Whereas residents of the Town of Essex have reported to Council an increase in calls of service to the OPP; 

Whereas the Town of Essex is a member of the Essex County OPP Detachment Board – North; and

Whereas in the Town of Essex there exists organizations who work to assist with people who require social housing support.

Now Therefore Be It Resolved That Council direct Administration to write a letter to:

1.    Essex County OPP Detachment Board – North requesting an increase to theft prevention by the OPP in the Town of Essex; and

2.    Windsor Essex Community Housing Corporation requesting that the organization review their policies and procedures to improve social housing practices for those residents in need in the Town of Essex.

Whereas Heritage Colchester acts as a volunteer steward of the Colchester Schoolhouse, a Town-owned heritage asset, and raises funds to preserve and improve the property; 

Whereas Heritage Colchester has committed to engaging professionals to complete engineering and design work related to improvements to the Colchester Schoolhouse at an estimated cost of $24,200 (including non-refundable taxes); 

Whereas the Town, as property owner, will reasonably require input and approval regarding the design and implementation of such improvements to its property; and

Whereas funds raised by Heritage Colchester can have a greater direct impact when directed toward the physical preservation and improvement of the Colchester Schoolhouse rather than professional costs associated with planning improvements to a Town-owned asset.

Now Therefore Be It Resolved That Council direct Administration to provide a:

1. Matching contribution equal to Heritage Colchester's contribution toward the engineering and professional design work currently underway for improvements to the Colchester Schoolhouse, estimated at $12,100.00 (including non-refundable taxes), to be funded from the Council Contingency Fund; and
2. Report to Council considering a process whereby the Town of Essex would assume responsibility for future engineering, architectural and other professional costs deemed by the Town to be reasonably required for approved capital improvements to the Colchester Schoolhouse, while Heritage Colchester focuses its fundraising and available funding on the physical improvements and preservation of the property. It is suggested that such report identify the current division of responsibility for engineering, professional services, maintenance and capital improvements at other Town-owned heritage facilities, including the Essex Railway Station, to help ensure a fair and consistent approach to Town-owned heritage assets. 

Whereas Town of Essex By-Law 2159, as amended by By-Law 2422, among other things, sets out the procedures for publishing agendas and considering delegation requests related to a Regular Meeting of Council; and

Whereas the Town’s Code of Conduct for Council and Committee Members sets out guidelines and principles for Council and Committee Members; and

Whereas the Town’s procedural By-Law 2159, as amended by By-Law 2422, and Code of Conduct for Council and Committee Members influences the way that a sitting Council conducts its business; and

Whereas Council deems it expedient to conduct regular reviews of the Town’s procedural By-Law 2159, as amended by By-Law 2422, and Code of Conduct for Council and Committee Members; and

Whereas longer agenda posting periods would provide increased time for Council to digest agenda materials, allow the community a longer feedback window, and give residents increased time to decide whether to appear as a delegation.

Now Therefore Be It Resolved That Council direct Administration to provide a report to the Town’s incoming Council reviewing and proposing potential amendments to the Town’s procedural By-Law 2159, as amended by By-Law 2422, and Code of Conduct for Council and Committee Members. Administration should consider including the following in such report:

1. Regular Council Meeting agendas be publicly posted no later than seven (7) days prior to the scheduled meeting date;
2. Delegation Request deadlines be adjusted given the longer posting window; and
3. Members of Council be restricted from making public statements, social media posts, or public comments advocating a position on a specific agenda item until the close of business on the next business day following that agenda's public posting.