Chatham-Kent Council held its’ first-ever meeting outside of the Civic Centre on Monday, as their regular meeting was held at Ryder Hall in Tilbury.
Council approved the meeting earlier this year as part of a pilot project that could see council meetings held in each of the six wards during this council term.
Mayor Darrin Canniff, who brought forth the idea during last year’s election campaign said moving council meetings is something he’s believed in for years.
“It is meant to be more inclusive,” he said in news coverage when the move was approved in April. “This is a major step to move forward.”
West Kent Councillor Mark Authier, who seconded the motion, said it’s important that members of the public have the opportunity to see first-hand what takes place during a council meeting.
“Council attendance is largely issue-driven and most of the people who attend do so for a specific topic,” Authier said in a media release.
West Kent Coun. Melissa Harrigan supported the motion, saying many residents can’t travel or don’t have cable or high-speed Internet.
“I see this as an opportunity to provide access,” she said.
“It’s worth the effort for us to run the pilot.”
Here is a recap of the meeting:
– Amy Larsen and Beth Durocher were recognized for receiving the Governor General’s Emergency Medical Services Exemplary Service Medal.
– Lori Marshall, President and CEO, of the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance provided a presentation about the Chatham-Kent Ontario Health Team. Wallaceburg Councillor Carmen McGregor also had the following motion approved following Marshall’s presentation: “Chatham-Kent Ontario Health Team – Whereas the goal of the Chatham-Kent Ontario Health Team is to bring together health care partners from all sectors, including hospital, home and community care, primary care, long-term care, and community support agencies to provide seamless, fully coordinated care for patients, while creating a more efficient health care system, and Whereas the vision of the Chatham-Kent Ontario Health Team is “Achieving the best health and well-being together”, and Whereas by endorsing the submission of the Chatham-Kent Ontario Health Team application, Council is agreeing to participate in ongoing discussions aimed at clearly identifying ways partner organizations can continue to co-design a local health care system with improved access to care and system navigation for patients, families, caregivers and the community, and Whereas, all partner agencies will continue to function within their own governance structure, therefore Be it resolved that the Municipality of Chatham-Kent endorse the Chatham-Kent Ontario Health Team full application for consideration by the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care and that the Municipal Clerk and Chatham-Kent Mayor be authorized to sign the necessary documents and that the Manager of Legal Services shall approve any contractual or other legal documents arising from the proposal.”
– Council received information reports on: Schedule for 2020 Budget Committee Meetings, Animal Cruelty Update and Digital Main Street Service Squad Grant Program.
– South Kent Councillor Anthony Ceccacci entered a notice of motion regarding a tree planting initiative.
– The following tender award contracts were approved: Delivery of Dietary Services Management, Riverview Gardens, Bostwick Drain and Branches, Community of Orford and Kenesserie Road over Abray Drain Culvert Replacement, Community of Harwich/Orford.
– A report on Brian’s Signs – Posting of Signs was approved.
– The Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority provided a presentation and report on Revised Section 28, Draft LTVCA Policy for Development along the Lake Erie Shoreline within the Municipality of Chatham-Kent. The recommendations were approved.
– A report on the Lottery Licensing By-law was approved.
– A report on Theft of Copper and other Metals was approved.
– A report on Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program – Community, Culture and Recreation Funding Stream was approved.
– A motion by Councillor Michael Bondy re: Arena Funding Application was removed by Councillor Bondy.
– A report on the 2020 Budget Process was approved.
– Council approved the following for the Sidewalk Winter Maintenance Policy: The municipality will plow all sidewalks in Chatham-Kent, the municipality will salt only downtown core areas and according to by-law, property owners will be required to de-ice sidewalks fronting their homes or businesses within 48 hours after ice is formed.
– A motion by West Kent Councillor Melissa Harrigan re: Decision Making Process for Divestment of Assets was approved.
– Council discussed the following items in closed session: Sidewalk Maintenance, Draft LTVCA Policy for Development along Lake Erie Shoreline within the Municipality of Chatham-Kent, proposed disposition of land by the municipality with regard to Lawson Properties Inc., advice on 82 King Street West, Chatham.
– Council also went back into closed session following the open meeting to discuss the following: “a proposed disposition of land and advice that is subject to solicitor-client privilege, with respect to WDC Railway and its lands.”
