April 10, 2012 MinutesCOUNTY COUNCIL MINUTES
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
The Elgin County Council met this day at the Administration Building at 9:02 a.m. with all
members present. (Regrets: Councillor Mennill, on vacation).
Warden Walters in the Chair.
ADOPTION OF MINUTES
Moved by Councillor Marr
Seconded by Councillor Wiehle
THAT the minutes of the meeting held on March 27, 2012 be adopted.
- Carried.
DISCLOSURE OF PECUNIARY INTEREST AND THE GENERAL NATURE THEREOF —
Warden Walters and Councillor Marr declared, at the appropriate time, a conflict of interest with
regard to the Closed Meeting report concerning the Central Elgin lease as it might prejudice
their position as Councillors on the Municipality of Central Elgin Council. At the appropriate
time, they vacated the Council Chambers and refrained from discussing and voting on the item.
Moved by Councillor McWilliam
Seconded by Councillor Jenkins
THAT we do now move into Committee Of The Whole Council.
- Carried.
REPORTS
St. Thomas Elgin General Hospital Redevelopment Project — Councillor McIntyre
Councillor McIntyre presented the report, updating council on the recent meeting of the special
joint city- county committee on hospital redevelopment.
Moved by Councillor McIntyre
Seconded by Councillor Marr
WHEREAS the redevelopment of the St. Thomas Elgin General Hospital (STEGH) is vitally
important to the Elgin -St. Thomas community; and,
WHEREAS the revitalization project is now being "re- scoped" as part of the provincial
government's austerity measures contained in its budget package released on March 27, 2012;
and,
WHEREAS the details of the provincial commitment and the new "scope" of the project remain
unknown at this time; and,
WHEREAS municipal budgets must be approved in the very near future;
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the councils of the City of St. Thomas and the
County of Elgin do hereby officially declare their support for the redevelopment of the STEGH as
originally proposed and provincially approved; and further,
THAT both Councils commit to providing a contribution to the redevelopment campaign during
future budget deliberations and after the project parameters are finally determined; and,
THAT this resolution of support be sent to the Ministers of Health and Finance and the Premier
of Ontario with copies to M.P.P.'s Jeff Yurek and Chris Bentley and the STEGH foundation.
- Carried.
County Council 2 April 10, 2012
Moved by Councillor Jenkins
Seconded by Councillor Ens
THAT the letter from the Minister of Health and Long -Term Care dated April 2, 2012, regarding
St. Thomas Elgin General Hospital redevelopment project be received and filed.
- Carried.
Elgin County Archives: Recent Acquisitions and Activities — Manager of Archives
The manager presented the report and a PowerPoint on activities in the Archives.
Moved by Councillor Jenkins
Seconded by Councillor McIntyre
THAT the report titled "Elgin County Archives: Recent Acquisitions and Activities" dated March
21, 2012 be received and filed.
- Carried.
Farm to School Web Partnership — Business Development Coordinator
The coordinator presented the report regarding a partnership with the Elgin St. Thomas Public
Health for developing a website.
Moved by Councillor Wiehle
Seconded by Councillor Couckuyt
THAT staff be authorized to accept a contribution of $5,000 from Elgin St. Thomas Public Health
in support of the Farm to School portal; and,
THAT Council directs the Chief Administrative Officer to sign the letter of agreement with the
Elgin St. Thomas Public Health pertaining to the Farm to School portal.
- Carried.
Funding for Library Radio Program — Director of Community and Cultural Services
The director presented the report outlining a recent donation from the Mennonite Community
Services for the library's radio program.
Moved by Councillor Couckuyt
Seconded by Councillor Marr
THAT Elgin County Library be authorized to accept a contribution of $10,000 from Mennonite
Community Services, Aylmer, to support expenses for the library's "Check It In, Check It Out"
radio program into 2013; and,
THAT the Warden issue a letter of appreciation to Mennonite Community Services.
- Carried.
Ambulance Base Building Committee Reactivation — Director of Engineering Services
The director presented the report, recommending reactivation of the Ambulance Base Building
Committee.
Moved by Councillor Marr
Seconded by Councillor McWilliam
THAT Council approve the reactivation of the Ambulance Base Building Committee comprised
of Councillors Ens, McWilliam and McIntyre, and supported by the Manager of Corporate
Facilities, the Director of Engineering Services, and Thames EMS; and,
THAT Council delegate the decision - making authority to the committee to build the Dutton Base
within budget; and,
County Council 3 April 10, 2012
THAT the committee report periodically to Elgin County Council.
- Carried.
Emergency Services Response Time Performance Plan — Director of Engineering
Services
The director presented the annual performance plan.
Moved by Councillor Wiehle
Seconded by Councillor McWilliam
THAT the Response Time Performance Plan for Elgin -St. Thomas be adopted and forwarded to
the Ministry of Health and Long -Term Care.
- Carried.
Ambulance Year -End Report: 2011 — Director of Engineering Services
The director presented the annual report. Randy Denning, President, Thames EMS, was also in
attendance and provided a response to a question about ambulance station usage.
Moved by Councillor Marr
Seconded by Councillor McWilliam
THAT the report titled "Ambulance Year -End Report: 2011 dated March 5, 2012 be forwarded to
the City of St. Thomas for their records; and,
THAT this same report be received and filed.
- Carried.
Council recessed at 10:00 a.m. for 15 minutes.
Emergency Medical Services: Barham — Director of Engineering Services
The director presented the report. Mr. Denning also responded to a question regarding the
Oxford EMS.
Moved by Councillor Ens
Seconded by Councillor Marr
THAT staff be directed to investigate ways and means and associated costs of improving the
ambulance response times for the Municipality of Bayham bringing them closer to the provincial
standard of 14 -15 minutes' response time and report back to Council with available options;
and,
THAT the report titled "Emergency Medical Services: Bayham" dated March 5, 2012 be received
and filed.
- Carried.
Signage Removal and Installation — Deputy Director of Engineering Services
The Director of Engineering Services presented the report, recommending a selection from bids
for sign service.
Moved by Councillor Wiehle
Seconded by Councillor McIntyre
THAT Sparta Tree (1640313 Ont. Inc.) be selected for the signage removal and installation,
Contract No. 6200 -12 -10 (A) at a total price of $117,625 exclusive of the HST; and,
THAT if the cost increases above the tender amount approved by Council by more than 10 per
cent, the director will prepare a further report to council outlining the expenditures.
- Carried.
County Council 4 April 10, 2012
2012 Composite Budget — Director of Financial Services
The director presented the 2012 budget.
Moved by Councillor Marr
Seconded by Councillor Wiehle
THAT the 2012 proposed budget, which includes the Operating Budget, the Capital Budget and
Grants, be approved; and,
THAT the 2012 Tax Rates and Ratios be approved; and,
THAT the necessary by -law be prepared.
- Carried.
CORRESPONDENCE
Items for Consideration
1. John Yakabuski, MPP, Renfrew - Nipissing- Pembroke seeking support of his Private
Member's Bill titled "Gasoline Tax Fairness for All Act, 2011 ".
2. Bill Tucker, Director of Education, Thames Valley District School Board providing contact
information if the need arises for a meeting with himself or the Capital Planning Coordinating
Committee to discuss any issues or concerns.
The following recommendation was adopted in regard to Correspondence Item #2:
Moved by Councillor Marr
Seconded by Councillor Jenkins
THAT staff be directed to set up a meeting with the Capital Planning Coordinating Committee of
the Thames Valley District School Board to discuss issues and items of concern in June 2012.
- Carried.
The following recommendation was adopted in regard to Correspondence Item #1:
Moved by Councillor Couckuyt
Seconded by Councillor Ens
THAT Elgin County Council supports the Private Member's Bill titled "Gasoline Tax Fairness For
All Act, 2011."
- Carried.
Items for Information (Consent Agenda)
1. Hazel McCallion, Mayor, City of Mississauga requesting AMO officials meet with City of
Mississauga staff to discuss the need to have Hydro One reconsider its moratorium on
the location of telecommunication antennas on existing hydro infrastructures.
Deb Matthews, Minister of Health and Long -Term Care confirming the Ministry's support of
the implementation of the Nursing Graduate Guarantee initiative.
Dan Cowin, Executive Director, Municipal Finance Officers' Association of Ontario (MFOA)
providing a 2012 Provincial Budget Update dated March 27, 2012.
Lloyd Perrin, Director, Physical Services, Municipality of Central Elgin, with notice of East
Side Development Area — Sanitary Servicing Class Environmental Assessment Project
Completion review.
County Council 5 April 10, 2012
Jeff Yurek, MPP, Elgin- Middlesex- London requesting a stakeholders meeting to discuss
the current budget's mandate to "rescope" the St. Thomas Elgin General Hospital
Redevelopment project.
Bob Hammersley, President & CEO, St. Thomas & District Chamber of Commerce with
Media Release requesting Ontario Government to reconsider delaying or reducing plans
for the redevelopment of the St. Thomas Elgin General Hospital.
Tim Beckett, OAFC President, Ontario Association of Fire Chiefs announcing OAFC
Municipal Politicians Seminar, The Essentials of Firefighting and Firefighting 101 to be
held on May 6th & 7th, 2012.
Greg Henderson, Water Compliance Coordinator, Elgin Area Water Supply System, with
copy of: 1) Elgin Area Primary Water Supply System 2011 Compliance Report information
2) Elgin- Middlesex Pumping Station 2011 Compliance Report information
Allison Stuart, Assistant Deputy Minister and Chief, Ministry of Community Safety and
Correctional Services congratulating County for completing the mandatory emergency
management program elements.
10. Jim Price, Executive Director, Association of Municipal Emergency Medical Services of
Ontario with News Release announcing Emergency Medical Services Week 2012.
11. Aileen Murray, Manager of Economic Development, County of Middlesex inviting municipal
councils and staff to a workshop hosted by Middlesex County on Resident Attraction and
Retention to be held May 20th, 2012.
12. Grace McGartland, Chair, The Arts & Cookery Bank thanking Council for the honour of
being named the Elgin County's 2011 Ambassador.
Moved by Councillor McIntyre
Seconded by Councillor Jenkins
THAT Correspondence Items #1 — 12 be received and filed.
- Carried.
OTHER BUSINESS
Statements /Inquiries by Members
Councillor McIntyre requested that the Director of Engineering Services provide an update on
the Lake Road with a historical perspective for the benefit of council. The director is currently
reviewing the environmental report and will bring the report forward to council.
Councillor Wiehle raised the issue of the provincial budget removing the slot gambling
component in the horse racing industry. He indicated this removal will have an impact on the
horse industry in west Elgin. The Chief Administrative Officer indicated that the Western
Wardens Caucus is to review the issue and he will report back.
Notice of Motion — None.
Matters of Urgency — None.
Closed Meeting Items
Moved by Councillor Marr
Seconded by Councillor Couckuyt
THAT we do now proceed into closed meeting session in accordance with the Municipal Act,
Section 240.2 (a) the security of the property of the municipality or local board — Brad Bedford
Lease and Central Elgin Lease.
- Carried.
County Council 6 April 10, 2012
The Director of Engineering Services presented the report on the lease renewal for Brad
Bedford.
Warden Walters and Councillor Marr vacated the Council Chambers at 11:06 a.m.
Deputy Warden Couckuyt in the Chair.
The Director of Engineering Services presented the report on the lease renewal for the
Municipality of Central Elgin.
Motion to Rise and Report
Moved by Councillor Ens
Seconded by Councillor Jenkins
THAT we do now rise and report.
- Carried.
Moved by Councillor McIntyre
Seconded by Councillor Ens
THAT the Warden and Chief Administrative Officer be directed and authorized to sign a lease
with the Municipality of Central Elgin for Suite 47 and Suite 173 at the County of Elgin
Administrative Building for a 10 -year term commencing on January 1, 2012 and terminating on
December 31, 2021; and,
THAT the lease rates be increased annually by the October Consumer Price Index for Ontario;
and,
THAT the lease rates for 2012 are: Suite 47 storage lower level $8.47/sq ft per year (1,871 sq.
ft.) for an annual payment of $15,847.37; Suite 47 office space lower level $12.32/sq. ft. for an
annual payment of $42,491.68; Suite 173 level one $15.41/sq. ft. (5,449 sq. ft.) for an annual
payment of $83,969.09.
- Carried.
Warden Walters and Councillor Marr returned to the Council Chambers at 11:12 a.m.
The Deputy Warden vacated the Chair. The Warden took the Chair.
Moved by Councillor Couckuyt
Seconded by Councillor Jenkins
THAT the Warden and Chief Administrative Officer be directed and authorized to sign a lease
with Brad Bedford for Rooms 237, 238 and 239 at the County of Elgin Administration Building
for a one -year term, commencing on May 1, 2012 and terminating on April 30, 2013; and,
THAT the lease rate for year one is $7,400 (annual payment) for the 500 square feet.
- Carried.
Motion to Adopt Recommendations of the Committee of the Whole
Moved by Councillor McIntyre
Seconded by Councillor Couckuyt
THAT we do now adopt recommendations of the Committee Of The Whole.
- Carried.
County Council 7 April 10, 2012
BY -LAWS
Moved by Councillor Marr
Seconded by Councillor McWilliam
THAT By -Law No. 12 -09 "Being a By -Law to Provide for the Adoption of the 2012 Budget of the
Corporation of the County of Elgin and to Establish the 2012 Tax Ratios, and to Establish the
2012 Tax Rates for the County Constituent Municipalities" be read a first, second and third time
and finally passed.
- Carried.
Moved by Councillor Wiehle
Seconded by Councillor Jenkins
THAT By -Law No. 12 -10 "Being a By -Law to Confirm Proceedings of the Municipal Council of
the Corporation of the County of Elgin at the April 10, 2012 Meeting" be read a first, second and
third time and finally passed.
- Carried.
ADJOURNMENT
Moved by Councillor McIntyre
Seconded by Councillor Wiehle
THAT we do now adjourn at 11:18 a.m. and meet again on April 24, 2012 at the County
Administration Building Council Chambers at 9:00 a.m.
Mark G. McDonald,
Chief Administrative Officer.
- Carried.
Bill Walters,
Warden.