Regular Council

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

THAT the Addenda to the Regular Agenda of Council and Standing Committees dated July 22, 2024 be added to the Agenda as printed.

THAT Bob Ivison, International Communities in Bloom Judge and Susan Ellis, National Chair Person, Communities in Bloom Board of Directors, be heard.

THAT Ken Wood, Robert Roth, Jane Marie Mitchell, David Yates, Tim Forster, Barb Shaughnessy, and Jason Davis be heard.

THAT the correspondence from Joan Bidell dated July 18, 2024 and Mike Sullivan dated July 22, 2024 be received.

THAT Jason Davis be heard.

THAT the report titled Housing Projects and Initiatives Update (COU24-081) be received as information.

THAT the Chief Administrative Officer be authorized to execute the Maintenance Cost Apportionment Agreement for the Crossing Warning System for Line 29 between The Corporation of the City of Stratford, The Corporation of the Township of Perth South and Canadian National Railway Company, to revise the cost apportionment with the Township; THAT the effective date for the City of Stratford be 01 January 2024, subject to Council approval; AND THAT the Delegation of Authority By-law 135-2017 as amended, be further amended to delegate its authority to the Chief Administrative Officer to enter into agreements and amending agreements with railway companies and road authorities for railway lines crossing municipal roads, including but not limited to apportionment of costs for crossing warning 18 systems, operating and maintenance and upgrade costs, with signed copies to be provided to the Clerk’s Office and Infrastructure Services Department.

THAT a by-law to abandon portions of the Mullin Municipal Drain within the limits of the City of Stratford in accordance with the Drainage Act, be adopted.

THAT the Request for Proposal (RFP-2024-12) for the design, supply, delivery, and installation of outdoor fitness equipment at Shakespeare Park be awarded to PlayPower LT Canada Inc. in the amount of $118,761.87, including HST. Members of Council and staff held a discussion regarding the following:  with respect to a member enquiry regarding the impact, if any, and the work around the trees and green space related to the project, the Director of Community Services noted that with every playground or any new structure, tree stabilization and damage to roots are primary concerns and these having been taken into account for the placement. The Director of Community Services added that minimal damage to the roots was considered to ensure that the trees remain part of the park as they are a main component of the Shakespeare Park, particularly the shade they provide;  a member thanked Bruce Whittaker for their work on this project and noted that donations are still being accepted for the project; 19  a member thanked all the citizens who are concerned and involved and have come forward to help improve the City and improve parks; and,  a member noted that this is a good and positive project. The Mayor called the question on the motion.

THAT the Tender (T-2024-17) for the Perth Line 36 Culvert Replacement Project be awarded to Lavis Contracting Co. Limited, at a total tender price of $786,199.47, including HST; AND THAT the Mayor and Clerk, or their respective delegates, be authorized to sign the necessary Contract Agreement for construction contract T-2024-17.

THAT funding to offset the equivalency of three full-time positions be found through the implementation of the Service Review Study.

THAT the three additional full-time positions be hired on a temporary basis for a one-year contract period; AND THAT the three positions be brought back to Council for review following the one-year contract period. Members of Council held a discussion regarding the following:  a member commenting that if one is going to transform the culture then one does it and not wait and take the time to figure it out again. The member noted that it is obvious that there is a crisis with there being 180 postings a year and there are issues that need to be addressed. The member noted if there are issues in the organization that need to be addressed, that they do it now in the way that it should be and the member added that they are happy with the amendment which gives direction on where to find the savings;  a member commenting that citizens will benefit from having these positions in place, the service level of the organization will go up, the quality of the service will go up if employees stay and work over time and build loyalty and become part of the community. The member noted that the organization is losing people to other municipalities as well as the private sector as working in the public sector is hard on employees and so there is a need to work hard to create a culture that supports employees, and this plan does that. The member further noted that this is an important investment in the service levels;  a member commenting that they used to feel that positions should be hired

THAT Council approves the investment into three additional full- time positions for the Human Resources Department; THAT the Director of Human Resources be authorized to proceed with recruitment of these positions; AND THAT funding to offset the equivalency of three full-time positions be found through the implementation of the Service Review Study. In Support (7): Councillor Beatty, Councillor Briscoe, Councillor Burbach, Councillor Henderson, Councillor Hunter, Councillor McCabe, and Councillor Nijjar Opposed (4): Mayor Ritsma, Councillor Biehn, Councillor Sebben, and Councillor Wordofa

THAT the report titled, “Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Policy” (COU24-080), be received for information.

THAT Stratford City Council hereby proclaims October 24, 2024 as the 24th annual "Child Care Worker and Early Childhood Educator Appreciation Day" to recognize the education, dedication and commitment of child care workers to children, their families and quality of life of the community.

THAT Stratford City Council hereby proclaims September 23-29, 2024 as Rail Safety Week in support of CN and Operation Lifesaver ongoing efforts to raise awareness, save lives and prevent injuries in communities including our municipality.

THAT the "Respectful Workplace Policy," policy number H.1.36, be suspended. In Support (2): Councillor Sebben, and Councillor Wordofa Opposed (9): Mayor Ritsma, Councillor Beatty, Councillor Biehn, Councillor Briscoe, Councillor Burbach, Councillor Henderson, Councillor Hunter, Councillor McCabe, and Councillor Nijjar

THAT staff provide options for the review of the "Respectful Workplace Policy," policy number H.1.36, to council for consideration at a future meeting. In Support (11): Mayor Ritsma, Councillor Beatty, Councillor Biehn, Councillor Briscoe, Councillor Burbach, Councillor Henderson, Councillor Hunter, Councillor McCabe, Councillor Nijjar, Councillor Sebben, and Councillor Wordofa

THAT the Report of the Infrastructure, Transportation and Safety Committee dated July 22, 2024 be adopted as printed.

THAT By-laws 86-2024 to 89-2024 be taken collectively.

THAT By-laws 86-2024 to 89-2024 be read a First and Second Time.

THAT By-laws 86-2024 to 89-2024 be read a Third Time and Finally Passed.

THAT CA-2024-124, being a resolution from The Corporation of the Township of Otonabee-South Monaghan regarding the Importance of Safe Use of Lithium-ion Batteries, be endorsed. In response to a member requesting comment regarding the matter, the Fire Chief noted that they fully support the resolution. The Chief noted that the use of lithium-ion batteries has garnered a lot attention from fire services throughout North America and the Ontario Fire Marshall now has a separate reporting method for lithium-ion related fires. The Chief mentioned that an e-bike fire was reported in the previous week but they were not able to determine if the battery was UL approved due to its condition. The Chief added that they support the standards proposed and other municipalities are now refusing to let e-bikes and e-scooters into their public transportation because of fear of having non-UL batteries or chargers. The Chief noted supporting the request is a large step forward. The Mayor called the question on the motion.

39 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] and to Committee of the Whole if necessary, and to reconvene into Council.

THAT By-law 90-2024 be read a First and Second Time.

THAT By-law 90-2024 be read a Third Time and Finally Passed.

THAT the July 22, 2024 Regular Council meeting adjourn.