Councillor Storey questioned when the next report on the former Sears building will be coming back to Council and what that report will contain. The General Manager of Infrastructure and Engineering Services explained that the project is currently in the concept design phase. There is still stakeholder engagement and public consultation that will be conducted during the summer. It is anticipated that the next report will come to Council in the fall with a floor plan and cost estimates. If Council approves the concept, the project will move on to the detailed design phase.
Councillor Storey noted that May 26st to June 1st National Accessibility Week. She thanked the Accessibility Advisory Committee for their dedication to the work that they do.
Councillor Anderson explained that the Great Lakes St. Lawrence Cities Initiative is a bi-national committee of Mayors from Canada and the USA that advocate and provide pressure for funding from upper levels of government to protect, preserve, strengthen, and enhance the St. Lawrence and Great Lakes water basin. She had the opportunity to proxy for Mayor Canniff as a member on this committee. She provided a summary from a recent meeting she attended.
Councillor Doyle sought clarification on how residents put in complaints for long grass and weeds. The General Manager of Infrastructure and Engineering Services noted that complaints can be put through to 311 and a By-law Enforcement Officer will review the complaint.
Councillor Doyle questioned how any future vacancies on Council would be handled since Council has set the precedent of appointing the next runner up. The Clerk explained that each situation is unique and should another vacancy occur administration will review the options and bring it to Council for a decision.
Councillor McDonald thanked former Councillor Steve Pinsonneault for his years of services to the residents of Ward 3 and Chatham-Kent as a whole and congratulated him on being elected at the Member of Provincial Parliament for Lambton-Kent Middlesex.
Councillor McGrail invited everyone to the grand opening of the Dresden Dog Park.
Councillor Wright congratulated Councillor McDonald for being appointed as a Ward 3 Councillor.