Zorra public meetings in 2022
45 substantive meetings from 2022, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
Regular Council
The Township of Zorra Council is meeting to review the 2023 operating and capital budgets, including proposed amendments. The body will also consider lease renewals for facilities and the remuneration contract for the Chief Administrative Officer.
- 2023 Operating Budget and 2023 Capital Budget amendments
- By-law 87-22: Authorize sale to Langlois - 46 Commissioner Street
- By-law 88-22: Thistle Theatre Lease of Embro Town Hall
- By-law 89-22: Embro Lawn Bowling Club Lease of Embro Lawn Bowling Greens
- By-law 90-22: 2023 Wage By-law
Regular Council
The Township of Zorra Council will review the 2023 draft capital budget and the calculation of the tax rate. The meeting includes several staff reports on municipal operations and the consideration of multiple land consent applications.
- 2023 Draft Capital Budget (Report 2022-203)
- Tender 2022-21 for one new 2023 Tandem Combination Plow Truck
- Consent applications for 683548 Road 68, 435834/435871 43rd Line, 138 Washington Street, and 983800 Perth-Oxford Road
- Appointment of Dave Robertson as By-law Enforcement Officer (By-law 81-22)
- Appointment of Geoff Hayman as Fire Prevention Officer (By-law 84-22)
Regular Council
The Township of Zorra Council will discuss a zone change application for lands at 923312 Road 92 to allow for a new residential lot. The meeting also includes reports on the Zorra Maintenance Facility construction and the 2022 budget update.
- Zone Change Application ZN5-22-12 for 923312 Road 92 (Lakeside) to change from General Agricultural to Special Rural Residential
- Report 2022-191: Construction update of the Zorra Maintenance Facility
- Report 2022-178: 2022 Budget to Actual Update
- Proposed amendment to Fireworks By-law 36-14
- Delegation from Nancy Orr regarding Housing Affordability Thesis
Inaugural Council Meeting
The council met for its inaugural session to administer oaths of office and hear remarks from the mayor and councillors. The meeting included the passing of a confirmatory by-law to ratify the proceedings of the session.
- Administration of oaths of office by Justice Abdul Chahbar
- Passing of Confirmatory By-law 77-22
Zorra Multi-Use Court Committee
The committee is meeting to discuss fundraising updates and the 2023 meeting schedule. The session includes a wrap-up of a pickleball tournament and planning for a Christmas Market.
- Report 2022-185 regarding the ZMCC 2023 Meeting Schedule
- Pickleball Tournament wrap-up discussion
- Christmas Market planning
- Donation Letters update
- Fundraising Roundtable
Regular Council
The Township of Zorra Council is meeting to discuss the 2023 budget public meeting schedule and construction updates for the Zorra Maintenance Facility and the Zorra Municipal and Child Care Centre. The body will also consider a by-law to repeal the Deputy Mayor appointment process.
- Report 2022-175 regarding revisions to the 2023 Budget Public Meetings Schedule
- Report 2022-174 construction update of the Zorra Maintenance Facility
- Report 2022-182 construction schedule of Zorra Municipal and Child Care Centre
- By-law 70-22 to repeal Deputy Mayor Appointment 60-00
- Notice of Motion to reimburse Brown's United Church for gravel purchase
Regular Council
The Township of Zorra Council is meeting to discuss the closing and sale of unopened road allowances. The body is reviewing reports on surplus municipal land and considering by-laws to authorize specific property sales.
- By-law 67-22: Argyle Street Road Allowance Closure
- By-law 68-22: Authorize sale to Kingwood for 131 and 149 Brock Street
- Report 2022-169: Closing and sale of 21st Line unopened road (approx. 3.07 acres)
- Report 2022-167: Declaration of Argyle Street (south of John Street) as surplus land
- Report 2022-166: Municipal Office surplus land at 274620 27th Line
Zorra Multi-Use Court Committee
The committee is meeting to review the results of recent fundraising efforts, including a power skating event and a Lions Club meeting. Members will also discuss plans for a Christmas Market and a pickleball tournament.
- TAMHA Power Skating Fundraiser wrap-up
- October 3 Lions Club Meeting wrap-up
- Christmas Market planning
- Pickleball Tournament discussion
- Fundraising progress toward $266,500 goal
Regular Council
The Township of Zorra Council will meet to discuss a minor variance application for a residential garage addition and review several departmental reports. The body will also consider a request regarding a memorial stone in Lakeside.
- Minor Variance Application A17-22 for 249 Seldon Street to reduce side yard width from 1.5m to 0.9m
- Delegation from Glenn Ross of Thamesford Lions Club regarding Don Knox Trail Paving
- Report 2022-126 regarding Electronic Monitoring Policy
- By-law 65-22 to appoint Lottery Licensing Officers
- Construction update on the Zorra Maintenance Facility
Regular Council
Council will review reports on the potential closure and sale of a portion of Argyle Street in Embro and the disposal of Municipal Office property. The meeting includes a decision on a By-law Enforcement Shared Services Agreement and a construction update for the Zorra Maintenance Facility.
- Potential closure and sale of an unopened portion of Argyle Street in Embro
- Disposal of Municipal Office property
- By-law 63-22 By-law Enforcement Shared Services Agreement
- Construction update of the Zorra Maintenance Facility
- Fireworks Exemption Application from Andrew Phillips / Janelle Matheson
Zorra Multi-Use Court Committee
The committee is meeting to review the project outline and coordinate fundraising activities for multi-use courts in Thamesford. Discussions include a $10,000 grant application to the Oxford Community Foundation and various community events.
- 2022 OCF Grant Application for $10,000
- Fundraising goal of $186,550 for courts at the Thamesford Recreation Centre
- Discussion of completed volleyball and Cinnabon fundraisers
- Planning for October Pickleball tournament and November Craft Show
- Formal presentation to the Thamesford Lions Club on October 3rd
Regular Council
The Township of Zorra Council will discuss three minor variance and zone change applications. The meeting includes reports on the 2023 budget review process, a proposed lane closure in Embro, and regulations regarding backyard chickens.
- Minor Variance A15-22: 227 Orchard Avenue (Private Road), Lakeside
- Minor Variance A16-22: 376569 37th Line (Brooksdale)
- Zone Change Zn5-22-07: 682776 Road 68
- Proposed lane closure and property transfer in Embro
- Report 2022-143 regarding the 2023 Budget Schedule / Review Process
Zorra Multi-Use Court Committee
The committee is meeting to discuss the ZMCC logo, including a draft and the selection of a winner. This is part of an effort to bring basketball, ball hockey, tennis, and pickleball courts to Thamesford.
- Review of ZMCC Logo draft
- Selection of ZMCC Logo winner
Zorra Splash Committee
The committee is meeting to receive a construction update and plan the grand opening of the splash pad. This is scheduled to be the final meeting of the Zorra Splash Committee.
- Construction update on the splash pad from the Director of Recreation and Facilities
- Planning for the splash pad grand opening
Regular Council
The Township of Zorra Council will review several zone change applications and minor variance requests. The meeting includes a delegation regarding a Thamesford dog park and reports on the Zorra Maintenance Facility construction.
- Minor Variance Application A13-22 for 416442 41st Line (Shelton Farms Ltd.)
- Minor Variance Application A14-22 for Brock Street (Kingwood Riverside Towns Limited)
- Zone Change Applications ZN5-22-08, ZN 5-22-09, and ZN 5-22-10
- Amendments to Fees By-law 11-09 and Building Fees By-law 18-19
- Request for Expression of Interest for child care at Zorra Municipal Centre
Zorra Multi-Use Court Committee
The committee is meeting to review the project outline and finalize fundraising letters and a local sponsors list. Members will also discuss a graphic design for the project logo and plan a presentation to the Thamesford Lions Club.
- Discussion of $186,550 fundraising goal for courts at Thamesford Recreation Centre
- Review of sponsorship levels ranging from $1,000 to $50,000+
- Planning for October 3rd presentation to Thamesford Lions Club
- Discussion of volleyball tournament scheduled for August 27th
- Review of logo graphic design
Special Council
Council is considering proposals for the construction of a new Municipal Office and an 88-space child care facility. Staff recommend deferring solar panel installation to reduce costs and address a projected budget shortfall.
- Paulsan Construction bid: $6,430,000
- Sierra Construction bid: $7,368,000
- Norlon Builders bid: $10,950,000
- Tender results for a new Custom Cab Pumper for Thamesford Station
- Proposed demolition cost of $468,000 for the municipal project
Zorra Splash Committee
The committee is meeting to receive a verbal update on the construction of the splash pad. Members will also discuss planning for the splash pad's grand opening.
- Verbal update on Splash Pad Construction from the Director of Recreation and Facilities
- Planning for the Splash Pad Grand Opening
Zorra Multi-Use Court Committee
The committee is meeting to discuss fundraising letters, a volleyball tournament, and graphic design for a logo. The session will also cover a fundraising roundtable and the 2022 and 2023 fundraiser calendars.
- Discussion of fundraising letters and donation forms
- Planning for a volleyball tournament
- Review of logo graphic design
- Review of 2022 and 2023 Fundraising Calendars
- Project goal of $266,500 with $961.25 raised from the community as of July 8, 2022
Regular Council
The Township of Zorra Council will discuss a new building permit fee by-law and hear presentations on additional residential units and financial statements. The meeting also includes five minor variance applications and updates on the Zorra Maintenance Facility construction.
- Public meeting to consider a new Building Permit Fee By-law
- Minor variance applications for 883212 Road 88, 16-136 Middleton, 316079 31st Line, 335422 33rd Line, and 117 Argyle Street
- Presentation by Oxford County Development Planner on Additional Residential Units
- Presentation of Township of Zorra Financial Statements by Scrimgeour & Company CPA
- Proposed by-law amendments regarding fencing, parking, civil marriage solemnization, and board appointments
Zorra Splash Committee
The committee is discussing site furnishings and additional construction costs for the Embro splash pad. The meeting includes a verbal update on construction and planning for the grand opening.
- Report 2022-106 proposing $34,690.25 for site furnishings and additional construction items
- Proposed $2,500 donor recognition and information sign
- Proposed $5,400 for 9 armour stone seating units
- Proposed $7,906 for two 4' square picnic tables
- Proposed $6,072 for three benches with concrete pads
Regular Council
Council will discuss the operations and financing of the urban storm water system and hear three minor variance and zoning applications. The meeting also includes reports on building permit fees and recreation customer service improvements.
- Public meeting on Urban Storm Water System Operations and Financing
- Minor Variance Application A06-22 for 154840 15th Line
- Minor Variance Application A07-22 for 355151 35th Line
- Official Plan Amendment OP 22-04-5 and Zone Change ZN 5-22-03 for 233 Dundas Street W
- Report 2022-114 regarding building permit fees
Zorra Multi-Use Court Committee
The committee is meeting to review logo contest submissions and finalize details for a pickleball tournament scheduled for June 18, 2022. The session will also include a fundraising presentation and nominations for a Vice-Chair.
- Review of ZMCC Logo Contest submissions
- Planning for Pickleball Tournament on June 18, 2022
- Vice-Chair nominations
- Fundraising roundtable and presentation
- Discussion of ZMCC Project Outline
Zorra Multi-Use Court Committee
The committee is holding a special meeting to discuss new business regarding the 2022 ZMCC Pickleball Tournament. The agenda includes a review of the tournament poster.
- 2022 ZMCC Pickleball Tournament poster
Regular Council
The Council will discuss a minor variance application and a zone change for Thames Valley Resources Corporation. The meeting includes reviews of monthly departmental reports and decisions on several municipal by-laws.
- Minor Variance Application A05-22 for 194623 19th Line
- By-law 37-22 to authorize the sale of 124 Allen Street to Hogg Construction
- By-law 40-22 for Zone Change ZN5-22-04 (Thames Valley Resources Corporation)
- By-law 39-22 regarding a Driver Training Agreement Between Municipalities
- Report 2022-109 regarding Harrington Community Hall furnace replacement
Zorra Splash Committee
The committee is reviewing site furnishings for the Embro splash pad, including seating and waste receptacles. Members will also discuss basketball relocation, donor recognition for Thamesford, and planning for the splash pad's grand opening.
- Report 2022-106 regarding Embro splash pad site furnishings with approximately $40,000 available for the site
- Discussion on basketball relocation
- Thamesford donor recognition discussion
- Verbal update on splash pad construction
- Planning for the splash pad grand opening
Regular Council
This regular council meeting includes public meetings for two zone change applications by Thames Valley Resources Corporation, plus staff reports on fire apparatus purchase, paving tenders, and policy updates. Council will also consider a by-law enforcement contract and a broadband strategy.
- Zone change ZN5-22-04 for lands at 582950 Road 58 (west side of Putnam Road)
- Zone change ZN5-22-05 for lands at 662787 Road 66 (north side of Road 66)
- Pre-budget approval for RFP for one 2023 Custom Cab Pumper Apparatus for Thamesford Station
- Tender results for hot mix paving, concrete curb, and pulverizing (Tenders 2022-12, 2022-13, 2022-15, 2022-16)
- By-law enforcement services contract with Municipal Enforcement Unit (MEU)
Zorra Multi-Use Court Committee
The Zorra Multi-Use Court Committee is meeting to discuss a potential social media page (requiring Council approval per Policy 200-22), review the project outline, and hold a fundraising roundtable. They will also consider the Recreation Fee Waiver and Reduction Policy. The agenda includes routine items like minutes and next meeting scheduling.
- Discussion of social media page for fundraising, requiring Council resolution
- Review of ZMCC project outline and to-do list
- Fundraising roundtable and logo discussion
- Information item: Policy 700-06 Recreation Fee Waiver and Reduction
- Minutes from April 12, 2022 meeting
Regular Council
The Township of Zorra's Regular Council meeting on May 4, 2022, includes delegations on farmland preservation and urban storm water system operations and financing, plus staff reports on monthly activities, a splash pad project, a plow truck purchase, and property dispositions. Council will also consider a motion to reconsider a decision on 124 Allen Street in Thamesford.
- Delegation: Ontario Federation of Agriculture on farmland preservation
- Delegation: RW2 Engineering on urban storm water system operations and financing options
- Report 2022-087: Embro Splash Pad RFP results
- Report 2022-083: Pre-budget approval for 2023 tandem axle plow/sander truck RFP
- Notice of Motion to Reconsider regarding 124 Allen Street in Thamesford
Zorra Splash Committee
The Zorra Splash Committee is meeting to review the results of the splash pad Request for Proposals (RFP) and receive an update on fundraising. The committee will also consider adopting the minutes from the previous meeting. The agenda includes no delegations or other new business.
- Splash Pad RFP update and results
- Fundraising total update: $271,851.90 raised as of April 21, 2022
- Adoption of minutes from March 24, 2022 meeting
Regular Council
Zorra Council will hold public meetings on three applications: a minor variance and two zone changes, then consider staff reports including 2022 tax rates, a code of conduct update, a child care RFP, and the Zorra Municipal Centre project. They will also pass several by-laws, including the final tax levy and borrowing by-law.
- Minor variance A04-22 for 454964 45th Line (Wilfred Berg and Maria Burks)
- Zone change ZN5-21-07 for 235042 23rd Line (1326502 Ontario Limited and Constance Henderson)
- Zone change ZN5-22-02 for 376709 37th Line (Amy and Scott Lichti)
- Report 2022-075 on 2022 tax rates and by-law
- By-laws 29-22 (Final Tax Levy 2022) and 30-22 (Borrowing By-law 2022)
Zorra Multi-Use Court Committee
The Zorra Multi-Use Court Committee is meeting to discuss fundraising subcommittee options, sponsorship levels, and a roundtable on fundraising. The committee will also address the resignations of members Jeff Ruston and Ashley Herron, and review reports on park washrooms and council resolutions related to the multi-use courts project.
- Report 2022-014 on ZMCC Fundraising Subcommittee Options
- Resignations of Jeff Ruston and Ashley Herron
- Fundraising Sponsorship Levels - Thamesford Skate Park
- Report 2022-057 on Parks Washroom at Robert Fisher Park Thamesford
- Council Resolution 41-03-2022 re multi-use courts project
Regular Council
Zorra Council will consider the 2022 final budget, tender awards for gravel hauling and a motor grader, and an insurance renewal. Delegations will address speeding on Oxford Road 7, the Beachville District Museum, Rural Oxford EDC, and Camp Connect. Council will also review monthly departmental reports and correspondence on wind turbines and asset name registrations.
- 2022 Budget Summary (Report 2022-064)
- Tender results for maintenance gravel hauling and spreading (Tender 2022-06)
- Tender results for one new 2022 Motor Grader (Tender 2022-10)
- 2022/2023 Insurance Renewal (Report 2022-066)
- Child Care Service Provider Request for Proposals (Report 2022-068)
Zorra Splash Committee
The Zorra Splash Committee is meeting virtually to discuss the Splash Pad RFP update. The committee previously raised approximately $355,000 for the project, with about $300,000 allocated to the splash pad and the remainder for servicing and amenities.
- Splash Pad RFP update discussion
- Approximately $355,000 raised for splash pad project
- $75,000 committed by the Township
- About $300,000 allocated to splash pad
- RFP to be posted in spring 2022
Regular Council
Council will hold a public meeting and consider a zoning by-law amendment to allow home daycares to care for up to six children, aligning with provincial law. They will also review the draft 2022 budget, grant requests, and several other reports, including park washroom upgrades and bridge tender results. A closed session is scheduled to discuss land acquisitions.
- Zone change ZN 5-22-01 to increase home daycare children from 5 to 6
- Draft 2022 budget and grant requests report
- Tender results for Bridge 0280 construction
- Parks washroom report for Robert Fisher Park, Thamesford
- Closed session on land acquisitions at 131/149 Brock St, 124 Allen St, and Zorra Municipal Centre
Zorra Multi-Use Court Committee
The Zorra Multi-Use Court Committee will discuss and decide on the structure of fundraising subcommittees, review sponsorship levels, and address the resignations of two members. The committee is also reviewing a project outline and survey results on member interest in subcommittees.
- Report 2022-014 on ZMCC Fundraising Subcommittee Options
- Resignations of members Jeff Ruston and Ashley Herron
- Fundraising Sponsorship Levels (Thamesford Skate Park example)
- Council Resolution 38-02-22 regarding ZMCC member resignations
- ZMCC Project Outline (list and chart)
Zorra Recreation Advisory Committee
The Zorra Recreation Advisory Committee is meeting to discuss task force goals, recreation department updates, and the draft 2022-2026 Five Year Capital Budget. The agenda also includes updates from the Multi-Use Courts and Splash committees, and a community membership program. The meeting is largely informational, with no major decisions listed on the agenda.
- Draft 2022-2026 Five Year Capital Budget
- Recreation Department Monthly Report - January 2022
- Zorra Multi-Use Courts Committee update
- Zorra Splash Committee update
- Community Membership Program (Council resolution 14-02-2022)
Regular Council
Zorra Council will hold public meetings for a minor variance application by Sherry Thornton and a zone change application by Cartmale Farms, then consider staff reports including the 2022-2026 capital budget, a tender for a new pickup truck, and several by-laws. The meeting also includes notices of motion on free menstrual products and renting the TDRC to the Oxford Community Foundation, plus a closed session for personnel and land matters.
- Minor Variance A02-22 (Sherry Thornton) at 154437 15th Line: reduce rear yard from 7.5m to 0.75m and side yard from 7.5m to 4.0m
- Zone Change ZN 5-21-10 (Cartmale Farms) at 643542 Road 64: by-law 16-22
- Tender 2022-02 for one new 3/4 ton pickup truck (Report 2022-036)
- Draft 2022-2026 Five Year Capital Budget (Report 2022-034)
- By-law 12-22: Five9 Solutions Inc. agreement for fire communications maintenance
Zorra Multi-Use Court Committee
The Zorra Multi-Use Court Committee will discuss and decide on the structure of fundraising subcommittees, review sponsorship levels for donors, and address a member resignation. The committee is also reviewing the project outline and survey results on member interest in subcommittees.
- Report 2022-014 on ZMCC Fundraising Subcommittee Options
- ZMCC Subcommittee Survey Results
- Fundraising Sponsorship Levels - Thamesford Skate Park
- Notice of ZMCC Resignation from member Jeff Ruston
- ZMCC Project Outline
Regular Council
The Township of Zorra Council is meeting virtually to discuss and decide on several items, including a broadband update from SWIFT, monthly departmental reports, and potential disposal of municipal properties. Key decisions involve by-laws for closing and selling portions of Road 96, acquiring land, and approving a wage and salary by-law. The agenda also includes a request for comments on a consent application for land at 145 Brock Street.
- By-laws 05-22 to 08-22: closing, dedicating, selling, and acquiring land for Road 96
- By-law 10-22: 2022 Wage and Salary By-law, repealing 84-21
- Report 2022-006: Road widening on Road 96
- Report 2022-028: Potential disposal of Township Municipal Office Property at 149 and 131 Brock Street
- Delegation: Barry Field, SWIFT, on Zorra Broadband Update
Zorra Splash Committee
The Zorra Splash Committee is meeting to discuss the splash pad project, including design and RFP, and to consider adopting the 2022 meeting schedule. They will also review a report on the township's advisory committee review, which recommends dissolving some committees.
- Discussion on splash pad design and RFP process
- Adoption of 2022 meeting schedule (monthly, fourth Thursday)
- Report 2021-191 on advisory committee review, recommending dissolving ZRAC and ZCPC
- Fundraising and grant update
Zorra Recreation Advisory Committee
The Zorra Recreation Advisory Committee is meeting to discuss 2022 goals, review focus group surveys, and address the resignation of a member. They will also receive updates on recreation rates, the Embro Community Centre pavilion proposal, and reports from subcommittees. A key item is a staff recommendation to dissolve the committee, which will be discussed.
- Delegation on Community Memberships Program
- Review of 2022 Committee Goals
- Resignation of committee member Derek Collins
- Memorandum 2021-191 recommending dissolution of ZRAC
- Recreation Rates and Fees Annual Review
Regular Council
This regular Council meeting includes public hearings for two minor variance applications, a delegation on home daycare, and several staff reports. Council will consider a zoning by-law amendment for home daycare, a fire protection agreement with Ingersoll, and an interim tax collection by-law. The meeting also includes routine reports and a notice of motion on sidewalk data collection.
- Minor Variance A13-21 by Jason and Melissa Wesselson at 804237 Road 80 and 435729 43rd Line
- Minor Variance A01-22 by Geoffrey and Patricia Wallace at 256413 Sunova Crescent
- Zoning By-law Amendment 02-22 for Home Daycare
- Zorra-Ingersoll Fire Protection Services Agreement (By-law 03-22)
- Interim Collection of Taxes By-law 01-22
Zorra Community Policing Committee
The Zorra Community Policing Committee is meeting to discuss ATV/ORV usage in the township, a resolution on protective elements by-law, a report on committee reviews, and a resolution from Sarnia on catch-and-release justice. The agenda includes routine items like minutes and public question period.
- Discussion of ATV usage and Council resolutions from Nov 3 and Dec 15, 2021
- ZCPC resolution on Protective Elements By-law forwarded to Council
- Report on Zorra Township Advisory Committee Review (2021-191)
- Resolution from City of Sarnia regarding Catch and Release Justice
Zorra Multi-Use Court Committee
The Zorra Multi-Use Court Committee is meeting virtually to discuss and decide on the structure of fundraising subcommittees for the multi-use courts project. They will also consider adopting the 2022 meeting schedule and review the project outline. The committee cannot begin fundraising until Council approves the proposal.
- Report 2022-014: options for fundraising subcommittees (one, two, or several)
- Report 2022-009: proposed 2022 meeting schedule (monthly, no December)
- Project outline review: includes four 60x120 ft courts (ball hockey/basketball, pickleball/tennis)
- Funding model: 30% Township, 70% fundraising for full project
- Council to consider washroom/changeroom at TDRC in 2022 capital budget