It wasn't listed on the agenda, but city councillors heard a brief update about the current pothole situation.
"We have some good news, we're getting a second hot box. We had great success with that last year," said General Manager of Engineering and Operations David Jackson. "It doesn't solve the problem tomorrow, but our staff are working extra right now."
The specialized piece of equipment keeps hot mix asphalt in a workable state so that it's easier to compact into the ground.
----
Sarnia's Integrity Commissioner will not be the one to investigate a complaint filed against City/County Councillor Bill Dennis by Aamjiwnaang First Nation Chief Janelle Nahmabin.
Benjamin Drory submitted a letter to city council on Monday, recommending that the matter be solely addressed by Rebecca Hines of Hunter Legal LLP, who has been externally delegated to handle the matter respecting the Lambton County complaint.
The complaint against Dennis was related to his comments during a county council meeting in November 2024.
Sarnia council later directed Drory to investigate the complaint during its February meeting.
"It is not appropriate for me to intervene in what I consider a county matter," said Drory in his letter to city council.
---
City council unanimously supported a motion by Mayor Mike Bradley to have staff review the current procurement policy to ensure there's a focus on buying Canadian goods and services first, regardless of the outcome of the tariff dispute between Canada and the U.S.
Councillor Chrissy McRoberts later "piggybacked" on Bradley's motion, asking if local businesses could be prioritized.
"We can certainly touch on that in the report that will be coming to council, to address buying local options," said Acting City Solicitor Randi Kalar.
---
Sarnia council has awarded a $1.7 million contract to Schouten Excavating Inc. for the reconstruction of Nelson Street, between Front Street and Christina Street.
The reconstruction project will be funded from the sewer/water/road capital budget.
---
Henry Heyink Construction Ltd. was awarded a contract, worth just over $2 million, for the reconstruction of Forsyth Street and Essex Street.
The project area will include Essex Street from College Avenue to Mitton Street and Forsyth Street from George Street to Essex Street.
--
Councillor Bill Dennis introduced a successful motion to lobby the federal government to stop a carbon tax increase scheduled to take effect on April 1.
Mayor Mike Bradley said the motion reinforces what was done about a year ago.
---
A review regarding land availability for a supportive housing project will return to council for discussion at its next meeting on March 31.
The Women’s Interval Home of Sarnia Lambton previously asked council to approve a plan to build an apartment on a small portion of the northwest corner of Germain Park, near the Strangway Community Centre. However, councillors asked staff to prepare a report with site options to consider.
Councillor Chrissy McRoberts questioned if the interval home has considered an Avondale Park site.
A spokesperson for the interval home said while they remain committed to the site by the Strangway Centre, they will look at Avondale Park.
With regards to the Germain Park location, councillor McRoberts also asked the interval home to consider potential triggers for someone suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder, such as sirens from the nearby fire station.