The Corporation of the Town of LaSalle

Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the Town of LaSalle Council

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Council Chambers, LaSalle Civic Centre, 5950 Malden Road
Members of Council Present:
  • Mayor Crystal Meloche, 
  • Deputy Mayor Michael Akpata, 
  • Councillor Terry Burns, 
  • Councillor Mark Carrick, 
  • and Councillor Jeff Renaud 
Members of Council Absent:
  • Councillor Sue Desjarlais 
  • and Councillor Anita Riccio-Spagnuolo 
Administration Present:
  • J. Milicia, Chief Administrative Officer, 
  • P. Marra, Deputy Chief Administrative Officer, 
  • J. Astrologo, Director of Council Services/Clerk, 
  • G. Beggs, Director of Planning and Development, 
  • P. Funaro, Director of Culture & Recreation, 
  • D. Hadre, Director of Strategy and Engagement, 
  • D. Langlois, Director of Finance and Treasurer, 
  • J. Osborne, Director of Public Works, 
  • E. Thiessen, Director of Fire Service/Fire Chief, 
  • M. Cappucci, Manager of Engineering, 
  • D. Dadalt, Legal Counsel, 
  • L. Jean, Deputy Clerk, 
  • I. Middleton, Supervisor of IT, 
  • and B. MacMillan, Drainage Superintendent 

Mayor Meloche called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.

Mayor Meloche read the Land Acknowledgement Statement.

  • Moved by:Councillor Carrick
    Seconded by:Councillor Renaud

    That the January 14, 2025, Regular Council Meeting Agenda be adopted as presented.

    Carried.
  • 01/25
    Moved by:Councillor Burns
    Seconded by:Councillor Carrick

    That the Minutes of the Budget Meeting held on December 4 and December 5, 2024, and Regular Meeting of Council held on December 10, 2024, be adopted as presented.

    Carried.

Mayor Meloche wished residents a Happy New Year and welcomed all to the first Council Meeting of 2025.

Mayor Meloche announced that the Town of LaSalle is hosting the first LaSalle Polar Plunge which will take place on January 23rd from 6:00 pm until 8:00 pm at the Event Centre.  This event will be hosted by LaSalle Police Services and all funds raised will go towards the Special Olympics. Mayor Meloche stated that the link to donate to the Polar Plunge can be found on the LaSalle Police Social Media pages.  

Mayor Meloche reminded residents that this coming Monday is "Mondays with the Mayor," inviting residents to an in-person conversation on Monday, January 27, from 2:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. Appointments are not necessary, residents can check in with reception upon arrival. She also reminded residents that the January water and wastewater billing is due on Friday, January 31. Various payment options are available and can be found on the Town's website.

Mayor Meloche highlighted that tonight was the first day for indoor Pickleball at the Event Centre.  Afternoon sessions and evening sessions will be available to the public at a cost of $5.00 per user.  She stated that Pickleball is open to those 16 years of age and older and that players must bring their paddles and balls as equipment is not available on site.  She also stated that Winter Sessions for Pickleball are as follows: Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 pm, 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. with the final session scheduled for Thursday, March 26th.

Mr. Tim Byrne, CAO/Secretary-Treasurer from Essex Region Conservation Authority, spoke to ERCA's accomplishments in 2024 and ERCA's 2025 draft Budget.  Mr. Byrne also requested that Council reconsider investing in ERCA's Clean Water, Greenspaces Program.

Mayor Meloche pulled forward Agenda Item I.1(d).

  • 02/25
    Moved by:Councillor Carrick
    Seconded by:Councillor Burns

    That Council supports the recommendations in the correspondence from ERCA, regarding the 2025 Draft Budget; 

    And that, further information on the Clean Water Greenspaces Program come back to Council at a future Meeting.

    Carried.

B. MacMillan, Drainage Superintendent, presented the report.

  • 03/25
    Moved by:Councillor Renaud
    Seconded by:Councillor Carrick

    That the report of the Drainage Superintendent dated December 13, 2024 (PW-01-2025) regarding the assessment of costs for completed municipal drainage minor improvement projects be received;

    And that, By-laws 2025-003 and 2025-004 be adopted at the appropriate time.

    Carried.

M. Cappucci, Manger of Engineering, presented the report.

  • 04/25
    Moved by:Councillor Renaud
    Seconded by:Deputy Mayor Akpata

    That the report of the Manager of Engineering dated December 23, 2024 (PW-02-2025) be received;

    And that, the request for a Noise By-Law Exemption to permit overnight work as required to support the completion of the project be approved.

    Carried.
  • 07/25
    Moved by:Deputy Mayor Akpata
    Seconded by:Councillor Renaud

    That the Essex County Council Highlights for December 4, 2024 be received.

    Carried.

Councillor Renaud extended his gratitude to Public Works for their snow clearing efforts during the most recent storm.

  • 08/25
    Moved by:Councillor Carrick
    Seconded by:Councillor Burns

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

    2025-001 -A By-Law to levy and collect a portion of the taxes for the year 2025

    2025-002- A By-law to authorize the borrowing of $35,200,000 for current expenditures under Section 407 of the Municipal Act and to authorize the temporary borrowing for works under Section 405 of the Municipal Act for the 2025 fiscal year

    2025-003- A By-law to amend By-Law 8889 being a bylaw to provide for the minor improvement of the Laframbois Drain in the Town of LaSalle in the County of Essex

    2025-004- A By-law to amend By-Law 8891 being a bylaw to provide for the minor improvement of the 4th Concession Drain in the Town of LaSalle in the County of Essex

    Carried.
  • 09/25
    Moved by:Councillor Renaud
    Seconded by:Deputy Mayor Akpata

    That Confirmatory By-law 2025-006 be given a first, second, and third reading and finally passed.

    Carried.

Meeting adjourned at the call of the Chair at 6:50 p.m.