Monday June 10th Regular town council meeting

I arrived for the 6:00 meeting at town hall around 5:45. The planning meeting was still going…..it had started at 5:00. Long story short, council recessed the planning meeting at 6:00, then started the regular meeting…..then recessed the regular meeting so that they could continue (and finish) the planning meeting. There are legal requirements about planning meetings that have to happen within certain time-frames…..

I don’t really read the agendas for planning so I just kind of sat and listened during the planning meeting portion. I didn’t take notes though. There were a lot of residents in attendance that were  opposed to an additional dwelling unit on Laird Avenue. Then, there was a presentation about some structures being added in the alley area near Hotel Stry, to be used as patio space for dining and drinks. It was kind of funny when Councillor Courtney asked what the address of the patios would be (for emergency services).  It was explained that the patios would have the same address as the building. (How about you? Does your patio have a different address than your house? Mine doesn’t….) Then, this was really funny…..Councillor Courtney asked what the name of the patio would be…..the room got quiet, people looked around….somebody told him it would be called “patio”. Sometimes I think certain members of council just like to hear themselves. But it’s ok. Another member of council just typed and typed while delegates spoke to council……odd. 

Finally at 7:11 PM, the planning meeting adjourned. 

The regular meeting resumed at 7:19 PM. 

***Councillor Courtney was on zoom and appeared to be at work. ***

Here’s the agenda in HTML format with the video https://pub-amherstburg.escribemeetings.com/Meeting.aspx?Id=c2f98a3c-321b-41b1-897e-0b702cc56d4c&Agenda=Agenda&lang=English

And the agenda in PDF format https://calendar.amherstburg.ca/council/Detail/2024-06-10-1800-Regular-Council-Meeting/3eab39f1-b011-4dc6-9797-b18400ec9d99

Report on Open Air/Festival Street Closure Footprint Expansion

If you recall, back in March, there had been some delegations requesting to expand the Open Air footprint. (Yes, make it bigger!)  Well, there are some options presented to council in the report but the recommendation is just to receive the report for information. 

Here is the link to the current footprint as well as the four options. https://pub-amherstburg.escribemeetings.com/filestream.ashx?DocumentId=15255

Councillor McArthur spoke first. He wondered in general, why administration hadn’t offered a professional opinion about the possible closures and a recommendation. He noted that there were 4 options with three options being “no’s” and one being a maybe. He noted that administration have been big proponents of Open Air and working hard at the programming yet the report was simply for receipt. Ms Osborne, Deputy CAO, replied that administration had been asked to bring back options and consult with the business owners and residents in the one block area of Dalhousie (between Murray St and Gore St) and they had done so and brought back 4 options.  Councillor McArthur asked about parking with option 4 that some would be on street parking but that the amount of spots for accessible parking would double. 

Councillor Pouget asked if council doesn’t do anything right now, if that would mean that Flow Cafe, Thrasher’s and the Legion would be closed off. Ms Osborne explained that everything would remain as is if no direction were given by council. She also talked about the signage that was created by the high school students that shows directions to businesses outside of the footprint. (I saw them when I was at Open Air. They’re really really cute! Love the creativity!) 

Councillor Courtney wondered why it was such a logistical nightmare to get the Queen Charlotte building into the footprint yet the Salmoni building, which is at “dead center” works. Ms Osborne explained that the parking lot in the Kings Navy Yard park was accessible parking during Open Air and the Salmoni residents are able to drive through that parking lot to access their parking garage. She also noted that Pepper Cat, Salty Dog, Waterfront Ice Cream and Caffeine and Co didn’t have a problem not being in the Open Air footprint. She noted that Flow Cafe and other businesses at the other end of the footprint had asked to be included. 

Councillor Crain felt that all four options presented risk to pedestrians. He asked about Option 4 and wondered how that would affect the Legion. They brought Option 4 up on the screen at the meeting. Ms Osborne noted that Flow Cafe wanted to put programming in front of their businesses. She again talked about the signage created by the high school students to draw people outside of the footprint. Ms Osborne also talked about a scavenger hunt that was done on the weekend and that the kids went to businesses outside of the footprint and she used Waterfront Ice Cream as an example. 

Councillors Crain and McArthur asked some more questions regarding the Legion and option 4. They also noted that it didn’t seem to be what Flow Cafe had envisioned. 

Mayor Prue passed the gavel and asked about costs. It seems that with temporary barriers it would be just under $4,000. But with the jersey barriers (water filled like they use now), it would be about $11,000.  Mayor Prue noted that if the barriers were purchased the town would own them for a long time. He asked how things may look for options for that area of Dalhousie street once the Navy Yard Park extension was complete and open to the public. 

Ms Osborne noted that once the park is complete, people can walk south behind the Queen Charlotte building and then around to access the businesses in the building. Ms Baillargeon said that currently they are working on servicing the property and soil remediation. She noted that the park would be open until late fall or maybe even into next year. 

Mayor Prue felt that if council would forego spending the $11,000 that the scenario may be doable next year at no cost. Ms Baillargeon said that opening the park would open up a large area that would allow it all to flow and become one. 

Councillor Crain wondered if businesses had permission to walk around and hand out leaflets or other forms of advertisement. Ms Osborne said that not exactly at the moment but that they can set up booths and they are integrated into the programming. She said the concept could be explored. 

Councillor Courtney agreed that it’s all about marketing. He also said he agreed with staff. Councillor Courtney then went on about how he went to Jack’s Gastro in Kingsville and that the businesses had QR codes. (He seemed quite proud that he went outside of Amherstburg for dinner – I never see him at Open Air though, supporting local? Maybe it’s just timing and it’s coincidental. Who knows.) 

Councillor Pouget talked about the information that they received from Thrasher Law that they had asked for no street closures until 5PM on Fridays (if the new footprint were to be approved). She wondered if council was just going to ignore the request and if there was anything they could do for her. Ms Osborne explained that currently the streets in front of the Queen Charlotte building are open for traffic.

Finally, Councillor Crain made a motion to receive the report for information. (I was starting to wonder when the song and dance would end…..and it was finally in sight….)

Deputy Mayor Gibb spoke and said he wished that a great solution could be found for everybody but he did not want to spend money from reserves for a less than optimal solution. He seconded the motion just to receive the report and felt that maybe next year, once the extension of the Navy Yard Park were open that a more viable solution would be available. 

Councillor Allaire then spoke and shared that she had attended all 6 days of Open Air so far this year. (Some may say that that is odd or perhaps even hypocritical considering that Councillor Allaire has consistently voted against Open Air since she’s been elected. She also voted against funding events in the budget….yet attends them all?) Anyway, she went on to say that staff has worked hard to support the businesses outside of the footprint. She also felt that changing the footprint wouldn’t be a good idea for this year but that maybe it could be revisited next year. Councillor Allaire also talked about the meeting that is to be held in the fall with the stakeholders of Open Air and how they can make the event “work”.  (I thought the event is working now? Maybe Councillor Allaire will change her vote and will support Open Air in the fall? We’ll see I guess…..but if history repeats itself…..Anybody want to take a friendly bet for a coffee? LOL Just to keep things interesting….) 

Councillor McArthur said that he has been a big supporter of Open Air. He looked at the possible solutions and he felt that they were trying to put a square peg in a round hole and that these options may make access more difficult. (Some people in the gallery started talking while Councillor McArthur spoke so I missed some of what he said…..it is very frustrating for me that people can’t sit quietly and listen while members of council are speaking. Or at least they can’t sit quietly and listen while certain members of council are speaking…..Perhaps if they feel compelled to offer their commentary about what members of council are saying, perhaps they could start a blog and offer up such commentary AFTER the meetings, not during….) Councillor McArthur mentioned that during this past weekend’s Open Air activities, that Jack’s Organics was giving away free tomato plants and he saw people walking all over with their free plants. 

Mayor Prue mentioned that next year, the town would be able to do it well when the park opens. 

The motion to receive the report went to a vote and the Mayor mentioned it was unanimous. 

There were many items that went through with little or no discussion after this. I won’t cover them all. As always, the video link is available if you’re interested in watching the whole show. I mean meeting. 

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

Mayor Prue asked about two items (I didn’t catch them) and it seems they will be ready at the end of the summer. 

Councillor Pouget asked when the report about the town’s phragmites program would be coming forward. Ms Giofu, Director of Engineering, said the report will be at the next meeting on June 25th. (I believe that was the date given for the report when it was requested, but perhaps Councillor Pouget forgot.) 

Councillor Allaire wondered about the hard court surfaces. Ms Baillargeon said that administration is currently working on the tender. 

Councillor Allaire asked about the Walter Ranta Park and was curious as to when the first public consultation would be. Ms Baillargeon said that they are currently working on the Parks Master Plan this year and they are looking at perhaps July 29th for surveys and feedback. 

NEW BUSINESS

Councillor Pouget asked about red light cameras and if we had a police auxiliary to handle the problems in the park during fishing season. CAO Critchley advised that we do not have a police auxiliary since that would require budgeted money for that service. She added that they are looking at changing the schedule for the bylaw officers for next year’s fishing season. Ms Gioffu, Director of Engineering said that a costing had been given for red light cameras with a report to council but that it was decided the cost was too high. She said she’d have to find the report but that it had been at least 4 years ago if not longer. 

Councillor Crain asked about a new provincial law that had just received royal assent. He asked if there had been changes to the deadline to designate properties as heritage. 

Ms Osborne said that yes, they were surprised and that the deadline was now January 1 2027 instead of January 1 2025. 

Councillor McArthur mentioned some posts he had seen about garbage in the Big Creek and County Road 20 area and wondered if it was town owned land and if a garbage can could be added. Mr Tetler said that it is private property and that the town would need permission and he was unsure if that would be possible. Ms Baillargeon said that anything is possible but that council would have to request a costing and then decide. 

Councillor McArthur mentioned an email about harmonizing the speed limits on the Second Concession. The area on Thomas Road is 60 km/hr and the other side is 70 km/hr. Ms Gioffu said that as long as a road is not a county road then Town Council can change the speed limit of a road at their discretion.  (Two weeks ago council decided not to reduce the speed limit in the downtown area…..but then an hour later, requested a study for County Road 20, the main thoroughfare to Windsor for many residents….and if the county decides to lower that speed limit from 70 km/hr to 60 km/hr……I imagine there will be many unhappy people….but council handed it over to the county to decide….be careful what you ask for….) 

Councillor McArthur made a motion to get a report regarding the traffic on the Second Concession. That carried. 

Councillor Pouget had questions about the Rib Fest. She wondered if Ramsey Street was closing on Friday at 11AM or 3PM.  Mr Tetler explained that it would be closing at 10AM on Thursday and it would reopen on Sunday night at 11:59PM. He noted that this had already been approved by council.  (Yes it was….unanimously too! Back in April I believe. Councillor Pouget seemed not to recall that.) Councillor Pouget said that she had concerns regarding safety but that she would take up the concerns with the CAO on Tuesday. 

Councillor Allaire asked about Flashvote and how residents could sign up. CAO Crtichley said that yes, residents need to sign up to receive the short survey questions and that it is similar to Amherstburg Alerts (in terms of the sign up process).  Deputy Mayor Gibb said he had already signed up and it was very easy to navigate. 

Councillor Crain mentioned that it was in the news that the federal government had not provided funding for the removal of the old Boblo dock. He wondered if there was anything that could be done. CAO Critchley said that it would be completely up to the federal government since they own the dock. Councillor Courtney wondered if it would be out of order for the town to remove it and then send the bill to the federal government. (Just going to insert a little bit of logic here…..would it be out of order to demolish something you don’t own and then send the bill to the person that owns it? Probably out of order at minimum….at bare minimum….) CAO Crtichley said that there would be risk of non payment for the bill and risk of a lawsuit. Councillor McArthur noted that letters had been sent to the MP in the past. He wondered if we had ever heard back.  There was a lot of discussion back and forth about this. Ultimately a motion was made for the Mayor to contact MP Irek Kusmierczyk and MP Chris Lewis about the old Boblo dock and its demolition. 

Councillor Allaire had prepared a notice of motion regarding collection of the new organics program. Mayor Prue explained that the notice of motion had been rendered moot since the subject had been dealt with by county council last week. It had been approved in an 8-6 vote to include all areas of the county for compost pick up but it would require an extra 2 Million in funding to do so. He noted that he and Deputy Mayor Gibb had voted in favour. Deputy Mayor Gibb explained that the organics pick up would be funded through the County Levy and would show up as a separate line item on our tax bills. Councillor Allaire wondered out of curiosity when organics waste services would be coming to Amherstburg. CAO Critchley explained it would be in 2027 when our waste collection contract comes up for renewal. Councillor Pouget asked if the town was going to ask the province to compensate for this. Mayor Prue explained that the province mandated organics waste collection and that many municipalities have already been doing it and for many years. 

Mayor Prue talked about a recent item that was before County Council to raise the County Councillors pay 135% and to take the money from reserves. He noted that he and the Deputy Mayor had voted against the motion. Mayor Prue said he would be donating his raise in pay to charities. Deputy Mayor Gibb felt that the matter was not urgent enough to take the money from reserves and that’s why he had voted against it. Councillor Crain said he applauded them both for voting against the pay raise. He noted that town council had looked at increasing town councillor’s pay slightly but for the next term only. 

Councillor Courtney read a notice of motion that staff had helped him write up regarding the patio fees and bylaw. It will be debated at the next council meeting on June 25th. 

Councillor Pouget read a notice of motion to direct the Mayor or Deputy Mayor to bring forth a motion at county council to look at traffic calming measures in the Lowes Side Road / Sandwich Street area, including a crosswalk and lowering the speed limit. It will be debated at the June 25th meeting as well. 

Mayor Prue explained to Councillor Pouget that if the motion is passed at the next meeting, it will take 4 or 5 meetings before it gets in front of County Council. He and the Deputy Mayor have to follow procedure and submit notices of motion as well and it takes time. I am guessing this explanation had to do with Councillor Pouget’s unrealistic expectations at the last meeting at how quickly the study for County Road 20 study request would be in front of County Council. 

The meeting adjourned at 8:16PM. It only lasted about an hour but since it started late…..it ended late, according to the clock anyway. 

And with that…..this weekend Rib Fest AND Open Air will both be wrapped together into one fantastic event!!! The weather forecast looks good and fingers crossed it stays that way! I plan to be downtown Amherstburg most of the weekend having fun and seeing friends and family alike! I hope to see you there! This is going to be AWESOME!! What could be better than TWO fantastic events happening right next door to each other all weekend long?? 

The agenda for the June 25th meeting will be out this Friday. But with so much fun going on right here in Amherstburg this weekend, I’ll be back with the preview some time next week!