Essex County Council Regular Meeting Minutes

Transcription

1 Essex County Council Regular Meeting Minutes Wednesday, March 15, :00 PM Council Chambers, 2nd Floor 360 Fairview Avenue West Essex, Ontario N8M 1Y , ext Council: Absent: Administration: Warden Tom Bain Deputy Warden Ken Antaya, Mayor, Town of LaSalle Joe Bachetti, Deputy Mayor, Town of Tecumseh Marc Bondy, Deputy Mayor, Town of LaSalle Aldo DiCarlo, Mayor, Town of Amherstburg Ron McDermott, Mayor, Town of Essex Gary McNamara, Mayor, Town of Tecumseh John Paterson, Mayor, Municipality of Leamington Nelson Santos, Mayor, Town of Kingsville Bart DiPasquale, Deputy Mayor, Town of Amherstburg Al Fazio, Deputy Mayor, Town of Lakeshore Hilda MacDonald, Deputy Mayor, Municipality of Leamington Richard Meloche, Deputy Mayor, Town of Essex Gord Queen, Deputy Mayor, Town of Kingsville Mary Brennan, Director of Council Services/Clerk Brian Gregg, Chief Administrative Officer Rob Maisonville, Director of Corporate Services/Treasurer Lynda Monik, Administrator, Sun Parlor Home Greg Schlosser, Director Human Resources Renée Trombley, Manager Corporate Communications and Accessibility Katherine Hebert, Council Services Administrative Assistant Justin Lammers, Deputy Chief, EWEMS Jane Mustac, Manager of Planning and Development, Transportation Services escribe Minutes 1

2 1. Closed Meeting There was no Closed Meeting scheduled for March 15, Moment of Reflection 3. Singing of O Canada 4. Recording of Attendance The Warden noted that Mr. Meloche, Mr. DiPasquale, Mr. Fazio, Mr. Queen and Ms. MacDonald were not in attendance. 5. Disclosure of Pecuniary Interest There were no conflicts of pecuniary interest declared. 6. Adoption of Regular Meeting Minutes Minutes of March 1, Moved By Mr. Paterson Seconded By Mr. Bachetti That the minutes of the March 1, 2017 Regular Meeting of Essex County Council be adopted as presented. 7. County Warden s Welcome and Remarks 2 The Warden greeted members of County Council, staff and others in attendance. He noted that in recent weeks in Jr. 'C' local hockey playoffs, the Essex 73's won the series over the Amherstburg Admirals and then swept the Lakeshore Canadians in their series. As a result, he announced that the Mayor of Essex had brought along a couple of jerseys for both Mayor DiCarlo and himself to wear for the meeting. He extended congratulations to the Essex 73's on their winning season. The Warden noted his participation in the following: Attended the Ontario South West Tourism Conference in London where there were tourism owners/operators, municipal and provincial leaders, and tourism sector professionals shared best practices and explore new opportunities. He noted that there were great ideas shared and many great speakers. Attended the announcement for the partnership between Windsor Regional Hospital and Windsor Public Library creating an innovative and jointly operated public library inside the proposed new acute care hospital Attended the immigration partnership annual forum

3 Attended the St. Clair College annual awards evening where 6 awards were presented on behalf of the County of Essex. 8. Delegations and Presentations 8.1 WindsorEssex Economic Development Corporation Jeanine Lassaline-Berglund, Economic Development Officer, Municipality of Leamington and Lee McGrath, Director Business Retention and Expansion, Windsor-Essex Economic Development Corporation to speak to County Council regarding Economic Development Week - March 27-31, 2017 and their Business Survey. Others attending as part of this delegation: Wendy Stark, Economic Development Officer, Adam Castle, Economic Development Coordinator and Marion Fantetti, Business Ombudsman, Windsor-Essex Economic Development Corporation; Nelson Silveira, Economic Development Officer, Town of Essex; and Heather Gregg, Manager of Employer Engagement, Workforce Windsor-Essex. Refer to Communications - Correspondence Item Moved By Mr. DiCarlo Seconded By Mr. McNamara That Ms. Lassaline-Berglund and Ms. McGrath be permitted to address County Council. The delegation provided information regarding a collaborative project involving local municipalities in the area of Economic Development. The project involves surveying local businesses for the purpose of data collection, analysis and response to the needs of the business community with regard to business retention and economic development opportunities. Further, the delegation noted that it is Economic Development Week March 27 31, 2017 and it is the goal of the Windsor-Essex Economic Development Corporation to increase awareness about the importance of maintaining and growing the local economies. 3

4 8.2 Essex-Windsor EMS International Team Chris Kirwan, Lance Huver, Mike Filiault and Shawn May, Essex Windsor EMS Paramedic Team Ontario to provide an update on the 2017 Rallye Rejviz Paramedic Competition Moved By Mr. Bondy Seconded By Mr. McDermott That Messrs. Kirwan, Huver, Filiault and May be permitted to address County Council. The delegation presented Council with past success stories and team achievements and further discussed upcoming events where the EMS Team will represent the Essex-Windsor region in competition. Team members discussed their roles and the opportunities presented to them through competition, such as meeting with Canadian ambassadors abroad, meeting the Premier of Ontario, as well as learning and networking. The EMS Team members thanked Council, EMS Administration and the community partners who have assisted them throughout their preparation, training, fundraising and travel. It was noted that there has never been a repeat gold-medalist in this EMS competition, but they are hopeful the EWEMS team will be the first, as they compete for a second consecutive gold. The Warden thanked the EMS team for their presentation and on behalf of Council wished the team luck in the upcoming competition. 9. Communications 9.1 Correspondence Moved By Mr. Antaya Seconded By Mr. Santos That the correspondence listed on the regular agenda for March 15, 2017, be received and any noted action approved. 4

5 Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) AMO AMO AMO AMO - 5 View the online version of the AMO WatchFile, dated March 2, 2017 and March 9, Received ed AMO Communications, dated February 27, 2017 regarding a Municipal Employee Pension Centre of Ontario (MEPCO) Update - Ontario Municipal Employees Retirement System (OMERS) Announces 2016 Investment Return Rate. Received , dated March 1, 2017 from Events - AMO referring to AMO's Social Media Webinars being offered. Received , dated March 3, 2017 from AMO communications regarding an AMO Policy Update - Strategy for a Waste-Free Ontario: Building the Circular Economy Released. Copied for Eli Maodus, General Manager, Essex-Windsor Solid Waste Authority. Received , dated March 8, 2017 regarding an AMO Policy Update - Highlights of Bill 68: Modernizing Municipal Legislation. Proposed Changes to Municipal Act, Municipal Conflict of Interest Act, Municipal Elections Act and several other Act Windsor-Essex Compassion Care Community Received ed copy of Newsletter, Volume 1, Issue 7, dated February Regional Municipality of Peel Received ed copy of correspondence from Frank Dale, Regional Chair and Chief Executive Officer, dated February 22, 2017 to Premier Kathleen Wynne, referring to their resolution regarding Regional Fluoridation. Mr. McNamara discussed the inconsistency with fluorination in municipal water supplies throughout the Province. He noted his intention to support the Region of Peel's resolution requesting Provincial control over fluorination regulations. Mr. Paterson expressed opposition to the Peel resolution on the basis that municipalities serviced by the Union Water System have never had fluorinated water and the local food processors

6 within their municipalities have expressed their opposition to the fluorination of municipal water as well. Moved By Mr. McNamara Seconded By Mr. Bachetti That Essex County Council support the resolution from the Region of Peel requesting the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care to undertake appropriate and comprehensive toxicity testing necessary to reassure the public that the use of HFSA in water fluoridation treatments is safe and to take legislative responsibility for the regulation and administration of HFSA in water fluoridation treatments across the Province, relieving local governments from what is a provincial responsibility. Lost Township of Lake of Bays Received ed copy of correspondence from Carrie Sykes, Director of Corporate Services/Clerk to Premier Kathleen Wynne, referring to their resolution regarding Schedule 5 of Bill 7 - An Act to Amend or Repeal Various Acts with respect to Housing and Planning (Property Standards) Minister of Seniors Affairs Received ed correspondence, dated March 2017 from Minister Dipika Damerla, regarding an invitation to participate in the 2017 Senior of the Year Award - Deadline is April 30, WindsorEssex Economic Development Corporation Received , dated March 1, 2017 from Lana Drouillard, Director, Marketing & Communications proclaiming March 27-31, 2017 as "Economic Development Week" in Windsor-Essex along with a copy of the ad that will appear in the BizX Magazine March edition. This item was discussed under Delegations and Presentation item Municipality of Thames Centre Received ed copy of correspondence to Premier Kathleen Wynne, dated February 28, 2017 from Mayor Jim Maudsley, referring to their resolution regarding Automated External Defibrillators. 6

7 Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiative (GLSLCI) - 1 View the online version of the GLSLCI Making Waves dated March 3, GLSLCI - 2 Received ed GLSLCI Budget News Release, dated March 3, Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Mayors Deeply Concerned about U.S. Budget GLSLCI - 3 Received ed correspondence, dated March 6, 2017 regarding the Wege Small Cities Sustainability Award GLSLCI - 4 Received , dated March 7, 2017 from David A. Ullrich, Executive Director regarding Major Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Developments Ministry of Education Received ed correspondence, dated March 6, 2017 from the Ministry of Education regarding Pupil Accommodation Reviews and Support for Education Rural and Remote Communities Accessibility Directorate of Ontario Received , dated March 6, 2017 subject: Invitation to Community Accessibility Forums 2017 and Community Accessibility Forums 2017 information - registration Farmland Forum Program Received , dated March 8, 2017 regarding the 2017 Ontario Farmland Forum, being held March 30, 2017 in Orillia. View the online versions of the Forum Program and the Forum Flyer Paula Beattie and Family (Manager of Budget and Administration) Received card of appreciation for thoughtfulness shown during their time of sorrow. 7

8 9.2 Resolutions There were no resolutions for the consideration of Council for March 15, Consent Agenda There were no items for the Consent Agenda for March 15, Reports and Questions 11.1 Ottawa Hospital Research Institute C-Spine Study Site Agreement Report Number 2017-R002-EMS-0315-JL, dated March 15, 2017 from Justin Lammers, Deputy Chief, Professional Standards, Essex-Windsor Emergency Medical Services. Mr. Santos questioned whether the twelve month period was lengthy enough to gather the information required for the analysis. Deputy Chief Lammers indicated that it is expected to be sufficient, based on the experiences of other areas who have performed similar case studies Moved By Mr. Santos Seconded By Mr. DiCarlo That Essex County Council adopt By-law # , authorizing the Warden and the Clerk to execute the C-Spine Study Site Agreement on behalf of the Corporation of the County of Essex Asset Management Plan Report Number 2017-R008-FIN-0315-RM, dated March 15, 2017 from Robert Maisonville, Director of Corporate Services/Treasurer. Mr. Maisonville discussed the County's Asset Management Plan (AMP) and the assets valued at $640 million, which include all corporate assets, linear and non-linear. He further discussed the asset condition distribution analysis and the financial health of the County as it relates to the AMP. He noted that the annual cost to maintain the county assets is approximately $17M and the current funding achieved from the levy is $15M. It is a shortfall that will be mitigated over the next 2 years, at which point the County assets will be 100% funded. 8

9 Mr. Antaya commended Administration on the report and noted that with the current state and projections for the coming years, that the County must be one of the few municipalities in the Province who will have a fully funded asset management plan Moved By Mr. Antaya Seconded By Mr. McDermott That Essex County Council approve the Corporation s Asset Management Plan, as provided in Appendix A of report number R008-FIN-0315-RM Property Tax Policy Recommendations Report Number 2017-R002-CS-0315-MB, dated March 15, 2017 from Mary Brennan, Director of Council Services/Clerk. Ms. Brennan discussed the report and the recent changes to property taxation legislation/regulations. She noted that it has been 20 years since Current Value Assessment (CVA) was introduced in Ontario. She noted that there are some additional tax policy options available to municipalities in 2017 including the ability to alter the Vacant Unit Rebate and Vacant/Excess Land Subclasses Reduction Programs for business properties. The Province is providing municipalities the option to tailor these programs to reflect community needs and circumstances, while considering the interests of local businesses. She noted any changes require a resolution of County Council and approval by the Minister of Finance with subsequent Ontario Regulation amendment. Engagement of the business sector is a requirement as well, prior to any policy changes being made. Ms. Brennan noted that 2017 is the first of a new four year tax cycle with a valuation date of January 1, 2016 and indicated that any increases to CVA would be phased in over the 4 years, while any decreases would take effect in full in She noted that there are now 8 mandatory property tax classes, with the newest class added this year for landfill properties. She advised that with regard to farm properties within Ontario, some areas have seen extremely high increases. Farm properties in Essex County, she noted, experienced increases ranging from of 2%-12%. Ms. Brennan noted one area of interest by municipalities locally was to review the vacant business unit rebate program. She noted some municipalities feel that the program as it is currently administered may

10 inadvertently encourage derelict, unsightly buildings or landlord apathy. Mr. Paterson indicated his interest in further discussions regarding the rebates for vacant businesses. Ms. Brennan advised that the local municipal Tax Collectors/Treasurers would be meeting in early April to discuss a work plan to review the vacant unit rebate program and provide some recommendations to County Council Moved By Mr. Bondy Seconded By Mr. Santos For the 2017 taxation year, the following property tax policies are recommended for adoption of County Council: That Essex County Council adopt the tax ratios used in 2016, for the 2017 taxation year with the addition of the tax ratio for the new Landfill Property Tax Class being ; And further that the Office Building, Parking Lot/Vacant Lands and Large Industrial optional property tax classes be continued for 2017, as set out in By-law # ; And further that the reductions for sub-classes for vacant/excess commercial and industrial land be set at 30% and 35% respectively; And further that the Essex County Tax Assistance Program for Low Income Seniors and Low Income Persons with Disabilities established by the Charity Tax Rebate Program continue with no amendments; And further that By-law , establishing the Veterans Clubhouse and Legion Halls Property Tax Rebate Program be adopted; And further that the Essex County Tax Collectors and Treasurers group be requested to develop a work plan and recommendations regarding the Vacant Unit Rebate programs in Essex County, prior to July 1, CWATS Status - Built Infrastructure Report Number 2017-R03-CWATS-0315-JM, dated March 15, 2017, from Jane Mustac, Manager, Transportation Planning and Development. 10

11 Mr. Bachetti questioned how the CWATS plan fits in with the County Roads Designation Study? He further questioned how frequently the Terms of Reference were reviewed. Mr. Gregg indicated that the CWATS plan would be taken into account in the County Roads Designation Study and that the CWATS Terms of Reference would be reviewed by the CWATS Technical Committee Moved By Mr. McNamara Seconded By Mr. DiCarlo That Report Number 2017-R03-CWATS-0315-JM, regarding the CWATS Status - Built Infrastructure , be received for information. 12. Unfinished Business 13. New Business 14. Adoption of By-Laws Moved By Mr. McNamara Seconded By Mr. Bachetti That By-law(s) through , having been read a first, second and third time, be finally passed and enacted By-law A By-law to Authorize the Execution of a Study Subsite Agreement between Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Dr. Christian Vaillancourt and The Corporation of the County of Essex/Essex Windsor EMS 14.2 By-law A By-law to Establish a Property Tax Rebate Program for Veterans Clubhouses and Legion Halls in Essex County 14.3 By-law A By-law to establish Tax Ratios for the year 2017 for The Corporation of the County of Essex and its Constituent Lower Tier Municipalities. 11

12 14.4 By-law A By-law to Adopt the Estimates for the Sums Required During the Year 2017 for The Corporation of the County of Essex and to Establish Tax Rates for Same Against its Constituent Lower Tier Municipalities By-law A By-law to Confirm the Proceedings of the Council of The Corporation of the County of Essex. 15. Notice of Motion 16. Adjournment Moved By Mr. Bondy Seconded By Mr. Paterson That the March 15, 2017 meeting of Essex County Council adjourn at 8:00PM. Tom Bain Warden - County of Essex Mary Brennan Director of Council Services/Clerk 12