November 25, 2008 Minutes
After much discussion, Councillors requested that MPAC and OMAFRA have a serious
discussion regarding farm property that has been re-classed as residential, and whether a
change such as this can be flagged earlier in the process so that the issue can be brought
to the attention of the property owner to avoid the situation where the property is
improperly assessed and report back on the outcome of the meeting.
Mr. Terry Day, Municipal Relations Representative, MPAC, attended at 9:15 a.m
provide an overview of MPAC's 2008 Market Value Assessment Notice changes.
to
Warden Hofhuis thanked Mr. & Mrs. Phillips for their
the delegation left at 9:14 a.m
efforts on behalf of the County and
Carried
THAT the report entitled "Town Crier
be received and filed
Moved by Councillor Wilson
Seconded by Councillor Mcintyre
Annual Report for 2008" from
the County Town Crier
Mr. Dave Phillips, Town Crier, attended at 9:00 a.m. to present the 2008 Town Crier
Annual Report. Mr. Phillips highlighted activities carried out during 2008 and thanked
Council for the opportunity to represent the County at events. Mr. Phillips also recognized
his wife for her support of his endeavours on behalf of the County.
DELEGATIONS
The Director of Community & Cultural Services and the Manager of Administrative Services
were excused from the meeting to carry out a short information program with the students.
Warden Hofhuis welcomed all in attendance to Council's "Student Education Day".
County Council and Senior Staff, in turn, introduced the student they brought to observe
the proceedings of today's Council meeting
Councillors Mcintyre, Vowel, and Wilson declared a conflict with regard to Closed Meeting
Item #1 concerning a lease at 99 Edward Street, as it might prejudice their position as a
Council appointee on the Board of Health. At the appropriate time the Councillors vacated
the Council Chambers and refrained from discussing and voting on the item.
DISCLOSURE OF PECUNIARY INTEREST AND THE GENERAL NATURE THEREOF-
Carried
THAT
Moved by Councillor Mennill
Seconded by Councillor Acre
the minutes of the meeting held on October 21
2008 be adopted
Warden Hofhuis welcomed Jim Bundschuh. new Director of Financial Services
County of Elgin.
to
the
Warden Hofhuis In the Chair.
The Elgin County Council met this day at the Administration Building, at 9:00 a.m
accordance with adjournment, with all members present.
.,
in
Tuesday, November 25. 2008
COUNTY COUNCIL
Carried
THAT the report "Summer Student Subsidy Reimbursement" dated November 25,2008
presented by the Director of Human Resources, be received and filed
Moved by Councillor Mcintyre
Seconded by Councillor Marks
Summer Student Subsid
Reimbursement - Human Resources Assistant
Carried
THAT the report 2008 Network Security Audit dated November 25.2008 from
of Information Technologies, be received and filed.
Moved by Councillor Habkirk
Seconded by Councillor Menn
the Director
2008 Network Securi
Audit - Director of Information Technolo!1ies
Carried
THAT the funding for the creation of the wireless network be taken from
Information Technologies Operating Budget.
the 2008
THAT a wireless network be Installed at Terrace Lodge and Bobier
Moved by Councillor Habkirk
Seconded by Councillor Acre
Villa: and
Terrace Lod!1e and Bobier Villa Wireless Networks - Director of
Technolo!1ies
THAT the Year End Report for 2008 from
received and filed.
nformation
the Tree CommissionerlWeed Inspector be
Carried
Moved by Councillor Marks
Seconded by Councillor Habkirk
Year End Report for 2008
Tree CommissionerlWeed Inspector
REPORTS
Carried
THAT we do now proceed in Committee Of The Whole Counci
Moved by Councillor Mcintyre
Seconded by Councillor Acre
Council took a short recess at 10:00 a.m
students in attendance.
and reconvened at 10
Day for the presentation and the delegation left at 10:00 a.m
12 a.m. with staff and
Warden Hofhuis thanked Mr.
THAT the presentation from Mr.
received and filed.
Carried
Moved by Councillor Habkirk
Seconded by Councillor Acre
Terry Day, Municipal Relations Representative, MPAC
be
County Council
2
November 25, 2008
THAT this tax ratio shall apply to
or omitted assessment notice on
taxation as of the effective date of the first supplementary
the property; and
THAT Council approve a tax ratio of one
Housing Inc. Project; and,
Moved by Councillor Warwick
Seconded by Councillor Vowel
(1) for the Dutton & District Lions Non-Profit
Caledonia Two - Tax Reduction - Director of Financial Services
Carried
THAT the report "Budget Comparison - September 30,2008" dated October 21
the Director of Financial Services, be received and filed.
Moved by Councillor Marks
Seconded by Councillor Menn
2008 from
arison
September 30, 2008 - Director of Financial Services
THAT the policy titled "Tangible Capita
Services be approved.
Carried
Moved by Councillor Habkirk
Seconded by Councillor Mcintyre
Assets Policy" from
the Director of Financial
Tan
ital Asset Policv - Director of Financial Services
Carried
THAT the increases to fees and charges contained in the report entitled Amendments to
the Fees and Charges By-Law Summary Report" be adopted and the appropriate by-law
be prepared
Moved by Councillor Habkirk
Seconded by Councillor Vowel
Amendments to the Fees and Char
Administrative Services
-Law
Summa
Carried
THAT
THAT the Warden and the Chief Administrative Officer be authorized and directed to sign
the necessary documents and agreements; and,
the necessary amending by-law be prepared
THAT the County's composite budget for 2009 make provision for said fees estimated at
$3,100 for retainer and an estimate for possible investigation(s); and
THAT Elgin County agrees to pay Mr. Maddox's retainer fee for each of the participating
lower-tier municipalities in Elgin County; and,
THAT Mr. John Maddox (JGM Consulting) be re-appointed as Closed Meeting Investigator
for the County of Elgin for a further one-year term (2009); and
Moved by Councillor Wilson
Seconded by Councillor Marks
A
County Council
ointment of Closed Meetin
ator for 2009 - Chief AdmInistrative Officer
3
November 25, 2008
THAT the contract price for year one is $43.011
also an adjustment for insurance; and also
and be adjusted each year by
the CPI and
THAT the Warden and the Chief Administrative Officer be directed and authorized to sign
a contract with Ontario Clean Water Agency to start on January 1, 2009 and terminate on
December 31, 2013; and,
Moved by Councillor Warwick
Seconded by Councillor Mennil
EI!1in Manor Wastewater Treatment Plant -
Services
Plant Operator - Director of En
Carried
THAT commencing in 2009 an Annual Warden's Charity Golf Tournament to benefit the
United Way is authorized
THAT the newly formed committee be called
Committee; and
the Elgin County United Way Special Events
THAT the amalgamation of the Special Events Committee and
be approved; and,
Moved by Councillor Marks
Seconded by Councillor Habkirk
the United Way Committee
Amal!1amation - Special Events Committee and United Way Committee - Financial
Analyst, Purchasin Co-ordinator
Carried
THAT
Moved by Councillor Acre
Seconded by Councillor Vowel
the 2009 mileage reimbursement rate be frozen at the 2008 rate of $.495/kilometre
Milea!1e Reimbursement 2009 - Director of Financial Services
Carried
THAT
THAT the general ledger balance of ($14,389.48)
Reinvestment be written off; and,
the above entries be made to the Mill Rate Stabilization Reserve.
THAT the genera
off; and,
for the National Child Benefit
ledger balance of $36.229.55 for the Sesquicentennial Atlas be written
THAT the general ledger
and,'
balance of $45,536.62 for
Moved by Councillor Habkirk
Seconded by Councillor Mcintyre
nter-municipal Transfers be written off;
Outstandin
Balances
General Led!1er - Director of Financial Services
Carried
THAT the Municipality of Dutton/Dunwich be requested to keep the County of Elgin
apprised as to the status of the assessment on this property.
THAT a by-law be prepared: and
County Council
4
November 25, 2008
THAT the inter-municipal agreement with the Regional Municipality of Durham for the
collection of Defaulted POA Fines be reviewed and renewed for an additional term offive
years; and,
Moved by Councillor Wilson
Seconded by Councillor Marks
Jennifer Ford, Financial Analyst, introduced Mr. Joel Nicholson, Supervisor, POA
Collection, and Mr. Jim Clapp, Commissioner of Finance and Treasurer, Region of
Durham, who attended at 11 :25 a.m., to speak to the Collection Services Purchase
Agreement for defaulted Provincial Offences fines. Mr. Clapp highlighted the partnership
with the County of Elgin during the past two years, commented on the good working
relationship, and spoke to the substantial fines collected on the County's behalf. The
report entitled "Collection Services Purchase Agreement Update" from the County
Financial Analyst was considered.
Carried
THAT the report "Jamestown Bridge" dated November 17. 2008 from
Engineering Services be received and filed.
Moved by Councillor Mcintyre
Seconded by Councillor Menn
the Director of
Jamestown BridQe - Director of En
Student Participation The students, through designated speakers, provided insight into
their discussions and recommendations on the Vienna Bridge report.
Services
Carried
THAT
THAT the Vienna Bridge be kept in a state of repair that enables vehicles with appropriate
weight configurations to cross safely; and,
the Vienna Bridge continue to be evaluated and monitored on a regular basis
THAT the Vienna Bridge continue to be Included in the County of Elgin's Capital Needs
List; and
Moved by Councillor Habkirk
Seconded by Councillor Warwick
Council stressed the need to communicate the decision of Council and the rationale that
led to the decision to the complainant. The letter to the ratepayer will be copied to Council
The Vienna Brid
,tions for Consideration - Director of En
Services
Carried
THAT the first three regular County Council meeting dates in 2009 be forwarded to
Industry Canada as potential dates for a communications event recognizing Federal
funding contributions to County infrastructure projects.
Moved by Councillor Wilson
Seconded by Councillor Mcintyre
COMRIF and COIP Communications Event - Depu
Services
Director of En
Carried
THAT
County Council
the contract be extended for a further
two years if agreed to by both parties.
5
November 25, 2008
Carried
THAT staff proceed with the purchase of promotional items to an upset
funds drawn from the Millrate Stabilization Reserve.
Moved by Councillor Habkirk
Seconded by Councillor Marks
imit of $4000 with
Re-su
of Promotiona
Materials - Director of Commun
and Cultural Services
Carried
THAT a letter from the Warden acknowledging such permission and outlining criteria for
use be forwarded to the Santa for Seniors Committee Chairperson.
THAT permission be granted to the Elgin-St. Thomas Santa for Seniors Committee to
include the County of Elgin Corporate Logo on communications, pending approval from
Director of Terrace Lodge prior to publication; and,
the
Moved by Councillor Habkirk
Seconded by Councillor Vowel
Santa for Seniors
LodQe
EI
LO!1o Use - Director of Senior Services. Terrace
Carried
THAT a congratulatory letter be sent from
THAT the report "Ministry of Health & Long Term Care Annual Review" dated November
12,2008 from the Director of Senior Services, Terrace Lodge, be received and filed; and
the Warden to Terrace Lodge staff.
Moved by Councillor Habkirk
Seconded by Councillor Marks
Term Care Annual Review - Director of Senior Services
Warden Hofhuis invited Mr.
Faulds to lunch with Council
Carried
THAT the 2008 Land Division Committee Report, dated November 25.2008 from
Chair of the Land Division Committee, be received and filed.
Moved by Councillor Mcintyre
Seconded by Councillor Acre
the Vice-
Vice-Chair Paul Faulds requested Councillors to ask local municipal staff to ensure
mapping is done as accurately as possible to assist the committee in their deliberations of
consent applications.
2008 Land Division Committee Report - Vice-Chair Land Division Committee
Warden Hofhuis invited the gentlemen
to lunch with Council
Carried
THAT the Warden and the Chief Administrative Officer be authorized
agreement once it has been reviewed by the Solicitor.
to sign the
THAT staff report annually to Council on the continued feasibility of the inter-municipa
arrangement; and,
County Council
6
November 25, 2008
5 1) Melanie Reska, Administrative Clerk, City of St. Thomas, with a resolution
accepting the County's challenge for the 2008 United Way Campaign
4. Jim Malik, AMEMSO Organizing Committee 2008, thanking Council for sponsoring a
hole at the recent golf tournament at FireRock with proceeds of $7500 going to the
Children's Wish Foundation
3. Hon. Leona Dombrowsky, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs,
acknowledging Hon. Steve Peters' letter of support for the County's application to the
Building Canada Fund Communities Component.
2. Hon. Steve Peters, M.P.P., Elgin-Middlesex-London, with copy of correspondence to
Hon. Leona Dombrowsky, Minister of Agriculture, Food & Rural Affairs, in support of the
County's application for funding to the Building Canada Fund - Communities Component
to rehabilitate Calton Line from Richmond Road to Plank Road.
1. Joe Preston, M.P., Elgin-Middlesex-London, advising he has forwarded a letter of
support for the County's application through the Building Canada Fund -Communities
Component for the rehabilitation of Calton Line.
Items for
nformation (Consent AQenda
Carried
THAT the Corporation of the County of Elgin supports the resolution from the Town of East
Gwillimbury requesting the Provincial and Federal Governments to provide more
predictable and sustainable funding to municipalities to support aging roads and bridges
Moved by Councillor Habkirk
Seconded by Councillor Wilson
The following recommendation was adopted respecting Correspondence
1. Town of East Gwillimbury, with a resolution requesting the Provincial and Federa
Governments to provide more predictable and sustainable funding to municipalities to
support aging roads and bridges.
Item #1
Items for Consideration
CORRESPONDENCE
Carried
THAT $103,317 of 2008 operating funds within the budget of the Community and Cultural
Services Department be placed in reserve for usage by the end of 2009 to support on-
going projects within the Department.
Moved by Councillor Wilson
Seconded by Councillor Acre
2009 Prolects Transfers to Reserves - Director of Commun
and Cultural Services
Carried
THAT the Warden and the Chief Administrative Officer be authorized to enter into an
agreement with Erie Thames Powerlines Inc. for the loan of "Kill A Watt" metres at the Port
Stanley, Belmont and Aylmer Branches of the Library.
Moved by Councillor Mennill
Seconded by Councillor Habkirk
Kill A Watt" Metre Partnersh
County Council
- Director of Commun
7
and Cultural Services
November 25, 2008
Councillor Mcintyre commented on the appearance and news
newsletter and thanked staff for their efforts.
items In
Warden Hofhuis announced that the Public Art Centre has an excellent presentation on
soldiers and war on display until January 11, 2009 and thanked County staff for their
participation with the display.
the County
Statements/In
Members
OTHER BUSINESS
The Director of Financial Services congratulated Jennifer Ford on completion of her
designation.
Councillor Habkirk encouraged Councillors to pass on the information to County
concerning rides being provided by the Red Cross.
CGA
residents
Carried
THAT Correspondence
Moved by Councillor Habkirk
Seconded by Councillor Menn
Items #1-15 be received and filed
15. Steve Peters, M.P.P., Elgin-Middlesex-London, with copy of correspondence to Dr.
Dieter Zetsche, Chairperson, Board of Management Daimler AG, regarding the Sterling
Truck plant closure announcement.
14 The Canadian Red Cross - St. Thomas Branch, advising that they provide
community transportation services for medical appointments to residents (Monday-Friday
only) with a contact phone number and fee involved.
13. Dr. Peter A. Clark, Regional Supervising Coroner and Chair, Geriatric and Long Term
Care Review Committee, Office of the Chief Coroner, advising that the Eighteenth Annual
Report of the Geriatric and Long Term Care Review Committee to the Chief Coroner for
the Province of Ontario is available online.
12. Hon. Dwight Duncan, Minister of Finance and Revenue, Hon. Jim Watson, Minister of
Municipal Affairs and Housing, Hon. George Smitherman, Minister of Energy and
Infrastructure and Deputy Premier, announcing the County's capital grant for 2008 of
$1,604,467 based on the Province's final results for 2007-08 in the Public Accounts.
11 Association of Municipalities of Ontario - Member
"Ontario Proposes Ban on Cell Phones While Driving".
Communication ALERT, re
10. Port Glasgow Yacht Club, with copy of correspondence sent to Port Glasgow Marina
Boaters concerning the commercial development of the marina.
9. Larry Morrison, Relationship Manager, Barbara Hodgkinson, Customer Service
Representative, Farm Credit Canada, thanking the County for its participation in the Farm
Credit Canada's 2008 Drive Away Hunger campaign.
8
7 Mark McDonald, Chief Administrative Officer, County of Elgin, with a copy of
correspondence sent to the Office of the Chief Coroner concerning the County's
Implementation Response to the Jury Recommendations for the Michael Hipson Inquest.
Thank you card from
the Pau
Mistele Family.
6. Doug Brooks, Chief Executive Officer, Certified General Accountants of Ontario,
thanking the County for its support for Jennifer Ford as she completed her CGA
designation.
2) Maria Konefal, Assistant to the City Clerk, City of St. Thomas, advising that the
County's grant request concerning the Tourism Designation Development and Marketing
Initiative is being referred to the City's Treasury Department for budget consideration.
County Council
8
November 25, 2008
Carried
THAT we do adopt the recommendations of the Committee Of The Whole Council
Moved by Councillor Acre
Seconded by Councillor Menn
Carried
THAT the incoming 2009 Warden be requested to consider the reappointment of the
current County Council appointees to the Elgin St. Thomas Public Health Board.
Moved by Councillor Acre
Seconded by Councillor Marks
Carried
THAT the Council of the County of Elgin concurs with the establishment of a negotiating
committee to discuss the lease for Elgin St. Thomas Public Health comprised of the
County Warden; County CAO; and Board of Health, Elgin St. Thomas Public Health, Chair;
Vice-Chair; and Executive Director.
Moved by Councillor Mennill
Seconded by Councillor Marks
Councillor Wilson and Councillor
Mcintyre returned to Chambers at 1 :48 p.m
Carried
THAT we do now
Moved by Councillor Marks
Seconded by Councillor Acre
rise at 1 :48 p.m
and report.
Mr. Tom Johnston, Chair, and Ms. Cynthia St. John, Executive Director, Elgin St. Thomas
Public Health Board, attended at 1 :05 p.m. and left Council Chambers at 1 :26 p.m.
Councillors Mcintyre, Vowel and Wilson, having previously declared a conflict, left Council
Chambers at 1 :26 p.m. and did not participate in the discussion by Council of the property
matter.
Carried
THAT we do now proceed in a Closed Meeting at 1 :05 p.m., in accordance with the
Municipal Act, to discuss matters under Section 239 and 240.2 (a) the security of the
property of the municipality or local board, regarding a property rnatter.
Moved by Councillor Habkirk
Seconded by Councillor Marks
Council recessed at 12:05 p.m. and reconvened at 1
05 p.m
Matters of Ur
- None.
Notice of Motion - None
Councillor Marks advised that he had attended the Tri-County International Plowing Match
in Orillia, commented on the number of Elgin County persons that had also attended, and
updated Council on the progress of the 2010 Elgin County International Plowing Match.
Warden Hofhuis congratulated Linda Veger on her upcoming retirernent and thanked Linda
for her efforts on behalf of the County. Linda comrnented on the good working relationship
she enjoyed with Council over the past years.
County Council
9
November 25, 2008
Warden Hofhuis thanked Councillors for a great year during her term as Warden, extended
her appreciation for the enjoyable Warden's Banquet and thanked staff for their assistance
during the past year
Carried
THAT By-Law No. 08-34 "A By-Law to Confirm Proceedings of the Municipal Council of
the Corporation of the County of Elgin at the November 25, 2008 Meeting" be read a first,
second and third time and finally passed.
Moved by Councillor Wilson
Seconded by Councillor Habkirk
Carried
THAT By-Law No. 08-33 "Being a By-Law to Authorize Tax Exemption in Respect of a
Municipal Capital Facility Pursuant to Section 110 of the Municipal Act" be read a first,
second and third time and finally passed.
Moved by Councillor Warwick
Seconded by Councillor Acre
Carried
THAT By-Law No. 08-32 "Being a By-Law to Expropriate Lands Required for
Purposes" be read a first, second and third time and finally passed.
Moved by Councillor Mennill
Seconded by Councillor Marks
Municipa
Carried
THAT By-Law No. 08-31 "Being a By-Law to Designate Community Safety Zones on
County Roads and to Repeal By-Laws No. 03-23, 03-31 and 05-07" be read a first, second
and third time and finally passed
Moved by Councillor Mennill
Seconded by Councillor Habkirk
Carried
THAT By-Law No. 08-30 "Being a By-Law to Reappoint JGM Consulting as the
Investigator Pursuant to Sections 8, 9, 10 and 239.1 of the Municipal Act, 2001, S.O. 2001
C.25, as Amended and to Amend By-law No. 07-38 Pertaining to the Fees Paid to the
Municipal Investigator" be read a first, second and third time and finally passed.
Moved by Councillor Marks
Seconded by Councillor Warwick
Carried
THAT By-Law No. 08-29 "Being a By-law to Appoint a Treasurer for the County of Elgin"
be read a first, second and third tirne and finally passed.
Moved by Councillor Mcintyre
Seconded by Councillor Wilson
BY-LAWS
County Council
10
November 25, 2008
Mark G. McDonald,
Chief Administrative Officer.
~
~~
c:::i i!
~./#-
Graham Warwick,
Warden.
Carried
THAT we do now adjourn at 1
Moved by Councillor Marks
Seconded by Councillor Mcintyre
:53p.m
to meet again on December 9, 2008 at 7:00 p.m
County Council
11
November 25, 2008