Regular Council

THAT the Minutes of the Regular Meeting dated June 24, 2024, the Special Council Meeting dated June 27, 2024 and July 2, 2024 of Council of The Corporation of the City of Stratford be adopted as printed.

THAT the Addendum to the Regular Agenda of Council and Standing Committees dated July 8, 2024 be added to the Agenda as printed.

THAT Barb Shaughnessy, Tim Forster, and Mike Sullivan be heard.

THAT the report titled, “Proposed 2025 Budget Process, Tentative Schedule and Multi-Year Budgeting Policy” (FIN24- 019), dated June 18, 2024, be received; THAT Council approve the Multi-Year Budgeting Policy as presented; THAT Staff be directed to make changes to the budget survey and public engagement format to identify additional ways to increase engagement; Regular Council Minutes 7 July 8, 2024 THAT Staff be authorized to proceed to schedule budget meeting dates for Finance Committee as follows:  November 28, 2024 – 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.  December 3, 2024 – 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.  December 9, 2024 – 4:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. AND THAT Council provide staff with any specific known initiatives to be considered, changes or additions to capital projects identified in the current 10-year capital forecasts, and changes in service levels or activities to advance the approved strategic priority goals it wishes to be considered for the 2025 fiscal year, if any at this time. Members of Council and the Director of Corporate Services held a discussion regarding the following:  more pauses being built into the budget schedule due to the long meeting formats;  providing background information to the public prior to the survey through in-person or recorded presentations regarding expansion requests, service level changes, or effects of inflation factors;  the challenges with engaging the public being noted;  having Council be a part of the public engagement process through an in-per

THAT the conveyance of Part 2 on Reference Plan 44R-5971 from Waterloo Development Inc. to The Corporation of the City of Stratford, be authorized; AND THAT upon conveyance of Part 2 on Reference Plan 44R- 5971 to the City of Stratford, these lands be dedicated as public highway forming part of St. Patrick Street.

THAT the Tender (T-2024-14) for the Supply and Delivery of one 4-Wheel Drive Industrial Loader Backhoe and Attachments be awarded to Delta Power Equipment for a total price of $230,842.05, including HST.

THAT the Closed Meeting Investigation Final Reports 36684-6 and 36684-7, be received for information; AND THAT Staff be directed to continue the current process being followed for making closed meeting investigation reports public.

THAT the entering into of the Municipal Funding Agreement on the Canada Community-Building Fund with the Association of Municipalities of Ontario be authorized; THAT the Mayor and Clerk, or their respective delegates, be authorized to sign the Municipal Funding Agreement; AND THAT the Clerk be directed to prepare a by-law authorizing the execution of the agreement. A member enquired as to the report listing no budgetary impact in relation to the fund. The Director of Corporate Services noting that the fund was formerly the Federal Gas Tax Fund and there has not been significant changes to it in the past years. The Director added that as noted on the report, there is a slight escalation in the funding received which was immediately dedicated to the Roads and Infrastructure deficit. The Mayor called the question on the motion.

THAT the Tender (T-2024-07) for the Supply and Delivery of one Forestry 4x4 One Ton Dually Extended Cab Chassis be awarded to Winegard Motors Ltd. at a total tender price of $144,364.28, including HST.

THAT Ryan O’Donnell and Carl Gross be appointed to the Downtown Stratford Business Improvement Area Board of Management for the remainder of the four-year term to November 14, 2026, or until successors are appointed by Stratford City Council.

THAT Stratford City Council hereby proclaims September as Childhood Cancer Awareness month to raise awareness that Childhood Cancer is a Canadian child-health priority; AND THAT Stratford City Council authorizes the flying of the Childhood Cancer Awareness Gold Ribbon flag in support of those affected, to remember those who have passed and to bring hope for a future where Childhood cancer is no longer the number one cause of death by disease of Canadian Children.

THAT By-laws 79-2024 to 84-2024 be taken collectively.

THAT By-laws 79-2024 to 84-2024 be read a First and Second Time.

THAT By-laws 79-2024 to 84-2024 be read a Third Time and Finally Passed.

THAT the Council meeting adjourn to convene into Standing Committees as follows:  Infrastructure, Transportation and Safety Committee [7:05 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 85-2024 be read a First and Second Time.

THAT By-law 85-2024 be read a Third Time and Finally Passed.

THAT the July 8, 2024 Regular Council meeting adjourn.