Regular Council

THAT the Minutes of the Regular Meeting of Council of The Corporation of the City of Stratford dated February 24, 2025, be adopted as printed.

THAT the Addenda to the Regular Agenda of Council and Standing Committees dated March 24, 2025, be added to the Agenda as printed.

THAT Adam Betteridge be appointed as Interim Chief Administrative Officer for The Corporation of the City of Stratford.

THAT "Public Comment Z01-25 963 O'Loane Avenue - Costin" be received for information.

THAT the Council meeting adjourn to a public meeting under the Planning Act to hear from members of the public on Zone Change Application Z01-25, for 963 O'Loane Avenue and to reconvene at the conclusion of the public meeting.

THAT Loreena McKennitt be heard.

Regular Council Minutes 5 March 24, 2025 THAT the report titled, “2025 Tax Rates and Tax Policy Matters” (COU25-022), be received for information; THAT no change be made to the City's tax policies; AND THAT a by-law to set tax ratios, tax rates and tax reductions for prescribed subclasses for the year 2025 and govern and regulate the finances of The Corporation of the City of Stratford be adopted. A member noted that in the future there could be a large change should a tax policy be amended but that they did not want to see property taxes increase further. Mayor Ritsma called the question on the motion.

THAT Councillor Nijjar be appointed to the Chief Administrative Officer Selection Committee.

THAT Councillor Burbach be appointed to the Chief Administrative Officer Selection Committee.

Regular Council Minutes 6 March 24, 2025 THAT Councillor Beatty be added to the Chief Administrative Officer Selection Committee.

Regular Council Minutes 7 March 24, 2025 THAT the report titled, “Tax Deferral or Cancellation Programs for Fixed Income Households” (COU25-024), be received; THAT staff investigate a deferral program to provide tax deferrals for the purposes of relieving financial hardship for seniors and persons with disabilities; AND THAT Staff be directed to update the City’s website regarding all programs available to residents, including details on how to access them.

THAT the report titled, “Treasurer’s 2024 Statement of Council Remuneration and Expenses” (COU25-030), be received for information.

THAT the request to renew the Purchase of Service Agreement with the Stratford Economic Enterprise Development Corporation, to include the additional services, for a five year term to December 31, 2030, be approved; THAT the renewal take effect at time of signing of this agreement; AND THAT the Mayor and Clerk, or their respective delegates, be authorized to execute the renewal agreement on behalf of The Corporation of the City of Stratford. Regular Council Minutes 8 March 24, 2025 Members of Council and staff discussed the services to be provided under the agreement. Mayor Ritsma called the question on the motion.

THAT The Corporation of the City of Stratford extend the Lease Agreement with Stratford Economic Enterprise Development Corporation for the lease of a portion of space at 82 Erie Street (City Hall Annex) for a further five years commencing on January 1, 2026, and expiring on December 31, 2030; AND THAT the Mayor and City Clerk, or their respective delegates, be authorized to sign the Lease Agreement.

THAT the RFEOI for a three (3) year term from Peter Koot and Rachael Berta for the lease of 160 acres of farmland adjacent to the Stratford Municipal Airport, described as Part of Lots 39, 40, 41, Concession 5 and Parts of Lots 38, 39, 40 and 41 Concession 6, from March 1, 2025, to December 31, 2027, be accepted; AND THAT the Mayor and City Clerk, or their respective delegates, be authorized to sign the Farmland Lease Agreement.

Regular Council Minutes 9 March 24, 2025 THAT Council authorize the entering into of the Contribution Agreement between The Corporation of the City of Stratford and Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) for the Zero Emission Vehicle Infrastructure Program (ZEVIP); THAT the Mayor and Clerk, or their respective delegates, be authorized to sign the Contribution Agreement; AND THAT the Parking Reserve Fund be used to fund the City’s portion of the project costs. It was questioned whether the Province provided information for the denial of the application. The Deputy Clerk advised comments were not provided. A member spoke against the motion citing the number of sessions per charging port. A member spoke in favour of the motion citing the need for fast charging stations in the City. Mayor Ritsma called the question on the motion.

THAT the tender (T-2024-13) for the Albert Street Reconstruction Phase 2 Project be awarded to Van Bree Drainage and Bulldozing Limited o/a Van Bree Infrastructure, at a total tender price of $4,179,650.25 including HST; AND THAT the Mayor and Clerk, or their respective delegates, be authorized to sign the necessary Contract Agreement for construction contract T-2024-13.

THAT Council accept the proposal for RFP-2025-10 for the supply and installation of a new lap pool liner system for the Lions Pool, from Ontario Pool Coatings Inc. at a total cost of $141,887.32, including HST; THAT Facilities Capital Reserve Fund R-R11-FACI be used to provide the funding required; AND THAT if additional work is required, subject to approval by the Director of Community Services, an additional contingency be authorized to fund any potential issues that are not within the approved RFP scope of work from Facilities Capital Reserve Fund R-R11-FACI and in accordance with Policy F.1.15 Capital Budget Authorization for Expenditures.

THAT City Council hereby designates the Ontario Pork Congress trade show to be held June 18-19, 2025, at the Stratford Rotary Complex as having municipal significance for the purpose of obtaining liquor licenses from the AGCO, subject to the necessary permits being obtained, compliance with the City's Municipal Alcohol Risk Policy and the required certificates of insurance being provided.

THAT Stratford City Council hereby proclaims April 2, 2025, as "World Autism Day" in the City of Stratford and authorizes the flying of the Autism Flag on April 2, 2025, to "Celebrate the Spectrum" to show support for the autism community and to raise awareness.

THAT Stratford City Council hereby proclaims April 24, 2025, as "Human Values Day" in the City of Stratford in support of the fundamental Human Values of truth, right conduct, peace, love and non-violence.

THAT Stratford City Council hereby proclaims April 1-4, 2025, as "Dairy Week" in the City of Stratford in celebration of the Dairy sector in Perth County and the City of Stratford, and authorizes the flying of a Dairy Producer flag at City Hall on April 3 and 4, 2025.

THAT By-laws 28-2025 to 35-2025 be taken collectively.

THAT By-laws 28-2025 to 35-2025 be read a First and Second Time.

THAT By-laws 28-2025 to 35-2025 be read a Third Time and Finally Passed.

THAT CA-2025-036, being a resolution from the Municipality of Markstay-Warren regarding a request that the Province redistribute a portion of the Land Transfer Tax and the Federal government allocate part of the GST on new home sales to municipalities, be endorsed.

THAT the Council meeting adjourn to convene into Standing Committees as follows:  Infrastructure, Transportation and Safety Committee [7:05 or thereafter following the Regular Council meeting]; and  Social Services Committee [7:10 or thereafter following the Regular Council meeting]; and to Committee of the Whole if necessary, and to reconvene into Council.

THAT Item 5.1 of the Infrastructure, Transportation and Safety Committee meeting dated March 24, 2025, be adopted as follows: 5.1 Avon Street and Avondale Avenue Reconstruction - Open House and Recommendations (ITS25-004) THAT Council receive the description of the proposed design for the Avon Street and Avondale Avenue Reconstruction Project; THAT Council accept the design as presented at the Public Open House and on Engage Stratford; AND THAT Council authorize Staff to proceed with construction tendering.

THAT By-law 36-2025 be read a First and Second Time.

THAT By-law 36-2025 be read a Third Time and Finally Passed.

THAT the March 24, 2025, Regular Council meeting adjourn and convene into a closed session to consider the following matter: 4.1 Confidential Report of the Chief Administrative Officer with respect to a personnel matter (CM-25-07) - Personal matters about an identifiable individual(s) including municipal employees or local board employees (section 239.(2)(b)); and Labour relations or employee negotiations (section 239.(2)(d)).