Loading...
18 - September 24, 2024 County Council MinutesElgin County Council Minutes September 24, 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 Councillor Todd Noble Councillor Mike Hentz Councillor Richard Leatham Staff Present: Blaine Parkin, Chief Administrative Officer/Clerk Brian Masschaele, Director of Community & Cultural Services Amy Thomson, Director of Human Resources Michele Harris, Director of Homes and Seniors Services Jennifer Ford, Director of Financial Services/Treasurer Nicholas Loeb, Director of Legal Services Mat Vaughan, Director of Planning and Development Peter Dutchak, Director of Engineering Services Katherine Thompson, Manager of Administrative Services/Deputy Clerk Carolyn Krahn, Manager of Economic Development, Tourism & Strategic Initiatives Andrea Loughlean, Manager of Emergency Management & Elgin -Middlesex Regional Fire School 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: Deputy Warden Jones Seconded by: Councillor Hentz RESOLVED THAT the minutes of the meeting held on September 10, 2024 be adopted. Motion Carried. 3. Disclosure of Pecuniary Interest and the General Nature Thereof None. 4. Presenting Petitions, Presentations and Delegations 4.1 Kimberley Earls, Executive Director and Amy Martin, Chair of the Board of Directors, South Central Ontario Region Economic Development Corporation - SCOR EDC Member Update Presentation The Executive Director and the Chair of the Board of Directors of the South Central Ontario Region Economic Development Corporation (SCOR EDC) provided a presentation to County Council detailing SCOR EDC's recent infrastructure projects, initiatives and advocacy efforts. Moved by: Councillor Noble Seconded by: Councillor Couckuyt RESOLVED THAT the presentation from the SCOR EDC Executive Director and the Chair of the Board of Directors be received and filed. Motion Carried. 5. Committee of the Whole Moved by: Councillor Hentz Seconded by: Councillor Sloan RESOLVED THAT we do now move into Committee of the Whole. Motion Carried. 6. Reports of Council, Outside Boards and Staff 6.1 Manager of Emergency Management & Elgin -Middlesex Regional Fire School - Legacy Wells Application — Year 2 and 3 The Manager of Emergency Management & Elgin -Middlesex Regional Fire School presented the report seeking Council's approval for the submission of a second application to the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry's (MNRF) Legacy Wells Municipal Transfer Payment Program Year 2 and 3 Collaborative Funding stream. This proposal presents an opportunity to enhance Elgin County's emergency response capabilities for legacy oil and gas well incidents. Moved by: Councillor Widner Seconded by: Deputy Warden Jones RESOLVED THAT approval be granted for submission of a second application for MNRF's Legacy Wells Municipal Transfer Payment Program Year 2 and 3 collaborative funding. Motion Carried. 6.2 Director of Community and Cultural Services - Elgin County Heritage Centre Seasonal Hours of Operation The Director of Community and Cultural Services presented the report seeking Council's approval to revise the operating hours of the Elgin County Heritage Centre. Moved by: Councillor Leatham Seconded by: Councillor Noble RESOLVED THAT the Elgin County Heritage Centre's public open hours be revised as follows on an annual basis effective immediately: May 1 to Thanksgiving weekend: Tuesday to Saturday, 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. • Thanksgiving weekend to April 30: Monday to Friday, 10:00 am to 4:00 pm; and, THAT the Museum Curator be further authorized to adjust public open hours on a temporary basis subject to public notice and approval of the Director of Community and Cultural Services. Motion Carried. 6.3 Director of Planning and Development - Proposed Provincial Planning Statement Official Plan Modifications The Director of Planning and Development presented the report seeking Council's endorsement of proposed modifications to the County's adopted Official Plan in order to reflect recent changes to the Provincial Planning Statement (PPS). Moved by: Councillor Hentz Seconded by: Councillor Couckuyt RESOLVED THAT the report titled "Proposed Provincial Planning Statement Official Plan Modifications" from the Director of Planning and Development dated September 24, 2024 be received and filed; and THAT Council endorses the proposed modifications to the adopted Elgin County Official Plan, and directs staff to forward said modifications to the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing for his consideration when approving the Official Plan. Motion Carried. 6.4 Manager of Economic Development, Tourism & Strategic Initiatives - Participation in the Regional Economic Development through Immigration (REDI) Pilot The Manager of Economic Development, Tourism & Strategic Initiatives presented the report seeking Council's approval to participate in the Regional Economic Development through Immigration (REDI) Pilot under the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP). Moved by: Councillor Giguere Seconded by: Deputy Warden Jones RESOLVED THAT the report titled "Participation in the Regional Economic Development through Immigration (REDI) Pilot" from the Manager of Economic Development, Tourism & Strategic Initiatives dated September 24, 2024 be received and filed; and THAT the County respectfully decline the invitation to participate in the Regional Economic Development through Immigration (REDI) Pilot program and express interest in participation at a later time. Motion Carried. 6.5 Manager of Economic Development, Tourism & Strategic Initiatives - Community Safety and Policing Act — OPP Detachment Board Transition Council recessed at 10:00 a.m. to hold a flag raising in recognition of the St. Thomas - Elgin Local Immigration Partnership's Welcoming Week in Elgin County. Council reconvened at 10:18 a.m. The Manager of Economic Development, Tourism & Strategic Initiatives presented the report seeking Council's direction regarding the County's role in the administration of the newly formed Elgin OPP Detachment Board. 3 Moved by: Councillor Giguere Seconded by: Councillor Hentz RESOLVED THAT the report titled "Community Safety and Policing Act — OPP Detachment Board Transition" from the Manager of Economic Development, Tourism & Strategic Initiatives dated September 24, 2024 be received and filed; and THAT Council direct staff to assist the Elgin OPP Detachment Board in holding its inaugural meeting, and THAT Council direct staff to identify to the Elgin OPP Detachment Board that the County is prepared to provide ongoing administrative assistance to the Board and, if the offer is accepted by the Board, to negotiate terms and conditions for such assistance to be presented for Council's consideration at a later date. Motion Carried. 6.6 Director of Financial Services/Treasurer -Ambulance Vehicle Replacements for 2025 and 2026 — Sole Source The Director of Financial Services/Treasurer presented the report detailing the ambulance fleet replacements scheduled for 2025 and 2026. Moved by: Councillor Widner Seconded by: Deputy Warden Jones RESOLVED THAT the report titled "Ambulance Vehicle Replacements for 2025 and 2026 — Sole Source" from the Manager of Procurement & Risk and Director of Financial Services / Treasurer dated September 24, 2024 be received and filed; and THAT the Manager of Procurement & Risk be authorized to issue a purchase order to Crestline Coach Ltd., for two ambulances, at the estimated price of $478,046, plus applicable taxes, to be included in the 2025 Capital Budget; and THAT the Manager of Procurement & Risk be authorized to issue a purchase order to Stryker Canada., for two Stryker power load systems, two power -pro stretchers and two stair chairs to be purchased in 2025, at the estimated price of $152,890, plus applicable taxes, to be included in the 2025 Capital Budget; and THAT staff be authorized to purchase two ambulances from Crestline Coach Ltd. and associated power -load equipment from Stryker Canada to be included in the 2026 capital budget; and THAT staff determine the number of ambulances to be declared surplus in 2025 and 2026, once operational needs are identified, and that disposal be done in accordance with the Asset Disposal Policy. Motion Carried. 6.7 Director of Financial Services/Treasurer - 2024 Quarter 2 Financial Review The Director of Financial Services/Treasurer presented the report that provides information related to the performance of Budget to Actual up to the end of June 2024. Moved by: Councillor Hentz Seconded by: Councillor Leatham 0 RESOLVED THAT the report titled "2024 Quarter 2 Financial Review" from the Director of Financial Services/Treasurer dated September 24, 2024 be received and filed. Motion Carried. 7. Council Correspondence 7.1 Items for Consideration 7.1.1 Letter from Amy Martin, Chairperson of the South Central Ontario Region Economic Development Corporation (SCOR EDC) Board of Directors requesting support of a resolution for continued transit funding. Moved by: Councillor Couckuyt Seconded by: Councillor Noble WHEREAS the County of Brant, Middlesex County, Municipality of Strathroy Caradoc, Norfolk County, Town of Tillsonburg, Municipality of East Zorra Tavistock, Grey County, Perth County, City of Stratford, Municipality of Lambton Shores, and Wellington County have successfully utilized government funding to create and sustain local community transit through Southwest Community Transit; and WHEREAS 85,000 riders have utilized the Southwest Community Transit services in the first half of 2024 alone, demonstrating significant community reliance on these services; and WHEREAS the economic impact of this transit system is estimated to be $748,800,000 annually, largely due to its role in providing transportation to employment opportunities; and WHEREAS the current funding for this critical small urban and rural inter -community transit service is set to expire in March 2025, putting the sustainability of the service at risk: THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Council of the Corporation of the County of Elgin urges the provincial government to continue funding Southwest Community Transit beyond March 2025 to ensure the ongoing viability of this essential service for small urban and rural Ontario; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT this resolution be circulated to the County of Brant, Middlesex County, Norfolk County, Oxford County, Municipality of Strathroy Caradoc, Town of Tillsonburg, Municipality of East Zorra Tavistock, Perth County, City of Stratford, Municipality of Lambton Shores, Wellington County, Bruce County, Municipality of Bayham, Municipality of Thames Centre and other relevant stakeholders for their support and advocacy. Motion Carried. 7.2 Items for Information (Consent Agenda) Moved by: Councillor Noble Seconded by: Councillor Widner RESOLVED THAT Correspondence Items #7.2.1 - 7.2.3 be received and filed. Motion Carried. 5 7.2.1 Letter from Minister of Transportation regarding the County of Elgin's delegation at the 2024 Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) Conference. 7.2.2 Letter from the Oxford County Chief Administrative Officer providing notice of Oxford County's intention to resign from the South Central Ontario Region Economic Development Corporation (SCOR EDC). 7.2.3 Letter from Town of Aylmer Mayor Jack Couckuyt regarding centralized planning services at the County of Elgin. 8. Other Business 8.1 Statements/Inquiries by Members 8.1.1 Councillor Giguere - Terrace Lodge Comforts of Home Campaign Bowling Tournament Councillor Giguere thanked Councillors for participating in the recent Terrace Lodge Bowling Tournament. She emphasized that the demonstration of Council's support of the campaign was important to the community. She shared that the event raised $14,000 and the campaign goal has now been successfully reached. Councillor Couckuyt noted that the Town of Aylmer raised the most funds, and thanked Town of Aylmer Councillor Chapman for leading the fundraising efforts. 8.2 Notice of Motion None. 8.3 Matters of Urgency None. 9. Closed Meeting Items Moved by: Councillor Giguere Seconded by: Councillor Couckuyt 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 Meeting Item #1 - Closed Meetinq Minutes - September 10, 2024 Closed Meeting Item #2 - Lease Renewals - County Administration Building (c) a proposed or pending acquisition or disposition of land by the municipality or local board. Motion Carried. 9.1 Closed Meeting Minutes - September 10, 2024 9.2 Manager of Corporate Facilities - Lease Renewals — County Administration Building 10. Motion to Rise and Report Moved by: Councillor Sloan Seconded by: Councillor Noble RESOLVED THAT we do now rise and report. Motion Carried. Closed Meeting Item #1 - Closed Meeting Minutes - September 10, 2024 9 Moved by: Councillor Sloan Seconded by: Deputy Warden Jones RESOLVED THAT the September 10, 2024 Closed Meeting Minutes be adopted. Motion Carried. Closed Meeting Item #2 - Lease Renewals - County Administration Building Moved by: Councillor Widner Seconded by: Councillor Leatham RESOLVED THAT the confidential report titled "Lease Renewals - County Administration Building" from the Manager of Corporate Facilities dated September 24, 2024 be received and filed; and THAT Elgin County Council approve a new commercial one-year term Lease Agreement between Carol Hawthorne and Elgin County in relation to Suite 345-1 commencing May 1, 2024; and THAT Elgin County Council approve a new commercial two-year term Lease Agreement between Alzheimer Society Elgin -St. Thomas, and Elgin County in relation to Suites 229, 232 and 237-1 and storage room 344 commencing May 1, 2024; and THAT Elgin County Council approve a new commercial two-year term Lease Agreement between 1342961 Ontario Inc (John Hogan Law Office), and Elgin County in relation to Suite 313 commencing May 1, 2024; and THAT the Warden and Chief Administrative Officer be authorized to execute these agreements. Motion Carried. 11. Motion to Adopt Recommendations from the Committee of the Whole Moved by: Councillor Noble Seconded by: Deputy Warden Jones 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. 24-34 Confirmation BEING a By -Law to Confirm Proceedings of the Municipal Council of the Corporation of the County of Elgin at the September 24, 2024 Meeting. Moved by: Councillor Leatham Seconded by: Councillor Sloan RESOLVED THAT By -Law No. 24-34 be now read a first, second, and third time and finally passed. Motion Carried. 13. Adjournment Moved by: Councillor Sloan Seconded by: Councillor Couckuyt RESOLVED THAT we do now adjourn at 11:18 a.m. to meet again on October 8, 2024 at 9:00 a.m. 7 Motion Carried. Blaine Parkin, Ed Ketchabaw, Chief Administrative Officer/Clerk. Warden.