The Corporation of the Town of LaSalle

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

Tuesday, February 23, 2021

6:00 P.m. - 9:00 P.m.

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,
• L. Jean, Deputy Clerk,
• R. Hyra, Director of Human Resources,
• E. Thiessen, Deputy Fire Chief,
• G. Ferraro, Manager of Finance & Deputy Treasurer,
• M. Beggs, Manager of Roads & Parks,
• P. Funaro, Director of Culture & Recreation,
• N. DiGesu, Manager of IT,
• and D. Davies, Police 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.

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A.

Opening Business

1.

Call to Order and Moment of Silent Reflection

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

2.

Disclosures of Pecuniary Interest and the General Nature Thereof

None disclosed.

3.

Adoption of Minutes

• 417/21
  Moved by: Deputy Mayor Meloche
  Seconded by: Councillor Akpata

  That the Minutes of the Regular Meeting of Council held February 9, 2021 be adopted as presented.

  Carried.

4.

Mayors Comments

Mayor Bondy provides an update on LaSalle Town Hall and its re-opening to the public on Monday, March 1, 2021 for town business only. Access into the building will be limited, and patrons will be actively screened. Patrons are encouraged to make an appointment in advance when meeting with Town personnel.

In addition, Mayor Bondy announces that the Town of LaSalle is re-opening the Vollmer Culture and Recreation Complex in phases, starting on Monday, March 1, 2021 with Skate LaSalle. That will follow with the Fitness Centre and in-person exercise classes on March 8, 2021. Virtual classes will still be offered for those who chose to continue participating from home. The pool will re-open on March 29, 2021. Appointments will need to be booked in advance for all in-person activities. Mayor Bondy is looking forward to welcoming the community back in a safe manner. Mayor Bondy provides a reminder that we must continue to follow the guidelines of the health officials and will make adjustments as necessary.

Mayor Bondy acknowledges the great response received from the community about the Small Coast Waterfront Project. Mayor Bondy states that the final two videos will be posted this week. In addition, the deadline has been extended for comments to March 26, 2021 to allow more time to take a look at all of the videos and information about the project. Mayor Bondy provides a reminder to visit the project page and let us know what you think. Mayor Bondy adds that we are developing a phased approach for the project, and expect that it will be back to the community in a few years for discussion about development of future elements of the project. Mayor Bondy states that this will be a beautiful destination point along the waterfront.

B.

Presentations

C.

Public Meetings and/or Hearings

D.

Delegations

E.

Reports/Correspondence for Council Action

1.

Appointment of Community Emergency Management Coordinator (CEMC)

• 418/21
  Moved by: Councillor Desjarlais
  Seconded by: Councillor Renaud

  That the report of the Fire Chief/CEMC dated February 15, 2021, FIRE-21-02 regarding the appointment of a Community Emergency Management Coordinator (CEMC) be approved, and further that Council approve a corresponding by-law to confirm the appointment, as required by provincial legislation.

  Carried.

2.

Purchase of Three (3) Pickup Trucks for the Public Works Department

• 419/21
  Moved by: Deputy Mayor Meloche
  Seconded by: Councillor Riccio-Spagnuolo

  That the report of the Manager of Roads and Parks dated February 9, 2021 (PW-03-2021) regarding the purchase of three pickup trucks for the Public Works department, a Roads pickup from Victory Ford Lincoln Sales Ltd for $44,155 (plus taxes) and two Parks pickups from Victory Ford Lincoln Sales Ltd for $87,856 (total for 2 trucks)(plus taxes) be approved.

  Carried.

3.

Status of 2021 Festivals

• 420/21
  Moved by: Deputy Mayor Meloche
  Seconded by: Councillor Riccio-Spagnuolo

  That the report of the Director of Culture and Recreation dated February 16, 2021(CR-2021-04) regarding the status of festivals in 2021 be received; and that the recommendation to cancel the 2021 Strawberry Festival and Last Call Before Fall Festival be approved.

  Carried.

4.

2021 Volunteer Recognition Event

• 421/21
  Moved by: Councillor Renaud
  Seconded by: Councillor Desjarlais

  That the report of the Deputy Clerk dated February 16, 2021 (CL-02-21) regarding the 2021 Volunteer Recognition Event be received and that the recommendation to cancel the event and promote our volunteers through a social media campaign during National Volunteer Week be approved.

  Carried.

F.

Committee Matters for Council Action

1.

Accessibility Advisory Committee February 3, 2021

• 422/21
  Moved by: Councillor Desjarlais
  Seconded by: Councillor Riccio-Spagnuolo

  That the Minutes of the Accessibility Advisory Committee Meeting dated February 3, 2021 be received; and that all Committee Matters be approved.

  Carried.

G.

Information Items to be Received

1.

Q4 Council Member Attendance at Meetings

• 423/21
  Moved by: Deputy Mayor Meloche
  Seconded by: Councillor Carrick

  That the report of the Executive Assistant to the Director of Council Services/Clerk dated February 15, 2021 (CL-01-2021) regarding Council Member attendance at Council and Committee meetings from October to December, 2020 for Quarter 4 be received.

  Carried.

2.

Summary of Reports to Council

• 424/21
  Moved by: Deputy Mayor Meloche
  Seconded by: Councillor Desjarlais

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

  Carried.

H.

By-laws

• 425/21
  Moved by: Councillor Akpata
  Seconded by: Councillor Renaud

  That the following By-laws be given first reading:

  8526 A By-law to appoint a Community Emergency Management Coordinator (CEMC) for the Town of LaSalle

  8527 A By-law to authorize the dedication of lands Parts 6 and 7 on Reference Plan 12R028181

  8528 A By-law to authorize the execution of a Developer’s Severance Agreement with Sorge Enterprises Inc.

  8529 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 new truck

  8530 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 two new trucks

  8531 A By-law to authorize Civil Marriage Solemnization Services in the Town Of LaSalle

  Carried.
• 426/21
  Moved by: Councillor Akpata
  Seconded by: Councillor Renaud

  That By-law numbers 8526 to 8531 be given second reading.

  Carried.
• 427/21
  Moved by: Councillor Akpata
  Seconded by: Councillor Renaud

  That By-law numbers 8526 to 8531 be given third reading and finally passed.

  Carried.

I.

Council Questions

J.

Statements by Council Members

Councillor Riccio-Spagnuolo applauds Peter Marra, Deputy CAO and the Public Works Department on the Town's great service of clean and salted roads. Councillor Riccio-Spagnuolo acknowledges the positive feedback that has been received. 

K.

Reports from Committees

Councillor Carrick and Councillor Desjarlais are representatives on the Board of Directors for the Essex Region Conservation Authority (ERCA). Councillor Carrick provides an update on the ERCA Budget that recently passed a 2% increase and of the upcoming challenges regarding mandatory issues versus non-mandatory issues and how funding will be supported down the road. Councillor Carrick states that the 2% increase will provide some savings for the Town. Councillor Carrick recognizes ERCA for their effort in the environment and our region. 

Councillor Desjarlais hopes to continue the educational programs that the Province has deemed non-mandatory. Councillor Desjarlais discusses her effort in working diligently with the education facilities to bring programs forward because of how much individuals enjoy them. Councillor Desjarlais recognizes that students look forward to the programs, teachers believe they are great for field trips, and parents think they are great sources of knowledge for their children. 

Councillor Desjarlais provides an update on the homestead of the new Heritage Facility. Councillor Desjarlais states that the facility is looking great and it may be viewed on County Road 50. It is anticipated that the facility will gradually open by the end of March into April. 

N.

Confirmatory By-law

• 428/21
  Moved by: Deputy Mayor Meloche
  Seconded by: Councillor Akpata

  That Confirmatory By-law 8532 be given first reading.

  Carried.
• 429/21
  Moved by: Councillor Renaud
  Seconded by: Councillor Riccio-Spagnuolo

  That Confirmatory By-law 8532 be given second reading.

  Carried.
• 430/21
  Moved by: Councillor Carrick
  Seconded by: Councillor Desjarlais

  That Confirmatory By-law 8532 be given third reading and finally passed.

  Carried.

O.

Schedule of Meetings

Personnel Committee Meeting March 9, 2021 at 4:00 p.m.

Regular Council Meeting March 9, 2021 at 6:00 p.m.

Police Services Board Public Meeting March 15, 2021 at 5:00 p.m.

Committee of Adjustment March 17, 2021 at 5:00 p.m.

Parks, Recreation & Events Meeting March 18, 2021 at 9:00 a.m.

Fire Committee Meeting March 18, 2021 at 4:00 p.m.

Water and Wastewater Committee Meeting March 23, 2021 prior to Council Meeting

Regular Council Meeting March 23, 2021 at 6:00 p.m.

P.

Adjournment

Meeting adjourned at the call of the Chair 6:31 p.m.