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April 13, 2010 MinutesADOPTION OF MINUTES Moved by Councillor McIntyre Seconded by Councillor Marr Moved by Councillor Habkirk Seconded by Councillor Mennill Moved by Councillor Habkirk Seconded by Councillor Acre Moved by Councillor McIntyre Seconded by Councillor Marks COUNTY COUNCIL Tuesday, April 13, 2010 The Elgin County Council met this day at the Administration Building, 450 Sunset Drive, St. Thomas, at 9:00 a.m., with all members present. Warden Vowel in the Chair. A moment of silence was observed for the late Sylvia Hofhuis, former Warden. The Warden read a letter of thanks from the Hofhuis family. THAT the minutes of the meeting held on March 23, 2010, be adopted. Carried. DISCLOSURE OF PECUNIARY INTEREST AND THE GENERAL NATURE THEREOF None. DELEGATIONS Cynthia St. John, Executive Director of St. Thomas Public Health presented an overview of Mandatory Programs and Services 2010 Budget and West Nile Virus Budget 2010. Also in attendance were Public Health staff members Laura McLachlan, Carolyn Kuntz and Mary Ens and Health Board Chairperson, St. Thomas Alderman Bill Aarts. THAT the report titled "St. Thomas Public Health Budget" be received and filed. Carried. THAT the St. Thomas Public Health West Nile Virus Budget allocation for 2010 be approved. Carried. Sandra Datars Bere, Director, St. Thomas Elgin Ontario Works, presented the 2010 St. Thomas Elgin Ontario Works Operating Budget highlights. THAT the presentation titled "St. Thomas Elgin Ontario Works" from the City of St. Thomas be received and filed. Carried. Normand Genest, Program Manager, Plant Health Biosecurity, Canadian Food Inspection Agency Ontario Area and Brian Hamilton, Plant Program Officer, SW Region attended the meeting. Mr. Genest presented information on the Emerald Ash Borer program. In attendance also was Elgin Tree Commissioner Dave Pullen. Mr. Genest informed council about the development of a task force with representatives from Manitoba, Ontario and Quebec, to come up with effective strategies. County Council 2 April 13, 2010 Moved by Councillor Habkirk Seconded by Councillor Mennill THAT the presentation and correspondence by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency on the emerald ash borer be received and filed. Carried. Moved by Councillor Marks Seconded by Councillor McIntyre THAT we do now move into Committee Of The Whole Council. Carried Council took a five-minute recess. REPORTS 'Down the Garden Path' Spring Show Director of Senior Services, Elgin Manor A fund-raising spring garden show for Elgin Manor on May 30, 2010, is being recommended by the Residents' Council. Moved by Councillor Habkirk Seconded by Councillor Marks THAT the County of Elgin approves the implementation of the Elgin Manor spring garden show and sale titled "Down the Garden Path." Carried. Maintenance Agreement Review Team Director of Engineering Services A draft revised Road Maintenance Agreement was prepared by the County solicitor and requires review. Moved by Councillor Warwick Seconded by Councillor Mennill THAT two municipal treasurers and two municipal road supervisors from four different municipalities, along with County staff and the County solicitor, review the Road Maintenance Agreement and that County staff report back to County Council. Moved by Councillor McIntyre Seconded by Councillor Marr Carried. Ambulance Year-End Report Director of Engineering Services The quarterly ambulance report was prepared for Council's review. The director reviewed report highlights. THAT the report titled "Ambulance Year-End 2009" be forwarded to the City of St. Thomas for their records; and, THAT the report titled "Ambulance Year-End 2009" dated March 25, 2010 be received and filed. Carried. County Council 3 April 13, 2010 Elgin County Farm Safety Council Director of Engineering Services A letter of concern was received from the Elgin County Farm Safety Council regarding vehicles passing farm machinery in an unsafe manner on County roads with narrow shoulders. Staff were asked to forward the letter to the International Plowing Match Committee to encourage education of the public. Moved by Councillor Habkirk Seconded by Councillor Acre THAT the Elgin Group Police Services Board be notified about the concern from the Elgin County Farm Safety Council with respect to unsafe passing of farm machinery on County roads. Carried. New Ontario Regional Tourism Organizations Economic Development General Manager The province has organized 13 new tourism regions with Elgin in Region One, comprised also of Chatham-Kent, and the counties of Essex, Haldimand, Lambton, Middlesex, Norfolk and Oxford, to develop regional tourism opportunities. Moved by Councillor McIntyre Seconded by Councillor Wilson THAT the report titled "New Ontario Regional Tourism Organizations" dated March 30, 2010 be received and filed. Carried. Community Festival Event Partnership Program Tourism Development Coordinator One of the components of the County's Tourism and Development Marketing Strategy was to promote local festivals and events through a formalized funding program. The program and its components were presented to Council. Moved by Councillor Marks Seconded by Councillor Marr THAT the Community Festival and Event Partnership Program Guideline document, Application Form and Evaluation Matrix be approved; and, THAT the delivery of the program in subsequent years be determined from the regular County budgetary approval process. Human Resources Policy Update, Attendance Management System 9.30 Director of Human Resources The policy required updating to meet Human Rights compliance. The Director reviewed policy highlights. Moved by Councillor Mennill Seconded by Councillor Habkirk Carried. THAT County Council adopt the revisions to policy titled "Attendance Management System 9:30" as proposed. Carried. County Council 4 April 13, 2010 Archives Exhibit at Queen's Park, Toronto Manager of Archives The County Archives has installed an exhibit at the Main Legislative Building featuring Elgin County's role as host of International Plowing Matches (IPM). The Elgin Federation of Agriculture, IPM Committee, Elgin Plowmen's Association and MPP Steve Peters assisted. Moved by Councillor Wilson Seconded by Councillor McIntyre THAT the report titled "Archives Exhibit at Queen's Park" dated March 29, 2010 be received and filed; and, THAT MPP Steve Peters be requested to make a statement in legislature inviting people to the plowing match. Contract Awards Semi-Annual Information Report Purchasing Coordinator An information report was prepared and presented by the purchasing coordinator for all contracts exceeding $10,000; and expenditures exceeding $50,000 for a one-time purchase. Moved by Councillor Marks Seconded by Councillor McIntyre THAT the report titled "Semi-Annual Information Report Contract Awards, and Direct Negotiation Expenditures Report" dated July 1, 2009-December 31, 2009, be received and filed. Physiotherapy Services Elgin County Homes Homes Directors Purchasing Coordinator The contract with the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care and provider of physiotherapy services expires April 30, 2010. A Request for Proposal was issued and received in March 15, 2010. Moved by Councillor Marr Seconded by Councillor Mennill THAT PT Health be selected to provide physiotherapy services for the Elgin County Homes for a two-year term with the option to renew for one additional year; and, THAT the Warden and Chief Administrative Officer be authorized to enter into an agreement with PT Health and the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care for the provision of physiotherapy services for the County homes. Closed Meeting Items Moved by Councillor McIntyre Seconded by Councillor Marks Carried. Carried. Carried. THAT we now proceed into closed meeting session in accordance with the Municipal Act to discuss matters under Section 240.2 (a) the security of the property of the municipality or local board Mervin Riddell Lease; and, matters under Section 240.2 (d) labour relations or employee negotiations 2010 Non-Union Wage Increase. Carried. County Council 5 April 13, 2010 Motion to Rise and Report Moved by Councillor Wilson Seconded by Councillor Marks THAT we do now rise and report. Moved by Councillor Wilson Seconded by Councillor Mennill Carried. THAT the Warden and Chief Administrative Officer be directed and authorized to sign a lease with Mervin Riddell for Rooms 225 and 227 at the County's Administration Building for a two-year term to start August 1, 2010 and terminate July 21, 2012; and, THAT the lease rate (office space) for year one is $7,546 (annual payment) and year two is $7,680.75 (annual payment) for the 539 sq. ft.; and, THAT the lease rate (office space) for year one and two is $1,080.00 (annual payment) for the 270 sq. ft.; and, THAT the carpet and painting improvements (estimated costs of $3,250) be allocated from the operational budget and the accessibility upgrades of ($6,000) be allocated from the Building Improvements 2660-10-08. Moved by Councillor Warwick Seconded by Councillor Marks Carried. THAT, in view of recent economic trends, comparative data and other factors, the previously approved economic adjustment for non-union staff at three per cent for 2010 be rescinded; and, THAT Council approve a non-union economic adjustment of two per cent effective on the first pay period of 2010; and, THAT any resolution contrary to this one shall be rescinded; and, THAT the necessary By-Law be prepared. 2010 Composite Budget Director of Financial Services The director presented the report highlights. The proposed budget was reduced due to the surplus from the St Thomas Elgin Public Health and the economic adjustment for non- union staff and council. Moved by Councillor Warwick Seconded by Councillor Marks Carried Unanimously. THAT the report titled "2010 Proposed Budget" be received and filed; and, THAT the 2010 Proposed Budget, as amended, which includes the Operating Budget, the Capital Budget and Grants be approved; and, THAT the 2010 Tax Rates and Ratios be approved; and, THAT the necessary By-Law be prepared. Carried. County Council 6 April 13, 2010 CORRESPONDENCE Items for Consideration None. Items for Information (Consent Agenda) 1. C. Frank Lattanzio, Chairperson, Heritage Trees Committee, announcing Friday, April 30, 2010 to Mother's Day as Arbour Week. 2. Hon. Michael Chan, Minister of Tourism and Culture, thanking Council for letter of appreciation for Ontario Trillium Foundation library funding. 3. Bryan Clarke CRS-S, Executive Director, Association of Ontario Road Supervisors, announcing the 'end of partnership' with the Ontario Good Roads Association (OGRA). 4. Sharron Christie, Supervisor Corporate Services, Thames Valley District School Board, with information regarding trustee distribution for the 2010 municipal election. 5. Tanya Noble, Volunteer Elgin Appreciation Event Committee Chair, 2010, requesting Council's support and attendance at their "Spring into Volunteering" appreciation event on May 28, 2010. 6. Hon. Steve Peters, M.P.P., Elgin-Middlesex-London, with copy of correspondence to Hon. Deb. Matthews, Minister of Health and Long-Term Care, concerning program changes to attract health care professionals. 7. Thank you card from the Carr family. 8 Media Release SCOR partnership incorporates' issued by Dennis Travale, Chair, Interim Board of Directors of SCOR. 9. 'A Night of Tourism' invitation from Katherine Thompson, County Administrative Assistant, for Tourism Plan Launch, May 20, 2010, 5:00 p.m. at GT's On the Beach in Port Stanley. Moved by Councillor Habkirk Seconded by Councillor Mennill THAT Correspondence Items #1 9 be received and filed. Carried. OTHER BUSINESS Statements/Inquiries by Members Warden Vowel congratulated Councillor Marks on his appointment as Mayor of Central Elgin. Councillor Habkirk updated council on SCOR activities, noting a corporate head office is being located. Councillor Marr invited Council to Port Stanley on April 20, 2010, 7:00 p.m. at Port Stanley Public School for a public meeting regarding the harbour. Notice of Motion None. Matters of Urgency None. Motion to Adopt Recommendations from the Committee of the Whole County Council 7 April 13, 2010 Moved by Councillor McIntyre Seconded by Councillor Wilson THAT we do now adopt recommendations of the Committee Of The Whole Council. BY-LAWS Moved by Councillor Marks Seconded by Councillor McIntyre THAT By-Law No. 10-10 "Being a By-Law Adopting a Plan of County Road Improvement and Establishing a County Road System in the County of Elgin and To Repeal By-Laws No. 06-02, 07-16, 07-43 and 09-02" be read a first, second and third time and finally passed. Moved by Councillor Warwick Seconded by Councillor Acre THAT By-Law No. 10-11 "Being a By-Law To Authorize Speed Limits" be read a first, second and third time and finally passed. Moved by Councillor Wilson Seconded by Councillor Marks THAT By-Law No. 10-12 "Being a By-Law to Provide for the Adoption of the 2010 Budget of the Corporation of the County of Elgin and To Establish the 2010 Tax Ratios, and To Establish the 2010 Tax Rates for the County Constituent Municipalities" be read a first, second and third time and finally passed. Moved by Councillor Habkirk Seconded by Councillor Marr THAT By-Law No. 10-13 "Being a By-Law to Confirm Proceedings of the Municipal Council of the Corporation of the County of Elgin at the April 13, 2010 Meeting" be read a first, second and third time and finally passed. ADJOURNMENT Moved by Councillor McIntyre Seconded by Councillor Marks THAT we do now adjourn at 11:50 a.m. to meet again on April 27, 2010 at 9:00 a.m. Mark G. Chief Administrative Officer. Carried. Carried. Carried. Carried. Carried. Carried. Bonnie Vowel, Warden.