Monday February 12th Regular town council meeting

Don’t read this blog. I forgot to put this disclaimer two weeks ago and I’ll try not to forget again. If you’re going to analyze this blog and think about it for days and days, don’t read it. Don’t say you weren’t warned. 

I attended Monday night’s meeting in person. This meeting was brought to you by the letters O and A and by the number 3. 

Council met for a planning meeting at 4:00. Then an in-camera meeting was scheduled for 5:00. The in-camera meeting went a bit late and the doors weren’t opened for the regular meeting until close to 6:15. 

****Councillor Courtney was on zoom (again) and appeared to be at home.*****

Councillor Allaire spent a good part of the meeting typing on her laptop, again. 

And….spoiler alert, Open Air will be coming back to council on March 25th for even more discussion. AGAIN. 

I guess things really do happen in threes. Speaking of the number three…..it also seems to be the same three members of council that continually try to move Amherstburg backwards. 

There was a revised agenda for the regular meeting. 

Here is the link to the PDF format https://calendar.amherstburg.ca/council/Detail/2024-02-12-1800-Regular-Council-Meeting/a7b39e5e-1977-42ef-a051-b111016b4fdc

And the link to the HTML format https://pub-amherstburg.escribemeetings.com/Meeting.aspx?Id=a2f02400-fa17-4cbc-b158-95c7f7a41572&Agenda=Merged&lang=English

The meeting started around 6:15. After the national anthem, Councillor Courtney’s camera remained dark for a little while and he seemed to be absent for the first while. He reappeared later. 

There were some report outs from some in-camera items. There was an awkward pause as the Mayor waited for a motion about naming people to a Business Licensing Committee. Then, Councillor Pouget read a list of names of people to be appointed to the Business Licensing Committee. I may not have caught all the names and I apologize for the spelling…..I believe that Del Oxford, Anne Creary, Dan Gemus, (missed the first name) Mazza and Ryan D’Alimonte were named to the committee. The motion carried. 

DELEGATIONS

Delegation Request re. Item 11.1 – Street Name Poppy Initiative – Shawn Wilkie, Royal Canadian Legion Fort Malden Branch 157

Street Name Poppy Initiative (This report was brought forward since the delegation was in relation to this agenda item.)

Mr Wilkie addressed council on behalf of the Royal Canadian Legion Fort Malden Branch 157. He spoke about the importance of the poppy symbol and that it is a show of support for all of the military members in our community. It reminds us of lives that were lost and sacrifices made. He thanked council for adding poppies to 100 signs in Amherstburg to recognize our veterans. 

Councillor Courtney reappeared on the zoom call during Mr Wilkie’s delegation. 

Councillors Pouget and Courtney expressed their support of the initiative. Councillor Allaire questioned the costs ($4500 for the new signs). She mentioned she had seen comments online and felt that if we could have had that $4500 on other line items the budget would have been more reasonable. (Just for the record, the budget is approximately $63 Million….so $4500 would account for 0.0000714286% of the budget…..talk about not being a big picture thinker…..scary that that is a member of council’s thinking process….) CAO Critchley explained that this program would not cost any additional money as the street signs would have been replaced over time anyway. The Clerk explained that street signs have life cycles and need replacement and that they all reach end of life at some point. Some of the signs would just be replaced slightly early. Councillor Allaire felt that replacing all of the signs at the same time that may not need replacement would be “silly”. 

Some members of council had given credit to Deputy Mayor Gibb for this initiative. When he spoke, he explained that this idea had been discussed long before this part of his life as Deputy Mayor. The discussions had been in the works with administration for a long time and that the initiative was well worth the cost. He felt that we should move on with it and “Lest we forget”. 

Councillor McArthur spoke of the soldiers’ stories being on the cenotaph and how the Legion creates a sense of community for us. 

Mayor Prue passed the gavel (for the first time of MANY)….he felt that he’d like to have the street signs made larger since as people age they can’t see as well. As well, he was hoping for a motion that when the first couple of signs were finished that there would be some type of ceremony to acknowledge the signs. He acknowledged that not all of the signs would go up at the same time. 

Councillor Allaire then made the motion as presented in the report that administration BE DIRECTED to replace the street name signs to include a poppy to honour the veterans on the Cenotaph as well as adding that some type of celebration would be had after the first few signs were erected. 

Mayor Prue asked if she would include making the street signs bigger. Councillor Allaire asked if there would be more cost to do so and administration said that yes, there would be an additional cost. So the size of the signs was not changed. Councillor Courtney made a comment about if larger signs are needed perhaps people shouldn’t have a driver’s license, or something like that. It was the first of a few snarky comments he would make Monday night…..I wonder if not being physically present in council chambers makes it easier to say rude things to people?  

And finally, they voted and it carried. Unanimously. 

Delegation Request re. Item 12.3 – Payment in Lieu of Parking Amendment Request for 79 Murray Street – Adam Rossetto

Mr Rossetto was present to answer any questions regarding item 12.3, payment in lieu of parking. 

Councillor Pouget complimented Mr Rossetto on the beautiful building and asked staff what is done with the money that would be paid in lieu of providing parking spots. It seems that the money would go into a parking reserve fund and there is a Transportation Master Plan in the works that could draw on that money for uses regarding parking in the future. 

Deputy Mayor Gibb thanked Mr Rossetto for being a steward of history and saving the building that was built in 1835. He asked Mr Rossetto if he would be willing to share publicly how much he had invested in the building to preserve and refurbish the building. Mr Rossetto did not want to share that information (I don’t blame him and would guess it’s a significant amount) and Deputy Mayor Gibb thanked him for saving history. 

Councillor Courtney talked about how council had already waived two parking spots for the building. He felt hesitant about cutting more parking spots. He did say he would listen to other members of council and he appreciated Mr Rossetto’s investment. 

Deputy Mayor Gibb asked if the building were across the street on the east side, how many parking spots would be required. Administration said zero. (So I guess one could say the building is on the wrong side of the street, kind of like the wrong side of the track? LOL) 

Councillor Allaire said that she loves the building but had questions from residents. She wondered if this would set a precedent by allowing Mr Rossetto to pay money instead of providing parking. Ms Osborne, Deputy CAO explained that the bylaw does permit this to happen in certain instances and based on site specific reasons. Since Mr Rossetto now has a tenant for the building, that’s why he is back about the parking. 

Ms French from the planning department thanked Councillor Allaire for sending some of the questions in advance. She explained that the planning department evaluates each application on its own merit and that this situation would not be creating a precedent. She noted that it is a heritage building and that council has a policy in place for this, evaluates the situation and reviews every application (as they were doing at the meeting). 

Ms Osborne pointed out that since the property is a heritage property it creates a conundrum. For example, the owner could have asked to demolish part of the building to create parking spaces, but that the Heritage Committee would have likely vehemently opposed any demolition, even in part, of the building. 

Mayor Prue passed the gavel again. He noted that the property is a historical property. He pointed out that it is not part of the Anchor District but that it is across the street. Mayor Prue felt that when he originally saw the condition of the building it would not be restorable but that the building is now so beautiful and the owner was also able to keep a tree that is on the property. He felt that the cost of two parking spots was worth it. He also noted that the building will have a residence on the second floor and housing is very much needed. Mayor Prue also explained that the public parking lot on the corner of Ramsey and Richmond used to once be a house. The town used money to create a parking lot there, so in theory, the money Mr Rossetto is paying to the town, in lieu of providing parking, could be used to create parking in the future. 

Councillor Courtney said that he had kept an open mind and that he would support the recommendation. 

Councillor Crain said that he agreed with the Mayor. He felt that it is a great location with mixed use, residential and commercial. He also noted that the commercial portion will create jobs as well. 

Councillor Allaire made the motion for the staff recommendation and it was seconded by Deputy Mayor Gibb. 

It is recommended that: 

1. Council APPROVE the payment in lieu of parking in the amount of $9,700 for two parking spots for the subject lands known as 79 Murray Street; 

2. By-law 2024-010 being a by-law to approve the amendment of By-law 2023-082, a By-law authorizing Council to enter into an agreement regarding the payment in lieu of parking for 79 Murray Street, be taken as having been read three times and finally passed and the Mayor and Clerk BE AUTHORIZED to sign same; and, 

3. Payment in lieu of parking in the amount of $9,700 BE RECEIVED from the applicant and DEPOSITED into the Parking Reserve Fund (2000). 

It carried unanimously. 

EV ChargeON Grant

It seems that there is an opportunity for the Town to put forward a project location for a Level 3 Electric Vehicle Charging station. 

Deputy Mayor Gibb asked and it was confirmed that this would involve no cost for the town to install it or maintain it. As well, there would be no legacy costs. 

Councillor Crain felt that this was a worthwhile initiative since there would be no cost to the town. There was some discussion about where the nearest level 3 charger was located. 

Councillor Pouget asked the Fire Chief if the fire department had any problems with the location since she felt that car batteries could catch fire. The Chief said his department did not have any concerns. 

Councillor Allaire asked about who would be responsible, for example, in 10 years time, should the charger need removal. Ms Osborne, the Deputy CAO, replied that all of this will be laid out in the contract and that removal would be at their cost, not the town’s in the future. 

The motion was made as recommended and it carried. 

2024 Special Events Approval Part I

I love events and we have some more coming our way! Here they are with the recommendations : 

It is recommended that: 

1. The following events BE APPROVED: 

a.The House Youth Centre-Coldest Night of the Year WalkFebruary 24, 2024 

b. St. John the Baptist Church – Way of the Cross – March 29, 2024 

c. Metro 313 Cycles – Pedals and Passport – August 3, 2024 

d. Total Solar Eclipse – April 8, 2024 

2.An exemption from table number 3-1(2) of Noise By-law #2001- 43 with respect to the operation of any electronic device or group of connected electronic devices incorporating one or more loudspeakers to allow for music BE GRANTED for the following events: 

a. The House Youth Centre-Coldest Night of the Year WalkFebruary 24, 2024 

b. St. John the Baptist Church – Way of the Cross – March 29, 2024 

3. The fee waiver requests BE APPROVED as follows: 

a.The House Youth Centre-Coldest Night of the Year WalkFebruary 24, 2024 

b. St. John Baptist Church – Way of the Cross – March 29, 2024 

4. The Special Events Resource Team BE DIRECTED to confirm that the requirements identified by the Team are met prior to the event. 

Councillor Pouget had declared a conflict on this item since she is an active member of St. John the Baptist Church and helps with fundraising. 

Councillor Allaire thanked the tourism staff for the Solar Eclipse event. She thought it was great. I don’t believe she asked about any costs involved for this event. 

Councillor Courtney noted that this is Part 1 (of many) that comes before council for events. He wondered if there was a way for staff to fast track the regular events so that they didn’t have to each come before council. CAO Critchley replied that there had been a report presented regarding delegation of authority and it had been recommended to rewrite the policy to allow administration to handle regularly occurring events…..Council did not approve it. (I do remember that….Looks like council can’t have it both ways…..)

At that point Councillor Courtney went on a tangent about people watching the council meetings “because they have nothing better to do”. I found this a bit rude and insulting. This is what is thought of residents that watch the council meetings? Councillor Courtney thinks so little of us? Public engagement and wanting to be informed is looked down upon and that we “have nothing better to do”? Quite a reckless, insensitive and rude comment coming from a member of council that has been zooming into meetings for months…..just sayin’. 

Anyway, it carried. The events as noted above were approved. 

Boblo Island Fire Protection Historic Information

If you recall, council had deferred the item about building a garage to house the fire truck on Boblo Island during budget deliberations. Originally there was a motion made during budget deliberations to strike this item from the budget. It was defeated 4-3. So then it was deferred. Well Monday night, it was back. 

It had been previously explained (and it was in the report) that the development charges would be paying for this structure that would house a fire truck on Boblo as well as have washrooms. I won’t bore you with the endless questions about development charges…..

Deputy Mayor Gibb asked about the land being provided for the structure. The Fire Chief said that it would be provided by the developer for $1.00 but that a fulsome negotiation still needed to happen. He also said that if there were any changes, it would be brought back to council. Deputy Mayor Gibb noted that the town’s equipment was presently at risk and unprotected on the island. He noted that the plan had been started in 2017 in order to provide better service to the Amherstburg residents that live on Boblo Island. 

Councillor Crain asked the Fire Chief if he supported the plan for the new structure. He did. Councillor Crain also mentioned that if for some reason the ferry were not running, the truck would already be on the island in a secure building. (People can always be brought over by boat, a truck can’t be.)

Councillor McArthur noted that development charges are sprinkled throughout the budget to pay for certain things. He noted that growth pays for growth. He also talked about the short term solution for providing fire protection to Boblo was established in 2017, meetings were held and volunteer firefighters that live on Boblo were sought out. Councillor McArthur felt that it was important to keep residents safe and the town’s equipment safe as well. 

Chief Montone offered a history of having a fire truck on the island. Older trucks were stationed there and at one time the developer was storing one in the basement of the dance hall. However, due to the heritage nature of the building and other issues, that was no longer an option. Chief Montone noted that this new proposed structure would be a suitable building, very plain but with heating and plumbing to properly protect the asset as well as provide washroom use for any town staff that may be over on the island. 

Councillor Pouget had several questions about the changes in storage arrangements for the town-owned fire truck. She seemed to be questioning if the developer had asked the town to move the truck. Administration explained that the Dance Hall was no longer a viable storage area due to species at risk and the conditions of the building. CAO Critchley explained that the town was not asked by the developer to remove the truck but rather that the town was looking at a better way to store our asset. At the moment, with the temporary structure, there are problems with rodents and the vehicle is not properly protected. 

Councillor Courtney talked at length and in circles. He felt that he would support the new building but that it would not necessarily house a fire truck, it would be a storage facility for whatever. 

The motion had been split into two parts. So the motion to receive the report was made and it carried. 

Now onto the second part of the motion which read : “2. That approval BE GIVEN for the 2024 FIR-001-24 Fire Boblo Island Building issue paper presented in the 2024 Capital expenditures (page 24) fully funded by Development Charges.”

Councillor Crain spoke in support of building the new structure. He noted it had been brought forward many times and that the town needs to protect the Boblo residents. He also felt that the town can not rely on the developer to store a town-owned asset. He noted that in the development agreement, the town is obligated to provide fire service to the island. Councillor Crain also noted that this project has no impact on the tax levy since it is fully funded by the development charges. 

Deputy Mayor Gibb said that part of the plan from 2017 was to have a fire truck on Boblo Island. He felt that the town could not let the truck just sit there and rot, that it just made sense to house it in a garage. He felt that eventually there would be firefighters that live on the island and that this plan would help with the safety of the residents. He noted that he had recently been to the island to pick up the Mayor for a meeting and that what is there at the moment could be very loosely described as a structure and that it looks more like a haunted house. 

Councillor Courtney then went off again. He started talking about costs and that you can’t just ask residents of Boblo, who wants to be a fireman? He said he was trying to be respectful but that council has to look into all of this. He spoke of it being a “falsity” and “smoke and mirrors” and that he has a lot of “intel” and would love to share it but that he can’t in public. 

Councillor Pouget said that she would be voting against this item, to build a new structure. She felt that the town doesn’t have the land and she doesn’t know if the residents will be okay with the location since council does not know where it will be located. 

Councillor McArthur said he would support it. He noted all of the concerns raised regarding safety. And he also said how he just heard the town would be offered the necessary land for $1.00 and that if that does not happen, it will all come back before council. He appreciated that it is not a fire hall but a structure to house equipment but that it will help keep the people on Boblo Island safer. Councillor McArthur also noted that the town’s guiding documents say that this needs to happen, that we live in a compassionate community and that we have to protect the residents and their homes. Again, he noted that growth pays for growth. 

Councillor Allaire asked if a report would come back about the location or if administration would decide. Fire Chief Montone explained that if council approved the structure, then administration would negotiate an agreement and bring it back to council. He noted that this storage facility would be available to all departments, not just the fire department. 

Councillor Pouget wondered if the residents would be notified of the location. CAO Critchley said that when the negotiated terms come back to council, it would be on the public agenda but that it didn’t fall under the planning act for notice requirements. (I guess it will just be those of us that have nothing better to do than watch council meetings that will be aware then…..?)

Anyway, it finally went to a recorded vote. It was unanimous in support of building the structure. (I guess Councillor Pouget changed her mind about her vote.)

NEW BUSINESS

This is the part of the email where councilors will bring up ONE email or a phone call that they received…..it’s so odd…..I wonder what the criteria is for only certain emails or phone calls to be brought up publicly yet not others? I’m guessing it likely has to do with if the councilors agree with the email or not? Or they want to pontificate? Or do they want to make it appear like they are doing something? I don’t know…..but it’s something I’ve often wondered…..

A pool

Councillor Allaire asked about when a report would be coming forward about the cost for a public pool. It seems it was not showing on the unfinished business list. It appeared that a motion was never made, so one was made on Monday night. Councillor Allaire made a motion for a report for costs of a public pool including maintenance costs. Councillor McArthur seconded it but said that there are many types of pools, as well as indoor/outdoor and the location would be a cost as well. He noted it would be cheaper to build a pool at the Libro Centre for heating but that the answer will be in the many millions with financial losses every year for maintenance. 

Ms Baillargeon requested direction for a location and type of pool to be priced out and agreed that there would be cost savings with the Libro location. 

Councillor Courtney did acknowledge that a pool was prescribed to go at the Libro Centre when council was presented the Libro Master Plan. (He forgot to mention that the previous council – and he was a member – decided to shelve the plan altogether. They decided not to adopt the Libro Centre Master Expansion Plan…..and here we are, nothing has been done, nothing has been planned for and nothing has been budgeted for…..I guess that’s the consequence for a council without vision or a council that just wants to obstruct progress rather than make things happen?) 

Councillor Allaire felt that a high level costing would be optimal with an outdoor pool at the Libro Centre, some type of rough estimate with the maintenance costs. She wanted the public to see what the ongoing costs would be as well. 

The motion carried. We will see a cost for a pool and its maintenance sometime….

There were several other issues brought up based on emails received…..I won’t summarize them all. I guess those of us that have nothing better to do will know what was discussed. 

Open Air

Councillor Allaire brought up an email council had received about changing the Open Air footprint and felt that Open Air needed approval for the 2024 year. 

Ms Osborne said that it would be difficult to change the footprint since it would affect access to the Queen Charlotte building. Councillor Allaire brought up out of “curiosity” why council had not approved Open Air but had to approve the True Fest. Mr Tetler, Manager of Licensing, said that Open Air had been approved during the budget process but that he could bring something back to council. 

Councillor Allaire felt that several businesses were asking about the footprint. She made a motion about the Open Air footprint and the frequency “unfortunately”. She felt she was trying to help residents and that businesses are struggling. 

Councillor McArthur noted that the email she was referring to actually wants to make Open Air bigger, that the business loves Open Air and wants to be a part of it. He felt that council has talked about Open Air already and it was settled before the budget during a knock down debate. (I guess I’m not the only one that remembers when the Open Air survey results were presented in the fall and it was crystal clear that the majority of residents love Open Air.) 

Councillor Pouget felt that council had never discussed Open Air and that it is closing streets 3 days per week for 16 weeks. She felt that the issue had to come back and that council can’t allow this to happen. (What? An award-winning event shouldn’t happen? An event that many people LOVE shouldn’t happen?)

Councillor Courtney felt that a prominent business man had spoken in an email about how it’s affecting his business. He thought that Open Air would be revisited not just “screw it” and found it very frustrating how it is impacting private business. 

Mayor Prue recalled that council had approved the budget for Open Air. 

Councillor Allaire wanted a report. She felt that when the survey results were presented there was “stuff” not talked about. (She could have brought up that “stuff” at that time???? Not three months later??) She noted that she did not agree with the events that were in the budget and she felt misled. (Interestingly, during budget deliberations Councillor Allaire did say she was okay with canceling events….she was offered more than once to make a motion and pick which events she’d like to cancel. She did not make a motion to do so….she could have, but she didn’t.) 

Mayor Prue spoke about asking for a report for the March 25th meeting. In the meantime, administration was trying to find all of the various motions made about Open Air and the budget…..The Clerk mentioned that last year council had delegated authority to the CAO regarding Open Air and that it would not come before council again. Mayor Prue felt that a report on March 25th about the status of Open Air would be best and that it was not productive to do it Monday night, on the spot. 

CAO Critchley said that she wanted to bring back all resolutions made by council in one report. 

So that motion carried. There will be ANOTHER report about Open Air on March 25th. Just what Amherstburg needs….another night of debate about a wildly successful event that has put our town on the map, because three members of council can’t accept the results of a gazillion surveys that show that most people LOVE Open Air! Funny how council doesn’t debate Canada Day celebrations or the Car Gone Crazy Show or the Uncommon Festival or or or…..but Open Air remains fair game and has to continue to fight for its life year after year after year…..what an absolute shame. For the 549 people that took the time to fill out the survey and express their pleasure with Open Air, three members of council continue to rally against it for the few that don’t like it. Remember that at the next election. It’s just 2.5 years away folks. 

Here is the link to the Monday November 13th 2023 meeting blog, which includes the Open Air survey results. https://amherstburg2.wordpress.com/2023/11/14/monday-november-13th-regular-town-council-meeting-2/

There were a few more items discussed and then the meeting adjourned at 8:15PM. 

Did you read this blog to the very end? If so, you did not heed my warning! You know who you are….

The agenda for the February 26th meeting will be out in just a few short days so I will be back with a preview of that meeting soon. In the meantime, have a great week and weekend Amherstburg! Think warm thoughts of summer and Open Air! It’s just around the corner. Maybe. Unless some members of council want to “tweak” it, because eventually, you’ll ruin a good thing if you’re always questioning it.