The Corporation of the Town of LaSalle

Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the Town of LaSalle Council held on

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Council Chambers, LaSalle Civic Centre, 5950 Malden Road
Members of Council Present:
  • Mayor Marc Bondy,
  • Deputy Mayor Crystal Meloche,
  • Councillor Michael Akpata,
  • Councillor Mark Carrick,
  • Councillor Sue Desjarlais,
  • Councillor Jeff Renaud,
  • and Councillor Anita Riccio-Spagnuolo
Administration Present:
  • J. Milicia, Chief Administrative Officer,
  • A. Robertson, Director of Council Services/Clerk,
  • D. Langlois, Director of Finance and Treasurer,
  • L. Silani, Director of Development & Strategic Initiatives ,
  • P. Marra, Deputy Chief Administrative Officer,
  • D. Dadalt, Legal Counsel,
  • D. Hadre, Corporate Communications & Promotions Officer,
  • D. Sutton, Fire Chief,
  • K. Miller, Deputy Clerk,
  • L. Jean, Deputy Clerk,
  • A. Burgess, Supervisor of Planning & Development,
  • R. Hyra, Director of Human Resources,
  • E. Thiessen, Deputy Fire Chief,
  • G. Ferraro, Manager of Finance & Deputy Treasurer,
  • J. Osborne, Manager of Engineering,
  • P. Funaro, Director of Culture & Recreation,
  • N. DiGesu, Manager of IT,
  • A. Bala, EA to the Director of Council Services/Clerk,
  • D. Davies, Police Chief,
  • and R.Malott, Deputy Fire Chief

Clerk's Note: Members of Council, and Administration participated in the Meeting electronically via video conference technology.

Mayor Bondy, Chief Administrative Officer, Deputy Clerk, and IT personnel were present in Council Chambers to participate electronically.


Mayor Bondy calls the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.

Clerk's Note: As a vote on the original motion was inadvertently missed during the meeting, it is confirmed and ratified that the original motion be received.

Moved by: Councillor Renaud
Seconded by: Councillor Akpata

That the report of the Deputy Chief Administrative Officer dated February 26, 2021 (PW-05-2021) regarding the Serenity Circle community mailbox location petition be received; and that Administration be requested to prepare a report which outlines the cost of installing a lay-by on the bus route located near this mailbox; and that once a report is prepared, a copy be sent to Canada Post so they may understand resident concerns; and that Administration further be requested to prepare a report which outlines area's in the Town which have a mailbox location near bus routes; and if improvements are made in these locations; can the cost of these improvements be charged back to residents.

Motion is Put and is Lost.

In Favour: Councillor Akpata and Councillor Renaud
Opposed: Mayor Bondy, Deputy Mayor Meloche, Councillor Desjarlais and Councillor Riccio-Spagnuolo

Clerk's note: A. Robertson, Director of Council Services & Clerk advises clarification is required on the minutes listed on page 9 of today's agenda regarding the Serenity Circle Mailbox Location Petition. She provides clarity on the motion and requests a formal vote be taken. Councillor Carrick abstains from voting as he was absent from the March 9, 2021 meeting.

  • 450/21
    Moved by:Deputy Mayor Meloche
    Seconded by:Councillor Desjarlais

    That the report of the Deputy Chief Administrative Officer dated February 26, 2021 (PW-05-2021) regarding the Serenity Circle community mailbox location petition be received and that Council concur with the current permanently installed mailbox location as installed by Canada Post.

    Carried.

    In Favour: Mayor Bondy, Deputy Mayor Meloche, Councillor Desjarlais and Councillor Riccio-Spagnuolo
    Opposed: Councillor Akpata and Councillor Renaud
    Abstain: Councillor Carrick


  • 451/21
    Moved by:Councillor Renaud
    Seconded by:Councillor Desjarlais

    That the minutes of the regular meeting of Council held March 9, 2021 be adopted as amended.

    Carried.

Mayor Bondy provides a special thanks to Darren Gravalese from St. Thomas of Villanova High School for organizing a clean-up of the wooded area between Mayfair Avenue and Matchette Road recently. He, along with three other staff, and about 40 students, removed a lot of garbage, wood and other debris from the area. Mayor Bondy recognizes that volunteers make such a difference in our community.

Mayor Bondy states that two other residents also helped clean up LaSalle last week. Debi Steffens and her husband, our former Mayor, Ken Antaya, cleaned up garbage along Trinity and Ellis streets. They collected 5 bags of trash. Mayor Bondy recognizes the individuals that are always giving back to our community.

Mayor Bondy announces that there is another change in the LaSalle Police Service with the retirement of Deputy Police Chief, Kevin Beaudoin effective March 26. Mayor Bondy thanks Deputy Chief Beaudoin for his 35 years of policing service, and wishes him well in his retirement.

Mayor Bondy recognizes another retirement in the coming weeks, Fire Chief Dave Sutton who retires on April 1 with more than 35 years of dedication to the fire service.

Mayor Bondy recognizes that Chief Sutton started his career in 1986 as a Volunteer Firefighter with the Sandwich West Fire Department. Later that same year, Chief Sutton took a full-time position with LaSalle Dispatch. Chief Sutton then became a Career Firefighter in 1989, and was the Training Instructor from 1998 to 2008. Chief Sutton climbed the ranks with LaSalle Fire Service becoming the Deputy Fire Chief in 2008, Acting Fire Chief in 2011 and was appointed LaSalle Fire Chief in 2012. Chief Sutton has led the municipality as our Community Emergency Management Coordinator, and has been very busy recently between COVID and flooding. Chief Sutton has been instrumental in LaSalle's Emergency Operations Centre and in leading the team with integrity and respect. Mayor Bondy expresses his thanks to Chief Sutton for his leadership.

Mayor Bondy announces that on tonight's agenda, we officially appoint Ed Thiessen as Fire Chief effective April 1, and welcomes Deputy Fire Chief Rick Malott to LaSalle. Mayor Bondy states that we look forward to continued success with LaSalle Fire Service.

Joe Milicia, Chief Administrative Officer states that it is difficult after 35 years to summarize all of the triumphs and challenges that a career brings, but certainly there are too many to mention. Mr. Milicia highlights a few to express our thanks to Chief Sutton.

Mr. Milicia expresses his thanks to Chief Sutton for his attendance to the countless calls during the days, nights, weekends, weekdays, holidays, as well as all the training sessions that he presided over. In addition, he thanks Chief Sutton for his faithful management stewardship to LaSalle Fire Service and for providing exceptional service to residents and businesses alike. Mr. Milicia thanks Chief Sutton for his contribution in various roles including the role as a volunteer firefighter, as a full-time suppression of firefighters, as a full-time training officer, as well as the Deputy Chief, and what Mr. Milicia can only imagine was the most difficult task Chief Sutton might've had, was presiding over the line of duty death of former Chief Ken Day, God rest his soul. Chief Sutton then elevated right to the Fire Chief roll.

Mr. Milicia expresses his thanks to Chief Sutton for the focus on emergency management which recently have come to cherish, particularly in the recent days with the threat of flooding and the COVID-19 pandemic. Mr. Milicia thanks Chief Sutton for his vision and persistence with the two major fire master plans that we've had which has and continues to transform our fire service.

In addition, Mr. Milicia thanks Chief Suttons wife, Jen, family and children and as well as family and friends for sharing him with us, particularly all those missed dinners, holidays, and church family events that he was on duty and was not able to attend with the family. Mr. Milicia thanks Chief Sutton for his leadership and mentorship in the LaSalle Fire Service as well as the entire organization.

Mr. Milicia quotes, as the former chair of the Fire Committee, Councillor Terry Burns was fond of saying “He's my Chief”, Chief Sutton will always be our Chief. Mr. Milicia would like to make sure that Chief Sutton remembers that in his final days here with us. On behalf of the Management Team, Town of LaSalle Staff, former CAO Ken Antaya and Kevin Miller, Mr. Milicia congratulates Chief Sutton on his career and upcoming retirement. Mr. Milicia recognizes that Chief Sutton has left the service and residents in good hands with incoming Chief Ed Thiessen and Deputy Chief Rick Malott. Mr. Milicia wishes Chief Sutton an enjoyable retirement with family and friends and gives his final thanks on behalf of all from the Town of LaSalle.

Chief Sutton provides his thanks to all. Chief Sutton states that the way Mr. Milicia described it made it sound like a long haul and it has been a long time. Chief Sutton has had an opportunity to reflect the last number of days and states that it has been a great ride but it's been an absolute honour to serve as the Fire Chief for the Town of LaSalle.

Chief Sutton is grateful to have had the opportunity to work with an amazing municipal staff and several Councils, this one in particular and over the 10 years as Chief with the previous Councils as well. Chief Sutton has always been able to enjoy the constant support and assistance from the senior staff and Council. He quotes that it has been a real privilege to serve “our community, my community” for over 35 years now, and most importantly, to be able to have the opportunity to lead this incredible team at LaSalle Fire.

Chief Sutton states that his career has been successful mainly because of the support, mentorship and friendship from a lot of great people, friends and of course as Mr. Milicia mentioned, the unfailing support at home from Chief Sutton’s wife and family. Chief Sutton provides his thanks for the kind words and recognition, and wishes everyone well in the continued success of the Town.

Councillor Renaud states that it has been a very short time that he has been with the Fire Committee in relation to 35 year career, but he remembers meeting Chief Sutton about eight or nine years ago where Chief Sutton assisted the scout troops with an outdoor fire. Councillor Renaud stated that Chief Sutton helped and blessed us and he will appreciate the brotherhood in scouting for a long time. Councillor provides his thanks to Chief Sutton for his professionalism in regards to the Fire board and Fire committee. He states that Chief Sutton was always very clear, very provisional and very well thought out. Councillor Renaud expresses his thanks to Chief Sutton for helping him and for making his job on the Fire committee that much easier.

Essex Region Conservation Authority representatives appear before Council to present the 2021 Draft Budget.

  • 452/21
    Moved by:Councillor Desjarlais
    Seconded by:Councillor Carrick

    That the Essex Region Conservation Authority (ERCA) 2021 Draft Budget presentation be received. 

    Carried.

J. Mark Skipper, Lawyer for Essex Golf and Country Club appears before Council in regards to Report (DS-04-2021) to make verbal representation to approve the application for the Zoning By-law Amendment.

Lynda Heij, President of Essex Golf and Country Club appears before Council in regards to Report (DS-04-2021) to make verbal representation to approve the application for the Zoning By-law Amendment.

David Cree, resident appears before Council in regards to Report (DS-04-2021) regarding the Zoning By-law Amendment and requests a suitable arrangement for all parties be made.

  • 453/21
    Moved by:Deputy Mayor Meloche
    Seconded by:Councillor Desjarlais

    That the report of the Supervisor of Planning and Development dated March 3, 2021 (DS-04-2021) regarding a request that has been submitted by Essex Golf & Country Club, for approximately 7.5 hectares of land located on the east side of Matchette Road, north of Golfview Drive, be received; and that Council grant approval in principle to the applicant’s rezoning application which rezones this site from an “A” zone to a “RE-3” zone, and to the applicant’s proposed site plan.

    Carried.

Loi and Fong Tran, residents, appear before Council in regards to Report (PW-06-2021) regarding the Specialty/Non-Traditional Crosswalk Policy and request further amendments be made.

Ian Swentek, resident, appears before Council in regards to Report (PW-06-2021) regarding the Specialty/Non-Traditional Crosswalk Policy and requests further amendments be made.

  • 454/21
    Moved by:Councillor Carrick
    Seconded by:Councillor Renaud

    That the report of the Deputy CAO dated March 10, 2021 (PW-06-2021) regarding the Specialty/Non-Traditional Crosswalk Policy Revisions be received and that the enclosed revised policy be approved.

    Carried.

Rocco and Anne Mancini, residents appear before Council in regards to Report (AD-01-2021) regarding the Closing and Sale of Alleys Policy and requests further amendments be made.

  • 455/21
    Moved by:Councillor Carrick
    Seconded by:Councillor Akpata

    That the report of Legal Counsel dated March 3, 2021 (AD-01-2021) regarding the revised Closing and Sale of Alleys Policy be received; and that the revised Closing and Sale of Alleys Policy be referred back to Administration for further revisions including the moving of a fence at the owners expense, payment of full value of an alley should it be in conflict, the potential of having a straight property line in the rear yard, and the usage of an alley based on any encumbrances or legal restrictions.

    Carried.

Samuel and Robert Katzman, business owners appear before Council in support of Report (DS-06-2021) regarding the Cannabis Retail Stores.

  • 456/21
    Moved by:Councillor Desjarlais
    Seconded by:Deputy Mayor Meloche

    That the report of the Director of Development & Strategic Initiatives dated March 12, 2021 (DS-06-2021) regarding Cannabis Retail Stores be received, and that the Corporation of the Town of LaSalle opt-in to hosting retail cannabis stores, and that the Clerk be authorized to send correspondence to the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario advising that the Council of the Town of LaSalle passed a resolution on March 23, 2021 to opt-in to being a host for retail cannabis stores.

    Carried.
  • 457/21
    Moved by:Councillor Renaud
    Seconded by:Councillor Akpata

    That the report of the Manager of Engineering and Manager of Water/Wastewater dated March 12, 2021 (PW-08-2021) regarding the agreement between the Town and Mr. Dave Cowlin for the financial terms and repair of the storm outlet pipe adjacent to his property be received and that Council give Administration approval to form a legal agreement and a subsequent By-Law be passed at a future Council Meeting.

    Carried.
  • 458/21
    Moved by:Councillor Renaud
    Seconded by:Councillor Desjarlais

    That the report of the Fire Chief dated March 2, 2021 (FIRE 21-04) regarding the Council appointment of a Fire Chief, and Deputy Fire Chief be approved, and further that the accompanying By-laws confirming the appointments also be approved.

    Carried.
  • 459/21
    Moved by:Councillor Renaud
    Seconded by:Councillor Riccio-Spagnuolo

    That the report of the Fire Chief dated March 2, 2021 (FIRE 21-05) regarding the appointment of a Provincial Offences Officer be approved.

    Carried.
  • 460/21
    Moved by:Councillor Renaud
    Seconded by:Councillor Riccio-Spagnuolo

    That the report of the Fire Chief dated March 11,2021 (FIRE 21-06) regarding the Facility Use Agreement with St. Clair College be approved, and that Council authorize renewal of the Facility Use Agreement.

    Carried.
  • 461/21
    Moved by:Deputy Mayor Meloche
    Seconded by:Councillor Desjarlais

    That the report of the Director of Council Services/Clerk dated March 1, 2021 (CL-03-2021) regarding the new Council agenda process 2021 be received; and that the new process be approved for the Regular meeting of Council on April 27th and the Committees of Council for June; and that a By-law be adopted at the By-law stage of the agenda.

    Carried.
  • 462/21
    Moved by:Councillor Renaud
    Seconded by:Councillor Akpata

    That the report of the Manager of Roads and Parks dated March 12, 2021 (PW-09-2021) regarding the purchase of a replacement snow plow for the Roads department within Public Works be received; and that the purchase of the replacement Snow Plow for a cost of $255,412 (plus tax) from International Trucks be approved.

    Carried.
  • 463/21
    Moved by:Councillor Desjarlais
    Seconded by:Councillor Carrick

    That the report of the Manager of Roads and Parks dated March 12, 2021 (PW-11-2021) regarding the Purchase of a replacement of a Water Service Van be received; and the purchase of the vehicle for the total cost of $42,632.00 (plus applicable taxes) from Reaume Chevrolet be approved.

    Carried.
  • 464/21
    Moved by:Councillor Renaud
    Seconded by:Councillor Riccio-Spagnuolo

    That the report of the Manager of Roads and Parks dated March 12, 2021 (PW-10-2021) regarding the Replacement of a Roads Department Medium Duty Dump Truck be received; and that the purchase of the vehicle from Victory Ford Lincoln Sales LTD. for a price of $128,748 (plus taxes) be approved; and that the purchase of the quoted 14’ Steel Deck and separate 14’ Bin for the cost of $18,306 (plus taxes) be approved.

    Carried.
  • 465/21
    Moved by:Councillor Carrick
    Seconded by:Councillor Riccio-Spagnuolo

    That the letter received by the House of Commons to bring a National Three-digit Suicide Prevention Hotline line to Canada be endorsed.

    Carried.
  • 466/21
    Moved by:Councillor Renaud
    Seconded by:Councillor Akpata

    That the resolution received by the Corporation of the Township of South Glengerry regarding the Provincial Vaccine Rollout be received. 

    Carried.
  • 467/21
    Moved by:Councillor Carrick
    Seconded by:Councillor Renaud

    That the report of the Chief Administrative Officer dated March 23, 2021 being a Summary of Reports to Council be received.

    Carried.
  • 468/21
    Moved by:Councillor Desjarlais
    Seconded by:Councillor Renaud

    That the following By-laws be given first reading:

    8536 A By-law to Appoint a Fire Chief for The Town of LaSalle
    8537 A By-law to Appoint a Deputy Fire Chief for The Town of LaSalle
    8538 A By-law to amend By-law Number 6500 respecting the Appointment of Provincial Offences Officers
    8539 A By-law to amend By-law 6647 Procedural By-law, to govern proceedings of Council, the conduct of its members, and the calling of its meetings
    8540 A By-law to authorize the sale of Part of an Alley, closed by CE861212, Registered Plan 777 to Christopher Templeman and Laura Templeman
    8541 A By-law to authorize the executive of a Developer’s Subdivision Agreement with Lankor Horizons Development Inc.
    8542 A By-law to confirm the donation of Part Lot 37, Concession 1, Sandwich West as in R1194997, from 971174 Ontario Limited
    8543 A By-law to authorize the execution of an Agreement between Reaume Chevrolet and The Corporation of the Town of LaSalle for the purchase of Water Service Van
    8544 A By-law to authorize a Mutual Access Agreement with TELUS Communications Inc.
    8545 A By-law to authorize the execution of an Agreement between Victory Ford Lincoln Sales Ltd. and The Corporation of the Town of LaSalle for the purchase of a Duty Dump Truck
    8546 A By-law to authorize the execution of an Agreement between International Trucks and The Corporation of the Town of LaSalle for the purchase of Snow Plow
    8547 A By-law to Appoint a Building Inspector

    Carried.
  • 469/21
    Moved by:Councillor Desjarlais
    Seconded by:Councillor Renaud

    That By-law numbers 8536 to 8547 be given second reading.

    Carried.
  • 470/21
    Moved by:Councillor Desjarlais
    Seconded by:Councillor Renaud

    That By-law numbers 8536 to 8547 be given third reading and finally passed.

    Carried.

Councillor Renaud requests an Administrative Report be prepared and brought back to Council regarding the fencing near the water at Gilmour Park, focusing on the spacing of the fence poles, the current standards and code.

Councillor Riccio-Spagnuolo requests an Administrative Report be prepared and brought back to Council regarding the Volleyball Courts at Vince Marcotte Park including upgrades and potentially adding new courts to this area.

  • 471/21
    Moved by:Councillor Riccio-Spagnuolo
    Seconded by:Councillor Renaud

    That Confirmatory By-law 8548 be given first reading.

    Carried.
  • 472/21
    Moved by:Councillor Carrick
    Seconded by:Councillor Akpata

    That Confirmatory By-law 8548 be given second reading.

    Carried.
  • 473/21
    Moved by:Councillor Desjarlais
    Seconded by:Deputy Mayor Meloche

    That Confirmatory By-law 8548 be given third reading and finally passed.

    Carried.

Special Accessibility Advisory Committee, March 24, 2021 at 4:00 p.m.
Regular Council Meeting, April 13, 2021 at 6:00 p.m.
Parks, Recreation & Events Meeting, April 15, 2021 at 9:00 a.m.
Police Services Board Committee, Meeting April 19, 2021 at 4:30 p.m.
Police Services Board Public Meeting, April 19, 2021 at 5:00 p.m.
By-Law Committee, April 20, 2021 at 4:30 p.m.
Planning Advisory Committee Meeting, April 20, 2021 at 5:30 p.m.
Committee of Adjustment, April 21, 2021 at 5:00 p.m.
Regular Council Meeting, April 27, 2021 at 6:00 p.m.

Meeting adjourned at the call of the Chair 9:01 p.m.

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