Regular Council

THAT the agenda be adopted as printed and circulated

THAT the minutes from the December 6, 2023 Council meeting be adopted as printed and circulated.

THAT the Council meeting be adjourned at 6:01 p.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 File A12-23, submitted by Michael and Joan Aarts for lands described as Part Lot 31, Concession 10, in the Township of Zorra municipally known as 962911 Road 96, as it relates to: 1. Relief from Table 5.4.2.4 – Provisions for Detached Additional Residential Units to: i) increase the maximum permitted distance between dwellings from 30 m (98.6 ft) to 50 m (164.2 ft), 2. Relief from Table 5.4.2.3 – Provisions for All Additional Residential Units to: ii) Increase the maximum permitted cumulative gross floor area from 50% of the gross floor area of the existing dwelling to 56% of the Gross Floor Area; to facilitate the establishment of a detached Additional Residential Unit on a property zoned ‘Limited Agricultural Zone (A1)’ in the Township of Zorra. Subject to the following condition: i) That the requested relief shall be for the 'ARU' located generally as shown on Plate 3 of Report No. 2023-404.

That the Township of Zorra Committee of Adjustment approve Application File A13-23, submitted by Doug and Patti Bell for lands described as Part Lot 20, Concession 2, in the Township of Zorra municipally known as 154760 15th Line, as it relates to: 1. Relief from Table 5.4.2.4 – Provisions for Detached Additional Residential Units to: i) increase the maximum permitted distance between dwellings from 30 m (98.6 ft) to 76 m (250 ft); to recognize the existing garden suite as an additional residential unit (ARU) on a property zoned ‘Special Limited Agricultural Zone (A1-11)’ in the Township of Zorra. Subject to the following condition: i) That the approval for the ‘ARU’ applies only to the existing ‘ARU’ located generally as shown on Plate 3 of Report No. 2023-409.

THAT Council move out of the Committee of Adjustment, and pursuant to the Planning Act that the public meeting be adjourned at 6:14 p.m. and the regular meeting of Council be called back to order.

THAT Report 2023-142 from the Fire Chief be received and filed for information purposes only.

THAT Council approve the recommended changes to the Building By-law, in principle, and direct Staff to provide 21 days' notice of a Public Meeting to be held during the January 17th, 2024 Council meeting; AND THAT Council direct Staff to prepare a policy for Council's consideration regarding annual building permit fee increases and a comprehensive building permit fee review.

THAT Report 2023-170 from the Tax Collector / Deputy Treasurer be received and filed for information purposes only.

THAT Report 2023-171 from the Director of Finance be received and filed for information purposes only.

THAT Report 2023-169 from the Director of Finance be received and filed for information purposes only.

THAT Report 2023-165 from the CAO be received and filed; AND THAT, start times for evening Council meetings remain at 6:00 p.m.

THAT Report 2023-131 from the Director of Corporate Services and the Oxford County Development Planner be received and filed for information purposes only.

THAT Report 2023-167 from the Director of Corporate Services and Oxford County Community Planner be received and filed for information purposes only.

THAT Report 2023-161 from the Chief Building Official and the Oxford County Development Planner be received and filed for information purposes only.

THAT Report 2023-162 from the Director of Corporate Services be received and filed for information purposes only.

THAT Council amend Policy 400-03, attached to Report 2023-168, with the following changes: That the naming registry be managed and approved at a Township Staff level and when an asset is being named Township Staff bring recommendations forward to Council for final approval.

THAT Council adopt the Township of Zorra's 2023-2027 Multi-Year Accessibility Plan attached to Report 2023-155

THAT Council approve the Fees By-law No. 11-09 amendments proposed in Report 2023-164; AND THAT Council direct Staff to prepare a policy for Council's consideration regarding annual fee increases and comprehensive fee reviews.

THAT the Council of the Township of Zorra supports the resolution passed by Bonfield Township, which calls upon the Government of Canada to support Bill C-310 and enact amendments to the Income Tax Act to increase the amount of tax credits from $3,000 to $10,000 per year for volunteer firefighters and search and rescuers. And that, this motion and the Bonfield motion be forwarded to Arpan Khanna, MP for the riding of Oxford; the Association of Fire Chiefs of Ontario; AMO; ROMA and all municipalities in Oxford, Perth and Middlesex Counties.

THAT Council accept the retirement letter from Chief Administrative Office Don MacLeod; AND THAT Council direct Staff to bring back a report regarding next steps.

THAT item 11(a) be received and filed for information purposes only.

THAT by-laws 57-23, 58-23, and 59-23 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 7:51 p.m. pursuant to Section 239.2 (e) litigation or potential litigation, including matters before administrative tribunals, affecting the municipality or local board.

THAT By-law 60-23, being a by-law to confirm the proceedings of Council held December 20, 2023, be read a first, second and third time this December 20, 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 8:01 p.m. and the next meeting of Council be called for the January 17, 2024, at 9:30 a.m. in the Council Chambers at the Township Municipal Office.