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November 23, 2010 AgendaPAGE # I ORDER 1st Meeting Called to Order 2nd Adoption of Minutes -October 27, 2010 3rd Disclosure of Pecuniary Interest and the General Nature Thereof 4th Presenting Petitions, Presentations and Delegation PRESENTATIONS: 9:00 a.m. Retirement Recognition: Beth Shields, Terrace Lodge Edna Scott, Terrace Lodge DELEGATIONS: 1 9:10 a.m. Don Ciparis, Acting Tree Commissioner/Weed Inspector-Annual Report (attached) 2 9:15 a.m. Dave Phillips, Town Crier Annual Report 2010 (attached) 3 11:45 a.m. Paul Ens, Chair, Land Division Committee - 2010 Land Division Committee Report (attached) 5th Motion to Move Into "Committee Of The Whole Council" 5-28 6th Reports of Council, Outside Boards and Staff 7th Council Correspondence 29-33 1) Items for Consideration 34-42 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 43 13th Consideration of By-Laws 14th ADJOURNMENT NOTICE: November 19, 2010 New County Council Orientation November 27, 2010 County of Elgin Christmas Party December 3, 2010 Warden's Banquet -Dutton/Dunwich Community Centre (Official Attire) December 7, 2010 Warden's Election - 7:00 p.m. (Official ,4ftire) RECEPTION TO FOLLOW December 9, 2010 County Council - 9:00 a.m. (Business Attire) ~-~' `'. El,~m~ .~.~~~-~~~~~, REP®R°f °T® C®IJNTY C®UNCIL Rra~rus5i~_ [~,~ f#amra FROM: Don Ciparis, Tree CommissionerM/eed Inspector DATE: November 16, 2010 SUBJECT: Year End Report for 2010 INTR®®IJCTI®N: The following is a summary of activity related to the Elgin Woodlands Conservation By- Law for the period of November 1, 2009 and October 31St, 2010 and weed inspection activity for the 2010 season. ®ISCIJSSI®N: Logging ~4ctivity/Applications to Harvest: This year 73 Applications to Harvest were submitted from November 1, 2009 to October 31, 2010. This number is up from 59 last year. Applications were filed by municipality as follows: West Elgin 6, Dutton/ Dunwich 6, Southwold 16, Central Elgin 13, Malahide 18, and Bayham 14. Despite the increase in harvest applications, total volume harvested decreased to 1.6 million board feet from 1.7 M feet the previous year. The total area involved in the harvest was 1,980 acres. Applications for Woodland Clearings: There were 4 applications to clear woodlands within the County in 2010. One application in Southwold for 1.19 ha (2.93 acres) was approved on condition of conformity with the Elgin County's "No Net Loss" policy. Another application from Southwold requested the clearing of .32 ha. (.79 acres), subject to the same "No Net Loss" policy. Two woodland clearing applications came forward from Central Elgin, one for .25 ha. (.61 acres) and .37 ha. (.91 acres) and were approved, subject to compliance with the County's "No Net Loss" policy. Weed Complaints and ®rders: This year the Weed Inspector received 5 complaints regarding Giant Hogweed that were positively identified. The media attention surrounding this weed has brought forward a considerable number of calls from the public regarding sightings. They have mostly proven to be negative. C®NCLUSI®IV / REC®I~I~EN®ATI®N: THAT the report titled "Year End Report for 2010" dated November 16, 2010 be received and filed. Respectfully Submitted Don Ciparis InterimTree Commissioner/Weed Inspector Approved for Submission Mark cDonald Chief Adminis REPORT °T® C®IJNTY IJNCIL FROM: Dave Phillips, Town Crier DATE: November 23rd, 2010 SUBJECT: TOWN CRIER ANNUAL ACTIVITIES The following is the list of appearances that I have made as Town Crier for the year 2010: January 20 -Robbie Burns - St. Josephs St. Thomas January 22 -Gave County pin to American visitors from Illinois February 16 - Gave a pin to school teacher for a journal going round the world that started in Australia February 18 - Gave a pin for inclusion in a school project traveling round the world which started from a school in British Columbia March 7 -Easter Seal Telethon - St. Thomas Seniors Centre 10 AM live TV Opening Cry Easter Seals Mayor Cliff Barwick Proclamation City of St. Thomas April 21 - 2 pins and tourism info package given to 2 members tourism council State of Indiana April 21 - 1 pin with tourism package being mailed to student attending school in Japan as part of a class project April 24 - St. Josephs Hospital Volunteer Appreciation dinner Marconi Club London May 2 - 2 pins and Elgin tourism books went to 2 German youths who arrived mid April and are working to end of 2010 in a hog operation in Dutton Dunwich May 25 - 1 pin 1 info package to retired police inspector Mr. McMillan from Bracebridge May 29 - St. Thomas Air Cadets Awards Ceremony -Memorial Arena St. Thomas May 29 -IPM Quilt Show Keystone Complex, Shedden June 12 -Rosy Rhubarb Opening Ceremonies -Shedden Gave a pin to my apprentice Corla Brown for cry presented June 12 -Port Stanley Artist Guild opening Port Stanley legion June 13 -Rosy Rhubarb -Shedden June 14 -Rosy Rhubarb -Shedden July 1 -Canada Day -Dutton July 7 - 2 American graduates from Flagstaff Arizona University cycling Received a County pin each July 12 -Spirit of the Rails -Railway Station, St. Thomas July 14 - 2 pins went to Americans from Indiana - 1 pin went to exchange student from England just arrived today - 1 pin went to exchange student from Sweden just arrived today August 28 -Shedden Fair -rain in the morning September 4 - RushCreek Winery Wine launch September 8 -Plains Baptist Church Women's meeting Village Crier Gallery Dutton November 10 -Evening Remembrance Day -Dutton -Currie Road November 2, 2010 The Warden and Members Elgin County Council 450 Sunset Drive St. Thomas, Ontario N5R 5V1 Attached is a report of the number of severance s dealt with by the Land Division Committee for the period November 1, 2009 to October 31, 2010. Trusting this is satisfactory. Yours truly,, ~, ' ~ Paul Ens, Chairman Land Division Committee /sg Att. ,' r'i ,~,~~~ i i '.. ~ou~~~ or ~~g~r~ ~irranoi~i ~ervfu:e~ 450 Sunset Drive St. Thomas, On N5R 5V1 Phone: 519-631-1460 www. elgi n-co u nty.o n.ca ___ - ___-_ LAN® ®IVISI®N C®MMITI'EE REP®RT November 23, 2010 To the Warden and Members of the Elgin County Council The Land Division Committee reports as follows: LAN® SEVERANCES NOVEMBER 1, 2009 T® ®C°f®BER 31, 2010 Granted Not Existing New Surplus Easement/ Deferred Municipality Conditionally Granted Lot Lot Dwelling Right of Way/ or Lease Tabled 2009 2010 2009 2010 2009 2010 2009 2010 2009 2010 2009 2010 2009 2010 AYLMER 2 4 1 1 4 BAYHAM 24 12 6 2 17 10 1 7 10 CENTRAL ELGIN 18 17 3 7 10 9 7 2 2 2 DUTTON/DUNWICH 11 8 1 2 1 2 5 6 2 1 3 1 MALAHIDE 15 19 1 4 9 10 5 5 2 SOUTHWOLD 8 8 4 5 4 3 5 4 WEST ELGIN 11 13 1 1 4 5 6 5 2 3 2 TOTAL (2009 - 92) 89 3 22 46 18 3 20 TOTAL (2010 - 82) 81 1 23 44 12 2 21 Number of Hearings -Full Days s 3 -Half Days 6 ALL of which is respectfully submitted. Paul Ens/ Chairman. R PORTS OF COUNCIL AN® STAFF November 23, 2010 Staff Reports ®(ATTACHE) 6 Manager of Archives -Archives' Contribution to Lord Elgin Videos 7 Court Services Supervisor - POA Staffing - 2011 10 Manager of Information Technology - GIS Mapping System Update 13 Manager of Information Technology -Councillor MFPs and FAX Lines 15 Director of Financial Services -Third Bank Signing Officer 16 Director of Community and Cultural Services -Relocation of Maintenance Workshop and Storage Modifications 18 Director of Engineering Services -Enabling Accessibility Fund 21 General Manager of Economic Development -Sand Plains Application ICE2 24 General Manager of Economic Development -Out of Province Travel: Annual Report 26 General Manager of Economic Development -South West Economic Alliance: Membership Request General Manager of Economic Development - 2010 IPM Elgin County Showcase Conclusion (TO E INCLU®E® ON FRI®AY FAX) General Manager of Economic Development -Economic Development Strategic Plan and Marketing Plan Update (TO E INCLU®E® ON FRI®AY FAX) `'~~l~,r~1 REPORT T C UN1°Y C UNCIL PL'iL'iilc.'L;f ~:~+~~: FROM: Stephen Francom Manager of Archives DATE: October 26, 2010 SUBJECT: Archives' Contribution to Lord Elgin Videos INTRODUCTION: This report informs Council of the Elgin County Archives' collaboration in a newly published web video featuring Lord Elgin. ®ISCUSION: The web video, or "webisode," currently available for viewing online at http://www.canadascotland.com/lord-elgin-webisodes, features an interview with Lord Elgin at his ancestral home in Scotland, in which he discusses his relationship with and the historic significance of the 31 Combat Engineer Regiment, The Elgins (The Elgin Regiment). Other institutional contributors to the video, part of a series produced by the Canadian Friends of Scotland Foundation, include Library and Archives Canada, the Canadian Museum of Civilization, and the Department of National Defence. The producer/ director, Barbara Uteck, is a former Secretary to the Governor General of Canada. Among the images contributed to this project by the Archives are several photographs documenting the 2008 event in which the County honoured the 31 CER with the Freedom of the County. The publication of this video is evidence of the enduring collaborative partnership between the County and the 31 CER and provides an opportunity to further strengthen that relationship. CONCLUSION: The Archives will publicize the availability of the video through its Twitter account and via a link posted on the Archives website. RCOIVIIVIEN®~-TION: THAT this report "Archives' Contribution to Lord Elgin Videos" be received and filed as information. All of which is Respectfully Submitted f,. ~_ `~" tephen' rancour anager of Archiv Brian Masschaele Director of Community and Cultural Services I;I;-, ~, REP®RT T® C®UNTY C®UNCIL FROM: Leesa Shanley Court Services Supervisor DATE: October 28, 2010 SUBJECT: POA Staffing - 2011 INTRODUCTION: In March 2010 a review of POA workload presented to County Council showed an increase of cases of 34% over a four year period ending in 2009. Since that report cases have continued to climb with the year-to-date cases through September 2010 being up a further 23% over the same period last year. DISCUSSION: In 2004 the POA went through a restructure in staff that took the number of staff down from three staff and one supervisor to two staff with extensive court experience and one supervisor with similar court experience, that staffing arrangement remains the same in 2010. In March of 2010 a review of workload and staffing within the POA was completed and presented to County Council. It was determined that the number of charges filed with the POA had gone from 7,969 charges in 2005 to 10,678 in 2009. Further to the comparison of charges staff completed a comparison of staffing with other court locations that have had higher, lower and comparable volumes. It was found that the court with a relatively comparable volume of 9,128 charges to Elgin's 10,678 charges is operating with three staff and one supervisor, to Elgin's two staff and one supervisor. As a result County Council approved the hiring of a freelance court monitor and hiring a summer student for 2010 to provide assistance while further evaluation could be done of the increased workload, both of which proved to be an asset to the POA operations. Further evaluation shows that of the end of September 2010 charges laid are at 8,803 charges compared to 7,136 charges at the same time in 2009, an increase of 1,667 charges. Further the Regional Senior Justice of the Peace has added additional court days each month starting in 2011, this along with previous additions has increased scheduled court days by 50% since transfer. There continues to be an increase in occurrences that require one or more staff to be pulled from the office thereby causing a continuous state of covering shortages which allows for backlogs to occur putting the reliability of Court Services in jeopardy. Although the POA net revenue to the municipalities can be skewed in any one year by a single large case, in the long run, net revenue will grow as the case load increases. For example, in 2005 the POA revenue was $745,313 with $333,455 in expenses, having $378,513 paid out to Municipal Partners. The annual average for 2006 through September 2010 for POA revenue is $893,000 with $364,000 in expenses, having $529,000 paid out to Municipal Partners. Although case load has increased by 34% over the last four years and a further 23% this year, POA staff has done an excellent job containing the workload. The number of cases continues to climb and this trend is expected to continue .The current staff complement cannot continue to keep pace with the higher influx of cases. This will result in lost revenue to the municipalities. The costs of adding additional staff are an estimated $58,500 in annual salary and benefits, and an estimated $7,500 for student wages; with funding being sought from the Province to reduce the cost of the student wages. Further in order to meet with French Language Services requirements a person fluent in French will be sought as a preference however in the event that those needs cannot be met, a freelance French Clerk will be hired as needed for the 1 to 2 days yearly that are reserved for French trial days at an estimated $250.00 per day with those costs being added for reimbursement from our current French Language funding. The cost of renovations to facilitate the additional staff is an estimated $17,000. These costs are an investment that will deliver higher net revenue to the municipalities as the number of cases increases. CONCLUSION: The assessment reflects the increase in charges being laid has lead to an increase in trial requests, court sittings, payment processing, and overall workload within the POA. It is imperative to the maintenance and integrity of Court Services to increase staff so that backlogs do not occur and court sittings do not place a negative impact on the office workload. FtEC®MMEN®Al'ION: THAT afull-time Provincial Offences Clerk be hired at the estimated annual cost of $58,500 plus an estimated one time cost of $17,000 for renovations, and THAT the student hiring program that was started in the summer of 2010 be continued into future years, and THAT a freelance French Clerk be hired when required for French Court sittings at an estimated cost of $250.00 per day with those costs being applied for reimbursement through French Language Services funding. All of which is Respectfully Submitted ~~, Etin~ REP®Rl° T® C®IJNTY C®IJNCIL Progressive Gy Na¢are FROM: AI Reitsma, Manager of Information Technology and Steve Evans, Manager of Planning DATE: November 10, 2010 SUBJECT: GIS Mapping System Update IIVTR®®IJCTI®N: A report was submitted to Management Team in June 2010 at which time it was recommended that the County give consideration to becoming a partner with the Malahide, Bayham and Aylmer GIS partnership and that a costing arrangement be negotiated that would provide Elgin with the GIS services and products it requires. The Managers of IT and Planning have continued discussions with staff at Malahide Township in this regard and have received a draft agreement which offers Elgin County an equal partnership with the other existing partners at a cost of $15,557.00 as follows: Equipment costs per partner $11,667.79 System maintenance and replacement costs + labour $ 3,889.21 Total $15,557.00 Annual maintenance/equipment costs will be $400.00 and staff time charged out at $48.48 per hour if required. A-CKGR®UN®: The research that County staff has completed with respect to GIS indicates that it is logical to utilize systems that are already in place such as the Malahide GIS partnership and the Central Elgin/St. Thomas GIS system (c-map). The County has and continues to play an important role in support of GIS by acquiring and circulating Terranet property mapping and SWOOP aerial photography. The new 2010 SWOOP imagery will be very helpful in the development of the County's Official Plan and will provide a higher level of accuracy and resolution which will be an asset for all local municipalities. Meridian Planning Consultants Ltd., has placed a high priority on providing the County with quality mapping that is compatible with other mapping platforms and meets standard protocols. Other than the County Official Plan a GIS system could provide other benefits to the County. Potential uses include: ® Engineering o Asset Mangement o Road Map o Capital Planning o Digitizing and centralized information ® Property data and plans ® Contruction plans ® Municipal drainage files and plans ® Reduced speed zones ® Signage inventory ® Traffic count data ® Proposed capital works ® Asset inspection /condition information ® Vehicle collision reports ® Load restricted roadways ® Road consolodating by-laws o One off specialized mapping needs (i.e. salt management plans, winter patrol routes, road maintenance classes, etc. ® Economic Development and Tourism o Land availability and uses o On-line interactive tourism website ® Land Division 0 on-line electronic application ® Community and Cultural Servies o On-line interactive cultural mapping Council should be aware that the Township of Malahide is already working with the Department of Community and Cultural Services to post aGIS-based cultural asset map that will soon be released to the public. This initial project will give staff a better understanding of how alonger-term partnership with the Township will work. Staff wish to acknowledge the Township's support in allowing this project to proceed in "good faith" in anticipation of a more formal partnership. Experience has shown that those municipalities utilizing a GIS system have reduced the time to fulfill mapping requests and in many cases ratepayers and other users are able to obtain mapping information on their own. This can free up staff time and help in changing the traditional ways of doing business in local government offices. The most significant hurdle to implementing any GIS system is the human resources and time required to load data into the system. However, as the system is populated, future benefits will be realized as time to complete mapping-related tasks are reduced and information is more readily available to the public. If the County of Elgin were to implement a system comparable to that being used by the Malahide GIS partnership, licensing costs alone would be approximately $50,000 (source: ESRI Canada). C®NCLl1Sl®N: As a result of our research it would now be an appropriate time for the County to take part in a GIS partnership to eliminate any duplication of effort and to move toward a web based County-wide mapping system available to all local municipalities and to the public. REC®MMEN®Al°I®N: It is recommended that Elgin County enter into a GIS partnership with Malahide, Aylmer and Bayham at a cost of $15,557.00 funded from the 2010 Information Technology Licensing budget. All of which is Respectfully Submitted Approved ,~ . ,~:~ ~. s „~ ~r ~ ~~ ~ , .~` Steve Evans Manager of Planning M ~. McDonald Chief A +ativ ~~ ~~ AI Reitsma Manager of Information Technology ~~ s ~ ~l~liiC `~~~~~~~~~ REP®RT T® C®UNTY C®UNCIL F.~g4ics:i.e G,~ Stan,-r FROM: AI Reitsma Manager of Information Technology DATE: November 23, 2010 SUBJECT: Councillor MFPs and FAX Lines INTRO®UCTION: At the beginning of a County of Elgin Councillors term they are supplied with MFPs, multi-function printers (printer, copier, fax and phone). As well the County installed and paid the monthly fees for a FAX line to the councillor's home. This report reviews what will be done with the MFPs and FAX lines going forward ®ISCUSSION: In December of 2006 each councillor was supplied with amulti-function printer (MFP). As well the County installed and paid the monthly fees for a FAX nine to the councillor's home. As part of the County of Elgin's green' initiative future council meetings will be paperless. Therefore, future councillors will no longer be supplied with MFPs not FAX lines to their residence. In the past, outgoing councillors had the option of retaining their MFP devices because the four year old devices had no book value. Current councillor's have the option of retaining their MFP or returning it to the County for redeployment within the County. If a councillor wishes to retain their FAX line arrangements will be made to transfer billing to the councillor. For those councillors not wishing to retain their FAX lines, county staff will make arrangements to terminate the line. CONCLUSION: Future County of Elgin councillors will no longer require multi-function printers to conduct county business. Councillors will have the option to retain or return their MFPs. Those councillors wishing to retain their FAX lines will have billing for the line transferred to them otherwise the FAX line will be terminated effective December 1, 2010. RECONIIVIEN®ATI®N: THAT councillors inform Administrative Services before December 1, 2010 as to whether or not they wish to retain county supplied multi-function printers and THAT councillors inform Administrative Services before December 1, 2010 as to whether or not they wish to retain county supplied FAX lines to their residences. All of which is Respectfully Submitted Approved for Submission AI eitsma~ Manager of Information Technology ~~ a , ~® Jim Bundschuh Director of Financial Services Chief Administrative Officer REPORT 1°O COUNCIL FROM: Jim Bundschuh -Director of Financial Services DATE: November 8th, 2010 SUBJECT: Third Bank Signing Officer INl°RO®UC?'ION: Historically the CAO, the deputy clerk and the treasurer were signing officers in regards to any bank documents such as cheques. In 2009, the deputy clerk retired and the treasurer took on the dual role of treasurer/deputy clerk. The County requires two signatures on any bank document, such as a cheque. Even after the retirement of the deputy clerk, two bank signing officers were available to meet this requirement. ®ISCUSSION: The two signature requirement with two bank signing officers has not been an issue to-date. However, the potential always exists that one of the two signing officers may not be available for an extended period of time. In such a circumstance, the County would have to act quickly to designate a third signing officer and process the change with the bank. CONCLUSION: To avoid such a circumstance, a third bank signing officer should be appointed. RCOMMND~41'ION: THAT the Director of Human Resources be appointed as a bank signing officer. Respectfully Submitted Approve ;~ im Bundschuh Mark G. c o al~ Director of Financial Services Chief Administrative '~ 1~,~'7 REPORT TO COUNTY COUNCIL {~7 Yn(t53 ~ 4i ~ ~. 1 FROM: Brian Masschaele, Director of Community and Cultural Services Clayton Watters, Director of Engineering Services DATE: October 22"d, 2010 SUBJECT: Relocation of Maintenance Workshop and Storage Modifications __ INTRO®UCTION: A new location is required for the maintenance shop in the basement of the Elgin County Administration Building given that the current location houses sensitive equipment, particularly the fire panel. This report proposes a new location for the shop which will necessitate modifications to storage cages in the basement. ®ISCUSSION: The maintenance shop in the Elgin County Administration Building must be relocated given air quality requirements for the new fire panel. The garage has been used on a temporary basis for maintenance jobs but this has forced the temporary dislocation of the library's van. In the long-term, the garage is not a suitable spot for a workshop unless major modifications are made to properly heat, cool and electrify. The garage was also built for the purposes of securely storing the library's van. Amore permanent location for the workshop is therefore required and it should be within the building. The records storage cages in the basement across from the Elgin County Archives could be modified and condensed to incorporate a proper workspace for the maintenance shop. Staff have priced aloes-cost yet effective mobile shelving system that will have the capacity to store all of the materials currently in the cages and provide room for future growth for records storage while at the same time creating adequate space for the workshop. Total costs for this project are estimated between $30,000 and $35,000 which can be drawn from current surpluses for road micro-surfacing projects within Engineering Services' 2010 capital budget. No additional funds are therefore required to proceed. If Council approves, a formal Request for Proposals will be issued to vendors of mobile shelving systems according to County policy. co~c~u~i®~: The aforementioned plan is the best way to ensure a proper location for the maintenance workshop within the Elgin County Administration Building while returning the library van to its proper location. R COnliMEN®~-TI®N: THAT the Elgin County Administration Building maintenance workshop be relocated to a suitable location within the south end of the basement; and THAT a Request for Proposals be issued for a mobile shelving system to accommodate necessary renovations with an upset limit of $35,000 funded from Engineering Services' 2010 capital surplus. All of which is Respectfully Submitted Approved nan asschaele Mark cl Director of Community and Chief Admin Cultural Services + ~ / ~~~` 5~:. Clayton Watters Director of Engineering Services ive Officer t~~~`~l).-~ REP®RT T® C®UNTY C®UPdCIL FROM: Clayton Watters, Director of Engineering Services DATE: November 5, 2010 SUBJECT: Enabling Accessibility Fund INTRODUCTION: The County of Elgin has applied to the federal government for capital funds relating to improving accessibility, removing barriers, and enabling Canadians with disabilities to participate and contribute to their communities. The County was successful in the first set of applications, which saw, improvements to the entrance to the administration building south ramp at the back of the building completed. A second application was also approved that improved the access to the adult day bathrooms at Terrace Lodge. For the second set of applications, the County requested monies to improve the ramp at the Administration Building ramp at the back of the building. Staff are waiting for a response from the Federal Government if it was successful. And now, staff is proposing an application to install two new elevators at the administration building. DISCUSSION: The County of Elgin manages either directly or indirectly more than 325,000 square feet of mixed use building space. The buildings include: administration building; three homes for the aged (Bobier Villa, Elgin Manor and Terrace Lodge); health unit; garage facilities at Whites Station; ambulance bases (Aylmer, Edward Street and Shawside). The enabling accessibility fund is a federally funded program to improve the accessibility to facilities. Proposals are now being accepted for mid sized projects, $500,000 to $3,000,000, that will create or enhance accessibility for people with disabilities through retrofits, renovations, or new construction of facilities that emphasize integration of people with disabilities. Staff reviewed each facility and determined that the administration building has the greatest need to improve accessibility. Staff is recommending the addition of two new elevators in the front of the building to greatly improve accessibility to public offices and the private tenants. People with disabilities have access to the basement, second, third and fourth floors from the two elevators (and ramps) that are only accessibility from the rear of the building. The first floor north and south wings are also accessibly from the two elevators. The first floor centre area has accessibility access from the front ramp only. Access from two areas creates confusion due to a natural inclination that the front visible accessibility ramp is the access point for people with disabilities. As an example, if a person with disabilities enters the budding at the front entrance to access the POA office, the person would find that it was not accessible and would need to exit the front of the building, go to the rear of the building, enter at the south door that has the accessible lift and elevator and then proceed to the POA office. Once complete the person would need to reverse the order to get to their vehicle in the front of the facility. The present elevators are more than 70 years old, have a small cabin, require improvements to the controls and mechanical systems and the elevators do not meet any present standards but meet the basic needs for the County of Elgin. Staff has explored the concept of an elevator at the front south and north entrances. The elevators would access each floor (even the first floor main area), the size would enable the museum to access larger artefacts' and therefore increase the potential for additional patrons and also eliminate the confusion for the people with disabilities. The cost is estimated at $1.05 million for each elevator ($2.1 million for both elevators). Since the program is a competitive based and based on a business case staff are recommending that the County of Elgin contribute one third of the cost or $700,000. Over the next several years staff have planned to complete major replacements for the two elevators, replace the ramp on the north back entrance and front entrance. These projects are estimated at $700,000 and the County would still have elevators that are small, can only be accessed from the rear of the building, and still require an elevator or ramp system for the front of the building. COIVCLUSIOIV: Over the next 5 years staff has included a new ramp at the rear of the building, major improvements to the two elevators and a new ramp at the front to improve the accessibility for people with disabilities. These planned improvements cannot enlarge the elevator or improve the confusion. Two new elevators at the front will improve the capacity, improve efficiency and be more effective for the people of society that require assistance. The monies allocated to either improving the present system or completing two new elevators would be the same to the County of Elgin tax payers if the Enabling Accessibility Fund project was successful. REC®IVIMEIV®A7°I®N THAT the County of Elgin endorse the application to the EAF fund for two new elevators for the County of Elgin Administration Building; and, THAT the County's one-third contribution ($700,000) to the project be referred to the 2011 capital budget deliberations. All of which is Respectfully Submitted F s Clayton Watters Director of Engineering Mark G. Wald Chief Administrative ~~ =;,~~l,zn ;~' REPORT °CO COUNTY COUNCIL n,~. ~:~~ o~r~:,.r~ FROM: Alan Smith, General Manager, Economic Development DATE: October 28th, 2010 SUBJECT: Sand Plains Application ICE2 INTRODUCTION: On August 25t" the County of Elgin's Sand Plains application to establish a Business Incubator, ICE2, in Aylmer was denied. This application included a number of revisions which County staff was confident would overcome the concerns of the Sand Plains Project Selection Committee. On August 27t", County Council passed a number of resolutions that would provide the required financial sustainability that was a concern to the Sand Plains Project Selection Committee. The Sand Plains application was re-considered by the Project Selection Committee on September 29t" and was denied due to ICE2 "...did not receive regional support..." This was the same "official" reason given for the rejection on August 25t" (refer to appendix one). DISCUSSION: The County's Sand Plains application (June) for $500,000, which was submitted by the Elgin CFDC, delivery agent for this project, was reviewed by the Project Selection Committee. The County's Economic Development staff, in consultation with the Elgin Business Resource Centre and the St. Thomas Economic Development Corporation, reflected upon the feedback from the Sand Plains Project Selection Committee. Consequently, a re-vamped proposal which better met the Sand Plains criteria was developed. This updated proposal included opening a second business incubator, ICE2, in Aylmer at the Elgin Innovation Centre (former Imperial Tobacco plant). Having a business incubator at this location would satisfy the Sand Plains concern of using Sand Plains monies in an urban area that is not officially part of the Sand Plains region. The Sand Plains Project Selection Committee also questioned how the project would be able to continue beyond the funding completion date of March 2012. The revised Sand Plains application included an updated project work plan and project budget which outlined a detailed sustainable financial plan for ICE2. This plan indicated financial support by the County of Elgin. The application was re-submitted in August 2010. Surprisingly, after all of the original concerns were thoroughly addressed, the County's application was still denied due to "...lack of regional support..." with some individuals questioning the legitimacy of the County's financial commitment. The August application was updated stressing the regional nature of this project as having ICE2 being located at the former Imperial Tobacco plant would be an anchor location to serve areas of Norfolk, Middlesex County, Oxford, and portions of Brant County. Furthermore, once the program was proven to be a success, ICE could be expanded, not only to other parts of Elgin County, but to other communities throughout the SCOR/Sand Plains region. In order to overcome any concerns that the project Selection and Steering Committees may have regarding the County's financial commitment, on August 27t", County Council passed a number of resolutions contributing up to $150,000 towards sustaining ICE2 operations. Even with these changes to the application, the Project Selection Committee still rejected the County's application on September 29t". The official reason "...lack of regional support.." Staff is disappointed that the application was denied as the Sand Plains Community Development Fund was formed to assist communities that are experiencing economic hardship due to the downturn in the tobacco industry. The ICE2 project would bring direct employment to one of the former tobacco processing sites which lost hundreds of jobs. Therefore, one would surmise that the Sand Plains Project Selection Committee would support a regional initiative such as ICE2 that would create businesses and jobs to Elgin County and to other SCOR communities. What is also frustrating is the lack of consistency and clarity of the application process and decision-making abilities of the Sand Plains program. One of the concerns that the Sand Plains had with the original June application was that the funds would support amixed-use business incubator in an area outside of the Sand Plains area - St. Thomas. This is inconsistent with the Sand Plains decision to provide the Elgin County Railway Museum approximately $270,000 which is located in St. Thomas. There also seems to be some confusion on what is meant by "regional" within the Sand Plains application process. The official rationale for the decline on August 25, 2010 was due to "...lack of regional support...". Staff were informed by Sand Plains that a majority of the SCOR counties represented on the Project Steering Committee must give their support which is a key piece of the decision-making process that the Project Selection Committee takes into consideration. The same official reason was given for the Project Steering Committee denial of the County's application on September 29t" - "...did not receive regional support...". However, County staff were informed that since all 5 SCOR counties did not support the September application, the Project Selection Committee did not feel comfortable in giving their approval. So, the initial requirement of a majority that was required for the August application was insuffientcet for the September application - as a full consensus of all 5 SCOR counties was now required. The Sand Plains development Fund may want to re-visit their application process so that all applications are judged by the same criteria. Economic Development staff are pleased that the County is part of the ICE facility which will be located at an expanded Elgin Business Resource Centre - as the services of ICE will support entrepreneurism in the City as well as the County. The County will be represented on the ICE Board of Directors by the General Manager of Economic Development. There is tremendous excitement regarding the opening of ICE in April 2011 and this enthusiasm was certainly evident at the recent ground-breaking ceremony. Once ICE is proven to be a success, County staff plan on revisiting opening ICE2 in Aylmer and will investigate re-submitting an application to Sand Plains and alternative funding sources will also be explored. C®NCLUSI®N: The County's plans to establish ICE2 at the Elgin Innovation Centre have been postponed with the County's Sand Plains application being denied. This is disappointing as ICE2 has the potential to grow the agri-business and alternative energy sectors in Elgin County, and create employment and new businesses in the SCOR communities that are experiencing economic hardship due to the downturn in the tobacco industry. Given this decision by the Project Selection Committee, the Sand Plains Community Development Fund should re- evaluate their mandate of helping the communities of the tobacco growing region. RECOfV1M NDAI'ION: THAT the report titled "Sand Plains Application ICE2" dated October 25t", 2010, be received and filed. Respectfully Submitted Alan Smith General Manager, Economic Development Approved for Submi Mark G. McDon Chief Administrative Officer j:~1-;-"-~ R P®R1' °T® C®UNT'Y C®IJNCIL ~~~ - >5~._ ~~, , _ FROM: Alan Smith, General Manager, Economic Development DATE: November 10, 2010 SUBJECT: Out-of Province Travel: Annual Report IN`fR®®UCTI®N: Recognizing the global nature of business and to assist with the County's competitiveness in economic development, on September 15th, 2009, County Council passed resolutions that removed restrictions on travel outside the Province of Ontario for members of Council and staff. To ensure accountability, one of the requirements of this update to the policy manual is to submit an annual report in November of each year summarizing staff and Councils attendance at meetings and conventions. This report summarizes two out-of-province events that where attended by Economic development staff. ®ISCIJSSI®N: One of the key sectors that the Economic Development department focuses on is Energy and Environment. In order to develop and grow this sector requires implementing a number of marketing techniques. One of which is the attendance of conferences and tradeshows to foster interest in Elgin County and lead generation. Economic Development staff (two individuals) attended two tradeshows in 2010 that were held out-of-province. First, was the 2010 International Biomass Conference & Expo held on May 4-6 at the Minneapolis Convention Centre, Minneapolis, Minnesota. In attendance were energy crop growers, municipal leaders, utility executives, technology providers, equipment manufacturers, project developers, investors and policy makers. The County received funding from the Elgin Business Resource Centre (CAF program) that covered the cost of booth space -$1500.00. Therefore, the costs incurred included travel (flights, hotel) and shipping totalling approximately $3,030. The County's standard conference travel of $75.00 per day is also included in the final cost calculation. Economic Development staff also attended the 2010 CanWEA Conference and Exhibition from November 1-3rd in Montreal. The Annual Conference and Exhibition was an opportunity to network and gain information on the newest trends in wind energy and manufacturing. Drawing more than 2,300 attendees, 230 exhibitors and more than 100 speakers, CanWEA's Annual Conference and Exhibition is Canada's largest wind energy event. Attendees include community leaders, project developers, turbine manufacturers, municipal, provincial, and federal representatives, finance managers, local and national media, owners and operators, services providers, and utility companies. Total cost including travel and tradeshow booth space is approximately $7450.00. However, the County is expecting the travel and accommodation costs totalling $1794.00 to be covered by CanWEA. This was made possible due to Councillor Lynn Acre's involvement in CanWEA. Staff is currently following-up on a number of leads generated from both events. C®NCLl1Sl®N: With County Council removing restrictions on travel outside the Province of ®ntario for members of Council and staff, enabled the Economic Development Department to explore exciting national and international venues in 2010 to help grow key economic development sectors within the County of Elgin. Due to grants received, costs for both tradeshows came in below the approved budgeted amounts. REC®fVIMN®~,TI®N: THAT the report titled "Out-of Province Travel: Annual Report" dated November 10t" 2010, be received and filed. Respectfully Sub mitted 1~ ~~ ~~. t- ~~(. Alari Smith General Manager, Economic Development Approved for Sub Mark G. McE Chief Admin ,s~,_bri;.,,: R1-®!l l T® ~s®UNT 1 C®UNCI~ FROM: Alan Smith, General Manager, Economic Development DATE: November 10th, 2010 SUBJECT: South West Economic Alliance: Membership Request INTR®®UCTI®N: The South West Economic Alliance (SWEA) is snot-for-profit organization whose role is to link governments, business and industry, as well as the academic sector to create a common vision for the region and encourage cooperative action in order to generate growth and prosperity. The SWEA region is comprised of 15 counties, and some 100 individual municipalities, stretching west from Wellington County -essentially the entire "519" area code. Of the 15 counties or regions within the SWEA region, nine have become members, along with separated cities such as London, Stratford and St. Marys. The County of Elgin has been approached by the President of SWEA to consider joining the organization for 2011 at an annual cost of $4000.00. ®ISCUSSI®N: The Southwest Economic Alliance is a regional economic development organization actively studying and promoting what it calls "The New Southwestern Ontario". Bringing together municipalities, senior levels of government, the private sector and the educational community, it serves to build awareness of the fast-changing economy of the region. In other words, SWEA's role is to link governments, business and industry, as well as the academic sector to create a common vision for the region and encourage cooperative action in order to generate growth and prosperity. The Alliance is governed by a 10-member board of directors. SWEA has been in operation for just over four years. In the first phase of its development, SWEA has concentrated on building internal knowledge and tools that would lead to common understanding of what the organization is now calling "The New Southwestern Ontario". According to the President of SWEA, these tools generate debate, bring partners to the table and to advocate on behalf of the region with other levels of government. SWEA's role has evolved. Each year SWEA holds an annual assembly to address issues affecting the region. Last June the conference focussed on branding for Southwestern Ontario. At the 2011 assembly in Guelph, bridging the urban/rural divide and creating urban/rural synergies will be the focus. The University of Guelph is the co- host with partners including the Rural Ontario Institute, OMAFRA and AgCanada. As stated by the President of SWEA this is the kind of work that reflects SWEA's evolving role, to some, as a "think tank" and "brand agent" for Southwestern Ontario. Applying the new SWEA branding to regional promotion at the national and international level is also another potential role for the organization. Beginning now and in 2011 SWEA will bring Economic Development partners together to create a structure for joint promotion. The vision is of an umbrella brand similar to the Greater Toronto Marketing Alliance (GTMA) or Eastern Ontario where individual jurisdictions leverage the brand building ability of the larger region. This may provide access to funding opportunities and programs for southwestern Ontario. Many believe that southwestern Ontario has been neglected regarding large funding allocations from the Federal Government compared to other areas of the Province like Ontario East. SWEA also plans (potentially) on promoting the region at tradeshows and international trade missions in 2011. SWEA has approached Elgin County to become avoting-member of the regional organization. When discussing direct benefits to communities, SWEA compares itself to "...having a strong business association/ organization within a community..[where the benefits] is well recognized. The Southwest Economic Alliance will promote similar benefit on a larger scale. Specifically, it provides: ® A forum to promote economic cooperation throughout the region and across key sectors of the economy; ® A means to identify where regional investment will pay dividends; ® Abetter understanding of challenges that impact productivity; ® Access to in-depth economic information about the region; and, ® Improved policy development and better cooperation between jurisdictions of government...." Is membership required to obtain all of these benefits -probably not as SWEA will be promoting the entire southwestern Ontario which Elgin is a part of. However, there are some direct benefits that membership can achieve: potential involvement in trade missions and tradeshows; lead generation; conferences; and advocacy for Elgin at the provincial and federal levels of government (SWEA arranges Queens Park Day and Parliament Hill Day which gives member counties the opportunity to speak directly with Ministries on issues that directly affect their communities). Furthermore, with the County becoming avoting-member, will receive three votes which it can appoint to any combination of individuals -Warden, Councillors, staff etc. Every elected official and staff person from the County and from all lower tiered municipalities is eligible to be included in mailing lists and receives access to all newsletters, research and member pricing on conference registration. By becoming voting-members the County would provide its municipal partners greater exposure to the region's economic development activities. It should also be noted that as avoting-member the County would also receive a seat on the Advisory Council which is made up of one representative from each county/separated city; one representative from each university and community college, 10 reps from the private sector (Libro Financial has one) and five reps from the not-for-profit sector. Given the potential benefits that membership may provide and also giving support to strengthen an organization that has the objective to generate growth and prosperity for the communities of southwestern Ontario, staff is recommending that Elgin County become a voting member of SWEA at a cost of $4000.00 per year subject to the 2011 budget deliberations and approval. However, given that some of the direct benefits will be dependant upon potential new SWEA initiatives, it is recommended that renewing of membership be revisited at the end of 2011 for the 2012 calendar year. C®iVCLIlSI®N: When SWEA first began its operations Elgin County was approach to join. However, initially, the organization did not have a clear understanding of its objectives and role(s). Consequently, perusing membership was not a serious consideration. Approximately four years later, SWEA has a more defined role which Elgin County could potentially benefit. SWEA maintains that "...the region's businesses, communities, municipalities, and public sector institutions can achieve more by working together than they could ever achieve individually. By developing a highly motivated, highly organized economic area, our region will be in a better position to seize opportunities, attract private and public investment, improve public policy and strengthen the conditions that generate economic growth and prosperity...".By supporting this organization, Elgin County can play a role in the future development of the "The New Southwestern Ontario". RECOMII~EN®P-TION: THAT Elgin County join the South West Economic Alliance at a membership cost of $4000.00 per year subject to 2011 budget approval; AND THAT renewal of membership for 2012 be evaluated at the end of the 2011 calendar year. Respectfully Submitted ~. ~~ Ala~r~~nith . General Manager, Economic Development Approved for Mark G®NIcD~ Id Chief Administrative icer C®RR SPN®ENCE ®Novernber 3 2010 Items for Consideration - (AT°I°ACHE®) 1. M. Casavecchia, Chief Administrative Officer/Clerk, Township of Malahide, with a resolution requesting the Government of Ontario provide municipalities with a portion of HST generated through the sale of gasoline and diesel fuel. 2. Jim McDonell, Chair, Farm Tax Rebate Working Group, United Counties of Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry, with a resolution requesting the Province of Ontario reimburse all municipalities for their lost property tax revenue on farmland and managed forest properties through the Ontario Municipal Partnership Fund. :.-- _ ~ f ... 1 ` ~ -, the 1 ~. ~AJL._I~az~L~Ll~_.1~ 7-C.~ ~ ~ ~_i' ~ ~1 V~~ ~~` its i - ••, A proud tradition, a brightfuture. ~, , July 23, 2010. Minister Kathleen Wynne, Ministry of Transportation, 77 Wellesley Street, West, Ferguson Block, 3~d Floor, Toronto, Ontario. M7A 1Z8 i2E: HST ®Gasoline and ®iesel Fuel 87 John Street, South, Aylmer, Ontario N5H 2C3 Phone: 519-773-5344 Fax: 519-773-5334 www.malahide.ca mcasavecchia@malahide.ca At its regular meeting held on July, 22, 2010, the Council of The Corporation of the Township of Malahide enacted the following resolution: l4/FIEREAS the Governrrrent of Ontario has entered into an agreement with the Government of Canada to implement the Flarmonized Goods and Services Tax (FIST); Anl® VVFIEREAS the MST will add ~% to many goods and services where currently only the 5% GST is charged, including gasoline and diesel fuel, resulting in increased tax revenues for the Government of ®ntario; AIV® l/VhIERAS the majority of public infrastructure in Ontario is municipal infrastructure, and includes roads and highways, bridges, and transit systems; Anl® VVh1RAS there exists an infrastructure deficit in Ontario estimated at more than $100 billion; AIV® ~/FIEREAS Ontario municipalities struggle to pay for needed repairs and maintenance to such infrastructure; Anl® WFIEREAS the Government of Canada, through its Federal Gas Tax Fund, provides municipalities with a portion of federal gas tax revenue for investments in environmentally sustainable infrastructure; Anl® Vl/I~EREAS the Federal Gas Tax Funding is up®front and predictable, increasing the capacity of municipalities to address local infrastructure investment priorities and plan for the long®term; .4N® VI/P°IEREAS investing in infrastructure is a crucial component of a strong economy and part of the Government of ®ntario's strategy for jobs and growth in ®ntario; IV®V!/ TF,IERF®RE RE IT RES®LVE® TFIAT Council of the Township of Malahide requests the Government of ®ntario to provide municipalities with a portion of KIST generated through the sale of gasoline and diesel fuel in order to enable municipalities to address current infrastructure deficits and continue to invest in environmentally sustainable infrastructure; AM® TF1,4T this resolution be circulated to all municipalities in ®ntario requesting their support. We look forward to hearing from you with respect to this proposal. Sincerely, TOWNSHIP OF MALAHIDE M. CASAVECCHIA, D.P.A., C.M.O., CMM III Chief Administrative Officer/Clerk Copy to: Premier Dalton McGuinty Steve Peters, MPP Joe Preston, MP Association of Municipalities of Ontario (for distribution) DISCLAIMER This material is provided under contract as a paid service by the originating organization and does not necessarily reflect the view or positions of the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO), its subsidiary companies, officers, directors or agents. Ontario Municipalities Through the AMO Broadcast Service Re: Farmland and Managed Forest Component of the Ontario Municipal Partnership Fund (OMPF) Ontario farming activities have a major impact on our everyday lives with urban as well as rural residents wanting to maintain low-cost foods and protect forests. There are over 221,000 farmland and managed forest properties in Ontario with a current value assessment of over $39.8 billion. The Farmland Tax Program and the Managed Forest Tax Incentive Program were previously funded by the provincial government but are now mainly funded through the property taxes of the municipalities where these properties are located. This has resulted in the properties who are supposed to be benefiting from the programs, as well as other properties around them, are actually paying for their own assistance. This download cost municipalities over $257 million in 2008 with the Ontario government reimbursing only $50 million, resulting in a net loss to property taxpayers of $207 million in one year alone. Approximately 335 of Ontario's 444 municipalities have farmland and managed forest properties while only 72 municipalities receive partial reimbursement from the Ontario government. This financial impact on municipalities is increasing: from 2007 to 2010 this provincial funding has fallen by 6% while the farmland and managed forest phased-in assessments have increased by 3.5%. This lost tax revenue has increased property tax rates, with many municipalities as much as 20% higher than they would be with fair funding. The Ontario government is in the process of uploading some social programs costs that will benefit all municipalities; astep in the right direction. Unfortunately the 1998 farm tax rebate download was aimed specifically at rural municipalities and resolving this problem has yet to become a provincial priority. All municipalities are urged to pass the attached resolution and insist that your local MPP actively support full provincial reimbursement for the downloaded farm tax rebate and managed forest tax incentive programs. We would also appreciate being copied on your resolution and if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call 1-800-267-7158 ext 200. Yours truly, Jim McDonell, Chair Farm Tax Rebate Working Group United Counties of Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry Page 1 of 2 ~~ , . ~ ~ i ~' ,~ ;, United Counties of tr ® as arty 26 Pitt Street, Cornwall, Ontario K6J 3P2 Tel: 613-932-1515 Fax:613-936-2913 Resolution infoC~sdgcounties.ca wwwsdg.on.ca WHEREAS the `Farmland Tax Program' and the `Managed Forest Tax Incentive Program' are designed by the Ontario Government to support lower food costs and protect forests for recreational and environmental purposes; AND WHEREAS the Farm Tax Rebate Program and the Managed Forest Tax Incentive Program were previously funded in full by the Ontario Government yet are now funded mainly by municipalities through the municipal property tax base; AND WHEREAS rural municipalities are being forced to absorb the loss of 75% of the property tax revenue from their farmland and managed forest properties while all residents of Ontario have a vested interest in maintaining lower-cost foods and protecting forests; AND WHEREAS the farm tax rebate program provides lower-cost foods across the province, as well as the economic benefit of provincial exporting and is truly an income-redistributive program with province wide significance and should not be financed from local property taxes which results in those who are supposed to be benefiting from the program, actually paying for the program; THERFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Province of Ontario calculate the Farmland and Managed Forest component of the Ontario Municipal Partnership Fund (OMPF) so that all municipalities receive full provincial reimbursement of their lost property tax revenue on farmland and managed forest properties, while land-owners maintain the streamlined process and the 25% ratio currently in place; AND FURTHER that this resolution be forwarded to the Premier of Ontario, Minister of Finance, Minister of Agriculture Food and Rural Affairs, Minister of Municipal Affairs & Housing, local MPPs, all Ontario municipalities and any other individual or association as deemed appropriate. DISCLAIMER This material is provided under contract as a paid service by the originating organization and does not necessarily reflect the view or positions of the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO), its subsidiary companies, officers, directors or agents. Page 2 of 2 C®RRESP®N® NCE ®N®vember 23, 2010 Items f®r Inf®rmati®n (C®nsent Agenda) ®(Al°°fACHE®) Michael Garrett, Chair, Board of Directors, Ontario Clean Water Agency, announcing Jane Pagel as the Agency's new President and CEO. 2. Injasuti Developments and MHBC Planning are hosting, on January 6t", 2011, adrop-in public information session for Proposed Solar Farms on Fruit Ridge Line and Centennial Road. 3. Dan Mathieson, Chair, MPAC Board of Directors, with information regarding the Toronto Bank Towers Court of Appeal Decision. 4. Sabrina Stanlake, RPP, Dillon Consulting Limited, with project information on the Rehabilitation of Two Bridges on Highway 401 in Elgin County. 5. Newspaper Advertisement requesting applications from County of Elgin citizens to serve on the County of Elgin/Central Elgin Joint Accessibility Advisory Committee. ~ ,' ~. t ~ ~ '_ ~ t ii.. L ~~ i ~_ , ~ ~ I November 1, 2010 Mr. Mark McDonald One Yonge Street, Suite 170o TEL: 416 314 5600 Toronto Ontario anx: 416 314 8300 Canada NtSE IES www.ocwa.com Administrator/Clerk ~ ~~ , u ~ ;~ County of Elgin , ~` ~~~~,~ 450 Sunset Dr. St. Thomas, ON NSR SV1 Re: Ontario Clean Water Agency (OCWA) Appoints new President ~& CEO Dear Mr. McDonald, It is my pleasure to be writing to you today on behalf of the Board of Directors of OCWA to introduce Jane Pagel as the Agency's new President and CEO. Jane is a highly experienced and effective leader with an extensive background in both Government and the private sector. Most recently a Senior Vice President with one of Canada's largest private consulting engineering, environmental and earth sciences companies, Jane serves on the board of Sustainable Development Technology Canada, chairing the board's Project Review Committee. As well she served on the Prime Minister's Advisory Council on Science and Technology for ten years and is a former President of Zenon Environmental Laboratories. As OCWA's President and CEO, one of Jane's top priorities will be to meet and talk with as many of the Agency's clients as possible. She is committed, as we all are at OCWA, to providing not just the safe and efficient water and wastewater services that you have come to expect from us, but also the highest possible quality of service: expert, honest and transparent. Jane comes to us with a well earned reputation for keeping those kinds of commitments and we feel confident that once you have had an opportunity to meet and deal with her that you will share our enthusiasm for having her join us. Over the next few months, Jane is planning to visit a number of facilities and be actively involved in industry conferences and events. This will provide her with an opportunity to meet with many of you to discuss the work that OCWA is doing. Should you have any immediate concerns however - or if you just wish to say a friendly hello -please feel free to call or write Jane. Yours sincerely, `~-~ ~ L w ®® Michael Gai7ett Chair, Board of Directors 1. ~-l. E iii ~,~ , ~ ;~ ! ir~l ;: iii f~, ~ ~' iu~,~,~ ;~~ ~~ ~~~i~INC,~I~I 1>>wltl°l~i' ,71~;,V_ ~!It~lfil!Y,E-7 --- - _ _ ; November 2, 2010 t_, I<ITCHENER WCODBRIDGE LONDON KIIJGSTON 6ARRIE RE: PUBLIC MEETING NOTICE FOR PROPOSED SOLAR FARMS RENEWABLE ENERGY APPROVAL (REA) PROCESS 500kW (Class 3) Solar Facilities Proposed by Injasuti Developments Fruit Ridge Line and Centennial Road, Central Elgin (MHBC FILE 08220B) On behalf of Injasuti Developments, please find enclosed the Public Meeting notices for two separate solar farms proposed in Central Elgin (Part of Lot 10, Concession 4 and Part of Lot 9, Concession 4). These notices are required as part of the Province of Ontario Renewable Energy Approvals process (Environmental Protection Act and Ontario Regulation 359/09) for Class 3 Solar Facilities. General information on the proposed Beaver Creek and Flowerburn Solar Farms are included in the attached notices. More information on the solar farms will be provided in the draft Project Description Reports (PDR). The PDRs will be made available for public inspection by November 6, 2010 at the St. Thomas Planning Department/Central Elgin Planning Department and online at www.injasutidevelopments.com. We are circulating the attached notices to advise surrounding landowners, stakeholders, local and county authorities and interested agencies of the proposed solar farms and the date and time of the Public Meeting. The PUBLIC MEETING is scheduled for Thursday, January 6, 2011 from 4:30pm to 7:OOpm at the Elgin County Administrative Building (450 Sunset Drive, St.Thomas). Notice of the Public Meeting will also appear in the Weekly News on Wednesday, November 3 2010, and in the St.Thomas Times-Journal on Saturday, November6, 2010. If you would like to learn more about the proposed solar farms please attend the public meeting or communicate comments to the Renewable Energy Approval Project Manager (MHBC Planning, Suite 200 - 540 Bingemans Centre Drive, Kitchener, ON, N2B 3X9). Yours truly, MHBC PLANNING ®Renewable Energy Approval Project Manager Dave Aston, M. Sc, MCIP, RPP daston@mhbcplan.com { I Lana Phillips, MA, MCIP, RPP IphillipsC~mhbcplan.com Z00-540 BINGEMANS CENTRE DRIVE / KITCHENER /ONTARIO / N2B 3X9 / T 519 576 3650 / F 519 576 0121 / W WW.MHBCPLAPI.COM '' Ld ~I Renewable Energy Approval Notice of Meetings To be held by Injasuti ®evelopments s.15 (1)(b) ®ntario Regulation 359109 regarding a Proppsal to Engage in a Renewable Energy Project (Solar Farrel Project blame: Flowerburn Farm Project Location: 43777 Fruit Ridge Line (Part of Lot 9, Concession 4, Central Elgin) Dated at the Municipality of Central Elgin this the 3`d day of November 2010 Injasuti Development is planning to engage in a renewable energy project in respect of which the issuance of a renewable energy approval is required. The proposal to engage in the project and the project itself is subject to the provisions of the Environmental Protection Act (ACT) Part V.0.1 and Ontario Regulation 359/09 (Regulation). This notice must be distributed in accordance with section 15 of the Regulation prior to an application being submitted and assessed for completeness by the Ministry of the Environment. Meeting Information: Injasuti Developments and MHBC Planning are hosting adrop-in public information session to share more details on the proposed solar farm and gather public comments. DATE: Thursday January 6, 2011 TIME: 4:30pm to 7:00 pm PLACE: Elgin County Administration Building, Training Room, 450 Sunset Drive, St.Thomas, Ontario Project Description: Pursuant to the Act and Regulation, the facility, in respect of which this project is to be engaged in, is a Class 3 solar facility. If approved, this facility would have a total maximum nameplate capacity of 0.5 MW (500kW). The project location is described in the map below. Documents for Public Inspection: The Draft Project Description Report titled `Flowerburn Farm -Solar -Project Description Report' describes the project in more detail. The solar farm is proposed to include 62 ground mounted tracking solar arrays. Each solar array is approximately 12 x 6 metres. A written copy of the Draft Project Description Report and draft supporting reports (prepared to comply with the requirements of the Act and Regulation) will be made available for public inspection by November 5, 2010 at the St. Thomas Planning Department/ Central Elgin Planning Office, 9 Mondamin Street, St. Thomas, Ontario during regular weekday business hours (8:30am - 4:30pm) or online (www.injasutidevelopments,com). Project Contacts and Information: To learn more about the project proposal, public meetings, or to communicate concerns please contact: Renewable Energy Approval (REA) Project Manager Dave Aston or Lana Phillips, MFI~C Planning Ltd Suite 200 - 540 Bingeman's Centre Drive Kitchener, ON N2B 3X9 P: (519) 576-3650 (ext. 709 or 726) F: (519) 576-0121 E-mail: daston@mhbcplan.com or Iphillips@mhbcplan.com Solar Farm Proponent Paul Marot, Injasuti Developments 2650 Spruce Needle Drive Mississauga, ON L5L 1 M9 P: (905) 569-9667 F: (905) 569-6364 E-mail: paulmarot@rogers.com Renewable Energy Approval Notice of Meetings s.15 (1)(b) Ontario Regulation 359/09 Project Name: Beaver Creek Solar Farm -Phase 1 Project Location: 43921 Fruit Ridge Line (Part of Lot 10, Concession 4, Central Elgin) ®ated at the Municipality of Central Elgin this the 3~d day of November 2010 Injasuti Development is planning to engage in a renewable energy project in respect of which the issuance of a renewable energy approval is required. The proposal to engage in the project and the project itself is subject to the provisions of the Environmenfal Protection Act (ACT) Part V.0.1 and Ontario Regulation 359/09 (Regulation). This notice must be distributed in accordance with section 15 of the Regulation prior to an application being submitted and assessed for completeness by the Ministry of the Environment. Meeting Information: Injasuti Developments and MHBC Planning are hosting adrop-in public information session to share more details on the proposed solar farm and gather public comments. ®AT'E: Thursday January 6, 2011 1"IME: 4:30pm to 7:00 pm PLACE: Elgin County Administration Building, Training Room, 450 Sunset Drive, St.Thomas, Ontario Project ®escription: Pursuant to the Act and Regulation, the facility, in respect of which this project is to be engaged in, is a Class 3 solar facility. If approved, this facility would have a total maximum nameplate capacity of 0.5 MW (500kW). The project location is described in the map below. bocuments for Public Inspection: The Draft Project Description Report titled `Beaver Creek Solar Farm -Phase 1 -Project Description Report' describes the project in more detail. The solar farm is proposed to include 62 ground mounted tracking solar arrays. Each solar array is approximately 12 x 6 metres. A written copy of the ®raft Project ®escription Report and draft supporting reports (prepared to comply with the requirements of the Act and Regulation) will be made available for public inspection by Friday November 5, 2010 at the St. Thomas Planning Deparkment/ Central Elgin Planning Office, 9 Mondamin Street, St. Thomas, Ontario during regular weekday business hours (8;30am-4:30pm) or online (www.injasutidevelopments.com). Project Contacts and Information: To learn more about the project proposal, public meetings, or to communicate concerns please contact: Renewable Energy Approval (REA) Project Manager ®ave Aston or Lana Phillips, MWEC Planning Ltd Suite 200 - 540 Bingeman's Centre Drive Kitchener, ON N2B 3X9 P: (519) 576-3650 (ext. 709 or 726) F: (519) 576-0121 E-mail: daston@mhbcplan.com or Iphillips@mhbcplan.com Solar Farm Proponent Paul Marot, Injasuti ®evelopments 2650 Spruce Needle Drive Mississauga, ON L5L 1 M9 P: (905) 569-9667 F: (905) 569-6364 E-mail: paulmarot@rogers.com ~I~ ~' ~~J L~ I ~ 1°o be held by Injasuti ®evelopments regarding a Proposal to Engage in a Renewable Energy Project (Solar Farm) FEE t! ~ ~` 3 €=' f~, 1,.~ E"' ~ ~ g,~ ~' N ?"' Y 4` ';;~ k~- ~ ~;: ~ f ~ P`~ ""Y ~ ~ P 9? A l'" G November 4, 2010 To: All Heads of Council Ontario Municipalities From: Dan Mathieson Chair, MPAC Board of Directors i - s, c ~;~~ s~Fp~~~~ v ara~a ~~ ~~~ h~~~(,~ Subject: Court of Appeal Decision -Toronto Bank Towers I am writing as a follow up to a memo sent to you on September 30, 2009 from my predecessor, Debbie Zimmerman, regarding the Toronto Bank Towers' Appeal. On October 15, 2010, the Court of Appeal released its long-anticipated decision with respect to the Toronto Bank Towers. The City of Toronto and the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation (MPAC) were the successful respondents. Interveners in the case included: The Townships of Atikokan and Ear Falls; Municipality of Red Lake; Towns of Goderich, Lincoln and South Bruce Peninsula; Counties of Brant and Lambton; and Cities of Ottawa, Quinte West, Sarnia and Windsor. In a unanimous decision, the Court of Appeal agreed with the Divisional Court on all aspects of the Divisional Court's findings with respect to the law. The Court of Appeal also confirmed that the office towers are to be assessed in accordance. with the. income approach using market rents and allowing for only a normal vacancy rate, which has been MPAC's long-standing practice. The Court of Appeal returned the matter to the same panel of the Assessment Review Board and instructed the Board to determine the assessed values of the bank towers by following the guidance received from the Divisional Court and the Court of Appeal. An appeal from a decision of the Court of Appeal lies to the Supreme Court of Canada with leave. The deadline for seeking leave to appeal is 60 days from the date of the decision. We will inform you if an appeal is launched. Background information about the decision has been posted on our website for your reference on the Municipal News page of our website at www.mpaaca. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Arthur Anderson, Director, Municipal Relations, 905 837-6993. Yours truly, Dan Mathieson Chair, MPAC Board of Directors Copy: MPAC Board of Directors Carl Isenburg, President and Chief Administrative Officer, MPAC Executive Management Group, MPAC Arthur Anderson ~flt;f= F?s Y ir= t~/r ~ P ~~ _ tlG 1~,C7P'~Ci!^ahl(~fl `J~1tfUV1 Form iVo LH40C~9P, ~. i, yy qq ~~i{~ ,Jy~°~'C~ .AL ~fi. tl 4S~r din' ~A u~ie V ~~L. ~$iq~~~~~V. '. Lam" - November 5, 2010 County of Elgin Administrative Services 450 Sunset Drive St. Thomas, Ontario NSR SV1 Attention: Mr. Mark McDonald CAO 1Vlinistry of Transportation, Ontario Detailed Design and Class Environmental Assessment Rehabilitation of Two Bridges on Highway 401 in Elgin County GWP 3060-08-00 Dear Mr. McDonald: The Ministry of Transportation has retained Dillon Consulting Limited to complete the Detailed Design and Class Environmental Assessment (EA) for the rehabilitation (steel coatings and minor repairs) of the following bridges on Highway 401 in Elgin County: o Graham Road Bridge (Elgin Road 76) • Mill Road Bridge (Elgin Road 119). As part of the Southern Highways Program and subject to funding and approvals, these bridges are scheduled for rehabilitation in 2011, with a target completion date of 2013. During construction, lane closures will be required on Highway 401, however at least one lane of traffic will be maintained in each direction. Short term nightly closures of the Graham Road on-ramps are required for two to three weeks. Information signs will be provided to advise motorists of the closures, co~rsu~-r~r~c ..continued ~s®ra ~~r~~rdt~ffi~ Coiif~ty of Elgin Page 2 November 5, 2010 This study is subject to Ontario's Environmental Assessment Act and will be carried out as a Group C project in accordance with the requirements of the Class Environmental Assessment (EA) for Provincial Transportation Facilities (2000) (MTO's Class EA). Group C projects include minor repairs to existing infrastructure and have minimal impacts that can be mitigated. As part of the project, an Environmental Screening Document will be completed for MTO's internal use. A project website has been set up to provide project information and updates. It can be viewed at www.mega2,ca. If you require further information please contact Sabrina Stanlake at 519-438-1288 ext. 1235. Yours sincerely, DILLON CONSULTING LIMITED (: t ~^~. Sabrina Stanlake, RPP for John Gawley, P.Eng. Project Manager SNS : amb Encl. cc: Brian Goudeseune, MTO Adele Mochrie, MTO G Our File: 10-3623 S~ r ~ ..... CCIJNi°Y ®F EI~~iIVEC~Ni°R,QL ~imGIN J®ItVT ACCES~ii3il~l°iY A~~'iSC~Y C®MM171°EE County of Elgin/Central Elgin Joint Accessibility Advisory Committee invites applications from citizens of The County of Elgin interested in serving on the: County of Elgin/Central Eigin Joint Accessibility Aduisory Committee Additional information about the Committee is available by contacting Cole Aicken, Building Sciences Technologist, County of Elgin 519-631-1460 ext 143 or email: caicken@elgin-county.on.ca or Dianne Wilson, Deputy Clerk, Municipality of Central Elgin 519-631-4860 ext 286 or email: dwilson@centralelgin.org or by viewing the respective websites www.elgin-county.on.ca or www.centralelgin.org. Terms of Reference and Application Forms are available on the website. Committee members will be paid $150.00 remuneration for attendance at each meeting. Persons wishing to serve on the Committee should submit an application by 12:00 noon on Friday, November 19th, 2010 to:~ Dianne Nilson, Co-Secretary Joint Elgin/Central Elgin Accessibility Advisory Committee t ,~ 450 Sunset Drive, St. Thomas, Ontario i~ti^~\}t'' N5R 5V1 (519) 631-4860, ext. 286 11 ~~°°'' COUNTY OF ELGIN By-Law No. 10-32 "BEING A BY-LAW TO AUTHORIZE THE EXECUTION OF A COLLECTIVE AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CORPORATION OF THE COUNTY OF ELGIN AND THE ONTARIO NURSES' ASSOCIATION WITH RESPECT TO ALL NURSES AT ELGIN MANOR TERRACE LODGE AND BOBIER VILLA" WHEREAS the Ontario Nurses' Association, by certificate dated December 9th, 1988, is the certified bargaining agent for all Nurses at Elgin Manor; save and except the Director of Nursing and persons above the rank of Director of Nursing; and WHEREAS the Ontario Nurses' Association, by certificate dated January 12th, 1989, is the certified bargaining agent for all Nurses at Terrace Lodge, save and except the Director of Nursing and persons above the rank of Director of Nursing; and WHEREAS the Ontario Nurses' Association, by certificate dated June 1st, 1981, is the certified bargaining agent for all Nurses at Bobier Villa, save and except the Director of Nursing and persons above the rank of Director of Nursing; and WHEREAS negotiations have taken place over a period of time between the County and the Association to establish terms and conditions of a collective agreement. NOW THEREFORE the Municipal Council of the Corporation of the County of Elgin enacts as follows: 1. That the Warden and appropriate signing officers are hereby authorized to sign a Collective Agreement between-the County of Elgin and the Ontario Nurses' Association, setting forth collective bargaining relations, disposition of grievances and to define working conditions and terms of employment for all Nurses employed at Elgin Manor, Terrace Lodge, and Bobier Villa, covering the period April 1, 2010 to March 31, 2012. READ A FIRST, SECOND AND THIRD TIME AND FINALLY PASSED THIS 23RD DAY OF NOVEMBER 2010. Mark G. McDonald, Bonnie Vowel, Chief Administrative Officer Warden CLSE®M TIN a4EN~- November 23, 2010 Correspondence: (ATTACHED) 1) Municipal Act, Section 240.2 (e) litigation or potential litigation, including matters before administrative tribunals, affecting the municipality or local board. -Elgin ats. H.I.R.A. Reports: (T® E INCLI!® ®®N FRI®~-Y F~4X) 1) Director of Engineering Services -Municipal Act, Section 240.2 (a) the security of the property of the municipality or local board - GSE -Lease 2) Director of Engineering Services -Municipal Act, Section 240.2 (a) the security of the property of the municipality or local board - ClaimsPro -Lease Chief Administrative Officer's Annual Performance Evaluation (See separate attachment) f,_y i !.' _ _ DATE: 11 /19/2010 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: 39 ®URGENT ®REPLY ASAP ®PLEASE COMMENT ®PLEASE REVIEW ®FOR YOUR INFORMATION COMMENTS: Additional Items f®r Council Agenda ®f November 3, 2010 Reports of Staff and Council (attached) 1. General Manager of Economic Development - 2010 IPM Elgin County Showcase Conclusion. 2. General Manger of Economic Development -Economic Development Strategy and Marketing Plan Update. 3. Director of Financial Services - 2009 Audited Statements. Closed Meeting Item: (attached) 1. Director of Engineering Services -Municipal Act, Section 240.2 (a) the security of the property of the municipality or local board. -Leases. THE INFORMATION IN THIS FACSIMILE IS FOR THE NAMED RECIPIENT ONLY. IT MAY CONTAIN IlVFORMATION 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 v,~ww.elgin-cou nty.on.ca 1~ ~,~i5,ll~) ~:.., ,,.5;,: ~,,; ;., REPORT TO COUNTI( COUNCIL _. _-.. __......__.__ ® _. _.__._.... _. A FROM: Lindsey Morritt, Tourism Development Coordinator DATE: November 19th, 2010 SUBJECT: 2010 IPM Elgin County Showcase Conclusion INTRO®UCTION: In June of 2007 County Council passed several resolutions that supported the Elgin County Plowmens Association's bid submission to host the 2010 International Plowing Match and Rural Exposition (IPM). This included a $100,000 loan; the allocating of funds to fulfil the County's requirement of undertaking a County Exhibit/Showcase; and, the hiring of an IPM Exhibit and Events Coordinator (May 2009). In order to assist with the planning and implementation, an Elgin County Exhibit Committee was formed in July of 2009 consisting of Council members, private sector representation, and staff. The Committee's goal was to create a showcase that was reflective of the County's `progressive by nature' brand. This was accomplished by displaying the communities, attractions, and businesses within Elgin County to visitors so that they may return as a tourist, new resident, or locate a business; and to expose current residents of Elgin to business opportunities, community organizations, and unique aspects of their home county. In order to engage the many people that visited the County showcase, 20 to 30 county and municipal staff and community volunteers were utilized on a daily basis to ensure that those attending the showcase experienced why Elgin County is "progressive by nature". ®ISCUSSION: The IPM County Exhibit Committee developed a showcase that highlighted the County as a great place to not only visit but live, expand a business or re-locate a business to Elgin. The Committee used the Talbot Trail as a theme to replicate the sights and sounds found in Elgin. The signage within the showcase reflected the County's new directional signage program, with many of the new signs being found along the Talbot Trail. A large map was created of Elgin highlighting the Trail to welcome visitors. Using the Talbot Trail as a theme created a unified look and feel to the exhibit. This also complemented the use of the Elgin County passport which encouraged visitors to experience each area of the showcase. As indicated in Appendix A, the 2010 IPM Elgin County Exhibit Final Report, which is being submitted to the OPA, there were many notable highlights of the County Exhibit that included but not limited to: a) Entertainment. A full line-up of local entertainment that included an "Elgin's Got Talent" competition held on the last day of the event. The competition drew a large audience and supported youth in the area. b) Effective Exhibit Site Plan. The tents were located close to each other and positioned to create a centre courtyard that was full of activity. There was plenty of bench seating available around the centre water feature for those that wanted to relax and enjoy the showcase. c) Grand Entrance Way. The Committee decided to recreate the entrance way from the 1940 Elgin County IPM Showcase, adding a wow factor that included amulti-media, high-tech approach on the original concept. This concept evolved into atime-tunnel like structure which lead people from the past into present day Elgin County. The impact was huge -offering an impressive welcome to all who visited the Elgin showcase. Creating a magnificent media display of pictures and memories, the entrance way was a wonderful introduction to the entire Elgin County showcase. People left the "tunnel-way" with an understanding of Elgin's rich past and insight into Elgin's progressive future. d) Passport. The passport resulted in giving away 2,500 rechargeable flashlights, 2,500 ponchos, and 1,200 Elgin County cowboy hats for the week. This was a fun and popular draw to the showcase with each visitor taking home a completed passport/postcard and a memento to remind them of visiting Elgin. In order to have a successful event the County was required to work with local businesses, in-kind supporters, organizations and volunteers. In other words, many partnerships were created including the 18 local non-profit organizations involved in the community tent, the 8 alternative energy and agricultural exhibitors in the progressive tent, as well as each of the 7 partner municipalities. This event also required cross -department collaboration and strengthened relationships within County staff and local municipalities. Everyone involved were in high spirits and proud to be from Elgin County while welcoming visitors from all over the province, Canada, and even the U.S. C®iVCLUSI®N: The IPM is a celebration of rural life with the event being part of agricultural living for just over a century. This was the fourth time that Elgin County hosted the IPM and also marked the 50t" anniversary of the Queen of the Furrow and the 50t" anniversary of the RV Park, both of which were started in Elgin County. With Council's support the Elgin County Plowmens Association's bid submission enabled the 2010 IPM to be held in Elgin County. The County made a substantial investment with funds and other resources that resulted in a successful Elgin County showcase. The sub-committees were diligent in their 18 months of budget planning, resulting in expenditures being under the budgeted amount of $187,000. An important legacy and cherished memories have been left with the residents of the area. The legacy fund and economic impact to the area are currently being assessed by the Ontario Plowmens Association with results anticipated for early 2011 with the fund expected to support local non-profit organizations in a significant way, and the economic impact to the Elgin-St. Thomas area is expected to be in the millions of dollars. The collaborative efforts between the County and its municipal partners resulted in the County Showcase being one of the most memorable and popular exhibits at the IPM. Council's goals for this unique event of creating a professional exhibit that reflected the County's `progressive by nature' spirit were reached. REC®fVIMEN®ATION: THAT, the report titled "2010 IPM Elgin County Showcase Conclusion", dated November 19, 2010, be received and filed as information. All of which is Respectfully Submitted Lindsey Morritt Tourism Development Coordinator J m. i%f ......,. ,,~,- ~ Jf j . -' Approved for Submission Alan'`~mith Marl~G~ McDonald General Manager Chief Adm istr-ati Officer Economic Development Appendix A IPM 2010 Erin County Exhibit- Final Report IPM 2010 Elgin County Exhibit- Final Report Chair and Coordinator: Grace McGartland, Volunteer Chair Lindsey Morritt- Coordinator grace@theartsandcookerybank.com lmorritt@elgin-county.on.ca 519-871-5204 519-631-1460 ext 164 Other committee members: Bonnie Vowel- Elgin County Warden Tom Marks- Central Elgin Mayor Dave Mennill- Deputy Mayor Malahide Mark McDonald- County CAO Alan Smith- Economic Development Kate Burns- Economic Development Brian Masschaele- Community and Cultural Services Clayton Wafters- Engineering Cole Aiken- Engineering Jim Carter- Engineering Jim Bundschuh- Finance Rob Bryce- Human Resources Bill Walters- IPM Executive ®bjectives: The IPM Exhibit Committee wanted to create a showcase that was reflective of the County's `progressive by nature' branding that would engage the visitor so that they return to Elgin County as a tourist, a new resident, or to open a business. This objective was accomplished through interactive displays that were fun for the visitor to create memorable experiences. The theme of the Talbot Trail was used to replicate the sights and sounds found in Elgin. All of the signage within the County exhibit reflected that of the ones found along the Talbot Trail. A large map was created of Elgin highlighting the Trail to welcome visitors. Resources: Elgin County Council agreed to a budget of $187,000 for the County exhibit plus the cost of hiring an IPM Events Coordinator on an 18 month contract. When approaching outside businesses and suppliers for in-kind or sponsorship monies, staff had to be cautious of not interfering with the actions of the IPM corporate sponsorship committee. When purchasing and/or creating products the Committee was mindful of the potential re-use at a future date. When the water feature was to be the main focal point of the exhibit, the Committee decided that it would be re-built at one of the County's long-term care facilities for future enjoyment. Part of the costs came from the IPM budget with the remaining monies from Bobier Home budget. Staff resources were used to create Ssub-committees within the main committee to implement all aspects of each area. The roads crew from each municipality pulled together to build and construct the exhibit, while one Construction Coordinator was utilized to oversee the process. During the week of the match 20 to 30 municipal and County staff was needed each day for various activities. Each volunteer received an Elgin County vest and a pass into the event. Shifts were divided up into morning and afternoon. A designer was hired to create our Talbot Trail themed signs and individual signs for each exhibitor. The consistency helped to create a professional and unified showcase. Key Dates: July 2009 The IPM Exhibit committee held its first meeting. The purpose was to determine the role of individuals on the Committee, discuss the budget and some basic ideas for the showcase. The Committee met monthly from this date forward. September 2009 A select few of the committee members attended the 2009 Temiskaming Match, where committee members set up a display in the `Future IPM' tent, and also took pictures and made observation notes. December 2009 A letter was written to each of the municipalities asking them for a representative to be on the `Elgin Offerings' (tourism tent) committee. Initial meeting was held with each representative. This committee met on a monthly basis. 1Vlarch 2010 Advertisements were placed in the local papers asking for non-profit and community groups to apply for space within the Community tent. Letters were also sent out to selected organizations to apply. The Community tent sub-committee met and decided on criteria that each applicant must meet in order to receive a `complimentary' space in the tent. June 2010 The first meeting was held with the non-profit and community groups. Participants were presented with forms from the IPM Exhibitors Manual and expectations were outlined. The Committee began to meet every 3 weeks from the initial meeting. August 2010 August 25 -Started staking the site. For the next 3 weeks staff was onsite constructing the showcase. September 2010 Sept 1 and 3 -Tents were installed. September 7 -Coordinator and Construction crew were onsite daily until the end of the match. September 13 -Municipal exhibits started to move-in. September 17- Community and Progressive exhibitors moved-in September 29 -Tear down concluded. Community Tent Sub Committee: The Community tent sub-committee held its first meeting in December 2009 to discuss the overall theme of the tent, exhibitor recruitment and expectations, and also to establish criteria for exhibitors. In January ads were placed in the paper as well as letters sent to non-profit groups in the County. Three criteria were established that had to be met in order for groups to obtain a spot in the tent. 1)Must be anon-profit organization 2) Mandate that serves the entire County 3) That the displays be interactive and professional. Space was provided to qualifying groups at no cost. However, these groups were responsible for paying their own electrical needs and passes for staff and volunteers. The final result was 18 groups promoting their services within the Community Tent. There was also an Internet corner presented by the Elgin County Library which was busy and mainly utilized by people staying in the RV Park. All exhibitors were asked to have an interactive display that engaged visitors into their organization. The first meeting with groups was held in March to introduce them to the IPM, followed by a meeting in June to present the groups with the required forms. Groups submitted their proof of insurance to the Coordinator to be sent to the Ontario Plowmens Association as one big package. All other services were booked directly through the OPA. All the planning and coordination resulted in the Community tent being a professional and well-organized tent. Exhibitors exceeded expectations and presented topics, activities and games to suit all age levels. The wide range of interactive activities in the tent included a large connect four game board, a chance to try out Scouts Canada's kub kar race track, an air hockey table, and mechanical horse rides. Entrance Way Sub Committee: The Elgin County IPM Committee, as an entire committee, met several times in the early development of the Elgin County Showcase. The underpinning concept and theme in each meeting was to position the County as a driving force, offering a WOW factor appeal in everything that was presented. With this in mind, the entrance sub-committee set about creating a dynamic venue that would celebrate the past while embracing the future. The goal was to create an entrance way that captured the visitor's attention in an unique and powerful way. The brainstorming started at the first meeting in November 2009. The goal was to develop a memorable and progressive entrance way to the County showcase. After a great deal of input and design, it was decided to recreate the entrance way from the 1940 Elgin County IPM Showcase , adding a WOW factor that included amulti-media, high- tech approach with ahigh-touch spin on the concept. This concept evolved into atime-tunnel like structure to lead people from the past into present-day Elgin County. The impact was huge -offering an impressive welcome to all visitors who came into the Elgin showcase, as well as to those who walked by the entrance way. The main entrance gate and adjacent fencing were constructed from event scaffolding. Elgin County and Municipal banners became the front drop panels along the entire 260 feet of scaffolding. Attached to the entrance way was a 30x30 clear span structure. This tent housed three multi-media displays towers, also made out of scaffolding. The towers held flat screen TVs that ran continuous slideshows of Elgin -past and present. Two overhead projectors showed both the tourism and economic development video on corner pull down screens. Likewise, the tent side walls were covered with banners of photos highlighting various events in Elgin County. Creating a magnificent media display of pictures and memories, the entrance way was a wonderful introduction to the entire Elgin County showcase. People left the "tunnel-way" with an understanding of Elgin's rich past and good insight into Elgin's `Progressive by Nature' future. Tourism Tent Sub Committee: The Elgin Offerings Tourism Tent was a collaborative initiative between the County of Elgin and one representative from each of Elgin's partner municipalities. The group started meeting monthly in late 2009 to establish a plan for this area of the exhibit. It was decided that a thematic approach would be followed with each municipality responsible for highlighting one tourism theme/activity found across the County. This approach was chosen to allow visitors to move seamlessly from one display to another and to prevent municipal segregation. The 7 displays included in this tent were Ports of Elgin, History/Heritage, Outdoor Adventure, Agri-tourism, Trails, Sports and Recreation, and Culture. The exhibits were to be interactive and interesting. The planning process included brainstorming of ideas, submitting of detailed site plans and budgets, and the coordination of volunteers. Each municipal group was required to arrange for a certain number of volunteers to run their exhibit each day. Visitors to the 2010 International Plowing Match felt they were "following the Talbot Trail" through a representation of Elgin County tourism attractions that included; a miniature beach with replica sand dunes, interactive historical videos, a fish pond, a replica trail system, an Amish Buggy, works of art from accomplished local artists, and much more! Progressive Tent Sub Committee: The vision of the Progressive tent was to seek and highlight innovative businesses that had a background in the agri-business or energy and environment sectors, and to highlight the progressive business attitudes of Elgin. These exhibitors had to be environmentally conscious, showcasing new techniques or developing new ways to create more business in these sectors. The Progressive tent consisted of 8 exhibitors as well as the County of Elgin Economic Development department displaying their on-line virtual tradeshow and the benefits of doing business in the County. The exhibitors created interactive and visually appealing displays which were well received by the patrons of the IPM. The Progressive tent was also a stop on the Education passport which brought a large number of children into the tent to ask exhibitors about their product and get answers to alternative energy questions. This tent was highly successful in showing that Elgin is a great place to start or relocate your business and that there are many support services waiting to assist you with the process. Entertainment Sub Committee: The sub-committee consisted of staff from the Economic Development and Tourism department. Advertisements started in May in local papers for local acts to apply to perform. In the end there was a great mixture of acts including square dancers, martial arts demonstration, swing band, and country music. Another huge component of the line- up was Elgin's Got Talent. Elgin's Got Talent was aCounty-wide talent competition that was held on the final afternoon of the International Plowing Match on the Elgin County Community Stage. The competition was developed as a way to simultaneously generate publicity for the County Exhibit and to generate excitement and involvement from local talent. The competition was broken down into 3 separate phases. The first phase required interested participants to submit talent videos of themselves or their group performing a talent (singing, dancing playing an instrument etc). Participants could submit videos in the months of April and May, and these videos were posted to the Elgin's Got Talent YouTube page for public viewing. Videos were required to follow a set of rules relating to appropriate content and needed to be accompanied by a signed release form (signed by a parent or guardian if the participant was under 18). The second phase of the contest was the voting phase which ran from June until the end of July. Voting was done online through a survey website. Voters were encouraged to vote as often as they liked for their favorite group/act. At the end of the voting process the three group/acts with the most votes would then go on to compete in a live performance at the International Plowing Match. There were approximately 30 entries into this contest. Team Above Self (a local rock trio), Meghan Russell, and Marina Silic were the three finalists who received the most votes. These three acts competed in front of a panel of judges that included Elgin County Warden Bonnie Vowel, a local talent booking agent, and the final judge's vote was done by audience applause. The competition drew a large crowd of spectators and all of the participants sounded great. Team Above Self was declared the 1 st place winners and received a cheque for $1000. Second and third place acts each received $300. successes: Passport. Cowboy hats, ponchos and flashlights were ordered as prizes to be won if the visitor completed the Elgin County passport. These were a huge hit and resulted in long line-ups until the prizes were gone for the day. The Committee decided to give away 250 hats and 500 flashlights and ponchos each day. These ran out by about 2 pm. However, these promotions were a great way to get people into each tent and experience all exhibits. There was a great deal of feedback that the passport was fun, and easy to complete. All the passport stops were located in a close vicinity to each other. Lay out of exhibit. The tents were located close to each other and positioned to create a centre courtyard that was full of activity. The Committee wanted to create a space that was condensed, busy and not too much walking for people, so there was plenty of bench and rock seating for visitors to relax and enjoy the music. Entertainment. Aline-up of entertainers was created to please all age groups. Many people commented how they enjoyed sitting near the water feature and listening to the entertainment. It was a great showcase of our local talent found here in Elgin! Challenges: Environmental conditions -the wind! During the Friday of the match the winds reached 801cm/h blowing landscaping, pamphlets and signs and tents around. The tent company was on hand all day to assist with securing the tents. The OPA did not communicate effectively what the County's role in the IPM was, or sponsorship status. Therefore limited guidance was given in the development of the County Exhibit. Traditionally, the County is consulted on where they would like the showcase to be located in tented city. However, the communication was lost in this process. Our location was suitable, however, the entrance to the display was not on the main street in which pedestrians walked down. The layout of the exhibit would have been different in knowing this location. Furthermore, there was confusion created by the OPA if the County was a sponsor or had vendor status. Recommendations: Make it clear from the beginning what the County's role is with the OPA. The benefits vary depending on the different levels of sponsorship or contribution. If you think you have enough volunteers, recruit a few more. The exhibit was busier than we had anticipated (which is great!) but more volunteers could have been utilized. An office trailer was donated in-kind to the County for the week. This was very helpful to store extra boxes and have a break area for our volunteers. The Coordinator worked from the trailer for a week leading up to the event. Make it clear with the IPM volunteer committee if the County volunteers are considered IPM volunteers and if you will be utilizing their volunteer base. A great deal of feedback was received from attendees that the IPM should be open on Sunday so more people could attend. People also felt that the show should run until ? pm to enable shift workers to attend and increase visitation to the match. A gator was provided to the County, in-kind, for the week leading up to and including the event. This was helpful for transporting entertainers and also assisting some of our exhibitors with transporting boxes etc. >'' ~.''"~ REP®RT T® C®UNTY C®UNCIL _.i ~155iiJ ~~, ~..~.. n: --~_ _ - - __ - o FROM: Alan Smith, General Manager, Economic Development DATE: November 19t", 2010 SUBJECT: Economic Development Strategy and Marketing Plans Update IN1'R®®UC°fl®N: During the December 14t", 2006, County Council meeting, the Manager of Economic Development presented County Council members with an overview of current and future initiatives that will form the foundation of the County's economic development program. Two of those initiatives, the County of Elgin Economic Development Plan 2007-2011, and the County of Elgin Marketing and Branding Strategy 2008-2011, which have successful guided the establishment of an economic development department, programs, and projects, require updating. Due to department efficiencies, there are funds available in the 2010 budget to begin updating of these key documents into one overall economic development and marketing plan which will guide the department's program development through to 2013. ®ISCUSSI®N: In November 2007, County Council endorsed the County of Elgin Economic Development Plan 2007-2011 - a document that is both strategic and practical that positions the County of Elgin to best respond to economic opportunities and ensure the marketability of the County in the future. The plan addressed the need for a departmental mandate and mission statement and clearly articulated the role of the County in the delivery of economic development services. Over the past 4 ~/2 years, staff have worked diligently to successfully implement the actions required to meet four high level goals identified in the Plan: (1) Investment readiness (2) Pursue partnerships and outreach in the community (3) Effective marketing and promotion of Elgin County and (4) Growth in key industries. Most of the actions identified in the Plan have been completed or due to changing economic conditions and new developments, both locally and globally, are not required. One of the primary roles of the County's Economic Development department as identified in the Plan is the development and implementation of marketing initiatives and creating an identity for the County. Consequently, in July 2008, County Council endorsed the County of Elgin Marketing and Branding Strategy 2008-2011. This Plan included the development of a marketing strategy and implementation plan for the attraction and retention of business investment in conjunction with a County re-branding effort to heighten the profile of the County, provide direction to the County's marketing activities and develop consistency and continuity among local marketing activities. This effort also included an Internet strategy, a logo, and slogan-motto development "Progressive by Nature". By following this Plan, the County's marketing efforts have excelled. The County's award winning brand is becoming known in the target sectors. Both documents have provided the needed guidance for Council to start an economic development department and program, and to achieve its initial economic development objectives. During this time period the department's role has become more defined which requires an updating of the soon-to-be expired documents to reflect the direction of the department. Staff are recommending that one document be created that contains an update of strategic economic development actions and marketing tactics through to 2013. More specifically the updated economic development strategy and marketing plan would include but not limited to: Strategy update ® revisiting assumptions of 2007 Strategy and updating of data ® inventory of current programs and reflection on completed deliverables/initiatives (including cultural mapping) ® focus on growth in the creative rural economy and creative industries ® sector based strategically approach to agribusiness, energy ~ environment, and business development to support efforts of new and existing businesses ® consultation with key stakeholders including; federal and provincial representatives, local community groups such as, EFA, CFDC etc. ® outcomes include identified strategies and tactical actions & performance measurements Marketing Plan Update ® marketing plan based on recommendations from the strategic plan ® identify target audiences (for example under 30's, 2nd career, early retiree, greenhouse, etc) ® increased focus on lead generation and growth (foreign direct investment to be considered) ® outcomes include the development of strategic tactics, action plan, budget to implement and achieve marketing objectives ® business retention, business support, and business growth initiatives will also be considered within the marketing objectives The economic development program is ready to enter the next phase -amore focussed approach on sector initiatives and local business development. If the documents/plans are not updated as described the current economic development program may become stagnant as it is imperative that the County continue to develop and implement strategies and creative marketing tactics to compete in an environment that is highly competitive both regionally and globally. The budget to complete the Plan would have an upset limit of $60,000. Efficiencies within the economic development program have resulted in available funds within the 2010 budget that could be allocated to the development of an updated plan now with the remaining amount being drawn from the 2011 economic development budget. Using these 2010 funds now, approximately $40,000.00, would reduce the impact on next years budget and would also meet the goal of completing the Plan early next year - as implementation of the 2011 strategies and new marketing tactics should begin as soon as possible. The two consulting firms, Millier Dickinson Blais inc., and Yfactor, which completed the original economic development strategy and the marketing plan, and other major projects like the sector profiles, tourism plan, and tourism web site, will be retained to complete the work. Single sourcing this particular project to these firms meets the requirements under the County's procurement policy. C®(VCLUSI®N: In order for County Council to meets its economic development objectives for Elgin, they endorsed the development and implementation of two documents: in November 2007, County Council endorsed the County of Elgin Economic Development Plan 2007- 2011; and, in 2008 they endorsed the County of Elgin Marketing and Branding Strategy 2008-2011.With Council implementing the strategies and actions contained within these Plans, resulted in the establishment of a progressive economic development department. Now, the County is effectively promoting the assets, talents and opportunities that can be found in Elgin and enhancing the profile of the community to a targeted audience of visitor and business interests. Tourism is now flourishing with new programs like Savour Elgin, Ports of Elgin, and astate-of-the-art website to attract visitors. Initiatives like the Ambassador program, Virtual Tradeshow, and the Elgin County Conference Series for example, assist local businesses with their marketing and expansion efforts. New regional partnerships have been developed through the establishment of SCOR and participation on Tourism Region1 -while other partnerships have been strengthened such as the Ontario Southcoast Alliance, the St. Thomas Economic Development Corporation and the Elgin Business Resource Centre - the latter two were instrumental with the County to establish the Elgin St. Thomas Small Business Enterprise Centre which since opening in April 2010 has facilitated the creation of 30 businesses in Elgin. The strategies and programs contained within these documents that directed staff to undertake some of the exciting projects mentioned above, require updating as the department has outgrown both documents and requires new strategies and marketing tactics to keep the County competitive both regionally and globally. REC®MiV1EN,4TI®N: THAT the County of Elgin Economic Development Plan 2007-2011, and the County of Elgin Marketing and Branding Strategy 2008-2011 both be updated as described in the November 19t", 2010, report at an upset limit of $60,000 (including taxes); AND THAT $40,000 is utilized from the 2010 Economic Development budget with .the remaining funds being drawn from the 2011 economic development budget. Respectfully Submitted ~ - Alan math General Manager, Economic Development ~~. ~1_;~ r-~ ~., EPRT T® C®UNCIL FROM: Jim Bundschuh -Director of Financial Services DATE: November 16th, 2010 SUBJECT: 2009 Audited Statements d- __- -_ _ _ __- --- INTR®®UCTI®N: Raven & Shaw LLP Chartered Accountants prepares an audited financial statement each year for the prior year. 2009 is the transition year to Tangible Capital Asset (TCA) Reporting. The Budget Comparison - 2009 Full Year report to Council dated March 12t", 2010 was based on pre-TCA reporting, and the attached audited statement found in Attachment I is based on post-TCA reporting. ®ISCUSSI®N: The pre-TCA surplus for 2009 was $1,773,000 and the restated surplus based on TCA is $3,793,000 or a difference of $2,020,000. The difference is explained in Attachment II Table A. TCA reporting also necessitates a change to the Municipal Position as explained in Table B. The deferred revenue correction has 2010 flow-through impact to Net Income of $2.3 million which should be reflected in a higher year-end budgeted surplus resulting in a corresponding increase in the 2010 year-end Mill Rate Stabilization Reserve budget. Similarly, a correction to the amortization also adjusts budgets favourable by $0.2 million. The unfunded future employee benefit liabilities of $1.9 million are based on historical unfunded liabilities. This total liability is comprised of a vacation accrual of $552,000 and WSIB of $1,351,000. The established reserve for WSIB of $567,000 partially covers the cost of this liability. As the remaining balance of these liabilities would have reduced the annual surpluses, had they been recorded as an accrued cost, the contributions to the Mill Rate Stabilization reserve would have historically been reduced accordingly. The impact of these changes to the Mill Rate Stabilization Reserve year-end budget is shown in Attachment I Table C. While very technical in nature, this new method of accounting more accurately reflects the municipality's financial position and accounts for amortization and other factors that were previously unaccounted for. To put these numbers into perspective, the revised 2010 budgeted Mill Rate Reserve balance of $3.2 million remains below the County's target of approximately $5 million dollars. Also this revised 2010 budget for total reserves equates to $440 per household, which is below the 2008 provincial average of over $620. Based on this level of reserves, the County's reserve level remains a moderate risk as per the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing rating system. RECMMEN®A`TIIV: THAT the report titled "2009 Audited Statement" dated November 16t", 2010 be received and filed, and THAT the WSIB reserve be closed into the Mill Rate Stabilization Reserve, and THAT the Unfunded Employee Benefits be closed out to the Mill Rate Stabilization Reserve, and THAT Capital Funding and amortization adjustments discussed in the report titled "2009 Audited Statement" dated November 16t", 2010 be reflected in the 2010 budgets. Respectfully Submitted 1 J~ Bundschuh irector of Financial Services COI1;I'® TI~I~ ®I+' TIT C®IJ1~iT1' ®I+ 1CI.GII~I Consolidated Financial Statements fear landed December 31, 2009 and Auditors' Report to tl~e Members of Council, Inhabitants and Ratepayers COIt1P0 'TI®N OF THE C®UN'TY ®F ELGIN INDEX ®F' THE C®NS®L,IDA1'I•/® I+INANCIAI. S1'A'I'IEMEN'I'S DECEI3EIt 31, 2009 Paee Auditors' Report Consolidated Statement of Financial Position 2 Consolidated Statement of Operations 3 Consolidated Statement of Change in Net Financial Assets 4 Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows 5 Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements G-11 Consolidated Schedule of Tangible Capital Assets 12 Consolidated Schedule of Segment Disclosure 13 ~ ~ ~~ ,~~ ~ ~ °~ ~ ~ ~~ ~ 204-460 Wellington street Chartered Accountants St. Thomas, ON NSR 6H9 Telephone: (519) 631-8250 Telephone: (519) 637-3500 Facsimile: (Sl9) 631-8919 ALJIDiT®IZ~' ~ P®IZ'I' To the Members of Council, Inhabitants and Ratepayers of the Corporation of the County of Elgin: ~'Ve have audited the consolidated statement of financial position of the Corporation of the County of Elgin as at December 31, 2009 and the consolidated statements of operations, change in net financial assets and cash flows for the year then ended. These financial statements are the responsibility of the County's management. Qur responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audit. VVe conducted our audit in accordance with Canadian generally accepted auditing standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform an audit to obtain reasonable assurance whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. In our opinion, these consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the County of Elgin as at December 31, 2009 and the results of its operations and changes in financial position for the year then ended in accordance with Canadian generally accepted accounting principles. ,~ ,-' .~ Chartered Accountants Licensed Public Accountants August 27, 2010 C®ItP® TI®N (3F TI-IE C®UNTY 4F ELGIN C®NS®LIDATE STATEI~IENT F FINANCI I'®SITI®N I)ECElVII3EIt 31, 2009 2009 2008 FINANCIAL ASSETS Cash $ 3,844,313 $ 10,893,265 Investments 5,354,756 - Accounts receivable 1,754,233 1,992,759 Other assets 92.000 67,000 11.045.3 02 12, 95 3.024 LIAI~ILITIES Accounts payable and accrued liabilities 6,418,810 5,029,766 Post employment benefits (Note 3) 1,903,189 1.860,072 8.321,999 6.889,838 NET FINANCIAL ASSETS 2,723,303 6.063.186 N®NmFINANCIAL ASSETS Prepaid expenses 434,177 360,317 Tangible capital assets (Note 4) 185.335,224 1781275.856 185,769,401 178,636,173 ACCUMULATED $UIIPLUS (Note 5) $188,492,704 $184,b99,359 The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements. -2- d: C®RP® T'I®N ®I: TI~IE CO 'CY ®F ELGIN C®NS®LII)AZ'EI) STA'TEMEN'T ®I+ ®PE 'TIONS YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31 2009 REVENUES Requisition of local municipalities User charges Transfer payments Investment income Other contributions Budget Actual Actual 2009 2009 2008 $ 22,877,279 $ 23,327,199 $ 22,027,850 6,362,533 6,783,293 5,8]0,603 22,040,900 26,568,60) 30,662,507 100,000 69,401 187,316 1,396,875 I ,899.507 1,777.492 Total revenues EXPENSES General government Property assessment and support Emergency measures Provincial offences Transportation services Public health services Ambulance services Social and family services Assistance to aged persons Social housing Libraries Cultural services Planning and development Economic development Agriculture and reforestation Total expenses ANNUAL SUI+;I'LUS BEFORE AIVIORTIZATION AMORTIZATI®N ANNUAL SURPLUS 52.777,58? 58,648,OOt 60,465,768 3,486,887 3,948,538 3,461,421 678,012 678,012 663,899 18,727 13,596 15,380 1,340,679 1,347,832 I,121,391 3,073,716 3,166, 155 3,168,967 3,785,256 3,519,857 3,245,863 7,435,087 7,455,415 6,993,407 2,623,698 2,790,868 2,614,671 17,786,303 18,647,334 17,942,397 1,826,266 1,467,021 1,525,809 2,194,763 2,061,846 1,930,843 407,360 426,950 416,070 105,000 81,718 81,470 718,343 703,419 514,540 63,275 57,748 60,197 45,543,372 46,366,309 43,756,325 7,234,215 12,281,692 16,709,443 8.488,347 8,210.124 7,234,215 3,793,345 8,499,319 ACCUMULATED SURPLUS, BEGINNING OF YEAR 184,699,359 184,699,359 176.200,040 ACCUMULATED SURPLUS, END OlF YEAR $,191,933,574 $188.492,704 $184,699,359 The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements. 3 `C C® ® TI®N ®F'TI3E C®[1NTY ®I' ELGIN C®NS®I.dIDATEi) S'TATEMEN'T ®I' CIIANGE IN NET FINANCIAL. ASSEfi S PEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31a 2009 2009 2008 Annual surplus $ 3,793,345 $ 8,499,319 Adjustments for: Acquisition of tangible capital assets (15,547,715) (10,217,840) Amortization of tangible capital assets 8,488,347 8,210,124 Change in prepaid expenses f?3,860) 29,920 CIIANGE IN NET FINANCIAL, ASSETS (3,339,883) 6,521,523 NET FINANCIAL ASSETS, BEGINNING ®F YEAR 6.063,186 458 337) NET FINANCIAL ASSETS, END ®F YEAR $ 2.723,303 $ 6.063.186 The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements. _4_ CO1ZP® TI®~I OF TIIE COiJNTY ®F ELGIN C®NSOLIIDATEI) STATEMENT OF CASH FL®~'S YEAR ENIlED I)ECEIYII3ER 31®2009 2009 2008 OPE TING ACTIVITIES Annual surplus $ 3,793,345 $ 8,499,319 Items not involving cash: Amortization 8,488,347 8,210,124 Change in non-cash assets and liabilities 1,645,687 (1,268,269) Change in prepaid expenses (73,860) 29,920 Cash provided by operating activities 13.853,519 15.471,094 FINANCING ACTIVITIES Long-term debt repaid - (2,000,000) Cash (used in) financing activities 2,000,000} CAPITAL ACTIVITIES Acquisition of tangible capital assets (,15,547,71 S) (10,217,840) Cash (used in) capital activities 1( 5,547.715} (10,217,840) INVESTING ACTIVITIES Net increase in investments !5,354,756) Cash (used in) investing activities ,5,354.756) - NET CASH (®iJTFLOW) INFLOI~ (7,048,952) 3,253,254 CASH POSITION, BEGINNING F YEAR 10.893,265 7,640,011 CASI-I POSITION, Elvl® OF YEAR $ 3.844.313 $ 10,893,265 The accompanying notes are an integral part of these Fnancial statements. 5- CO ORATION OFT COUN'T'Y OF ELGIN NOTES T® TIDE CONS®LI®ATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS I)ECEMI3EIZ 31.2009 The County of Elgin is an upper-tier municipality, comprised of seven local municipalities, in the Province ofOntario. It conducts its operations guided by the provisions of provincial statutes such as the Municipal Act, Municipal Affairs Act, and related legislation. 1. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES The consolidated financial statements of the Corporation of the County of Elgin are the representation of management, prepared in accordance with Canadian generally accepted accounting principles for local governments, as recommended by the Public Sector Accounting Board of the Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants. Significant aspects of the accounting policies adopted by the County are as follows: a) Reporting entity The consolidated statements reflect the assets, liabilities, revenues, expenditures and accumulated surplus of the reporting entity. Tl~e reporting entity is comprised of all organizations, committees, and local boards accountable for the administration of their financial affairs and resources to the County. These financial statements include the proportional share of operations of the Elgin St. Thomas Public Health. All interfund assets and liabilities and revenues and expenditures have been eliminated. b) Trust funds Trust funds administered by the County, for the homes for senior citizen residents amounting to $28,988 (2008 - $35,145) Dave not been included in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position nor Dave their operations been included in the Consolidated Statement of Opeeations. c) Accrual accounting The consolidated financial statements arc reported on the accrual basis of accounting. The accrual basis of accounting recognizes revenues as they become available and measurable; expenditures are recognized as they are incurred and measurable as a result of receipt of goads or services and the creation of a legal obligation to pay. d) Investments Investments consist of guaranteed investment certificates and money market funds and are stated at the lower of cost and market value. Gains and losses on investments are recorded when incurred. _6_ COIt1'O TION OF TkIE COLlN'T1' OF ELGIN NOTES TO 'T)EIE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL, ~TATEIVIEN'TS DECEIi~II3Elt 31.2009 1. SIGNIFICAN'T' ACCOUNTING I'OLIC[E3 (Cont'd) e) Tangible capital assets Tangible capital assets are recorded at cost which includes all amounts that are directly attributable to acquisition, construction, development or betterment of an asset. Tl~e cost, less residual value, of the tangible capital asset is amortized on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful life as follows: Land improvements Buildings Furniture, fixtures and equipment Computer hardware and software Vehicles Transportation infrastructure Bridges Library books Useful Life -Years 20 20-40 >i- I b 2-4 4 40-g0 20-60 8 Amortization begins the first month of the year following the year the asset is placed in service and to the year of disposal. Assets under construction are not amortized until the asset is available for productive use. Works of art, artifacts, cultural or historic assets are not recorded as assets in the financial statements. n Deferred revenue Deferred revenue represents grants, user charges and fees which have been collected, but for which the related services have yet to be performed. These amounts will be recognized as revenues in the fiscal year in which the services are performed. g) Revenue recognition Government grants and transfers are recognized in the financial statements as revenues in il~e period in which events giving rise to the transfer occur, providing the transfers are authorized and eligibility criteria have been -net, and reasonable estimates of the amounts can be made. h}Use of estimates The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expendotures during the period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. ®7_ c~ C® ® TI®N 01+ 'T)l•IE COIJ _ Y O1F ELGIN Nt7'TES'T® 7'IIIE CONS®L,IIDATEI3 F'IN CIAI,_S1'A'I'ENIEN'TS I~ECE)VII3ER 31.2009 1. SIGIVII; ICAN"I' ACCfJ[JN'TING P®1t,ICIES {Cont'd) i) Change in accounting policies The County of Elgin has implemented PSAB sections i 200 Financial Statement Presentation and 3150 Tangible Capital Assets. PSAB 1200 establishes general reporting principles and standards for the disclosure of information in government financial statements and PSAB 3150 requires governments to record and amortize their tangible capital assets in their financial statements. The costs of tangible capital assets were based on historical records, or when historical retards were not available, other methods determined to provide a best estimate of historical Costs and accumulated amortization of tl~e assets. In certain cases, the municipality used replacement costs and appropriate indices to deflate tl~e replacement cost to an estimated historical cost at the year of acquisition. The adoption of these accounting and reporting standards leave been applied retroactively and prior periods have been restated as follows: 2008 Accumulated surplus: Municipal position, as previously reported $ 6,218,457 Adjustment for net book value of tangible capital assets 178,275,856 Adjustment for share of surplus of Elgin St. Thomas Public Health 205,046 Accumulated surplus, as restated $184,699,359 2008 Annual surplus: Net expenditures, as previously reported $ 6,507,200 Tangible capital assets capitalized but previously expensed 10,217,840 Amortization expense not previously reported (8,210,124) Share of net expenses of Elgin St. Thomas Public Health, not previous reported (15,597) Annual surplus, as restated 2. PENSION AGREEIVIEN'I' $ 8,499,319 The County of Elgin makes contributions to the Ontario Municipal Employees Retirement System COMERS), which is amulti-employer plan, on behalf of members of its staff. The plan is a defined benefit plan, which specifies the amount of the retirement benefit to be received by the employees based on the length of service and rates of pay. Contributions were made in 2009 calendar year at rates ranging from b.5% to 9.5% depending on the member's designated retirement age and level of earnings. The amount contributed to OMERS in 2009 on behalf of current services was $829,363 (2008 - $799,53b) and is included as an expenditure on the Consolidated Statement of Operations. The County had no obligation, as at Decernbee 31, 2009 under past service provisions. _g_ C®ItP® TI®N ®I' TIIE C®(1N'I'Y ®P ELGIN N®TES T® E C®NSOLIDATED F'I:NANCIAL STATEMENTS I)IECEMBEId 31, 2009 3. EMPLOYEE BENEFITS PAYABLE Employee future benefits are liabilities of the County to its employees for benefits earned but not taken as at December 3 I, 2009. Details are as follows: 2009 2008 Vacation credits $ 552,100 $ 493,300 Workplace Safety and Insurance pre-niums - Schedule 2 Employer 1,351,089 1 366,772 $1,903,189 $1.860.072 The provision of certain employee vacation plans allow for the accumulation of vacation credits for use in future periods. The approximate value of these credits at December 3 I, 2009 is $552,100 (2008 - $493,300}. As a Schedule 2 Employer, the County provides certain benefits to employees qualifying for Workplace Safety and Insurance payments. The Workplace Safety and Insurance Board has evaluated the liability estimates for future benefit costs at December 31, 2009 as $1,351,089 (2008 - $1,366,772). A reserve has been established to partially provide for this liability. The balance at ttte end of the year is $566,567 (2008 - $678,850}. 4. TANGIBLE CAPITAL ASSETS The net book value of the tangible capital assets is comprised of the following: 2009 2008 Land $ 17,918,310 $ 17,879,587 Land improvements 1,425,589 1,458,316 Buildings 21,307,510 20,834,953 Furniture, fixtures and equipment 1,910,107 1,940,929 Computer hardware and software 256,212 208,638 Vehicles 75,812 125,985 Books 1,845,726 2,099,303 Bridges 19,411, l b8 20, 120,027 Road system 112,815,584 104,472,508 176,966,018 169,140,246 Assets under construction 8,369,206 9.135.610 $185,335,224 $178,275,856 For additional information, see the Consolidated Schedule of Tangible Capital Assets. -9- C®ItI'® 'TIN ®F'CI-IE C®iJN'TY ®F ELGIN MOTES `I'®'TI-IlE C®PIS®I.IDA'I['EI)1FII~ANCIAI. ~'TATENIICN'TS ®1JCENIIIEit 31, 2009 S. ACCUMULATED SURPLUS Accumulated surplus consists of individual fund surplus {deficit) and reserves as follows: 2009 2008 Surplus: Net investment in tangible capital assets $ 185,335,224 $178,275,856 Share of surplus Elgin St. Thomas Public Health 189,932 205,046 Other (2,877,731) 1,646,177 Unfunded employee benefits f 1,903,1$9) (1,860,072) Total surplus 180,744,236 178,267,007 Reserves set aside by Council: Working capital 500,000 500,000 Contingencies 3,522,571 3,423,891 Insurance purposes 623,221 745,834 Roadway purposes 582,43b 254,260 Homes for senior citizens 1,379,835 994,833 Libraries and cultural services 301,387 242,224 Agricultural purposes 233,021 140,136 Ambulance services 294,287 - Othermunicipal services 3l 1.710 131,174 Total reserves 7,748,468 6,432,352 Total accumulated surplus $188.492,704 $184,b99,359 6. BUDGET FIGURES Budget figures presented in these consolidated financial statements are based upon t)te 2009 operating and capital budgets approved by Council. The capital budget is based on a project oriented basis, the cost of which may be carried out over one or more years. 7. CONTINGEPICY From time to time, the County of Elgin is subject to claims and other lawsuits that arise in the ordinary course of business. These claims may be covered by the County's insurance up to a maximum amount per occurrence. In the opinion of management, any litigation, if successful, would not have a material impact on the financial position of the County of Elgin. 8. PUIILIC SECTOR SALARY DISCLOSURE The Public Sector Salary Disclosure Ace, 1996 (tire "Act") requires the disclosure of the salaries and benefits of employees in tits public sector wlto are paid a salary of $100,000 or more in a year. The County of Elgin complies with the Act by providing tits information to tits Ontario Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing for disclosure on tits public ~vebsite at ww~v,fin,gov.on.ca. - 10 - ~` C®I2P® 'TI®N ®F'TI-IiE C®iJN'I'Y ®F ~I.,~IN N®TCS T® TIII; C®~iS®L,II)A'I'EI~ F'INANCIAI. STA'I'I;IVIEIVTS lJLC~ivIIICR 31a ZU09 9. SEGIVI)I;NTED IIV1F®It1VIATI®N The County of Elgin provides a diverse range of services to its citizens. The Consolidated Schedule of Segment Disclosure has grouped various services into segments to provide a further breakdown of the revenues and expenses attributed to each segment. For each reported segment, revenues and expenses represent both amounts that are directly attributable to the segment and amounts that are allocated on a reasonable basis. The services included in each segment are as follows: General government General government is comprised of County council, corporate management and program support. Transportation services Transportation services are comprised of roadways, bridges, and winter control. Health Services Health services are comprised of the County's proportional share of the operation of the Elgin St. Thomas Public Health and other public health transfers. Social and family services Social and family services consist of the County share of services that sustains and supports individuals, families and community. Library and cultural services Library and cultural services are comprised of library, archives, Pioneer Museum and other cultural services. Planning and development Planning and development is comprised of planning and zoning, economic development, tourism, and agricultural and reforestation. 10. COIVIPARATI~ AlVIOiJNTS Comparative amounts I~ave been reclassified from statements previously presented to conform to the presentation of the 2009 consolidated Cnancial statements. 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CH 4~r ~ 'u ~ ' ® ~ L~ ~ y • y ~ G° d ^ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ® ~ ~ ~ ~ is ~ O ~ ctl ~ k' ~ ® Cd ® ~: ~ F~ E-' e~ to ®L~l ~ E-" ~ '--. a~ ~ ~ ~ ~ pG Gz1 M ..~ i Attachment II Table A: Explanation of Income Statement estatement Prior Year Surplus no longer used as funding Capital Budget transfer no longer a cost of operations Library Books capitalized rather than expensed Amortization expensed in lieu of Capital Budget transfer Capital Project Grants no longer part of Capital Budget Reserve spending no longer flows directly through reserve Consolidation of County's share of Health Unit Accrual for vacation and WSIB Total Table :Municipal Position Operating Reserves Capital Reserves Capital Funds 2009 Surplus Capital Asset Carry-Forward Reserve Municipal Position TCA changes required: Add net book value of Tangible Capital Assets Deferred Rev. Correction to Cap. Asset Carry-Forward Consolidation of Health Unit share of surplus Unfunded Future Employee Benefit Liabilities Revised Municipal Position Table C: Mill Rate Stabilization Reserve Original Year-End Budget Capital Funding not previously budgeted for 2010 Amortization Unfunded Employee Benefits ($1,903,000) Close out WSIB Reserve 567,000 Net Unfunded Employee Benefits ($906,000) 8,169,000 240,000 (8,488,000) 3,665,000 (602,000) (15,000) (43,000) $2,020,000 $6,038,000 1,711,000 (7,813,000) 1,773,000 7,031,000 $8,740,000 $185,335,000 (3,869,000) 190,000 (1,903,000) $188,493,000 $2,005,000 2,339,000 191,000 (1,336,000) Revised Mill Rate Stabilization Reserve Year-End Budget $3,200,000