Regular Council

THAT the Minutes of the Regular Meeting of Council of The Corporation of the City of Stratford dated November 14, November 21 and November 28, 2022 be adopted as printed. It was questioned whether newly elected members were permitted to vote on Council minutes from a meeting held prior to the start of this term of Council. The City Clerk advised that it is standard practice for Council to approve and adopt the minutes of Council at a subsequent Council meeting. The Chief Administrative Officer further advised that the recommendation was to adopt the minutes only as a confirmatory by-law was passed at the meeting in question which confirms the actions and decisions of Council at that meeting. Mayor Ritsma called the question on the motion.

THAT the Addendum to the Regular Agenda of Council and Standing Committees dated December 12, 2022, to add receipt of a delegation request, be added to the Agenda as printed.

THAT the delegation by Ken Wood regarding the animal control services contract extension be heard.

THAT Council approve the terms to extend the existing Animal Control Services contract for 2023 facilitated through The Humane Society of Kitchener-Waterloo and Stratford-Perth; AND THAT Council authorize the Director of Infrastructure and Development Services to extend the Contract to 2024 upon confirmation that only CPI adjustments apply. A question and answer period ensued between members and staff with respect to:  the Humane Society being the only known provider of animal control services in the area;  the only financial difference between a one or two year contract being the CPI adjustment; and,  staff reporting back to Council should anything change financially beyond the CPI adjustment for this contract. Mayor Ritsma called the question on the motion.

THAT the review and development of a revised Animal Control By-law 195-2002, be

THAT The Corporation of the City of Stratford enter into an agreement with Festival Hydro Inc. to be the service provider for water and sewer billing services for a three-year term to December 31, 2025, with two optional one-year extensions; AND THAT the Mayor and City Clerk, or their respective delegates, be authorized to sign the necessary agreement.

THAT Council consider any comments received; AND THAT the report titled, “Stratford Landfill Public Input Invited December 2022” (COU22-105), be received for information.

THAT The Corporation of the City of Stratford enter into an agreement with the Kinsmen Club of Stratford Inc. for the operation of the refreshment booth at the William Allman Memorial Arena for a five-year term to August 31, 2027, with an option to renew for an additional five-year term; AND THAT the Mayor and Clerk, or their respective delegates, be authorized to sign the concession booth agreement on behalf of the municipal corporation.

THAT the Tender (T-2022-41) for the Replacement of Fire Alarm Systems and Associated Devices, be awarded to EEL Line Corporation at a total cost of $575,509.00, including HST; AND THAT the Mayor and City Clerk, or their respective delegates, be authorized to sign the contract agreement.

THAT KPMG LLP be appointed as Auditors of Festival Hydro Inc. and Festival Hydro Services Inc. for the purpose of completing audit and taxation services for a five-year term at a remuneration to be fixed by the directors, the directors being hereby authorized to fix such remuneration; A vibrant city, leading the way in community-driven excellence. Regular Council Minutes 7 December 12, 2022 AND THAT such appointment commence with the fiscal 2022 audit year for both Festival Hydro Inc. and Festival Hydro Services Inc.

THAT the agreement between The Corporation of the City of Stratford and the Stratford Minor Baseball Association for use of National Stadium and the Dufferin Park ball diamonds, be renewed for a further five years to December 31, 2027; THAT the use of the SERC baseball diamond and Optimist Park baseball diamond be added to the agreement; AND THAT the Mayor and Clerk, or their respective delegates, be authorized to sign the agreement on behalf of the municipal corporation. It was questioned whether other groups would be given access to use the baseball diamonds noted in the agreement. The Director of Community Services advised that the diamonds listed in the agreement are hardball diamonds and all hardball is run through the Stratford Minor Baseball Association. Mayor Ritsma called the question on the motion.

THAT The Corporation of the City of Stratford enter into an agreement with GFL Environmental for HAZMAT Response A vibrant city, leading the way in community-driven excellence. Regular Council Minutes 8 December 12, 2022 Services for a term of four years to August 31, 2026, as part of a joint agreement with all municipalities in Perth County and Granton; AND THAT the Mayor and Clerk, or their respective delegates, be authorized to sign the agreement. A question and answer period ensued between members and staff with respect to:  the City not having an agreement like this in place previously; and,  the service being zero-cost unless the City calls for such services. Mayor Ritsma called the question on the motion.

THAT the report titled, “Green Recognition Program” (COU22- 102), be received for information; AND THAT staff be authorized to proceed with implementing the Green Recognition Program as outlined in Report COU22-102. A member thanked the Energy and Environment Advisory Committee for their input on this project. The Climate Change Program Manager provided a brief overview of the program for members and advised that participation could begin as early as January 2023. A vibrant city, leading the way in community-driven excellence. Regular Council Minutes 9 December 12, 2022 Mayor Ritsma called the question on the motion.

THAT the report titled, “Recent Climate Change Initiatives” (COU22-104), be received for information.

THAT By-laws 148-2022 to 152-2022 be taken collectively.

THAT By-laws 148-2022 to 152-2022 be read a First and Second Time.

THAT By-laws 148-2022 to 152-2022 be read a Third Time and Finally Passed.

THAT By-law 153-2022 be read a First and Second Time.

THAT By-law 153-2022 be read a Third Time and Finally Passed.

THAT the December 12, 2022 Regular Council meeting adjourn.