Donald McArthur

I was absent for the Open Mic session and the regular Council meeting on Nov. 25 because I was in Toronto for work at the 14th Annual Municipal Communications Conference. My colleagues approved several policies and amended the Zoning By-Law and the Official Plan to allow for Secondary Dwelling Units.

Here's how my colleagues voted:

REPORTS - CORPORATE SERVICES

 6.1 Employee Recognition and Expressions of Care Policy

Authorized Administration to provide recognition in 2019 for a part-time employee who attained over 20 years of service, in accordance with the proposed Employee Recognition and Expressions of Care Policy; adopted the Employee Recognition and Expressions of Care Policy with an effective date of January 1, 2020; and, rescinded the Retirement Recognition Celebration Policy, H01- Long Service Award Policy and H15 - Expressions of Care Policy effective January 1, 2020.

 6.2 Health and Safety Policy Including the Health and Safety Policy Statement

Adopted the Health & Safety Policy.

 6.3 Long Service Award Recognition 2019

Recognized employees achieving Long Service milestones with the Town in 2019 in accordance with Policy H01 - Long Service Award.

 6.4 Workplace Violence, Harassment and Discrimination Prevention Policy

Approved the Workplace Violence, Harassment and Discrimination Prevention Policy and rescinded the June 13, 2016 - Workplace Violence, Harassment & Discrimination Prevention Program.

REPORTS – PLANNING, DEVELOPMENT AND LEGISLATIVE SERVICES

 9.1 Official Plan and Zoning By-Law Amendment for Secondary Dwelling Units

Passed By-law 2019-084 to amend the Zoning By-law to allow for Secondary Dwelling Units; and, passed By-law 2019-088 to amend the Official Plan to allow for Secondary Dwelling Units.

 9.2 Site Plan Control Development Agreement - 15 Renaud Street

Approved the Site Plan and Development Agreement with 1137137 Ontario Ltd for 15 Renaud Street to allow for a proposed development of a mixed-use commercial plaza with retail units on the main floor and residential units on the upper floor; and, passed By-law 2019-085 to authorize the signing of a Development Agreement for 15 Renaud Street.

REPORTS - CAO's OFFICE

 10.1 Accountability and Transparency Policy Review

Adopted the Accountability and Transparency Policy.

 10.2 Council-Staff Relations Policy

Adopted the Council-Staff Relations Policy.

 10.3 Municipal Modernization Program

Supported the submission of the Town for funding up to the $200,000 in the Municipal Modernization Program; directed Administration to engage the
professional services of a third-party consultant, in accordance with the program eligibility requirements, to undertake a municipal service delivery review to address
opportunities to achieve cost savings and efficiencies for the Town and opportunities for shared services with regional municipalities; and, directed the Mayor to send correspondence to regional Mayors seeking participation in the shared services review, in a future Municipal Modernization Program.

CONSENT CORRESPONDENCE

 12.1 Job Site Challenge - Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade

Directed Administration to explore opportunities for the Job Site Challenge in the Amherstburg community and provide support to any interested parties that may wish to participate in the mega-site program.

OTHER MINUTES

 14.1 Drainage Board Meeting Minutes - November 7, 2019

Provisionally adopted By-law 2019-094 being a by-law to provide for the Repair and Improvement of Part of the Ouellette Drain

 14.2 Accessibility Advisory Committee Minutes - November 13, 2019

Approved the purchase of an accessible picnic table using the AODA Compliance Fund for use in the pavilion at Beaudoin Park not exceeding $3,000; and, approved the purchase of Assistive Listening Devices (ALD) with funds from the AODA Compliance Fund to allow those persons in the public who require auditory assistive devices to participate in public meetings at the Libro Centre.

 14.3 Economic Development Advisory Committee Minutes - November 14, 2019

• Directed Administration to explore opportunities for safe public access to the grounds of Belle Vue.
• Directed Administration to encourage WEEDC to revisit their policy on grants to cannabis businesses and to send correspondence to neighbouring municipalities.

NEW BUSINESS

 16.1 2021 Budget

Directed Administration to include the following in a report to Council to be brought back prior to the 2021 budget:

*Previous year's actuals should be contained in budget charts both in dollar and percentage variance;
*Consolidated schedule of reserves listing both monies coming in and those expended for both capital and operations;
*Benchmarks comparison based on each $100,000 of property value not just on the average household;
*An analysis by type (salaries, benefits, consultants, suppliers, etc.) aligning with audited statements;
*Reserve analysis for the preceding (4) four years indicating balances;
*Establish a target percentage of the budget to fund reserves;
*Black and red fonts used instead of current brackets;
*The public consultation meeting be Chaired by a member of Council with well-established rules, time limits, and policies to eliminate rowdyism;
*Council to have input on possible tax increases prior to budget release;
*Schedule an open mic meeting with residents in May 2020; and,
*Supply copies of the budget without applying the user fees

 16.2 Street Sweeper Schedule

Directed Administration to bring a report back regarding the street sweeper schedule.

OTHER

 Collective Agreement with IBEW Local 636

Ratified the Collective Agreement between IBEW Local 636 and the Town for the period January 1, 2020 through December 31, 2024.

 Integrity Commissioner's Contract

Renegotiated Mr. Bruce Elman’s contract as Integrity Commissioner for the Town to fulfill the duties as outlined in governing legislation for a term of 2 years beginning January 1, 2020.