Regular Council

THAT the Minutes of the Special Meeting of Council of The Corporation of the City of Stratford dated December 7, 2023 and the Minutes of the Regular Meeting of Council of The Corporation of the City of Stratford dated December 11, 2023, be adopted as printed.

THAT Policy E.1.2, “Industrial Land Prices,” be amended as follows:  the price per acre in the Crane West Business Park be increased from $200,000 per acre to $250,000 per acre effective April 1, 2024 for any remaining unsold lots (or effective June 1, 2024 if the lands are under an Option Agreement or in reserve status);  the price per acre in both Phases of the Wright Business Park be increased to $250,000 per acre effective April 1, 2024 for any lands that may become available (or effective June 1, 2024 if the lands are under an Option Agreement or in reserve status); and  lands that are non-developable due to topography, soil conditions, environmental constraints and other factors be increased from $20,000 per acre to $40,000 per acre effective April 1, 2024 for any remaining unsold lands (or effective June 1, 2024 if the lands are under an Option Agreement or in reserve status).

THAT staff be directed to submit an application for funding to install four Level 3 EV Charging Stations under the Ministry of Transportation’s EV ChargeON Program; AND THAT staff report back with total project costs and amendments required to the Traffic and Parking By-law if the City’s application for funding is approved. Discussion was held on how the proposed EV Charging Stations will fit in with the Rotary Complex parking lot re-development plans. It was suggested that Festival Hydro be contacted to discuss the installation of solar panels on the roof of the Rotary Complex to power the EV charging stations. Mayor Ritsma called the question on the motion.

THAT a by-law to establish the interim tax due dates for the fiscal year 2024 be adopted.

THAT a by-law to authorize the temporary borrowing of funds from time to time to meet current expenditures during the fiscal period ending December 31, 2024 be adopted.

THAT the tender (T-2023-59) for removal of designated trees and stumps be awarded to Tree Tech, Tree and Property Maintenance Specialists Inc. in the amount of $60,511.50, including HST; THAT the tender (T-2023-59) for removal of designated stumps be awarded to Lange Bros. (Tavistock) Limited in the amount of $23,447.50, including HST; AND THAT the tender (T-2023-59) for regular, overtime, and emergency pruning services be awarded to Lange Bros. (Tavistock) Limited in an amount up to $255,493, including HST. Concern was expressed with funding a contingency of $25,000 for this project and it was suggested this amount could be removed from the budget and funded from the Tax Stabilization Reserve Fund if needed. It was noted that there was a motion on the floor and that this request could be considered after the tender was awarded. Mayor Ritsma called the question on the motion to award the tender.

THAT the draft 2024 budget be amended to fund the $25,000 contingency for pruning and removal of designated trees and stumps from the Tax Stabilization Reserve Fund. Discussion was held on the necessity of including a contingency in the budget and the process that would be followed if the contingency fund was removed from the budget and those funds were needed. A suggestion was made to retain the $25,000 contingency fund in the draft budget and to fund it through a transfer from the Tax Stabilization Reserve Fund. A vibrant city, leading the way in community-driven excellence. Regular Council Minutes 6 January 8, 2024 Mayor Ritsma called the question on the motion.

THAT the Mayor and Clerk, or their respective delegates, be authorized to enter into a Cost Apportioning Agreement on behalf of The Corporation of the City of Stratford, with the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority for non-mandatory programs and services; AND THAT staff report to Council in one year to assess the delivered Category 3 programs in 2024 and their contributions to the City of Stratford.

THAT By-laws 1-2024 to 4-2024 be taken collectively.

THAT By-laws 1-2024 to 4-2024 be read a First and Second Time.

THAT By-laws 1-2024 to 4-2024 be read a Third Time and Finally Passed.

THAT By-law 5-2024 be read a First and Second Time.

THAT By-law 5-2024 be read a Third Time and Finally Passed.

THAT the January 8, 2024, Regular Council meeting adjourn.