Loading...
September 22, 1998 Minutes COUNTY COUNCIL Tuesday, September 22, 1998 The Elgin County Council met this day at the Administration Building, at 9:01 AM., in accordance with adjournment, with all members present. The Warden in the Chair. Councillor Habkirk requested that the section in the September 8th, 1998 Minutes entitled Statements/Inquiries By Members, be amended to include "Councillor Habkirk remarked he had opposed Green Lane Landfill receiving a Certificate of Approval without a full Environmental Impact Study. However, he wished to commend the government on insisting that an inspector be assigned full-time, placing restrictions on the amount per year being received and that the landfill receive Ontario garbage only." Moved by Councillor Rock Seconded by Councillor Habkirk THAT the minutes of the meeting held on September 8th, 1998, as amended, be adopted. - Carried. BUSINESS ARISING OUT OF THE MINUTES Councillor Habkirk asked if clarification had been received on the matter of the County Homes' being transferred from a Schedule 1 to a Schedule 2 for Workplace Safety and Insurance Board purposes. The Personnel Administrator indicated that we did not know the outcome of the hearing yet, but that the County should be able to piggyback on the decision. Councillor Habkirk noted that when the Year 2000 Project Team discusses their request for proposals on the millennium bug problem, it should include leasing arrangements for all future computers, software and accessories. DISCLOSURE OF PECUNIARY INTEREST AND THE GENERAL NATURE THEREOF - None. PRESENTATIONS 9:00 A.M. - WINNERS OF THE "DESIGN A T-SHIRT" CONTEST Van Pelt's Stationery sponsored a "Design A T-Shirt" contest, with the contestants designing a shirt showing reasons why people should visit Elgin County. There were 343 entries from various schools in the County, as well as the general public. Councillors Wilson and McPhail commented on the creativity and excellence of T-shirt designs and presented each winner with a 'Certificate of Achievement', a County pin and pen. Van Pelt's Stationery was also recognized for their efforts in raising public awareness and community involvement in our County as well as their endeavours to acquire excellent prizes for the winners. JR. KINDERGARTEN - GRADE 1 Bethany Bosma Alyse Davis Francesca Pedler 1 st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place Immanuel Christian School New Sarum School St. Gabriel's School GRADE 2 - 4 Erica Rinas Elizabeth Beaton Max Pruss 1 st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place New Sarum School St. Gabriel's School St. Gabriel's School County Council 2 September 22, 1998 GRADE 5 - 8 David Smit Danielle Gill Missy Kinsey 1 st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place Immanuel Christian School Southwold School Faith Christian Academy GRADE 9 - OAC Justine Gill 1 st Place Parkside Collegiate ADULT Wilma Peters Ethel Mitrovic Erika Broadbear 1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place Aylmer St. Thomas St. Thomas ELGIN TOURIST ASSOCIATION AWARDS Catherine Spratley - Best Adult Entry ON-TRACK AWARD Kyle Davis - design chosen for a promotion (New Sarum Public School) The award recipients left at 9: 15 AM. PRESENTATION - 9:15 A.M. Mona Harms was congratulated by Councillor VanBrenk who presented, in absentia, a Certificate of Recognition and watch upon her retirement after 10 years of service at the Bobier Villa, to Mrs. Marilyn Fleck who accepted on Ms. Harms' behalf. REPORTS OF STAFF ManaQement- EIQin County Woodlot - Lots 1.2 Conc. 4 Central EIQin - Tree CommissionerlWeed Inspector Mr. Geurts advised that KCCA was seeking Council's direction on a management strategy for the County woodlot and presented three options for consideration. The 3rd option, which was not known at the time the report was prepared, is that a Ministry of Natural Resources senior forest officer, Mr. Greg Greer has agreed, in principle, to provide advice at no cost. The Elgin County woodlot is a pine plantation most likely meant for timber harvest, which was not done, and now growth has stalled. The woodlot will collapse in time if not managed. Moved by Councillor VanBrenk Seconded by Councillor Habkirk THAT the Kettle Creek Conservation Authority procure the services of Mr. Greg Greer, Senior Forest Manager, Ministry of Natural Resources, to provide recommendations for managing the Elgin County woodlot, at no cost to the County. - Carried. Minor Exception - Tree CommissionerlWeed Inspector Mr. Geurts advised an Application for Minor Exception from the Tree By-Law had been received from Tim and Paul Reid to clear 3/4 acre to install a portable sawmill operation. They will replant an equal number of trees elsewhere on the property. The Catfish Creek Conservation Authority and neighbours have no objections. County Council 3 September 22, 1998 Moved by Councillor Stewart Seconded by Councillor van Kasteren THAT the Application for Minor Exception from the Trees Act from Tim and Paul Reid, Part Lot 25, Concession No.4, Township of Malahide, to clear approximately a 3/4 acre of trees to install a portable sawmill operation, be granted. - Carried. Mr. Geurts left at 9:25 AM. DELEGATION - 9:25 A.M. Dr. D.A Monteith addressed Council on rural medicine and the effect the Provincial Government policies have had on health care in rural communities. His purpose in appearing before Council was to address the short and long-term medical needs in rural communities and requested that Council, when considering doctors who wish to locate in Elgin, select a candidate that has a rural background. He also requested that Council give consideration to providing some kind of support, financial or otherwise, to encourage rural candidates to take up practice in Elgin. Dr. Monteith left at 9:44 AM. DELEGATION - 9:44 A.M. Mr. Darryl Claxton, owner of Port Bruce Marina, appeared before Council representing a group of commercial-based taxpayers in Malahide Township, and Mr. Paul Smith, Assessment Commissioner, was in attendance to answer questions on assessment issues. Mr. Claxton questioned the assessment and tax rates for the commercial-based taxpayers and the inequities that had become apparent once the tax bills were received. He felt that the commercial-based taxpayers got hit too hard and that financial results, property conditions and zoning of property was not considered in the assessment. Moved by Councillor Rock Seconded by Councillor Walters THAT the Corporation of the County of Elgin, effective immediately, refuse to pay any funds to the Provincial Government until such time as assessment problems are addressed and equalized. - Defeated. Moved by Councillor Wilson Seconded by Councillor Habkirk THAT, in preparing future budgets, County staff be directed to examine the tax rate for commercial occupied with a view to adjusting said rate to more closely reflect the portion of assessment held by that class of property; and THAT the Minister of Finance be requested to re-examine the definition of commercial occupied and industrial to more fairly reflect the actual business functions being conducted at the property; and further, THAT the Minister of Finance be requested to instruct its property assessors to take into consideration the property owner's ability to pay, based on the income received, when calculating assessments and that the necessary regulations be amended to effect this directive. - Carried Unanimously. Councillor Walters requested that all treasurers and clerks meet to discuss the 1998 taxation issue. The AdministratorlClerk indicated that the treasurers will meet shortly at which time staff will discuss Council's concerns and formulate a recommendation for consideration. County Council 4 September 22, 1998 Mr. Claxton thanked Council for their consideration and input towards the tax issues and Mr. Smith for his candid answers. Warden Clutterbuck thanked Mr. Claxton and Mr. Smith for attending. The delegation left at 11 :09 AM. Council took a short break at 11: 1 0 AM. and reconvened at 11 :25 AM. Moved by Councillor Habkirk Seconded by Councillor Walters THAT we go into Committee Of The Whole Council. - Carried. REPORTS OF COUNCILLORS AND COUNCIL REPRESENTATIVES TillsonburQ District Memorial Hospital - Mr. Ron Bradfield. Council Representative Mr. Bradfield thanked Council for the opportunity to present the Report, Councillor Stewart for nominating him, and for Council's endorsement. Mr. Bradfield introduced Mr. Jim Spencer, C.E.O., and Mr. Ross Greer, Director, on the Hospital Board. Councillor Habkirk congratulated the hospital on being the first small community hospital in Canada to receive a Four Year Accreditation with distinction, complimented the hospital on another deficit-free year and of never having had a deficit, and remarked that 20% of patient activity involves County residents. Moved by Councillor VanBrenk Seconded by Councillor Rock THAT the Report of the Tillsonburg District Memorial Hospital be accepted as presented. - Carried. Mr. Bradfield, Mr. Spencer and Mr. Greer left at 11 :30 AM. Thames Valley District Health Council - Councillor Habkirk Councillor Habkirk indicated that the land ambulance issue is still on the active agenda. Moved by Councillor Walters Seconded by Councillor Wilson THAT the Report on the Thames Valley District Health Council be accepted as presented. - Carried. EIQin-St. Thomas Health Unit - Councillor McPhail Councillor McPhail indicated that much discussion has taken place over past months in regard to amalgamation with the City. He requested that Sewage Inspection Part VIII be placed on a future Council agenda for discussion on how the program could be delivered to ratepayers. The plastics' recycling plant fire in Aylmer showed what excellent staff the whole of Elgin County has and the co-operation and teamwork that became evident during this disaster. Councillor Habkirk noted that the day after the fire, environmental and health problems arose in Aylmer and surrounding area which continued to August 14th. The actions of Health Unit were well appreciated and staff were present on the scene until after 11 :00 P.M. Councillor Rock advised that staff were available all weekend at the Health Unit to field questions on health issues relating to the fire. Councillor Wilson commented that County personnel have been assisting the Health Unit with administrative issues and the assistance was much appreciated. County Council 5 September 22, 1998 Moved by Councillor VanBrenk Seconded by Councillor McPhail THAT the Report from the Elgin-St. Thomas Health Unit be accepted as presented. - Carried. St. Thomas-EIQin General Hospital Report - Councillor Van Brenk Councillor VanBrenk discussed the Hospital's deficit problem and presented the following: Moved by Councillor VanBrenk Seconded by Councillor Rock WHEREAS the St. Thomas-Elgin General Hospital has undergone significant restructuring of its operations beginning in 1990 and, while continuing to meet the needs of patient care, did so below the Ministry of Health cost per case best practice calculations; and WHEREAS the St. Thomas-Elgin General Hospital has received further reductions from Ministry of Health allocations; retroactive arbitrated wage settlements and pay equity increases; and continues to restructure its operations in an attempt to meet these financial challenges; and WHEREAS the St. Thomas-Elgin General Hospital is expecting a restructuringloperating deficit of approximately $2,300,000.00 and requires a funding adjustment to the 1997/98 base funding level, to equalize the budget reallocation realized as a result of across the board cuts to hospital budgets. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Corporation of the County of Elgin strongly urges the Minister of Health and Premier of Ontario to provide appropriate levels of funding to the St. Thomas-Elgin General Hospital to maintain the level of service required in this community to properly serve the residents of the City of St. Thomas and the County of Elgin. - Carried Unanimously REPORTS OF STAFF - continued Tree TrimminQ/Removal Policy - ManaQer. EnQineerinQ Services It was recommended that the proposed policy suggesting a trunk diameter must exceed 0.3m be eliminated. Moved by Councillor McPhail Seconded by Councillor van Kasteren THAT the Report on the Tree TrimminglRemoval Policy, as amended, be accepted. - Carried. Stop Lines and Cross Buck MarkinQs at Railway CrossinQs - ManaQer. EnQineerinQ Services Mr. Watters informed Council that cross bucks and warning signs are in place presently and cross buck markings have not been deemed to be necessary. Moved by Councillor Habkirk Seconded by Councillor van Kasteren THAT Council endorse the actions of the Manager of Engineering Services, as indicated in the report dated July 29, 1998, entitled Stop Lines and Cross Buck Markings at Railway Crossings. - Carried. County Council 6 September 22, 1998 Stop Lines At All Intersections - ManaQer. EnQineerinQ Services Moved by Councillor van Kasteren Seconded by Councillor McPhail THAT the County proceed as in the past to install stop blocks at selected intersections based on sound engineering judgement. - Carried. New Computer Workstation and EnQineerinQ Software- ManaQer. EnQineerinQ Services Mr. Watters informed Council that the CADD workstation "crashed" and some engineering information had been lost. Councillor Habkirk noted that a lease arrangement should be considered for computer purchases. Moved by Councillor VanBrenk Seconded by Councillor Wilson THAT the Report on the New Computer Workstation and Engineering Software for the Engineering Services Department be received and filed. - Carried. Council recessed at 12:01 P.M. and reconvened at 1 :34 P.M. with Councillor Walters absent. Councillor Habkirk asked if all Lower-Tiers have submitted their quarterly reports. Mr. Watters indicated that two are still unreported. September 30th is the next payment date and Councillor Habkirk suggested we should hold back payment until they are received. Personnel Policy 4.100 - Performance Appraisal for Staff - Personnel Administrator Mr. Underhill advised Council that training has been provided to supervisors to assist with performance appraisals. Moved by Councillor Habkirk Seconded by Councillor Rock THAT the amendments to Personnel Pol icy 4.100 "Performance Appraisal For All Staff" be approved. - Carried. Personnel Policy 9.50 - Approval Procedure - Personnel Administrator Moved by Councillor Wilson Seconded by Councillor VanBrenk THAT the amendments to Personnel Policy 9.50 "Approval Procedure" be approved. - Carried. Personnel Policy 10.70 - Use of County Vehicles - Personnel Administrator Moved by Councillor VanBrenk Seconded by Councillor van Kasteren THAT the amendments to Personnel Policy 10.70 "Use of County Vehicles" be approved. - Carried. County Council 7 September 22, 1998 Personnel Policy 9.30 - Attendance ManaQement- Personnel Administrator Mr. Underhill advised Council that the policy has been extensively reviewed, due to concerns raised by staff. Meetings were held to address items from the bargaining units, however, total agreement was not reached. Mr. Underhill noted that there seems to be a misunderstanding how the policy will be used. The policy was developed so that employees know there is an attendance review mechanism in place and to assist employees that are having difficulty at work. The policy is there to let them know there is help available. Staff will conduct in-service training to explain, clarify, and answer questions staff may still have. Councillors questioned the Employee Assistance Program, and Mr. Underhill indicated there are resources available within the community which are relied on heavily for assistance. Council was advised that attendance statistics have been compiled since 1997. Moved by Councillor Habkirk Seconded by Councillor Wilson THAT Personnel Policy 9.30 "Attendance Management System" be accepted. - Carried. Moved by Councillor VanBrenk Seconded by Councillor van Kasteren THAT we reconsider the Canadian Rural Partnership Proposal that was filed at the September 8, 1998 Council meeting. - Carried. Canadian Rural Partnership Proposal - ManaQer. Library Services Ms. Bishop clarified that the Libraries will not be required to open additional hours, but additional hours are required for training of staff. She noted that CAP grants have been utilized over the past 3 years for automation and connectivity purposes, and we can apply for funding for all Branch Libraries. The grant will be used for training, overhead requirements and possibly new computer equipment. Staff will report back on an implementation plan if the application is approved. Moved by Councillor Rock Seconded by Councillor Stewart THAT the Manager of Library Services be authorized to submit a proposal to HRDC under the Canadian Rural Partnership Program and request funding for approximately $75,000.00, with no financial cost to the County, for a one-year pilot project which would enhance Library services to residents; and THAT, if the application is approved, a detailed implementation plan be presented to Council. - Carried. Relocation of Port Burwell Library - ManaQer. Library Services Ms. Bishop reported that a request was received from the Municipality of Bayham to relocate the Port Burwell Library to the former Port Burwell Municipal Office, which is better equipped to house a library facility. The move will require rental of a moving truck and some computer cabling. The Port Burwell Library name will remain the same. Moved by Councillor VanBrenk Seconded by Councillor Rock THAT County Council authorize the move of the Port Burwell Library from its present location on Wellington Street to the Port Burwell Municipal Building; and, County Council 8 September 22, 1998 THAT the said move represents a 5% decrease in the annual lease and that any additional expenses in regard to the move be absorbed through the Library budget; and THAT the Manager of Library Services be instructed to prepare the necessary Standard Elgin County Library Municipal Lease; and further THAT the said lease provide for a term commencing on the official date opened for business and expire on December 31, 1999. - Carried. Renewal of the DuttonlDunwich Library Lease - ManaQer. Library Services Ms. Bishop reported that the DuttonlDunwich Library lease expires on December 31 st, 1998 and would like to extend it to December 31 st, 1999, in an attempt to standardize all Library leases throughout the County. Moved by Councillor van Kasteren Seconded by Councillor Wilson THAT County Council authorize the Manager of Library Services to prepare the necessary agreement with the Corporation of the Municipality of DuttonlDunwich to renew the existing lease dated October 18, 1993, for a term commencing October 18, 1998 and expiring on December 31 st, 1999, in an attempt to standardize library leases throughout the County. - Carried. PromotinQ Tourism in EIQin County - ManaQer. Library Services Ms. Bishop advised that the Library had received a request from the Elgin-St. Thomas Tourist Association, to link their web site with Library home pages, and that tourist information brochures be made available in the Branch Libraries. The Tourist Association would supply and place signage on the outside of the Library buildings that have this information available. The question arose regarding the name being used by the Association, "St. Thomas-Elgin Tourist Association". Councillor VanBrenk will look into the name change and report back. Moved by Councillor VanBrenk Seconded by Councillor van Kasteren THAT County Council authorize the Manager of Library Services to make the necessary arrangements with the St. Thomas-Elgin Tourist Association to acquire the pamphlet racks required for the Branch Libraries to display St. Thomas-Elgin Tourist Association members' brochures, without cost to the County; and, THAT the St. Thomas-Elgin Tourist Association information signs, provided by the Tourist Association, be placed outside the Branch Libraries to promote tourism information in Elgin County; and THAT the Library deliver the information signs, pamphlet racks, and brochures via the Library van delivery system; and THAT the Elgin County Library link the St. Thomas-Elgin Tourism web site to their Library Home pages; and further, THAT all arrangements with the St. Thomas-Elgin Tourist Association shall first be approved by the Manager of Library Services prior to implementation and the County of Elgin reserves the right to terminate any and all arrangements at its discretion. - Carried. EIQin Manor. Future Direction - Director. Homes for Seniors Mrs. Fleck, Assistant Administrator, Homes for Seniors, highlighted and reviewed the options contained in the Director's report. Council's consensus was that Option #1 was preferred. County Council 9 September 22, 1998 Moved by Councillor VanBrenk Seconded by Councillor Habkirk THAT the report from the Director, Homes for Seniors, entitled "Elgin Manor, Future Direction" be approved in principle as a discussion document; and THAT Elgin County Council and St. Thomas City Council meet, as soon as possible, to discuss the possibility of co-funding a joint project which would rebuild Elgin Manor and Valleyview Homes for the Aged as a new facility; and further THAT should St. Thomas City Council agree, in principle, with the concept, County and City staff be directed to prepare a detailed financial plan and building timetable for consideration by both Councils. - Carried. EIQin County Homes Short Term PlanninQ Options - Director. Homes for Seniors Mrs. Fleck, Assistant Administrator, Homes for Seniors, informed Council of the short term improvements made or planned for Elgin Manor and Terrace Lodge during 1998. Councillor Rock commented that work needs to be done cleaning and painting as soon as possible and never intended that money be spent on equipment. Mrs. Fleck explained that the equipment purchased for special care dining is to provide for a more pleasurable dining experience and to provide for ease of care for special care residents. Council directed staff to accelerate their repainting schedule, in order to complete the painting as soon as possible. Moved by Councillor McPhail Seconded by Councillor Stewart THAT the report from the Director, Homes for Seniors "Elgin County Homes - Short Term Planning Options" be received as information. - Carried. Invoices from Province of Ontario - Treasurer Mrs. Veger advised Council that the first invoices have been received for downloaded services. The Province is projecting $35,879 over budgeted amounts for the Property Assessment Corporation. The Treasury Department has produced the cheques for the invoices but have not sent them out yet. Council's consensus was that we pay the invoices under protest and notify the Province that the County will be requesting a grant if we are invoiced for more than the Province had originally indicated, and that the Province provide backup documentation as to how they arrived at the invoice amounts. Moved by Councillor VanBrenk Seconded by Councillor Stewart THAT the County Treasury Department be directed to pay the invoices submitted by the Province, under protest, and indicate to the appropriate Ministry we will be requesting a grant if we are invoiced for more than the Province had originally indicated; and further THAT we voice the County's objections that for future billings more detailed invoices be presented before payment. - Carried. Financial System - Treasurer Mrs. Veger highlighted the report on the Financial System, advising Council that the old Harris System is failing quickly and a staff committee has reviewed several financial packages. County Council 10 September 22, 1998 Accpac is a system that can serve our needs well, now and in the future, and has the capability of adding payroll at a later date. Moved by Councillor Rock Seconded by Councillor VanBrenk THAT staff be authorized to purchase, from the Computer Reserve, Accpac for Windows v3.0 general ledger, accounts payable and supporting hardware from Connectivity Plus, at a cost of $25,483.75 plus applicable taxes; and THAT staff be authorized to purchase, from the Computer Reserve, a cheque signer suitable for laser cheques at a cost not to exceed $2,995.00 plus applicable taxes. - Carried. RFP - Land Ambulance ConsultinQ Services - County AdministratorlClerk The AdministratorlClerk reported that meetings have been ongoing and the rumours circulating that the Province would take back ambulance service, did not materialize. Time is critical and, as staff does not have expertise in this area, a consultant should be hired to identify all options for consideration. A co-operative effort of many counties will reduce our costs to hire a consultant. Council was concerned that the County, with a small population compared to the City of London, would still have an equal voice in the decision. Moved by Councillor Habkirk Seconded by Councillor Rock THAT the County AdministratorlClerk be authorized and directed to participate in the Request For Proposal for the provision of land ambulance consulting services with various municipalities within the Central Ambulance Communication Centre service area; and, THAT the County's share of the total cost of the study shall not exceed $5,000.00; and, THAT the City of St. Thomas be requested to take part in the study; and further, THAT the report from the County AdministratorlClerk entitled "RFP - Land Ambulance Consulting Services", dated September 20th, 1998 be adopted. - Carried. BudQets Comparisons to July 31. 1998 - Treasurer Mrs. Veger advised that all departments' budgets appear to be in order. Moved by Councillor VanBrenk Seconded by Councillor van Kasteren THAT the following budget comparisons to July 31st, 1998 be accepted: Warden Council AdministratorlClerk Engineering Services Homes for Seniors County Library Personnel Social Services Treasury Administration Building Agriculture Corporate Expenditures Emergency Measures Land Division Elgin County Pioneer Museum - Carried. County Council 11 September 22, 1998 CORRESPONDENCE Items for Consideration 1. Terry Carroll, CEO, United Way of Elgin-St. Thomas, concerning the one year "Advanced Funding Program", set up by the province to offset charitable losses, and offering their assistance to the County in identification of local funding priorities. 2. Mel Lastman, Mayor, City of Toronto, requesting support for the position Toronto City Council has taken to encourage the Provincial and Federal governments to establish sulphur limits in gasoline. 3. Stephen McDonald, Administrator and Clerk-Treasurer, Township of Elizabethtown, with a resolution requesting that the government reduce sulfur in gasoline. 4. The Township of Hope, with a resolution requesting support from municipalities to object to the Province's 1998 Levy for the Commercialllndustrial Education Tax Requisitions. 5. Wm. Bouma, Clerk-Administrator, County of Hastings, with a resolution re: Ontario Works Directives, requesting the Province to re-introduce the working poor, senior citizens and disabled as eligible classes of persons in regards to the provision of Special Assistance. 6. Wm. Bouma, Clerk-Administrator, County of Hastings, with resolution re: downloading of land ambulance services and correspondence concerning their meeting with the Parliamentary assistant to the Minister of Health. Moved by Councillor McPhail Seconded by Councillor VanBrenk THAT Correspondence Item #1 be received and filed. - Carried. The following recommendation was adopted respecting Correspondence Item #2. Moved by Councillor Wilson Seconded by Councillor van Kasteren THAT the Corporation of the County of Elgin supports the resolution from the City of Toronto requesting the establishment of standards for sulphur limits in gasoline and diesel fuels for both the Province of Ontario and across Canada. - Carried. The following recommendation was adopted respecting Correspondence Item #3. Moved by Councillor Wilson Seconded by Councillor van Kasteren THAT the Corporation of the County of Elgin supports the resolution from the Township of Elizabethtown requesting immediate action be taken by the Federal and Provincial Governments to establish standards for sulphur limits in gasoline and diesel fuels. - Carried. Moved by Councillor van Kasteren Seconded by Councillor Habkirk THAT Correspondence Item #4 be received and filed. - Carried. County Council 12 September 22, 1998 The following recommendation was adopted respecting Correspondence Item #5. Moved by Councillor McPhail Seconded by Councillor Rock THAT the Corporation of the County of Elgin supports the resolution from the County of Hastings requesting the Province of Ontario to re-introduce Special Assistance to the working poor, senior citizens and disabled persons excluded through the Ontario Works Directives; and THAT the 80% subsidy be restored to these classes of persons. - Carried. Correspondence Item #6 - A copy of the correspondence sent to the Minister of Health, the Honourable Elizabeth Witmer on May 27th, 1998, supporting the resolution from the County of Simcoe refusing the requisition for Ambulance Services will be forwarded to Mr. Bouma, Clerk Administrator for the County of Hastings. Moved by Councillor Habkirk Seconded by Councillor VanBrenk THAT Correspondence Item #6 be received and filed. - Carried. Items for Information - (Consent AQenda) 1. Linda Jolley, Vice President, Policy and Research, Workplace Safety & Insurance Board, acknowledging Council's concerns on the changes in coverage for volunteer firefighters. 2. Peter Gregg, Special Assistant - Ontario, Office of the Minister of Transport, acknowledging Council's resolution requesting the Minister to establish a rail renewal task force and rail policy. 3. Delton Becker, County of Grey, Chair, Western Wardens' Association and David Stewart, County of Renfrew, Chair, Eastern Wardens' Association, with a resolution requesting the Province to retain all funding and operating responsibilities for Land Ambulance. Correspondence Item #1- Councillor Habkirk suggested that Councillors should take this item back to their volunteer firefighters for information and any additional information obtained will be shared amongst all Councillors. Mr. Underhill will look into the matter of WSIB coverage for firefighters and report back. Moved by Councillor Habkirk Seconded by Councillor Rock THAT Correspondence Items #1-3 be received and filed. - Carried. CLOSED SESSION Moved by Councillor VanBrenk Seconded by Councillor Habkirk THAT we proceed "In-Camera" to discuss legal and personnel matters. - Carried. County Council 13 September 22, 1998 Warden Clutterbuck named Councillor McPhail as Chairman of the Committee Of The Whole for the In-Camera portion. Moved by Councillor Habkirk Seconded by Warden Clutterbuck THAT we do now rise and report. - Carried. Moved by Councillor VanBrenk Seconded by Councillor McPhail THAT the confidential report from the CountylAdministrator Clerk dated August 31 st, 1998, regarding a legal matter be received and filed. - Carried. Moved by Councillor Rock Seconded by Councillor Stewart THAT staff be directed to meet with representatives of the Ministry of Health's Long-Term Care Division, to discuss future staffing directions and report back to Council at the first opportunity; and THAT current staffing arrangements at the Homes remain in effect until the matter is fully explored. - Carried. Moved by Councillor Habkirk Seconded by Councillor van Kasteren THAT we adopt the recommendations of Committee of the Whole Council. - Carried. OTHER BUSINESS StatementsllnQuiries By Members Councillor Habkirk requested a special Council meeting be held to discuss Lower-Tier road maintenance costs. Council consensus was to hold a special meeting on October 27, 1998. Normal business will conclude before lunch and a special agenda will be compiled for the afternoon, to discuss road maintenance costs, with the Lower-Tier Road Superintendents in attendance. Notice of Motion - None. Matters of UrQency - None. BY-LAWS Moved by Councillor Stewart Seconded by Councillor Habkirk THAT By-Law No. 98-33 "A By-Law to Confirm Proceedings of the Municipal Council of the Corporation of the County of Elgin at the September 22, 1998 Meeting" be read a first and second time. - Carried. County Council 14 September 22, 1998 Moved by Councillor McPhail Seconded by Councillor van Kasteren THAT By-Law No. 98-33 be read a third time and finally passed. - Carried. Councillor McPhail discussed the Rededication of Commemorative Trees Report from the September 8, 1998 meeting, and that it would be appropriate to rededicate the tree for former Reeve Wilson now and decide the others at a later date. Council directed that a tree be rededicated to J.B. Wilson at a ceremony on October 27th. Staff will contact the Ex-Warden's Association to ask their preferences in replanting the trees their Association had originally dedicated on the Court House grounds. Moved by Councillor VanBrenk Seconded by Councillor van Kasteren THAT we adjourn at 4:55 P.M. to meet again on October 27th, 1998 at 9:00 AM. - Carried. Mark G. McDonald, County Administrator/Clerk. W. Perry Clutterbuck, Warden.