Regular Council

THAT the Minutes of the Regular Meeting of Council of The Corporation of the City of Stratford dated April 28, 2025 be adopted as printed.

THAT the Addenda to the Regular Agenda of Council and Standing Committees dated May 12, 2025 be added to the Agenda as printed.

THAT the Interim Chief Administrative Officer be authorized to execute on behalf of The Corporation of the City of Stratford an Amending Agreement with 2809185 Ontario Inc. to amend certain terms and conditions related to the sale of 105 Wright Blvd.

THAT Mike Sullivan be heard.

THAT the report titled, “Asset Management Plan 2025 Update” (COU25-054), be received; AND THAT Council adopt the City’s Asset Management Plan Update 2025 as presented.

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 City Clerk, or their respective delegates, be authorized to sign the Contribution Agreement; Regular Council Minutes 8 May 12, 2025 AND THAT the City’s portion of the project costs be funded from the Parking Reserve Fund. Members of Council and staff held a discussion regarding the following:  a member noting that they are opposed to the project due to the lack of use of the existing stations;  it being premature to analyze the usage data from the existing stations since some of the charging stations are still new and have not been operational for a long period;  the Level 3 EV Charging Stations being an asset for groups running events at the Rotary Complex;  the location of the Rotary Complex filling a gap in the availability of infrastructure as there is currently no EV Charging Stations at this site;  the sales of electric vehicles going up and the availability of access to Level 3 Charging Stations making a big difference for tourists travelling in the region;  the project being a good show of faith with the new federal administration that is very concerned about the balance of environmental protection and the safeguarding and growing of the Canadian manufacturing sector;  the revised proposal striking a good balance between cost a

THAT the Closed Meeting Investigation Final Report 36684-9 dated April 29, 2025, be received for information; AND THAT Council’s commitment to continuous education and training and use of the Closed Meeting Protocol be re-affirmed. Members of Council and staff held a discussion regarding the following:  it being questioned whether staff will be implementing the pieces noted in the final report and integrating them into continuous education and training;  the City Clerk noting that the intent would be to continuously hold education and training sessions and to continue the use of the Closed Meeting Protocol as was adopted last year;  the Mayor noting that the Chair and the Clerk have been checking during meetings and issuing cautions to ensure that the protocol is followed; and  a member noting that Council and staff have made considerable efforts to make sure that closed meeting resolutions are not defective and it shows in the report before Council today. The Mayor called the question on the motion.

THAT the Request for Proposal (RFP-2025-18) for the design and build of a new transit office facility be awarded to Complete Building Systems Inc. in the amount of $400,020, including HST.

THAT the Request for Proposal (RFP-2025-14) for the design, supply, delivery, and installation of an accessible playground, including accessible engineered woodchip base and the installation of an accessible pathway at Inverness Park be awarded to S.F. Scott Mfg. Co. Ltd. O/A Blue Imp. in the amount of $116,557.24, including HST.

THAT City Council does not express concern with the issuance of a special occasion permit for the Stratford Ladies and Men's Slo Pitch league tournament to be held September 5-7, 2025 at the Stratford Packham Road Sports Complex subject to necessary permits being obtained, compliance with the City's Municipal Alcohol Risk Policy, and the required certificates of insurance being provided prior to the event.

THAT Stratford City Council hereby proclaims the month of June as "Pride Month" in the City of Stratford in support of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community and to recognize their contributions in our municipality; AND THAT Stratford City Council authorizes the flying of the Pride Flag on May 30, 2025 and for the month of June, to send a message of inclusivity, diversity and acceptance to all members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.

THAT the Report of the Social Services Committee dated May 12, 2025 be adopted as printed.

THAT the Report of the Community Services Committee dated May 12, 2025 be adopted as printed.

THAT By-laws 54-2025 to 57-2025 be taken collectively.

THAT By-laws 54-2025 to 57-2025 be read a First and Second Time.

THAT By-laws 54-2025 to 57-2025 be read a Third Time and Finally Passed.

THAT staff be directed to prepare a report regarding the usage of the City’s EV Charging Stations that would include any times the stations are used simultaneously; AND THAT staff be directed to review overnight parking restrictions to allow for extended use of the EV Charging Stations. Members of Council and staff held a discussion regarding the following:  the current pricing structure for the use of the EV Charging Stations being the parking rates that is charged for the use of the parking space only;  staff intending to bring a report to Council with a proposed pricing structure for the use of the EV Charging Stations including requiring payment outside of the parking enforcement hours;  the cost for the use of the Level 2 EV Charging Stations initially being kept at the parking rate as this rate was fairly similar to the rates charged by other municipalities as well as to encourage the use of the chargers;  staff intending to revisit the fee structure following the installation of Level 3 Charging Stations due to their increased costs; and,  it being added that staff investigate whether it is possible to charge a premium fee to allow regular vehicles to park in the EV charging spaces when they are not in use. The Mayor called the question on the motion.

THAT staff investigate the inclusion of a requirement to install EV Charging Stations for new development applications. Members of Council and staff held a discussion regarding the following:  the Interim Chief Administrative Officer noting that requiring developers to install EV Charging Stations will represent an added cost to developments which could trickle down to renters;  a member noting their concern given the current provincial environment which has been limiting what municipalities can do;  a member noting that it may be more appropriate to investigate incentivizing developers to install EV Charging Stations;  the incentives for the inclusion of EV Charging Stations in developments potentially being included in the green development standards which will be part of the Official Plan update; and,  the City having the ability to generate enough electricity to support the adoption of increased EV Charging Stations however localized infrastructure upgrades may be needed in some areas of the City. The motion was

THAT the Council meeting adjourn to convene into Standing Committees as follows:  Finance and Labour Relations Committee [7:05 or thereafter following the Regular Council meeting]; and Regular Council Minutes 16 May 12, 2025  Infrastructure, Transportation and Safety Committee [7:10 or thereafter following the Regular Council meeting]; and to Committee of the Whole if necessary, and to reconvene into Council.

THAT By-law 58-2025 be read a First and Second Time.

THAT By-law 58-2025 be read a Third Time and Finally Passed.

THAT the May 12, 2025 Regular Council meeting adjourn.