Essex County Council Regular Meeting Minutes

Transcription

1 Essex County Council Regular Meeting Minutes Wednesday, May 17, :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 Marc Bondy, Deputy Mayor, Town of LaSalle Bart DiPasquale, Deputy Mayor, Town of Amherstburg Al Fazio, Deputy Mayor, Town of Lakeshore Ron McDermott, Mayor, Town of Essex Gary McNamara, Mayor, Town of Tecumseh Richard Meloche, Deputy Mayor, Town of Essex Gord Queen, Deputy Mayor, Town of Kingsville Nelson Santos, Mayor, Town of Kingsville Joe Bachetti, Deputy Mayor, Town of Tecumseh Aldo DiCarlo, Mayor, Town of Amherstburg Hilda MacDonald, Deputy Mayor, Municipality of Leamington John Paterson, Mayor, Municipality of Leamington Mary Brennan, Director of Council Services/Clerk Brian Gregg, Chief Administrative Officer Bruce Krauter, Chief, Essex Windsor EMS Rob Maisonville, Director of Corporate Services/Treasurer Tom Bateman, Director of Transportation Services/Engineer Lynda Monik, Administrator, Sun Parlor Home Greg Schlosser, Director Human Resources Katherine Hebert, Council Services Administrative Assistant 1. Closed Meeting Moved By Mr. McDermott Seconded By Mr. Bondy

2 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 Matter Moved By Mr. Meloche Seconded By Mr. DiPasquale That Council rise from the Closed Meeting at 6:55 PM. 2. Moment of Reflection 3. Singing of O Canada 4. Recording of Attendance It was noted that Hilda MacDonald, John Paterson, Joe Bachetti, and Aldo DiCarlo 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 May 3, Moved By Mr. McNamara Seconded By Mr. Antaya That the minutes of the May 3, 2017 Regular Meeting of Essex County Council be adopted as presented. 7. County Warden s Welcome and Remarks The Warden welcomed the members of Council, administration and members of the public. He noted his participation in the following events: Attended the Hospice of Windsor and Essex County 10th Anniversary celebration. He noted that two new rooms have been added to the facility. The County of Essex was praised for their leadership role and Page 2

3 actions with regard to hospice support over the years and recently with the Leamington Hospice. Attended the Children's Aid Society ribbon cutting ceremony for the 'Smile Zones' Attended a meeting for the Gordie Howe Bridge project along with Mayor McDermott. Attended the Community Living Essex County Luncheon along with many of the local mayors and deputies. Attended the Windsor Construction Association Awards Banquet where many local elected officials were in attendance to celebrate local businesses and their achievements over the course of the year. Attended the Western Ontario Wardens Conference meeting along with Stephen McKenzie from the Windsor Essex County Economic Development Corporation where the focus was making improvements to foster Economic Development in Southwestern Ontario Attended the Herb Gray Harmony Awards The Warden noted that the Windsor Express professional basketball team is scheduled to play another playoff game at the Atlas Tube Centre in Lakeshore on Thursday. He noted that the games have been an exciting and fun experience. We wish them luck tomorrow. 8. Delegations and Presentations 8.1 Tourism Windsor Essex Pelee Island (TWEPI) Mr. Gordon Orr, CEO, TWEPI and Lynnette Bain, Vice President, Tourism Programs and Development to speak to County Council regarding the TWEPI Year in Review and a presentation of Tourism Month activities Moved By Mr. Bondy Seconded By Mr. Queen That Mr. Orr and Mrs. Bain be permitted to address County Council. Gordon Orr provided those in attendance a copy of the current Windsor Essex Pelee Island Visitor's Guide and made a presentation to Council regarding the activities of the Tourism Windsor Essex Pelee Island (TWEPI) over recent years, as well as summarized plans for current and future undertakings. Page 3

4 It was noted that June is tourism month and the TWEPI Annual General Meeting is planned for June the 8th. Mr. Orr showed a video that was produced as part of the current TWEPI campaign to draw tourism into the area, to conclude his presentation. The Warden and members of Council complimented the presentation and video. Mr. McNamara complimented TWEPI on the exceptional job they did highlighting the area's attractions during the AMO Conference in Mr. Orr credited the volunteers for enthusiastically supporting the effort. Mr. Meloche questioned what, if anything TWEPI is undertaking to draw US residents and tourism dollars into the area? Ms. Bain indicated that there are funds in place for this purpose, and a campaign was underway digitally to bring awareness and encourage US residents to make the trip to the area. The ads are targeted strategically and geographically. 8.2 Dave Grainger - County Road 27 Speed Limit Reduction Request Mr. Dave Grainger to speak to County Council regarding the speed limit reduction request for County Road 27 from South Woodslee to County Road Moved By Mr. McDermott Seconded By Mr. Fazio That Mr. Grainger be permitted to address County Council. Dave Grainger and Terry Lapain, residents of South Woodslee made a presentation to Council regarding a speed reduction requested for County Road 27. Discussion took place with regard to the request for the reduction as it relates to the Administrative Report before Council as agenda item Mr. Grainger presented his perspective on the issues surrounding the traffic in the area and concluded with the suggestion that the speed be reduced from 80km/h to 50km/h. Page 4

5 Moved By Mr. McNamara Seconded By Mr. Antaya That agenda item 11.1 Administrative Report 2017-R11-TSD TRB Speed Limit Revisions, be moved forward on the agenda for consideration at the present time. 9. Communications 9.1 Correspondence Moved By Mr. Queen Seconded By Mr. DiPasquale That the correspondence listed on the regular agenda for May 17, 2017 be received and any noted action approved Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) AMO AMO View the online version of the AMO Watchfile, dated May 4, 2017 and May 11, Received ed AMO Communications, dated May 4, 2017 regarding Municipal Employees Pension Centre of Ontario (MEPCO) Supports Recent Ontario Municipal Employees Retirement System (OMERS) Proposal. Received ed AMO Communications, dated May 9, 2017 regarding an AMO Policy Update - Several Important Amendments to Bill 68 Achieved. (online version) Windsor Regional Hospital Received ed News Release, dated April 28, 2017 regarding #WEareready...#WEwereheard...#WErMovingForward! Page 5

6 Ontario budget confirms our Windsor-Essex Hospitals System project is a go! (online version) Ministry of Citizenship and Immigration Received ed correspondence, dated April 2017 from Laura Albanese, Minister regarding an invitation to submit a nomination for the Lincoln M. Alexander Award Township of North Frontenac Received ed copy of correspondence to the Honourable Kathleen Wynne, Premier of Ontario, from Tara Miekse, Clerk/Planning Manager referring their Council's resolution regarding Hydro Reduction of 25% Not Applicable to Seasonal Residents Township of Essa Received ed copy of correspondence to The Right Honourable Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister, from Bonnie Sander Clerk referring to their Council's resolution regarding New Driver Sign St. Clair College Received letter of appreciation for County Council's generous donation towards their scholarship fund from John Fairley, Vice President College and Community Relations. Also received cards of apprecition from recipients of the County of Essex Scholarship Awards Stop The Great Lakes Nuclear Dump Received , dated May 4, 2017 from Frank Fernandez requesting County Council support and sign an open letter in opposition to the proposed Deep Geologic Repository in Kincardine. The Warden discussed the correspondence as it related to the Deep Geological Nuclear Dump. Page 6

7 Moved By Mr. McNamara Seconded By Mr. Bondy That the Warden sign and Council affirm their support of the Open Letter to Canada's Minister of the Environment and Climate Change opposing Ontario Power Generation's proposed deep geological repository Great Lakes St. Lawrence Cities Initiative (GLSLCI) Received , dated May 9, 2017 from David A. Ullrich, Executive Director regarding the Board of Directors Election Windsor Essex Compassion Care Community (WECCC) 9.2 Resolutions Received from Christie Nelson Communications Consultant WECCC, dated April 28, 2017 regarding the WECCC April 2017 Video Newsletter. There were no resolutions for consideration for the May 17, 2017 meeting. 10. Consent Agenda There were no items for the Consent Agenda for May 17, Reports and Questions 11.1 Speed Limit Revisions Report Number 2017-R11-TSD-0517-TRB, from Tom Bateman, Director of Transportation Services/County Engineer. Note: This report was considered under agenda item 8.2. Mr. Bateman presented the report and outlined the criteria observed when considering appropriate speed limits on roads. He indicated that data is collected and analysed and conclusions based on the standards and the data collected are drawn. Mr. Bateman indicated that for the 3 requests for speed reductions being presented in the report, considering best practices and analysis results and recognizing that the goal of County Roads is to move traffic in an efficient manner the following is recommended: Page 7

8 Speed limits from 80 km/h to 60 km/h is supported at Location ID 2 CR 27 from south Woodslee southerly to County Road 8, Lakeshore, ON; and Speed limits from 80 km/h to 60 km/h is supported at Location ID 3 CR 34 from Cottam to County Road 29 (Division Road North), Kingsville, ON The posted speed limit at Location ID 1 remains appropriate at 80 km/h. Discussion took place with regard to posting Deer Crossing and Icy Conditions signs on the roadways. It was noted that historical data is used to determine whether signs are warranted for deer and icy conditions. Mr. Fazio noted that speed reduction request are not something that are considered lightly. It is infrequent that these are lowered and there are opposing views that arise around these requests as well. Mr. McNamara agreed and noted that reductions in speed reduce the efficiency of roadways as connecting arterial corridors. He expressed his support of the recommendations and further indicated that County Rd. 42 should not be reduced any further. Mr. Antaya expressed that these requests only highlight the need to continue with the County Roads Rationalization project Moved By Mr. McDermott Seconded By Mr. McNamara That the Transportation Association of Canada (TAC) Canadian Guidelines for Establishing Posted Speed Limits be adopted as the policy for determining posted speed limits on County of Essex roadways; And that Council supports the recommendations and directs Administration to prepare all necessary revisions to By-Laws. Page 8

9 11.2 Tender Summary - CR 22 and CR19 Intersection Capacity and Safety Improvements Report Number 2017-R13-TSD-0715-TRB, dated May 17, 2017 from Tom Bateman, Director of Transportation Services/County Engineer. Mr. Bateman and Mr. Bziuk presented the report and information regarding the County Rd. 22 and County Rd. 19 intersection project. They noted in particular the levels of service and interruption, traffic volumes expected, proactively diverting traffic, educating the public and effective communications updates. Mr. Bziuk indicated that there would be 2 closures during the project. A three week closure of County Rd. 19 south of County Rd. 22 and a two week closure of County Rd. 19 north of County Rd. 22, the remaining project will be undertaken using shifting and lane restrictions. Alternate route monitoring will be undertaken throughout the project to mitigate any excessive delays. Mr. Bateman indicated that the use of social media outlets, website and regular news releases will aid in keeping progress information at the forefront. Mr. Antaya questioned whether the existing footprint of the intersection is adequate for this and any forecasted projects, considering the growth in the area. Mr. Bateman indicated that there is sufficient land to add additional lanes for this project. While future endeavors are considered, this undertaking is a pre-curser to the future expansion of the County Rd. 22 and works at Lesperance Rd. and Banwell for ultimate connection with the 4 lane highway. Mr. McNamara questioned whether school bus traffic was to be considered when setting the timeline for closures and lane restrictions. Mr. Bateman indicated that when setting the timeline school busses as well as local traffic implication for festivals will be discussed. It is anticipated that the schedule will accommodate these consideration where possible. He further noted that there is some language in the contract that would provide some incentives for the expedient completion of works to reduce the road closure times. Mr. Fazio questioned the completion timeline. Page 9

10 Mr. Bateman noted that the project is set to be complete by November 30, Mr. Santos questioned whether the County will host an open house for residents regarding this project. Mr. Bateman indicated that the focus is communication through social media as well as making presentations at both Tecumseh and Lakeshore Councils on the matter Moved By Mr. McNamara Seconded By Mr. Fazio That the tender for the construction of the County Road 19/22 Intersection be awarded as follows: Project Number County Road 19/22 Intersection to Amico Infrastructures Inc. for a total tender amount of $6,868,200.00, plus HST Property Tax Capping Policy Recommendations Report Number 2017-R005-CS-0517-MB, dated May 17, 2017 from Mary Brennan, Director of Council Services/Clerk Ms. Brennan presented the report and provided a summary of the implications for municipalities. She noted that the local tax collectors have discussed the changes and provided some feedback on the issues. With regard to the vacancy rebate program there is an option for municipalities to either 'phase out' or 'eliminate' the rebate. It was the general consensus that an elimination of the program would be best suited for the local municipalities. Timing for implementing changes with regard to the 2017 tax year would have to be submitted to the minister by July 1st. This is unlikely to happen, considering the reports that have to be brought to the local councils for consideration and the need for public consultation on the matter. The process will effectively be in place for Ms. Brennan discussed the issue of the new Fair Housing Legislation, which establishes a new multi-res tax class being implemented for The purpose is to stimulate the construction of new multi-residential properties and offer a lower tax rate than existing multi-res properties. This reduced (between 1%-1.1%) tax Page 10

11 rate creates a two tier system and could create issue for existing multi-res properties. Although implemented for 2017, MPAC indicates that it is unlikely that any such properties under the new class would be added to the rolls until Mr. Santos indicated that there has been some prospecting with regard to real-estate and some investors are simply leaving commercial spaces vacant to flip them. This rebate partially enables this activity and most municipalities would want to discourage that activity wherever possible. Mr. Santos questioned whether the multi-res tax classes will have clauses requiring compliance with affordability standards? Ms. Brennan indicated that there is very little other information on the matter of affordability and the new tax class. It is anticipated that for information will be forthcoming. Mr. Santos suggested that adding the economic qualifiers for affordability may be necessary for this change to be effective in fostering affordable housing Moved By Mr. Meloche Seconded By Mr. Bondy That Essex County Council adopt 2017 tax capping policies for the commercial and industrial property tax classes as follows: Implement a cap of 10% on previous year s CVA taxes or 10% on annualized taxes; Remove tax protection from properties whose 2017 Capped Taxes are within $500 of the 2017 CVA tax for the commercial and industrial property tax classes; Eliminate the claw-back requirement for properties with 2017 Revised Taxes that are within $500 of the 2017 CVA tax for the Commercial and Industrial property tax classes; Exclude from tax capping properties meeting the following criteria properties that were at CVA tax in 2016; properties that will cross over CVA tax in 2017 from capped to clawed back; properties that will cross over CVA tax in 2017 from clawed back to capped and reassessment related increases. Page 11

12 That further that By-law establishing a tax ratio and tax rate for 2017 for the new Multi-residential tax class be adopted Housing with Supports Program Report Number 2017-R011-FIN-0517-RM, dated May 17, 2017 from Robert Maisonville, Director of Corporate Services/Treasurer. Mr. Maisonville presented the report and summarized the details of what quantifies the Hosing with Supports program. Mr. Bondy requested clarification on the difference between Housing with Supports program and the Windsor Essex Community Housing Corporation. Mr. Maisonville indicated that the Housing with Supports program differs in that the people using the program have to meet certain criteria for needs, including that there is a need for day to day assistance with what would be considered regular activities to some capacity Moved By Mr. Queen Seconded By Mr. Antaya That the Housing with Supports Program Report Number R011-FIN-0517-RM be received for information Municipality of Chatham-Kent 2016 EMS Response Time Performance Plan and Deployment Update Report Number 2017-R003-EMS-0517-BK, dated May 17, 2017 from Bruce Krauter, Chief, Essex-Windsor EMS. Chief Krauter presented the report and summarized the implications for the County should the municipality of Chatham-Kent revise their EMS base geography. He noted that County of Essex and Chatham- Kent currently share services for the areas at the easternmost border of the County. It has been noted that Chatham-Kent is considering the relocation of its Tilbury base to Merlin. This would impact response times for the County of Essex areas serviced by this Chatham-Kent base. Page 12

13 Mr. McNamara questioned what the most involved resolution for the County of Essex would be, should Chatham-Kent relocate? Chief Krauter indicated that a new station and ambulance in the eastern portion of the County may be necessary. He noted that in the interim, an additional ambulance may be added to respond to calls in those areas Moved By Mr. Bondy Seconded By Mr. Queen That Essex County Council receive Report Number 2017-R003-EMS BK, regarding the Municipality of Chatham-Kent 2016 Deployment Plan and possible impacts on the County of Essex. 12. Unfinished Business 12.1 Roads Rationalization 13. New Business Mr. Antaya asked for a status update on the project. Mr. Bateman indicated that the RFP is nearly ready to release to the public and communication with local municipalities regarding the project and timeline is forthcoming Public Reporting of Closed Meeting A Closed Meeting of Essex County Council was held at 6:45 p.m., prior to the regular Council meeting this evening, pursuant to Section 239 (2) (d) of the Municipal Act, Council discussed a matter relating to labour relations By-law Restrictions for Dynamic Braking Mr. McNamara requested that the County improve on the existing road signs as they relate to the prohibition of dynamic braking on county roads. Mr. Bateman indicated that since the County does not have a noise by-law, it would be up to the municipalities to enforce the issue, but signs can be posted within each municipality specific to their bylaw. Page 13

14 14. Adoption of By-Laws Moved By Mr. McNamara Seconded By Mr. Santos That By-law(s) through , having been read a first, second and third time, be finally passed and enacted By-law Number A By-law to Amend By-laws and , establishing 2017 Tax Ratios and Tax Rates for The Corporation of the County of Essex and its Constituent Lower Tier Municipalities By-law Number A By-law to Adopt Optional Tools for the Purposes of Administering Limits for the Commercial and Industrial Property Classes for By-law Number A By-law to Confirm the Proceedings of the Council of the Corporation of the County of Essex. (May 17, 2017) 15. Notice of Motion 16. Adjournment Moved By Mr. Meloche Seconded By Mr. McNamara That the Essex County Council meeting for May 17, 207 be adjourned at 8:41 PM. Page 14

15 Tom Bain Warden - County of Essex Mary Brennan Director of Council Services/Clerk Page 15