The Corporation of the Town of LaSalle

Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the Town of LaSalle Council

Tuesday, July 09, 2024

6:00 P.m. - 8:00 P.m.

Council Chambers, LaSalle Civic Centre, 5950 Malden Road

Members of Council Present:

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

Members of Council Absent:

• Councillor Mark Carrick 

Administration Present:

• J. Milicia, Chief Administrative Officer, 
• P. Marra, Deputy Chief Administrative Officer, 
• J. Astrologo, Director of Council Services/Clerk, 
• D. Davies, Chief of Police, 
• P. Funaro, Director of Culture & Recreation, 
• D. Langlois, Director of Finance and Treasurer, 
• E. Thiessen, Director of Fire Service/Fire Chief, 
• K. Brcic, Manager of Planning & Development, 
• M. Cappucci, Manager of Engineering, 
• D. Dadalt, Legal Counsel, 
• G. Ferraro, Manager of Finance & Deputy Treasurer, 
• L. Jean, Deputy Clerk, 
• and B. MacMillan, Drainage Superintendent 

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A.

Opening Business

1.

Call to Order

Mayor Meloche called the meeting to order at 6:01 p.m.

2.

Land Acknowledgement Statement

Mayor Meloche read the Land Acknowledgement Statement.

3.

Moment of Silent Reflection and Playing of National Anthem

B.

Adoption of Agenda

• 154/24
  Moved by: Councillor Renaud
  Seconded by: Councillor Desjarlais

  That the July 9, 2024, Regular Council Meeting Agenda be adopted as presented.

  Carried.

C.

Disclosure of Pecuniary Interest

None disclosed.

D.

Adoption of Minutes

• 155/24
  Moved by: Councillor Burns
  Seconded by: Councillor Riccio-Spagnuolo

  That the Minutes of the Regular Meeting of Council held June 25, 2024, be adopted as presented.

  Carried.

E.

Mayor's Comments

Mayor Meloche announced that the Town is pleased to welcome Chief Designate Michael Pearce as the new Chief of Police. She expressed confidence that Chief Designate Pearce would uphold the values of integrity, accountability, and transparency within the police department. His official start date is July 29, with a ceremony to be held in October.

Mayor Meloche extended her deep gratitude to the retiring Chief Davies for his years of dedicated service, both as an Officer and as the Chief of Police. His leadership, integrity, and unwavering commitment to community safety were highlighted, noting that his efforts have made a profound difference in the community. 

Each Member of Council thanked Chief Davies for his service and leadership, and best wishes were extended for a well-deserved retirement.

Mr. Milicia on behalf of Administration, expressed appreciation for Chief Davies' work and his contributions as part of the senior leadership team. Congratulations were given to Chief Davies on his retirement, with wishes for him to enjoy the next chapter of his life with his family. 

Mayor Meloche reminded residents that taxes are due on Friday, July 26, and encouraged anyone requiring assistance to contact the finance department.

F.

Public Meetings and/or Hearings

None. 

G.

Presentations and Delegations

None.

H.

Staff Reports and Correspondence for Council's Action

1.

Chappus Drain – Tender Results and Award of Contract

B. MacMillan, Drainage Superintendent, presented the report. 

• 156/24
  Moved by: Councillor Burns
  Seconded by: Councillor Renaud

  That the report of the Drainage Superintendent dated June 20, 2024 (PW-21-2024) regarding the Chappus Drain tender results be received;

  And that Council awards the contract to Matassa Inc. for the bid price of $194,832.00 plus HST;

  And that this amount be funded from the Town of LaSalle Drainage Capital Account and recovered as per the assessment schedule in the Chappus Drain Report with corresponding By-Law 8823.

  Carried.

2.

Marentette Drain – Request for Major Improvement

B. MacMillan, Drainage Superintendent, presented the report. 

• 157/24
  Moved by: Councillor Renaud
  Seconded by: Deputy Mayor Akpata

  That the report of the Drainage Superintendent, dated June 20, 2024 (PW-25-2024) regarding the request for major improvement to the Marentette Drain be received;

  And that Council accepts the request, and authorizes administration to begin the process for a major improvement of the Marentette Drain under Section 78 of the Drainage Act.

  Carried.

3.

St Michaels Drain – Tender Results and Award of Contract

B. MacMillan, Drainage Superintendent, presented the report.

• 158/24
  Moved by: Councillor Burns
  Seconded by: Councillor Riccio-Spagnuolo

  That the report of the Drainage Superintendent dated June 20, 2024 (PW-22-2024) regarding the St Michaels Drain tender results be received;

  And that Council awards the contract to Murray Mills Excavating & Trucking (Sarnia) Ltd. for the bid price of $299,850.00 plus HST;

  And that this amount be funded from the Town of LaSalle Drainage Capital Account and recovered as per the assessment schedule of the Approved St Michaels Drain Report with corresponding By-Law 8837.

  Carried.

4.

Windsor Family Credit Union - Financial Services Agreement

D. Langlois, Director of Finance, presented the report.

• 159/24
  Moved by: Councillor Desjarlais
  Seconded by: Councillor Riccio-Spagnuolo

  That the report of the Director of Finance dated June 18, 2024 (FIN-13-2024) regarding the Windsor Family Credit Union – Financial Services Agreement be received;

  And that Council authorizes the renewal of the financial services agreement with the Windsor Family Credit Union based on the continuation of the existing agreement for an additional 5 year term;

  And that Council authorizes the Director of Finance & Treasurer to prepare and sign all the necessary agreements.

  Carried.

I.

Consent Agenda

1.

Correspondence

a.

Township of Larder Lake - Asset Retirement Obligation

2.

Summary of Reports to Council

• 160/24
  Moved by: Councillor Renaud
  Seconded by: Deputy Mayor Akpata

  That items 1 and 2 on the Consent Agenda for July 9, 2024, be received.

  Carried.

J.

Committee Matters

1.

Essex County Council Highlights for June 19, 2024

• 161/24
  Moved by: Councillor Burns
  Seconded by: Councillor Renaud

  That the Essex County Council Highlights for June 19, 2024, be received.

  Carried.

K.

Questions and Statements by Council Members

Deputy Mayor Akpata inquired whether there would be a regional solution to address the issue of phragmites. Mr. Marra advised that the Drainage Superintendent and Manager of Engineering are monitoring this situation and looking at opportunities for a joint solution.

L.

Notices of Motion

None.

M.

Closed Session

None.

N.

By-laws

• 162/24
  Moved by: Councillor Riccio-Spagnuolo
  Seconded by: Councillor Desjarlais

  That the following By-laws be given a first, second, and third reading and finally passed:

  8896 – A By-law to amend Zoning by-law No. 8600, the Town’s Comprehensive Zoning By-Law, as amended

  8897 - A By-law to authorize the execution of an Agreement between Matassa Inc and the Corporation of the Town of LaSalle for the Chappus Drain Improvements

  8899 – A By-law to authorize the execution of an Agreement between Murray Mills Excavating & Trucking (Sarnia) Ltd. and the Corporation of the Town of LaSalle for the St Michaels Drain Improvements

  8900 - A By-law to amend Zoning By-law Number 8600, the Town’s Comprehensive Zoning By-law, as amended

  Carried.

O.

Confirmatory By-law

• 163/24
  Moved by: Councillor Burns
  Seconded by: Councillor Riccio-Spagnuolo

  That Confirmatory By-law 8901 be given a first, second, and third reading and finally passed.

  Carried.

Q.

Adjournment

Meeting adjourned at the call of the Chair at 6:28 p.m.