Regular Council

THAT the agenda be adopted as printed and circulated

THAT the minutes from the December 20, 2023 Council meeting be adopted as printed and circulated.

THAT the Council meeting be adjourned at 9:34 a.m. for the purposes of holding a public meeting pursuant to the provisions of the Drainage Act.

THAT the report of M.P. DeVos, P.Eng of Spriet Associate London Limited dated November 30, 2023 for drainage works known as 25th Line Drain 2023 be adopted at an estimated cost of $46,400.00.

THAT the public meeting, pursuant to the Drainage Act, be adjourned at 9:38 a.m. and the regular meeting of Council be called back to order.

THAT the Council meeting be adjourned at 10:21 a.m. for the purposes of holding a public meeting pursuant to Subsection 7(6) of the Building Code Act, R.S.O 1992, as amended.

THAT pursuant to the Building Code Act, the public meeting be adjourned at 10:22 a.m. and the regular meeting of Council be called back to order.

THAT Council endorse the Embro Dam Environmental Assessment Study; AND THAT UTRCA come back in the Fall of 2025 with an update on the first year; AND THAT UTRCA bring a detailed summary of the funds needed for year 2.

THAT Council direct staff to undertake consultation with residents of Zorra/East Zorra-Tavistock Line as well as Emergency Services to solicit feedback and concerns related to potential name change; AND THAT Zorra collaborate with EZT staff; AND THAT staff bring a report back to Council Fall 2024.

THAT Report 2024-002 from the Fire Chief be received and filed for information purposes only.

THAT Report 2024-009 from the Recreation Programs and Services Coordinator be received and filed for information purposes only.

THAT Report 2024-003 from the Chief Building Official/Drainage Superintendent be received and filed for information purposes only.

THAT Report 2024-004 from the Director of Public Works be received and filed for information purposes only.

WHEREAS Council acknowledges that expenses related to amortization expenses are excluded in the 2024 budget. AND FURTHER that expenses related to landfill closure and post-closure are excluded from the 2024 budget as this function is not within the Township's sphere of jurisdiction. NOW THEREFORE be it resolved that the Council of the Township of Zorra accept the excluded expenses of the 2024 budget as per Ontario Regulation 284/09. RESOLVED that the Council of the Township of Zorra receive Report 2024-010 as information.

THAT Report 2024-001 from the By-law Enforcement Officer be received and filed for information purposes only.

THAT Council receive and adopt the drainage petition submitted by Gordon Howe under Section 4 of the Drainage Act, R.S.O. 1990, relating to property located at Part of Lot 1, Concession 5 (West Zorra) on the north side of Oxford County Road 2; AND THAT Council appoint M.P. DeVos of Spriet Associates London Limited as engineer to review and prepare a report for lands in Part of Lot 1, Concession 5 (West Zorra).

THAT Report 2023-163 from the Director of Corporate Services be received and filed for information purposes only.

WHEREAS current provincial-municipal fiscal arrangements are undermining Ontario’s economic prosperity and quality of life; WHEREAS nearly a third of municipal spending in Ontario is for services in areas of provincial responsibility and expenditures are outpacing provincial contributions by nearly $4 billion a year; WHEREAS municipal revenues, such as property taxes, do not grow with the economy or inflation; WHEREAS unprecedented population and housing growth will require significant investments in municipal infrastructure; WHEREAS municipalities are being asked to take on complex health and social challenges – like homelessness, supporting asylum seekers and addressing the mental health and addictions crises; WHEREAS inflation, rising interest rates, and provincial policy decisions are sharply constraining municipal fiscal capacity; WHEREAS property taxpayers – including people on fixed incomes and small businesses – can’t afford to subsidize income re-distribution programs for those most in need; WHEREAS the province can, and should, invest more in the prosperity of communities; WHEREAS municipalities and the provincial government have a strong history of collaboration; THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Province of Ontario commit to undertaking with the Association of Municipalities of Ontario a comprehensive social and economic prosperity review to promote the stability and sustainability of municipal finances across Ontario.

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

THAT by-laws 01-24, 02-24, and 03-24 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 by-law 04-24 be taken as read a first and second time.

THAT Council move into closed meeting session at 12:35 p.m. pursuant to Section 239.2(b) personal matters about an identifiable individual, including municipal or local board employees regarding CAO appointment and Organizational Chart.

THAT Council endorse the intent to appoint Diane Larder as Zorra's next Chief Administrative Officer by the end of 2024.

THAT By-law 05-24, being a by-law to confirm the proceedings of Council held January 17, 2024, be read a first, second and third time this January 17, 2024; 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 12:53 p.m. and the next meeting of Council be called for the February 7, 2024, at 9:30 a.m. in the Council Chambers at the Township Municipal Office.