Council Meeting Minutes

Council Meeting

Meeting #:
Date:
-
Location:
Council Chambers - Hybrid
60 Snyder's Road West
Baden, Ontario
N3A 1A1
Members Present:
  • Mayor N. Salonen
  • Councillor S. Cressman
  • Councillor K. Wilkinson
  • Councillor H. Sidhu
  • Councillor L. Dunstall
  • Councillor S. Martin
Staff Present:
  • Chief Administrative Officer, S. Chambers
  • Interim Treasurer / Chief Financial Officer, D. Elliott
  • Director of Infrastructure Services, J. Molenhuis
  • Director of Development Services, H. O'Krafka
  • Director of Community Services, C. Catania
  • Fire Chief, R. Leeson
  • Desktop Support Technician, R. Ubhi
  • Manager of Communications and Strategic Initiatives, D. Kell
  • Supervisor of Legislative Services / Deputy Clerk, K. Bos
  • Administrative Clerk, C. Greenley

1.

  
  • Moved by:Councillor K. Wilkinson
    Seconded by:Councillor S. Martin

    THAT the Regular Council Meeting held on March 4, 2024 be called to order at 6:30 p.m.

    Motion Carried Unanimously, By All Members Present

2.

  
  • Moved by:Councillor S. Cressman
    Seconded by:Councillor S. Martin

    THAT a Closed Meeting of Council be held on March 4, 2024, at 6:30 p.m. at the Wilmot Administrative Complex, in accordance with Section 239 (2) (h) of the Municipal Act, 2001, to consider the following: 

    1. Confidential Information Supplied in Confidence from the Province of Ontario - Section 239 (2)(h) - Information explicitly supplied in confidence to the municipality or local board by Canada, a province or territory or a Crown agency of any item.
    Motion Carried Unanimously, By All Members Present

3.

  
  • Councillor L. Dunstall joined the Open Session of Council at this time.

    Moved by:Councillor S. Cressman
    Seconded by:Councillor S. Martin

    THAT Council reconvenes in Open Session at 7:02 p.m.

    Motion Carried Unanimously

    Mayor N. Salonen reflected on the following:

    • International Women's Day
    • The Passing of Former Prime Minister Brian Mulroney

4.

  

Councillor K. Wilkinson read the Territorial Land Acknowledgment.

5.

  

Item 11.1 - Delegations regarding Item 14.2

  • Item 11.1.4 - Margaret Schneider on behalf of Anne Fontana
  • Item 11.1.5 - Bill Mungall
  • Item 11.1.6 - Dean Peachey
  • Item 11.1.7 - Deb Swidrovich
  • Item 11.1.8 - Stefanie Kuhnke

Item 11.2 - Delegations regarding Item 14.1

  • Item 11.2.1 - Brandon Simon on behalf of 1276 Wilby Inc. / The Planning Partnership

Item 12 - Correspondence

  • Item 12.3 - Correspondence from Rachael Marshall of Communitech regarding 'Your Input, Our Impact' Survey
  • Item 12.4 - Correspondence from Lorie Le Riche Regarding Final 2024 Operating, Utility and Capital Budgets
  • Item 12.5 - Correspondence from Ethan Gardner Regarding Schneider Land Donation

Item 14.6 - COR-2024-14 - Final 2024 Operating, Utility and Capital Budgets

  • Addition of Memorandum- RE Error in Report COR-2024-14 Final 2024 Operating, Utility and Capital Budgets
  • Addition of Attachment B -2024 Draft Operating Budget and Capital Budgets Package

6.

  
  • Moved by:Councillor S. Cressman
    Seconded by:Councillor S. Martin

    THAT the Agenda as presented for March 4, 2024 be adopted, as amended.

    Motion Carried Unanimously

There were no disclosures of pecuniary interest at this meeting.

  • Moved by:Councillor K. Wilkinson
    Seconded by:Councillor L. Dunstall

    THAT the Minutes of the January 25, 2024 and January 27, 2024 Finance and Budget Committee meetings and the February 26, 2024 Council meeting be adopted as presented.

    Motion Carried Unanimously

9.

  

There were no public meetings.

10.

  

There were no presentations.

13.

  

A motion was brought forward by Councillor K. Wilkinson, seconded by Councillor L. Dunstall THAT Consent Agenda Items 13.1, 13.2 and 13.3 be approved. 

Councillor K. Wilkinson pulled Items 13.1 and 13.2 from the Consent Agenda for consideration.

Council asked and received answers from staff regarding the following:

  • How historical burn permit records were maintained.
  • The reason behind removing the legacy burn permits and moving towards annual renewals.
  • The wording provided in previous by-laws.

A motion was brought forward by Councillor H. Sidhu, seconded by Councillor K. Wilkinson THAT Council amend the motion to add AND THAT Council direct staff to waive the annual application fee for existing legacy burn permit holders. 

Council asked and received answers from staff regarding the following:

  • The cost associated with the burn permit application.
  • The number of permit holders who purchased burn permits in perpetuity.

A motion was brought forward by Councillor S. Martin, seconded by Councillor S. Cressman THAT Council defer the consideration of this motion until the May 6 Regular Council Meeting at such time Staff can report back with more information on the risks and costs associated with the waiving of the application fee for legacy permit holders. The motion was defeated.

Council now voted on the motion THAT Council amend the motion to add AND THAT Council direct staff to waive the annual application fee for existing legacy burn permit holders. The motion was defeated.

The main motion was considered at the conclusion of the Consent Agenda discussions. 

  • THAT Report FS-2024-02 be received for information purposes as requested by Finance and Budget Committee meeting of Thursday January 25, 2024. 

Council asked and received answers from staff regarding the following:

  • The potential for the installation of speedbumps.
  • Potential for further traffic interventions on Trussler Road.
  • THAT Council endorse the traffic calming initiative for Trussler Road (City/Township) between Snyders Road East/Highland Road and Ira Needles Boulevard/Trussler Road (Region) currently proposed as part of the City of Kitchener’s program.

  • THAT the Notice of Intent to File a Report – Integrity Commissioner be received for information only.

    Council now voted on the motion moved by Councillor K. Wilkinson and seconded by Councillor L. Dunstall THAT Consent Agenda items 13.1, 13.2 and 13.3 be approved. The motion was separated in two parts for voting. 

    Council voted on the motion THAT Consent Agenda item 13.3 be approved. The motion carried unanimously.

    Council then voted on the motion THAT Consent Agenda items 13.1 and 13.2 be approved. The motion carried unanimously.


14.

  

Manager of Planning and Economic Development, A. Martin, presented the report.

Council asked and received response from staff regarding the following:

  • The bunkhouse definition in the by-law.
  • The location of the secondary unit.

Delegate B. Simon, on behalf of 1276 Wilby Inc. / The Planning Partnership spoke to Staff Report DS- 2024-06 - ZCA-01-24, 1276 Wilby Inc. / The Planning Partnership, 1276 Wilby Road.

Council asked and received response from the delegate regarding the following:

  • Timeline for the maturity of the trees.
  • When operations will begin to occur.
  • Moved by:Councillor S. Martin
    Seconded by:Councillor K. Wilkinson

    THAT Council approve Zone Change Application 01/24 made by 1276 Wilby Inc. and The Planning Partnership, affecting two agricultural properties collectively having the municipal address of 1276 Wilby Road, to:

    1. Define a bunkhouse as a building or part of a building used for the temporary accommodation of seasonal farm workers provided such accommodation does not serve as the principal place of residence of an occupant and the bunkhouse is located on the farm on which the seasonal workers are employed.
    2. Permit a one-storey, three-unit bunkhouse with a floor area of 241.5 square metres within a defined area on the subject lands to provide housing for a maximum of 18 seasonal farm workers.
    3. To allow one, two-storey, additional dwelling unit (detached) having a maximum lot coverage of 134.5 square metres and to allow the unit to be located closer to the street line than the residential building to which it is accessory.
    4. To limit residential uses on the combined agricultural parcel to one residential building – single detached that may include an additional dwelling unit (attached), one additional dwelling unit (detached), and one bunkhouse, and to limit their location to a defined area on the subject lands.
    Motion Carried Unanimously

A motion was brought forward by Councillor S. Martin and seconded by Councillor K. Wilkinson THAT Council endorse the proposed year-round and seasonal parking restrictions on Carmel-Koch Road, Wilmot Line, and Berlett’s Road, the speed reductions and heavy truck prohibitions on Wilmot Line, as well as the traffic calming measures proposed for the intersection of Wilmot Line and Wideman Road as outlined in report DS 2024-05; and that staff be directed to update the Traffic and Parking By-law as required; and

THAT Council adopt Official Plan Amendment No. 12 to change the designation of a portion of the subject properties from Rural Areas to Ecological Conservation Area and direct staff to forward Official Plan Amendment No. 12 to the Region of Waterloo for approval; and,

THAT Council approve Zone Change Application 01/23 made by the Schneider Family and Rare Charitable Research Reserve, affecting lands with the municipal addresses of 567 Wilmot Line, 585 Wilmot Line, and 1236 Carmel-Koch Road, to:

Rezone lands proposed to be transferred to Rare Charitable Research Reserve, from Zone 1 (Agricultural) to Zone 11 (Open Space) prohibiting buildings and structures and limiting uses to the following:

  • Wildlife Sanctuary
  • Farming, but not including the raising or maintaining of livestock, fur farming, fish farming, or greenhouse farming, within Agricultural Use Areas illustrated within a conservation easement in favour of the Township, GRCA, or Region.
  • Uses set out in a conservation easement in favour of the Township, GRCA, or Region, provided such uses are not less restrictive than those uses set out in the zoning.

Reduce the minimum lot area and frontage requirements for each of the retained lots as follows:

  • 567 Wilmot Line: area of 5.6ha and frontage of 88m
  • 585 Wilmot Line: area of 1.2ha and frontage of 135m
  • 1236 Carmel-Koch Road: 4.9ha and frontage of 140m

Manager of Planning and Economic Development, A. Martin, presented the report.

Council asked and received response from staff regarding the following:

  • How monitoring will occur and whether the findings will be reported back and changes made as deemed necessary.
  • Clarification on heavy truck prohibitions indicated in the Staff Report.
  • Whether there is adequate space for plows to clear the roads indicated in the Staff Report.
  • The cost sharing of works on Wilmot Line. 
  • Whether the plan set out in the staff report can be assessed in the future and changed as necessary.

The following Delegates spoke to Staff Report DS-2024-05 - Official Plan Amendment Application 01/23 and Zone Change Application 01/23, Schneider Family and Rare Charitable Research Reserve, Wilmot Line and Carmel-Koch Road. 

  • H. Bagg
  • S. Sobek-Swant
  • K. Thomason
  • M. Schneider
  • B. Mungall
  • D. Peachey
  • D. Swidrovich
  • S. Kuhnke

Councillor L. Dunstall spoke in support of the recommendation as presented in Staff Report. 

Councillor S. Cressman spoke to the motion as recommended in Staff Report.

Council asked and received response from staff regarding the following:

  • Suggested alternative entrances for those accessing the lands for recreational use.

Councillor H. Sidhu spoke in support of the motion as recommended in Staff Report. 

Councillor S. Martin spoke to motion as recommendation as presented in Staff Report.

A motion was brought forward by Councillor S. Martin, seconded by Councillor S. Cressman, THAT the motion be amended to add THAT Staff report back by the October 7, 2024 Council Meeting with further information on winter parking for cross country skiers. The motion carried unanimously.

Councillor K. Wilkinson spoke in support of the motion as recommended in Staff Report.

Mayor N. Salonen spoke in support of the motion as recommended in Staff Report. 

Council now voted on the main motion as amended.

  • Moved by:Councillor S. Martin
    Seconded by:Councillor K. Wilkinson

    THAT Council endorse the proposed year-round and seasonal parking restrictions on Carmel-Koch Road, Wilmot Line, and Berlett’s Road, the speed reductions and heavy truck prohibitions on Wilmot Line, as well as the traffic calming measures proposed for the intersection of Wilmot Line and Wideman Road as outlined in report DS 2024-05; and that staff be directed to update the Traffic and Parking By-law as required; and

    THAT Staff report back by the October 7, 2024 Council Meeting with further information on winter parking for cross country skiers; and,

    THAT Council adopt Official Plan Amendment No. 12 to change the designation of a portion of the subject properties from Rural Areas to Ecological Conservation Area and direct staff to forward Official Plan Amendment No. 12 to the Region of Waterloo for approval; and,

    THAT Council approve Zone Change Application 01/23 made by the Schneider Family and Rare Charitable Research Reserve, affecting lands with the municipal addresses of 567 Wilmot Line, 585 Wilmot Line, and 1236 Carmel-Koch Road, to:

    1. Rezone lands proposed to be transferred to Rare Charitable Research Reserve, from Zone 1 (Agricultural) to Zone 11 (Open Space) prohibiting buildings and structures and limiting uses to the following:
      1. Wildlife Sanctuary
      2. Farming, but not including the raising or maintaining of livestock, fur farming, fish farming, or greenhouse farming, within Agricultural Use Areas illustrated within a conservation easement in favour of the Township, GRCA, or Region.
      3. Uses set out in a conservation easement in favour of the Township, GRCA, or Region, provided such uses are not less restrictive than those uses set out in the zoning.
    1. Reduce the minimum lot area and frontage requirements for each of the retained lots as follows:
      1. 567 Wilmot Line: area of 5.6ha and frontage of 88m
      2. 585 Wilmot Line: area of 1.2ha and frontage of 135m
      3. 1236 Carmel-Koch Road: 4.9ha and frontage of 140m
    Motion Carried Unanimously

    A motion was brought forward by Councillor K. Wilkinson, seconded by Councillor S. Martin THAT Council does now recess at 9:35 p.m. to reconvene in 10 minutes. The motion carried unanimously.

    A motion was brought forward by Councillor S. Martin, seconded by Councillor S. Cressman THAT Council does now reconvene at 9:50 p.m. The motion carried unanimously.

     


Manager of Planning and Economic Development, A. Martin, presented the report.

Council asked and received response from staff regarding the following:

  • The Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housings response to prior comments submitted.
  • Further clarifications on the amendment to the Country Line boundary.
  • The timeline of the implementation of the Secondary Plan.
  • Moved by:Councillor K. Wilkinson
    Seconded by:Councillor S. Cressman

    THAT Report DS-2024-07 be forwarded to the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing and submitted on the ERO as the Township of Wilmot’s response to Schedule 3 of Bill 162 being changes to the Official Plan Adjustments Act, 2023; and

    THAT the map included as Attachment 3 of Report DS-2024-07, form the basis for the approved Community Area, Employment Area, and Countryside Line boundary for the Baden and New Hamburg Township Urban Areas; and

    THAT no changes be made to the Township’s Rural Settlement Area boundaries; and

    THAT implementation of the new Community Area and Employment Area lands follow the completion of a Secondary Plan by the Township of Wilmot and that site specific official plan amendments not be permitted to designate the additional lands within the Township Official Plan; and

    THAT the Secondary Plan be permitted to include staging provisions based on such factors deemed necessary by the Township of Wilmot including wastewater servicing capacity, parks and recreation needs, and school accommodation requirements.

    Motion Carried Unanimously

Interim Treasurer / Chief Financial Officer D. Elliott presented the report.

Councillor K. Wilkinson spoke to Staff Report COR-2024-13 - 2024 Operating Budget: Implications of Levy Debt Financing.

Councillor S. Cressman spoke to Staff Report COR-2024-13 - 2024 Operating Budget: Implications of Levy Debt Financing. 

  • Moved by:Councillor S. Martin
    Seconded by:Councillor H. Sidhu

    THAT Report COR-2024-13 be received for information.

    Motion Carried Unanimously

Director of Infrastructure Services, J. Molenhuis presented the report.

Council asked and received response from staff regarding the following:

  • The intended amount to be carried forward into 2024 to complete the project.
  • The re-allocation of revenue and expenses as proposed.
  • Moved by:Councillor H. Sidhu
    Seconded by:Councillor S. Cressman

    THAT Report IS-2024-05 Wilmot Line Operating Budget Review be received for information.

    Motion Carried Unanimously

A motion which was deferred from the February 15, 2024 Finance and Budget Committee was brought back to the table for consideration. The motion brought forward on February 15, 2024 by Councillor K. Wilkinson, seconded by Councillor H. Sidhu was THAT the Committee approves that $150,000 for a Traffic Calming and Speed Mitigation Study be included in the 2024 Capital Budget that will be presented to Council for approval. 

Councillor K. Wilkinson spoke to the motion as brought forward at the Finance and Budget Committee Meeting on February 15, 2024.

A motion was moved by Councillor K. Wilkinson, seconded by Councillor S. Cressman, THAT Council defer the consideration of the motion to the beginning of the 2025 Budget process, at the latest. The motion carried unanimously. 

The motion for Item 14.6 - COR-2024-14 - Final 2024 Operating, Utility and Capital Budgets was brought forward by Councillor S. Martin, seconded by Councillor S. Cressman THAT Report COR-2024-14 Final 2024 Operating, Utility and Capital Budgets be received; and,

THAT the Final 2024 Operating, Utility and Capital Budget as amended and recommended by Finance and Budget Committee as set out in Attachment B, subject to any late budget amendments at this meeting, be approved; and

THAT the CAO and Treasurer are hereby authorized to execute any documents and agreements necessary to issue the 2024 debt financing contained within the 2024 Budget; and

THAT, once the Region of Waterloo and the Province of Ontario have each approved their respective property tax rates for 2024, the Treasurer prepare a report and draft bylaw to formally establish tax rates and tax billing due dates for the 2024 Final Tax Billing.

Interim Treasurer / Chief Financial Officer D. Elliott presented the report.

Council asked and received response from staff regarding the following:

  • The Ministry of Municipal Affair and Housing and Ontario Provincial Governments monitoring and moderation in municipal government financials.
  • The inclusion of the adjustments made by the Finance and Budget Committee.
  • Clarifications on the new Council Liaison position, and the impact on the levy.

A motion was brought forward by Councillor H. Sidhu, seconded by Councillor K. Wilkinson, THAT the motion be amended to add THAT Council approve the carry-forward of $49,000 of approved operational funding from 2023 intended for Wilmot Line re-gravelling and apply this funding as necessary to the works outlined in report DS-2024-05 as an operational expense and funding in 2024. The motion carried unanimously.

Councillor H. Sidhu spoke to Staff Report COR-2024-14 - Final 2024 Operating, Utility and Capital Budgets.

Council asked and received response from staff regarding the following:

  • The Municipal Grant Programs, and the application process.

Councillor K. Wilkinson spoke to Staff Report COR-2024-14 - Final 2024 Operating, Utility and Capital Budgets.

Councillor K. Wilkinson requested a recorded vote for the main motion as amended. 

Council now voted on the main motion as amended.

  • Moved by:Councillor S. Martin
    Seconded by:Councillor S. Cressman

    THAT Report COR-2024-14 Final 2024 Operating, Utility and Capital Budgets be received; and,

    THAT Council approve the carry-forward of $49,000 of approved operational funding from 2023 intended for Wilmot Line re-gravelling and apply this funding as necessary to the works outlined in report DS-2024-05 as an operational expense and funding in 2024; and

    THAT the Final 2024 Operating, Utility and Capital Budget as amended and recommended by Finance and Budget Committee as set out in Attachment B, subject to any late budget amendments at this meeting, be approved; and

    THAT the CAO and Treasurer are hereby authorized to execute any documents and agreements necessary to issue the 2024 debt financing contained within the 2024 Budget; and

    THAT, once the Region of Waterloo and the Province of Ontario have each approved their respective property tax rates for 2024, the Treasurer prepare a report and draft bylaw to formally establish tax rates and tax billing due dates for the 2024 Final Tax Billing.

    For (4)Mayor N. Salonen, Councillor S. Cressman, Councillor S. Martin, and Councillor L. Dunstall
    Against (2)Councillor K. Wilkinson, and Councillor H. Sidhu
    Motion Carried (4 to 2)

    A motion was brought forward by Councillor L. Dunstall and seconded by Councillor S. Cressman THAT Council agree to extend the hour to midnight. The motion carried unanimously.


16.

  

Councillor H. Sidhu introduced the motion for consideration.

A motion was brought forward by Councillor H. Sidhu, and seconded by Councillor K. Wilkinson WHEREAS the safety and well-being of our community's residents, pedestrians, and motorists are of utmost priority; and,

WHEREAS there has been an increasing concern regarding pedestrian safety and vehicle speeds within the residential areas in the community of Baden, specifically in areas with young families, schools and daycares; and, 

WHEREAS the Ward 3 Councillor, through discussion with residents has heard many concerns about the safety of the intersection of Hunsberger Drive and Stuckey Avenue/Michael Meyers Road; and

WHEREAS the Municipal Act, 2001, S.O. 2001, c. 25, and the Highway Traffic Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. H.8., as amended, give The Township of Wilmot the power to pass bylaws respecting its highways, including parking and traffic on highways; and

WHEREAS the Township of Wilmot adopted By-law 2016-52 being a by-law to regulate traffic and parking on Township Highways, cited as the Traffic and Parking By law.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that Staff be directed to install a 4-Way Stop at the intersection of Hunsberger Drive and Stuckey Avenue/Michael Meyers Road;

BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED that Staff be directed to prepare the appropriate by-law to amend By-law 2016-52 to permit for the installation of a 4-Way Stop at the intersection of Hunsberger Drive and Stuckey Avenue/Michael Meyers Road.

Council asked and received response from Infrastructure Services staff regarding the following:

  • The operational process to determine the need for additional stop sign installation.

Councillor L. Dunstall spoke in opposition of Councillor H. Sidhu's Motion, as presented.

Councillor S. Martin spoke to the motion as brought forward Councillor H. Sidhu Regarding the Hunsberger Drive and Stuckey Avenue/Michael Meyers Road Intersection.

Councillor H. Sidhu provided a response.

A motion was brought forward by Councillor S. Cressman, seconded by Councillor S. Martin THAT Council defer the consideration of this motion until the March 25, 2024 Council Meeting pending a Staff Report  with further information. The motion carried. 

  • Moved by:Councillor H. Sidhu
    Seconded by:Councillor K. Wilkinson

    WHEREAS the safety and well-being of our community's residents, pedestrians, and motorists are of utmost priority; and,

    WHEREAS there has been an increasing concern regarding pedestrian safety and vehicle speeds within the residential areas in the community of Baden, specifically in areas with young families, schools and daycares; and, 

    WHEREAS the Ward 3 Councillor, through discussion with residents has heard many concerns about the safety of the intersection of Hunsberger Drive and Stuckey Avenue/Michael Meyers Road; and

    WHEREAS the Municipal Act, 2001, S.O. 2001, c. 25, and the Highway Traffic Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. H.8., as amended, give The Township of Wilmot the power to pass bylaws respecting its highways, including parking and traffic on highways; and

    WHEREAS the Township of Wilmot adopted By-law 2016-52 being a by-law to regulate traffic and parking on Township Highways, cited as the Traffic and Parking By law.

    THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that Staff be directed to install a 4-Way Stop at the intersection of Hunsberger Drive and Stuckey Avenue/Michael Meyers Road;

    BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED that Staff be directed to prepare the appropriate by-law to amend By-law 2016-52 to permit for the installation of a 4-Way Stop at the intersection of Hunsberger Drive and Stuckey Avenue/Michael Meyers Road.

17.

  

Mayor N. Salonen provided announcements on:

  • Tax Sale Update
  • Registration for Spring Recreation Programs begins March 5  
  • Easter Egg Swimming at Wilmot Recreation Complex
  • Changes to Blue Box Collection

Councillor S. Martin provided an announcement on:

  • New Hamburg Firebirds JR C Hockey team

18.

  
  • Moved by:Councillor S. Martin
    Seconded by:Councillor S. Cressman

    THAT Council receives the verbal report regarding Confidential Information Supplied in Confidence from the Province of Ontario Section 239 (2)(h) - Information explicitly supplied in confidence to the municipality or local board by Canada, a province or territory or a Crown agency of any item.

    Motion Carried Unanimously
  • Moved by:Councillor S. Martin
    Seconded by:Councillor K. Wilkinson

    THAT the Confirmatory By-Law as attached to this Agenda be read a first, second and third time, and finally passed in Open Council. 

    Motion Carried Unanimously

20.

  
  • Moved by:Councillor K. Wilkinson
    Seconded by:Councillor H. Sidhu

    THAT we do now adjourn to meet again at the call of the Mayor.

    Motion Carried Unanimously
No Item Selected