County Council Highlights for Aug. 14, 2024
Warden Applauds Summer Events in Essex County
With so many events to attend and enjoy, summer is a great time to be in Essex County, Warden Hilda MacDonald said in her opening remarks at Wednesday’s council meeting.
“This past weekend, we celebrated our agricultural history at the Essex County Steam and Gas Engine Museum Show in McGregor; we kicked back at the Kingsville Music Festival; we kicked up our heels at the Comber Fair; we gathered for the reopening of the Bert Lacasse Ball Park in Tecumseh; and we enjoyed another Open Air Weekend in Amherstburg,” she said.
“This Friday, the Lakeshore Park Concert Series is featuring an acoustic guitarist at Stoney Point Community Park. Later this month, you don’t want to miss the local music, food and vendors at the LaSalle Night Market. And in Leamington, we are continuing to celebrate our 150th anniversary with free concerts at the scenic SUNSET Amphitheatre. No matter where we live in Essex County, we are never far from great events and summer entertainment!”
MacDonald encouraged the public to help the Essex County Accessibility Advisory Committee make sure trails and pathways are accessible to those of all abilities by completing the We Check the Trails feedback form.
She also noted that Pathway to Potential is developing a Quality of Life Index for Windsor-Essex. Residents can learn more and provide their thoughts at a public consultation Thursday (Aug. 15) at the Nature Fresh Farms Recreation Centre in Leamington from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Council Supports Amherstburg Resolution on Phragmites
Council supported a resolution by Amherstburg Council to address as a region the spread of Phragmites, an invasive plant that “significantly threatens our local ecosystems, waterways and infrastructure.”
Council directed the County’s CAO to raise the issue at a meeting of the CAOs of the local municipalities.
Reserve Management Policy Established
Essex County Council adopted a new Reserve Management Policy that provides guidance for informed, prudent and sustainable long-term financial decisions.
The policy includes setting targets for how much should be in each reserve and reserve fund, as well as requiring that they be monitored and reported on regularly. Council also approved some transfers and amalgamations of funds recommended in an administrative report.
Records Destruction Policy Updated
Council approved updates and revisions to the Records Destruction Policy, as recommended by administration. The policy has also been changed from a corporate one, for which changes require council approval, to an administrative one, for which changes are approved by the chief administrative officer.
Essex County’s overarching Records Management Program Policy is a corporate policy that can only be changed by council. The Records Destruction Policy sets out how records may be destroyed and by whom.
Net Surplus Projected for 2024
Based on financial results for the first six months of the year, the County of Essex is projected to end 2024 with a surplus. The estimated surplus of $487,420 is the result of operational savings that were not anticipated in the budget, says a report to council.
County to Review Conditions at Intersection in Amherstburg
Essex County’s Infrastructure and Planning Services department will review traffic and pedestrian conditions at the intersection of County Road 20 and Lowes Side Road in Amherstburg.
The town requested the review and is asking the county to consider reducing the posted speed limit along County Road 20 from Lowes Side Road south for approximately 500 metres, as well as installing signed crosswalks at the intersection.