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17 - September 10, 2024 County Council MinutesElgin County Council Minutes September 10, 2024, 9:00 a.m. Council Chambers 450 Sunset Drive St. Thomas ON Members Present: Warden Ed Ketchabaw Deputy Warden Grant Jones Councillor Dominique Giguere Councillor Mark Widner Councillor Jack Couckuyt Councillor Andrew Sloan (virtual) Councillor Todd Noble Councillor Mike Hentz Councillor Richard Leatham Staff Present: Blaine Parkin, Chief Administrative Officer/Clerk Brian Masschaele, Director of Community & Cultural Services Jennifer Ford, Director of Financial Services/Treasurer Nicholas Loeb, Director of Legal Services Peter Dutchak, Director of Engineering Services Mat Vaughan, Director of Planning and Development Katherine Thompson, Manager of Administrative Services/Deputy Clerk Carolyn Krahn, Manager of Economic Development, Tourism & Strategic Initiatives Diana Morris, Senior Planner Natalie Marlowe, Manager of Library Services Jenna Fentie, Legislative Services Coordinator Stefanie Heide, Legislative Services Coordinator 1. Call to Order The meeting was called to order at 9:00 a.m. with Warden Ketchabaw in the chair. 2. Adoption of Minutes Moved by: Councillor Widner Seconded by: Councillor Noble RESOLVED THAT the minutes of the meeting held on August 13, 2024 be adopted. Motion Carried. 3. Disclosure of Pecuniary Interest and the General Nature Thereof None. 4. Presenting Petitions, Presentations and Delegations None. 5. Committee of the Whole Moved by: Deputy Warden Jones Seconded by: Councillor Giguere RESOLVED THAT we do now move into Committee of the Whole. Motion Carried. 6. Reports of Council, Outside Boards and Staff 6.1 Warden Ketchabaw - Warden's Activity Report (August 2024) Warden Ketchabaw presented the report detailing his activities for the month of August 2024. Warden Ketchabaw noted a correction for the report that the Renaming of the West Elgin Arena - Bo Horvat Arena and Watermelon Fest were both on August 24, 2024. Moved by: Councillor Hentz Seconded by: Councillor Leatham RESOLVED THAT the report titled "Warden's Activity Report (August 2024)" from Warden Ketchabaw dated August 31, 2024 be received and filed. Motion Carried. 6.2 Director of Community and Cultural Services - Elgin County Library Guidelines Branch Performance Analysis The Director of Community and Cultural Services presented the report to Council providing an analysis of Elgin County Library's performance relative to these guidelines for Council's information. Moved by: Councillor Couckuyt Seconded by: Councillor Hentz RESOLVED THAT the report titled "Elgin County Library Guidelines Branch Performance" from the Director of Community and Cultural Services dated September 10, 2024 be received and filed. Motion Carried. 6.3 Director of Community and Cultural Services - Rodney Library Relocation Support The Director of Community and Cultural Services presented a report for Council's consideration proposing a path forward to support West Elgin's future planning efforts for the future re -location of the Rodney Branch of the Elgin County Library according to the County's "Library Branch Construction Policy." Moved by: Councillor Leatham Seconded by: Deputy Warden Jones RESOLVED THAT Elgin County Council affirms its support of the Municipality of West Elgin's process to determine a suitable future location for the Rodney Library subject to the terms and conditions of the County of Elgin's "Library Branch Construction Policy"; and THAT the Warden issue a letter on behalf of Elgin County Council to the Municipality of West Elgin in support of the municipality's process to determine the future location of the Rodney Library along with a copy of the County's "Library Branch Construction Policy". Motion Carried. 2 6.4 Director of Community and Cultural Services - West Lorne Library Expansion Opportunity The Director of Community and Cultural Services presented the report providing a recommendation for Council to consider regarding the Council of the Municipality of West Elgin's request for Elgin County Council's support for an expansion to the West Lorne branch of the Elgin County Library housed in the West Lorne Community Complex. Moved by: Councillor Leatham Seconded by: Councillor Hentz RESOLVED THAT Elgin County Council affirms support in principle for an expansion to the West Lorne Library in the West Lorne Community Complex of up to one thousand square feet and in the space adjacent to the Library's current location, subject to the terms and conditions of the County of Elgin's "Library Branch Construction Policy"; and THAT staff be directed to work with the Municipality of West Elgin to supply further information to County Council as part of a "Letter of Intent" from the Municipality of West Elgin as outlined in the County's "Library Branch Construction Policy" for formal adoption at a later date. Motion Carried. 6.5 Manager of Economic Development, Tourism & Strategic Initiatives - Community Safety and Well -Being — Substance Use and the Planet Youth Model The Manager of Economic Development, Tourism & Strategic Initiatives presented the report providing information to Council and seeking Council's direction regarding a funding request from Southwestern Public Health to implement the Planet Youth model in Elgin County and the Southwestern Public Health region. Moved by: Councillor Giguere Seconded by: Councillor Sloan RESOLVED THAT the report titled "Community Safety and Well -Being - Substance Use and the Planet Youth Model" from the Manager of Economic Development, Tourism & Strategic Initiatives dated September 10, 2024 be received and filed; and THAT the County of Elgin express support for the Planet Youth model. Motion Carried. 6.6 Manager of Economic Development, Tourism & Strategic Initiatives - Elgin County Tourism Wayfinding Strategy The Manager of Economic Development, Tourism & Strategic Initiatives presented the report providing an overview of the proposed Elgin County Tourism Wayfinding Strategy Policy 1.2 for Council's consideration. Moved by: Deputy Warden Jones Seconded by: Councillor Hentz RESOLVED THAT the report titled "Elgin County Tourism Wayfinding Strategy" from the Manager of Economic Development, Tourism & Strategic Initiatives dated September 10, 2024 be received and filed; and THAT Council replace the County of Elgin Tourism Signage Policy (1.2) with the revised Elgin County Tourism Wayfinding Strategy (1.2). Motion Carried. 6.7 Senior Planner - New 2024 Provincial Planning Statement (PPS) 3 The Director of Planning and Development introduced Diana Morris as the new Senior Planner. The Senior Planner presented the report providing a high-level overview of the 2024 Provincial Planning Statement (PPS) for Council's information. Moved by: Councillor Couckuyt Seconded by: Councillor Widner RESOLVED THAT the report titled "New 2024 Provincial Planning Statement (PPS)" from the Senior Planner dated September 10, 2024 be received and filed. Motion Carried. 6.8 Director of Planning and Development - Elgin County Centralized Planning Services Council recessed at 10:00 a.m. for the Childhood Cancer Awareness Month flag raising. Council resumed session at 10:23 a.m. The Director of Planning and Development presented the report seeking County Council's feedback regarding the provision of a Centralized County Planning Service. Information presented included staffing needs based on workloads to ensure adequate and sustainable land use planning services across the County. Moved by: Councillor Sloan Seconded by: Councillor Couckuyt RESOLVED THAT the report titled "Elgin County Centralized Planning Services" from the Director of Planning and Development dated September 10, 2024 be received and filed; and THAT the decision to implement a phased approach to Planning Services be deferred until Elgin's Local Municipal Partners can consider the model proposed and provide feedback regarding what level of planning services are required; and THAT at the request of each Local Municipal Partner the Director of Planning attend each local municipal council to present the proposed planning model and receive feedback; and THAT County Council approve an update to the By -Law to Appoint a Secretary -Treasurer of the Elgin County Land Division Committee to appoint the Junior Planner as Secretary -Treasurer. Motion Carried. 6.9 Director of Financial Services/Treasurer - Grant and Sponsorship Policy The Director of Financial Services/Treasurer provided a presentation overviewing a comprehensive new Policy for Council's consideration relative to Grants and Sponsorships. Moved by: Councillor Hentz Seconded by: Councillor Leatham RESOLVED THAT the report titled "Grant and Sponsorship Policy" from the Director of Financial Services/Treasurer dated September 5, 2024 be received and filed; and THAT staff incorporate feedback received from County Council into a revised Grant and Sponsorship Policy for presentation at a future meeting. M Motion Carried. 7. Council Correspondence 7.1 Items for Consideration Council recessed at 12:09 p.m. Council resumed session at 12:40 p.m. 7.1.1 Flag Raising Proclamation Request from St. Thomas - Elgin Local Immigration Partnership (STELIP) for Welcoming Week 2024 Moved by: Deputy Warden Jones Seconded by: Councillor Giguere RESOLVED THAT Elgin County Council approve a flag raising and proclamation request from the St. Thomas -Elgin Local Immigration Partnership to acknowledge "Welcoming Week", an annual County- wide event that celebrates the important work being done to make Elgin a welcoming and inclusive community; and THAT the flag raising and proclamation take place at the Elgin County Heritage Centre on September 24, 2024. Motion Carried. 7.1.2 Resolution from the Municipality of Quinte West Regarding the Canada Community -Building Fund Moved by: Deputy Warden Jones Seconded by: Councillor Widner RESOLVED THAT Elgin County Council support the resolution from the City of Quinte West calling on the Federal Government to provide a supplement to the allocations provided to municipalities under the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) Canada Community Building Fund Agreement for 2024-2028 for the same amount that was allocated, effectively doubling allocations for those years. Motion Carried. 7.1.3 Resolution from the Town of Bradford West Gwillimbury Regarding Long Service Medals for Paramedics and Police Officers Moved by: Councillor Leatham Seconded by: Councillor Hentz RESOLVED THAT Elgin County Council support the resolution from the Town of Bradford West Gwillimbury Council that endorses the creation of a province -wide long -service medal for police and for paramedics, modelled after the existing award for firefighters. Motion Carried. 7.1.4 Resolution from the Township of Stirling-Rawdon Regarding Public Sector Salary Disclosure Moved by: Councillor Giguere Seconded by: Councillor Couckuyt RESOLVED THAT the resolution from the Township of Stirling-Rawdon requesting that the Public Sector Salary Disclosure Act be updated to reflect the inflation rates since 1996 be received and filed. Motion Carried. 5 7.2 Items for Information (Consent Agenda) Moved by: Councillor Noble Seconded by: Councillor Hentz RESOLVED THAT Correspondence Items #7.2.1 - 7.2.3 be received and filed. Motion Carried. 7.2.1 Western Ontario Wardens' Caucus Advocates for Rural Needs at Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) 2024 Conference 7.2.2 Rural Municipal Leaders Support 'Solve the Crisis' Campaign to Address Homelessness and Mental Health 7.2.3 A Report from the Elgin Ontario Health Team (OHT) 8. Other Business 8.1 Statements/Inquiries by Members 8.1.1 Deputy Warden Jones - Official Opening of Conservation Area in Southwold and Elgin County Business Networking Event Deputy Warden Jones stated that the official opening of the first conservation area in Southwold under Kettle Creek Conservation Area will be Thursday, September 12, 2024 at 2:30 p.m. at the end of Glengarry Drive in Talbotville. Deputy Warden Jones also stated that "Cultivating Success: The 2024 Elgin County Business Networking Event" will be in Southwold at Nature's Oasis Retreat on September 25, 2024. 8.1.2 Councillor Leatham - Rodney Fair 2024 Councillor Leatham stated that the Rodney Fair starts Friday, September 13, 2024 with opening ceremonies starting at 7:00 p.m., and continues through Sunday, September 15, 2024. 8.1.3 Warden Ketchabaw - 2024 Warden's Golf Tournament and Elgin County Plowing Match Warden Ketchabaw thanked all those who participated in the 2024 Elgin County Warden's Golf Tournament, including staff. Warden Ketchabaw congratulated Councillor Widner on winning "Most Honest Team" at the golf tournament and also an award at the Elgin County Plowing Match. Councillor Hentz also congratulated Councillor Widner, and Councillor Widner made remarks that the Elgin County Plowing Match went well. None. 8.3 Matters of Urgency None. 9. Closed Meeting Items Moved by: Councillor Widner Seconded by: Councillor Leatham RESOLVED THAT we do now proceed into closed meeting session in accordance with the Municipal Act to discuss the following matters under Municipal Act Section 239 (2): Closed Meetinq Item #1 - Closed Meeting Minutes -Auqust 13, 2024 0 Closed Meeting Item #2 - Norman-Lyndale Settlement Boundary Expansion (k) a position, plan, procedure, criteria or instruction to be applied to any negotiations carried on or to be carried on by or on behalf of the municipality or local board. 9.1 Closed Meeting Minutes -August 13, 2024 9.2 Director of Planning and Development - Norman-Lyndale Settlement Boundary Expansion 10. Motion to Rise and Report Moved by: Councillor Noble Seconded by: Councillor Hentz RESOLVED THAT we do now rise and report. Motion Carried. Closed Meeting Item #1 - Closed Meeting. Minutes -August 13, 2024 Moved by: Councillor Noble Seconded by: Councillor Leatham RESOLVED THAT the August 13, 2024 Closed Meeting Minutes be adopted. Motion Carried. Closed Meetina Item #2 - Norman-Lvndale Settlement Boundary Expansion Moved by: Deputy Warden Jones Seconded by: Councillor Leatham RESOLVED THAT the report titled "Norman-Lyndale Settlement Boundary Expansion" from the Director of Planning and Development dated September 10, 2024 be received and filed; and THAT Council supports the boundary adjustment of the Norman-Lyndale Tier 1 settlement area to include the remainder of the St. Thomas Psychiatric hospital lands; and THAT Staff proceed as directed in conversations with the Province. Motion Carried. 11. Motion to Adopt Recommendations from the Committee of the Whole Moved by: Councillor Noble Seconded by: Councillor Hentz RESOLVED THAT we do now adopt recommendations of the Committee of the Whole. Motion Carried. 12. Consideration of By -Laws 12.1 By -Law No. 24-32 Appointment of Land Division Secretary BEING a By -Law to Appoint a Secretary -Treasurer of the Elgin County Land Division Committee. Moved by: Deputy Warden Jones Seconded by: Councillor Leatham 7 RESOLVED THAT By -Law No. 24-32 be now read a first, second, and third time and finally passed. Motion Carried. 12.2 By -Law No. 24-33 Confirmation BEING a By -Law to Confirm Proceedings of the Municipal Council of the Corporation of the County of Elgin at the September 10, 2024 Meeting. Moved by: Councillor Noble Seconded by: Councillor Hentz RESOLVED THAT By -Law No. 24-33 be now read a first, second, and third time and finally passed. Motion Carried. 13. Adjournment Moved by: Councillor Widner Seconded by: Councillor Couckuyt RESOLVED THAT we do now adjourn at 1:11 p.m. to meet again on September 24, 2024 at 9:00 a.m. Motion Carried. Blaine Parkin, Chief Administrative Officer/Clerk. Ed Ketchabaw, Warden.