County Council Highlights for June 19, 2024
Warden Urges Respect and Patience for Road Workers
Warden Hilda MacDonald in her opening remarks to Essex County Council on Wednesday urged drivers to show respect and patience for road maintenance and construction workers.
“Please slow down, be patient and follow the posted directions when driving around crews doing roadwork,” she said. “Your attention and patience are greatly appreciated. It will make this summer a safer and more enjoyable one for everyone.”
The warden thanked Essex County Infrastructure and Planning Services staff and public works staff at the seven local municipalities for the work they are doing to keep the region’s road network in good shape.
She also thanked staff at Sun Parlor Home, who celebrated the first National Long-Term Care Day on June 14.
“We are deeply grateful to all long-term care workers across Windsor-Essex for their hard work and commitment to providing care and support to residents,” MacDonald said.
She closed by congratulating Essex-Windsor EMS District Chiefs David Jacobs and Mike Jacobs for each providing more than 45 years of service, calling their passion and dedication to the paramedic team “outstanding.”
Health Unit Provides Program Update
Windsor-Essex County Health Unit officials gave council an update on its programs and on the province’s initiative to strengthen the public health sector.
The presentation included details of the programs for which the health unit is responsible in nine areas, ranging from safe water to substance use and injury prevention. It was also noted that the Ontario government is moving forward with a strategy to strengthen the public health sector, which is expected to be implemented in early 2025.
Regional Shoreline Natural Hazard Mapping Complete
The Essex Region Shoreline Natural Hazard Mapping report and updated maps have been reviewed and are ready to be finalized for use by municipal planners and the Essex Region Conservation Authority.
Essex County Council was provided with an update by consultant Pete Zuzek, of Zuzek Inc., and a report summarizing the project to date. The report will also be presented to the conservation authority board on June 20. After that, the mapping will be finalized in accordance with the conservation authority’s regulations and provincial technical manuals that are used when assessing development proposals under the Conservation Authorities Act.”
The total cost of the mapping project was $436,226, with $138,113 coming from the county, $40,000 from the City of Windsor and the remainder from federal and provincial grants.
Auditor Approves 2023 County Consolidated Financial Statements
Audited 2023 statements for the County of Essex show its finances are in good shape to meet its service and financial obligations, says a report to council. In its audit, KPMG concluded the 2023 consolidated financial statements fairly and appropriately represent Essex County’s financial position.
Traffic Signal Planned for Intersection of County Roads 9 and 10
Infrastructure to accommodate traffic lights at the intersection of County Road 9 and County Road 10 is being built into a new bridge under construction at the site.
After Essex County Council requested a traffic study, Infrastructure and Planning Services staff conducted an analysis that found the intersection is close to meeting the requirements for a traffic signal, says a report to council.
The staff worked with the bridge contractor to add the required infrastructure to support a traffic signal at a cost of $376,000, which can be covered by the 2024 road rehabilitation budget, says the report. The rest of the traffic light infrastructure and equipment could be added a later date pending council approval.
Amherstburg Mayor Michael Prue introduced a Notice of Motion for the light to be installed this year. It will be debated at an upcoming meeting of Council.
Cost Sharing Agreement Authorized for County Road 42 Water Main
Council has authorized a cost sharing agreement with the Town of Tecumseh for a new water main that is being installed as part of Phase 2 of the reconstruction of County Road 42.
The new water main was requested by the town and is expected to cost $2.4 million, says a report to council. That is roughly a tenth of the total cost of $22 million for the Phase 2 construction, which also includes the creation of a roundabout at the County 42 and County Road 43 intersection, re-alignment of County Road 43, improvements to Tecumseh Concession Road 11 and the addition of multi-use trails.
Plan Approved to Rent Unused Sun Parlor Home Parcel for Cell Tower
A company that builds and owns towers used for cellphone signals wants to lease an unused piece of land at the back of Sun Parlor Home. Council has given the go-ahead for administration to conclude an agreement with Shared Tower Inc. for a project aimed at improving cell phone connectivity in the Leamington area.
It has been recommended that the income from the lease be put into a fund dedicated to Sun Parlor Home to support social events and other needs for residents.
Under the proposed agreement, the base rent for the 80-square-metre parcel of land would be $10,000 a year for the first five years. The first cell signal installation on the tower would be covered, but each subsequent one would increase the rent by $200 a month. Shared Tower would have the option to renew for at least two additional five-year terms, with the base rent increasing 7.5 per cent each term.
Options for Redeveloping Sun Parlor Home being Explored
A feasibility study and building condition assessment of Sun Parlor Home completed earlier this year indicate that Essex County should increase the funds it is setting aside to repair, redevelop or rebuild the municipal long-term care building, says a report to council.
Council has authorized administration to hire a consultant to further explore whether it should continue with the current aging building, redevelop the building or construct a new facility.