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October 27, 2010 AgendaPAGE 1 -42 43 -54 55 -75 ORDERS OF THE DAY FOR EDNESDAY OCTOBER 27 2010 9:00 A ORDER 1st Meeting Called to Order 2nd Adoption of Minutes September 14, 2010 3rd Disclosure of Pecuniary Interest and the General Nature Thereof 4th Presenting Petitions, Presentations and Delegations PRESENTATIONS: 11:45 a.m. Volunteer Recognition: Grace McCartland Staff Recognition: Georgia Sifton 5th Motion to Move Into "Committee Of The Whole Council" 6th Reports of Council, Outside Boards and Staff 7th Council Correspondence 1) Items for Consideration 2) Items for Information (Consent Agenda) 8th OTHER BUSINESS 1) Statements /Inquiries by Members 2) Notice of Motion 3) Matters of Urgency 9th Closed Meeting Items see separate Agenda 10th Recess 11th Motion to Rise and Report 12th Motion to Adopt Recommendations from the Committee Of The Whole 13th Consideration of By -Laws 14th ADJOURNMENT LUNCH WILL BE PROVIDED OFFICIAL COUNTY ATTIRE REQUIRED NOTICE: October 27, 2010 COUNTY COUNCIL PHOTOGRAPH 8:45 a.m. IN BASEMENT LUNCHROOM November 9, 2010 November 19, 2010 November 23, 2010 November 27, 2010 December 3, 2010 County Council Meeting New County Council Orientation County Council Meeting County of Elgin Christmas Party Warden's Banquet Council Reports (ATTACHED) REPORTS OF COUNCIL AND STAFF October 27, 2010 2 Councillor Marks and Councillor Mennill Annual Warden's Banquet Staff Reports (ATTACHED) 3 Director of Community and Cultural Services Community Adjustment Fund Final Project Report 8 Director of Community and Cultural Services Bridge Funding for Knowledge Ontario 15 Manager of Planning Five Year Review of the Provincial Policy Statement (PPS) 23 Director of Human Resources Future Changes to Canada Pension Plan 26 Director of Human Resources Future Changes to Ontario Municipal Employees Retirement System 28 Director of Human Resources Manulife Benefit Renewal Projections for 2011 31 Director of Engineering Services Administration Building Digital Directory Boards 33 Director of Engineering Services Speed Zone Amendments lona Road and Eden Line 35 Director of Engineering Services Sunset Road and Karen Street Sanitary Sewer Pumping Station 37 Manager of Corporate Facilities Building Automation Services 39 Directors of Senior Services E /M, BN, T/L Meals on Wheels Agreement Renewal 40 Director of Financial Services Budget Comparison September 2010 nessIF_ by (4_' n INTRODUCTION: DISCUSSION: REPORT TO COUNTY COUNCIL FROM: Councillor Marks and Councillor Mennill DATE: October 14, 2010 SUBJECT: Annual Warden's Banquet Council policy is to arrange appropriate recognition annually to honour the outgoing warden for their year of service, with the social /entertainment committee planning the program. The date for the Warden's Banquet has been set for Friday, December 3, 2010 at the Dutton Dunwich Community Centre with the social hour beginning at 5:30 p.m. followed by dinner and program, starting at 6:30 p.m. The committee has assigned a number of duties to councillors for the evening: Chairpersons /Co- Emcees Councillors Marks and Mennill; Grace Warden Vowel; Toasts to the Queen and Canada- Councillor Habkirk; Thank You to Caterers Councillor McIntyre. Introductions, head table Councillor Marr; county council Warden Vowel; Past Wardens Moment of Silence for Past Wardens Councillor Wilson; Visiting Wardens Clerks Councillor Acre. Presentation to Warden Vowel and Dave Vowel: Councillor Warwick. As in other years, the program will include greetings from the MP, MPP and Mayor of St. Thomas. Entertainment will conclude the evening. Dress for the evening will be the official council uniform. RECOMMENDATION: THAT the report titled "Annual Warden's Banquet," dated October 14, 2010, be received and filed. Councillor Tom Marks Councillor Dave Mennill Mark G. McDonald Chief Administrative Officer FROM: Brian Masschaele, Director of Community and Cultural Services Alan Smith, General Manager of Economic Development DATE: September 20, 2010 REPORT TO COUNTY COUNCIL SUBJECT: Community Adjustment Fund Final Project Report INTRODUCTION: This report informs Council that County projects funded under the first round of the Government of Canada's Community Adjustment Fund (CAF) are now complete. DISCUSSION: In September 2009, Council was informed that the County was successful in an application under the Government of Canada's Community Adjustment Fund to complete a number of economic development and tourism related projects in order to provide immediate stimulus to the local economy. The total amount of funding received from CAF was $245,000, with the County contributing an additional $10,000 towards the approved projects. Staff are pleased to report the following results as a result of the CAF investment: Job Creation Two Community Development Officer jobs were created between October 2009 and March 2010 to coordinate projects outlined in this report. These positions were fully funded by CAF and have since resulted in longer -term employment for both individuals. Gateway Signage The County's award winning branding is now visible on seven innovative gateway signs throughout the County. The largest of these has been installed on Highway 401 Eastbound at the Furnival Road County Road 103 Overpass. This particular sign has night lighting powered by an adjacent solar panel. Six replica versions of the 401 sign have also been installed at the following locations: County Road #3 (Talbot Line) at McPherson Road County Road #25 (Wellington Road) County Road #30 (Highbury Ave.) south of Thomson Line County Road #74 (Belmont Road) County Road #73 (Imperial Road) County Road #19 (Plank Road) south of Carson Line While these six signs are not formally illuminated, they all nevertheless have enhanced reflectivity for partial visibility at night. Attached to this report are photographs of the 401 and replica signs. Staff issued a Request for Proposals for installation of the 401 sign in March 2010. WSI Signs of Bolton was selected as the contractor for this project in accordance with the County's purchasing policy. The six additional replica signs were subsequently awarded to the same company given that the same design concept was used and given that the company had already demonstrated its ability to deliver best value. Tourism Website Redevelopment CAF funding enabled staff to proceed with the immediate redevelopment of Tourism Services' website at www.elgintourist.com on behalf of the County and the City of St. Thomas. The page was completely overhauled by YFactor Inc. as previously approved by Council to incorporate more interactive features such as a searchable database of tourism members, robust profiles of events and updated photos of attractions. The new site was launched at a public event in Port Stanley in May. Cultural Asset Map CAF funding enabled the completion of phase one of this project. This included the development of terms of reference, compilation of data for approximately 550 cultural assets located within the County and launch of an online map for public viewing. CAF funding has since enabled the County to leverage additional funding from the Government of Ontario to continue this project which will be completed by December 2010. CONCLUSION: The Community Adjustment Fund was established to assist communities that were particularly impacted by the global economic slowdown to create immediate jobs and to diversify the local economy to promote future economic growth. Staff feel that the projects completed under this investment have achieved these objectives, particularly in terms of strengthening the County's tourism efforts which is a key component of the County's future economic development strategy. Staff therefore recommend that a letter acknowledging the Government of Canada's successful investment be sent to the Member of Parliament and Minister of Industry. RECOMMENDATION: THAT the Warden on behalf of Council issue a letter to the Federal Minister of Industry and Member of Parliament acknowledging the Government of Canada's successful investment in the County of Elgin through the Community Adjustment Fund. All of which is Respectfully Submitted n Masschaele Director of Community Cultural Services Alan Smith General Manager of Economic Development Approved for Submission Mark G. McDonald u Chief Administrative Officer REPORT TO COUNTY COUNCIL FROM: Brian Masschaele Director of Community and Cultural Services DATE: October 4 2010 SUBJECT: Bridge Funding for Knowledge Ontario INTRODUCTION: In February 2010, County Council endorsed a resolution urging the Government of Ontario to provide appropriate and sustainable funding for Knowledge Ontario (KO). Unfortunately, such funding has not materialized to date. As a result, KO is approaching public libraries, colleges /universities and school boards for bridge funding so that the organization can continue to operate its services while a business plan is formed to sustain the organization into the long -term. This report recommends that the Department of Community and Cultural Services make a contribution of $1500 to support bridge funding for this service given the department's strategic interest in the organization. DISCUSSION: At the February 16 2010 session, County Council passed the following recommendations: "THAT Elgin County Council, in its capacity as the Board of Directors for the Elgin County Library, values the programs delivered by Knowledge Ontario and supports Knowledge Ontario's request for sustainable funding from the Government of Ontario; and, THAT a letter communicating this support be sent to the Ontario Minister of Finance with copies to the Minister of Culture, MPP Steve Peters, Knowledge Ontario, and the Federation of Ontario Public Libraries." Despite County Council's efforts, and the efforts of many, many other organizations across Ontario, Knowledge Ontario was recently informed that there will not be any additional funding from the Province beyond the end of 2010. However, the Province is at least willing to reconsider the matter upon the development of a sustainable business plan for the organization that will likely involve a combination of private and public sector funding. KO is confident that this business plan will be operational by July 2011. In the meantime, they are appealing to their many partners for financial contributions to sustain the organization from January 1 to June 30 2011. Confirmation of such funding is required by November 1 2010. KO's specific request to the public library sector is for a minimum investment of five cents per capita served. In the case of the Elgin County Library, this would equate to approximately $3000. Despite KO's success to date, staff are not recommending that this level of support be provided for the following reasons: Much of the value derived by the library from KO comes in the form of complimentary on -line databases such as Career Cruising, Auto Repair Centre, Canadian Points of View and Health and Wellness Resource Centre. The Province has recently announced that the database portion of KO's services will be funded through a new partnership with the Southern Ontario Library Service (corresponding to a $2 million investment for all public libraries). Therefore, access to popular resources currently provided to the Library on a complimentary basis by KO will not be compromised for the foreseeable future. In essence, therefore, the Province is providing sustainable funding to resources that are of strategic importance to the library. While KO is currently working on a business plan to sustain the organization into the future, this business plan has yet to be produced which means its viability is difficult to assess. For instance, this plan may require the Library or Archives to pay an annual subscriber fee, the value of which will have to be assessed against other competing resources. KO could very well be disbanded by June 2011, which means that the County's bridge funding will not have had the desired impact. A recent informal poll indicates that many area libraries are very much split on the issue, with some deciding to provide no support at all, several providing a proportional amount and fewer still providing the full amount. Despite these considerations, staff are recommending that at least some bridge funding be made available in the amount of $1500 in good faith to KO because of past value gained from the organization and because of the very large stake that the Elgin County Archives has in Our Ontario, another service provided by KO. Our Ontario is an integrated database of cultural and heritage organizations that provides searchable access to digitized, historical resources from across the province. The Archives proudly lays claim as the second largest contributor to this initiative in Ontario, with approximately 20,000 digitized items in the database. On -line access to the Archives' resources would be impacted should the service be disbanded; however, it would not be compromised altogether as staff have long recognized that such initiatives are "value- added" and should not be counted on as the primary point of access. Direct, searchable access through the Archives' website would still exist even if Our Ontario were disbanded. CONCLUSION: Staff appreciate that Council's potential investment of $1500 in Knowledge Ontario could yield limited or no return and is therefore a risk. However, the organization will most assuredly disband if all its partners decide not to make a contribution. Staff feel that $1500 is an appropriate amount given past value derived from the services provided and as a statement of good faith in the organization's strategic vision. If approved, staff recommend that the funds be drawn from the current surplus in the 2010 operating budget of the Department of Community and Cultural Services. RECOMMENDATION: THAT Elgin County Council re- affirms its support of Knowledge Ontario through a one -time contribution of $1500 to be drawn from the Department of Community and Cultural Services' 2010 operating budget. All of which is Respectfully Submitted Approved for Submission 0 an asschaele Mark G. McDonald Director of Community and `r Chief Administrative Officer Cultural Services Knowledge Ontario K wledg Ontario at a Glance Knowledge Ontario's services provide all libraries with equal access to a core suite of on line learning resources and tools that connect communities, create innovative discovery spaces, offer virtual reference and research help, and support life long learning. To date, KO has received three one -time grants, the last in March 2008. Without additional funding in spring 2010, we will not be able to continue to offer these services in future years. The annual cost of providing Knowledge Ontario's services across the province is roughly $4 million /year. A summary description of these programs and services and their share of the total 2009- 10 budget is provided below. Central administration, infrastructure, operating and governance functions combined account for 8% of the budget. Knowledge Ontario offers digital services through five projects, all offered through Ontario public libraries: Ask, Connect, Learn, Our and Resource Ontario. Ask Ontario Ask Ontario connects Ontarians via real -time, one on of subject areas (10% of total budget) one research he in a wide range askON online research help derive de askON is the brand name for Ask Ontario's real -time chat research service. People use instant messaging to chat in real -time with expert library staff who can help find relevant and authoritative information, answer questions, deliver articles and improve the tube en lire public's research and web searching skills. Since its launch in January 2008, askON has expanded to service more than 60 Ontario communities. 40 public library communities and 20 post- secondary communities will deliver virtual reference services to more than 60,000 visitors since the service began in 2008. 45 hours /week service in the public library sector (M -Th 12:30pm- 8:30pm; Fr -Sun 12:30pm- 4:30pm) including 35 hours per week in the French language 600 librarians currently trained to offer askON real -time chat reference services around the province; 500 transcripts are analyzed each year in improve service quality and to identify training needs and opportunities. Another 20 public libraries had confirmed their intent to join the service in September 2010; This service expansion has significant training and infrastructure support costs associated with it and has been deferred pending a resolution of our funding situation Ask Ontario extends the capacity of many medium and smaller libraries to provide high quality reference and research support to people in rural, isolated and northern communities, as well as to First Nations and francophone populations Resource ntario Resource Ontario's online databases (CEDROM Eureka, Canadian Points of View, Teen Health and Wellness, Student Reference Centre (Canadian Edition)) plus current Gale databases provide a core suite of digital learning resources to every library, learning institution, student and adult learner in Ontario (66% of total budget) Knowledge Ontario renews database licenses for sequential two year terms. All library sectors, including public libraries are consulted on priority acquisitions as part of each cycle. Collectively, these databases provide Ontarians with free, open and reliable access to essential information and learning resources through their local libraries. Licensing is in place for all databases until December 2010. 32 35 million searches have been performed against the various databases in each of the last two years. Improvements in training and search interfaces has resulted in a tripling of full text retrieved documents from 11.3 million in 2008 to 36 million in 2009. Public libraries have accounted for roughly one -third of search activities in the last two years and more than 21 million full text retrievals in 2009 alone. Through the combined efforts of KO, the vendors and SOLS /OLS -N, the proportion of public libraries registered and using the databases has increased to more than 90 per cent The majority of public libraries, school boards and colleges secure access to thousands of online electronic resources they could never have licensed on their own and at a fraction of the cost of licensing them through small consortia or individual institutions. The projected savings province -wide across all library sectors by 2010 will greatly exceed the cost of $9.7 million invested in the licenses to date. These resources are an indispensable tool in responding to the research and knowledge needs of students and adult learners. Without them, many communities would lack access to on line learning resources that others take for granted. The provincial reach of these online databases provides the opportunity to compile and share best practices and lists of best resources for use in building curriculum supports and province wide learning resources. Our Ontario Our Ontario provides both leadin edge portal and toolkit technologies that enable anytime, anywhere discovery of tens of thousands of digital items of local h and culture about Ontario (1O% of total budget) 68 public libraries use our digital media content creation toolkits. Already this year, 212 people have been trained to create and manage Ontario digital collections using these toolkits. 30+ public libraries are using the Our Ontario portal technologies and toolkit by participating in the Community Digitization Project, a partnership project with SOLS and OLS- North. Public libraries also make up one third of the 260+ contributors to the OurOntario.ca portal. Since 2008, there have been more than 6.8 million visits to the portal and hosted sites of toolkit partners. Over the same period, there have been more than 20 million page views on the portal and hosted sites. In 2009, a French version of OurOntario.ca was released and robust social web 2.0 search features were integrated. Our Ontario's toolkit and portal technologies simplify the process and greatly reduce the cost to participating organizations of planning, digitizing, hosting and providing access to their digital collections. The projected savings through cost avoidance of using these services among toolkit partners alone is estimated at $1.25 million. Connect Connect Ontario has completed work on a ground- breaking OPAC discovery service developed in partnership with BC Libraries and BiblioCommons (2% of total budget) Through this partnership, KO is able to deliver a next generation online public access catalogue (OPAC) discovery layer and social networking space to public libraries meeting the certification standards. The BiblioCommons service is designed to transform and extend the library catalogue into a rich, highly interactive discovery experience where users can share reviews, build lists of favourites, create affinity groups and learning networks. By summer 2010, more than 20 public libraries had signed on to offer this capability, with this number projected to increase to 30 40 public libraries by fall 2010. Through its charter subscriber agreement, Knowledge Ontario has secured significant benefits for qualifying public libraries. Those signing up now will realize major savings: 1) waiving of any initial set -up and installation fee, 2) the ability to subscribe to the service at no additional cost through July 2011, and, 3) the ability to renew for up to an additional two years at a very competitive rate. Learn Ontario Learn Ontario's software help "go to" portal (LearnOntario.ca) brings together resources o help develop 21 century digital literacies. A license with Atomic Learning provides on demand, as needed video support as well as help for the KO Resources and K -12 OESS resources as well (4% of total budget) More than 20 public libraries from across the province participated in a pilot project using the Atomic online tutorials to promote skills development for under and unemployed persons, training seniors and distance education students, digital literacy of library staff, community courses, answering tech questions. In 2010, the learnontario.ca portal was launched to public use. More than 5,000 solution focused tech tutorials are now available to support library staff and patrons in effective uses of hundreds of software applications. These tutorials are part of the larger educational resources portal that will support greater library /school collaboration by bringing together in one easy to use discovery space a wealth of on line learning resources. Elginw wrunt PI W u,S by AI re. FROM: Steve Evans Manager of Planning DATE: October 7, 2010 SUBJECT: Five Year Review of the Provincial Policy Statement (PPS) INTRODUCTION: The Province is conducting a five year review of the Provincial Policy Statement (PPS) and requesting input on how the PPS is working and whether any changes are needed to protect provincial interests. DISCUSSION: A draft report has been prepared by staff to be submitted to the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing pending Council's endorsement. The report identifies policies in the PPS that are difficult to interpret and to apply in Elgin County. The report discusses these problem areas in the PPS and suggests options for the Province's consideration in this five year review process. A copy of the draft report is attached for Council's review. RECOMMENDATION: THAT County Council endorse the report titled "The Five Year Review of the Provincial Policy Statement" dated October 7, 2010 and direct the Manager of Planning to forward this document to the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing in order to meet the submission deadline of October 29, 2010. All of which is Respectfully Submitted Approved for Submission Steve Evans Manager of Planning REPORT TO COUNTY COUNCIL CPAK r Mark G. McDonald ktr Chief Administrative Officer Provincial Policy Statement (PPS) Five-Year Review Comments Prepared and Submitted to MMAH By: The County of Elgin October 27, 2010 Background Land use planning in Ontario is a provincially led system that, in accordance with the Planning Act, employs the Provincial Policy Statement (PPS) to provide direction on matters of Provincial interest related to land use planning and development. The Province is conducting a five year review of the PPS (2005) and is requesting input on how the PPS is working and whether any changes are needed to protect provincial interests and to ensure the PPS is adequately addressing emerging land issues. In this respect the Province has suggested that Elgin County consider a number of questions as set out below. The PPS provides policy direction on matters of provincial interest. It provides the foundation necessary to regulate the development and use of land. The Province is especially interested in comments addressing the effectiveness of the PPS to ensure communities grow efficiently and in a way that respects the environment, promotes economic competitiveness, meets community housing needs, provides adequate infrastructure and municipal services, and protects cultural heritage and natural resources. The Planning Act requires that decisions on land use planning matters made by Municipalities, the Province, the Ontario Municipal Board and other decision makers "shall be consistent" with the PPS. The County of Elgin and its seven local Municipalities must comply with the legislation in respect of the exercise of any authority that affects a planning matter. The purpose of this report is to identify and comment on policies in the PPS that are difficult to interpret and to apply in Elgin County and to suggest options for consideration in the Province's five year review process. Questions to consider 1. What policies of the current PPS are working effectively? Policies related to Public Spaces, Parks and Open Space, Transportation Systems and Infrastructure Corridors, Long -term Economic Prosperity, the Protection of Prime Agricultural Land and Natural and Human -made hazards. 2. Are there policies that need clarification or refinement? 1.1.3 Settlement Areas Policy 1.1.3 requires planning authorities to "establish and implement phasing policies to ensure orderly progression of development within designated growth areas and the timely provision of infrastructure and public service facilities required to meet current and future needs." This policy does not speak to designated growth areas that are unserviced and may not meet the definition of infrastructure as set out in the PPS. For small settlement areas which have a history of slow growth or no growth and where there may be a lack of landowner competition within the designated growth areas a significant limitation for the expansion of a settlement area is August 24 2010 2 imposed by the PPS. In addition, small settlement areas that are unserviced are limited to development at a rate of five or less lots in accordance with Policy 1.6.4.4. In an effort to provide some flexibility in slow and no growth designated growth areas of the Province the PPS should consider such settlement areas in the same way as rural areas located in municipalities are considered. This would allow for limited residential development which is not restricted to five or less lots as set of out in Policy 1.6.4.4 and require that the development shall be appropriate to the infrastructure which is planned or available and avoid the need for unjustified and /or uneconomical expansion of this infrastructure. Currently any proposed development in excess of five lots in unserviced settlement areas require communal servicing and a mandatory responsibility agreement (MOE requirement) with the municipality. In most cases local municipalities are averse to entering into such agreements. Recommendations: This section of the PPS may benefit from recognizing the diversity between fast and slow /no growth settlement areas. The definition of settlement areas in the PPS includes rural settlement areas which could be villages and hamlets many of which are not serviced with municipal or communal servicing. In such cases it is suggested that the province consider adding a new policy to the PPS as follows: 2 A) 2. B) 1.1.4. a Rural Settlement Areas in Municipalities 1.1.4. a.1 In rural settlement areas located within municipalities: a) permitted uses shall include limited residential, commercial and industrial uses: b) development shall be appropriate to the infrastructure which is planned or available, and avoid the need for the unjustified and /or uneconomical expansion of this infrastructure c) development that is compatible with a rural settlement area and can be sustained by rural service levels should be promoted. 2.1 Natural Heritage Natural Heritage Policy prohibits development and site alteration in: a) significant habitat of endangered species and threatened species; b) significant wetlands in Ecoregions 5E, 6E and 7E; and c) significant coastal wetlands Natural Heritage Policy also prohibits development and site alteration in: a) significant wetlands in the Canadian Shield north of Ecoregions 5E, 6E and 7E b) significant woodlands south and east of the Canadian Shield c) significant valleylands south and east of the Canadian Shield d) significant wildlife habitat; and e) significant areas of natural and scientific interest August 24 2010 3 unless it has been demonstrated that there will be no negative impacts on the natural features or their ecological functions. Recommendations: The goal of the Natural heritage Policy of the PPS is to protect natural features and areas for the long term. It is suggested that the Province could better encourage the protection of these areas by giving the land owners the benefit of determining for themselves whether development would negatively impact the natural features or their ecological functions through an evaluation exercise such as an EIS. By taking this approach the Province is requiring the owner to prove his /her case for development and not imposing a restrictive prohibition which runs counter to common law for real property and the "burden of proof' standard. 2 C) 2.3 Agriculture With regards to surplus residences, the PPS states in Policy 2.3.4.1: "Lot creation in prime agricultural areas is discouraged and may only be permitted for: c) a residence surplus to a farming operation as a result of farm consolidation provided that the planning authority ensures that new residential dwellings are prohibited on any vacant remnant parcel of farmland created by the severance. The approach used to ensure that no new residential dwellings are permitted on the remnant parcel may be recommended by the province, or based on municipal approaches which achieve the same objective; The prohibition of dwellings on any vacant remnant parcel of faiinland may be problematic in the long term. In many cases the municipal approach is to impose restrictive zoning to prohibit new residential dwellings on vacant remnant parcels. However, this approach is not permanent, as zoning by -laws can be amended over time. Recommendations: If the intent of the Province if to permanently prohibit new residential dwellings on the remnant parcel then it is suggested that the Province consider introducing an Ontario Regulation rather than relying on municipal approaches. It is also recommended that the Province re- introduce the definition of residence surplus to a farming operation as set out in the 1997 version of the PPS. This would permit the severance of one of two or more existing farm residences built prior to 1978 and surplus to the farm. This type of severance meets the intent of the PPS as such dwelling is surplus to the farm operation. 2 D) 2.4 Minerals and Petroleum 2.5 Mineral Aggregate Resources The PPS policies protect resources of provincial interest and yet give pre- eminence to the extraction of mineral aggregate resources. This seems at odds with the Provincial interest of August 24 2010 4 wise use and management of its resources which should be balanced against the protection of all natural resources. Policy 2.5.2.1 states: "As much of the mineral aggregate resources as is realistically possible shall be made available as close to markets as possible. Demonstration of need for mineral aggregate resources, including any type of supply /demand analysis, shall not be required, notwithstanding the availability, designation or licensing for extraction of mineral aggregate resources locally or elsewhere. Policy 2.5.2.4 states: "Mineral aggregate operations shall be protected from development and activities that would preclude or hinder their expansion or continued use" "Existing mineral aggregate operations shall be permitted to continue without the need for official plan amendment, rezoning or development permit under the Planning Act Recommendations: The Province should apply a consistent approach to the protection of its natural resources without giving special status to mineral aggregate extraction that precludes the need for appropriate evaluation. 3. Are there policies that are no longer needed? Policy 1.8 Energy and Air Quality may not be required in the PPS to support energy efficiency and improved air quality through land use and development patterns. The Province has moved the planning approval process for alternative energy systems and energy projects from municipalities to the Province. The Province could omit this section in the PPS or update the provincial Renewable Energy Approval Process. In addition Policy 1.5 Public Spaces, Parks and Open Space could be removed and replaced with a new policy on Healthy Communities. 4. Are there new policy areas or issues that the Province needs to provide land use planning direction on? Healthy Communities and Sustainable Communities. 5. Is additional support material needed to help implement the PPS? No comment. August 24 2010 5 6. Do you have any other comments about the PPS? Language Inconsistencies "Employment areas" There are inconsistencies with language and definitions among various Provincial documents including the PPS. For example, employment area is defined as: "areas designated in an official plan for clusters of business and economic activities including, but not limited to, manufacturing, warehousing, offices and associated retail and ancillary facilities In contrast, Policy 1.3 Employment Areas states as follows: 1.3.1 Planning authorities shall promote economic development and competitiveness by: a) providing for an appropriate mix and range of employment (including commercial, industrial and institutional uses) to meet long term needs. The Province's Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe 2006 includes a definition of employment lands identical to that found in the PPS; however, section 6 of the Growth Plan which provides policies for employment lands states: "For the purposes of this policy, major retail uses are considered non employment areas." The Planning Act definition is different again and states in Section 1: "area of employment" means an area of land designated in an official plan for clusters of business and economic uses including, without limitation, the uses listed in subsection (5), or as otherwise prescribed by regulation; (5) Uses re "area of employment" The uses referred to in the definition of "area of employment" in subsection (1) are, a) manufacturing uses; b) warehousing uses; c) office uses; d) retail uses that are associated with uses mentioned in clauses (a) to (c); and e) facilities that are ancillary to uses mentioned in clauses (a) to (d). The definitions in all Provincial documents should coincide to provide clarity for decision makers. In Elgin County, employment uses should include commercial, industrial and institutional uses. August 24` 2010 6 "Agriculture related Uses" OMAFRA interprets the PPS definition of farm operation to mean a single farm parcel when considering agriculture- related uses. However, the definition of residence surplus to a farming operation has a different meaning as follows: "means an existing farm residence that is rendered surplus as a result of farm consolidation (the acquisition of additional farm parcels to be operated as one farm operation)." The Province should ensure farmers have the flexibility to operate secondary and agriculture related uses as part of a "farm operation" meaning several parcels operated as one farm operation as set out in the definition of residence surplus to a farming operation. The OMAFRA interpretation related to agriculture- related uses seems restrictive for a changing agricultural economy. August 24 2010 7 FROM: Rob Bryce Director of Human Resources DATE: September 24, 2010 SUBJECT: Future Changes to Canada Pension Plan INTRODUCTION: REPORT TO COUNTY COUNCIL The Canada Pension Plan (CPP) is a federal provincial territorial partnership. Both levels of government are joint stewards of the Plan, acting on behalf of current and future beneficiaries. Federal, provincial and territorial Ministers of Finance are required to review the Plan every three years to determine whether changes are needed to CPP benefits or the contribution rate. Changes to the Plan require the approval of the Parliament of Canada as well as the approval of at least two thirds of the provinces with two thirds of the population of Canada. Changes to the Canada Pension Plan were recommended by federal, provincial and territorial Ministers of Finance on May 25, 2009. The goal of these changes, according to the federal Ministry of Finance, is to better reflect the many approaches people pursue to retire by providing greater flexibility, modestly expanding coverage and improving fairness in the plan. These changes were included in Bill C -51 which received Royal Assent on December 9, 2009. These changes will become effective between 2011 and 2014 and will benefit workers to varying degrees depending on one's age, history of earnings, and their ability to work past age 60. Starting in 2011, changes to the Canada Pension Plan will gradually be phased in over a five (5) year period. The changes will not impact CPP benefit amounts received by CPP pensioners prior to 2011. However, there may be CPP contribution requirement changes for some CPP pensioners who continue to work, as well as for their employers. Additionally, once changes have been phased in, persons leaving the workforce prior to age 65 may see CPP benefit levels reduce while those remaining in the workforce past age 65 may see CPP benefit levels increase. DISCUSSION: The following upcoming changes include: 1. Adjustments to Pension Benefits for Early and Late CPP Receipt Starting in 2012, and implemented over five (5) years, early receipt of CPP will result in a 7.2% reduction in benefit level for each year a pension is taken before age 65 (or 0.6% per month from current level of 0.5 Starting in 2011, and implemented over three (3) years, CPP benefits will be enhanced by 8.4% for each year a pension is taken after age 65. 2. Removal of Work Cessation for Early CPP Receipt Starting in 2012, the requirement to stop working or significantly reduce earnings to take early CPP will no longer apply. 3. Mandatory Contributions to CPP for CPP Pensioners Under Age 65 CPP contributions will be required from employees and employers for CPP pensioners under the age of 65 who continue to work. Employees between ages 65 and 70 may contribute on a voluntary basis (necessitating employer contributions). Additional contributions will result in increased CPP benefits. 4. Increase in Low Earning Drop Out The general low- earning drop out provision will increase to 16% in 2012 and 17% in 2014 (currently 15 This increase will allow almost seven and one -half (7.5) years of low or zero earnings to be dropped for the 2012 and 2013 CPP benefit calculation and eight (8) years starting in 2014. This may result in increasing one's pension benefit if one had years of little or no income. CONCLUSION: The proposed changes will provide greater flexibility for older workers to combine pension and work income if they so wish; modestly expand pension coverage; and improve fairness in the Plan's flexible retirement provisions. The proposed package is affordable within the current CPP contribution rate of 9.9% on earnings up to average wages and could improve the long -term sustainability of the Plan. The decision for eligible persons of whether to apply for CPP benefits is a personal choice which demands consideration of a number of personal factors including one's health, projected Iifespan, and cash flow requirements. This report is intended to provide only a general framework of information pertaining to proposed CPP changes starting in 2011. RECOMMENDATION: THAT the report titled "Future Changes to Canada Pension Plan dated September 24, 2010, be received and filed. All of which is Respectfully Submitted Approved for Submission -o_ Dirr ctor of Human esources _r Mark G. McDonald Chief Administrative Officer C'Nn4s53irn_ Cv REPORT TO COUNTY COUNCIL FROM: Rob Bryce Director of Human Resources DATE: September 24, 2010 SUBJECT: Future Changes to Ontario Municipal Employees Retirement System INTRODUCTION: Starting in 2011, the Ontario Municipal Employees Retirement System (OMERS) is implementing a planned three -year contribution rate increase for both members and employers. Additionally, starting in 2013, OMERS is making changes to the benefit levels that members will receive if they terminate employment before reaching eligibility for an early retirement pension. (This only affects benefits based on service earned after 2012). These changes are undertaken as a temporary strategy to support the underfunding shortfall of $1.5 billion as of year -end 2009. This is a necessary action to offset nearly $5.0 billion of net losses which will be added to the Plan's balance sheets over the next four years as a result of the 2008 economic market collapse. DISCUSSION: Starting on the first full pay period in 2011, OMERS has announced a three year contribution rate increase for members and employers: an average 1.0% of a member's earnings per side in 2011, 1.0% in 2012, and 0.9% in 2013. For example, in 2011, an employee earning $50,000 annually will pay an additional amount of approximately $19 gross per pay. Employees earning $75,000 annually will pay an additional amount of approximately $29 gross per pay. This three —year rate increase is expected to add an additional pension cost to the County of Elgin of approximately $100,000 each year. Starting on January 1, 2013 the benefit calculation changes will affect members who terminate employment and who are not yet eligible for an early retirement pension. These members will no longer have pre- retirement indexing and early retirement subsidies included in the calculation of their benefits. That means that members terminating employment after 2012 who are not yet age 55 (normal retirement age 65) will not receive inflation protection (indexation) when OMERS calculates a terminating member's pension benefit and applies to either leaving the pension in the OMERS Plan or electing a transfer of the commuted value. Again, this affects credited service earned after January 1, 2013 only. That also means that members terminating employment after 2012 who are not yet age 55 (normal retirement age 65) will not receive some "extras" that are currently enjoyed such as the "bridge" benefit and early retirement provisions when OMERS calculates a terminating members pension benefit. CONCLUSION: The temporary contribution rate increases are a necessary and responsible action to address the growing deficit in the plan. Similarly, the temporary benefit calculation changes are prudent measures to address the ever increasing costs of the Plan. OMERS will continue to carefully monitor the funded status and make changes as required to support the Plan. RECOMMENDATION: THAT the report titled "Future Changes to Ontario Municipal Employees Retirement System dated September 24, 2010, be received and filed. All of which is Respectfully Submitted Mark G. McDonald rector Huma Resources Chief Administrative Officer Approved for Submission F!i k.'55iee L.F P lr,: FROM: Rob Bryce Director, Human Resources DATE: September 24, 2010 SUBJECT: Manulife Benefit Renewal Projections for 2011 INTRODUCTION: The schedule of employee group benefits underwritten by Manulife Financial under the auspices of the County of Elgin Consortium Plan is due to renew for another policy year on March 1, 2011. The purpose of this report is to provide a renewal projection based on nine (9) months of claims experience in 2010. As Council will recall, for rating purposes, the County of Elgin and member municipalities consortium plan is regarded as one large group in order to attain the best rates, allowing participating member municipalities the benefit of increased purchasing power that is available through pooled insurance. Membership currently includes Central Elgin, Bayham, Malahide, Dutton /Dunwich, Aylmer and Southwold The Employee Group Life and Long Term Disability benefits will be rated based on an available five (5) years of experience. The experience -rated Health and Dental benefits renewal action will be based on twelve (12) months of claims experience. This is standard in the industry. DISCUSSION: At this point, there is an available nine (9) months of experience in the current policy year from November 1, 2009 to July 31, 2010. Benefit consultants use this period to calculate estimated renewal rate adjustments for the Health and Dental benefits. Life and LTD REPORT TO COUNTY COUNCIL The Life and LTD benefits are partially experience rated employee group rates are based on credibility to your own experience, the performance of the insurer's pool and employee demographics, i.e. weighted average age distribution, female /male ratio, and occupational characteristics. Since the risk associated with these benefits is actually analyzed over a period of five (5) years, it is prudent to provide projected rate actions based on experience trends, upon receipt of the detailed renewal analysis and claims experience from Manulife Financial. Notwithstanding this fact, the County can budget for anticipated changes in our employee demographics. As such, based on the fact that the overall employee population has remained relatively stable over the past twelve (12) months everyone is simply one year older the County can expect an upward adjustment to Employee Group Life and Long Term Disability benefit rates of approximately 5 8 Last year's renewal action resulted in a 5% decrease to the Employee Group Life and LTD rates. Consequently, unless there is a significant change in claims utilization levels during this policy period, or to the carriers overall pool performance, staff would anticipate a rate action based primarily on employee demographics. Accidental Death Dismemberment This coverage is rated according to the occupational characteristics of the group. Such factors as average age distribution and female /male ratio are not considered significant in the renewal- rating process. Since there has not been a change in the occupational characteristics of the group, staff expect the current monthly rates for the upcoming policy year will see little if any change. Health and Dental Illustrated below is the paid claims experience by benefit line for the nine (9) month period November 1, 2009 to July 31, 2010 for both (A) the overall County of Elgin Consortium Plan and (B) the County of Elgin only. (A) (B) Paid Premiums Paid Claims EHC $747,010 $652,588 Dental $307,999 $249,949 Total $1,055,009 $902,537 Benefit Anticipated Adjustment Extended Health Care +17% Dental Care +2% RECOMMENDATION: $377,685.30 $342,683.36 $166,412.46 $120,087.42 EHC Dental Total Paid Premiums Paid Claims 544,097.76 $462,770.78 Note the above mentioned experience is unaudited and does not take into consideration Manulife's reserves and administrative expenses. Under the current underwriting arrangement the experience -rated Extended Health Care and Dental Care benefits are 100% credible renewal rate adjustments are applied to the overall groups' combined claims experience results. If the current claims experience trends for the Consortium Plan continues for the next three months, we would expect that Manulife would be requesting the following rate adjustments by benefit line. The County of Elgin's Benefit Consultant, Mosey and Mosey will negotiate the best renewal possible once they receive the renewal notice in 2011. Deluxe Travel This benefit is underwritten on a fully pooled basis; as such, rates are based on the financial performance of Manulife's overall pool. THAT County Council receive and file this report. All of which is Respectfully Submitted Approved for Submission Ro•�L f Mark McDonald Dir- for of Huma Resources Chief Administrative Officer FROM: DATE: SUBJECT: INTRODUCTION: REPORT TO COUNTY COUNCIL Clayton Watters, Director of Engineering Sciences October 14, 2010 Administration Building Digital Directory Boards The County of Elgin Administration Building presently has directory boards for tenants, County departments and committee rooms. These boards were installed more than 30 years ago. Several years ago staff studied the idea of replacing the directory boards with accessible, friendly replacements. Staff, have been waiting patiently for the specifications from the Province of Ontario, the Accessibility Directorate of Ontario (AODA). In order to move ahead staff are proposing digital directory boards that not only display the basic needs for visitors but also additional information for the County and tenants alike. Staff is recommending three video monitors on the first floor to direct visitors throughout the building. The second and third floors will also have two video monitors for each floor. DISCUSSION: Staff has been aware for many years of the need to replace the identification of the county departments, tenants, committee rooms etc. The boards are expensive to purchase and expensive to make alterations for the increased number of identifiers such as tenants and county departments. Also, they do not meet the accessibility standards. The accessibility standards were to be approved and implemented a number of years ago but staff is still waiting for the specifications. In order to move forward staff is proposing three digital directory boards for the first floor. The three boards will also be accompanied with software that can host 16 different sections to the monitor, such as weather, public meeting throughout the building, and special events by the tenants or county departments and, most importantly, will provide identification of the tenants and county departments. All the changes can be made at the convenience of staff on a daily basis if required. The cost of the three monitors and software is estimated at $10,000. The installation of monitors on the second and third floor is estimated at $5,000, for a total cost of less than $15,000. An alternative is to update the present system, which has an estimated cost of $5,000. The present system has no flexibility, is time consuming to make changes, and is expensive to make adjustments. The costs for the digital directory boards can be allocated from the existing surplus in a capital budget. CONCLUSION: The present system of directory boards within the County of Elgin administration building is obsolete, and requires a complete replacement. Also, staff has been patiently waiting for the new accessibility standards to be adopted by the Province of Ontario (AODA). In order to move forward in a progressive way staff are proposing a series of digital directory boards that identify individual tenants, county departments and a host of other information such as special events. The digital directory boards are now a common feature in buildings and would be a welcome asset to the County of Elgin Administration Building. The cost of the digital directory boards is estimated at $15,000 and can be accommodated from the Capital Project Basement Training Room. RECOMMENDATION: THAT staff replace the present directory boards at the County of Elgin Administration Building with digital directory boards at an estimated cost of $15,000, and; That the funds for the project be allocated form the Capital Project Basement Training Room. All of which is Respectfully Submitted Approved for Submission Clayton Watters Director of Engineering Sciences Mark G. McDonald Chief Administrative Officer 1" FROM: Clayton Watters, Director of Engineering Services DATE: October 9, 2010 SUBJECT: Speed Zone Amendments Iona Road and Eden Line INTRODUCTION: Two areas require a reduction in the speed limit from 80 km /h to 60 km /h and 80 km /h to 50 km /h. Iona Road requires a reduced speed limit due to engineering considerations and Eden Line requires a reduced speed limit due to the presence of a school and built up residential area. DISCUSSION Iona Road (Talbot Line at lona) REPORT TO COUNTY COUNCIL Improvements have been made to the intersection of Talbot Line and Iona Road. Those improvements include channelization and traffic signals. Channelization improves the traffic movement and the traffic signal reduces potential vehicle conflicts. The intersection is in the middle of a curve, with a surface cross fall greater than 2 The curve cross fall combined with a normal road profile will have a negative impact on the Iona Road through traffic driver control; this has a negative impact on road users travelling either north or south on Iona Road. Vehicles travelling north or south could potentially move from a level road to a short stretch where the pavement has a 2% cross fall. This has the potential for the vehicles to become unstable, therefore increasing the risk for property or personal damage. Staff for the Engineering Department are recommending a reduction of the speed limit from 80 km /h to 60 km /h immediately north of the intersection to a transitional area of 400 meters north. The area south of Talbot Line speed limit is now 60 kmph. Eden Line (between Culloden Road and Talbot Line at North Hall) Eden Line has recently seen a residential build up and Engineering Services has also been informed of a primary school in this location. In Elgin County every rural school has a reduced speed limit of 50 km /h. Recently, it was brought to staffs attention of a school on Eden Line. Therefore a speed reduction is warranted in that location due to the presence of the school. Also, the area has seen a residential build up; presently, this area is defined as a urban area as per the Highway Traffic Act. In summary the length of road that that should remain 80 km /h on Eden Line is small, therefore the total length of road between Culloden Road and Talbot Line should be reduced to reinforce the identification of the local school and the built up nature of the community of North Hall on Eden Line. CONCLUSION: A section of lona Road and Eden Line requires a speed reduction. lona Road speed limit should be reduced to 60 km /h to reduce the potential for a vehicle collision. This speed limit would match the posted limit south of the intersection to create consistency. The speed reduction should be located from the north -east corner of the intersection northerly 400 meters. Eden Line has a primary school and the residential area has now increased in size which permits a speed reduction as per the Highway Traffic Act. The speed reduction should be from the east property limit on Culloden Road to the west property limit of Talbot Line on Eden Line. RECOMMENDATION: THAT the existing speed zone by -law be amended to include a 60 km /h reduced speed zone on lona Line (County Road #14) from the north west corner of the intersection northerly to a point that is 400 meters north of the north east property limit, and; THAT the existing speed zone by -law be amended to include a 50 km /h reduced speed zone on Eden Line from the east property limit of Culloden Road to the west property limit of Talbot Line, and; THAT the OPP be notified of the establishment of these reduced speed zones. All of w is Respectfully Submitted, Approved for Submission, (Ti2vJ Clayton Watters Director of Engineering Services o Mark G. McDonald e<11"-Chief Administrative Officer 5. REPORT TO COUNTY COUNCIL F Fl rU is FROM: Clayton Wafters, Director of Engineering Services DATE: October 18, 2009 SUBJECT: Sunset Road and Karen Street Sanitary Sewer Pumping Station INTRODUCTION: In the fall of 2008 the County of Elgin notified Central Elgin that it is interested in a pumping station and force main at an estimated cost of $1,028,000 for the County of Elgin Administration Building. The price of the project originated from an Environmental Study Report prepared by Dillon Consulting Limited for Central Elgin. In 2009, Central Elgin and the County of Elgin signed a front ending agreement that indicated the estimated cost of the project was $1,352,900 as defined by Central Elgin. Central Elgin has now completed the engineering and tendered for the new pumping station. The construction component of the project is over budget as determined in 2009. DISCUSSION: The County of Elgin requested that Central Elgin provide a sanitary service outlet for the Administration Building. Central Elgin and the County of Elgin have a signed agreement, so that the project can proceed and be funded by the County of Elgin with reimbursement once services are extended to other parties. The County of Elgin has agreed to the installation of a pumping station and force main along with appurtenances for the project. The pumping station ($573,500), force main ($559,400), engineering ($200,000) and land purchase ($20,000) was estimated at $1,352,900. The estimate was prepared by Central Elgin. The tender closed in late September and the lowest tender for the pumping station and force main is approximately $1,435,000 or more than $80,000 over the estimated cost. As a back grounder, the County of Elgin agreed in 1985 as part of the purchase agreement for the building and lands, that County would within two years make alternative arrangements for the services of water, sewage and hydro. Hydro was transferred shortly thereafter the purchase, water was connected to a Central Elgin system within the last decade and the only remaining service is the transfer of sewage through the St. Joseph Health Care. Since this project is above the Capital Project allocation by more than $50,000 the project cannot proceed at this time. Therefore, staff will submit a report to a future County Council meeting that will outline the options available. CONCLUSION: In order to fulfil the 1985 obligation with the Province of Ontario the County of Elgin made a request to Central Elgin to provide a sanitary service outlet for the Administration Building. An agreement has been signed between the County of Elgin and Central Elgin so that the County would up front the construction costs and would be reimbursed at a later date, depending on future growth and future needs. Construction prices were recently secured but were over the budgeted amount by more $50,000, therefore, the project will be deferred until a report is presented to a future County Council meeting. RECOMMENDATION: That the Pumping Station Sunset Road and Karen Street project for the County of Elgin Administration Building be deferred until a future County Council meeting. All of which is Respectfully Submitted Approved for Submission Clayton Watters Director of Engineering 4t Mark G. McDonald (L-Chief Administrative Officer Year Yearly Total Facility Per Yearly total for Bobier Villa, Elgin Manor, Terrace Lodge and County Administration Building 2011 $2,899.11 x 4 $11,596.44 2012 $2,986.08 x 4 $11,944.32 2013 $3,075.66 x 4 $12,302.64 INTRODUCTION: DISCUSSION: REPORT TO COUNTY COUNCIL FROM: Jim Carter Manager of Corporate Facilities Sonia Beavers, Purchasing Coordinator DATE: October 14, 2010 SUBJECT: Building Automation Services The service agreement for the Building Automation Service for the Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning Systems (HVAC) is scheduled for renewal on January 1, 2011 for the County Administration Building, Elgin Manor, Terrace Lodge and Bobier Villa. The HVAC automation system is a software program that monitors and controls air handling units, boiler and heating systems as well as the air conditioning units. The Johnson Control Automation System was installed at the County Administration Building prior to 2002, and at Terrace Lodge and Elgin Manor in 2004. The Building Automation System is currently being installed at Bobier Villa and therefore commencing January 1, 2011, Bobier Villa will be added to the contract. The mechanical part of the HVAC System was tendered however the Building Automation Service was not tendered. Johnson Controls is the only qualified source at this time that possesses the technical qualifications to administer the Johnson Controls HVAC automation system software program. In this situation, Johnson Controls would be identified as a "sole source possessing the unique and singularly available capability to meet the requirement of the solicitation. For this reason, Johnson Controls was asked to submit a quotation for a three year term commencing in January 1, 2011 and ending in December 31, 2013. The quotation received to administer the Johnson Controls Automation System for the Administration Building, Elgin Manor, Terrace Lodge and Bobier Villa is as follows: This price includes 4 consultation services per year per facility and also includes the delivery and installation of all software upgrades. Currently the cost is $2,814.67 x 3 (County Administration Building, Terrace Lodge and Elgin Manor) yearly total of $8,444.01. CONCLUSION: Johnson Controls is the sole source provider for the Johnson Controls HVAC Automation System. Johnson Controls has provided building automation services to the County since 2002. Staff is pleased with the service currently being provided by Johnson Controls. The maintenance service ensures proper loop tuning and calibration of end devices as well as archiving of critical data. RECOMMENDATION: THAT Johnson Controls be awarded the contract for the Building Automation Services for the HVAC Systems for the County Administration Building, Terrace Lodge, Elgin Manor and Bobier Villa effective January 1, 2011 to December 31, 2013 at their quoted price of $11,596.44 for 2011, $11,944.32 for 2012 and $12,302.64 for 2013 exclusive of HST and; THAT the Warden and CAO be authorized to execute a three year Service Agreement effective January 1, 2011 to December 31, 2013 with Johnson Controls for the Building Automation Services for the HVAC Systems. All of which is Respectfully Submitted Approved for Submission Sonia Beavers Purchasing Coordinator Clayton Watters Director, Engineering Services 00,/ ClN Mark McDonald Chief Administrative Officer FROM: Pat Vandevenne, Director of Senior Services -Elgin Manor Rhonda L. Roberts, Director of Senior Services Bobier Villa Terrace Lodge DATE: October 15, 2010 SUBJECT: Meals on Wheels Agreement Renewal INTRODUCTION: The County of Elgin Homes provides meals for the Victorian Order of Nurses (VON) and West Elgin Community Health Centre (WECHC) meals on wheels programs to residents within the respective communities. The agreement is due for renewal for 2010/2011. DISCUSSION: The County of Elgin Homes have prepared and packaged meals for the meals on wheels program for the VON since the late 1980s and for the WECHC since 1993. This is viewed as a valued and affordable service for individuals serviced within the community. The County of Elgin Homes has continued to provide the service for the 2010/2011 contract year, however, a renewed agreement is required. The directors have reviewed costs of producing and packaging the meals and are confident that the current pricing structure is appropriate. The service providers have been informed, however, that another review of pricing for the upcoming agreement year 2011/2012 may occur in January 2012 to ensure on -going cost recovery. CONCLUSION: The County of Elgin continues to provide an affordable and high quality service to residents within the community to the VON and WECHC. The service providers are pleased with the service and look forward to the continued relationship. RECOMMENDATION: THAT the report titled "Meals on Wheels Agreement Renewal 2010/2011" dated October 15, 2010 be received and filed. All of which is Respectfully Submitted Pat Vandevenne Director of Senior Services -EM Rhonda Roberts Director of Senior Services -BV TL REPORT TO COUNTY COUNCIL Approved for Submission nn M ark G. McDonald '''Chief Administrative Officer REPORT TO COUNTY COUNCIL FROM: Jim Bundschuh Director of Financial Services DATE: October 18 2010 SUBJECT: Budget Comparison September 2010 INTRODUCTION: Attached is the budget comparison for YTD performance through September 2010 for the County showing $220,000 favourable performance for the month bringing YTD performance to $754,000. DISCUSSION /CONCLUSION: Highlights of the budget performance are as follows: Line 3 Social Services: $178,000 favourable performance based on St. Thomas actual billing for first six months. City expressed concern that this performance may reverse itself in the second half of the year. Line 15 Admin Building: $70,000 favourable performance YTD. Performance is predominately resulting from $21,000 performance in utilities with the balance coming from operating costs. Line 16 Corporate Expenditures: $47,000 favourable performance YTD. Performance is predominately resulting from $28,000 performance in legal and $10,000 in the utility hedge with the balance coming from other operating costs. Line 17 Engineering Services: $121,000 favourable performance YTD. Performance is predominately resulting from $73,000 performance in fees with the balance coming from operating costs. Line 18 Homes for Seniors: $24,000 favourable performance YTD, a reduction of $81,000 from the prior July YTD report resulting from 2010 vacation hours being higher than 2009 increasing costs by $79,000. Line 20 Library Services: $85,000 favourable performance YTD. Performance is predominately resulting from $51,000 performance in wages and benefits with the balance coming from revenue. Line 25 Economic Development /Tourism /Planning: YTD favourable performance of $145,000 was realized. Performance in Economic Development was $56,000, Tourism $26,000 and Planning $63,000. For Economic Development $28,000 was in advertising, printing and special projects and $22,000 in purchased services. Tourism performance is predominately due to $18,000 in advertising and printing. The performance in Planning is predominately explained by spending for the Official Plan being behind the budgeted schedule by $41,000. Although this will likely result in reduced spending in 2010, this is only a timing issue and the costs will flow into 2011. The balance of favourable performance in Planning is in wages and office supplies. RECOMMENDATION: THAT the report titled "Budget Comparison September 2010" dated October 18 2010 be received and filed. Respectfully Submitted Approved for Submission 1)4 im Bundschuh Mark G. McDonald Director of Financial Services Chief Administrative Officer co TD co TD co ca CC 's77. TCI 1 3 ci a. o o y ra Lu ci a. CO O 0 CO co T 10 CO CO N CO CC) M CNO 10 CO CO O CO T CO CO N co" Cfl N LO CO T CO ti CD CO CD O O CO CO a O O LO Cn N CS) J 0) O 0) 10 )0)0) p co J O 0 0) l0 CO 0) 0) O CO N 0 0 0 CO CO CS) CD CO w W 1— O T O N- O co co CO 0) CO CO CO 0 LO O a) N i- 0 ^0 0 v- 0 0) CO C) O 0) 0 co N p 0 ti N T 0 CO 0 0) N T 0 r N N I- N O O co co W LC1 t1, O O CO N ti N ti M co O co M O M (N 0 r 10 0� r p h p 0) N )N C d' co co r N O T r rI( 01 N Iv-1 �I v- c-Iv-1NINININININI NI M in in 03 O O M O ti 0 F- COUNTY OF ELGIN ONTARIO MUNICIPAL PARTNERSHIP FUND For The 9 Periods Ending September 30, 2010 INTEREST CHARGES INCOME Budget Comparisons PROPERTY ASSESSMENT CORPORATE ACTIVITIES Total Corporate PROJECT COSTS RENTAL INCOME Description RECEIPTS RECEIPTS 18,856 4,131 6,671 30,470 69,937 47,451 120,581 23,502 11,703 85,379 CO 0) CO d' O O d' r CO CO CO N co (0 0) 00 �d' 3 r 8L6`£65 0 237,979 237,979 0 304,053 304,053 0 354,492 354,492 0 300,705 300,705 (265,369) 473,664 208,295 0 371,209 371,209 (968,405) 2,542,745 1,574,340 (10,807,095) 12,924,064 2,116,970 (19,319) 275,359 256,040 (118,122) 1,597,694 1,479,572 0 416,745 416,745 (1,185,703) 1,137,040 (48,663) (236,713) 226,436 (10,277) (4,117,489) 5,628,836 1,511,348 (181,207) 1,001,709 820,502 0 (17,899,420) 27,792,731 9,893,310 4,996 (937) 235 (593) 6,119 ZLI7`9 (EI.8`9) I- I LE6`9 'b8L`9 CSC) M ti p O O T ........N 0 O N 7_, N 0I6`9t7 0 23,045 23,045 0 28,153 28,153 0 40,159 40,159 0 31,262 31,262 (24,961) 53,328 28,366 0 17,780 17,780 (23,182) 712,457 689,275 (1,196,804) 1,316,951 120,147 (1,220) 27,585 26,365 (29,360) 210,538 181,179 0 36,633 36,633 (136,511) 132,123 (4,388) (42,504) 41,468 (1,036) (452,831) 529,807 76,976 (2,967) 150,335 147,368 0 (1,910,339) 3,351,623 1,441,284 DEPARTMENTAL ACTIVITIES WARDEN AND COUNCIL ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES FINANCIAL SERVICES HUMAN RESOURCES ADMINISTRATION BUILDING CORPORATE EXPENDITURES ENGINEERING SERVICES HOMES FOR SENIORS SERVICES MUSEUM /ARCHIVES LIBRARY SERVICES INFORMATION TECHNOLOGIES PROVINCIAL OFFENSES COLLECTIONS POA AMBULANCE EMERGENCY SERVICES ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT TOURISM Total Departmental co TD co TD co ca CC 's77. TCI 1 3 ci a. o o y ra Lu ci a. CO O 0 CO co T 10 CO CO N CO CC) M CNO 10 CO CO O CO T CO CO N co" Cfl N LO CO T CO ti CD CO CD O O CO CO a O O LO Cn N CS) J 0) O 0) 10 )0)0) p co J O 0 0) l0 CO 0) 0) O CO N 0 0 0 CO CO CS) CD CO w W 1— O T O N- O co co CO 0) CO CO CO 0 LO O a) N i- 0 ^0 0 v- 0 0) CO C) O 0) 0 co N p 0 ti N T 0 CO 0 0) N T 0 r N N I- N O O co co W LC1 t1, O O CO N ti N ti M co O co M O M (N 0 r 10 0� r p h p 0) N )N C d' co co r N O T r rI( 01 N Iv-1 �I v- c-Iv-1NINININININI NI M in in 03 O O M O ti 0 F- COUNTY OF ELGIN ONTARIO MUNICIPAL PARTNERSHIP FUND For The 9 Periods Ending September 30, 2010 INTEREST CHARGES INCOME Budget Comparisons PROPERTY ASSESSMENT CORPORATE ACTIVITIES Total Corporate PROJECT COSTS RENTAL INCOME Description RECEIPTS RECEIPTS CORRESPONDENCE October 27, 2010 Items for Consideration (ATTACHED) 1. Barbara Wilson, CMO, County Clerk, County of Huron, with a resolution requesting changes to the Ontario Power Authority's microFlT Program approval process. 2. P.M. Madill, AMCT,CMM III, Regional Clerk, Municipality of Durham, with a resolution requesting the Federal Government reinstate the mandatory Census Long Form Questionnaire for the 2011 Census. 3. George South, Director, Transfer Disposal Operations, Solid Waste Management Services, City of Toronto, extending an offer to the County of Elgin to locate a Private Sector Mixed Waste Processing Facility on County lands. 4. John R. Wilson, Mayor, Township of Malahide, requesting the Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs meet with local officials regarding Closure of Smucker's Pickling Plant in Dunnville and Tank Farm at Delhi. 5. Carolyn J. Kett, Town Clerk, Town of Fort Erie, with a resolution requesting the Minister of Natural Resources Improve the Delivery of Land Conservation Services in Ontario. Corporation of the COUNTY OF HURON COUNTY CLERK, Barbara L. Wilson, CMO 1 Court House Square, Goderich, Ontario N7A 1M2 bwilsonCc�huroncounty.ca Ontario Power Authority, c/o microFIT Program, Suite 1600, 120 Adelaide Street West, Toronto, ON M5H 1T1 September 14 2010. 519 524 -8394 (ext. 257) Fax x 9- The Council of the Corporation of the County of Huron passed a Motion at their Ninth Session on September 1s 2010 directing that this letter be submitted to you. Council is requesting written confirmation of domestic content requirements from equipment suppliers or installers become mandatory at the time a system is ordered and approved to the Ontario Power Authority (OPA); as part of the microFIT application process. Council is requesting that the OPA investigate making domestic content inspections of microFIT projects mandatory; and, also consider prequalifying Ontario suppliers and providing a list of companies and installers to potential applicants. As you are aware delays in the approval process are continuing to have a negative affect on the industry's ability to grow and create new jobs. The Corporation of the County of Huron is appealing to you to consider its requests as these matters have implications for agriculture and economic development in the County of Huron. Barbara L. Wilson, CMO, County Clerk, County of Huron. c.c. The Honourable Carol Mitchell, Minister of Agriculture Food and Rural Affairs I newable Energy Facilitation Office (email REFO Il municipalities in Ontario D CEP r I) l COUNTY OF ELGIN APMINISTRATIV SERVICES l l DURHAM The Regional Municipality of Durham Clerk's Department 605 ROSS.LAND RD. E. PO BOX 623 WHITBY ON L1 N 6A3 CANADA 905 668 -7711 1- 800 372 -1102 Fax: 905 -668 -9963 E -mail: clerks @durham.ca www.durham.ca Pat M. Madill, A.M.C.T., CMM III Regional Clerk. "Service Excellence for our Communities" September 17, 2010 The Right Honourable Stephen Harper' Prime Minister House of Commons Ottawa, ON K1A 0A6 -and- 100% Post Consumer SEPf2200 COUNTY L ELGIN The HonourA e Tony. Clement ADMINISTRATIVE S ERVICES Minister(ndustry Hous f Commons Ottawa, ON K1A 0A6 RE: ELIMINATION OF THE 2011 CENSUS LONG FORM QUESTIONNAIRE, FILE: D01 -05 -00 (2010- P -52), OUR FILE: D00 Honourable Sirs, the Planning Committee of Regional Council considered the above matter and at a meeting held on September 15, 2010 Council adopted the following recommendations of the Committee: "THAT the Federal Government be advised that the Council of The Regional Municipality of Durham opposes the decision to eliminate the mandatory Census Long Form Questionnaire on the basis that it will compromise the Region's ability to effectively plan for its communities; THAT the Council of The Regional Municipality of Durham hereby requests the Honourable Tony Clement, Minister of Industry, and the Federal Government to reinstate the mandatory Census Long Form Questionnaire for the upcoming 2011 census; THAT a letter be sent by the Regional Chair with this resolution to the Prime Minister of Canada and the Minister of Industry; THAT this resolution be forwarded to the Region's MPs, MPPs and Area Municipalities for their information and support; and 2 THAT this resolution be forwarded to all upper and single -tier municipalities in Ontario, the Federation of Canadian Municipalities, and the Association of Municipalities of Ontario, with the request that they formally support this resolution." P.M. Madill, AMCT, CMM III Regional Clerk PMM /tf c: D. McTeague, MP, Pickering /Scarborough East M. Holland, MP, Ajax/Pickering The Honourable J. Flaherty, MP, Whitby /Oshawa The Honourable B. Oda, MP, Durham C. Carrie, MP, Oshawa B. Devolin, MP, Haliburton Kawartha Lakes -Brock W. Arthurs, MPP, Pickering /Scarborough East C. Elliott, MPP, Whitby /Oshawa J. O'Toole, MPP, Durham J. Ouellette, MPP, Oshawa R. Johnson, MPP, Haliburton Kawartha Lakes Brock J. Dickson, MPP, Ajax/Pickering M. deRond, Clerk, Town of Ajax T. Gettinby, Clerk, Township of Brock P.L. Barrie, Clerk, Municipality of Clarington S. Kranc, Clerk, City of Oshawa D. Shields, Clerk, City of Pickering K. Coates, Clerk, Township of Scugog D. Leroux, Clerk, Township of Uxbridge D. Wilcox, Clerk, Town of Whitby B. Carlton, Chief Executive Officer, Federation of Canadian Municipalities P. Vanini, Executive Director, Association of Municipalities of Ontario S. Lathan, Regional Clerk, Regional Municipality of Halton K. Bain, Clerk, Regional Municipality of Niagara C. Reid, Clerk, Regional Municipality of Peel K. Fletcher, Clerk, Regional Municipality of Waterloo D. Kelly, Clerk, Regional Municipality of York B. Cohean, Clerk, County of Bruce P. Hillock, Clerk, County of Dufferin M. McDonald, Chief Administrative Officer, County of Elgin 3 M. Brennan, Clerk, County of Essex E. Savill, Clerk, County of Frontenac G. Wood, Chief Administrative Officer, County of Grey T. Wilbee, Clerk, County of Haliburton J. Pine, Chief Administrative Officer /Clerk, County of Hastings B. Wilson, Clerk, County of Huron S. Thiffeault, Clerk, County of Lambton C. Ritchie, Clerk, County of Lanark L. Todd, Clerk, United Counties of Leeds and Grenville L. Keech, Chief Administrative Officer /Clerk, County of Lennox and Addington K. Bunting, Clerk, County of Middlesex D. Crowder, Acting Clerk, District Municipality of Muskoka D. Cane, Clerk, County of Northumberland B. Tabor, Clerk, County of Oxford W. Athur, Chief Administrative Officer /Clerk, County of Perth S. Saunders, Clerk, County of Peterborough S. Parisien, Chief Administrative Officer /Clerk, United Counties of Prescott and Russell N. Lemke, Chief Administrative Officer /Clerk, County of Renfrew G. Knox, Clerk, County of Simcoe H. Thomson, Clerk, United Counties of Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry D. Van Wyck, Clerk, County of Wellington J. Carman, Clerk, County of Brant D. Lee, Clerk, City of Brantford E. Mifflin, Clerk, Municipality of Chatham -Kent A. Hache, Clerk, City of Greater Sudbury J. Lankester, Clerk, County of Haldimand D. McAlpine, Clerk, City of Barrie J. Oram, Director of Corporate Services /Clerk, City of Belleville S. Seale, Clerk, City of Brockville D. Labelle- Gelinas, Clerk, City of Cornwall L. Giles, Clerk, City of Guelph R. Caterini, Clerk, City of Hamilton J. Currins, Clerk, City of Kawartha Lakes J. McMillin, Clerk, City of Kenora C. Downs, Clerk, City of Kingston C. Saunders, Clerk, City of London B. Wood, Clerk, County of Norfolk C. Conrad, Clerk, City of North Bay G. Jackson, Clerk, City of Orillia R. O'Connor, Clerk, City of Ottawa N. Wright Laking, Clerk, City of Peterborough V. Leskie, Clerk, County of Prince Edward 4 D. Craig, Clerk, City of Quinte West D. Irving, Clerk, City of Sault Ste. Marie W. Graves, Clerk, City of St. Thomas J. Thomson, Clerk, City of Stratford J. Hannam, Clerk, City of Thunder Bay J. Watson, Clerk, City of Timmins U. Watkiss, Clerk, City of Toronto V. Critchley, Clerk, City of Windsor A.L. Georgieff, Commissioner of Planning I�11 TORONIO Richard Butts, Deputy City Manager October 5, 2010 Mr. Mark McDonald Chief Administrative Officer County of Elgin 450 Sunset Drive St. Thomas, ON N5R 5V1 Dear Mr. McDonald: Re: Private Sector Mixed Waste Processing Facility Option George South Director Solid Waste Management Services Tel: (416) 392 -4687 Dufferin Transfer Station Fax: (416) 392 -372 35 Vanley Crescent E -mail: gsouth @toronto.ca Building 250, 2 Floor Toronto ON, M3J 2B7 As a follow up to the City of Toronto Mixed Waste Processing Facility design and citing process, currently underway adjacent to the Green Lane Landfill, the City of Toronto wishes to extend an offer to the County of Elgin, should you be interested in possibly locating a similar facility on County of Elgin lands. The City of Toronto has been approached by some of the First Nations in proximity to the Green Lane Landfill who wish to be considered as a willing host for the citing of a Mixed Waste Processing Facility. These First Nations would like an opportunity to respond to an RFP from the City of Toronto for private sector provision of mixed waste processing services. As a result of this request, the City of Toronto has agreed to pay for the up front cost to provide a pre feasibility study to determine if any suitable lands are present for this type of facility within these communities. In an effort to be fair and equal to all of the neighbours in proximity to the landfill, we also wish to make the same offer to the County of Elgin. This study would not in any way be binding on your County to provide the land for the facility, but would simply outline potential locations and associated infrastructure upgrades that would be required. It would be completely up to your County if you wish to participate, as well as up to your County to subsequently partner with a private sector company for provision of these services using County lands. In this manner if your County partnered with a private sector Company, and this partnership was determined to be the best value to the City of Toronto by way of an open and competitive RFP response, the City of Toronto would then become your customer for these services. ...2/ Potential sources of revenue to your County could be through a lease agreement to provide lands to your private sector company partner, or through an equity stake in the venture with your private sector partner or even a royalty agreement with your private sector partner. All of these arrangements would have to be made between your County and your potential private sector partner if you chose to do so, keeping in mind a competitive bidding environment. I wish to stress that the City of Toronto has no desire to push this type of process or involvement of your County in this project in any way. In an effort to be consistent with all of the landfill neighbours we are simply offering to pay for the cost of a pre feasibility study only if your County is interested and if this was seen as a potential benefit. Should you have any questions regarding this offer, please contact myself at your convenience. I would also request a written response to this offer (either positive or negative) at your convenience. Sincerely, e South, H.B.Sc., M.A. rector, Transfer Disposal Operations Solid Waste Management Services City of Toronto 2 87 John Street South, Aylmer, Ontario N5H 2C3 Telephone: 519- 773 -5344 Fax: 519 -773 -5334 www.malahide.ca October 15, 2010 The Honourable Carol Mitchell Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Public Archives Building 77 Grenville Street 11 th Floor Toronto, Ontario M7A1B3 Dear Minister Mitchell: RE: Closure of Smucker's Pickling Plant in Dunnville and Tank Farm at Delhi You are no doubt aware that J. M. Smucker Company has decided to close its Pickling Plant in Dunnville and Tank Farm at Delhi and move its business to Ohio and Wisconsin. Please refer to the attached article that was recently published in the Ontario Farmer for further information. Madame Minister, these closures will cost Ontario an estimated Toss of over 2,000 jobs. More than 1,800 seasonal farm workers will be out of work and approximately 200 full -time jobs will be lost at the plants. It is further estimated that 140 farmers will lose their livelihoods, particularly those involved in growing cucumbers, peppers and beets. The purpose of this letter is to ask you to meet, with representatives of Malahide Township and our local M.P.P. Steve Peters, to discuss ways and means of helping to maintain these operations in their current locations, perhaps through the introduction of financial incentives. Since these anticipated closures affect an area stretching from Dunnville to Chatham, it may be appropriate to include other MICHELLE M. CASAVECCHIA Chief Administrative Officer /Clerk mcasavecchia @malahide.ca the TOW NSH1Pot HIDE A proud tradition, a bright future. SUSAN E. WILSON Director of Finance swllson @malahide.ca 2 area M.P.P.'s and M.P.'s in this meeting. They will be copied under separate cover. Madame Minister, we look forward to hearing from you and hopefully meeting with you in the not too distant future. Sincerely, JOHN R. WILSON MAYOR TOWNSHIP OF MALAHIDE c. Mr. Steve Peters, M.P.P. Mr. Joe Preston, M. P. Ms Bonnie Vowel, Warden, Elgin County Mr. Allan Smith, General Manager of Economic Development, Elgin County Mr. Mark G. McDonald, C.A.O., Elgin County va. News Smucker moves business to Ohio About 150 full -time jobs will be lost when the Dunnville and Delhi facilities close BY JEFFREY CARTER Ontario Farmer T.M. Smucker Company has J taken a bite out of Ontario's processing vegetable industry with its decision to close its pickling plant at Dunnville and tank farm at Delhi. Operations at both facilities are to end in November 2011. According to a spokesperson at the company headquarters at Orville, Ohio, about 150 full time, 70 part-time and additional seasonal jobs will be affected. It's also a blow for Ontario farmers and field workers. John Mumford, general manager of the Ontario Processing Vegetable Growers, says the company held roughly a third of the 262 pickling cucumber contracts in 2010. "And it's not just cucumbers. They had a beet operation and they did pickled peppers," Mumford says. "There's been speculation that they would close it. When you look at the Smucker organization, it's almost like an orphan business. It's a small part of their company." The Smucker spokesperson says the move puts Smucker's pickling business on a more competitive footing. Much of the production is being moved to Ripon, Wisconsin and the rest will be transferred to third party interests. The Bick's Pickles brand will be maintained by Smucker. Smucker purchased the Ontario facilities and brand with its takeover of Robin Hood MultiFoods. Prior to that, the facilities were operated by Bick's Canada. There's now speculation that Ontario -grown cucumbers would be purchased by Smucker through a third -party supplier. Hartung Brothers, Inc., a Wisconsin -based business, is currently contracting a large part of Ontario's cucumber crop with much of it going to the U.S.. Mumford says Ontario's processing industry has been holding its own in recent years but the Smucker decision is a significant setback. Kevin Bain, Regional Clerk The Regional Municipality of Niagara 2201 St. David's Road, P. O. Box 1042 Thorold, ON L2V 4T7 Dear Mr. Bain: Re: Request to Region to Petition Minister of Natural Resources to Improve the Delivery of Land Conservation Services in Ontario At the Council meeting of September 27, 2010 the following resolution was passed regarding the above matter: THAT:The Municipal Council of the Town of Fort Erie hereby respectfully requests the Council of the Regional Municipality of Niagara to consider a motion to petition the Minister of Natural Resources to investigate and report on the feasibility of reconstituting the conservation authorities in Ontario by repealing the Conservation Authorities Act, R.S.O. 1990, c.C.27 and enacting new legislation to provide that regional councils and county councils shall once again govern, control and regulate land conservation in Ontario, and alternatively, to explore and identify options to improve the delivery of land conservation services in Ontario; to improve transparency and accountability; to regulate standards for true cost recovery of services and to more effectively balance conservation needs with those of municipalities and stakeholders, and further THAT:In the event Regional Council takes the lead and supports this initiative for change in the governance and management of land conservation in Ontario, that they seek the support of all regional and county councils in the Province of Ontario, and further THAT:A copy of this resolution be circulated to the regions and counties in Ontario for information. Your assistance in advancing this matter to Regional Council would be appreciated. We thank you for your attention to this matter. Yours :very truly, Carolyn J. Kett, A.fM.C.T., Town Clerk ckettPforterie. on. ca CJK/dlk c.c Region of Durham York Region Region of Waterloo Regional Municipality of Halton Region of Peel County of Lennex Addington Bruce County Middlesex County Prescott Russell Stormont, Dundas Glegarry County of Renfrew County of Wellington Lanark County Legal Legislative Services County of Dufferin Northumberland County Elgin County County of Essex County of Haliburton County of Peterborough Oxford County County of Fronenac Perth County County of Grey County of Simcoe Huron County United Counties of Leeds and Grenville County of Lambton (;T 1 2 20 COUNTY W UNT tl� O F ELGIN October The Corporation of the Town of Fort Erie Municipal Centre, 1 Municipal Centre Drive, Fort Erie, Ontario, Canada L2A 2S6 Office Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 5 :00 p.m. Tel: (905) 871 -1600 Fax: (905) 871 -4022 Web -Site: www.forterie.on.ca C®RI4E P®NENCE ®®ctober 27, 2010 Items for Infornnation (Consent Agenda) - (ATTACHE®) 1. Eric VanTwuiver, Coxswain, Longpoint Coast Guard, with concerns regarding changes to services offered by the Canadian Coast Guard search and rescue station at Longpoint. 2. E. Van Allen, Assistant Commissioner, Public Affairs and Parliamentary Relations, Correctional Service Canada, responding to Council's concerns regarding closure of prison farm operations. 3. Hon. Rick Bartolucci, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, responding to request for provincial support through legislation to undertake shoreline erosion project. 4. Malcolm Bates, Director Emergency Health Services Branch, Ministry of Health and Long- Term Care announcing extension of deadline for the implementation of Response Time Performance Plans for land ambulance services in Ontario. 5. Hon. Rick Bartolucci, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, with copy of 2010 reporting requirements for the Municipal Performance Measurement Program. 6. John Klunder, Program Coodinator, Sand Plains Community Development Fund announcing Project Selection Committee Decision re: Request for Reconsideration. 7. Hon. Steve Peters, M.P.P., Elgin-Middlesex-London, with copy of correspondence to Hon. Chuck Strahl, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure & Communities, concerning reductions to postal services in rural Ontario. 8. Diane Belanger, Administrative Coordinator, Policy & Research, Federation of Canadian Municipalities, with copy of correspondence from Hans Cunningham, President, Federation of Canadian Municipalities, urging Industry Canada to provide long-term and sustainable funding for the Community Access Program (CAP). 9. Laura Woermke, Executive Director, St. Thomas-Elgin Public Art Centre thanking Council for continued support. (St. Thomas-Elgin Public Art Centre fall newsletter enclosed separately) 10. Hon. Steve Peters, M.P.P., Elgin-Middlesex-London, with copy of correspondence to Hon. Carol Mitchell, Minister of Agriculture, Food & Rural Affairs concerning the future of cucumber processing industry in southwestern Ontario. September 15, 2010 County of Elgin Administration Building c/o County Council 450 Sunset Drive St Thomas Ontario N5R 5V1 Dear Council, 1, The Canadian Coast Guard has proposed to make changes to service offered by the Canadian Coast Guard search and rescue station at Longpoint. The changes made will alter the designated shifts of crew who staff the station. The hours of operation have traditionally been 10:00 18:00 with standby pay and time allocated for the remaining 16 hours a day to maintain a 24 -hour search and rescue capability. The proposed change will effectively terminate the 24 -hour search and rescue capabilities currently offered and change operational hours from 08:00 to 20:00 making a 12 -hour shift with no standby time for the remaining 12 hours. In other words, there is no guaranteed response for marine emergencies after hours. The Coast Guard has proposed this change due to funding cuts to the Inshore Rescue Boat program. These cuts will directly affect citizens who use these waterways. Obviously, with any emergency response organization how can one predict when an emergency will arise? It is impossible to know, it is unfair to local boaters to make changes to the current system. The new system will allow calls to be answered outside of the 12 -hour shift however; it is not required for anyone to remain at the Coast Guard station after hours. Every year from Victoria Day to Labour Day the Canadian Coast Guard IRB program provides Search and Rescue services for boaters in the Longpoint Region, including the area from Port Dover to Port Stanley and the Inner Bay. We are on call, ready to respond to any marine emergency 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, based out of Booth's Harbour Marina. The IRB is made up of highly trained individuals who are either in university or in college. We do the same search and rescue job as full -time Coast Guard bases, and paid roughly half the wage. Despite being very financially efficient and a great bargain for the Coast Guard, we are not protected and are an easy target for arbitrary federal cuts every year. In 2009, Longpoint Coast Guard responded to 70 marine emergencies and 53 in 2010, many of these taking place at night -time. Imagine if you could only get help from police, fire or ambulance during certain hours of the day. I urge council to contact your local MP and /or the Canadian Coast Guard to question this proposed decision before it becomes a reality in May of 2011. The Assistant Commissioner, Wade Spurrell, of the Canadian Coast Guard who oversees operations that include Ontario. His office contact information is: 520 Exmouth Street Sarnia, Ontario N7T 8B1 519 -383 -1800 If you have any other questions please feel free to contact me. Sincerely yours, Eric VanTwuiver Coxswain, Longpoint Coast Guard Eric VanTwuiver 308 -500 Aberdeen Ave. Hamilton, ON, L8P 2S3 905- 979 -1780 evantwuiver @cogeco.net Correctional Service Service correctionnel Canada Canada Ottawa, Canada K1A OP9 SEP 9 20i0 Ms. Susan McConnell Administrative Services Coordinator County of Elgin 450 Sunset Drive St. Thomas, Ontario N5R 5V1 Dear Ms. McConnell: C ada SEP 1 3 2 1 COUNTY OF G NESTRATIVE CES Your file Votre reference Our file Notre reference I am responding to your correspondence of July 29, 2010, addressed to the Prime Minister with a copy to the Commissioner of the Correctional Service of Canada (CSC), Mr. Don Head, regarding a resolution passed by the Elgin County Council on July 27, 2010, on the closure of CSC's farm operations. Mr. Head has asked me to respond on his behalf. At the outset, I am pleased to report that CSC intends to continue the operation of the Pittsburgh Institution's abattoir in Kingston, Ontario, under an arrangement with an independent operator. I would like to assure you that officials have carefully reviewed the documentation and rationale behind the decision to close the six farm operations by March 31, 2011. The decision is final. It is clear that we would better serve public safety by offering training programs that focus on skills that lead to employment in areas where there is a greater labour need. It has been demonstrated that released offenders who find, and keep, suitable employment are significantly less likely to re- offend. As such, our objective must be to increase the employability of as many offenders as possible, based on which programs are most efficient. Currently, the top placements for all offenders involved in CORCAN employment programs are construction, warehouse operations, cleaners, and food services. Conversely, over the last five years, only 99 of the 25,000 offenders released (less than one per cent) found work in the agriculture sector. .../2 Again, I cannot stress enough that officials recognize the valuable contribution of fanning to the Canadian economy. The decision to close farming operations is based on a new vision of transforming the efficiency of federal corrections in Canada. For more information on our Transformation Agenda, I encourage you to visit our website at: http: /www.csc -scc. gc. ca/ text /organi /trnsform- eng.shtml. I trust that this information will be of assistance. Sincerely, E. Van Allen Assistant Commissioner Public Affairs and Parliamentary Relations C.C. -2- The Honourable Rob Nicholson, P.C., Q.C., M.P., Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada The Honourable Vic Toews, P.C., Q.C., M.P., Minister of Public Safety Ms. Monika Turner, Director of Policy, Association of Ontario Municipalities Federation of Canadian Municipalities Ms. Carolyn Downs, City Clerk, City of Kingston Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing Office of the Minister 777 Bay Street, 17` Floor Toronto ON M5G 2E5 Tel. 416 585 7000 Fax 416 585 6470 www.ontario.ca/MAH September 14, 2010 Dear Mr. P Ministere des Affaires municipales et du Logement Bureau du ministre 777, rue Bay, 17 etage Toronto ON M5G 2E5 Tel. 416 585 7000 Telec. 416 585 6470 www.ontario.ca/MAH The Honourable Steve Peters, MPP Elgin— Middlesex— London 542 Talbot Street St. Thomas 0 N5P 1C4 SEP a 201 COUNTY Ol' ELGIN ADW NISTI A lV A SERVICE Ontario Thank you for letter dated August 20, 2010 providing detailed background materials and seeking provincial support through legislation to permit Elgin County to undertake a project to mitigate shoreline erosion with a sandbagging technique developed by Mr. Frank Lenard. I am aware of the issue regarding shoreline erosion and Elgin County Council's decision to relocate a portion of Dexter Line, along with an existing municipal water line. Ministry staff coordinated a meeting where municipal and provincial staff discussed options to address the erosion issue. I understand the County of Elgin continues with the environmental- assessment process relating to the road relocation. Subsequent to involvement of ministry staff in bringing the parties together, I note that you recently met with staff from the Aylmer District Office of the Ministry of Natural Resources as well as staff from the Kettle Creek Conservation Authority to discuss this issue further. 10 -51426 The Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing is not a lead ministry with respect to erosion matters. Also, the County of Elgin appears well advanced in its proposed solution to the relocation of Dexter line and the municipal waterline. Therefore, I do not believe it would be appropriate for the ministry to intervene at this time. Since you have also written to our colleagues the Honourable Linda Jeffrey, Minister of Natural Resources, and the Honourable Peter Fonseca, Minister of Labour I trust that they will give appropriate consideration to your request. /2 Rick Bartolucci, MPP, Sudbury Minister -2 The Honourable Steve Peters, MPP Once again, thank you for bringing this matter to my attention. Sin -rely, c: The Honourable Linda Jeffrey, Minister of Natural Resources The Honourable Peter Fonseca, Minister of Labour Warden Bonnie Vowel, County of Elgin Mayor Tom Marks, Municipality of Central Elgin Mayor John Wilson, Township of Malahide Mr. Mitch Wilson, Aylmer District Manager, Ministry of Natural Resources Ms. Elizabeth Van Hooren, GM /Secretary- Treasurer, Kettle Creek Conservation Authority Mr. Joe Preston, MP, Elgin Middlesex— London Mr. Frank Lenard, 602 George Street, Port Stanley, ON, N5L 1 H4 Subscribe to UPDATE, the ministry's electronic newsletter, at www.ontario.ca/mah- update Abonnez -vous a NOUVELLES, le bulletin electronique du ministere, a www.ontario.ca/aml- nouvelles Ministry of Health and Long -Term Care Emergency Health Services Branch 5700 Yonge Street, 6 Floor Toronto ON M2M 4K5 Tel.: 416 327 -7909 Fax: 416 327 -7879 September 21, 2010 Pat Vanini Executive Director Association of Municipalities of Ontario 200 University Ave., Suite 801 Toronto ON M5H 3C6 Dear Ms. Vanini: Ministere de la Sante et des Soins de longue duree Direction des services de sante d'urgence 5700 rue Yonge, etage Toronto ON M2M 4K5 Tel.: 416 327 -7909 Telee.: 416 327 -7879 i/r Ontario HLTC2966MC -2010 -8813 I want to follow up with respect to the implementation of Response Time Performance Plans for land ambulance services and land ambulance communication services in Ontario. The Ministry appreciates AMO's continued expression of support for this important response time regime and the request by AMO to extend the deadline for implementation so that municipalities can obtain additional data on which to base their plans. To that end, the government has approved the Ministry's request to amend Regulation 257/00 under the Ambulance Act, such that the deadlines by which response time performance plans must be established, submitted and reported have been extended by up to two years. The amending regulation can be found at this link: http://www.e-laws .gov.on.ca/html/sourc e/regs/english/2010/e laws src regs r10368 e.htm. Thank you. Sincerely, Malcolm Bates Director Emergency Health Services Branch c: D. Brown Dr. A. Campeau M. LeGros Dr. D. Reeleder M. Turner Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing Office of the Minister 777 Bay Street, 17 Floor Toronto ON M5G 2E5 Tel. 416 585 7000 Fax 416 585 6470 www.ontario.ca/MAH Ministere des Affaires municipales et du Logement Bureau du ministre 777, rue Bay, 17 stage Toronto ON M5G 2E5 Tel. 416 585 7000 Telec. 416 585 6470 www.ontario.ca/MAH September 29, 2010 (ff lg Dear Heads of Council: n nr Proposed 2011 Municipal Performance Measurement Program Expansion �;?Pd A l MNISTRATI E SERVICES Ontario 10 -3804 The Municipal Performance Measurement Program continues to contribute to improved municipal service delivery in Ontario by providing a standardized set of efficiency and effectiveness performance measures for key service areas. I am pleased to provide you with the 2010 reporting requirements. The attached material sets out the 2010 requirements, which remain unchanged from 2009 Municipal Performance Measurement Program reporting requirements. By reporting results to the public, Ontario municipalities are achieving a level of transparency and accountability that has gained both national and international recognition. Also, data from the program is being used by the Ontario Municipal Knowledge Network as a starting point to identify innovative municipal ideas, and discover better practices that are then shared with municipalities. This a partnership funded by the province and administered by the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) with a mandate to enable information sharing to improve municipal services, and to be a forum for developing linkages and dialogue among municipal officials. To benefit from the work of the Ontario Municipal Knowledge Network, I encourage you to visit the website at www.omkn.ca. I also invite municipalities to subscribe to the Municipal Information Data and Analysis System (MIDAS), AMO's web -based software tool for the municipal sector. MIDAS provides municipalities with free access to Municipal Performance Measurement Program and Financial Information Return data to enable staff to perform year- over -year comparisons of your municipality's data and to generate comparisons with other municipalities of your choice. MIDAS has boosted municipal capacity to use data for making more informed decisions about municipal management. Please e-mail AMO directly at MIDASadmin c amo.on.ca to receive your MIDAS password. In addition to the 2010 Municipal Performance Measurement Program requirements, I am pleased to give you advance notice with respect to the program for the 2011 municipal reporting year. The ministry listened when municipalities said they needed more lead time to begin collecting data for new program measures. Today, I am informing you of new Municipal Performance Measurement Program measures in the building services area. The new measures were developed in partnership with municipal service area experts and senior level representatives of municipalities and professional associations. /2 List of Measures for 2010 Reporting Year 2010 Measures Municipal Performance Measurement Program (MPMP) GENERAL GOVERNMENT 1.1 CHART a) Operating costs for governance and corporate management as a percentage of total municipal operating costs. b) Total costs for governance and corporate management as a percentage of total municipal costs. PROTECTION Fire 2.1 a) Operating costs for fire services per $1,000 of assessment. b) Total costs for fire services per $1,000 of assessment.* 2.2 Number of residential fire related civilian injuries per 1,000 persons. 2.3 Number of residential fire related civilian injuries averaged over 5 years per 1,000 persons. 2.4 Number of residential fire related civilian fatalities per 1,000 persons. 2.5 Number of residential fire related civilian fatalities averaged over 5 years per 1,000 persons. 2.6 Number of residential structural fires per 1,000 households. Total costs means operating costs as defined by MPMP plus interest on long term debt and amortization on tangible capital assets as reported in the Financial Information Return. 1 Police 3.1 a) Operating costs for police services per person. b) Total costs for police services per person.* 3.2 Violent crime rate per 1,000 persons. 3.3 Property crime rate per 1,000 persons. 3.4 Total crime rate per 1,000 persons (Criminal Code offences, excluding traffic). 3.5 Youth crime rate per 1,000 youths. TRANSPORTATION Roadways 4.1 a) Operating costs for paved (hard top) roads per lane kilometre. b) Total costs for paved (hard top) roads per lane kilometre.* 4.2 4.4 a) Operating costs for unpaved (loose top) roads per lane kilometre. b) Total costs for unpaved (loose top) roads per lane kilometre.* 4.3 a) Operating costs for bridges and culverts per square metre of surface area. b) Total costs for bridges and culverts per square metre of surface area.* a) Operating costs for winter maintenance of roadways per lane kilometre maintained in winter. b) Total costs for winter maintenance of roadways per lane kilometre maintained in winter.* 4.5 Percentage of paved lane kilometres where the condition is rated as good to very good. 4.6 Percentage of bridges and culverts where the condition is rated as good to very good. 4.7 Percentage of winter events where the response met or exceeded locally determined municipal service levels for road maintenance. 2 Transit 5.1 a) Operating costs for conventional transit per regular service passenger trip. b) Total costs for conventional transit per regular service passenger trip.* 5.2 Number of conventional transit passenger trips per person in the service area in a year. ENVIRONMENT Wastewater 6.1 6.3 7.1 a) Operating costs for the collection /conveyance of wastewater per kilometre of wastewater main. b) Total costs for the collection /conveyance of wastewater per kilometre of wastewater main.* 6.2 a) Operating costs for the treatment and disposal of wastewater per megalitre. b) Total costs for the treatment and disposal of wastewater per megalitre.* a) Operating costs for the collection /conveyance, treatment, and disposal of wastewater per megalitre (integrated system). b) Total costs for the collection /conveyance, treatment, and disposal of wastewater per megalitre (integrated system).* 6.4 Number of wastewater main backups per 100 kilometres of wastewater main in a year. 6.5 Percentage of wastewater estimated to have by- passed treatment. Storm water a) Operating costs for urban storm water management (collection, treatment, disposal) per kilometre of drainage system. Total costs for urban storm water management (collection, treatment, disposal) per kilometre of drainage system.* 7.2 Drinking water 8.1 8.2 8.3 8.4 Weighted number of days when a boil water advisory issued by the medical officer of health, applicable to a municipal water supply, was in effect. 8.5 Number of water main breaks per 100 kilometres of water distribution pipe in a year. Solid Waste 9.1 a) Operating costs for rural storm water management (collection, treatment, disposal) per kilometre of drainage system. b) Total costs for rural storm water. management (collection, treatment, disposal) per kilometre of drainage system.* a) Operating costs for the treatment of drinking water per megalitre. b) Total costs for the treatment of drinking water per megalitre.* a) Operating costs for the distribution /transmission of drinking water per kilometre of water distribution pipe. b) Total costs for the distribution /transmission of drinking water per kilometre of water distribution pipe.* a) Operating costs for the treatment and distribution /transmission of drinking water per megalitre (integrated system). b) Total costs for the treatment and distribution /transmission of drinking water per megalitre (integrated system).* a) Operating costs for garbage collection per tonne or per household. b) Total costs for garbage collection per tonne or per household.* 9.2 a) Operating costs for garbage disposal per tonne or per household. b) Total costs for garbage disposal per tonne or per household.* 9.3 a) Operating costs for solid waste diversion per tonne or per household. b) Total costs for solid waste diversion per tonne or per household.* 9.4 a) Average operating costs for solid waste management (collection, disposal and diversion) per tonne or per household. b) Average total costs for solid waste management (collection, disposal and diversion) per tonne or per household.* 9.5 Number of complaints received in a year concerning the collection of garbage and recycled materials per 1,000 households. 9.6 Total number of solid waste management facilities owned by the municipality with a Ministry of Environment certificate of approval. 9.7 Number of days per year when a Ministry of Environment compliance order for remediation concerning an air or groundwater standard was in effect for a municipally owned solid waste management facility, by facility. 9.8 Percentage of residential solid waste diverted for recycling. 9.9 Percentage of residential solid waste diverted for recycling (based on combined residential and ICI tonnage). PARKS AND RECREATION 10.1 a) Operating costs for parks per person. b) Total costs for parks per person.* 10.2 a) Operating costs for recreation programs per person. b) Total costs for recreation programs per person.* 10.3 a) Operating costs for recreation facilities per person. b) Total costs for recreation facilities per person.* 10.4 a) Operating costs for recreation programs and recreation facilities per person (Subtotal). b) Total costs for recreation programs and recreation facilities per person (Subtotal).* 10.5 Total kilometres of trails and total kilometres of trails per 1,000 persons. 10.6' Hectares of open space and hectares of open space per 1,000 persons (municipally owned). 10.7 Total participant hours for recreation programs per 1,000 persons. 10.8 Square metres of indoor recreation facilities and square metres of indoor recreation facilities per 1,000 persons (municipally owned). 10.9 Square metres of outdoor recreation facility space and square metres of outdoor recreation facility space per 1,000 persons (municipally owned). LIBRARY SERVICES 11.1 a) Operating costs for library services per person. b) Total costs for library services per person.* 11.2 a) Operating costs for library services per use. b) Total costs for library services per use.* 11.3 Library uses per person. 11.4 Electronic library uses as a percentage of total library uses. 11.5 Non electronic library uses as a percentage of total library uses. LAND USE PLANNING 12.1 Percentage of new residential units located within settlement areas. 12.2 Percentage of land designated for agricultural purposes which was not re- designated for other uses during the reporting year. 6 12.3 Percentage of land designated for agricultural purposes which was not re- designated for other uses relative to the base year of 2000. 12.4 Number of hectares of land originally designated for agricultural purposes which was re- designated for other uses during the reporting year. 12.5 Number of hectares of land originally designated for agricultural purposes which was re- designated for other uses since January 1, 2000. 7 Schedule for 2010 Reporting Year SCHEDULE MUNICIPAL PERFORMANCE MEASUREMENT Designated by the Minister under Section 299 of the Municipal Act, 2001 (the "Act PROVISION AND PUBLICATION OF DESIGNATED MUNICIPAL INFORMATION Performance measurement information 1. (1) A municipality shall in respect of each municipal fiscal year provide to the Minister and publish for the taxpayers of the municipality the performance measurement information designated in the attached chart (the "chart"). The chart forms part of this Schedule. (2) The information provided by a municipality under subsection (1) shall include performance measurement information for any local board of the municipality that provides a public utility, and any planning board, transit commission or police services board of the municipality. (3) This section does not require an entity described in clause (a), (b), (c) or (d) of subsection 299 (1) of the Act to provide performance measurement information directly to the Minister or to taxpayers. Timing for provision and publication of information 2. (1) A municipality shall provide the information required by section 1 to the Minister not later than six months after the last day of the fiscal year to which the information relates. (2) A municipality shall publish the information required by section 1 not later than nine months after the last day of the fiscal year to which the information relates. Included information, publication and notice to ministry 3. (1) A municipality at a minimum shall include with the information published under section 1, (a) the name of each performance measure in the chart and the fiscal year to which it relates; and (b) the result generated for the measure by the electronic financial information return software of the Ministry, after the municipality submits the relevant performance measure information to the Minister. (2) A municipality shall publish the information referred to in subsection (1) through one or more of the following methods, (a) a direct mailing to taxpayers or households; (b) an insert with the property tax bill; (c) in local newspapers or advertising periodicals; or (d) posting the information on the Internet. (3) A municipality shall, as soon as reasonably possible after publishing the information under subsection (2), provide the following to the Regional Director of the Municipal Services Office of the Ministry for the region that includes the municipality: 1. The date of publication. 2. The method or methods of publication that the municipality used. Financial information return 4. A municipality shall provide to the Minister the information required by section 1 by reporting that information in those schedules or lines in the municipality's financial information return for the relevant municipal fiscal year that correspond to the service or function performance measurement categories designated in the chart. Board or commission 5. (1) A board or commission of a municipality shall make available for review by a municipality any performance measurement information designated in the chart related to services or functions supplied in respect of the municipality by the board or commission in a fiscal year. (2) In this subsection, "board or commission" means a local board that provides a public utility, and a planning board, transit commission or police services board. Service or function not supplied 6. Despite section 1, if a municipality does not supply a service or function at any time in a fiscal year, the municipality is not required to provide or publish information related to that service or function designated in the chart for the fiscal year. Definitions 7. In this Schedule, "Minister" means the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing; "Ministry" means the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing; "supply" means supply pursuant to a statute, bylaw or resolution or an arrangement or agreement with any person or municipality, and "supplied" has a corresponding meaning. In force 8. This Schedule comes into force January 1, 2011 for the 2010 fiscal year. Efficiency Measures 1.1 PROPOSED LIST OF MEASURES FOR BUILDING SERVICES FOR THE 2011 REPORTING YEAR a) Operating costs for building permits and inspections services per $1,000 of construction activity (based on permits issued) b) Total costs for building permits and inspections services per $1,000 of construction activity (based on permits issued) Effectiveness Measure 1.2 Median number of days to review a complete building permit application and issue a permit or not issue a permit, and provide all reasons for refusal: a) Category 1: Houses (houses not exceeding 3 storeys /600 square metres) Reference: provincial standard is 10 working days b) Category 2: Small Buildings (small commercial /industrial not exceeding 3 storeys /600 square metres) Reference: provincial standard is 15 working days c) Category 3: Large Buildings (large residential /commercial /industrial/ institutional) Reference: provincial standard is 20 working days d) Category 4: Complex Buildings (post disaster buildings, including hospitals, power /water, fire /police /EMS, communications) Reference: provincial standard is 30 working days September 29, 2010 Mr. Mark McDonald The Corporatiori of the County of Elgiri 450 Sunset Drive St. Thomas Ontario N5R 5V1 Dear Mr. McDonald, As discussed with John Regan of the Elgin Community Futures Development Corpnnahoo your application entitled "ICE —Innovation Centre for Entrepreneurs: 10-P014" was reconsidered by the Project Selection Committee on Wednesday, September 29,2DIO Following Joh R gan'sprese0tat|0U to the Sand Plains Steering Committee on Thursday, September 9, 2010, your project did not receive regional support, Since there |snonewmaterja|thatwou|dirnpadtheoutcomeAfthePro'ectSe|ectiqn Committee's original decision made on August 25, 2010, the original decision was upheld. Sincerely, r Tara Hagan Prograrn Officer Pr rn Coordinator *x///^ /"w/" D PLAINS Community Deodopmeui fund Re: Project Selection Com ittee Decision re: Request for Reconsideration Sand Haim Community Development Fund Town Centre Mall, Suite zO3A, 700 Broadway S ON 114G 5A7 oll-free: 877-607-7263 Tel: 519-688-7263 Far: 519 842-9431 October 1, 2010 STEVE PETERS, MPP Elgin Middlesex London Honourable Chuck Strahl Minister of Transport, Infrastructure Communities Tower C 330 Sparks Street Ottawa, ON K1A ON5 Dear Minister: Please find enclosed newspaper coverage that documents local community opposition to Canada Post's plan to close the West Lorne post office as well as proposed changes to services along rural routes in East Elgin. While all matters relating to Canada Post rest within federal government jurisdiction, I feel compelled to write to you to express my concerns about these issues. Any reduction to Canada Post services to my riding is simply unacceptable. I am saddened by this continued erosion to federal government services for rural Ontarians. The provincial government has recognized that all Ontarians need government services close to home and that is why Service Ontario has expanded its services in several locations including small urban centres in my riding (the village of Rodney in West Elgin is one of them) that serve rural residents. As the Minister with responsibility for Canada Post, I urge you to reconsider any reductions to postal services in rural Ontario. Please move to keep the West Lorne post office open and to preserve rural postal delivery routes. Thank you in advance for your time and consideration. Sincerely, Steve Peters, M.P.P. Elgin- Middlesex- London Cc: Warden Bonnie Vowel, County of Elgin, 450 Sunset Drive, St. Thomas, Ontario, N5R 5V1 Mayor Graham Warwick, Municipality of West Elgin, 22413 Hoskins Line, P.O. Box 490, Rodney, Ontario, NOL 2C0 Mayor John Wilson, Township of Malahide, 87 John Street South, Aylmer, Ontario, N5H 2C3 Mr. Joe Preston, M.P. Elgin Middlesex- London, 2 -24 First Avenue, St. Thomas, Ontario, N5R 4M5 0 4 201 COUNT' ELGiN ADMIWIS TRAY APE SE RVIt Constituency Office 542 Talbot Street, St. Thomas, Ontario N5P 1 C4 Tel 519 631 -0666 I Toll Free 1- 800 265 -7638 I Fax 519 631 -9478 I TTY 519-631-99041 Email speters.mpp.co @liberal.ola.org www.stevepeters.com RE: INFO: RE: Resolution to FCM regarding the Canadian -wide community Access Program Diane Belanger [dbelanger ©fcm.ca] Sent: Monday, September 27, 2010 8:38 AM To: County Warden Cc: Brian Masschaele; Susan McConnell; Scott Lofquist- Morgan [slofquistmorgan fcm.ca]; Michael Buda [mbuda @fcm.ca] Attachments: TonyClement CAP Sept 2010 N1.pdf (106 KB) Dear Bonnie Vowel, Susan McConnell Office of the Warden Brian Masschaele Community and Cultural Services This is to officially advise you that the resolution Sustainable federal funding for the Community Access Program that was submitted to FCM for consideration was placed as a category "A" resolution and adopted at the September 2010 meeting of the National Board of Directors. As a follow -up a ministerial letter was sent under the signature of the President of FCM and a copy of the correspondence is attached for your information. FCM would like to thank Elgin County for contributing to this important process. Best regards, DIA w2 Resolutions Coordinators Coordonnatrice des resolutions DIANE BELANGER Administrative Coordinator I Coordonnatrice de ['administration Policy Research Politiques et recherches Federation of Canadian Municipalities Federation canadienne des Municipalites Tel: 613- 907 -6324 Fax: 613 -241 -7440 dbelanger @fcm.ca www.fcm.ca 24, rue Clarence Street Ottawa, Ontario CANADA K1N 5P3 TeI:lTel. 613-241-5221 Fax/Telec:: 613- 241 -7440 www.fcm.ca Director Hans Cunningham Regional District of. Central Kootenay, British Columbia First Vice President Premier vice=president Councillor Berry Vrbanovic Kitchener, Ontario Second Vice- President. Deusien;e vice- presidente Councillor. Karen' Leibovici Edmonton, Alberta Third Vice- President. Troisieme vice president Mire Claude Dauphin Arrondissement de Lachine, Ville de Montreal (Quebec) Chief Executive Officer Chef de la direction Brock Carlton Ottawa, Ontario Past President President sortant Mayor Basil Stewart Summerside, Prince Edward Island Since 1901 Depth 1901 President President Federation of Canadian Municipalities Federation canadienne des municipalites September 24, 2010 The Honourable Tony Clement, P.C:, M.P. Minister of Industry 235 Queen Street Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0H5 Dear Minister: The attached resolution, SED 10.3.07 Sustainable Federal Funding. for Community Access Program was adopted by FCM's National Board of Directors at its recent meeting in Igaluit, Nunavut. This resolution urges Industry Canada to provide Tong -term and sustainable funding for the Community Access Program (CAP)... While the program's funding is in place for it remains .unclear how much if any future CAP funding will be available. The criteria for community groups to access this funding are also unknown: As you know, CAP targets citizens without access to computers or the Internet. The program ensures users receive computer support and training. To spur economic recovery, CAP also helps specific groups youth, seniors, new Canadians and the unemployed access the Internet to search for meaningful employment. The program is also particularly essential to citizens with limited or no Internet connectivity in rural and remote communities. This resolution helps to underscore the reality that many Canadians rely on this program. Particularly at present, when jobs are scarce, long -term and sustainable CAP. funding could help promote a stronger Canadian labour force. Thank you for your attention to this matter. We look forward to your response. c: The Honourable Chuck Strahl,. Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and. Communities Yours sincerely, Hans Cunningham President HC /slni:sd_ Enclosure SED10.3.07 SUSTAINABLE FEDERAL FUNDING FOR THE COMMUNITY ACCESS PROGRAM July 5, 2010 WHEREAS Industry Canada has funded the Community Access Program (CAP) since 1995 to provide Canadians with affordable public access to the Internet and the skills they need to use it effectively, and; WHEREAS Public libraries and community agencies funded •and/or operated by municipalities' across Canada have been a major beneficiary of this funding, and; WHEREAS There remains an 'on -going need for affordable public access to the Internet in many rural and remote communities across Canada, and; WHEREAS The Government of Canada has not yet announced sustainable funding for CAP beyond 2010 -2011; therefore, be it RESOLVED That the Federation of Canadian Municipalities urge Industry Canada to, provide long -term and sustainable funding for CAP and that a letter to the Minister indicating such support be issued. Elgin County, Ontario 2010 SEPTEMBER BOARD DECISION: Category A; Concurrence. Resolution adopted. October 5, 2010 Members of County Council C/O Elgin County Administrative Office 450 Sunset Drive, St. Thomas, ON. N5R 5V1 To Whom It May Concern: Laura Woermke Executive Director St. Thomas -Elgin PUBLIC 301 Talbot Street, St. Thomas, Ontario N5P 1B5 519.631.4040 info@stepac.ca www.stepac.ca On behalf of the Board of Directors and the staff of the St. Thomas -Elgin Public Art Centre, I would like to express my sincerest gratitude to the County of Elgin for your continued support. Your support allows us to present quality exhibitions and programming to our public and provides us with the opportunity to be creative, responsive and entertaining and allows for considerable and necessary contributions to the well -being of our community. Please find enclosed the St. Thomas -Elgin Public Art Centre's Fall newsletter, information on the educational tours for teachers and our upcoming annual Art Auction, to be distributed to Council at your convenience. Sincerely, ~11 ~ti.~ 1 iP 4,~ I'~~~ it Elgin -Middlesex -London October 20, 2010 Honourable Carol Mitchell Minister of Agriculture, Food & Rural Affairs 77 Grenville Street, 1 lt" Floor Toronto, ON MSS 1 B 3 Dear Minister: Please find enclosed a letter from Mayor John Wilson of the Township of Malahide and an information package given to me at a recent meeting I attended with a number of local stakeholders who are. concerned about the future of cucumber processing industry in southwestern Ontario. As you are aware, J.M. Smucker Company has decided to close its pickling plant at Dunnville and its tank farm at Delhi and move the operations to the U.S. Both facilities are to close in November 2011 and this development, if it comes to pass, will have an immediate negative impact on producers and processors in my riding and several others in an area ranging from Dunnville to Chatham. Mr. Jake Peters, the owner of the Biclc's grading station east of Aylmer and one of the stakeholders at the meeting I attended, estimated that the closure of the Smucker facilities will result in the net loss of approximately 2,000 jobs. This includes about 200 full time jobs at the facilities in question, the loss of income to about 140 cucumber producers and all of the seasonal jobs at these farms. The intention of the meeting I attended was to gather information from stakeholders to help develop a strategy to deal with this issue. The meeting was attended by a representative of the local member of federal parliament, various County of Elgin and local municipal officials, and cucumber producers. We have already witnessed what the downturn in the tobacco industry has done to the economic fortunes of the Tobacco Belt. These communities are still reeling from the loss of investment that the tobacco industry in its better years had brought through direct production, the purchase of equipment and all of the economic spinoffs to small town businesses. Local stakeholders fear a similar affect will be felt in local communities if the Smucker decision stands and if nothing is done by government to address the issue. Various proposals to preserve their industry were presented at the meeting by Mr. Peters after he consulted with several producers (enclosed). Three of these proposals call for both the provincial and federal government to provide some sort of assistance. /2... Constituency ®ffice 542 Talbot Street, St. Thomas,-0ntario N5P 1 C4 Tel 519-631-0666 ~ Toll Free 1-800-265-7638 (Fax 519-631-9478 ~ ITY 519-631-9904 ~ Email speters.mpp.co@liberal.ola.org www.stevepeters.com As a result of the meeting, I have agreed to facilitate a meeting between you and local stakeholders. As I fully support the efforts of local stakeholders to find a workable solution to this issue to maintain the liability of the cucumber production and processing industry in southern Ontario, I whole heartedly encourage you to grant the meeting request at your earliest convenience. Minister, I would appreciate your reviewing these matters and responding directly to Mayor Wilson. As always, thank you for your time and consideration. Sincerely, ORIGINAL SIGNED BY STEVE PETERS, M.P.P. Steve Peters, M.P.P. Elgin-Middlesex-London Cc: Mayor John Wilson, Township of Malahide, 87 John Street South, Aylmer, Ontario, NSH 2C3 Mr. Marls McDonald, CAO, County of Elgin, 450 Sunset Drive, St. Thomas, Ontario, NSR SV 1 Mr. Joe Preston, M.P. Elgin-Middlesex-London, 2-24 First Avenue, St. Thomas, Ontario, NSR 4M5 New address as of Nov. 1, 2010! 750 Talbot Street, Suite 201 St. Thomas, ON N5P 1 E2 The office of Steve Peters is moving to the CASO Station! Constituency Office 542 Talbot Street, St. Thomas, Ontario N5P 1 C4 Tel 519-631-0666 ~ Toll Free 1-800-265-7638 ~ Fax 519-631-9478 (TTY 519-631-9904 (Email speters.mpp.co@liberal.ola.org www.stevepeters.com Staff Reports: (ATTACHED) CLOSED MEETING AGENDA October 27, 2010 1) Director of Human Resources Municipal Act, Section 240.2 (d) labour relations or employee negotiations Collective Bargaining Ontario Nurses' Association. 2) Director of Engineering Services Municipal Act, Section 240.2 (a) the security of the property of the municipality or local board Larry W. Craig (TENSTAR Financial Services) Lease 3) Director of Financial Services Municipal Act, Section 240.2 (a) the security of the property of the municipality or local board Lease at 99 Edward Street (TO BE INCLUDED ON FRIDAY FAX) fax cover DATE: 10/22/2010 Send to: Warden Vowel and County Councillors Attention: Office Location: Fax Number: Call Group #s Li URGENT LI REPLY ASAP LI PLEASE COMMENT l PLEASE REVIEW FOR YOUR INFORMATION COMMENTS: Additional Items for Council Agenda of October 27, 2010 Reports of Staff and Council: 1. Director of Human Resources 2011 Excess Indemnity Coverage and Occupational Accident Insurance Renewals (attached) Closed Meeting Item: From: Mark G. McDonald, Chief Administrative Officer mmcdonald @elgin county.on.ca Office Location: Administrative Services Phone Number: Ext. 161 Number of Pages, Including Cover: 3 Director of Financial Services Municipal Act, Section 240.2 (a) the security of the property of the municipality or local board. 99 Edward Street. (not attached) THE INFORMATION IN THIS FACSIMILE IS FOR THE NAMED RECIPIENT ONLY. IT MAY CONTAIN INFORMATION THAT IS PRIVILEGED, CONFIDENTIAL AND EXEMPT FROM DISCLOSURE UNDER APPLICABLE LAW. IF THE READER OF THIS MESSAGE IS NOT THE INTENDED RECIPIENT, OR RESPONSIBLE FOR DELIVERING THE MESSAGE TO THE INTENDED RECIPIENT, ANY DISSEMINATION, DISTRIBUTION OR COPYING OF THIS COMMUNICATION IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED. IF YOU HAVE RECEIVED THIS COMMUNICATION IN ERROR, OR THERE ARE ANY PROBLEMS IN TRANSMISSION, PLEASE NOTIFY US BY TELEPHONE County of Elgin 450 Sunset Drive St. Thomas, Ontario N5R 5V1 Canada Phone: 519 631 -1460 Fax: 519 633 -7661 www.elgin county.on.ca Progressive by Nature PKa „iesi�e: b; teztaru REPORT TO COUNTY COUNCIL FROM: Rob Bryce Director, Human Resources DATE: October 27, 2010 SUBJECT: 2011 Excess Indemnity Coverage and Occupational Accident Insurance Renewals INTRODUCTION: The County's Occupational Accident and Excess Indemnity Insurances are to be renewed on November 1, 2010. The renewal period is for 12 months. Unfortunately, Excess Indemnity coverage is difficult to obtain in the Canadian market and our current provider Safety National Casualty Corporation (SNCC) has exited the market at the conclusion of this policy. Chubb Insurance Company of Canada (Chubb) who provide our Occupational Accident Policy is the only insurer willing to accept our business. DISCUSSION: The Occupational Accident Policy cover costs for permanent partial or permanent total disability as determined one year after an occupational accident. The Excess Indemnity Policy assists with liability for workers' compensation claims in excess of $500,000. The premium for the Excess Indemnity for the 12 month period is $90,887. Due to the increased retention in the Excess Indemnity policy, the Occupational Accident Insurance is being increased to a minimum of $450,000, at a premium cost of $14,275. The total 2010/2011 premium cost of $105,162 plus PST, represents an increase of 16.7% over the 2009/2010 policy year. The County's current specialty insurance broker, JLT Canada, continues to seek alternate insurers, but unfortunately at this time, there are no other insurers in the Canadian market. CONCLUSION: Given the lack of competition in the specialty insurance market, it is difficult to walk away from coverage at this time without an informed examination of the risks and benefits of establishing a self- funded model and an associated reserve. Excess Indemnity coverage as well as Occupational Accident coverage for the County must be secured and therefore Human Resources staff support the business with Chubb. RECOMMENDATION: THAT County Council approve the Excess Indemnity and Occupational Accident coverages with Chubb for the period November 1, 2010 to October 31, 2011 at a combined premium cost of $105,162 plus 8% PST for a total cost of $113,574.96 (approximately $19,000 in excess of budget); and THAT the excess amount be funded through surplus (currently $754,000); and THAT Human Resources staff be directed to complete an analysis during the 2010/2011 policy year to determine if the County should move to a self- funded excess indemnity model in the future; and THAT Human Resources staff invite our insurer, Chubb Insurance Company of Canada to work with the County for the purposes of improving risk and occupational claims management; and THAT Human Resources staff keep Council informed of progress with regular informational updates. Respectfully Submitted `■sue Dlector, Human Resources Approved for Submission Mark ftDn._ ald_ Chief Administrative Officer /Elgin ,® DATE: 10/22/2010 Send to: Warden Vowel and County Councillors Attention: Office Location: Fax Number: Call Group #s From: Mark G. McDonald, Chief Administrative Officer mmcdonald@elgin-county.on.ca Office Location: Administrative Services Phone Number: Ext. 161 Number of Pages, Including Cover: 3 ( URGENT ~ REPLY ASAP l~ PLEASE COMMENT ~1 PLEASE REVIEW ~ FOR YOUR INFORMATION COMMENTS: itirt I I f®r until qna ®f c®er q 1 sports of Staff and Council: 1. Director of Human Resources - 2011 Excess Indemnity Coverage and Occupational Accident Insurance Renewals (attached) Closed ~leeting Item: 1, Director of Financial Services -Municipal Act, Section 240.2 (a) the security of the property of the municipality or local board. - 99 Edward Street. (not attached) THE INFORMATION IN THIS FACSIMILE IS FOR THE NAMED RECIPIENT ONLY. IT MAY CONTAIN INFORMATION THAT IS PRIVILEGED, CONFIDENTIAL AND EXEMPT FROM DISCLOSURE UNDER APPLICABLE LAW. IF THE READER OF THIS MESSAGE IS NOT THE INTENDED RECIPIENT, OR RESPONSIBLE FOR DELIVERING THE MESSAGE TO THE INTENDED RECIPIENT, ANY DISSEMINATION, DISTRIBUTION OR COPYING OF THIS COMMUNICATION IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED. IF YOU HAVE RECEIVED THIS COMMUNICATION IN ERROR, OR THERE ARE ANY PROBLEMS IN TRANSMISSION, PLEASE NOTIFY US BY TELEPHONE County of Elgin 450 Sunset Drive St. Thomas, Ontario N5R 5V1 Canada Phone: 519-631-1460 Fax: 519-633-7661 y www.elgin-county.on.ca ~~~~~r.z~ REPORT TO COUNTY COUNCIL :5s i i ~ UI ~' : ~'.~ f4 FROM: Peter Dutchak, Deputy Director of Engineering Services DATE: October 26, 2010 SUBJECT: Road Culvert Crossing Improvements -Tender Award INTRODUCTION: As part of the approved 2010 Capital Budget, tenders were advertised as per the County's Procurement Policy and submissions were received until Tuesday, October 26, 2010 for Road Culvert Crossing Improvements, Contract No.6290- 10-01. DISCUSSION: Five (5) companies submitted bids for Road Culvert Crossing Improvements Tender as follows: COMPANY TENDER BID exclusive of HST Ga D. Robinson Contractin $182,000.00 Birnam Excavatin $182,780.79 Aar-Con Construction $191,380.00 Ha art Construction $205,195.87 EI in Construction Ltd. $250,382.69 Gary D. Robinson Contracting Ltd. submitted the lowest bid for the Road Culvert Crossing Improvements Tender at a total price of $182,000.00, exclusive of HST and no contingency allowance. The work is located on various County roads including: Plank Road, Imperial Road and Belmont Road. The approved capital budget allocation for this project is $200,000 therefore, the lowest submitted bid is within budget estimates. As per the County of Elgin's Purchasing Policy, if change orders are required and the cost increases above the tender amount approved by Council by less than 10%, and the amount is within the overall budgeted project amount, work will proceed upon authorization by the Director. However, if the cost increases above the tender amount approved by Council by more than 10%, the Director will prepare a further report to Council outlining the expenditures. F2ECOIVInIIEN®ATI®N THAT Gary D. Robinson Contracting Ltd. be selected for Road Culvert Crossing Improvements, Contract No.6290-10-01 at a total price of $182,000.00 exclusive of HST and no contingency allowance; and. THAT if the cost increases above the tender amount approved by Council by more than 10%, the Director will prepare a further report to Council outlining the expenditures; and, THAT, the Warden and Chief Administrative Officer be authorized to enter into an agreement with Gary D. Robinson Contracting Ltd. for the Road Culvert Crossing Improvements, Contract No.6290-10-01. All of which is Respectfully Submitted Peter Dutchak Deputy Director of Engineering Services ~~9jp~~;:~~a4 Approved for Submission Mark cDonald Chief Adminis r ' Clayton Watters Director of Engineering Services