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
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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.