September 27, 2011 MinutesCOUNTY COUNCIL
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
The Elgin County Council met this day at the Administration Building at 9:02 a.m. with all
members present.
Warden Mennill in the Chair.
ADOPTION OF MINUTES
Councillor Enns noted an editorial error in the minutes where Graham Road was mentioned
instead of Calton Line. Council agreed to this friendly amendment.
Moved by Councillor McIntyre
Seconded by Councillor Walters
THAT the minutes of the meeting held on September 13, 2011 be adopted.
Carried.
DISCLOSURE OF PECUNIARY INTEREST AND THE GENERAL NATURE THEREOF
None.
DELEGATIONS
Paul Schaffer, Executive Director, Elgin-St. Thomas United Way, and Dr. Greg Johnston,
Fundraising Chair, kicked off the annual United Way campaign. Councillor Walters issued a
challenge to his colleagues to make a payroll deduction personally of $20/pay and have their
municipalities support United Way. The Warden will issue a fundraising challenge to the City of
St. Thomas.
Moved by Councillor McIntyre
Seconded by Councillor Jenkins
THAT the "Annual United Way Campaign" presentation be received and filed.
Dennis Travale, Chair, South Central Ontario Region Economic Development Corporation
(SCOR) and SCOR General Manager Art Lawson gave a PowerPoint presentation on SCOR
goals and funding requirements.
Moved by Councillor Couckuyt
Seconded by Councillor Marr
Moved by Councillor Walters
Seconded by Councillor Marr
Carried.
THAT Elgin County Council agree in principle with the funding request in the amount of $25,000
by SCOR and refer the item to the County budget deliberations for 2012.
Carried.
Jenny Phillips, Chair, Joint Elgin/Central Elgin Accessibility Committee, presented the 2009-
2011 Annual Municipal Accessibility Plan.
THAT the Elgin/Central Elgin Joint Accessibility Advisory Committee recommends to the Council
for the County of Elgin and to the Council for the Municipality of Central Elgin that the following
barriers to persons with disabilities be addressed during 2012:
1. All barriers identified by departmental staff for elimination in 2013, which are detailed on
Pages 8-13 of the plan, are to be scheduled for completion during 2012, or as legislated
by Provincial Standards, within budgetary limitations; and,
County Council 2 September 27, 2011
THAT Elgin and Central Elgin staff work toward development and implementation of processes
and policies to comply with the new Mandatory Accessibility Standards.
Carried.
Moved by Councillor Wiehle
Seconded by Councillor McIntyre
THAT we do now move into the Committee Of The Whole Council.
REPORTS
Annual Warden's Banquet Councillors McIntyre and McWilliam
The Chair of the Social/Entertainment Committee presented a report outlining details of the
November 4, 2011 banquet for the Warden.
Moved by Councillor McWilliam
Seconded by Councillor McIntyre
THAT the report titled "Annual Warden's Banquet" dated September 12, 2011 be received and
filed.
Carried.
Carried.
Sand Plains Funding for Museum Barn Quilt Project Curator, Elgin County Museum
The curator presented the report regarding a barn quilt trail program in Elgin County.
Moved by Councillor McIntyre
Seconded by Councillor Jenkins
THAT the report titled "Sand Plains Funding for Museum Barn Quilt Project" dated September
12, 2011 be received and filed.
Carried.
General Insurance and Risk Management Services Program Purchasing Coordinator
The Director of Financial Services presented the report on the results of a proposal issued for
general insurance.
Moved by Councillor Couckuyt
Seconded by Councillor McWilliam
THAT in support of Armour Riley Inc.'s recommendation, Frank Cowan Insurance Company
Ltd., be selected for the provision of General Insurance and Risk Management Services
Program for the 2011-2012 in the proposed annual premium of $249,812 plus taxes,
commencing November 15, 2011 until November 14, 2012, with an option to renew for up to
and including an additional four year term; and,
THAT the Warden and Chief Administrative Officer be authorized to sign the contract.
Carried.
2011 Audited Consolidated Financial Statements and Financial Information Return
Director of Financial Services
The director presented the report and consolidated financial statements for the year ended 2010.
County Council 3 September 27, 2011
Moved by Councillor Jenkins
Seconded by Councillor Wiehle
THAT the report titled "2011 Audited Consolidated Financial Statements and Financial
Information Return" dated September 12, 2011 be received and filed.
Carried.
Budget Comparison, August 2011 Director of Financial Services
The Director presented the report, showing the County performance was favourable.
Moved by Councillor McIntyre
Seconded by Councillor Walters
THAT the report titled "Budget Comparison, August 2011" dated September 13, 2011 be
received and filed.
Carried.
2010 Performance Measures Director of Financial Services
The director presented the report and noted it will be published on the County's website.
Moved by Councillor Mc William
Seconded by Councillor Marr
THAT the report titled "2010 Municipal Performance Measures" dated September 1, 2011 be
received and filed.
Carried.
Staff was asked to provide an explanation on the "per used kilometer" figure used in the report
at a future meeting.
Council recessed for ten minutes.
Requests and Concerns Policy Revision Director of Homes and Seniors Services
The director presented the report, outlining the revisions required under the Long Term Care
Act 2007.
Moved by Councillor Ens
Seconded by Councillor Walters
THAT the policy titled "Requests and Concerns" and corresponding form revisions be approved;
and,
THAT the report titled "Requests and Concerns Policy Revision" dated September 12, 2011 be
received and filed.
Carried.
New Revised Policies Procedures: Residents' Bill of Rights; Resident Abuse; Staff
Reporting and Whistle Blower Protection Director of Homes and Seniors Services
The director presented the revisions of the three policies and procedures.
Moved by Councillor Marr
Seconded by Councillor McWilliam
THAT the policy revisions Admin 2.1 Residents' Bill of Rights and Admin 2.11 Resident
Abuse be approved as amended; and,
THAT the new policy Admin 2.3 Whistle Blower Protection be approved as written; and,
County Council 4 September 27, 2011
THAT the report titled "New Revised Polices and Procedures, Residents' Bill of Rights,
Resident Abuse, and Staff Reporting and Whistle Blower Protection" dated September 13, 2011
be received and filed.
Carried.
Pet Visitation Policy and Pet Visitation Pamphlet Director of Homes and Seniors
Services
The director presented the report, noting the policy was required under the Long Term Care
Act 2007.
Moved by Councillor McIntyre
Seconded by Councillor Jenkins
THAT the new administration policy numbered Admin 1.25 titled "Pet Visitation" and the Pet
Visitation pamphlet, be approved; and,
THAT the report titled "Administration 1.25-Pet Visitation Policy-New and Pet Visitation
Pamphlet" dated September 13, 2011 be received and filed.
Carried.
Kalita-Pfeifer Talbot Line Municipal Drains Director of Engineering Services
The director presented the report outlining the background on the two drains.
Moved by Councillor McIntyre
Seconded by Councillor Jenkins
THAT staff be directed to appeal to the Drainage Tribunal to maintain the engineer's original
assessment for the Kalita-Pfeifer Drain and the Talbot Line Drain.
Carried.
Farming Equipment and County Roads Director of Engineering Services
The director presented the report, a follow up to a staff direction from September 13, 2011
council that an ad hoc committee be struck to review safety concerns around farm equipment.
Moved by Councillor Walters
Seconded by Councillor McIntyre
THAT an ad hoc committee chaired by Councillor Walters be struck to investigate ways of
improving road grading swales along county roads; and,
THAT the report titled "Farming Equipment and County Roads" dated September 15, 2011 be
received and filed.
Carried.
Bridge Weight Restrictions Director of Engineering Services
The director presented the report, noting all municipalities are required to re-evaluate the
condition of weight restricted structures every two years.
Moved by Councillor Wiehle
Seconded by Councillor McWilliam
THAT no vehicle or any class thereof, whether empty or loaded, shall be operated over any
bridge designated on Schedules No. 1 and No. 2 forming part of this by-law with a weight in
excess of the weight limited prescribed in the schedule for such bridge and that this by-law
become effective until October 20, 2013; and,
THAT this by-law become effective once the weight postings have been posted; and,
County Council 5 September 27, 2011
THAT By-Law No. 09-28 and By-Law No. 09-35 be repealed.
Carried.
CORRESPONDENCE
(Items for Consideration)
1. Cathy Balcomb, Deputy Clerk, Norfolk County, requesting a provincial moratorium on
industrial wind turbines.
2. Paul Collins, President and CEO, St. Thomas Elgin General Hospital, thanking Council for
opportunity to attend County Council and also has provided responses to key hospital
questions.
3. Don Mathieson, Chair, Southwest Economic Alliance, seeking support for the establishment
of a Provincial Southwestern Ontario Development Fund.
4. Joe Docherty, Executive Director, North America Railway Hall of Fame, inviting
County Council to "Station Celebration' on October 28, 2011 to kick off their capital
campaign.
The following recommendations were adopted in regard to Correspondence Items #1 4.
Moved by Councillor Walters
Seconded by Councillor Marr
THAT Correspondence Item #1 be received and filed.
Moved by Councillor Jenkins
Seconded by Councillor Mc William
THAT Correspondence Item #2 be received and filed.
Moved by Councillor Couckyut
Seconded by Councillor Ens
THAT Correspondence Item #3 be received and filed.
Moved by Councillor Walters
Seconded by Councillor McIntyre
THAT Correspondence Item #4 be received and filed.
CORRESPONDENCE
Items for Information (Consent Agenda)
Carried.
Carried.
Carried.
Carried.
1. Donna Ethier, CAO/Clerk, Township of Southwold, with resolution regarding fire dispatch
services agreement.
2. Chris Ripley, Manager, Regulatory Applications, Union Gas, with a copy of a Notice of
Application, Union Gas Limited Rates for 2012.
The following recommendations were adopted in regard to Correspondence Items #1 2.
County Council 6 September 27, 2011
Moved by Councillor McIntyre
Seconded by Councillor Walters
THAT Correspondence Item #1 be received and filed.
Moved by Councillor Marr
Seconded by Councillor Mc William
THAT Correspondence Item #2 be received and filed.
OTHER BUSINESS
Statements/Inquiries by Members
Councillor Walters declared his intention to let his name stand to run as Warden for the 2012
year term of council.
Warden Mennill announced Elgin County was the recipient of two international marketing
awards, presented at the International Economic conference last week for Savour Elgin. He
congratulated the County's Economic Development and Tourism Services department for their
work. A letter of congratulations to the County from the Southwest Ontario Tourism Corporation
was circulated.
Councillor Mc William reported on the tree planting ceremony at the County Administration
Building during National Tree Day on September 21, 2011 where he represented County
Council as Deputy Warden.
Notice of Motion None.
Matters of Urgency None.
Closed Meeting Items
Moved by Councillor McIntyre
Seconded by Councillor Jenkins
DELEGATION
Carried.
Carried.
THAT we do now proceed into closed meeting session in accordance with the Municipal Act
Section 240.2 (b) personal matters about an identifiable individual, including municipal or local
board employees Hospital Redevelopment and the President/CEO Contract; 240. 2 (d) labour
relations or employee negotiations Library Service During Holiday Season; 240.2 (e) litigation
or potential litigation, including matters before administrative tribunals, affecting the municipality
or local board Insurance Opinion re: Insurance Proposals; and, E. (Elgin) v. Brown
(Steve/Joanne).
Carried.
Bruce Babcock, Chair, St. Thomas Elgin General Hospital Board of Governors, and Tom Marks,
County Council's representative on the hospital board.
The Chair of the hospital board made a presentation and responded to questions from council
on hospital redevelopment and the President/C.E.O. contract.
Motion to Rise and Report
Moved by Councillor Marr
Seconded by Councillor Walters
THAT we now rise without reporting.
Carried.
County Council 7 September 27, 2011
PRESENTATIONS
Warden Mennill thanked retiring Elgin-Middlesex-London Member of Provincial Parliament
Steve Peters for this work on behalf of the County, and presented him with gifts of recognition.
He was given a standing ovation.
Duncan McPhail, Chair, the International Plowing Match 2010 Executive Committee, gave a
report and presented the final repayment to the County of Elgin for its financial support of the
Match. John Wise was introduced and presented to the County Archives, the Wise family plow.
The Warden thanked the Committee and presented them with a plaque, to be included near the
plow in a future exhibit.
International Plowing Match Legacy Agricultural Scholarship Program Administrative
Services Coordinator
The report on the proposal for an agricultural scholarship as part of the legacy of the
International Plowing Match 2010, hosted in Elgin County, was considered.
Moved by Councillor McIntyre
Seconded by Councillor Walters
THAT Elgin County Council approve the request by the Elgin-St. Thomas Executive Committee
of the International Plowing Match, 2010, (IPM) to fund a scholarship over a 10-year period,
effective 2012, as a legacy to the community from the IPM; and,
THAT the County apply $50,000 of the IPM loan repayment amount totaling $92,000 to the
scholarship program; and,
THAT staff be directed to develop criteria for Council's consideration to award scholarships to
one female and one male each year in the amount of $2,500 per scholarship, who are to attend
college or university studying in agriculturally-related programs with the criteria to include
involving the IPM Executive Committee Chair on the selection committee; and,
THAT the County administrate the program, on behalf of the IPM Executive Committee; and,
THAT the 10-year financial plan be adjusted to reflect this grant; and,
THAT the report titled "International Plowing Match Legacy Agricultural Scholarship Program"
dated September 20, 2011 be received and filed.
Carried.
The meeting recessed at 12:30 p.m. and reconvened at 1:05 p.m.
Moved by Councillor Ens
Seconded by Councillor Marr
THAT we do now proceed to continue the closed session from earlier in the meeting.
Carried.
There was discussion on the presentation regarding the St. Thomas Elgin General Hospital.
The Director of Community and Cultural Services presented a report on Library Service during
the Holiday Season.
The Chief Administrative Officer presented a report on Insurance Opinion regarding Insurance
Proposals.
The Chief Administrative Officer presented a report on E. (Elgin) v. Brown (Steve/Joanne)
regarding a tree by-law infraction.
County Council 8 September 27, 2011
Motion to Rise and Report
Moved by Councillor McIntyre
Seconded by Councillor Marr
THAT we do now rise and report.
Moved by Councillor Walters
Seconded by Councillor Ens
Carried.
WHEREAS Elgin County Council has always and continues to strongly support its local
community hospital; and,
WHEREAS Elgin County Council is fully prepared to make a significant contribution to the
redevelopment campaign; and,
WHEREAS Elgin County ratepayers have expressed concern with the contract of the recently
retired hospital President and C.E.O., particularly the potentially negative effect the renewal of
said contract may have on campaign fundraising efforts from a disgruntled public;
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT Elgin County Council respectfully recommends to
the Board of Governors of the St. Thomas Elgin General Hospital, that, for the betterment of the
community, the recruitment of the President and C.E.O. position commence as soon as possible
with the goal of replacement within one year's time.
Moved by Councillor McIntyre
Seconded by Councillor Marr
Carried Unanimously.
THAT staff be given direction to maintain the closure of Elgin County Library during the period
between Christmas Day and New Year's Day in future collective bargaining with the Canadian
Union of Public Employees.
Moved by Councillor Wiehle
Seconded by Councillor Jenkins
THAT the confidential report regarding insurance proposals be received and filed.
Moved by Councillor Wiehle
Seconded by Councillor Marr
Moved by Councillor Walters
Seconded by Councillor Mc William
Carried.
Carried.
THAT County Council accept the advice of the County Solicitor regarding a tree by-law
infraction in correspondence dated September 2, 2011.
Carried.
Motion to Adopt Recommendations of the Committee of the Whole
THAT we do now adopt recommendations of the Committee Of The Whole.
Carried.
County Council 9 September 27, 2011
BY-LAWS
Moved by Councillor Ens
Seconded by Councillor McIntyre
THAT By-Law No. 11-22 "Being a By-Law to Restrict the Weight of Vehicles Passing Over
Bridges and to Repeal By-Laws No. 09-28 and 09-35" be read a first, second and third time
and finally passed.
Moved by Councillor Jenkins
Seconded by Councillor Couckuyt
THAT By-Law No. 11-23 "Being a By-Law to Confirm Proceedings of the Municipal Council of
the Corporation of the County of Elgin at the September 27, 2011 Meeting" be read a first,
second and third time and finally passed.
ADJOURNMENT
Moved by Councillor Walters
Seconded by Councillor McIntyre
THAT we do now adjourn at 2:40 p.m. and meet again on October 25, 2011 at the County
Administration Building Council Chambers at 9:00 a.m.
Chief Administrative Officer.
Carried.
Carried.
Carried.
Dave Mennill,
Warden.