Regular Council

THAT the Minutes of the Regular Meeting of Council of The Corporation of the City of Stratford dated May 23, 2023 be adopted as printed.

THAT the Addendum to the Regular Agenda of Council and Standing Committees, to add delegations and receipt of correspondence to the Regular Council agenda, dated June 12, 2023, be added to the Agenda as printed.

THAT the delegation by Jamie Pritchard, Pamela Coneybeare and Kiersten Hatanaka, on behalf of the Downtown Stratford BIA, be heard.

THAT the Public Art Plan, developed by the Downtown Stratford Business Improvement Area, be approved for use by the City of Stratford for future projects.

THAT the delegation by AJ Adams, on behalf of Stratford-Perth Pride, be heard.

THAT the request for the City of Stratford to own and maintain the rainbow crosswalk located in front of Stratford City Hall at the Wellington and Downie Streets intersection, be

THAT the delegations of Karen Fleming and Bill Henderson, regarding a Committee of Adjustment Decision relating to Application A10-23, be heard.

THAT the correspondence from Eleanor Kane dated June 10, 2023, regarding Committee of Adjustment Decision relating to Application A10-23, be received for information.

THAT the City's legal counsel be directed to file an appeal to the Ontario Land Tribunal in the matter of the May 29, 2023, Committee of Adjustment Decision on Application A10-23, with respect to 173 William Street, for the reasons set out as follows:  there being no supporting reason for the variance request;  there being ample space on the property to build a detached garage that complies with existing side yard set back requirements; and that  this decision is precedent setting for Stratford side yard setbacks. The Clerk clarified that the Committee of Adjustment decision is final, and the focus of the discussion is whether Council, as a public body, would like to file an appeal under the Planning Act. The Acting Chief Administrative Officer confirmed that the Committee of Adjustment approval process was reviewed by the City Solicitor and the Planning Act was followed. Support for the resolution was noted as the 0m setback is concerning due to practicality reasons outlined. It was noted extensive building will be taking place in future decades and the Committee of Adjustment decision affects the landscape of neighbourhoods to come. A vibrant city, leading the way in community-driven excellence. Regular Council Minutes 9 June 12, 2023 It was questioned what the costs of the appeal would be. The Clerk stated the minimum cost would be $15,000. The City would also be responsible for covering legal costs for the Committee of Adjustment if they obtain independent legal counse

THAT the delegation by Kristen Barisdale on behalf of the applicant, be heard.

THAT application Z09-22 to amend the site-specific zoning at 46 General Hospital Drive to permit the expansion of a parking lot BE APPROVED for the following reasons: 1. The request is consistent with the Provincial Policy Statement; 2. The request is in conformity with the goals, objectives, and policies of the Official Plan; 3. The zone change will provide for the expansion of a parking lot that is appropriate for the subject lands; and 4. The public were consulted during the application circulation and comments that have been received in writing or at the public meeting have been reviewed, considered, and analyzed within the Planning Report. AND THAT Council pass a resolution that no further notice is required under Section 34(17) of the Planning Act. A vibrant city, leading the way in community-driven excellence. Regular Council Minutes 14 June 12, 2023 A member spoke against the resolution due to concerns heard at the public meeting. It was stated that the Province has taken away Council's authority to approve site plan applications and concern was expressed that there may be unintended traffic obstructions on surrounding streets. The Clerk clarified that the Province has delegated approval of site plans to staff through the Planning Act. The notice referenced in the staff recommendation refers to notice related to the Zone Change Application and not the site plan application as the site plan application process is no longer a public process. Mayor Ritsma called the ques

THAT Stratford City Council hereby proclaims June 14, 2023, as "World Blood Donor Day" and June 11 to 17, 2023, as "National Blood Donor Week" in the City of Stratford.

THAT Stratford City Council hereby proclaims the week of July 30 to August 6, 2023 as "Kiwanis Club of Stratford Week" in the City of Stratford in recognition of 75 years of service in the community; AND THAT Stratford City Council hereby authorizes the Kiwanis Club flag to fly at City Hall from July 28 to August 3, 2023.

A vibrant city, leading the way in community-driven excellence. Regular Council Minutes 15 June 12, 2023 THAT Stratford City Council hereby proclaims Thursday, August 3, 2023 as "Stratfords of the World Day" and the week of August 2-9, 2023 as "Stratfords of the World Week" in the City of Stratford in celebration of all attending Stratford delegates from around the world; AND THAT Stratford City Council hereby authorizes the flying of the Stratfords of the World flag at City Hall from August 3-10, 2023.

THAT the report titled, “Perth & Stratford Housing Corporation update – 9 Fulton St., Milverton” (COU23-072), be received for information.

THAT the following items be included as part of the Procedural By-law review: A vibrant city, leading the way in community-driven excellence. Regular Council Minutes 16 June 12, 2023  investigate recording of all council votes, with or without the use of technology, for increased transparency;  review the current governance structure for increased efficiencies in the decision making process;  review livestream sound quality for increased transparency and public participation; and  establishment of a consistent review process and parameters for reviewing the Procedural By-law every term of Council.

THAT the Tender (T-2023-13) for the Erie Street Watermain Relining Contract, be awarded to Fer-Pal Construction Ltd. at a total tender price of $1,498,876.07, including HST; AND THAT the Mayor and City Clerk, or their respective delegates, be authorized to sign the necessary Contract Agreement for the Erie Street Watermain Relining project T- 2023-13.

THAT Dan Mathieson be appointed as Chair of the Ad-Hoc Grand Trunk Renewal Committee. Members discussed the appointment of a Chair to the Ad-Hoc Grand Trunk Renewal Committee. Highlights of the discussions included:  there being a desire to see a more rounded recruitment process; A vibrant city, leading the way in community-driven excellence. Regular Council Minutes 17 June 12, 2023  there being a desire for Council to see who puts their name forward to volunteer on the committee;  the Terms of Reference adopted for this committee having indicated that the usual processes for advisory committee appointment would be followed;  the Chair of this committee being a volunteer position;  the former Mayor Dan Mathieson having a lot to offer for this particular role;  Council having the ability to appoint the remaining members of the committee, which would occur through Council resolution and by- law;  the understanding that the City will issue a call for applications, being the collection of resumes and cover letters due to the uniqueness of position;  applications collected will be presented to Council;  it being noted that traditionally chairs are appointed from within the members that are appointed to their respective committee;  whether applicants could self-identify as wanting to be chair; and  a suggestion that this method could set a precedent. A request was made for a recorded vote. Further discussion took place as follows:  it being the Clerk's understanding tha

THAT the City of Stratford recruit for a Chair of the Ad-Hoc Grand Trunk Renewal Committee concurrently with the other positions available on the Committee; AND THAT applicants interested in the Chair position be asked to provide the rationale for their suitability as Chair. Support for this motion was stated as it would allow Council to have a hand in choosing the Chair, instead of the committee choosing from within the appointed members. The process would also be open to everyone who wants to apply. It was questioned what the timeline was for advertising for this committee. The Clerk stated the intent was to put out the call for applications in the next week or two. It was clarified by the mover that there should be a section to indicate interest in the Chair position on the application form. Mayor Ritsma called the question on the motion.

THAT the Chair of Ad-Hoc Grand Trunk Renewal Committee Report COU23-075, be

THAT the City of Stratford recruit for a Chair of the Ad-Hoc Grand Trunk Renewal Committee prior to starting recruitment for the remaining Committee members for consideration by Council. Support for the motion was expressed, and it was noted that a strong chair with relevant expertise is needed, and they should be allowed input into selection of the committee. It was requested that if this option was approved, that Council be presented with all applications, along with the recommendation of the Chair. The Clerk stated she believes the process would be similar to appointment of the Stratford Library Board of Directors. The Board reviews all applications and provides recommendations, but all applications are also provided to Council for review. Mayor Ritsma called the question on the motion.

THAT the Tender (T-2023-21) and additional scope of work for the Asphalt Resurfacing 2023 Contract, be awarded to Steve Smith Construction Corporation at a total tender price of $2,512,705.92, including HST; AND THAT the Mayor and City Clerk, or their respective delegates, be authorized to sign the necessary Contract Agreement.

THAT City Council does not express concern with the issuance of a special occasion permit for the Smash It Sports Canada Summer Shaker baseball tournament to be held July 14-16, 2023 at the Packham Road Sports Complex, 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 the Report of the Community Services Committee dated June 12, 2023 be adopted as printed.

THAT By-laws 76-2023 and 77-2023 be taken collectively.

THAT By-laws 76-2023 and 77-2023 be read a First and Second Time.

THAT By-laws 76-2023 and 77-2023 be read a Third Time and Finally Passed.

THAT By-law 78-2023 be read a First and Second Time.

THAT By-law 78-2023 be read a Third Time and Finally Passed.

THAT staff prepare a report on the addition of parking requirements for Electric Vehicle Charging Stations to the City of Stratford Zoning By-law 10-2022.

THAT the Council meeting adjourn to convene into Standing Committees as follows:  Planning and Heritage Committee [7:05 p.m. or thereafter following the Regular Council meeting];  Finance and Labour Relations Committee [7:10 p.m. or thereafter following the Regular Council meeting]; and  Infrastructure, Transportation and Safety Committee [7:15 p.m. or thereafter following the Regular Council meeting]; A vibrant city, leading the way in community-driven excellence. Regular Council Minutes 24 June 12, 2023 and to Committee of the Whole if necessary, and to reconvene into Council.

THAT By-law 79-2023 be read a First and Second Time.

THAT By-law 79-2023 be read a Third Time and Finally Passed.

THAT the June 12, 2023 Regular Council meeting adjourn.