For Immediate Release
Tuesday, September 13, 2022

Council Connect: Highlights from September 13, 2022 meetings of Council

Tecumseh Town Council met this evening and here are the highlights:

Special Council Meetings

Customer Service Update: In 2021 as part of the Town’s Organizational review a study was conducted that provided observations and recommendations surrounding Customer Service.  At this special meeting, Council was provided an update with a presentation that included an overview of research findings, highlights of the draft Customer Service Strategy, options for the Town’s phone system and next steps.   Council and Administration are committed to increased customer satisfaction and creating a culture of customer service. Council received the report and recommended that Administration be directed to pursue Option 2, with provision for Option 3 to be reviewed for the 2023 Budget.

Regular Meeting of Council

County Wide Active Transportation System (CWATS): Council received the report for the County Wide Active Transportation System, a project that aims to build a network of trails and encourages active transportation in Essex County. The report outlines the details of the proposed projects for 2023, which are related to detail design of active transportation infrastructure. Additionally, it outlines the Proposed 2023 Municipal Partnership Program (MPP) Projects (a one-week bike camp, bike rodeo and bike valet at various Town events). Funding for this project from the Infrastructure Reserve was approved for the purpose of the CWATS application and referred to the 2023 Budget process. Council approved the report.

Inaugural Meeting of Council-Elect 2022: Council approved that the Inaugural Meeting of the Council-elect for the 2022-2026 term be held on Tuesday, November 15, 2022, at 7:00 pm at the Ciociaro Club of Windsor, located at 3475 North Talbot Road, Tecumseh.

Alley Closing and Transfer of Land Abutting 374 and 382 Barry Avenue and 12748 Little River Boulevard: Council received and approved the report LCS-2022-31. The report outlines that the Acting Clerk prepare a by-law to close up and authorize the sale of the alley located between 374 and 382 Barry Avenue and Little River Boulevard to the neighbouring property owners. The by-law is  to be confirmed at the September 27, 2022 Regular Council Meeting. The cost of the closure and conveyance will be the responsibility of all the neighbouring property owners.

Call for 2022 Award Nominations: Due to the Municipal and School Board election running from October 14 – 24, it was recommend the call for 2022 Award Nominations for the Dr. Henri Breault Award, Donny Massender Award, the Senior of the Year Award and the Youth of the Year Award be moved to January, 2023. Thereafter, submissions would be considered at a Special Meeting of Council on Tuesday, March 14, 2023. Council approved the report.

Committees and Local Boards Application and Selection Process for 2023: Council approved the recommendation for the Notice of the Call for Applications for Statutory Committees and Local Boards be posted to the Town’s website and Facebook page, advertised in the local media, delivered to the current Local Board Members, displayed on the Town’s LED signs and posted in prominent locations in the Town’s facilities in September 2022. Additionally, the Notice of the Call for Applications for non-statutory Advisory Committees was deferred in order to allow Administration to review these committees and  report back to Council on findings and recommendations. A Special Meeting of Council will be scheduled for Tuesday, December 13, 2022, at 6:00 pm for the purpose of appointments.

Transfer of Municipal Roads to the Town of Tecumseh: Council approved the recommendation for report PWES-2022-38 to transfer a portion of Outer Drive and a portion of South Talbot Road back to the Town of Tecumseh from the Ministry of Transportation (MTO) ownership. The MTO previously assumed part of Outer Drive and South Talbot Road during construction of the Right Honourable Herb Gray Parkway which was completed in 2021. The MTO will add these roadway transfers to the Ministry’s list of planned municipal transfers. At this time, the MTO does not have an anticipated timeline but will advise the Town accordingly.

2021 Year-End Budget Variance Report: The 2021 year-end budget variance report was received by Council. The report showed a property tax supported surplus of $1.3M and a water/wastewater rate supported surplus of $500K. Primary factors that contributed to the tax supported surplus include: unbudgeted grant funding, position vacancies, materials and supplies savings, and a reduction to contract services costs. Factors that contributed to the rate supported surplus include: lower wastewater treatment rates, an increase in non-residential water sales and a lower rate for water purchases. Surpluses will be transferred to the: tax rate stabilization reserve to mitigate future tax increases, infrastructure reserve to be used for capital projects, and water/wastewater rate stabilization reserves to mitigate future rate increases. Council approved the report.

Payroll Process Review Update: Council received a report on the payroll process review. Administration will report back to Council with a further update following results of the upcoming financial software system review in October 2022. Council approved this report.

E-Scooters/Bike Program: Council approved the motion for Administration to investigate an E-Scooter/Bike Program as a pilot project and report back to Council with options and budget implications in time for consideration during the 2023 budget deliberations.

Next Regular Meeting: The next regular meeting of Council is September 27, 2022. The meeting is scheduled to be held electronically. The agenda and livestream will be available on the Town’s website. Follow the Town of Tecumseh on Facebook and Twitter for news and the latest information.