labour Relations and Employee Negotiations.
  Carried
• 130-2019
  Moved By Tom Bain
  Seconded By Richard Meloche

  That Council rise from the Closed Meeting at 6:55 PM.

  Carried

2.

Moment of Reflection

3.

Singing of ‘O Canada’

4.

Recording of Attendance

All members of Essex County Council were in attendance.

 

5.

Disclosure of Pecuniary Interest

There were no conflicts of pecuniary interest declared.

6.

Adoption of Regular Meeting Minutes

Minutes of June 19, 2019

• 131-2019
  Moved By Tom Bain
  Seconded By Marc Bondy

  That the minutes of the June 19, 2019 Regular Meeting of Essex County Council be adopted as presented.

  Carried

7.

County Warden’s Welcome and Remarks

Warden McNamara welcomed members of County Council, and specifically Mayor DiCarlo on his return following a time away. 

The Warden thanked Mayor Bain and Deputy Warden Santos for representing the County at events while he was on vacation. 

Warden McNamara noted that a meeting regarding the pavement buckling on portions of Highway 3, between the County and the Ministry of Transportation had taken place and MTO representatives had advised that a tender for the repair of the road would be released by the end of July.  

The Warden expressed that summer was a busy time for himself, as well as all members of Council, as there were many events and festivals to celebrate within the region. 

8.

Delegations and Presentations

There were no delegations for the July 17, 2019 meeting.

9.

Communications

9.1

Correspondence

• 132-2019
  Moved By Gord Queen
  Seconded By Tracey Bailey

  That the correspondence listed on the regular agenda for July 17, 2019, be received and any noted action approved. 

  Carried

9.1.1

Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO)

View the online versions of the AMO Watch File Newsletter, dated June 20, 27, July 4 and 11, 2019.

9.1.2

AMO

Received e-mailed notification, dated July 20, 2019 of an AMO Policy Update regarding the Provincial Cabinet Shuffle.

9.1.3

AMO

Received e-mail, dated June 24, 2019 regarding Highlights From AMO Board Meeting - June 21, 2019.

9.1.4

AMO

Received e-mailed, AMO Policy Update, dated July 2, 2019 referring to the New Employment Services Prototype Regions Announced.

9.1.5

Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiative (GLSLCI)

View the online version of the Making Waves Newsletter, dated July 2019.

9.1.6

Township of Huron-Kinloss

Received e-mailed correspondence, dated June 20, 2019 from Emily Dance, Clerk referring to their Council's resolution regarding their support of opposition to Bill 108.

9.1.7

Township of Huron-Kinloss

Received e-mailed correspondence, dated July 21, 2019 from Emily Dance, Clerk referring to their Council's resolution related to support for Ontario Library Services.

9.1.8

Town of LaSalle

Received e-mailed copy of correspondence, dated June 21, 2019 addressed to Mayor Drew Dilkens referring to their Council's resolution in support of a new regional hospital for Windsor-Essex County.

9.1.9

City of Hamilton

Received e-mailed copy of correspondence addressed to The Honourable Christine Elliott, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health and Long-Term Care, dated June 14, 2019 from Fred Eisenberger, Mayor regarding the proposed changes to public health in Ontario.

9.1.10

Township of Warwick

Received e-mailed copy of correspondence addressed to The Honourable Doug Downey, Attorney General of Ontario, dated June 26, 2019 from Amanda Gubbels, Administrator/ Clerk referring to their Council's resolution regarding Enforcement for Safety on Family Farms.

9.1.11

Ministry of the Solicitor General/Office of the Fire Marshal and Emergency Management

Received e-mailed correspondence, dated June 25, 2019 stating that the County of Essex was compliant with the Emergency Management and Civil Protection (EMCPA) in 2018.

9.1.12

Town of Oakville

Received e-mailed correspondence, dated July 2, 2019 referring to their Council's resolution regarding Traffic Calming and Speed Limit Review.

9.1.13

Durham Region

Correspondence, dated July 5, 2019 addressed to the Prime Minister of Canada referring to their Council's resolution regarding Lake Ontario Water Levels which was included on the July 11, 2019 issue of AMO's newsletter, "Watch File".

9.1.14

South Western Integrated Fibre Technology (SWIFT)

Received e-mailed copy of SWIFT News, 2019 Spring Edition. 

9.1.15

Windsor-Essex County Health Unit

Received e-mailed copy of correspondence, dated July 2, 2019 from Gary McNamara, Chair and Theresa Marentette, Chief Executive Officer addressed to Christine Elliott, Minister of Health and Long-Term Care indicating support of The Regional Municipality of York's motion regarding a Seamless Immunization Registry.

9.1.16

Windsor-Essex County Health Unit

Received e-mailed copy of correspondence, dated July 2, 2019 addressed to Christine Elliott, Minister of Health and Long-Term Care from Gary McNamara, Chair, Board of Health and Theresa Marentette, Chief Executive Officer referring to their Board's resolution regarding Smoke-Free - Smoke/Vape Free Outdoor Spaces. 

9.1.17

City of Windsor

Received e-mailed correspondence, dated June 21, 2019 from Jolayne Susko, Coordinator, Housing Administration and Policy regarding the release of "The 2019 Ontario Renovates Multi-Residential Rental Unit Program" and a copy of the 2019 Information Sheet for 311/211.

9.2

Resolutions

There were no resolutions for the consideration of County Council at the July 17, 2019 meeting.

10.

Consent Agenda

• 133-2019
  Moved By Marc Bondy
  Seconded By Larry Snively

  That the recommendation in the Administrative Report listed as item 10.1, on the Consent Agenda for July 17, 2019, be approved and further that the information item listed as item 10.2 on the said Consent Agenda be received.

  Carried

10.1

Approval of Invoices - Legal/Consulting Services

Report Number 2019-0717-ADM-R010-RM, dated July 17, 2019 from Robert Maisonville, Chief Administrative Officer.

10.2

Housing Advisory Committee (HAC)

HAC meeting minutes, dated June 4, 2019.

11.

Reports and Questions

11.1

Essex-Windsor Solid Waste Authority

Minutes of the Essex-Windsor Solid Waste Authority meeting, dated May 7, 2019, Mr. Marc Bondy, Board Member.

• 134-2019
  Moved By Marc Bondy
  Seconded By Leo Meloche

  That the minutes of the Essex-Windsor Solid Waste Authority, dated May 7, 2019 be received.

  Carried

11.2

Essex County Accessibility Advisory Committee

Minutes of the Essex County Accessibility Advisory Committee meetings, dated May 9, 2019 and June 13, 2019, Mr. Gord Queen, Committee member.

• 135-2019
  Moved By Gord Queen
  Seconded By Crystal Meloche

  That the minutes of the Essex County Accessibility Advisory Committee meetings, dated May 9, 2019 and June 13, 2019 be approved.

  Carried

11.3

Request for Absence from County Council

Report Number 2019-0717-CCS-R004-MB, dated July 17, 2019 from Mary Birch, Director of Council and Community Services/Clerk.

Ms. Birch noted that the report and action recommended were no longer necessary, due to the fact that Mayor DiCarlo was in attendance. 

11.4

Request to Execute Oil and Gas Lease on County Property

Report Number 2019-0717-CCS-R005-MB, dated July 17, 2019 from Mary Birch, Director of Council and Community Services/Clerk.

Ms. Birch noted that County Administration was contacted by ELS and Company, representing Demeter Farms Corp., regarding their desire to drill a well on lands which abutted a small (12.31 acres) vacant parcel of land owned by the County of Essex and further that, as required by the Ministry of Natural Resources, it was necessary to acquire mineral leases on all properties that comprise a 50 acre drilling spacing unit in order to proceed with the drilling of a well.  She noted the County property referenced was within the 50 acre drilling space for the Demeter Farms Inc. proposed well. She further advised that the County Solicitor, Mr. David Sundin, reviewed the proposed oil and gas lease agreement and indicated that the terms and conditions of the agreement were standard for this type of agreement, therefore, Administration was recommending approval of executing the agreement.

• 136-2019

  That Essex County Council authorize the execution of an oil and gas lease agreement with Demeter Farms Corp. for a property identified by P.I.N. 75049-0031.

11.5

Energy Demand Management Plan - 2019 - 2023

Report Number 2019-0717-IS-R20-JM, dated July 17, 2019 from Jane Mustac, Director of Infrastructure Services/County Engineer.

Ms. Mustac advised that the report was to provide County Council with an updated Energy Demand Management Plan through 2023, in accordance with Ontario Regulation 507/18.   She further explained that the plan included a careful approach to reduce consumption and lower the County's carbon footprint and that a five year capital and operating investment plan to support energy conservation would be developed through the budget process. She noted that the County of Essex would seek all funding and grant opportunities related to energy efficient projects.

• 137-2019
  Moved By Joe Bachetti
  Seconded By Marc Bondy

  That County Council receive the Energy Demand Management Report, supporting the continued development and implementation of energy reduction, conservation and awareness.

  Carried

11.6

Tender Summary - 2019 CWATS Paving Projects on County Road 50

Report Number 2019-0717-IS-R019-JM, dated July 17, 2019 from Jane Mustac, Director of Infrastructure Services/County Engineer.

Ms. Mustac provided a summary of the report and discussed the bids received for the CWATS Paved Shoulder Program on CR 50. She noted that the project was funded through cost sharing with the applicable lower tier municipalities. 

• 138-2019
  Moved By Richard Meloche
  Seconded By Crystal Meloche

  That the tender for the CWATS Active Transportation Pathway (paved shoulders) on County Road 50 be awarded to Pierascenzi Construction Ltd. for a total tender amount of $1,447,890.00 plus HST.

  Carried

11.7

Operational Review of Sun Parlor Home

Report Number 2019-0717-SPH-002-JBK, dated July 19, 2019 from Jayne Brooks-Keller, Administrator, Sun Palor Home.

Ms. Brooks-Keller provided a summary of the Operational Review of Sun Parlour Home. She explained that the review compared the operations at Sun Parlor Home to other care homes in our community and was carried out by a third party. She advised that recommendations to examine current practices and improve services were identified in several areas including staff levels, general operations, infection control, policy, training, health and safety and patient experience. 

In response to Council questions, Mr. Maisonville indicated that follow-up reports would be forthcoming to Council regarding the implementation of recommendation of the report.  Mr. Queen noted that the Essex County Accessibility Advisory Committee had toured the facility previously and would like to see a report on the results of their required evacuation exercise.

• 139-2019
  Moved By Marc Bondy
  Seconded By Nelson Santos

  That Council receives the operational review for the Sun Parlor Home, and that Council supports the Home’s continued focus on implementing key recommendations.

  Carried

11.8

Investment Performance Report - 2018

Report Number 2019-0717-FIN-R014-SZ, dated July 17, 2019 from Sandra Zwiers, Director of Financial Services/Treasurer.

Ms. Zwiers provided County Council with an update on the County’s Investment Performance explaining that the County holds many different types of instruments among different financial organizations.

• 140-2019
  Moved By Leo Meloche
  Seconded By Richard Meloche

  That County Council receive the Investment Performance Report – 2018 for information.

  Carried

12.

Unfinished Business

13.

New Business

13.1

Public Reporting of Closed Meeting

The Warden indicated that a Closed Council meeting was held at 6:30 pm, prior to the regular Council meeting, pursuant to Sections 239 (2)(d) of the Municipal Act, 2001, as amended and that during that meeting Administration provided Council with an update on contract negotiations with CUPE 2974.2.

Warden McNamara called for a motion of County Council to approve the terms of the tentative agreement, pending CUPE 2974.2 ratification by their membership.  He further noted that the terms of the agreement would not be made public until after the membership ratification vote was held, later in the month.

• 141-2019
  Moved By Marc Bondy
  Seconded By Joe Bachetti

  That Essex County Council approve the tentative Collective Agreement between CUPE 2974.2 and the Corporation of the County of Essex  for the period April 1, 2019 to March 31, 2022.

  Carried

13.2

Request to Invite Minister Clark to Tour Shoreline Flooding

Mayor Bondy suggested that, given the high water levels and potential flooding most municipalities in the County were experiencing, the County should invite the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, the Honourable Steven Clark, to visit the region and view the flooding situation. Warden McNamara suggests including Pelee Island in the tour as well.

• 142-2019
  Moved By Marc Bondy
  Seconded By Nelson Santos

  That the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, the Honourable Steven Clark, be invited to tour the areas of the Essex Windsor Pelee region experiencing flooding. 

  Carried

13.3

Concerns with Accidents at County Road 14 and County Road 31

Deputy Mayor Verbeke requested that a review of traffic patterns and accidents at County Road 14 and County Road 31 be conducted and  consideration be given to the installation of a traffic signal at that intersection.  He noted receiving complaints regarding frequent accidents or near accidents at that location.  Ms. Mustac confirmed that an Intersection Safety Review had already been initiated, which would indicate what measures would be required to improve safety at that location and that a report to Council on the findings would be forthcoming.

13.4

Tall Ships Festival in Kingsville August 16 - 18, 2019

Deputy Mayor Queen invited all members of Council and residents to attend the Kingsville Tall Ships Festival on August 16-18, 2019 and noted that Kingsville was the only Canadian host in this tour.

14.

Adoption of By-Laws

• 143-2019
  Moved By Larry Verbeke
  Seconded By Tracey Bailey

  That By-law(s) 27-2019 and 28-2019, having been read a first, second and third time, be finally passed and enacted. 

  Carried

14.1

By-law Number 27-2019

A By-law Authorizing the Execution of a Petroleum and Natural Gas Lease and Grant between the Corporation of the County of Essex and Demeter Farms Corp.

14.2

By-law Number 28-2019

A By-law to Confirm the Proceedings of  the Council of The Corporation of the County of Essex. (July 17, 2019)

15.

Notice of Motion

16.

Adjournment

• 144-2019
  Moved By Aldo DiCarlo
  Seconded By Nelson Santos

  That the Essex County Council meeting for July 17, 2019 be adjourned at 8:00  PM.

  Carried