Regular Council

THAT the Minutes of the Regular Meeting of Council of The Corporation of the City of Stratford dated September 9, 2024 be adopted as printed.

THAT Block 37, RP 519, being a block of land originally created and recently serving as a pedestrian walkway to Sprung Court be declared surplus to the needs of The Corporation of the City of Stratford; THAT once declared surplus, Block 37, RP 519 is to be sold to abutting property owners without requiring a valuation; THAT all costs associated with closing the walkway, declaring the lands surplus and selling the lands to abutting property owners are to be borne by HIP Queensland Inc.; AND THAT the City Solicitor take all steps necessary to terminate the Encroachment Agreement between the City and the Owners of Block 37, RP 519, identified as Instrument Number 297150.

THAT the report titled, “Explore the Implementation of an Indigenous Medicine Wheel on City Property” (COU24-110), be received for information.

THAT the Request for Proposal (RFP-2024-26) for the supply and installation of a new transit bus wash system be awarded to Westmatic Corporation at a total cost of $413,874.93 (including HST); Regular Council Minutes 5 September 23, 2024 AND THAT the Mayor and Clerk, or their respective delegates, be authorized to sign the agreement and any related documents.

THAT the Tender (T-2024-21) for the Oakdale Avenue Multi-Use Trail Construction Contract be awarded to Ekum-Sekum Incorporated o/a Brantco Construction at a total tender price of $301,602.65, including HST; AND THAT the Mayor and City Clerk, or their respective delegates, be authorized to sign the necessary Contract Agreement.

THAT the proposal of MTE Consultants Inc. for Consulting Services for the O'Loane Trunk Sanitary Sewer Extension (RFP- 2024-25) in the amount of $272,992.63, including HST, be accepted; AND THAT the Mayor and Clerk, or their respective delegates, be authorized to sign the necessary Contract Agreement for contract RFP-2024-25.

THAT the Grand Trunk Renewal vision and guiding principles as presented in COU24-113 be adopted to guide and focus the work on the Grand Trunk Renewal.

THAT the contract extension with Commissionaires Great Lakes for the provision of Parking Enforcement Services for the City of Stratford, for a one-year term ending on August 31, 2025, be authorized; AND THAT the Mayor and Clerk, or their respective designates, be authorized to execute all necessary extension documents.

THAT Stratford City Council hereby proclaims November 26, 2024 as Economic Abuse Awareness Day in the City of Stratford to raise awareness of a common but overlooked form of domestic violence that limits an individual’s financial autonomy, including denying access and control over resources or constraining economic freedom. Members of Council discussed the importance of bringing awareness to this issue. Mayor Ritsma called the question on the motion.

THAT Stratford City Council hereby proclaims October 15, 2024 as "Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Day" in remembrance of pregnancy loss and infant death, including, but not limited to, Regular Council Minutes 8 September 23, 2024 miscarriage, stillbirth, medical termination, SIDS and the death of a newborn; AND THAT Stratford City Council authorizes the flying of the Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Flag on October 15, 2024 in recognition of the importance of support needed when a family experiences the trauma of pregnancy and infant loss. A member read a letter they received from a Citizen of Stratford who was affected by pregnancy loss and their call to raise awareness about this matter. A member then shared their own experience with pregnancy loss and further commented on bringing awareness to this matter. The Mayor called the question on the motion.

THAT By-laws 107-2024 to 110-2024 be taken collectively.

THAT By-laws 107-2024 to 110-2024 be read a First and Second Time.

THAT By-laws 107-2024 to 110-2024 be read a Third Time and Finally Passed.

THAT By-law 111-2024 be read a First and Second Time.

THAT By-law 111-2024 be read a Third Time and Finally Passed.

THAT the Council meeting adjourn to convene into Standing Committees as follows:  Social Services Committee [7:05 p.m. or thereafter following the Regular Council meeting]; and  Finance and Labour Relations Committee [7:10 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 112-2024 be read a First and Second Time.

THAT By-law 112-2024 be read a Third Time and Finally Passed.

THAT the September 23, 2024 Regular Council meeting adjourn.