by Sylene Argent
Update provided for annual Climate Change Adaptation Plan
Lori Chadwick, Director of Development Services, presented the second annual Climate Change Adaptation Plan update.
Council received the information.
The previous Term of Council adopted the “Climate Ready: A Climate Change Adaptation Plan (CCAP) for the Town of Essex, 2021-2026” at the February 16, 2021 meeting, which was prepared with the help of committee work.
“This document is a strategy that lists various action items to be completed over a five-year time span. [It was] specifically designed for the Town of Essex on how we can better prepare ourselves and adapt to the impact of a changing climate,” Chadwick explained. That could be through policy changes, process improvements, infrastructure development, and communications.
The second annual report highlights the progress between March 2022 and March 2023 regarding action items in the document.
Councillor Kim Verbeek noted last year, Council of the day offered cooling stations at some of the Town-owned facilities during extreme heat waves. They were not well-used. She really liked that there is going to be some effort put forward to encourage the community to use the libraries instead.
Essex to recognize National Day of Mourning
The Town of Essex will lower all its flags to half-mast to observe the National Day of Mourning on April 28.
The Report to Council noted in 1991, eight-years after the day of remembrance was launched by the Canadian Labour Congress, the Parliament of Canada passed the Workers Mourning Day Act, making April 28 an official Day of Mourning.
“Acknowledging this day will help strengthen the resolve to establish safe and healthy conditions in the workplace, and prevent further injuries, illnesses, and deaths. As much as this is a day to remember those who have lost their lives, it is also a call to protect the living and make work a place where people are safe and can thrive,” Jake Morassut, Director of Community Services, noted in the Report to Council.
The Report to Council adds that according to the Association of Workers’ Compensation Boards of Canada (AWCBC), in 2021, there were 1,081 workplace fatalities recorded in Canada.
With summer students to start working for the Town soon, he said staff needs to lead by example.
“So, please, everybody put your health and safety hats on, welcome them, and make sure we are looking out for them,” Morassut said.
“I am really glad our municipality is going to lower the flag and we’re going to acknowledge this important day,” Councillor Kim Verbeek said.
Supply of Various Pick-up Trucks 2023 approved
Council awarded the Request for Tender for the Supply of 2023 Pick-up Trucks for the Public Works, Community Services, Building Department, and Fire Department to Ken Knapp Ford Essex in the amount of $255,427.78, excluding trade in value, and including non-refundable harmonized sales tax.
The Report to Council notes replacing vehicles within the Public Works, Community Services, Building, and Fire Departments was approved in the 2023 Budget, as they are past their useful lives and require replacement.
$328,000 was allocated in the 2023 Budget for the vehicles, from either the Town’s Asset Management Reserve or the Town’s Building Reserve, which is $72,572.22 below the approved 2023 Capital B udget.
The projected trade-in values of $23,500 will be transferred to the appropriate reserves.
Supply and Application of
Maintenance Stone approved
Council awarded the Request for Tender- Supply and application of Maintenance Stone- to Jeff Shepley Excavating in the amount of $245,000, including non-refundable Harmonized Sales Tax.
This was the only bidder on the tender.
The Town of Essex is required to carry out regular maintenance of the roads to ensure safe conditions. As part of the maintenance program, the Town must seek a qualified contractor for the supply and application of 100 percent crushed dolomite stone, and the material shall meet the requirements of the Ontario Provincial Standard Specification (OPSS) 1010, material specifications for Granular “M” material and shall have a minimum bulk relative density of 2.7, the Report to Council notes.
April to be recognized as
Daffodil Campaign month
Essex Council moved to proclaim April as Daffodil Campaign month as a symbol of strength, courage, and life for those living with cancer.
This is a Canadian Cancer Society fundraising campaign.
County Council switched to Zoom only, following OP meeting that was recessed
Deputy Mayor Rob Shepley shared that on April 5, Essex County Council held a special meeting for the New Official Plan.
The County of Essex first implemented its Official Plan in 2001. By Provincial mandate, it needs to be reviewed every five-years. Such documents set out the long-term goals and objectives in regards to planning growth.
The meeting was recessed, as around 300 individuals attended – many with concerns regarding the 15-minute city concept. Councillors and residents (many of whom had to stand in the hall due the Council Chambers being filled to capacity) could not hear the presentation on the matter. It was noted that the intent was to find a bigger venue.
At the meeting, Mayor of Leamington and Warden of Essex County, Hilda MacDonald, assured the Official Plan had nothing to do with the 15-minute concept.
As a result of the meeting, Shepley said the decision was made to hold Essex County meetings online.
“This was a decision made until some changes could be made for more safety and security measures in the County Council Chambers,” he said. “It is my understanding this decision was made by the Warden and County staff.”
To date, he said, he has not been informed as to when the meeting will be scheduled or where.
As the maker of the motion to recess that meeting to find a bigger venue, Mayor Sherry Bondy said the intent was not to go online, but County Council Procedure By-Laws allow for the flipping to online meetings quite easily.
“I think people just want to talk to [County] Council. That’s why we made the motion and got support to have a bigger venue,” she said.
Last Wednesday’s County Council meeting was held virtually.
Mayor of Leamington/Warden of Essex County, Hilda MacDonald, said the meeting was held remotely because of changes being made at the Essex Civic Centre to better accommodate the public and address the instances where the number of attendees exceeds the capacity limits of the County Council Chambers.
“We are making these adjustments with the public in mind and we thank you for your understanding, while we make these improvements,” she said.