Sarnia council has endorsed an amended body rub parlour bylaw that imposes tougher rules on such operations.
Much of the research for the update was provided by Detective Sergeant John Pearce of the Sarnia Police Criminal Investigation Branch.
The public had 21 days to comment on the draft but Mayor Mike Bradley said no comments were received.
It's the first time the bylaw has been updated since its creation in 1976.
There currently is just one massage parlour in the city, on Christina St. but its operational status is unclear.
The new bylaw caps the number of body rub parlours allowed in the city at two, and they can't be more than 1 km from each other.
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Sarnia council has maintained the current city bylaw that restricts bicycles with a wheel diameter greater than 51 cm from city sidewalks.
Up to $5,000 will be spent from the transportation master plan budget for a cyclist/motorist sign and information campaign this year.
Signs will be installed at multi-use paths and crosswalks for educational awareness.
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Sarnia council has approved a rezoning application for a new medical center/clinic in the north end.
The property at 1401-1403 Michigan Ave. is located near The Rapids Parkway.
After the public notification, staff received a number of inquiries regarding the possibility of a methadone clinic being proposed for the property.
Staff contacted the applicant and confirmed that a methadone clinic was never considered for the location.
The applicant applied for the rezoning for the possibility of opening a dentist office at the site.
The remainder of the building will be occupied by a government agency.
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Sarnia's City Manager will now be known as the city's chief administrative officer.
Council approved the title change Monday.
The change was recommended in discussions following the workplace investigation report, released last fall, that found Mayor Mike Bradley had bullied and harassed four senior staff members including City Manager Margaret Misek-Evans.
In a report to council, staff said it is common practice in many municipalities to classify this position as CAO and there would be no financial implications.
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Sarnia council has granted a noise bylaw exemption to Sarnia Fashion Week.
The annual event is to be held Saturday June 24, from 7pm to 12am, on Lochiel St., between Christina St. and Front St.
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A noise bylaw exemption has also been approved for the Refined Fool Brewing Company’s Beats on the Street Event.
The outdoor event showcases the talents of DJs and bands.
The two day event, July 21 and 22, will be held in the fenced off portion of the Julia St. municipal parking lot adjacent to the craft brewery.
As many as 500 people are expected to attend each night.
Last year, over $3,000 was raised and donated to two charities; Cystic fibrosis Canada and Noelle’s Gift.
This year a portion of the proceeds will be donated to St. Clair Child and Youth Services.
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Sarnia council has authorized a payment of $82,000 to the Lambton Kent District School Board.
The parking lot at the board office on Wellington St. was reconstructed last fall.
The board and city signed an agreement in 1977 to share the board and Sarnia Arena parking lots and maintenance of them.
The lots are generally used by the board during the day and by people attending arena events during the evening and weekends.
