Essex County Council, Regular Meeting Minutes

Closed Meeting 4:00PM, Regular Meeting 6:00PM
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
Administration:
  • Allan Botham, Director, Infrastructure & Planning Services
  • Katherine Hebert, County Clerk
  • 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
  • Slawomir Pulcer, Deputy Chief, Professional Standards, EWEMS

1.
Closed Meeting

 

A Closed Meeting was held at 4:00 PM on September 17, 2025.

  • 247-2025
    Moved ByLarry Verbeke
    Seconded ByJoe Bachetti

    Pursuant to Section 239 (2) (b), (c), (d), (e), (f) and (k) of the Municipal Act, 2001, as amended for the following reasons:

    (b) personal matters about an identifiable individual, including municipal or local board employees;

    (c) a proposed or pending acquisition or disposition of land by the municipality or local board;

    (d) labour relations or employee negotiations;

    (e) litigation or potential litigation, including matters before administrative tribunals, affecting the municipality or local board;

    (f) advice that is subject to solicitor-client privilege, including communications necessary for that purpose;

    (k) a position, plan, procedure, criteria or instruction to be applied to any negotiations carried on or to be carried on by or on behalf of the municipality or local board;

    Carried
  • 255-2025
    Moved ByKimberly DeYong
    Seconded ByLarry Verbeke

    That Essex County Council adjourn and rise from the Closed Meeting of Essex County Council for September 17, 2025 at 5:57 PM; and

    That agenda items 7.4 and 7.5 be deferred to the October 1, 2025 Closed meeting.

    Carried

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 applauded the Essex County Accessibility Advisory
Committee on the success of the 2nd Annual Outdoor Accessibility Fest-for-All. The event was held in Amherstburg at the Libro Credit Union Centre and boasted a baseball game on Canada’s first Miracle League Diamond, pound fitness, yoga demonstrations and a sledge hockey demonstration by the Windsor Ice Bullets featuring Tyler McGregor, the captain of Team Canada’s Sledge Hockey team.

The Warden offered thanks to the 50 plus organizations that showcased
their skills and shared their stories to learn from each other and make
valuable connections.

Congratulations were offered to Rebecca Belanger, Manager of Planning Services and her team, which included consultants Larry Silani and Mary Lou Tanner of NPG Planning Solutions, for receiving the 2025 Plan Ontario Vision Award of Excellence.

The County’s Official Plan, named One Land, One Climate, One Future,
Together, was one of only six projects across Ontario to be honoured this year with the coveted award.

Warden MacDonald also encouraged all residents to take part in Truth and Reconciliation Week activities planned throughout our community in the week leading to Truth and Reconciliation Day on September 30.

7.
Disclosure of Pecuniary Interest

 

There were no disclosures of pecuniary interest raised.

8.
Adoption of Regular Meeting Minutes

This item has attachments. 
1.2025-09-03_RCC Meeting Minutes_Final.pdf
  • 256-2025
    Moved ByRob Shepley
    Seconded ByJoe Bachetti

    That the minutes of the September 3, 2025 Regular Meeting of Essex County Council be adopted as presented.

    Carried

9.
Delegations and Presentations

 

There were no Delegations or Presentations for September 17, 2025.

10.
Communications

 

10.1
Correspondence

 
  • 257-2025
    Moved ByLarry Verbeke
    Seconded ByChris Gibb

    That the correspondence listed on the Regular Agenda for September 17, 2025, be received and any noted action approved. 

    Carried

10.2
Resolutions

 

There were no resolutions for consideration for September 17, 2025.

11.
Consent Agenda

 
  • 258-2025
    Moved ByRob Shepley
    Seconded ByCrystal Meloche

    That the recommendation in the Administrative Report listed as item 11.1 on the Consent Agenda for September 17, 2025, be 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

11.1
Summary of Outstanding Reports - September 17, 2025

This item has attachments. 
1.2025-0917-LLS-R46-KH Summary of Outstanding Reports for September 17, 2025.pdf

Report number 2025-0917-LLS-R46-KH, Summary of Outstanding Reports, dated September 17, 2025, from Katherine Hebert, County Clerk

12.
Reports and Questions

 

12.1
Room Booking Policy and User Fee Amendments

This item has attachments. 
1.2025-0917-FIN-R26-MR Room Booking Policy and User Fee Amendments.pdf
2.Appendix A-2025-38 Fees and Charges By-law_Schedules_changes marked_UA.pdf

Report number 2025-0917-FIN-R25-MR, Room Booking Policy and User Fee Amendments, dated September 17, 2025, from Melissa Ryan, Director, Financial Services/Treasurer   

Sandra Zwiers presented the report as Melissa Ryan was away on
business. It was noted that the practice of renting the committee
rooms to outside organizations had been suspended at the onset,
the pandemic and continued during renovations to the County
Administration Building. With the completion of the renovations, the
committee rooms Administration is proposing that priority access be reserved for County business and Administration Building tenants, and would no longer be made available for rent to outside parties. This change requires that the committee room rental rates be removed from the Fees and Charges By-law schedule.

Our local lower-tier municipalities and other partner organizations
(such as Agencies, Boards and Committees) would be permitted to
use the rooms at no charge, provided rooms are available.

  • 259-2025
    Moved BySherry Bondy
    Seconded ByGary McNamara

    That Essex County Council approve report number 2025-0917-FIN-R25-MR, Room Booking Policy and User Fee Amendments; and

    That Essex County Council approve the By-law 2025-38, 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

12.2
Affordable Rental Housing Property Tax Subclass

This item has attachments. 
1.2025-0917-FIN-R27-MR-Affordable Rental Housing Property Tax Subclass.pdf
2.Appendix A-RSI_About the Affordable Rental Housing Subclass.pdf

Report number 2025-0917-FIN-R27-MR, Affordable Rental Housing Property Tax Subclass, dated September 17, 2025, from Melissa Ryan, Director, Financial Services/Treasurer  

Sandra Zwiers explained that there was an opportunity for the
County to adopt two new optional property subclasses related to
the Multi-residential and New Multi-residential tax classes.

It was further noted that approval for the new subclasses to be
added to available options for taxation, does not necessarily mean
they would be used in the next tax by-law. Eligibility requirements
are being developed by MPAC and the Province and there would be no use of the subclasses until they were analyzed by municipal tax professionals across the province and further among the Essex
County locals. 

  • 260-2025
    Moved ByMichael Akpata
    Seconded ByChris Gibb

    That Essex County Council approve report number 2025-0917-FIN-R27-MR, Affordable Rental Housing Property Tax Subclass; and,

    That Essex County Council approve the accompanying By-law 2025-39 to adopt the new Affordable Rental Housing property tax subclass for the Multi Residential and New Multi Residential property classes.

    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
Proposed Updates to Employment and Hiring Policy

This item has attachments. 
1.2025-0917-HR-R09-KP Proposed Updates to Employment and Hiring Policy.pdf
2.Appendix A - 1991-001 EmploymentHiringPolicy- August 2025 DRAFT.pdf
3.Appendix B - 1991-001 EmploymentHiringPolicy- Redline.pdf

Report number 2025-0917-HR-R09-KP, Proposed Updates to Employment and Hiring Policy, dated September 17, 2025, from Kyla Pritiko, Director, Human Resources    

Kyla Pritiko provided Council with a summary of the updates to the
Policy that was initially implemented in 1991. It was noted that the
Policy consolidates three related County Policies; namely, the
Student Hiring Policy, the Hiring of Family Members Policy and the
Probationary Period for Non-Union Staff Policy, which will be
repealed by the new consolidated version presented today. The
updated Policy includes more robust Conflict of Interest provisions
and requires an annual review.

  • 261-2025
    Moved ByKirk Walstedt
    Seconded ByGary McNamara

    That Essex County Council receive report number 2025-0917-HR-R09-KP, Proposed Updates to Employment and Hiring Policy as information; and

    That Essex County Council approve and adopt the revisions to the Employment and Hiring Policy appended to this Report; and

    That Essex County Council authorize the Warden and the Clerk to execute the associated Bylaw 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

12.4
Large Scale Industrial Grant Matching Program- Supplementary Report

This item has attachments. 
1.2025-0917-IPS-R17-RB Large Scale Industrial Grant Program.pdf
2.County Large Scale Industrial- Grant Matching Program-Draft 08-30.pdf

Report number 2025-0917-IPS-R17-RB,  Large Scale Industrial Grant Matching Program - Supplementary Report, dated September 17, 2025 from Rebecca Belanger, Manager, Planning Services 

Rebecca Belanger provided a summary of the Large Scale Industrial
Grant Matching Program. Implementing such a program would
enable the County to participate in grant programs with the goal of
bolstering Industrial Community Improvement Plans (CIP), thereby
creating a more attractive opportunity for investors. Attracting large
scale industrial development to the County would diversify the tax base and target significant job creation. The County Official Plan
includes the required policies to make this possible.

Pending Council approval and direction to proceed with next steps,
County Administration will host an open house to obtain feedback
from the public within a month’s time. Further, municipalities will
work to establish application and scoring methodologies, and the
program guidelines will be posted on County's public website.

Kirk Walstedt, Councillor left the meeting at 6:35 PM.
  • 262-2025
    Moved ByMichael Prue
    Seconded ByChris Gibb

    That Essex County Council receive report number 2025-0917-IPS-R17-RB, Large Scale Industrial Grant Matching Program as information; and,

    That Administration be directed to undertake a public consultation process relating to the Large Scale Industrial Grant Matching Program and to prepare a report for Council, summarizing comments received and related actions and updates taken.

    In Favour (13)Tracey Bailey, Larry Verbeke, Michael Prue, Chris Gibb, Sherry Bondy, Rob Shepley, Dennis Rogers, Kimberly DeYong, Michael Akpata, Crystal Meloche, Hilda MacDonald, Gary McNamara, and Joe Bachetti
    Carried

12.5
Final Decision County Official Plan

This item has attachments. 
1.2025-0917-IPS-R18-RB Final Decision County Official Plan.pdf
2.County of Essex Official Plan_Cover Letter.pdf
3.County of Essex Official Plan_Notice of Decision.pdf
4.County of Essex Official Plan_Decision.pdf

Report number 2025-0917-IPS-R18-RB, Final Decision County Official Plan, dated September 17, 2025 from Rebecca Belanger, Manager, Planning Services

Rebecca Belanger advised Council that the final decision had been
received from the Province. County Administration noted that
meetings with the local lower-tier municipalities planning staff
would be held regarding the implementation of the Official Plan and
guidance on its use. 

  • 263-2025
    Moved ByGary McNamara
    Seconded ByJoe Bachetti

    That Essex County Council receive report number 2025-0917-IPS-R18-RB, Final Decision County Official Plan for information.

    In Favour (13)Tracey Bailey, Larry Verbeke, Michael Prue, Chris Gibb, Sherry Bondy, Rob Shepley, Dennis Rogers, Kimberly DeYong, Michael Akpata, Crystal Meloche, Hilda MacDonald, Gary McNamara, and Joe Bachetti
    Carried

12.6
Road Rationalization Update 

This item has attachments. 
1.2025-0917-IPS-R20-AB Road Rationalization Update.pdf
2.Appendix I - Road Rationalization Criteria_UA.pdf
3.Appendix II - Flow Chart_UA.pdf
4.Appendix III - Road Maintenance Costs_UA.pdf
5.Appendix IV - Quantitative Results_UA.pdf
6.Appendix V - Road Rationalization Hybrid Draft.pdf
7.Appendix VI-Outstanding Segments_UA.pdf

Report number 2025-0917-IPS-R20-AB, Road Rationalization Update, dated September 17, 2025, from Allan Botham, Director, Infrastructure and Planning Services

Allan Botham provided Council with a detailed summary of the work undertaken thus far with regard to the Road Rationalization
process. An emphasis on the synergy between the Road
Rationalization and other County of Essex guiding document such
as, the Transportation Master Plan, the Official Plan and the
County’s’ Strategic Plan was outlined, and have been considered
during the update.

A detailed explanation of the Hybrid Road Rationalization Model was provided, along with the process undertaken for the development of the recommended model and determining of next steps in the process.

  • 264-2025
    Moved ByTracey Bailey
    Seconded ByRob Shepley

    That Essex County Council receive report number 2025-0917-IPS-R20-AB, Road Rationalization Update as information, approve the Hybrid Rationalization Model, support the finalization of the County Road Network with LMPs and direct Administration to continue to Step 2 of the Road Rationalization Study Timeline.

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

12.7
Department of Legislative and Legal Services Update

This item has attachments. 
1.2025-0917-LLS-R42-DMS Department of Legislative and Legal Services Update.pdf

Report number 2025-0917-LLS-R42-DMS, Department of Legislative and Legal Services Update, dated September 17, 2025, from David Sundin, Director, Legislative and Legal Services/County Solicitor 

David Sundin provided a high-level summary, statistics and the
contributions of the Legislative and Legal Services department as
well as how those operations contributed to the advancement of the
County’s Strategic Plan for the period of July 1 2024 to June 30,
2025. 

  • 265-2025
    Moved ByChris Gibb
    Seconded ByLarry Verbeke

    That Essex County Council receive Report Number 2025-0917-LLS-R42-DMS, Department of Legislative and Legal Services as information.

    In Favour (13)Tracey Bailey, Larry Verbeke, Michael Prue, Chris Gibb, Sherry Bondy, Rob Shepley, Dennis Rogers, Kimberly DeYong, Michael Akpata, Crystal Meloche, Hilda MacDonald, Gary McNamara, and Joe Bachetti
    Carried

13.
Unfinished Business

 

There were no matters of unfinished business to address for September 17, 2025.

14.
New Business

 

14.1
Public Reporting of Closed Meeting

 

Essex County Council met in a Closed Meeting at 4:00 PM on
September 17, 2025, as permitted, and pursuant to Section 239
(2)(f) of the Municipal Act, 2001, to receive information related to
report number 2025-0917-LLS-R47-DMS, WECHC Governance
Issue. Council provided administration with direction and instruction to take steps related to the County's interest in the Windsor Essex Community Housing Corporation and to report back to Council regarding same.

Pursuant to Section 239 (2)(c) and (f) of the Municipal Act, Council
received information related to report number 2025-0917-LLS-R45-DMS, Property Acquisition Opportunity, and provided administration with direction and instruction to attempt to negotiate a purchase of certain property and report back to Council to seek approval prior to completing the said purchase.

Pursuant to Section 239 (2)(f) and (k) of the Municipal Act, Council
received information related to report number 2025-0917-LLS-R48-
DMS, Termination of Contract, and further provided administration
with direction and instruction to advise the Essex-Windsor Solid
Waste Authority of Council's position with respect to a potential
contract to be entered into by the Essex-Windsor Solid Waste
Authority on behalf of the Corporation of the County of Essex.

Two matters were deferred until October 1, 2025.

Finally, Council met in a Closed Meeting as permitted, and pursuant to Section 239 (2)(c) and (f) of the Municipal Act, 2001, to receive information related to report number 2025-0917-LLS-R45-DMS, Property Acquisition Proposal. Council provided Administration with direction and instruction to finalize an agreement to complete the purchase of certain property, and as a result of discussions and deliberations, there was a recommendation before Council:

  • 266-2025
    Moved ByChris Gibb
    Seconded ByRob Shepley

    That Essex County Council authorizes the purchase of approximately 10 acres of the property located at municipal address 4108 Concession Road 9, Windsor, Ontario, and further authorizes the Warden and the Clerk to execute such documents as may be required to complete the said purchase.

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

14.2
Essex County Administration Building - Water Damage

 

At the September 3, 2025 Regular Meeting of Essex County Council, Councillor Sherry Bondy brought forward the following Notice of Motion: 

  • 267-2025
    Moved BySherry Bondy
    Seconded ByJoe Bachetti

    That Essex County Council direct Administration to prepare a project plan that would renovate portions of the ground level of the Administration Building, occupied by Essex County Library, impacted by the recent water damage, to the new office standard, and include the budget estimate in the draft 2026 Budget.

    In Favour (13)Tracey Bailey, Larry Verbeke, Michael Prue, Chris Gibb, Sherry Bondy, Rob Shepley, Dennis Rogers, Kimberly DeYong, Michael Akpata, Crystal Meloche, Hilda MacDonald, Gary McNamara, and Joe Bachetti
    Carried

14.3
Construction on County Roads

 

It was noted that IPS would review current construction projects and reach out to local municipalities as-needed.

15.
Adoption of By-Laws

 
  • 268-2025
    Moved ByRob Shepley
    Seconded ByChris Gibb

    That By-laws 2025-37 through 2025-40, 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, Dennis Rogers, Kimberly DeYong, Michael Akpata, Crystal Meloche, Hilda MacDonald, Gary McNamara, and Joe Bachetti
    Carried

15.1
By-law Number 2025-37

This item has attachments. 
1.2025-37 By-law to Amend Employment and Hiring Policy.pdf
2.1991-001 EmploymentHiringPolicy- August 2025 DRAFT.pdf

Being a By-law to amend Policy 1991-001 Employment and Hiring Policy.

15.2
By-law Number 2025-38

This item has attachments. 
1.2025-38 User Fees and Charges.pdf
2.2025-38 Fees and Charges By-law_Schedule A_UA.pdf

Being a By-law to Impose Fees and Charges by the Corporation of the County of Essex

15.3
By-law Number 2025-39

This item has attachments. 
1.2025-39 Affordable Rental Housing Property Tax Subclass .pdf

Being a By-law to adopt optional property tax subclass for the Corporation of the County of Essex and all the local municipalities within the boundaries of the County of Essex

15.4
By-law number 2025-40

This item has attachments. 
1.2025-40 Confirmatory By-law for September 17, 2025.pdf

Being a By-law to confirm the proceedings of the Council of the Corporation of the County of Essex, Regular and Closed meetings, for September 17, 2025

16.
Notice of Motion

 

There are no Notices of Motion for September 17, 2025.

17.
Adjournment

 
  • 269-2025
    Moved ByKimberly DeYong
    Seconded ByLarry Verbeke

    That the Essex County Council meeting for September 17, 2025 be adjourned at 7:31 PM.

    Carried
No Item Selected