Regular Council

THAT the agenda be adopted as printed and circulated

THAT the minutes from the August 2, 2023 Council meeting be adopted as printed and circulated.

THAT the minutes from the August 16, 2023 Special Council meeting be adopted as printed and circulated.

THAT the Council meeting be adjourned at 10:02 a.m. for the purposes of holding a public meeting pursuant to the provisions of the Planning Act. AND THAT Council move into the Committee of Adjustment for the purpose of hearing Minor Variance Applications.

THAT the Township of Zorra Committee of Adjustment approve application A06-23, submitted by Andrew Vanderspek for lands legally described as Lots 16, 17 & 18, Concession 7 (West Zorra), Township of Zorra, as it relates to: i) Relief from Section 7.2.1 - Minimum Distance Separation Requirements For Livestock Barns and Structures (MDS II), to reduce the minimum distance separation requirement to the nearest Type A land use (residential dwelling located at 456022 45th Line) from 235 m (771 ft) to 177 m (580 ft) to facilitate the construction of an addition to an existing livestock (dairy) barn. ii) Relief from Section 7.2.2 - Minimum Distance Separation Requirements For Manure Storage Structures (MDS II), to reduce the minimum distance separation requirement to the nearest Type A land use (residential dwelling located at 456022) from 312 m (1,023.6 ft) to 282 m (925 ft) to facilitate the construction of a new manure pit to service the proposed livestock (dairy) barn. iii) Relief from Section 7.2 - Zone Provisions, to reduce the minimum required interior side yard from 30 m (98.4 ft) to 15 m (49.2 ft).

THAT the Township of Zorra Committee of Adjustment approve Application A07-23, submitted by Tim Renkema for lands legally described as Part Lots 1 & 2, Concession 8 (West Zorra), Township of Zorra, as it relates to: i) Relief from Section 7.2.2 - Minimum Distance Separation Requirements For Manure Storage Structure (MDS II), to reduce the minimum distance separation requirement to the nearest Type A land use (residential dwelling located at 475025 Zorra/East Zorra Tavistock Line) from 190 m (623.3 ft) to 130 m (426.5 ft) to facilitate the construction of a new manure pit to service the proposed livestock (dairy) barn.

THAT Council move out of the Committee of Adjustment, and pursuant to the Planning Act that the public meeting be adjourned at 10:11 a.m. and the regular meeting of Council be called back to order.

THAT Council approve the Draft 2022 Audited Financial Statements as presented by the Township Auditor, Christene Scrimgeour - Scrimgeour & Company CPA Professional Corporation.

THAT Report 2023-102 from the Fire Chief be received and filed for information purposes only.

THAT Report 2023-104 from the Supervisor of Recreation & Facilities be received and filed for information purposes only.

THAT Report 2023-106 from the Chief Building Official/Drainage Superintendent be received and filed for information purposes only.

THAT Report 2023-109 from the Director of Public Works be received and filed for information purposes only.

THAT Report 2023-105 be received and filed for information purposes; AND THAT Council deviate from Section 4.1 of the Procedural By-law to hold the November 15, 2023 Council meeting at 4:00 p.m. and a Special Budget Council meeting on November 30, 2023, at 9:30 a.m.

THAT Council deviate from Section 4.1 of the Procedural By-law and adopt the 2024 Council meeting schedule as presented in Report 2023-103.

THAT Report 2023-108 from the Corporate Services Intern be received and filed for information purposes only.

THAT Council approve the policy updates proposed in Report 2023-096 regarding the Delegation of Powers and Duties Policy #100-14.

THAT Council enact By-Law 43-23 to close a portion of road allowance (not travelled) known as part of David Street, Plan 87, Designated as Part 2 on 41R-10390 Township of Zorra being part of PIN 00208-0116(R); AND THAT Council enact By-Law 44-23 to authorize the Mayor and Clerk to sign a Transfer/Quit Claim Deed in favour of Brandon Steckley and Melissa Gies.

THAT Report 2023-107 from the Chief Administrative Officer be received and filed for information purposes only.

THAT Report 2023-110 from the Chief Administrative Officer be received and filed for information purposes only.

THAT Council approve in principle the Memorandum of Understanding between The Corporation of the Township of Zorra and the Thames Valley District School Board attached to Report 2023-111.

THAT Council approve in principle locating a cellular communications tower at Grace Patterson Park subject to Signum Wireless Corporation fulfilling approval requirements of Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada Radiocommunications and Broadcasting Antenna Systems.

THAT Zorra Township Council supports the resolution from Oxford County Council regarding Strong Mayor Powers; AND FURTHER THAT Zorra does not wish to be considered for the implementation of either “Strong Mayor” powers per the “Strong Mayors, Building Homes Act, 2022, S.O. 2022, c. 18 - Bill 3”, or any restructuring that is not requested by Zorra Township; AND THAT this resolution be forwarded to Oxford County, the Oxford MPP, the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, and the Premier of Ontario.

THAT Item 10(a) be received and filed for information purposes only.

THAT Item 10(b) be received and filed for information purposes; AND THAT the preferred site location be received and filed until the time of tender of the project.

THAT items 11(a) - (d) be received and filed for information purposes only.

THAT by-laws 43-23 and 44-23 be taken as read a first, second and third time and finally passed; AND FURTHER THAT the Mayor and Clerk are hereby authorized to sign the same and affix the corporate seal thereto.

THAT Council move into closed meeting session at 10:59 a.m. pursuant to Section 239.2 (c) a proposed or pending acquisition or disposition of land by the municipality or board.

THAT By-law 45-23, being a by-law to confirm the proceedings of Council held September 6, 2023, be read a first, second and third time this September 6, 2023; AND FURTHER THAT the Mayor and Clerk are hereby authorized to sign the same and affix the corporate seal thereto.

THAT this session of Council be now adjourned and herewith closed at 11:37 a.m. and the next meeting of Council be called for the September 20, 2023, at 6:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers at the Township Municipal Office.