Regular Council

THAT the agenda be adopted as printed and circulated

THAT the minutes from the February 7, 2024 Council meeting be adopted as printed and circulated.

THAT the following members be appointed to sit as the Court of Revision for the 25th Line Drain 2023, with the first Member being the Chair of the Court of Revision: 1. Chairperson Marcus Ryan 2. Kevin Stewart 3. Katie Grigg

THAT the Court of Revision on the 25th Line Drain 2023 does now open at 6:24 p.m.

WHEREAS the Council of the Township of Zorra provisionally adopted the report of Spriet Associates Engineers & Architects dated November 30, 2023, for the drainage works known as the 25th Line Drain 2023 on January 17, 2024; AND WHEREAS there have been no appeals that lands have been assessed to high or too low; nor that any road or lands have not been addressed, or that due consideration has not been given as to type or land use; NOW THEREFORE the Court of Revision for the 25th Line Drain 2023, hereby confirms the assessment schedule as fixed by the Engineer.

THAT the Court of Revision of the 25th Line Drain 2023 does now close and Council reconvenes at 6:27 p.m.

THAT the Council meeting be adjourned at 6:27 p.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 December 21, 2023 for drainage works known as J.B. Murray Drain 2023 be adopted at an estimated cost of $687,900.00.

THAT the public meeting, pursuant to the Drainage Act, be adjourned at 6:40 p.m. and the regular meeting of Council be called back to order.

THAT the Council meeting be adjourned at 6:41 p.m. for the purposes of holding a public meeting pursuant to the provisions of the Planning Act.

THAT pursuant to the Planning Act, the public meeting be adjourned at 6:50 p.m. and the regular meeting of Council be called back to order.

THAT the Council of the Township of Zorra approve the zone change application submitted by 409315 Ontario Ltd., whereby the lands described as Lot 25, Concession 1 (West Zorra), Township of Zorra to amend the existing ‘REC-7’ zone to establish new site-specific provisions for the existing use on the subject property.

THAT the Council of the Township of Zorra approve the zone change application submitted by L1FE Outdoors Inc., whereby the lands described as Part Lot 4, Concession 4 (West Zorra), Township of Zorra to amend the existing ‘AB-8’ zone to include a ATV/UTV dealership as a permitted use.

WHEREAS, municipal public works departments from across the Province of Ontario provide invaluable services to our communities ensuring the health and safety of all residents; AND WHEREAS, if it was not for our municipal public works employees from across the Province of Ontario maintaining our public roads systems, our communities would not be able to function as emergency personnel could not respond to calls, school buses could not get our children to school, residents would not be able to get to work, school or appointments and many more basic functions would not be able to happen; AND WHEREAS, municipal public works departments are already feeling the impacts of a labour shortage, which will only be exacerbated over the next three to five years, which will cause levels of service municipalities are able to provide to ensure the health and safety of our residents to decrease; AND WHEREAS, there is currently no provincial-wide course that properly trains potential municipal public works employees, specifically relating to municipal heavy equipment. THEREFORE IT BE RESOLVED, that the Township of Zorra supports the work of the Association of Ontario Road Supervisors to develop a Municipal Equipment Operator Course to address this issue; AND THAT, the Township of Zorra calls on the Province of Ontario’s Ministry of Labour, Training, Immigration and Skilled Trades to fully fund the Municipal Equipment Operator Course in 2024 through the Skills Development Fund; AND THAT, a copy

THAT item 9(b) be received and filed for information purposes only.

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

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

THAT by-laws 10-24, 11-24, and 13-24 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 12-24 be taken as read a first and second time.

THAT By-law 14-24, being a by-law to confirm the proceedings of Council held February 21, 2024, be read a first, second and third time this February 21, 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 7:18 p.m. and the next meeting of Council be called for the March 6, 2024, at 9:30 a.m. in the Council Chambers at the Township Municipal Office.