Regular Council

THAT the Addenda to the Regular Agenda of Council and Standing Committees dated April 22, 2024, to add an Item to Section 5 and 11 be added to the Agenda as printed.

THAT the Minutes of the Regular Meeting of Council of The Corporation of the City of Stratford dated February 26, 2024 and April 8, 2024, be adopted as printed.

THAT The Corporation of the City of Stratford hereby consents to the sale of the property described as 105 Wright Blvd. in the Wright Business Park, legally described as Part of Lots 1 and 3, Concession 3 (Downie) designated as Parts 3, 4, 5, and 6 on Reference Plan 44R4830, City of Stratford, County of Perth being all of PIN 53264-0137 (LT) to 2809185 Ontario Inc. (Feltz Design Build Ltd.) A member commented that the City is not gaining the most opportunity from the sale as possible so they will not be supporting the motion. The Mayor called the question on the motion.

THAT a by-law be adopted to authorize the 2024 tax ratios and rates. A member commented on the thoroughness of presentation by the Treasurer and recommended that those interested in understanding municipal taxation review the report. The Mayor called the question on the motion.

THAT the resignation of Georgia Neely from the Ad Hoc Grand Trunk Renewal Committee be accepted.

THAT the conveyance of Parts 1 and 2 on Reference Plan 44R- 6210 from Stratford Holdings Inc. to The Corporation of the City of Stratford, be authorized; AND THAT upon conveyance of Parts 1 and 2 on Reference Plan 44R-6210 to the City of Stratford, these lands be dedicated public highway forming part of Ontario Street.

THAT City Council does not express concern with the issuance of a special occasion permit for the Ontario Pork Congress to be held June 19-20, 2024 at the Stratford Rotary Complex subject to the necessary permits being obtained, compliance with the City's Municipal Alcohol Risk Policy, compliance with the conditions outlined by Fire Services are adhered to at all times during the event, and the required certificates of insurance being provided prior to the event.

THAT the Grand Trunk Renewal draft guiding principles, combined with Council feedback, be used as the basis for community consultation; AND THAT staff report back with the final vision and guiding principles for approval later in 2024. Staff and the Ad Hoc Committee were thanked for their work. The Mayor called the question on the motion.

THAT Michael Adams, representing the Digital Media/Creative Economy sector, be appointed to the Stratford Economic Enterprise Development Corporation Board of Directors for a three year term to June 2027 or until a successor is appointed by Council; THAT Ekin Alfieri, representing the Banking/Financial sector, be appointed to the Stratford Economic Enterprise Development Corporation Board of Directors for a three year term to June 2027 or until a successor is appointed by Council and that an exemption be granted from the residency requirement in the Appointments Policy C.3.1; AND THAT Bill Boon, representing the Technology sector, be appointed to the Stratford Economic Enterprise Development Corporation Board of Directors for a three year term to June 2027, or until a successor is appointed by Council.

THAT Stratford City Council hereby proclaims May 2024 as "Melanoma and Skin Cancer Awareness Month" to keep our community aware, informed and vigilant about the potential risks of over-exposure to the UV radiation of the sun.

THAT the Report of the Infrastructure, Transportation and Safety Committee dated April 22, 2024, be adopted as printed. A member thanked staff for their work in keeping the City's water safe and clean. Mayor Ritsma called the question on the motion.

THAT By-laws 39-2024 to 42-2024 be taken collectively.

THAT By-laws 39-2024 to 42-2024 be read a First and Second Time.

THAT By-laws 39-2024 to 42-2024 be read a Third Time and Finally Passed.

THAT By-law 43-2024 be read a First and Second Time.

THAT By-law 43-2024 be read a Third Time and Finally Passed.

THAT CA-2024-064, being a resolution from the City of Guelph regarding support of the OEB Decision to End the Subsidization of Fossil Gas, be endorsed.

THAT CA-2024-066, being a resolution from The Corporation of the City of Sault Ste. Marie regarding a request to express support for Bill C-332 as well as to call on the Government of Canada to support Bill C-332 and enact the necessary amendments to the Criminal Code of Canada to include coercive control of an intimate partner, be endorsed. A member commented that they are in support as it is an important criminal code change, especially for trafficking victims who experience a significant legal roadblock which will be addressed with the proposed amendments to the legislation. Mayor Ritsma called the question on the motion.

THAT the matter with respect to Police presence during Council meetings be

THAT the Council meeting adjourn to convene into Standing Committees as follows:  Community Services Committee [7:05 P.M. or thereafter following the Regular Council meeting] A vibrant city, leading the way in community-driven excellence. Regular Council Minutes 14 April 22, 2024 and to Committee of the Whole if necessary, and to reconvene into Council.

THAT Item 6.2 of the Community Services Committee meeting dated April 22, 2024, be adopted as follows: 6.2 Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program (ICIP) Transit Funding Agreement (COM24-003) THAT the Mayor and Clerk, or their respective delegates, be authorized to execute the Amending Agreement No. 1 to the Transfer Payment Agreement for the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program (ICIP) with His Majesty the King in Right of the Province of Ontario as represented by the Minister of Transportation for the Province of Ontario.

THAT By-laws 44-2024 and 45-2024 be taken collectively.

THAT By-laws 44-2024 and 45-2024 be read a First and Second Time.

THAT By-laws 44-2024 and 45-2024 be read a Third Time and Finally Passed.

THAT the April 22, 2024 Regular Council meeting adjourn.