September 14, 2010 MinutesPRESENTATIONS
COUNTY COUNCIL
Tuesday, September 14, 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 except Councillor McIntyre (regrets) and
Councillor Acre (regrets).
Warden Vowel in the Chair.
ADOPTION OF MINUTES
Moved by Councillor Marks
Seconded by Councillor Mennill
THAT the minutes of the meeting held on August 31, 2010 be adopted.
Carried.
DISCLOSURE OF PECUNIARY INTEREST AND THE GENERAL NATURE THEREOF
Warden Vowel and Councillors Marks and Wilson declared a conflict of interest with regard
to the report concerning 99 Edward Street, St. Thomas, as it might prejudice their position
as Council appointees on the Elgin St. Thomas Public Health Board. Councillor Wilson
also declared a conflict of interest regarding the awarding of the dietitian contract. At the
appropriate time, the Warden and Councillors vacated the Council Chambers and
refrained from discussing and voting on the items.
Retirement Recognition: Warden Vowel recognized the contributions made by retiring
Bobier Villa registered nurse Grace Ford and thanked her for her dedication and hard
work. Mrs. Ford was then excused from the Council Chambers.
Presentation of Plaque: Warden Vowel provided information on the historical significance
of the new media table, a former county council table, and unveiled a plaque, with the
assistance of Laurence Grant, donator of the table. Mr. Grant commented on the tradition
of past councillors signing council tables. Mr. Grant was thanked by the Warden and
excused from Council Chambers.
DELEGATION
Dr. Greg Johnson of the Elgin-St. Thomas United Way gave a presentation, thanking
council and the county for past support and encouraging support for the 2010 United Way
campaign. Donna Riddell, United Way Campaign Associate was also in attendance and
was recognized by the Warden. A campaign video was presented to County Council.
Councillor Mennill suggested that the county challenge the City of St. Thomas once again
in fundraising.
The delegation was thanked by the Warden and they were excused from Council Chambers.
Bryce Sibbick of Frank Cowan Insurance was on hand to answer questions about the
county's renewal of insurance in reference to the report titled "General Insurance and Risk
Management Services" by the Purchasing Coordinator. The Director of Finance presented
background information.
General Insurance and Risk Management Services Program Purchasing Coordinator
Moved by Councillor Wilson
Seconded by Councillor Marks
THAT Frank Cowan Insurance Company be selected to provide General Insurance and
Risk Management Program commencing November 15, 2010 to November 14, 2011, at
their proposed annual premium of $264,841 plus applicable taxes; and,
County Council 2 September 14, 2010
THAT the Warden and Chief Administrative Officer be directed and authorized to enter into
an agreement for the provision of General Insurance and Risk Management Program.
Carried.
Mr. Sibbick left the Council Chambers following the vote.
Moved by Councillor Mennill
Seconded by Councillor Marks
THAT we do now move back into Committee Of The Whole Council.
Carried.
REPORTS
Rural Initiatives An Update Councillor Wilson
The Rural Initiatives Committee met September 3, 2010, to discuss two matters: Canada
Post's announcement of a safety assessment of rural mail delivery; and, the opportunity to
participate in a consultation protocol with the Thames Valley District School Board regarding
school accommodation challenges in Elgin County.
Moved by Councillor Marr
Seconded by Councillor Marks
THAT actions of the Rural Initiatives Committee to: write to Canada Post and request an
update on the policy, remind Canada Post to notify each municipality prior to any changes
in mail delivery is implemented, and offer to meet with Canada Post to communicate
information, be approved; and,
THAT the Warden be directed and authorized to sign the Letter of Agreement between the
County of Elgin and the Thames Valley District School Board; and further,
THAT a letter of appreciation be sent on behalf of County Council to the Chair of the Board
and the Director of Education thanking them for including municipalities in the consultation
process.
Carried Unanimously.
Savour Elgin Program Marketing Communications Coordinator
The Marketing and Communications Coordinator presented an update on the launch of the
Savour Elgin Program, one of the top tourism and economic development programs for the
County.
Moved by Councillor Marks
Seconded by Councillor Warwick
THAT the report titled "Savour Elgin Program" dated August 30, 2010 be received and
filed.
Carried.
Quarterly Information Report April 1, 2010 to June 30, 2010 Purchasing Coordinator
The Director of Finance presented the report which outlines information on contracts
awarded that exceed $10,000 and are to be reported to County Council every quarter.
Moved by Councillor Mennill
Seconded by Councillor Habkirk
THAT the "Quarterly Information Report April 1, 2010 to June 30, 2010" dated August 11,
2010 be received and filed.
Carried.
County Council 3 September 14, 2010
Budget Comparison July 2010 Director of Finance
The Director of Finance presented the monthly financial report showing $290,000
favourable performance for July.
Moved by Councillor Wilson
Seconded by Councillor Marks
THAT the report titled "Budget Comparison July 2010" dated August 30, 2010 be
received and filed.
Carried.
99 Edward Street Lease Extension Director of Finance
The Chief Administrative Office informed council that due to the absence of two councillors
and the conflict of pecuniary interest declared by three councillors, the report would have
to be deferred to the next meeting since there was not a quorum to vote on the
recommendation, contained in the report.
Council took a 10-minute recess.
Ministry of Labour Safe At Work Ontario Inspection Terrace Lodge Director of
Senior Services BV TL
The Ministry of Labour conducted a complete inspection of Terrace Lodge on July 26,
2010. Items listed in the report were immediately corrected.
Moved by Councillor Warwick
Seconded by Councillor Marr
THAT the report titled "Ministry of Labour Safe At Work Ontario Inspection Terrace
Lodge" dated September 1, 2010 be received and filed.
Carried.
Registered Dietitian Services Contract Award Director of Senior Services EM
The Registered Dietitian Service agreement expires September 30, 2010. The report
reviews the proposal response to the county's Request for Proposal, which closed August
11, 2010. Councillor Wilson declared a conflict of interest and departed Council
Chambers while the vote was taken.
Moved by Councillor Marks
Seconded by Councillor Mennill
THAT Barker, Blagrave and Associates be selected to provide Registered Dietitian
Services at Terrace Lodge, Elgin Manor and Bobier Villa for a two-year term commencing
October 1, 2010 with the option to renew for up to an additional three years; and,
THAT the Warden and Chief Administrative Officer be authorized to enter into an
agreement with Barker, Blagrave and Associates.
Carried.
Long Term Care Homes Sector 2010-2011 Funding Support Director of Senior
Services
The Minister of Health and Long Term Care announced in June 2010 the funding for long
term care homes, including funding to Terrace Lodge, Elgin Manor and Bobier Villa.
County Council 4 September 14, 2010
Moved by Councillor Habkirk
Seconded by Councillor Marr
THAT the report titled "Long Term Care homes Sector 2010/2011 Funding Support"
dated August 31, 2010 be received and filed.
Carried.
Committee Members Required for Joint Elgin/Central Elgin Accessibility Advisory
Committee Director of Engineering Services
The report outlines requirements of volunteers to serve on the Joint Elgin/Central Elgin
Accessibility Advisory Committee and the need to recruit new volunteers. Jenny Phillips,
chairperson of the committee, was in attendance and made brief remarks. The Warden
thanked Mrs. Phillips for her work on the committee.
Moved by Councillor Marks
Seconded by Councillor Warwick
THAT Elgin County Council encourage support of the Joint Accessibility Advisory
Committee (JAAC); and,
THAT Elgin County Council approve remuneration of $150 to JAAC members per meeting
for attendance; and,
THAT said remuneration be shared equally between the County of Elgin and Municipality
of Central Elgin, as agreed to by the Municipality of Central Elgin.
Carried Unanimously.
Speed Limit Update Engineering Technologist/Emergency Management
Coordinator
The by-law to authorize speed limits is updated every five years to consolidate any
additions. However, the Director of Engineering Services indicated a new speed limit is to
be designated in the near future and requested that Council defer the report so that this
addition could be made.
Moved by Councillor Mennill
Seconded by Councillor Wilson
THAT the report titled "Speed Limit Update" and "By-law to Authorize Speed Limits" be
deferred until the October 27, 2010 County Council meeting, in order to accommodate an
anticipated new speed limit addition.
Carried.
Traffic Signals Tender Award Deputy Director of Engineering Services
The report outlines council's approval from July 13, 2010, to authorize staff to award the
John Street and Beech Street traffic signal tender to the lowest bidder.
Moved by Councillor Habkirk
Seconded by Councillor Warwick
THAT County Council affirm the traffic signal tender award for the intersection of John
Street and Beech Street, Aylmer, contract number 6200-10-01 to CRU Solutions in the
amount of $221,851.77; and,
THAT the Warden and Chief Administrative Officer be authorized to sign the agreement.
Carried.
County Council 5 September 14, 2010
Warren Street Bridge Joint Replacement Deputy Director of Engineering Services
As outlined in the County's Procurement Policy, the Warren Street bridge joint replacement
project was advertised until September 1, 2010. The submitted bid exceeded the amount
of $80,000 budgeted in the 2010 capital budget allocation.
Moved by Councillor Marks
Seconded by Councillor Marr
THAT since the Warren Street Bridge Joint Replacement Tender is not within the 2010
Capital Budget allocation, the 2010 tender will be cancelled and retendered in 2011 with
other required bridge works projects.
Carried.
Terrace Lodge Enabling Accessibility Fund Director of Engineering Services
The report outlines the County's proposal to apply for a grant under the Federal
Government's Enabling Accessibility Fund for improvements to 39 washrooms at Terrace
Lodge.
Moved by Councillor Habkirk
Seconded by Councillor Wilson
THAT the Chief Administrative Officer be authorized to apply for the grant under the
Enabling Accessibility Fund for renovations to the washrooms at Terrace Lodge, and to
allocate the County's financial contribution to the 2011 Capital Budget.
Carried.
Lecture by Dr. James Galbraith Director of Community and Cultural Services
Economist Dr. James Galbraith will present a lecture on October 15, 2010, at the Elgin
County Museum, St. Thomas, an event sponsored by Friends of Dutton-Dunwich and the
County of Elgin. Jenny Phillips of the Friends of Dutton-Dunwich was also in attendance.
A new book of John Kenneth Galbraith's essays from the days when he was a reporter at
St. Thomas Times-Journal, titled "Does It Pay" and edited by Mrs. Phillips, will be released
shortly.
Moved by Councillor Mennill
Seconded by Councillor Marr
THAT the report titled "Lecture by Dr. James Galbraith" dated August 11, 2010 be received
and filed.
Mrs. Phillips vacated the Council Chambers.
Carried.
Municipal Installation of Tourism Signage General Manager of Economic
Development
Installation of new tourism signs is taking place across Elgin County. The report requests
some assistance for installation with its municipal partners. The Director of Community
Cultural Services reported an update will be coming to council soon on the gateway sign
project.
Moved by Councillor Marks
Seconded by Councillor Warwick
THAT, in the spirit of cooperation, County Council members make the recommendation to
their respective municipal councils that their roads departments install individual orders of
Elgin County tourism signage.
Carried.
County Council 6 September 14, 2010
CORRESPONDENCE
Items for Consideration
1. Hon. Steve Peters, M.P.P., Elgin-Middlesex-London, with copy of correspondence to:
Hon. Linda Jeffrey, Minister of Natural Resources, Hon. Rick Bartolucci, Minister of
Municipal Affairs and Housing; and Hon. Peter Fonseca, Minister of Labour, requesting
a review of erosion issues affecting Dexter Line.
2. Joanne Groch, Administrator/Treasurer, Municipality of West Elgin, submitting Elgin
County tourism directional signage grant application.
3. Susan Tanton, General Manager, Port Stanley Festival Theatre, submitting Elgin
County tourism directional signage grant application.
4. Harold MacNeil, President, Water for People, requesting County join Water for People
sponsorship program.
The following recommendation was adopted in regard to Correspondence Item #1:
Moved by Councillor Marks
Seconded by Councillor Marr
THAT correspondence Item #1 be received and filed.
Carried.
The following recommendation was adopted in regard to Correspondence Item #2:
Moved by Councillor Warwick
Seconded by Councillor Marr
THAT the Corporation of the County of Elgin approve the grant for tourism directional
signage for the Municipality of West Elgin.
Carried.
The following recommendation was adopted in regard to Correspondence Item #3:
Moved by Councillor Warwick
Seconded by Councillor Marr
THAT the Corporation of the County of Elgin approve the grant for tourism directional
signage for the Port Stanley Festival Theatre.
Carried.
The following recommendation was adopted in regard to Correspondence Item #4:
Moved by Councillor Mennill
Seconded by Councillor Warwick
THAT correspondence Item #4 be received and filed.
Items for Information (Consent Agenda)
1. Elgin County 4-H Newsletter July 2010.
Carried.
2. Ken Verrell, Chairperson, Seniors Picnic in the Park, thanking council for support of
the 2010 Seniors event.
3. William Hett, Executive Director and CEO, Tillsonburg and District Multi-Service
Centre (MSC) thanking Council for the grant to support Adult Basic Literacy Program.
County Council 7 September 14, 2010
4. T. Lewkowicz, Executive Correspondence Officer, Office of the Prime Minister,
acknowledging Council's concern regarding the closure of the prison farm program by
Correctional Service of Canada.
5. Hon. Tony Clement, Minister of Industry, acknowledging Council's concern regarding
the Community Access Program (CAP).
6. Municipal Employer Pension Centre of Ontario with information on Second Phase of
Pension Reform.
7. Highlights of the June 2010 AMO Board Meeting.
8. Dennis Travale, Chair, SCOR executive committee, South Central Ontario Region
with update on activities.
9. Grace McGartland, Chair, The Arts Cookery Bank, thanking Council and staff for
including The Arts Cookery Bank in the 'Today in America' Fox TV show.
10. Sandra Datar Bere, Director, Ontario Works and Social Housing, with information on
the Housing Success Conference on November 9, 2010.
Moved by Councillor Marks
Seconded by Councillor Warwick
THAT correspondence Items #1 10 be received and filed.
Carried.
OTHER BUSINESS
Statements/Inquiries by Members
Councillor Warwick said he appreciated receiving a get well card from County Council.
Councillor Marks reported the divestiture of the Port Stanley harbour from the Federal
Government was completed last week.
Councillor Habkirk reported on the SCOR presentation to the Southwest Conservative
Caucus of the Ontario Legislature on long-term funding for Sand Plains projects.
Warden Vowel commended the County's library staff on the Growing With Books project
and event held recently at Pinafore Park and she noted that Savour Elgin at Freshfest was
a resounding success.
Notice of Motion None.
Matters of Urgency None.
Closed Meeting Item
Moved by Councillor Marks
Seconded by Councillor Mennill
THAT we now proceed into closed meeting session in accordance with the Municipal Act
to discuss matters under Section 240.2 (e) litigation or potential litigation, including matters
before administrative tribunals, affecting the municipality or local board Tree By-Law
Prosecution Update.
Carried.
The Tree Commissioner presented an update on Tree By-Law Prosecutions.
County Council 8 September 14, 2010
Motion to Rise and Report
Moved by Councillor Wilson
Seconded by Councillor Marr
THAT we do now rise and report.
Moved by Councillor Warwick
Seconded by Councillor Mennill
THAT the report titled "Elgin County Tree By-law Prosecution Update" dated August 23,
2010 be received and filed; and,
THAT a news release be issued, in consultation with the County Solicitor, emphasizing the
County's commitment to prosecute property owners who break tree by-laws.
Verbal Update on Tree Issues Tree Commissioner
The Tree Commissioner reported that the Province of Ontario has now designated the
giant hogweed as a noxious weed and this designation will permit him to address some
local issues.
The Tree Commissioner reported a new tree plot development at the corner of Wellington
and Ron McNeil Line, a planting partnership with a number of groups regarding Carolinean
species. Signage to the plot is being installed.
Councillor Warwick excused himself from the meeting at 11:30 a.m.
Update on Elgin County Official Plan Project Manager of Planning
The Manager of Planning updated Council on the establishment of a steering committee,
technical committee, public focus group, and hiring of consultants to prepare the Official
Plan (OP) in consultation with the County and the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and
Housing. The Manager of Planning introduced Nick McDonald and Mark Stone of
Meridian Planning Consultants Inc., the new planning consultants. Mr. McDonald made
brief remarks, emphasizing the understanding that the OP will provide an overview and
that local planning issues will continue to be dealt with by municipal councils.
Moved by Councillor Habkirk
Seconded by Councillor Marks
THAT Elgin County Council endorse the establishment of both the Technical Committee
and the Public Focus Group as integral to the County of Elgin Official Plan process and
acknowledge those individuals who are taking an active role in this important project.
Health Unit Building Plans
Carried.
Carried.
Carried.
Councillor Marr asked members if council appointees to the Elgin-St. Thomas Health
Board would comment on a motion put forward at the last Health Board meeting on moving
forward on a new building, as noted in a recent newspaper article. Warden Vowel asked
Councillor Wilson to respond. Councillor Wilson said the 4 3 vote in support of a new
building may not be the final result of the decision. Councillor Wilson reported that the
request was made for a delay so the next new board could make the decision, but was
defeated. Councillor Marks noted that the county pays $900,000 to the board every year
and that a potential deduction in the rent of 99 Edward Street could go into health
programs. He also stressed that the provincial government is calling for fiscal restraint in
the public sector. The Chief Administrative Officer asked county representatives to invite
County Council 9 September 14, 2010
the Health Board Executive Director to come to County Council, and to St. Thomas City
Council, to inform Council on important decisions being made and the rationale behind the
decisions. Councillor Wilson suggested an official request be made for presentation to
both County and St. Thomas councils by the Health Board Executive Director.
Date Change for Next Council
Councillor Marks requested a date change for the October 26, 2010 meeting. Council
agreed that the meeting be changed to Wednesday, October 27, 2010.
Motion to Adopt Recommendations from the Committee of the Whole
Moved by Councillor Marr
Seconded by Councillor Habkirk
THAT we do now adopt recommendations of the Committee Of The Whole Council.
BY-LAWS
Moved by Councillor Marks
Seconded by Councillor Mennill
THAT By-Law No. 10-31 "Being a By-Law to Confirm Proceedings of the Municipal Council
of the Corporation of the County of Elgin at the September 14, 2010 Meeting" be read a
first, second and third time and finally passed.
ADJOURNMENT
Moved by Councillor Marks
Seconded by Councillor Wilson
Carried.
Carried.
THAT we do now adjourn at 12:17 p.m. to meet again on October 27, 2010 at 9:00 a.m.
Carried.
Mark G. McDonald
Chief Administrative Officer.
aQnie Vowel,
Warden.