Regular Council

THAT the agenda be adopted as amended to pull item 17 after item 6(a), and item 9.4(c) before item 9.3(a).

THAT Council amend the agenda to move item 9.4(a) to follow item 7(b).

THAT the minutes from the October 15, 2025 Council meeting be adopted as printed and circulated.

THAT the Council meeting be adjourned at 9:33 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 a Minor Variance Application.

THAT the Township of Zorra Committee of Adjustment approve Application A18-25, submitted by Tammy Betzner for lands described as Part Lot 6, Concession 12, (East Nissouri), Part 2 of 41R3682, municipally known as 743129 Road 74, Township of Zorra as it relates to: 1. Relief from Section 5.4.2.3 – Provisions for all Additional Residential Units, to permit a maximum cumulative gross floor area of approximately 54% (140 m2 / 1,500 ft2 ) of the existing dwelling rather than the maximum permitted 50% (130 m2 / 1,400 ft2 ) of the existing dwelling, and; 2. Relief from Section 5.4.2.4 – Provisions for Detached Additional Residential Units, to permit a maximum height of 5.9 m (19.4 ft) rather than the maximum permitted 5 m (16.4 ft), To facilitate the establishment of a detached additional residential unit (ARU) on a property zoned ‘Limited Agricultural (A1) Zone’.

THAT Council move out of the Committee of Adjustment, and pursuant to the Planning Act that the public meeting be adjourned at 9:39 a.m. and the regular meeting of Council be called back to order.

THAT Report 2025-113 from the Director of Public Services be received and filed for information purposes only.

THAT Report 2025-105 from the Manager of Recreation and Facilities be received and filed for information purposes only.

THAT Report 2025-117 from the Manager of Emergency Services/Fire Chief be received and filed for information purposes only.

THAT Report 2025-118 from the Fire Chief / Manager of Emergency Services be received and filed for information purposes only.

THAT Report 2025-110 from the By-law Enforcement Office be received and filed for information purposes only.

THAT Report 2025-104 from the Chief Building Official / Drainage Superintendent be received and filed for information purposes only.

THAT Council direct Staff to move forward with landowner notification of intent to abandon the McLellan Drain 1963.

THAT Council direct Staff to move forward with landowner notification of intent to abandon the Manzer McLellan Drain.

THAT the Township of Zorra does not proceed with the proposed agreement with the Thames Valley District School Board to fund facilities in the new Thamesford public school; AND THAT transfers to the facilities reserve in the 2026 budget be reduced by $308,754.

THAT Council direct staff to review policy 500-06 Community Partnership Program: Operating Grant and provide recommendations in a report to address the following: 1. consideration of a maximum budget value for the program and/or maximum individual grant application requests value; 2. potential for duplication of granting/cost reduction impact when considering applications from sport organizations; 3. any additional recommendations based on experienced challenges in administering the policy on an operational level.

THAT Council direct staff to prepare a report that includes the 5-year historical amounts of grants provided to Beachville District Museum, Ingersoll Cemetery, and Rural Oxford EDC, and include a high level review of existing agreements and submission processes to identify if increases to budget are measured and what context is provided, with the intention to move towards aligning to our budget practices of identifying increases to service level changes, one-time expenditures, and impact of inflation for increased transparency.

THAT Council approve in principle the 2026 Operating Budget from Report 2025-119 for final adoption at the November 19 Council meeting.

THAT Council approve in principle the 2026 Capital budget from Report 2025-119 for final adoption at the November 19 Council meeting.

THAT Council allow applications for agriculturally-integrated projects, as generally described by Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness, to be considered for municipal support.

THAT Report 2025-116 from the Strategic Initiatives Coordinator be received and filed for information purposes only.

THAT Report 2025-112 from the Chief Administrative Officer be received and filed for information purposes only.

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

THAT Council extend their appreciation to Rob Parkhill for his time and efforts on ROEDC; AND THAT Council directs Staff to move forward with recruitment for a new board member; AND THAT this resolution be sent to ROEDC.

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

THAT items 12(a) be received and filed for information purposes only.

THAT by-law 45-25 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 9:40 a.m. pursuant to Section 239.2 (b) personal matters about an identifiable individual, including municipal or local board employees.

THAT By-law 46-25, being a by-law to confirm the proceedings of Council held November 5, 2025, be read a first, second and third time this November 5, 2025; 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 3:59 p.m. and the next meeting of Council be called for the November 19, 2025, at 4:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers at the Zorra Municipal Centre.