Regular Council

THAT the Minutes of the Regular Meeting dated August 8, 2022 and the Special Meetings dated August 10, 2022 and August 29, 2022 of Council of The Corporation of the City of Stratford be adopted as printed.

THAT Stephen Fischer, on behalf of the Stratford Tennis Club, be heard regarding winter tennis.

THAT the Report titled, “Stratford Tennis Club Winter Tennis” (COU22-067) be received for information. City staff and the Stratford Tennis Club were thanked for bringing the report and presentation forward for Council’s information. It was noted the Energy and Environment Committee had some questions and were advised that the dome will be installed with no harm to vegetation. It was noted that some of the nearby trees will be trimmed, however. It was further noted that the City is not benefitting from rental fees paid by the Tennis Clubs of Canada. It was stated that the agreement between the City and the Stratford Tennis Club is for 12 months of the year and they have found a way to utilize the court for the seven months they do not use it. Mayor Mathieson called the question on the motion.

THAT Stratford City Council hereby proclaims October 18, 2022 as the 22nd Annual "Child Care Worker & Early Childhood Educator Appreciation Day" in the City of Stratford in recognition of the education, dedication and commitment of childcare workers to children, their families and quality of life in the community.

THAT the report titled, “Restricted Acts in a Municipal Election Year 2022 – Follow-up” (COU22-063), be received for information.

THAT The Corporation of the City of Stratford enter into a Contribution Agreement between Her Majesty the Queen in Right of Canada as represented by the Minister of Infrastructure and Communities, and

THAT Council accept the Tender [T-2022-22] from A&G The Road Cleaners Ltd., for the purchase of a single-engine street sweeper at a total cost of $422,620.00, including HST, to improve the efficiency and service level of the Fleet Division for the City of Stratford while continuing to focus on the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.

THAT the report titled, “Transit Bench Advertising Program 2022” (COU22-066), be received; AND THAT the Mayor and Clerk, or their respective delegates, be authorized to sign the agreement with Creative Outdoor Advertising for advertising on transit benches for a period of ten (10) years to 2032. In response to questioning by Council, the Manager of Transit advised of the following:  Staff try to avoid locating benches and shelters in residential areas as it is difficult to locate them on the City’s right of way in those areas;  From an advertising perspective, the main streets receive the most visibility; A vibrant city, leading the way in community-driven excellence. Regular Council Minutes 7 September 12, 2022  The contract is for a period of ten (10) years as it will take longer for the company to receive a return on investment as there are only 20-30 benches in Stratford;  There are no conditions to the 30 day exit clause;  If the City does not wish to renew after ten (10) years, there is an opportunity to negotiate to keep the assets;  The benches to be installed will be in addition to current benches located in the shelters; and  Barrier-free benches will be installed outside of the shelters. Concern and opposition were noted with this program by members of Council. Concerns related to the possibility of the benches looking tired and dated over time, commercialization, lack of visual appeal and the potential for the advertising space to remain vacant for long per

THAT the Report of the Infrastructure, Transportation and Safety Committee dated September 12, 2022 be adopted as printed. In response to questioning from Council, the Director of Infrastructure and Development Services advised replacements typically occur as a reactive response when something happens in someone’s home. Only a small handful are completed per year. To date, $8,100 in subsidy has been claimed, which is about 4 projects. Mayor Mathieson called the question on the motion.

THAT the Report of the Planning and Heritage Committee dated September 12, 2022 be adopted as printed. A vibrant city, leading the way in community-driven excellence. Regular Council Minutes 9 September 12, 2022 In response to a question from Council about fire truck turning radius, the Fire Chief stated that the Infrastructure and Development Services department considers their required setbacks when reviewing applications. If there was a potential concern, they would have brought a fire truck out to test the setback. Mayor Mathieson called the question on the motion.

THAT the Report of the Finance and Labour Relations Committee dated September 12, 2022 be adopted as printed. Opposition to the motion was noted by a member due to no target being set for a potential increase. Mayor Mathieson called the question on the motion.

THAT the Report of the Social Services Committee dated September 12, 2022 be adopted as printed. An update was requested on the 200 Britannia Street Affordable Housing Project. The Director of Social Services advised the project remains within the current approved budget. If the situation changes information will be brought forward to Council. Mayor Mathieson called the question on the motion.

THAT By-laws 109-2022 to 110-2022 be taken collectively.

THAT By-laws 109-2022 to 110-2022 be read a First and Second Time.

THAT By-laws 109-2022 to 110-2022 be read a Third Time and Finally Passed.

A vibrant city, leading the way in community-driven excellence. Regular Council Minutes 12 September 12, 2022 THAT By-law 111-2022 be read a First and Second Time.

THAT By-law 111-2022 be read a Third Time and Finally Passed.

THAT CA-2022-097, being a resolution from the Town of South Bruce Peninsula regarding physician shortages in Ontario, be endorsed. A vibrant city, leading the way in community-driven excellence. Regular Council Minutes 13 September 12, 2022 It was questioned whether the shortage of doctors in the area was as bad as it had been previously. The Mayor stated that in speaking with the President of the Huron Perth Healthcare Alliance he was advised there is a lack of one physician, which affects approximately 1,600 patients. Mayor Mathieson called the question on the motion.

THAT the Council meeting adjourn to convene into Standing Committees as follows:  Planning and Heritage Committee [7:05 p.m. or thereafter following the Regular Council meeting]; and to Committee of the Whole if necessary, and to reconvene into Council.

THAT By-law 112-2022 be read a First and Second Time.

THAT By-law 112-2022 be read a Third Time and Finally Passed.

THAT the September 12, 2022 Regular Council meeting adjourn.