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.
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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
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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.
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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
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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.
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Motion Carried.
Blaine Parkin,
Ed Ketchabaw,
Chief Administrative Officer/Clerk. Warden.