December 8 & 10, 2009 MinutesCOUNTY COUNCIL
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
The Elgin County Council met this day at the Administration Building, 450 Sunset Drive,
St. Thomas at 7:00 p.m., with all members present except Councillor Hofhuis (leave of
absence).
The Chief Administrative Officer called the meeting to order and welcomed all in
attendance to the Annual Warden's Election.
ELECTION OF WARDEN
The Chief Administrative Officer asked that members of Council wishing to run for the
Office of Warden to please stand. Councillor Vowel offered her candidacy for the position
of Elgin County Warden for 2010.
BALLOTING PROCEDURES
The Chief Administrative Officer explained that since the position for Warden remains
uncontested, the normal election procedures would be dispensed with, as prescribed by
by -law, and that a resolution appointing Councillor Vowel to the position of Warden would
be in order.
Moved by Councillor McIntyre
Seconded by Councillor Marks
THAT Bonnie Vowel be appointed as Warden for Elgin County Council for the Year 2010.
Carried Unanimously.
RESULTS
The Chief Administrative Officer announced that the Warden of Elgin County for 2010 is
Bonnie Vowel, Mayor of the Municipality of Dutton /Dunwich.
Warden Vowel took the Declaration of Office, administered by the Chief Administrative
Officer. The Warden left the room, was gowned and re- entered the Council Chambers,
where she was officially presented with the Chain of Office, the Lord Elgin Watch and the
Gavel of Office, by Immediate Past Warden Graham Warwick. Warden Vowel delivered
her Inaugural Address to Council, thanked them for their support, and outlined the items of
interest and importance for consideration in 2010.
COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS
Warden Vowel presented her recommendations for appointment to Boards, Committees
and Associations for 2010.
Moved by Councillor Wilson
Seconded by Councillor Habkirk
THAT the appointments to Outside Boards and Committees for 2010 be confirmed as
follows:
County of Elgin Economic Development Tourism
Advisory Committee (CEEDTAC) Warden and 1 appointee Warden Vowel
Councillor Acre
Dispute Resolution Warden and 2 appointees Warden Vowel
Councillor Mennill
Councillor Warwick
Councillor Habkirk
Elgin County Museum 1 appointee
County Council 2 December 8 10, 2009
Elgin St. Thomas Public Health 3 appointees
Rural Initiatives 3 appointees
Social/Entertainment 2 appointees
St. Thomas-Elgin General Hospital 1 appointee
St. Thomas-Elgin Public Art Centre 1 appointee
Tillsonburg District Memorial Hospital 1 appointee
Waste Management/Liaison
and,
THAT Councillor Hofhuis be re-appointed as the Council appointee to the Joint Elgin/Central
Elgin Accessibility Advisory Committee.
OTHER BUSINESS
Moved by Councillor Acre
Seconded by Councillor Mennill
Warden Vowel in the Chair.
Moved by Councillor Habkirk
Seconded by Councillor Mennill
COUNTY COUNCIL
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Warden Vowel
Councillor Marks
Councillor Wilson
Councillor McIntyre
Councillor Warwick
Councillor Wilson
Councillor Marks
Councillor Mennill
Councillor McIntyre
Councillor Hofhuis
Councillor Acre
Committee of the Whole Council
Carried Unanimously.
Warden Vowel invited all those in attendance to the Warden's Reception, following recess,
to be held in the County Administration Building lower level.
THAT we do now recess 7:15 p.m. to meet again on December 10, 2009 at 9:00 a.m.
Carried.
The Elgin County Council met this day at the Administration Building, at 9:00 a.m., in
accordance with the recess from the December 8 meeting, with all members present
except Councillor Hofhuis (leave of absence).
THAT the minutes from the meeting held on November 24, 2009 be adopted.
Carried.
DISCLOSURE OF PECUNIARY INTEREST AND THE GENERAL NATURE THEREOF
None.
PRESENTATIONS
The retirements of Eunice Turner of Elgin Manor (eight years) and Harley Underhill (20
years) of Human Resources were recognized by Warden Vowel.
Warden Vowel reminded Council of the Long Service Award presentations to be
conducted at lunch.
County Council 3 December 8 10, 2009
DELEGATIONS
Paul Collins, CEO, Paul Bode, President and Allan Weatherall, Director of Development,
all of the St. Thomas-Elgin General Hospital, updated council on the hospital's capital
redevelopment plan. The hospital received a planning grant from the Ontario Ministry of
Health and Long Term Care. The plans were completed and ministry officials undertook a
site visit in September. Long term plans call for a constructed new ambulatory, emergency
and mental health service departments at the current site. Mr. Collins thanked Council for
its ongoing support and answered questions regarding the economic impact of the hospital
to the local community.
Moved by Councillor Habkirk
Seconded by Councillor Marks
THAT the presentation on the hospital's redevelopment status by Mr. Collins be received
and filed.
Carried.
Ruth Anne Lawrence and Rose Gibson of Zellers (NBC is the official outfitter of the Canadian
Olympic athletes) and the Olympic Torch Committee, presented the Warden and Council with
official Olympics red mittens as a lead-up to the December 22nd torch relay ceremony at
CASO in St. Thomas. The county will have an exhibit of Elgin's athletic past at CASO during
the event. Mike Baker, Museum Curator, who is organizing the exhibit, was thanked by the
Director of Community and Culture Services for his participation.
Moved by Councillor Acre
Seconded by Councillor McIntyre
THAT the presentation by Ms. Lawrence and Ms. Gibson regarding the Olympics red
mittens commemoration of the coming Olympic torch relay be received and filed.
Moved by Councillor Habkirk
Seconded by Councillor Marks
Carried.
THAT we do now move into Committee Of The Whole Council.
REPORTS
Moved by Councillor Marks
Seconded by Councillor Habkirk
Carried.
Joint Elgin/Central Elgin 2009-2010 Annual Municipal Accessibility Plan
Committee Director of Engineering
The Director of Engineering presented the 2009-2010 Annual Municipal Accessibility Plan.
It was noted the federal government helped fund the new west access at the county
building. Staff was asked to check on the status of the new website and the local
municipalities ability to utilize the site. It was noted that volunteers are needed to serve on
the committee. The Director thanked Jenny Phillips for her work on the committee.
THAT the Joint Elgin/Central Elgin 2009-2010 Annual Municipal Accessibility Plan be
adopted and the following barriers to persons with disabilities be addressed during 2010; and,
THAT all barriers identified by departmental staff for elimination in 2010, which are detailed
on pages 8-13 of the Plan, are to be scheduled for completion during 2010, or as legislated
by Provincial Standards within budgetary limitations; and further,
THAT Elgin and Central Elgin staff work toward development and implementation of
processes and policies to comply with the new Mandatory Accessibility Standards.
Carried.
County Council 4 December 8 10, 2009
Culloden Road Reduced Speed Zone Director of Engineering Services
The Municipality of Bayham has requested a reduced speed limit zone on North Hall
Hamlet along Culloden Road.
Moved by Councillor Habkirk
Seconded by Councillor Acre
THAT a reduced speed zone of 60 km/h be installed on Culloden Road (County Road #46)
from Eden Line, north 400m; and,
THAT the necessary by-law be prepared.
Community Safety Zone/Reduced Speed Zone in New Sarum Director of
Engineering Services
The Municipality of Central Elgin has requested a community safety zone and reduced
speed zone on Belmont Road.
Moved by Councillor Marks
Seconded by Councillor Mennill
THAT the report on the extension of the existing reduced speed zone and community safety
zone on Belmont Road from the Municipality of Central Elgin be received and filed; and,
THAT the Municipality of Central Elgin be authorized and permitted to extend the zone
area and to reduce the speed at the municipality's cost.
Carried.
Bobier Villa Roof Replacement Director of Engineering Services
As part of the approved 2009 capital budget, tenders were advertised as per the County's
procurement policy and were received until Friday, November 13, 2009, for the roof
replacement of Bobier Villa. The Director noted that the County is receiving a credit in light
of the shortened lifespan of the original shingles.
Moved by Councillor Mennill
Seconded by Councillor McIntyre
THAT J.R. (Rick) Falkins Construction be selected to install fiberglass shingles at Bobier
Villa, Contract No. 5930-09-01 at their submitted price of $62,895 inclusive of all taxes and
no contingency; and,
THAT Roofmart Limited be selected to supply and deliver fiberglass shingles at Bobier
Villa at their submitted price of $33,325.03; and,
THAT if the cost increases above the tender amount approved by council by more than
10%, the director will prepare a further report to council outlining the expenditures; and,
THAT the Warden and Chief Administrative Officer be authorized to enter into an
agreement with J.R. (Rick) Falkins Construction for the Bobier Villa Roof Replacement
Tender, Contract No. 5930-09-01.
Paytickets Provincial Offences Coordinator
Moved by Councillor Acre
Seconded by Councillor Habkirk
Carried.
Carried.
THAT the County of Elgin enter into a service agreement in 2010 with the Royal Bank of
Canada and Teranet to provide an on-line ticket payment program through Paytickets.ca
for Provincial Offences matters; and,
County Council 5 December 8 10, 2009
THAT the Warden and Chief Administrative Officer be authorized to sign the agreement
once approved by the County Solicitor; and,
THAT the costs of $4,300 for initial setup and a contingency for $2 per transaction be
allocated to the Provincial Offences budget as the upper most costs for the service to
implement the service.
Carried.
2010 Mileage Rate Director of Financial Services
Moved by Councillor Marks
Seconded by Councillor Wilson
THAT the 2010 mileage reimbursement rate be frozen at the 2008 level of $.495/km.
Carried.
2008 Financial Indicator Review Director of Financial Services
Moved by Councillor Warwick
Seconded by Councillor Marks
THAT the report titled "2008 Financial Indicator Review" dated November 20, 2009 be
received and filed.
Carried.
Council recessed at 10:00 a.m. and reconvened at 10:15 a.m.
Semi-Annual Information Report (Contract Awards) Purchasing Coordinator
Moved by Councillor Habkirk
Seconded by Councillor McIntyre
THAT the Semi-Annual Information Report Contract Awards dated January 1, 2009
June 30, 2009 be received and filed.
Elgin County Museum Advisory Committee Revisions Director of Community and
Cultural Services
Changes to the composition and term to the Elgin County Museum Advisory Committee
were recommended that on behalf of the appointee of the St. Thomas-Elgin Tourist
Association be repealed and that a second "at large" member be added in its place; and,
that the term of office be extended from three years to four in keeping with the term of
municipal council.
Moved by Councillor Warwick
Seconded by Councillor Acre
Carried.
THAT By-Law No. 05-44, "Being a By-Law to Provide for the Operation of the Elgin County
Museum" be hereby amended according to the terms of this report.
Carried.
Cultural Mapping Report/Terms of Reference Director of Community and Cultural
Services
A PowerPoint presentation was given by staff on the next steps for the project. The next
phase will include community consultation.
County Council 6 December 8 10, 2009
Moved by Councillor Habkirk
Seconded by Councillor McIntyre
THAT the Terms of Reference County of Elgin Cultural Mapping Project be hereby
adopted; and,
THAT staff proceed with the next phases of the project, including extensive community
consultations, data collection and presentation of a draft map for Council's approval.
Carried.
SCOR Incorporation Deputy Director of Community and Cultural Services
Moved by Councillor Habkirk
Seconded by Councillor Wilson
THAT Elgin County Council pass the attached By-Law to incorporate "South Central
Ontario Region (SCOR)"; and,
THAT the Warden of Elgin County Council be appointed as Elgin's proxy for the SCOR
Corporation's annual general meeting.
Carried Unanimously.
Council Scheduled 2010 Meetings Administrative Services Coordinator
Moved by Councillor Marks
Seconded by Councillor McIntyre
THAT the report Schedule of Council Meetings for 2010 dated December 1, 2009 from the
Administrative Services Coordinator be adopted.
Carried.
Interview Panel for Human Resources Director Chief Administrative Officer
Moved by Councillor Mennill
Seconded by Councillor Habkirk
THAT Warden Vowel and Councillors Warwick and Wilson be appointed to the selection
committee for the recruitment of the Director of Human Resources.
Sutherland Line/Ron McNeil Line Boundary Adjustment Chief Administrative
Officer
Moved by Councillor Marks
Seconded by Councillor Habkirk
THAT the Chief Administrative Officer/Clerk be authorized and directed to issue a statutory
declaration in the matter of the boundary adjustment between the City of St. Thomas and
the Municipality of Central Elgin within the County of Elgin; and,
THAT the necessary by-law be prepared.
Carried.
Carried.
Ontario Nurses Association Arbitration Award Director of Human Resources
Moved by Councillor Habkirk
Seconded by Councillor Marks
THAT the report titled "Ontario Nurses Association Arbitration Award" dated December 10,
2009 be received and filed; and,
County Council 7 December 8 10, 2009
THAT Elgin County Council write to the Minister of Labour for Ontario strongly urging the
Minister to examine the relationship between arbitrators and their clients in order to
remove any bias (real or perceived) in the system.
CORRESPONDENCE
Items for Consideration
Carried.
1. Dennis Travale, Chair, SCOR requesting County Council pass SCOR Incorporation
By-Law and appoint a member of County Council to be the County's representative as
its proxy.
2. News Release from Western Ontario Warden's Caucus announcing Looming
Provincial Grant Cuts to the Ontario Municipal Partnership Fund (OMPF).
3. Susan Cronin, Municipal Clerk, Municipality of West Perth, with a resolution
requesting MPAC to disclose pending assessment changes and adjust incorrect
Residential and Farmland class values.
The following recommendation was adopted in regard to Correspondence Item #1:
Moved by Councillor Habkirk
Seconded by Councillor Wilson
THAT the Corporation of the County of Elgin supports the letter from SCOR regarding
incorporation and proxy voting be supported.
Carried.
The following recommendation was adopted in regard to Correspondence Item #2:
Moved by Councillor McIntyre
Seconded by Councillor Habkirk
THAT the Corporation of the County of Elgin supports the news release from Western
Ontario Wardens' Caucus advocating that the Ontario Municipal Partnership Fund be fully
funded.
Carried.
The following recommendation was adopted in regard to Correspondence Item #3:
Moved by Councillor Habkirk
Seconded by Councillor Wilson
THAT the Corporation of the County of Elgin supports the letter from the Municipality of
West Perth requesting MPAC to disclose pending assessment changes and adjust
incorrect residential and farmland class values.
Items for Information (Consent Agenda)
Carried.
1. Collective Bargaining Highlights for August and September 2009.
2. Corporation of the County of Elgin responses to recommendations of the Corner's
Jury Inquest into the Death of Michael Hipson (Second report, October 2009).
3. Peter Wallace, Ministry of Finance Deputy Minister, announcing the new population
projections for Ontario and its 49 Census Division, 2008-2036.
County Council 8 December 8 10, 2009
4. Haldimand County Clerk Janis Lankester with a resolution concerning implication of
the Tourism Competitiveness Study by the province on Haldimand County.
5. AECOM Canada Ltd., senior EA planner Karl Grueneis, with Notice of Municipal Class
Environmental Assessment Study for: Elgin Water Treatment Plant Residuals
Management Facility; and the Township of Malahide, Village of Springfield Water
Supply.
6. AECOM Canada Inc with Notice of Project Commencement for the east Side Sanitary
Servicing Master Plan.
7. Township of Southwold Mayor Jim McIntyre with a resolution accepting the
International Plowing Match Beautification challenge.
8. City of St. Thomas Mayor Cliff Barwick thanking Elgin County Council for their
understanding on the Tourism partnership.
9. Certificate of Recognition by Elgin-Middlesex-London MP Joe Preston for the
Economic Development Association of Canada Gold Award to Elgin County.
Moved by Councillor Habkirk
Seconded by Councillor McIntyre
THAT Correspondence Items #1 9 be received and filed.
OTHER BUSINESS
Statements/Inquiries by Members
Carried.
Councillor Wilson brought forward a letter to the editor (Aylmer Express) written by Leslie
Whittington-Carter of the Dietitians of Canada about the important work dieticians
contribute to long term homes as information to staff.
Councillor Warwick requested an update on the delegation of the Warden and Director of
Financial Services on the December 9, 2009, meeting with senior policy advisor to the
Ontario Minister of Finance in Toronto, arranged by Elgin-Middlesex-London MPP Steve
Peters on the OMPF. Also in attendance was a delegation from Central Elgin (Councillor
Marks and staff) with a telephone conference with St. Thomas Mayor Barwick and staff.
The Director of Financial Services said a decision on the funding program is expected in a
couple of weeks.
Councillor McIntyre thanked county staff for organizing an enjoyable County Christmas
Party. He also stressed the importance of consultation with the public in county
endeavours including the recently announced tourism ambassadors program.
The Chief Administrative Officer announced that the new county planner was hired and will
start January 4, 2010. Councillor Wilson said the hiring emphasizes the county's commit-
ment to moving forward with economic development and tourism initiatives. Warden Vowel
emphasized this hiring is another example of the County's Progressive by Nature motto.
Notice of Motion None.
Matters of Urgency None.
Closed Meeting Items
Moved by Councillor Habkirk
Seconded by Councillor Mclntryre
THAT we do now move into a Closed Meeting at 11:05 a.m. in accordance with the
Municipal Act, to discuss matters under Section 239 and 240.2 (a) regarding security of
the property of the municipality or local board; and, Section 240.2 (d) labour relations or
employee negotiations, and legal matters regarding Sanitech.
Carried.
County Council 9 December 8 10, 2009
Motion to Rise and Report
Moved by Councillor Warwick
Seconded by Councillor Marks
THAT we do now rise and report.
Tim Schnurr, sales representative for CB Richard Ellis, attended the session as a resource
person for Council regarding 99 Edward Street.
Moved by Councillor Habkirk
Seconded by Councillor Mennill
THAT the Warden and Chief Administrative Officer be authorized to make a counter-offer
to the proponent offer dated December 2, 2009, as outlined in the report to Council on "99
Edward Street" dated December 8, 2009.
Moved by Councillor Acre
Seconded by Councillor Wilson
THAT County Council ratify the changes as outlined in the report Ratification of Collective
Agreement CUPE dated December 7, 2009, between the County of Elgin and the
Canadian Union of Public Employees, Local 841.
STAFF DIRECTION
Moved by Councillor Marks
Seconded by Councillor Warwick
BY-LAWS
Moved by Councillor Mennill
Seconded by Councillor McIntyre
Moved by Councillor Acre
Seconded by Councillor Habkirk
Carried.
Carried.
Carried
A staff direction was given in regard to staffing considerations at Bobier Villa.
The Chief Administrative Officer gave an update on the ongoing litigation regarding the
County of Elgin v Sanitech Communal Systems Inc., for the information and education of
Council.
Motion to Adopt Recommendations from the Committee of the Whole
THAT we do adopt the recommendations of the Committee of The Whole Council.
Carried.
THAT By-Law No. 09-37 "Being a By-Law to Authorize the Warden and the Treasurer to
Borrow Up to the Sum of Fifteen Million Dollars" be read a first, second and third time and
finally passed.
Carried.
THAT By-Law No. 09-38 "Being a By-Law to Adopt Optional Tools for the Purposes of
Administering Limits for the Commercial, Industrial and Multi-Residential Property
Classes" be read a first, second and third time and finally passed.
Carried.
County Council 10 December 8 10, 2009
Moved by Councillor Wilson
Seconded by Councillor Habkirk
THAT By-Law No. 09-39 "Being a By-Law to Authorize the Incorporation of "South Central
Ontario Region (SKOR)", a Non-Profit Organization under the Corporations Act (Ontario),
as amended, Whose Members are the Corporation of the County of Elgin, The
Corporation of the County of Brant, The Corporation of the County of Middlesex, The
Corporation of the County of Norfolk and The Corporation of the County of Oxford (The
"Corporation")" be read a first, second and third time and finally passed.
Moved by Councillor Warwick
Seconded by Councillor Mennill
THAT By-Law No. 09-40 "Being a By-Law to Amend Membership on the Elgin County
Museum Advisory Committee and to amend By-Law No. 05-44" be read a first, second
and third time and finally passed.
Moved by Councillor Marks
Seconded by Councillor Acre
THAT By-Law No. 09-41 "Being a By-Law to Authorize the Submission of a Restructuring
Proposal (Sutherland Line) and Report to the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing" be
read a first, second and third time and finally passed.
Moved by Councillor Habkirk
Seconded by Councillor McIntyre
THAT By-Law No. 09-42 "Being A By-Law to Confirm Proceedings of the Municipal
Council of the Corporation of the County of Elgin at the December 8 and 10 2009
Meeting" be read a first, second and third time and finally passed.
ADJOURNMENT
Moved by Councillor Marks
Seconded by Councillor McIntyre
THAT we do now adjourn at 11:45 a.m. to meet again on January 12, 2010 at 10:00 a.m.
LONG SERVICE AWARDS
BOBIER VILLA
Victoria Marsolais
Tara Mosher
Jackie Shickluna
Anita Vanraes
John Kersten
Peggy Johnson
Karen Conway
Dianne McFadden
Carried.
Carried.
Carried.
Carried.
Carried.
Following adjournment, Council recognized the following recipients with Long Service
Awards, as presented by Warden Vowel and Past Warden Graham Warwick:
10 years
10 years
10 years
10 years
15 years
15 years
25 years
35 years
County Council 11 December 8 10, 2009
COMMUNITY Renee Saarlos 20 years Aylmer Library
AND CULTURAL Maria Smit 20 years Belmont Springfield Library
SERVICES Susan Lamont 20 years Dutton Library
ELGIN MANOR Susan Boe- Vusich 10 years
Catherine Gallagher 10 years
Susan Krueger 10 years
Carolyn Proctor 10 years
Mary Ann Ryckman 10 years
Lacey Smith 10 years
Rita Stewart 10 years
Lynn MacPherson 20 years
Marilee Roth 20 years
Connie Froats 25 years
Linda Irvine 25 years
Barbara Shackleton 25 years
Cathy Currie 30 years
ENGINEERING Peter Dutchak 15 years
SERVICES Ann Bennie 30 years
HUMAN Harvey Underhill 20 years
RESOURCES
TERRACE LODGE
Laura Lang
Janice Nichols
Petra Richardson
Betty Belanger
Chief Administrative Officer.
10 years
10 years
15 years
20 years
Bonn Vowel,
Warden.