This week, Council begins at 6:30pm with a Public Meeting.  The agenda can be found here.

The Public Meeting will consider whether to extend a previous approval for a temporary Garden Suite located at 7035 10th Concession Road.  This is a temporary building that has been exceptionally permitted for a fixed period of time.  The applicant is looking to extend this permission for three more years.

At 7pm, regular business begins.  The agenda can be found here.

Delegations include:

This week, Town Council begins at 5pm with a meeting of the Policies and Priorities Committee.  The agenda can be found here.

Council will discuss having members become a part of the Town's benefit and life insurance policies.  Post-retirement benefits would be in conjunction with staff policies and be restricted to those who serve 4 back-to-back terms in office.  The projected current benefits cost would be $29,500 in 2018.  Post-retirement benefits would currently require a capital allocation of $419,100 plus an annual ongoing allocation of $50,300.  This is only a matter of discussion at this time and is not approved.  

Council will also discuss establishing a service for the Issuance of Marriage Licences and Civil Marriage Ceremonies, by the Director Corporate Services & Clerk and designate(s).  The fee would be $130.

At 6pm, Council will discuss award nominations for the Donald “Donny” Massender Memorial Volunteer Award and the Dr. Henri Breault Community Excellence Award, and to confirm the nomination of Michael J. Rovers for the 2018 Senior of the Year Award.

Council will then consider committee appointments to the Youth Advisory Committee, Seniors Advisory Committee, Cultural and Arts Advisory Committee, Heritage Committee and the Committee of Adjustment.

The agenda can be found here.

Regular business begins at 7pm.  The agenda can be found here.

Delegations are:  St. Pius X School Robotics Team Re: Save the Fish Program and Jamie Kell, President and Manager Tecumseh Thunder Senior Team Re: Ontario Champions (4x) and 2017 National Reps for Ontario

Communications for information include:

a. Essex County Agricultural Hall of Fame Re: Nominations for 2018 Hall of Fame Induction

b. Ministry of Education Re: Public Engagement on Education Assessment in Ontario.  The Province is reviewing how students are tested and is seeking comment.  There will be a session in Windsor on December 4th.

c. National Coalition Against Contraband Tobacco Re: Contraband Tobacco in Ontario.  The National Coalition Against Contraband Tobacco is requesting Council's endorsement of being able to levy and receive fines for illegal sale of contraband tobacco by way of the Provincial Offences Act Transfer Agreement between the Town and Essex County municipalities.  This is not endorsed by Administration.

d. County of Essex Re: Notice of Decision Official Plan Amendment No. 14.  Essex County has approved the expansion of Lakeview Montessori School.

Further communications with actions recommended by Administration include:
a. Township of Ignace Re: Provincial Flood Insurance Program That the Township of Ignace resolution requesting the Government of Ontario be urged to create a Provincial Flood Insurance Program, to cover those individuals, families and businesses who are unable to secure flood insurance for their properties, be supported.
b. Tecumseh Vista Academy Secondary School Re: Exemption from the Sign Bylaw.  It is recommended that the Tecumseh Vista Academy Secondary School request for a Sign ByLaw exemption, to advertise their Grade 8 Information Night being held on Wednesday, December 13, 2017, be referred to the Planning Department.

Reports include:

a. Corporate Services & Clerk
1. Manager Committee & Community Services Report 36-17 Re: 2018 Cat Spay & Neuter Voucher Program.  Administration is recommending continuing the supply of vouchers for spaying or neutering of feral and stray cats, including a dedicated stream for low income residents.  In addition, feral and stray cats would have their ear "tipped" (portion removed) in order to identify that they have been spayed or neutered.
2. Director Corporate Services & Clerk Report No 44-17 Re: Farm Lease Agreement John Nostadt 2018 Crop Year.  Administration is recommending extending the farm lease on the south side of Baseline Road with John Nostadt for $233/acre, 18 acres.
3. Director Corporate Services & Clerk Report No 45-17 Re: Skate Pro Lease Agreement Renewal Tecumseh Arena.  Administration is recommending extending the existing lease with Skate Pro at the Tecumseh Arena, $330 / month.

b. Planning & Building Services
1. Manager Planning Services Report No 33-17 Re: Site Plan Control Home Hardware Stores Limited, 1613 Lesperance Road.  Home Hardware is intending to demolish their existing lumber materials building and replacing it with a larger structure attached to the existing store.

For information on these or other municipal matters please contact me at 226-773-1910 or andrew@andrewdowie.ca

This week, Town Council begins at 6pm.

Our first hour is a Public Meeting to discuss a proposed land subdivision of the property at 8th Concession and County Road 46 into 9 industrial lots.  The lots are currently holding a "Business Park" designation which are proposed to be rezoned to Industrial.  The area adjacent to the residential properties and DeAngelis Construction are proposed to be transferred to the town as a permanent woodlot and a storm water detention facility.  The full packet can be found here.

Beginning at 7pm, regular business begins.  The packet can be found here.

Communications include:

1. Town of Essex Re: Notice of Public Meeting - Zoning By-law Amendment.  Five properties in the vicinity of County Road 8 and Highway 3 are the subject of a rezoning application from Agricultural to Highway Commercial.  There are also several housekeeping amendments clarifying definitions in the Official Plan being proposed.
2. Ontario Good Roads Association Re: Call for Nominations.  OGRA advises of vacancies to their board and nominations for election.
3. Municipality of Morris-Turnberry Re: Resolution concerning Tenanted Farm Tax Class properties being changed to Residential Tax Class.  Non-tillable acreage in agricultural areas is being proposed for residential property tax rates under recent interpretations even if it is comprised of woodlots, streams or other natural features.  Administration is not recommending support of this motion.

Communications in which Administration is supporting action include:

1. Town of Lakeshore Re: Provincial Flood Insurance Program.  That the Town of Lakeshore resolution requesting the Province to create a Provincial Flood Insurance Program, to cover those individuals, families, and businesses, who are unable to secure flood insurance for their properties, be supported.

REPORTS
Corporate Services & Clerk
1. Deputy Clerk & Manager Legislative Services, Report No 35-17 Re: Dog Tag and Licensing Enforcement.  Administration is recommending the hiring of the Commissionaires to enforce dog tag compliance within municipal boundaries through a direct canvass.  The $10,158.50 one-time fee would be recovered through late fees and expected new licence revenues.
2. Director Corporate Services & Clerk, Report No 40-17 Re: Community Support Centre Services Agreement, Two Year
Term Renewal: 2018-2019.  Administration is recommending that the Town renew its agreement with the Community Support Centre of Essex County to deliver subsidized transportation to seniors and those with accessibility challenges.  The Town subsidizes trips by $3 up to a maximum of $10,000. 
3. Manager Committee & Community Services, Report No 41-17 Re: Seniors Community Grant Program, 2017 - 2018.  Administration is reporting that the Tecumseh Seniors Advisory Committee was Ontario Seniors’ Secretariat ‘Seniors Community Grant Program’ application was successful and $8,300 was allocated to allow seniors in our community to receive a one-time membership to Life After Fifty.

Planning & Building Services
1. Manager Planning Services, Report 31-2017 Re: Mr. William Leon, 7035 10th Concession Road, Extension of Temporary Use By-law – Garden Suite.  Administration is recommending the scheduling of a Public Meeting to discuss extending permission for the existing Garden Suite (temporary housing) at this address for an additional three years.  The public meeting would be held on December 12, 2017 at 6:30pm.  

Public Works & Environmental Services
1. Drainage Superintendent, Report No 49-17 Re: Request for Repair and Improvements to a Municipal Drain, Appointment of Drainage Engineer – Antaya Drain.  Administration is recommending that Dillon Consulting be hired as the Drainage Engineer to recommend measures to restore the drain to its intended working condition under the Drainage Act.  Costs are assessed back to benefiting property owners.
2. Director Public Works & Environmental Services, Report No 50-17  Re: Backwater Valve Inspector, Temporary Position. Administration is recommending the hiring of a temporary Backwater Valve inspector to assist in the backlog of work in processing these applications for subsidy.  The expected cost is $37,000 which will be funded from existing Wastewater rates.
3. Drainage Superintendent, Report No 52-17.  Re: Request for Repair and Improvements to a Municipal Drain - Appointment of Drainage Engineer - Gouin Drain.  Administration is recommending that Dillon Consulting be hired as the Drainage Engineer to recommend measures to restore the drain to its intended working condition under the Drainage Act.  Costs are assessed back to benefiting property owners.
4. Manager Roads & Fleet, Report No 53-17.  Re: Association of Municipalities of Ontario, Electric Truck Pilot Program.  Administration is recommending participating in and supporting the Association of Municipalities of Ontario Electric Truck Pilot Project alongside other interested municipal governments, including by partnering with AMO in the application for grant funding from the Municipal GHG Challenge Fund.  Costs would be for insurance and licencing as they would be for regular vehicles.
5. Drainage Superintendent, Report No 54-17 Re: Request for Repair and Improvements to a Municipal Drain,
Appointment of Drainage Engineer – Desjardins Drain.  Administration is recommending that Dillon Consulting be hired as the Drainage Engineer to recommend measures to restore the drain to its intended working condition under the Drainage Act.  Costs are assessed back to benefiting property owners.
6. Drainage Superintendent, Report No 56-17 Re: Request for Repair and Improvements to a Municipal Drain,
Appointment of Drainage Engineer – Lachance Drain.  Administration is recommending that Dillon Consulting be hired as the Drainage Engineer to recommend measures to restore the drain to its intended working condition under the Drainage Act.  Costs are assessed back to benefiting property owners.

For information regarding these or other municipal matters please contact me at 226-773-1910 or andrew@andrewdowie.ca

This week, Town Council begins at 5:30pm with a Special Meeting to discuss the Tecumseh Road Mainstreet Community Improvement Plan.  There are no advance materials for this meeting however Dillon Consulting will present a PowerPoint detailing the current state of design for the project.

Regular business begins at 7pm.  The full packet can be found here. 

Delegations include:

a. The Dillon Family Re: Dillon Drive Street Name Recognition

b. Police Services Board Chair Christopher Hales & OPP Inspector Glenn Miller, regarding the 2018 Police and Police Services Board Budget.  The Police Services Board reports that Tecumseh's policing costs are 4th lowest in Essex County, at $169 per capita or $442 per household.

c. Stephen MacKenzie, Chief Executive Officer, Windsor Essex Economic Development Corporation Re: Resolution Citing the Importance of the Auto Industry to Municipalities in Ontario.  The Economic Development Corporation requests that Tecumseh call on the federal government to recognize Canada’s automotive sector as a key priority throughout the NAFTA negotiations.

Communications include:

a. Township of Oro Medonte Re: Ontario Wildlife Damage Compensation Program.  Oro-Medonte requests that the Province:

a) expand the OWDCP to include evidence of partial carcass' to allow eligible producers to process legitimate claims; and

b) rely more heavily on the opinions of the Municipal Investigator, as they are experienced, familiar and knowledgeable with the Municipality’s producers, as they continue to process genuine and valid applications.

b. Ontario Energy Board Notice Re: Union Gas Limited applied to raise its natural gas rates effective January 1, 2018.  Union Gas is requesting an increase in rates of $9.60 each year from residential customers based on an approved Ontario Energy Board calculation for rate increases.

c. Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry Re: Proposed regulation change: compressed air energy storage (CAES).  The Province is crafting legislation that would allow for underground compressed air energy storage in retired mines and is seeking consultation.

d. Township of Montague, Re: Bill 148.  Administration recommends Council support the resolution of the Township of Montague requesting the Province to conduct a full economic impact study of Bill 148 on the effect on businesses and municipalities across Ontario by supported.

Reports include:

a. Chief Administrative Officer

1. Chief Administrative Officer, Report No 11-17 Re: Strategic Priorities Update.  This is a summary report of the progress being made on the strategic priorities adopted by Town Council and what has been done to achieve these.

b. Corporate Services & Clerk

1. Manager Committee & Community Services, Report No 37-17 Re: Renewal of Cat Intake Agreement with the Windsor-Essex County Humane Society for 2018/  Administration is recommending that the Clerk be authorized to execute the Cat Intake Agreement (Agreement) with the WindsorEssex County Humane Society (WECHS) for 2018 to permit stray cats to be dropped off at a cost of $25 to the Town of Tecumseh for each cat.

2. Manager Committee & Community Services, Report No 38-17 Re: Dillon Drive Street Naming Recognition.  Administration is seeking formal approval for the new "Poppy" signage that has been erected on Dillon Drive to recognize Jack Dillon, a World War II veteran from our community.

c. Financial Services

1. Deputy Treasurer & Tax Collector, Report No 15-17 Re: Budget Variance Report – August 31, 2017.  The Town is currently running a surplus of $875,000 due to a number of factors including lower police costs and assessment growth.

2. Deputy Treasurer & Tax Collector, Report No 16-17 Re: Vacancy Rebate Program Elimination.  Administration is recommending that Council support the elimination of the Vacant Unit Property Tax Rebate Program, and for Essex County Council to seek approval from the Minister of Finance to enact a Regulation for Essex County to eliminate this Program, commencing for the 2018 taxation year.  This is a program where vacant buildings or units receive a break on their property taxes.

d. Fire & Rescue Services

1. Director of Fire Services & Fire Chief, Report No 08-17 Re: Tecumseh Fire Services – Q3 2017 Update.  Administration provides a report regarding third quarter activities in the Fire Services area.

e. Parks & Recreation Services

1. Manager Recreation Programs & Events, Report No 24-17 Re: Transition Timelines for the Tecumseh Corn Festival Update.  Administration is recommending that for 2018, that the Town's Administration manage the Corn Festival as a department program and as an alcohol-free 3-day event with budget fund submission in 2018, that the festival be reduced to three days (Friday to Sunday) and that the festival close at 11pm.  Following the 2018 Festival, Administration will prepare a report for Council’s consideration on the overall operations of the Festival with recommendations for future years.

f. Public Works & Environmental Services

1. Manager Engineering Services, Report No 33-17 Re: Federation of Canadian Municipalities, Municipalities for Climate Innovation Program, Funding Approval, Town of Tecumseh Storm Drainage Master Plan.  Administration was successful in obtaining $175,000 in funding from FCM for the Storm Drainage Master Plan and is recommending that Council pass a By-law to enter into an agreement to receive these funds.

2. Manager Roads & Fleet, Report No 47-17 Re: Proposed Pedestrian Crossing on St. Gregory’s Road at the Intersection of Cada Crescent.  Administration reports that taking further action at this crossing is contrary to the principles of the Ontario Traffic Manual and is unwarranted based on usage.

3. Manager, Water & Wastewater, Report No 48-17 Re: Essex Region Source Protection Area, 2016 Annual Report.  This report is being supplied for information regarding our local efforts to protect our drinking water sources.

For further information on these or other municipal matters, please contact me at 226-773-1910 or andrew@andrewdowie.ca

This week, Council begins at 5pm with a meeting of the Policy and Priorities Committee.

Delegations will include Steve Ray, General Manager; Kris Taylor, Director Corporate Strategy; Sam Martin, Conservation & Market Analyst from Essex Power, and Ernie Lamont who will be presenting with respect to an advertising-based free transit model.

There is a single report for this meeting.  Administration is recommending that Tecumseh should be the lead applicant in the Municipal GHG Challenge Fund with Essex Power Corporation and the municipalities of LaSalle, Amherstburg and Leamington, that up to $15,000 be allocated in the 2018 Budget to support the partnership and application, and that Council resolve to commit to complete a community-wide GHG inventory, targets and plan.

The full packet can be found here.

At 6pm we will discuss a proposed expansion to the Lakeview Montessori School on the site of the former St. Mark's Church rectory.  The full packet can be found here.  Following several phases of redesign the Administration reports that they are of the opinion that the development is compliant with Town regulations and appropriately addresses the neighbourhood concerns.

The full packet can be found here.

Regular business begins at 7pm.  The packet can be found here.

Communications include:

Ontario Good Roads Association.  The OGRA Board of Directors is calling for Nominations to serve on its board.

Town of Killarney.  Administration recommends that resolution of the Town of Killarney regarding changes to the Ambulance Act and Fire Protection and Prevention Act, be supported.  Effectively the Province is proposing to allow some firefighters to act as paramedics and not require separate EMS call.  It is also allowing the option of bringing patients to drop-in clinics instead of hospitals.  The concern is that both of these are expected to transfer costs from the province to municipalities as firefighters are municipally operated, and pay increases may be determined through arbitration due to a change in scope.

Reports include:

1. Manager Committee & Community Services, Report No 32-17 Re: 2017-2018 Tecumseh Snow & Leaf Angels Program.  Administration recommends that the Snow & Leaf Angels program continue.  Continuing is higher demand for the service vs. volunteers.  The program supports helping residents clear the right-of-way in accordance with municipal by-laws.  Administration will further work with area service groups, schools, volunteer organizations and the Youth Advisory Committee (YAC) to recruit volunteers (Snow & Leaf Angels).  Volunteer incentives would be funded from Administration (the expense of promotional items) and a notice for the Program will be posted on the Town’s website, Tecumseh App and Social Media pages [Facebook and Twitter], advertised in the local media and displayed on the Town’s LED signs.

2. Director Corporate Services & Clerk, Report No 33-17 Re: 2018 Council Meeting Calendar.  Administration recommends that Regular Council Meeting on Tuesday, January 9, Tuesday, June 12, Tuesday, August 28, Tuesday, October 23 and Tuesday, December 25 be cancelled.  It is also being recommended that meetings of the Personnel and Policies & Priorities Committees be held at the call of the Chairperson and that these dates be published in the 2018 Council Meeting Calendar and EWSWA Collection Calendar with notice of the altered meeting dates be posted to the Town’s website, Tecumseh App, and linked to its Social Media Pages [Facebook and Twitter], as well as publicized in the local newspaper when practical.

3. Director Corporate Services & Clerk, Report No 34-17 Re: Dog Control Services.  Administration recommends that an existing Agreement, respecting dog control services, entered into between The Corporation of the Town of Tecumseh [Town] and Philip A. Byrne be renewed for an additional three (3) years to December 31, 2020.

4. Director Parks & Recreation Services, Report No 21-17 Re: Cultural & Resource Centre – Expansion to Fire Station # 2 Administration recommends that an overall budget of $200,000 be set for architectural services and construction costs of a Cultural & Resource Centre Expansion to Fire Hall No. 2, to be included in the Building 5 Year Capital Projects 2018-2022.  Funding would be in the amount of $150,000 from the Infrastructure Reserve and $50,000 from the One-Time Strategic Issues LC Reserve, with the Building Lifecycle annual allocation increased by $5,000 effective the 2019 budget.  It is also proposed that Sfera Architectural Associates Inc. be retained to undertake the design and project management of the Cultural & Resource Centre project within this budget.

5. Director Parks & Recreation Services, Report No 22-17 Re: Community Splash Pads (3) Proposed Development.  Administration recommends the siting of three Splash Pads.  The first would be constructed before 2022 and be located at St. Mary’s Park in 2018, with Parks Lifecycle annual allocation be increased by $5,000 effective 2019.  Remaining splash pad funds for Lakewood Park South and McAuliffe Park would be brought forward to Council for consideration in the Parks 2018 – 2022 Capital Projects Report.

6. Director Parks & Recreation Services, Report No 23-17 Re: Tree Carving - Lakewood Park.  Administration recommends that a report be developed proposing sketches and costing for a Lakewood Park tree carving project, for the trunk of a poplar tree that was damaged this past summer.

7. Manager Planning Services, Report No 30-17 Re: Zoning By-Law Amendment and Draft Plan of Subdivision 1061160 Ontario Inc. (Santarossa) Industrial Park Scheduling of a Public Meeting.  Administration recommends the scheduling of a public meeting for Tuesday, November 14, 2017 at 6:00 p.m. to discuss rezoning a 29.0 hectare (71.6 acre) parcel of land situated at the north-east corner of the 8th Concession Road/County Road 42 intersection from “Holding – Business Park Zone (H)BP” to “Holding – Industrial Zone (H)M1” and “Parks and Open Space Zone (P)” to facilitate the development of the lands for an industrial subdivision.  The development is comprised of nine industrial lots, a block containing an existing woodlot/natural area and associated buffer and a block containing a proposed stormwater management facility.

For any questions on this or other municipal matters please contact me at 226-773-1910 or andrew@andrewdowie.ca

Recently there has been some concern from residents on Riverside Drive about the prospect of a new trail linking the Ganatchio Trail in Windsor to Lakewood Park and the existing cycling facilities on Riverside east of Manning.

The idea for a trail is being put out for discussion for a few reasons:

1)  With Canada Post's decision to eliminate home delivery, residents on Riverside and some of the side streets like Pinewood have to walk to adjacent streets to reach their mail.  There's a lot more demand now for pedestrian facilities on Riverside Drive than there was prior.

2)  There is a sidewalk on the north side of Riverside Drive.  The water from the road currently drains down onto the sidewalk as it is higher.  The sidewalk frequently has spots under water.  In the wintertime this ponding is further concerning because it could become ice.  There is no easy solution.  The sidewalk as a whole needs to be raised if it is to be drier.

3)  The County-Wide Active Transportation System (CWATS) was developed over the past few years.  One of the recommendations was to construct bicycle lanes on Riverside Drive between the City of Windsor limit and Lakewood Park.  This fills a cycling facility gap.

There is a good case to be made that our present day circumstances for both walking and cycling are not ideal.  If Tecumseh builds the bicycle lanes, it's a cycling improvement but the new area for water to run off from may end up onto the sidewalk and make that problem worse.

By considering a trail both cycling and walking are addressed at the same time with expected economies of scale on cost.  It is for this reason that the idea for a trail is being pursued in lieu of the two separate projects.

A public meeting was hosted on September 13th.  I had the chance to speak with several residents at that meeting, with a good distribution between those living right on Riverside Drive and those who live elsewhere but had an interest in the trail.

The stage that concluded today was Step 1 of many to come.  The concept drawings for a trail and what it would look like needed to be put on paper to give an idea of what it would look like.  Concepts were developed for both the north and south side of Riverside Drive.  Only one would be pursued.  Both scenarios have major challenges that need to be overcome.  With the comments that have been received so far, the consultant, Bezaire Partners, will come to a recommendation about what side of Riverside Drive to focus efforts on for a design.  This will be brought back further for public input and further refinement based on comments received.

In the event that a design is finalized, then Council would need to prioritize this work among the many infrastructure works being sought out.  As this is not maintenance-related, it is not part of any current operational program funded by your property taxes.  It would have to come from grants and accounts like our New Infrastructure Fund, that already have several projects aiming to use the same dollars.

Consequently:

1)  Public engagement is not over.  We concluded our opportunity to comment about the general idea of a trail on Friday September 29th.  This cutoff is so that Bezaire and Associates can read the comments and recommend what to focus on, and abandon design concepts that do not work.  They may need a lot of time to figure this out.  We don't know how long it may take.  There will be more opportunity to have a voice when there is an actual, tangible proposal on the table.

2)  Funding is not allocated.  Council needs to decide whether this project is funded or not.  It can't make that determination until there is detailed design that will address issues like electrical poles, drainage, adjacent property impacts, etc.  This can only happen at the conclusion of the consultation process.

3)  Private property is not expected to be directly affected.  The concepts shown do not show a need for property taking.  The Town's existing road allowance has room for this trail on either side.

4)  Property values are determined by market sales.  Improvement to our facilities in the right-of-way may be attractive to some families or individuals.

You can see the specific design concepts yourself at the Town website here.

In the meantime you can continue to send your comments and concerns my way to keep me informed.  I can then let you know when the next opportunity to comment officially will be.  I expect that the time to refine the comments received so far and make a recommendation will be extensive.  It is destined to be quite a difficult task.  

I would be pleased to speak further on this with you at andrew@andrewdowie.ca or 226-773-1910.

Cheers!

This week, Tecumseh Town Council begins at 6pm.

We begin with a Public Meeting regarding the 8th Concession Road Sanitary Sewer. Right now these properties are generally on septic systems. It is desirable from an environmental and land development standpoint that sanitary sewer service be extended to these properties. They are generally industrial in nature or are expected to be. Only benefitting properties are intended to contribute to the cost of this sewer. Costs are intended to be assessed to most properties based on their acreage. Residential properties will be per lot. Administration is recommending that a public meeting be hosted to solicit comments from benefitting property owners and that a further report be tabled.  The full packet can be found here.

At 7pm, regular business begins.

In our communications, Council will receive from Essex County their resolution regarding the Essex County Library Reserve Funds Administration. Tecumseh's share of the surplus from the Library Strike is $119,839. Essex County will release the funds to the town on approval by the Essex County Library Board for how it intends to be spent.

We only have one report this week. The Chief Administrative Officer is recommending that Council consider a Town Hall Expansion at an estimated cost of $2.81M to be funded through reserves. In addition, the Building Lifecycle annual allocation would be increased by $50,000 effective for the 2019 budget year.

The full packet can be found here.

For information on this or other municipal matters, please contact me at 226-773-1910 or andrew@andrewdowie.ca

This week, Council begins at 6pm with a Public Meeting regarding the reconsideration of the 7th Concession Drain Cleaning works.  You can read the full packet here.

At 7pm, regular business begins.  You can read the full packet here.

Delegations include Mayor Gary McNamara, Mayor and AMO Past President Re: Communicating the Local Share and the 2018 Pre-Budget Council Consultation

Communications for Information includes:

a. Office of the Minister of Public Services and Procurement Re: Canada Post Restoration of Door-to-Door Mail Delivery.  The Trudeau Government acknowledges receipt of the position of Tecumseh Town Council regarding its interest in restoring door to door delivery.  The Trudeau government indicates that it has "delivered on its promise" that a Liberal government would stop the plan to end door to-door mail delivery, and begin a new review of the Crown Corporation to ensure it is fulfilling its public mandate to provide high-quality service at a reasonable cost to all Canadians- whether urban, suburban and rural.  I interpret this to mean that the federal government does not intend to restore door-to-door mail delivery to Tecumseh residents as this distinction was left unaddressed in their letter.

b. Town of Lakeshore Re: Notice of the Passing of a Zoning By-Law Amendment.  The Stewart Gilbert property on Manning Road has recently received approval to construct a new building that will service part of the business.

c. Government Finance Officers Association Re: Town of Tecumseh Distinguished Budget Presentation Award.  Town Administration have once again received this prestigious award.  Congratulations!

d. Town of Tecumseh Re: Notice of 2018 Business Plan & Budget.  The Draft 2018 Budget will be received by Tecumseh Council at the regular meeting of Tuesday, November 14, 2017. Deliberation and review of the Draft 2018 Budget will take place by Tecumseh Council on the following dates: Tuesday, November 21, 2017 commencing at 4:30 pm and, if required, Wednesday, November 22, 2017 commencing at 5:00 pm.

COMMUNICATIONS ACTION REQUIRED

a. 2017 Risk Management Symposium.  Administration recommends that the Mayor and Members of Council be authorized to attend the LAS 2017 Risk Management Symposium in North York, on October 4 and 5, 2017, in accordance with the Town's Travel and Professional Development Policies, and subject to funding in the 2017 Budget.

b. Dillon Consulting, Re: Baillargeon Drain Appointment.  Administration advises that the existing work that has been completed to clean the Baillargeon drain is no longer required, and because of a revised stormwater management solution for the Manning Road Secondary Plan Area the work is no longer required.  All engineering costs to date, in the approximate amount of $33,900 would have to be levied to the Town of Tecumseh.

c. Waste Reduction Week in Canada.  Administration recommends that October 16 to 22, 2017, be proclaimed as ‘Waste Reduction Week' in the Town of Tecumseh.

COMMITTEE MINUTES

a. Youth Advisory Committee August 21, 2017

b. Heritage Committee 26 - 27 August 21, 2017

c. Cultural & Arts Advisory Committee August 21, 2017.  Of note is that the Committee is requesting that Dillon Drive be recognized as an identified veterans route and that signage should show the poppy.

d. Senior Advisory Committee August 24, 2017.  Of note is that the committee is investigating the publication of a seniors services directory.

e. Policies and Priorities Committee August 8, 2017

REPORTS

a. Chief Administrative Officer

1. Chief Administrative Officer, Report No 08-17 Re: Ontario Municipal Commuter Cycling (OMCC) Program – Grant Funding.  Administration is recommending that the Town of Tecumseh apply for funding through the Ontario Municipal Commuter Cycling Program, specifically the CWATS-identified projects none of which the County of Essex will be assisting in funding.  If fully funded, the Town would need to commit $957,000 as a maximum funding.

b. Corporate Services & Clerk

1. Director Corporate Services & Clerk, Report No. 27-17 Re: Rodent Control.  Administration recommends that no municipal service be created to deal with rodent control and that an enhanced education campaign, through the local newspapers and social media, be undertaken to assist residents on how to identify Rodents on their property, how to protect their property from Rodents and how to remove Rodents from their property; and further that Property Standards be enforced and complaints regarding factors that attract Rodents be addressed.

2. Manager Committee & Community Services, Report No 28-17 Re: 2017 Local Government Week.  Administration recommends that the Mayor proclaim the week of October 15 to 21, 2017, as Local Government Week (LGW) in the Town of Tecumseh; and that 2. Events and activities be planned for local elementary and secondary students to create awareness in local government and acknowledge its vital role and function in helping to shape the community; and further that LGW activities and events be posted on the Town’s website, Tecumseh App and Social Media pages [Facebook and Twitter]; and furthermore that Local elementary and secondary schools be invited to participate in the planned events.

3. Director Corporate Services & Clerk, Report No 29-17 Re: Internet and Telephone Voting Service Provider, 2018 Municipal & School Board Elections.  Administration recommends that Intelivote Systems Inc. be selected for the provision of Internet and Telephone Election Services for the 2018 Municipal and School Board Elections at a cost of $42,425 plus HST.

4. Director Corporate Services & Clerk, Report No 30-17 Re: 2018 Council Conferences.  Administration is recommending that Council pre-approve participation at various regularly scheduled municipal conferences in the 2018 calendar year.

5. Director Corporate Services & Clerk, Report No 31-17 Re: 2018 December Holiday Schedule.  Administration is recommending that Tecumseh Town Hall be closed between Christmas 2018 and New Years Day 2019.

c. Financial Services

1. Director Financial Services & Treasurer, Report No. 13-17 Re: Essex Powerlines Corporation Long Term Financing Agreement Renewal.  Essex Power Lines is proposing to offer the Town an interest rate of 3.80% as part of the long term financing agreement with the Town, providing the Town with income of $58,700 annually which is a $ 3,100 reduction from the previous return of $61,800.

2. Deputy Treasurer & Tax Collector, Report No. 14-17 Re: Vacancy Rebate Program Review.  Administration is recommending that the town work collectively with the County Tax Collectors and Treasurers group to conduct a county-wide public consultation session to propose the elimination of the Vacancy Rebate Program in Essex County for the 2018 taxation year.

d. Information & Communication Services

1. Director Information & Communication Services, Report No 02- 17 85 - 117 Re: Telus Corporate Purchasing Group Agreement.  Administration is recommending approval of an agreement with Telus for mobile phone usage that includes an increase in monthly data allowance per user and pool (from 1GB to 3GB), improved U.S. rate plans for all users for voice, texting and data, allowing for Bring Your Own Device plans, and continued monthly airtime credits as per the Telus antenna lease agreement for equipment found on the Town’s water tower.

e. Parks & Recreation Services

1. Manager Parks & Horticulture, Report No 20-17 Re: Tender Award for the Request for Quotations, Supply of Equipment for Parks Department.  Administration recommends the following purchases: a) Delta Power Ltd ($108,500 plus HST) for the supply of 4 (four) Kubota zero-turn mowers, and 1(one) Kubota Skid Steer Loader, and b) Trade-in of $49,500 plus HST for 4(four) Kubota zero-turn mowers, and 1(one) Bobcat Skid Steer Loader for a net cost of $59,000 plus HST.

f. Planning & Building Services

1. Manager Planning Services, Report No 24-17 Re: Tecumseh Transit Service (TTS), January to June 2017 Status Report.  Administration notes that ridership trends are generally the same with almost half of all transit users accessing the Tecumseh Mall stop, and a decrease in ridership of 3.7%.

2. Director, Planning and Building Services. Report No 25-17 Re: County Wide Active Transportation System (CWATS), Town of Tecumseh 2018 Proposed Projects, Dedicated Bike Lanes Along Lesperance Road and Design and Utility Relocates - Trail Along Walker Road.  Council is advised that two projects, being the Lesperance Road bicycle lane conversion (from centre left lane) in Ward 1 at a cost of $112,000 and potentially reduced by provincial funding, and the Walker Road trail construction, at a cost of $237,600 and potentially reduced by County of Essex funding, proceed in 2018.

3. Director, Planning and Building Services, Report No 26-17 145 - 154 Re: Financial Incentive Program Grant Application, Tecumseh Road Main Street Community Improvement Plan, 12214 Tecumseh Road (2012471 Ontario Inc. / Buckingham Realty), Building Façade Improvement Grant.  Administration is recommending that the Buckingham Realty building on Tecumseh Road be approved for a Building Façade Improvement Grant for a total amount of $15,000.00 toward the costs associated with the façade improvements being undertaken.

4. Manager Building Services & Chief Building Official, Report No 27-17 Re: 2017 Six Month Permit Report.  Construction value is down by $6,349,576 or 22 percent over last year due in part to a decrease in new residential construction over the previous year.  433 building permits were issued, up from 215 due principally to backwater valve installation.

g. Public Works & Environmental Services

1. Director Public Works & Environmental Services, Report No 42- 17 Re: Installation of Highway 401 Gateway Signage, Electrical Works, Tender Award.  Administration is recommending accepting the tender from DeAngelo Brothers Corporation for the Installation of Highway 401 Gateway Signage, Electrical Works, in the amount of $32,600 plus HST to complete electrical servicing for the signage.

2. Drainage Superintendent, Report No 43-17 Re: East McPherson Drain – Tender Award.  Administration is recommending that the tender for the Repair and Improvement of the East McPherson Drain in the amount of $103,992.35 excluding HST, be awarded to Murray Mills Excavating & Trucking (Sarnia) Ltd.

3. Manager Roads & Fleet, Report No 44-17 Re: Sanitary Sewer Collection System Rehabilitation Project Proposal Award.  Administration recommends that new work as part of the Ontario Community Infrastructure Fund (OCIF) Sanitary Sewer Collection System Rehabilitation Project in the estimated amount of $1,492,900 excluding HST, be awarded to Sewer Technologies in a reduced amount of $1,157,000 excluding HST.for the renewal and rehabilitation of sanitary sewer pipe, manholes and the rehabilitation of sanitary sewer service connections in the Town of Tecumseh wastewater system.

For information on these or other items, please contact me at 226-773-1910 or andrew@andrewdowie.ca

This week, Town Council begins at 5:30pm for our Policies and Priorities Meeting,

The full packet can be found here.

Delegations include:

• Melanie Coulter, Windsor Essex County Humane Society Re: Dog Control By-Law, Tethering Enforcement
• Tom Kitsos, Deputy Treasurer & Tax Collector Re: Budget Document Presentation

Reports include:

a. Director Corporate Services & Clerk, Report No. 24-17 Re: Dog Control By-law Review.  The Dog Control By-law is proposed to be updated in order to regulate the following behaviours:

• Offering a weather proof enclosure in cases of extreme weather for outdoor dogs.
• Restricting tethering to 4 hours a day, 3 metres in length, and must be without a choke collar.
• Transporting outside of the passenger cab of a vehicle is prohibited unless they are otherwise protected.

Enforcement is proposed to be undertaken by the Windsor-Essex County Humane Society.  

Fees are proposed to be raised as follows:

• Dog Licence/Tag fee (on or before March 31st) be raised from $15.00 to $20.00
• Dog Licence/Tag fee (after March 31st) be raised from $30.00 to $35.00
• Replacement Dog Tag fee be raised from $3.00 to $10.00

b. Director Corporate Services & Clerk, Report No. 14-17 Re: Health & Safety Policy No. 7 Annual Review.  This is a regulatory review of the Town's Health and Safety policies that is required annually.

c. Director Corporate Services & Clerk, Report No. 23-17 Re: Issuance of Marriage Licences.  Administration proposes to begin a Marriage Licence Issuance service.  The cost of the licence would be $130.

d. Director Corporate Services & Clerk, Report No. 25-17 Re: Little River & Mason Alley from Coronado to Barry, Request for Alley Closing and Transfer of Lands.  Administration is recommending approval of the alley closure between Little River Boulevard and Mason Place, and division and disposition of the land parcels to abutting property owners.

e. Director Corporate Services & Clerk, Report No. 26-17 Re: Procedural By-Law Review and Revisions.  This is a housekeeping by-law that updates certain definitions to match new Municipal Act definitions, formalize current practices (Order of Business), and new items including receiving delegations.  Of note is that the recommended change will give the Administration the authority to deny delegations if the matter is part of duties delegated to Administration.  It also proposes a prohibition of materials not submitted to the clerk ahead of time including placards and signs.  Conversely, delegates would be protected from interruption from Members of Council.

f. Purchasing Officer, Report No. 09-17 Re: Amendment to Purchasing Policy No. 17 and Procurement Policies and Procedures Bylaw 2006-03.  Administration recommends amendment to the policies and procedures such as introducing language with respect to Accessibility legislation, trade agreements, clarification regarding the "two envelope" process for requests for proposal, and increasing the authority of Administration to self-approve purchases and reducing the number of large purchases sent back to Town Council for approval.

g. Director Parks & Recreation Services, Report No. 15-17 Re: Commemorative Bench Program - Policy.  Administration is bringing forward a framework for commemorative benches including maintenance and replacement going forward including assignment of costs and clarifying that the bench would be a ten year commitment.

At 7pm, regular business begins.  The packet can be found here.

Communications include:

a. Greater Essex County District School Board Re: Surplus Property and Building, 12433 Dillon Drive.  Victoria Public School is being offered for sale by the Public School Board at market value.

b. Environment and Climate Change Canada  Re: Protection and Restoration of the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River Basin.  The Minister's Office acknowledges Council's resolution supporting continued funding for Great Lakes quality improvement.

c. Town of Lakeshore Re: Notice of Public Meeting.  The Stewart Gilbert portable toilet business at 2136 Manning Road is seeking approval to add a new building to the property.  The meeting will be held at 6pm on Tuesday August 8th at Lakeshore Council Chambers.

d. Town of Lakeshore  Re: Notice of the Passing of a Temporary Use Zoning By-Law Amendment by the Corporation of the Town of Lakeshore.  Lakeshore is requesting submissions before August 14th regarding plans to operate a Film Studio on the property at 20 North Rear Road at Manning Road, south of Highway 401 and the OPP Station (the property currently fenced in)

e. County of Essex Re: Support for Bill 94 - Amendments to the Highway Traffic Act and Pilot Project.  Essex County advises that it supports Bill 94 from MPP Rick Nicholls regarding the installation of School Bus Cameras.

f. County of Essex Re: Notice of Decision of Official Plan Amendment No. 39, 11941 Tecumseh Road.  Essex County has approved the Condominium Development previously approved by Tecumseh Town Council.

COMMUNICATIONS ACTION REQUIRED

a. Association of Municipalities of Ontario, Re: Human Services Symposium.  Administration recommends that the Mayor and Members of Council be authorized to attend the Human Services Symposium in Toronto on September 21, 2017.

b. Association of Municipalities of Ontario, Re: Municipal Labour Relations Symposium.  Administration recommends that the Mayor and Members of Council be authorized to attend AMO Municipal Labour Relations Symposium in Toronto on September 22, 2017

c. County of Essex, Re: Support for Windsor Essex County Environment Committee Resolution Pertaining to the Ontario Nuclear Emergency Response Plan.  Administration recommends that the County of Essex Resolution No. 158-17 and Windsor Essex County Environmental Committee Resolution recommending changes to the Provincial Nuclear Emergency Response Plan be supported, which call for giving local residents the same protections from Nuclear Disasters as residents living near Ontario Power Generation facilities as we are in close proximity to various United States-based facilities.

d. The Township of The Archipelago, Re: Reconsider Proposed Changes Under Bill 86, Re: Out of Court Payments.  Administration recommends that the Municipality of Killarney’s Resolution No. 17-198 appealing to the Minister of Municipal Affairs to reconsider changes to the Municipal Act, 2001 as a result of Bill 68 regarding tax registration procedures which would end payments out of court for municipalities, be supported.  On tax sales, the municipality currently receives payment.  The Province is proposing to end this practice.  

REPORTS

a. Corporate Services & Clerk

1. Manager Committee & Community Services, Report No. 20-17 Cat Spay and Neuter Voucher Program, Cat Intake Program, Bi-Annual Update for 2017.  74 of 89 feral cat vouchers have been issued, and no low income vouchers have been claimed.  14 cat intake program contributions have been made this year, which is a reduction from past years.  The data suggests that the Town's feral cat population is declining. 

2. Director Corporate Services & Clerk, Report No. 21-17 Re: Call for 2017 Award Nominations.  Administration is recommending that the Dr. Henri Breault Community Excellence Award and Donald “Donny” Massender Memorial Volunteer Award, as well as the 2018 Senior of the Year Award (Awards) nominations be advertised and selections made on November 28, 2017.

3. Director Corporate Services & Clerk, Report No. 22-17 Re: Advisory and Statutory Committees Call for 2018 Applications.  Administration is recommending that applications be sought for the following committees: a. Committee of Adjustment (if Council does not appoint from within); b. Tecumseh Accessibility Advisory Committee; c. Cultural & Arts Advisory Committee; d. Heritage Committee; e. Senior Advisory Committee; and f. Youth Advisory Committee.

b. Financial Services

1. Deputy Treasurer & Tax Collector, Report No. 12-17 Re: Budget Variance Report – June 30, 2017.  The Town is projecting a surplus of $169,000, assisted by LED lighting conversion, higher building permit revenues and property assessments, offset by the Backwater Valve and Foundation Drain Disconnection subsidy programs.

c. Parks & Recreation Services

1. Manager Recreation Programs & Events, Report No. 19-17 Re: Pathway to Potential 2017 Funding Agreement.  This zero cost agreement allows Pathway to Potential to administer poverty reduction funding for the Town of Tecumseh.  The Town would receive funds to assist low income children participate in recreational programs.

d. Public Works & Environmental Services

1. Director Public Works & Environmental Services, Report No. 39-17 Re: Installation of Tecumseh Gateway Signage on Highway 401, Tender Award.  Approval is sought for the Highway 401 Gateway Signage tender, in the amount of $91,963 plus HST to DeAngelo Brothers Corporation (DBi Services).  Signs will be places westbound at Manning Road and eastbound at North Talbot Road.

2. Manager Roads and Fleet, Report No. 40-17 123 - 127 Re: Gauthier/Cedarwood Sanitary Pump Station Consultant Recommendation for the Clean Water and Wastewater Funding Project.  Administration recommends that the Ontario Clean Water Agency (OCWA) of the Government of Ontario be retained to provide the engineering consulting services, procurement and contract administration for repair work proposed on the Gauthier/Cedarwood Sanitary Pump Station, in the amount of $155,000, including nonrebateable HST, and will be charged against the Sanitary Sewer Collection System Rehabilitation Project

For questions on these or any other municipal matters, please contact me at andrew@andrewdowie.ca or 226-773-1910.

Council begins at 5:30pm with a Public Information Centre regarding parking on Pentilly Road.  There has been some parking on the pedestrian pathway in recent years and continuing.  This was brought to Council's attention for action.  Administration is recommending that we begin by installing "No Parking on Sidewalk" signage in an effort to reinforce that the behaviour is prohibited.  The full packet can be found here.

At 6:30pm the Court of Revision will sit to determine assessing of costs related to cleaning of the Webster Drain to benefiting property owners.  The full packet can be found here.

Regular business begins at 7pm.  The full packet can be found here.

Delegations include:

• Wendy Pulleyblank-Cunningham, The Olde Sandwich South & Area Historical Society Re: Request for Resource Centre at Fire Station No. 2.  The historical society is seeking $48,000 to construct an addition to Fire Hall 2 for their programming and resource storage.
• Dan Beaulieu Re: Urban Chickens

COMMUNICATIONS FOR INFORMATION

a. Municipality of Kincardine & Municipality of Clarington write to show their support for the Bruce Power Deep Geologic Repository plan.

b. Town of Lakeshore Re: Notice of Open House and Complete Application.  The Stewart Gilbert portable toilet business is seeking permission to add a new accessory building.  An open house was held on July 13, 2017.

c. Community Schools Alliance Re: Call for Nominations.  The organization is seeking nominations to its Executive Committee.

d. Township of North Stormont Re: Conservation Authority Act.  North Stormont opposes new requirements by the Province of Ontario requiring that Conservation Authority boards be represented by at least 50% of its members having science backgrounds after 2018.

e. City of Owen Sound Re: Support Resolution - Request for Economic Impact Analysis.  Owen Sound is requesting that an economic analysis be undertaken prior to implementing changes to the Employment Standards Act.

REPORTS

a. Financial Services 1. Deputy Treasurer & Tax Collector, Report No. 11/17 Re: 2018 Business Plan & Budget Timetable.  It is recommended that Council adopt the following timelines for the 2018 budget:

• Council consultation September 12, 2017
• Public engagement September 12 to September 30, 2017
• Table proposed Business Plan & Budget November 14, 2017
• Council deliberations November 21, 2017
• Council deliberations (if needed) November 22, 2017
• Council consideration & adoption December 12, 2017 

b. Fire & Rescue Services

1. Director Fire Services & Fire Chief, Report No. 06/17 Re: Tecumseh Fire Services – Q2 2017 Update.  This report speaks to the activities of the Fire Department over the past 3 months and some comparisons of activities versus past years.

2. Director Fire Services & Fire Chief, Report No. 07/17 Re: Pumper/Rescue Unit #1 Tender Award.  Administration is recommending that the tender for the Pumper/Rescue Unit #1 be awarded to Fort Garry Fire Trucks at a cost of $672,000 plus HST.  Because this amount is higher than the estimated cost, additional funding of $86,000 would also need to be provided from the Fire Apparatus Lifecycle Reserve.

c. Parks & Recreation Services

1. Director Parks & Recreation Services, Report No. 04/17 Re: Community Support – Optimist Club St. Clair Beach.  This report speaks to the role of the Optimist Club of St. Clair Beach in the community.

2. Manager Recreation Programs & Events, Report No. 17/17 Re: Optimist Club’s Family Fun Fair 2017.  Optimist Club of St. Clair Beach is requesting relief from the Noise By-law in order to permit the Optimist Club of St. Clair Beach to operate loud speakers or sound amplifying equipment on Saturday, September 23, 2017 from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. for background and event announcements at McAuliffe Park.  The Club is also seeking relief from the Town’s Sign Bylaw starting September 1, 2017 to permit them to advertise the Family Fun Fair on town lands provided that the signs do not impede traffic sight lines.

3. Manager Recreation Programs & Events, Report No. 18/17 Re: Tecumseh BIA’s Fall Into Health Day Event.  Tecumseh BIA is seeking relief from the Noise By-law in order to operate loud speakers or sound amplifying equipment on Sunday, September 24, 2017 from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. for background music and event announcements in Lakewood Park.  Tecumseh BIA is also seeking an exemption from the Town’s Sign By-law starting August 28, 2017 to permit them to advertise the Fall Into Health Day event at various Town-owned locations, provided that the signs do not impede traffic sight lines.

d. Planning & Building Services

1. Manager Planning Services, Report No. 23/17 Re: Encroachment Agreement to Facilitate an Outdoor Patio, Lesperance Plaza Inc. (Carrots N’ Dates Restaurant), 1125 Lesperance Road.  Carrots N' Dates is seeking permission to create an outdoor patio on Lesperance Road on the municipal sidewalk.  There would be room for 6 tables.  The area would be 34' x 12', leaving 18' of sidewalk available.

e. Public Works & Environmental Services

1. Drainage Superintendent, Report No. 36/17 Re: Request for Repair and Improvements to a Municipal Drain Appointment of Drainage Engineer -- Shuttleworth Drain.  Administration recommends that Rood Engineering Inc. be appointed Drainage Engineer for the Town in order to examine the impacts of installing an access bridge located at 5074 North Talbot Road, and to prepare a Drainage Report for the Shuttleworth Drain (Drain) in accordance with Section 78 of the Drainage Act, including provisions for future maintenance of the Drain.

For questions on these or other municipal items, please contact me at 226-773-1910 or andrew@andrewdowie.ca