The meeting was chaired by Deputy Mayor John Brennan, in the absence of the mayor.
Organizational Review
John Nas of Blackline Consulting presented Council with a summary of the Organizational Service Delivery Review. Blackline was contracted to complete the organizational review in 2022, with funding provided through the Provincial Municipal Modernization Program. This project was undertaken jointly by the municipalities of Middlesex Centre, Strathroy-Caradoc, and Thames Centre, with each municipality receiving an individual review and recommendations.
The organizational review examined the current state of the municipality’s staff, fleet and facilities, and presented recommendations and strategies for future growth in these areas in five-year increments. Recommendations were based on the population changes expected in Middlesex Centre over the next 20 years and looking at municipal peers from across Ontario.
High-level findings from the review:
- The municipality is well-positioned for growth.
- The corporate services department (general governance) is underfunded, and staffing levels are much lower in that department compared to other Ontario municipalities.
- The municipality will need an additional 18 positions across all departments over the next 20 years, assuming automation continues to be embraced as it is now. Without automation, that number increases to 35 additional positions. Growth with automation has the potential to avoid labour expenses of up to $1.4 million/year (in 2041).
- The municipality will need to invest in facilities for operations (public works/fleet) in the next five years, and in more recreational facilities (increased indoor space) in about 2036.
Council directed staff to bring the recommendations in the organizational review forward for consideration as part of the annual budget process.
Municipal Office Renovation
In September of 2022, Council approved renovations and additions to the municipal office in Coldstream. Since that time, the plans have been changed to reduce the scale of the additions and minimize interior renovations. Even with these cost-saving measures, the overall project budget has increased.
To address this, Council approved the new project budget of $5.7 million and approved the use of additional money from various reserve funds to cover the difference. The project is still being paid by funds set aside in reserves, and not impacting the tax levy.
In Brief
During the meeting, Council also:
- Received notification that the Thames Valley District School Board is undertaking an attendance area review for secondary schools in its jurisdiction.
- As part of the agreement with the YMCA of Southwestern Ontario in relation to the operation of the Komoka Wellness Centre, Middlesex Centre donates back a portion of any operational surplus revenue to the YMCA Strong Kids Program. Council received a report in regard to this donation for 2022, which amounted to $1,083.60.
- Received a summary of the actions undertaken by the municipality with respect to its diversity, equity and inclusion policy in 2022.
- Approved two matters related to municipal drains: 1) a tile drain loan to a local farm and 2) that staff proceed with work on the Bear Creek Drain improvements.
Planning Matters
A large portion of this meeting was dedicated to various planning matters. Of note, Council adopted an official plan amendment and deferred a zoning by-law amendment for a proposed condominium on Dausett Drive, and Council refused a planning application for a proposed condominium on Elmhurst Street.
Next Council Meeting
The next regularly scheduled Middlesex Centre Council Meeting is set for Wednesday, March 1, 2023, at 9:30 a.m. Meeting times are subject to change, so please confirm with the meeting agenda when posted.
For More Information
For more details on any of these items, see the full meeting agenda or contact the Municipal Clerk. You can view the meeting on YouTube.
Meeting highlights are prepared to give residents timely updates on council decisions. The Council Meeting Minutes are the official record of the meeting