Council Meeting Minutes

Regular Council Meeting

Monday, September 12, 2022 at 7:00 P.m. - 11:00 P.m.

Virtual Location

Members Present:

• Mayor L. Armstrong
• Councillor A. Hallman
• Councillor C. Gordijk
• Councillor B. Fisher
• Councillor J. Gerber
• Councillor J. Pfenning

Staff Present:

• Director of Corporate Services/Treasurer P. Kelly
• Director of Development Services H. O'Krafka
• Karl Jeffreys
• Manager of Planning/EDO A. Martin
• Chief Administrative Officer, S. Chambers
• A. Romany, Manager of Finance
• Arthur Flach, Municipal Clerk
• Planner, C. Miller
• Deputy Clerk, C. Curtis

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1.

MOTION TO CONVENE INTO CLOSED MEETING - NONE

There was no Closed Meeting scheduled for September 12, 2022

2.

MOTION TO CONVENE IN OPEN MEETING 

• Resolution No. 2022- 201
  Moved by: Councillor J. Pfenning
  Seconded by: Councillor C. Gordijk

  THAT Council convenes in Open Session at 7:00 p.m.

  Motion Carried

3.

MOMENT OF REFLECTION

Mayor L. Armstrong indicated his regrets having begun this evening’s meeting on a sad note.

Just prior to tonight’s Council meeting, staff were advised of some terrible news out of the Region of Peel. On behalf of Council, staff and the Wilmot community. The Mayor extended the Township's  deepest condolences to the friends, family and co-workers of those impacted by this incident.

One of these losses forces us to recognize the personal sacrifices made by members of the law enforcement community, first responders, and their families.

Our police service strengthens public safety and quality of life by working in partnership with the community. In moments like these we can truly understand the risk these brave individuals are forced to endure on the job every day. Let us take a moment to reflect on the tragic loss that must be felt by so many this evening.

The Mayor asked for a Moment of Silence.

The Mayor also recognized the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

Last week, Wilmot Township alongside people across Canada and around the world, were saddened to learn of the passing of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II, Queen of Canada. 

At 96 years old, our Queen had recently celebrated a Platinum Jubilee marking 70 years of service. Her majesty was our longest-reigning Sovereign, and devoted her life to service.

On behalf of the Council and citizens of the Township, the Mayor offered heartfelt condolences on the passing of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II, and on behalf of the Township extended thoughts and prayers to the Royal Family during this difficult time.  Our community mourns with you. 

In honour of Her Majesty, the Township has lowered all flags to half-mast at Township facilities during the official mourning period. In addition, this past Friday staff prepared a book of condolences, which is available in the lobby of the Administration Complex. Staff, Council, and residents are encouraged to take a moment to add your message or simply reflect of the life and legacy of Queen Elizabeth II. The book is available until Sunday, September 18^th, after which it will be sent on behalf of the Township to Buckingham Palace.

The Mayor was deeply moved by the passing of Her Majesty. Our nation and community will forever be thankful for her service and devotion. The Queen exemplified the leadership qualities of strength, wisdom, and grace. As the crown will now move to King Charles III, our hope is that he will continue to lead people as his mother did with the same love, compassion and respect. God save the King. 

The Mayor asked that we now have a Moment of Reflection

Prior to the passing of Her Majesty, flags were lowered to recognize the tragic events in James Smith Cree Nation, Saskatchewan.

We extend our deepest condolences to those who are mourning loved ones, neighbours, and community leaders after a weekend of unspeakable violence on James Smith Cree Nation and in the village of Weldon, Saskatchewan.

We recognize that some in our very own community may have connections to those impacted by this event, while for others, these events may have triggered past traumas.  These senseless acts of violence have no place in Wilmot or in our world. Our thoughts are with all those struggling with this tragic event.

The Mayor now asked for a Moment of Reflection

4.

TERRITORIAL ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

Councillor B. Fisher read the Territorial Acknowledgement.

5.

ADDITIONS TO THE AGENDA - NONE

There were no additions to the agenda for this meeting.

6.

ADOPTION OF THE AGENDA

• Resolution No. 2022- 202
  Moved by: Councillor A. Hallman
  Seconded by: Councillor C. Gordijk

  That the Agenda as presented for Monday September 12, 2022 be adopted.

  Motion Carried

7.

DISCLOSURE OF PECUNIARY INTEREST UNDER THE MUNICIPAL CONFLICT OF INTEREST ACT

There were no disclosures of Pecuniary Interest under the Municipal Conflict of Interest Act.

8.

MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETINGS

• Resolution No. 2022- 203
  Moved by: Councillor C. Gordijk
  Seconded by: Councillor B. Fisher

  THAT the minutes of the following meetings be adopted as presented:

  • August 22, 2022 Regular Meeting of Council; and,
  • August 22, 2022 Closed Meeting of Council.
  Motion Carried

9.

PUBLIC MEETINGS

9.1

DS-2022-19 - Zone Change Application 08/22, MHBC Planning, 2372 Snyder’s Road East

Planner, C. Miller introduced the report . The application is proposing to reduce the minimal lot area and frontage requirements for a lot within Zone 1 Agricultural,  The applicant is seeking to divide the property in half and sever a lot. C. Miller further elaborated that the Township of Wilmot and Region of Waterloo Official Plan policies support the severing of lots for infilling. 

C. Miller discussed concerns received from an abutting land owner surrounding the impacts of the proposal on the resale of their property, grading, the ability to house non-commercial livestock, and impact of a new well.  C.Miller discussed that there should be no negative impacts for the abutting land owner.

Mayor opened the floor to Nicollette van Oyen, MHBC Planning, agent of the Application who made a presentation.  John Dundon, the applicant, was at the meeting to answer questions.

Ms. van Oyen provided a high-level overview of the application and provided information regarding the hydrogeological assessment, stationary noise study, and planning justification report.  Ms. van Oyen discussed how this application is in policy conformity with the Provincial Policy Statement, Region of Waterloo Official Plan, Township of Wilmot Official Plan, and the Zoning By-law

In response to the question regarding the range and mix of houses and how it applies to dwellings in the area, Ms. van Oyen stated that a single detached dwelling that is being proposed.

• Resolution No. 2022- 204
  Moved by: Councillor B. Fisher
  Seconded by: Councillor C. Gordijk

  THAT Council approve Zone Change Application 08/22 by MHBC Planning to reduce the minimum lot area and frontage requirements for a lot within Zone 1 (Agricultural) from 40 hectares and 230 metres to 0.26 hectares and 26 metres, respectively.

  Motion Carried

9.2

DS-2022-20 - Zone Change Application 09/22, Lincoln Simmons, 24 Laschinger Boulevard, New Hamburg

Planner, C. Miller introduced the Zone Change Application which seeks to reduce the 15 metre setback for installation of an in-ground pool.  Mr. Miller gave an overview of similar applications taking place in Wilmot.  There are no remaining mature trees near the rear of the yard, which negates the need for a 15m setback.

A resident addressed concerns regarding this application's impact on surrounding wetlands.  C. Miller confirmed the Grand River Conservation Authority has no concerns with the impact.

• Resolution No. 2022- 205
  Moved by: Councillor C. Gordijk
  Seconded by: Councillor J. Pfenning

  THAT Council approve Zone Change Application 09/22 by Lincoln Simmons to reduce the minimum rear yard setback from 15 metres to approximately 7 metres to allow for the installation of an in-ground pool.

  Motion Carried

10.

PRESENTATIONS

10.1

COR-2022-30 - Sustainability Working Group – Annual Report

Manager of Finance/Deputy Treasurer, A. Romany, provided an overview of the Sustainability Working Group - Annual Report.

A. Romany provided an update to Council on sustainability measures which included the following information:

• Monitoring the Township's Green House Gas Emissions;
• Approval and participation with Transform WR;
• Installation of EV Charging Stations;
• Tree Canopy Policy Update;
• Inclusion of dedicated staffing resources towards sustainability in the 2022 Operating Budget; and,
• Other energy efficiency measures (e.g. replacement of aged HVAC, Alternate Energy Sources).

• Resolution No. 2022- 206
  Moved by: Councillor C. Gordijk
  Seconded by: Councillor J. Pfenning

  THAT Report COR 2022-030, from the Sustainability Working Group be received for information purposes.

  Motion Carried

10.2

Sustainable Waterloo Region Annual Report - T. Davidson

Executive Director, Sustainable Waterloo, Tova Davidson, provided Sustainable Waterloo's 2021 Annual Update to Council.

Ms. Davidson discussed the accomplishments of the organization in 2021, which included rebranding their logo, the microforest projects, new members, and the expansion of the organization's borders to include the Counties of Oxford, Perth, and Wellington.

Ms. Davidson provided an update on three programs they are working on: Green Building Network, Ambassador Program, and Community/Sustainability Lab.

Ms. Davidson discussed the Sustainable Waterloo Region 2021 Award Recipients and provided a brief overview of the award and the winners.

In response to a question regarding fuel being a CO2 emission contributor and the difficulties for the municipality to acquire electric vehicles.  C. Fisher asked if converting vehicles to propane or natural gas has benefits.  T. Davidson discussed the emissions of fossil fuels compared to electric.

Director of Corporate Services, P. Kelly discussed that today the Corporation ordered a hybrid and fully electric vehicles.

When asked about hybrid working environments as a mechanism to reduce greenhouse gas targets, T. Davidson provided Council with information regarding the ecological benefits and detriments of hybrid work environments.

11.

CONSENT AGENDA

Councillor A. Hallman requested that Item 11.1 from the Consent Agenda.

• Resolution No. 2022- 207
  Moved by: Councillor C. Gordijk
  Seconded by: Councillor B. Fisher

  THAT the recommendations for Consent Items 11.2 to 11.4 be approved.

  Motion Carried

11.2

ILS-2022-23 - Municipal Election Compliance Audit Committee - Appointments

• THAT Staff Report ILS-2022-23 be received for information.

  Motion Carried

11.3

DS-2022-21 - Removal of Holding Symbol, Tri-County Mennonite Homes, Neville Street, New Hamburg

• THAT Council approve the request to remove a holding symbol made by Tri-County Mennonite Homes affecting part of Block 16, Plan 1706.

  Motion Carried

11.4

DS-2022-22 - Removal of Holding Symbol, LAV Developments Inc., Brubacher Street, Baden

• THAT Council approve the request to remove a holding symbol made by LAV Developments Inc. affecting Part 1, Plan 58R-19065.

  Motion Carried

11.1

ILS-2022-22 - Proposed 2023 Regular Council Meeting Schedule

Municipal Clerk, A. Flach, gave an overview of the report and discussed how the Procedural By-law governs the creation of each municipal council schedule every year.

Councillor A. Hallman reached out to the International Interfaith Community to receive feedback on the Council calendar.  There were numerous proposed council dates that fall on religious holidays.

Municipal Clerk, A. Flach proposed having the report referred back to staff to incorporate religious holidays.

The original motion was as follows:

THAT the following schedule for Regular Council Meetings be adopted:

• January 16, 2023
• January 30, 2023
• February 13, 2023
• February 27, 2023
• March 6, 2023
• March 20, 2023
• April 3, 2023
• April 17, 2023
• May 8, 2023
• May 29, 2023
• June 12, 2023
• June 26, 2023
• July 24, 2023
• August 28, 2023
• September 11, 2023
• September 25, 2023
• October 16, 2023
• October 30, 2023
• November 13, 2023
• November 27, 2023
• December 11, 2023

• Resolution No. 2022- 208
  Moved by: Councillor A. Hallman
  Seconded by: Councillor C. Gordijk

  That the report ILS-2022-22 be referred back to Staff to account for religious holidays in the scheduling of Council meetings for the year 2023; and further,

  That the Procedural By-law take into consideration religious holidays when scheduling Council meetings.

  Motion Carried

12.

REPORTS - NONE

13.

CORRESPONDENCE 

13.1

2021 Financial Information Return (FIR) Award

Director of Corporate Services, P. Kelly, thanked staff across the organization in multiple service areas and Council and the collaborative work environment.

Mayor Armstrong congratulated staff for the award.

14.

BY-LAWS

• Resolution No. 2022- 209
  Moved by: Councillor J. Pfenning
  Seconded by: Councillor C. Gordijk

  THAT By-law Nos 2022-39, 2022-40, 2022-41, 2022-42 be read a first, second and third time and finally passed in Open Council this date.

  Motion Carried

14.1

By-law 2022-039 Being a By-law to Amend By-law 83-38 re Zone Change Laschinger Blvd

14.2

By-law 2022-040 Being a By-law to Amend By-law 83-38 re Zone Change Snyder's Road East

14.3

By-law 2022-041 Being a By-law to Remove Holding Provision H (Neville Street)

14.4

By-law 2022-042 Being a By-law to Remove Holding Provision H (Brubacher Street)

15.

NOTICES OF MOTION - NONE

There were no notices of motion for this meeting.

16.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

New Hamburg Fall Fair

The New Hamburg Fall Fair started with a small group of people coming together to celebrate all things agriculture over 160 years ago. The entire community shares in the joy and excitement of organizers and volunteers as the Fall Fair makes its return this weekend at Norm Hill Park in New Hamburg.

This years’ theme is aptly named “Back to Our Roots”, and the fair is sure to provide fun for the entire family, with some new features and a collection of community favourites from previous years.

A huge thanks to all the sponsors and volunteers who make this weekend a success in supporting our rural agriculture community.

Wilmot Citizen of the Year

This Friday evening, at the Fall Fair, Township staff will be presenting the Citizen of the Year Awards.

Each year, the Township recognizes community members who make outstanding contributions to Wilmot and its residents. The awards acknowledge residents who build community and exemplify what can be achieved with passion and determination.

We received a large number of nominations for each category, and after a public voting period, we look forward to announcing the winners live from the Fall Fair. Be sure to join us for the announcement, and follow us on social media for the results.

Fall Fair Booth

This year, Township staff will be hosting a booth at the indoor venue of the Fall Fair. Be sure to visit our booth to learn more information about this years’ Municipal Election processes, where there are More Days and More Ways to vote.

The booth will also have information regarding career opportunities with the Township, details about recreation programs for the whole family, and more.

Communications Strategy

Staff are currently working on a corporate communications and engagement strategy because we want to improve how we share information and hear from members of our community.

We know we can do better, and so we have launched a public online survey to help inform this strategy. Our goals are to help ensure the community is better informed about Township programs, services and decisions, and that the community has a meaningful voice in local decision making. For more information, visit our website or follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

Enova Announcement

Finally, the merger of Kitchener-Wilmot Hydro Inc. and Waterloo North Hydro Inc. is now complete, and they are now untied under the brand Enova Power Corp.

Executives and board members of Enova Power Corp. joined mayors and local officials last Thursday to officially unveil the new name and brand of the merged entity.

Enova Power Corp. (Enova Power) began operations today and is now the 7^th largest electricity distributor in Ontario. I want to thank staff for the significant work that occurred over the past 2 years to reach this point, the teamwork and collaboration across the five (5) member municipalities showcased what makes our communities so successful.

Councillor Gordijk acknowledged Fred Fox, Terry Fox's brother visited the Township of Wilmot.  Mr. Fox visited numerous locations across Wilmot.  September 17th at Sobeys there is a bbq where all proceeds will go to the Terry Fox Foundation. The Wilmot Terry Fox Run will take place on September 18th for the first time since 2019.  

17.

BUSINESS ARISING FROM CLOSED SESSION - NONE

There was no Closed Meeting for this date.

18.

CONFIRMATORY BY-LAW

• Resolution No. 2022- 210
  Moved by: Councillor C. Gordijk
  Seconded by: Councillor J. Pfenning

  THAT By-law No. 2022-43 be read a first, second and third time and finally passed in Open Council this date.

  Motion Carried

19.

ADJOURNMENT

• Resolution No. 2022- 211
  Moved by: Councillor J. Gerber
  Seconded by: Councillor J. Pfenning

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

  Motion Carried