Council Meeting

Resolved that the September 18, 2023, Council meeting agenda be approved.

Resolved that FC-23-015 from the Finance Committee minutes of September 14th, 2023 be lifted for separate consideration.

Resolved that the following minutes be approved:  Corporate Services Committee - September 5, 2023  Council - September 5, 2023  Planning and Development Committee, as amended - September 6, 2023  Finance Committee - September 14, 2023

Resolved that a tourism working group be established consisting of Frank Commisso, Councillor Howe, Rebecca Shelley, Belinda Anderson and Simon Duong for a term of 18 months. Yes (7): Mayor Jordan, Councillor Davoli, Councillor Freake, Councillor Howe, Councillor Vardy, Councillor Korstanje, and Councillor Baradziej No (2): Councillor Charrois, and Councillor DiFlavio

Resolved that the Grimsby Public Library Board minutes of May 10, 2023 and June 14, 2023 be received.

Whereas Section 239 of the Municipal Act, 2001 outlines the reasons for Council to go into a Closed Meeting; and Whereas the Town of Grimsby’s Procedural By-law 20-65, section 3.7(10) states: “No Member shall distribute any reports or items, or disclose the nature or content of discussions regarding any matters that are part of a closed session without the prior approval of Council.” Therefore be it resolved that the Town Clerk be asked to provide Council with options for consideration respecting increased security of the matters being discussed at Council’s Closed Meetings; and Be it further resolved that Procedural By-law 20-65, be amended to reflect the changes.

Resolved that Councillor Vardy's notice of motion be

Whereas there have been 8 car vs pedestrian/cyclist accidents (one resident per month) as of August 26, 2023 this year, and 10 vehicle accidents as of this date this year (see annex; this does not include accidents on the QEW); and Whereas the Niagara Region will implement its Vision Zero plan in 2024, whose goal is to improve road safety for all users. Improving road safety, reducing speeding and reducing dangerous driving are key priorities; and Whereas road safety is a fundamental concern that directly affects the lives of our residents. Despite various measures in place, the current speed limit of 50 km/h on certain roads remains a matter of concern due to escalating accidents, injuries, and fatalities; and Whereas studies have consistently shown that reducing speed limits can significantly decrease the likelihood and severity of accidents, thereby safeguarding both motorists and pedestrians; and Whereas lowering the speed limit to 40 km/h will provide pedestrians with an increased chance of survival in the event of a collision. At this reduced speed, the braking distance is shorter, allowing drivers more time to react to unexpected situations involving pedestrians, especially children and the elderly; and Whereas a lower speed limit has the potential to reduce the number of accidents on our roads. Studies from various jurisdictions have demonstrated that a modest reduction in speed limits can lead to a substantial decline in accidents, ultimately saving lives and reducin

Resolved that Council meet in closed session under Section 239(2)(f), where a closed meeting is held if the subject matter being considered is advice that is subject to solicitor-client privilege, including communications necessary for that purpose.

Whereas the Ontario Land Tribunal, in its Decision issued on August 3, 2023, approved an application for a minor variance to permit the establishment of a hemp processing facility at 29 Kemp Road; And whereas the proponent possesses a license issued by Health Canada under the Federal Industrial Hemp Regulations to permit the cultivation and processing of industrial hemp, which is distinct from odour-causing cannabis; And whereas the Ontario Land Tribunal recognized in its Decision that the Town can implement controls through Site Plan Approval to ensure that appropriate measures are put in place to mitigate any impacts of processing and cultivation; And whereas through the review and appeal process with respect to the minor variance and the pre-consultation process with respect to the Site Plan Approval application, Town Staff and circulation agencies have identified the required supporting documentation; Therefore be it resolved that:  An Application for Site Plan Approval be processed in accordance with By-law 22-51, as amended, including requiring and implementing such mitigation measures as may be appropriate; and  Staff provide an update to Council once the Site Plan Approval application has been processed and/or in the event of any difficulties in implementing required mitigation measures.

Resolved that leave be given to introduce By-law 23-79 and that the same be read a first time, considered, and passed.