The Corporation of the Town of LaSalle

Minutes of a Meeting of the Parks, Recreation and Events Committee

Tuesday, July 09, 2024

4:30 P.m. - 5:30 P.m.

Council Chambers, LaSalle Civic Centre, 5950 Malden Road

Members of Committee Present:

• Mayor Crystal Meloche, 
• Councillor Michael Akpata, 
• Councillor Terry Burns, 
• Councillor Sue Desjarlais, 
• Councillor Jeff Renaud, 
• and Councillor Anita Riccio-Spagnuolo 

Members of Committee Absent:

• Councillor Mark Carrick 

Administration Present:

• J. Milicia, Chief Administrative Officer, 
• P. Funaro, Director of Culture and Recreation, 
• P. Marra, Deputy Chief Administrative Office, 
• J. Osborne, Director of Public Works, 
• G. Ferraro, Manager of Finance/Deputy Treasurer, 
• L. Jean, Deputy Clerk, 
• M. Masonovich, Manager of Fleet & Facilities, 
• J. Turnbull, Supervisor of Programming, 
• R. Tufts, Council Coordinator, 
• I. Middleton, Supervisor of Information Technology , 
• D. Langlois, D. Langlois, Director of Finance/Treasurer, 
• G. Beggs, Director of Planning and Development, 
• and K. Brcic, Manager of Planning 

Others Present

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A.

Opening Business

1.

Call to Order

Mayor Meloche called the meeting to order at 4:30 p.m.

2.

Land Acknowledgement Statement

Mayor Meloche read the land acknowledgement statement.

B.

Disclosures of Pecuniary Interest and the General Nature Thereof

None disclosed.

C.

Adoption of Minutes

• PRE-15-24
  Moved By: Councillor Riccio-Spagnuolo
  Seconded By: Councillor Burns

  That the minutes of the meeting of the Parks, Recreation and Events Committee Meeting dated April 23, 2024 be adopted as presented.

  Carried.

D.

Items for Consideration

1.

New Park Name at Laurier and Meo

J. Osborne, Director of Public Works, presented the report.

A. Sorge, delegate, requested the name of the new park on Laurier Drive and Meo Boulevard be named Gino Sorge Park.

Councillor Burns supported naming the park Gino Sorge Park.

Councillor Riccio Spagnuolo supported naming the park Gino Sorge Park.

Councillor Renaud supported naming of the park of Gino Sorge Park.

J. Milicia, Chief Administrative Officer, suggested that Council provide direction on how to proceed with future park naming in the event the parks is named after Mr. Sorge. 

J. Osborne, Director of Public Works, requested guidance regarding the potential amendment to the Parks Naming Policy and advised that the new Parks Master plan will reflect the amended policy. 

Councillor Desjarlais supported naming the park Gino Sorge Park.

• PRE-16-24
  Moved By: Councillor Renaud
  Seconded By: Councillor Burns

  That the report of the Director of Public Works and Director of Planning and Development dated June 21, 2024 (Report number PW-24-2024) regarding the naming of the newly constructed park on Meo Blvd south of Laurier Parkway be received;

  And the newly constructed park on Meo Boulevard south of Laurier Parkway be named Gino Sorge Park. 

  Carried.

E.

Questions/Statements from Members of the Committee

Councillor Burns stated that he and Councillor Renaud attended the FCM Conference in July and met the Ward Councillor for London, Story Book Gardens. Small events are held throughout the year to remind residents of its value such as roller skating night.

Councillor Renaud requested that Administration provide recommendations regarding inexpensive events to highlight the skate trail throughout the year.

Mr. Marra advised the information requested will be provided to Council within the next few months.  

Councillor Burns inquired about the grass-cutting contract and who is responsible for cutting under trees as he has received feedback from a resident that this is not being done on D' Amore Drive.  Councillor Burns also stated that  bushes surrounding the LaSalle Civic need to be maintained.

F.

Next Meeting

The next scheduled meeting will be held on August 27, 2024 at 4:30 p.m.

G.

Adjournment

The meeting is adjourned at the call of the Chair at 5:05 pm.