Loading...
September 8, 1998 Minutes COUNTY COUNCIL Tuesday, September 8th, 1998 The Elgin County Council met this day at the Administration Building, at 9:05 a.m., in accordance with adjournment, with all members present. The Warden in the Chair. Moved by Councillor Walters Seconded by Councillor Habkirk THAT the minutes of the meeting held on July 21, 1998 be adopted. - Carried. DISCLOSURE OF PECUNIARY INTEREST AND THE GENERAL NATURE THEREOF - None. DELEGATION - 9:00 A.M. Mr. Jim Price, Ontario Ambulance Operators' Association (OAOA), was in attendance and outlined the OAOA's grassroots position on the pending changes to the process of providing Land Ambulance Service. The OAOA's position is that incumbent operators provide an excellent, cost-effective service and would like to negotiate with Council for a contract. Mr. Price indicated that the OAOA could provide guidelines and input for an RFP if requested. Councillors discussed that the Province is handing down a dysfunctional ambulance fleet and seems unable to provide an accurate auditing. Council also noted the difficulty of financial accountability, if an Elgin ambulance responded to an emergency outside of the County. Warden Clutterbuck commented that the Western Wardens' Association unanimously passed a resolution at a recent meeting, petitioning the Province to keep ambulance service. Mr. Price left at 9:40 AM. Moved by Councillor VanBrenk Seconded by Councillor Rock THAT we go into Committee Of The Whole Council. - Carried. REPORTS OF STAFF Gazebo-Terrace LodQe. Director. Homes for Seniors Mr. Boyes informed Council that a Social Committee had been formed at Terrace Lodge and had been raising funds to purchase a gazebo for the front lawn for residents' use. Warden Clutterbuck will send a letter to the Social Committee thanking them for their efforts. Moved by Councillor VanBrenk Seconded by Councillor Habkirk THAT the report from the Director of Homes regarding the Gazebo project by the Terrace Lodge Social Committee be received and filed and a letter be forwarded from County Council expressing thanks and appreciation to the Committee. - Carried. Occupancy Report - Director. Homes for Seniors Mr. Boyes advised Council that the drop in Terrace Lodge occupancy was due to the second floor not being suitable for heavy resident care. A report on painting and decorating at Elgin Manor and improvements to Terrace Lodge will be presented at the September 22nd, 1998 meeting. County Council Moved by Councillor Rock Seconded by Councillor Stewart 2 September 8, 1998 THAT the occupancy report from the Director, Homes for Seniors, be received and filed. - Carried. COUNCILLORS REPORTS Councillor Van Brenk - St. Thomas EIQin General Hospital Board Councillor VanBrenk gave an overview to Council of the matters that the St. Thomas Elgin General Hospital Board is dealing with in 1998. It was noted that final decisions for the provision of Mental Health Services have not been made yet, however, a new building is being looked at rather than utilizing the facility already in place, that being the St. Thomas Psychiatric Hospital. The St. Thomas-Elgin General Hospital is in a deficit position and no money is available for a new building. The provision of Mental Health services puts undue financial hardship on municipalities to provide secure buildings and trained staff to accommodate such an operation. Psychiatric services should be provided by the Province as these services are entirely different than general hospital service. Council expressed concern regarding the possible construction of a new building when many unoccupied structures exist in the community. In addition, as highlighted in the report, the hospital appears to be seriously underfunded and financially neglected by the Province. Council requested that Councillor VanBrenk report Council's position on the Mental Health issue and the funding dilemma at the St. Thomas-Elgin General Hospital's next board meeting, and request input on an appropriate resolution to forward to the Province. Moved by Councillor Wilson Seconded by Councillor Walters THAT Councillor VanBrenk's report on the St. Thomas-Elgin General Hospital Progress Report to the County of Elgin 1997/98 be received and filed. - Carried. Council took a short break at 10:07 AM. and reconvened at 10:25 AM. REPORTS OF STAFF continued Mr. Hugh Geurts, Tree CommissionerlWeed Inspector was not in attendance. Moved by Councillor Rock Seconded by Councillor McPhail THAT the report from the Tree CommissionerlWeed Inspector, Management-Elgin County Woodlot - Lots 1,2, Conc. 4 Central Elgin, be deferred to the September 22nd, 1998 Council meeting. - Carried. Operations Report for June. July and AUQust 1998 - Tree CommissionerlWeed Inspector Moved by Councillor Habkirk Seconded by Councillor Walters THAT the Operations Report for June, July and August 1998 be received and filed. - Carried. County Council 3 September 8, 1998 Middlesex County Road and BridQe DesiQnation Study Update - ManaQer. EnQineerinQ Services Mr. Watters advised Council that three roads may be reverted from the County of Middlesex to its Lower-Tier Municipalities. If corresponding roads were reverted in Elgin, then it would provide continuity of service in the Road System. Moved by Councillor Wilson Seconded by Councillor McPhail THAT the report from the Manager, Engineering Services, dated August 4, 1998, regarding the Middlesex County Road and Bridge Study be deferred to 1999 and staff be directed to monitor the matter. - Carried. Structures and ConnectinQ Links in Lower Tiers - ManaQer. EnQineerinQ Services A report from May 1998 was circulated to lower tier, to provide them with information regarding responsibilities for connecting links. Mr. Watters advised that a detailed analysis is needed to get cost projections and to fully understand the associated implications. Moved by Councillor VanBrenk Seconded by Councillor Stewart THAT the Manager of Engineering Services complete a detailed cost analysis of the Lower Tier for structures greater than 3.0 meters and the connecting links and report back to County Council; and further, THAT authorization be given to extend the contract for one Engineering Technologist until December 31, 1998. - Carried. Township of Bayham - Notice of Intention to Stop UP. Close and Convey a Portion of the Road Allowance - ManaQer. EnQineerinQ Services Moved by Councillor VanBrenk Seconded by Councillor Walters THAT the Corporation of the County of Elgin has no objection to the Township of Bayham to stop up, close and convey a portion of the road allowance between Lots 118 and 119, Concession North Talbot Road, and between Lots 10 and 11, Concession North Gore. - Carried. Quarterly Financial Maintenance Reports From Lower Tier- ManaQer. EnQineerinQ Services The minutes from Road Superintendents' meetings will be circulated in the Council package in future. It was noted that financial reports are not being provided from some Lower-Tier municipalities on a timely basis and it was the consensus of Council to hold financial payments until reports are received, if necessary. Moved by Councillor van Kasteren Seconded by Councillor VanBrenk THAT members of Council be encouraged to direct their staff to provide financial reports on maintenance at the first opportunity. - Carried. County Council 4 September 8, 1998 Marianne E. Barrie - Lease Rooms #237 and #239- ManaQer. EnQineerinQ Services Moved by Councillor Wilson Seconded by Councillor McPhail THAT the Warden and the AdministratorlClerk be authorized and directed to sign a Lease Agreement with Marianne Barrie for Rooms #237 and #239 in the County Administration Building for a one-year period, at the rate of $12.00 per square foot. - Carried. Contract - Construction Technician - ManaQer. EnQineerinQ Services The position was hired to oversee the contract to rebuild Elm Line, and due to the project being behind schedule, the Construction Technician contract was extended to the end of September. Moved by Councillor Walters Seconded by Councillor van Kasteren THAT the report from the Manager, Engineering Services, entitled Contract - Construction Technician be received and filed. - Carried. County Road #42 - Lake Bank Erosion - Lots 26. 27 and 28. Concession 1. Township of Bayham- ManaQer. EnQineerinQ Services Mr. Watters reviewed Council decisions over the years not to move County Road #42, with the understanding that eventually, due to erosion, this matter would have to be dealt with. Mr. Watters handed out relevant sections from the Municipal Act dealing with the closing of County Roads. Due to the severity of the erosion to date, it is apparent that the County start the process by conducting public meetings in the fall. Moved by Councillor Walters Seconded by Councillor VanBrenk THAT the Manager of Engineering Services hold a public meeting for all interested parties at the Township of Bayham Administrative Offices to resolve the issues of the continuing erosion of Lake Shore Line (County Road #42). - Carried Councillor Wilson raised concern with regard to "Rumble Strips" degrading and requested a report on the life expectancy and an update on the condition of the strips currently in use. Councillor Wilson also noted that there are several locations where transport trucks are parking on the roadsides overnight and are causing problems due to poor visibility for the travelling public. The "Parking By-Law" may allow for removal of these vehicles and this matter will be brought to the next Road Superintendents' meeting and their concerns will be conveyed to Mr. Watters. Mr. Watters will review the Parking By-Law and contact the OPP to provide enforcement of the County By-Law. Councillor Rock brought forward the matter of the stop light which was installed at the intersection of John Wise Line and Quaker Road, during the bridge construction, and the concern that the light should become permanent. Mr. Watters is investigating this matter. Councillor McPhail expressed concern over the impact on roads caused by temporary closing of stretches of the 401. Mr. Watters is currently involved with a committee developing a protocol for such instances. DELEGATION -11:00 A.M. Mr. Don Timmins, Heath Benefits Consulting Inc., made a presentation concerning Schedule 2 vs. Schedule 1 of Workers' Compensation Coverage. He explained that Schedule 1 is a collective liability pool while Schedule 2 is self-insured coverage. Mr. Timmins presented overheads regarding historical data of Elgin County Workers' Compensation Claims, showing County Council 5 September 8, 1998 differences in premiums using both Schedules. The AdministratorlClerk advised that the Management Team looked into this matter in depth and suggested acceptance of the recommendations in Mr. Timmins' report. Moved by Councillor VanBrenk Seconded by Councillor Walters THAT the Corporation of the County of Elgin (General Government, Library and Museum) transfer from Schedule 1 to Schedule 2, with effect retroactive to January 1, 1998, and that it pay to the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board the required special assessment, estimated at $119,882.00; and, THAT the County Homes for the Aged be transferred from Schedule 1 to Schedule 2, with effect retroactive to January 1, 1998, and that the County pay to the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board the required special assessment, estimated at $181,907.00; and further, THAT the County protect itself against financial exposure to a catastrophic loss or losses by the purchase of insurance coverage, both "excess indemnity" ($250,000 retention) and accidental death and disablement insurance (principal sum @ $250,000). - Carried. Mr. Timmins noted that Homes for the Aged may not be able to be included in Schedule 2 at this time, but indicated an appeal is being heard sometime this fall. Mr. Timmins left at 11 :58 AM. Moved by Councillor Wilson Seconded by Councillor Walters THAT we do now recess (11 :58 AM.) - Carried. Council reconvened at 1 :04 P.M. RecoQnition and Watches - Personnel Administrator Moved by Councillor Walters Seconded by Councillor van Kasteren THAT the appropriate expenditure for a watch, for recognition purposes, be increased up to a $250.00 limit, including taxes and engraving. - Carried. Policy Review of Short-Term Disability Policy 5.60 - Personnel Administrator Moved by Councillor Habkirk Seconded by Councillor Walters THAT the amendments to Personnel Policy 5.60 Short Term Disability be approved. - Carried. Year 2000 - Treasurer Mrs. Veger reported that the Management Team has discussed the report regarding problems with the Year 2000 Millennium Bug which affects many levels of computing systems. County Council Moved by Councillor Rock Seconded by Councillor Habkirk 6 September 8, 1998 THAT staff be authorized to prepare and issue a Request for Proposals to prepare for the Year 2000 for the County of Elgin and Lower-Tier municipalities, and a staff committee be established to provide advice and guidance to the project team. - Carried. Ambulance Repair - Treasurer Mrs. Veger's report advised that Mr. Padfield, Service Operator, Rodney Ambulance, indicated that the repairs in the amount of $5,641 to Rodney Unit #1241 would be covered in their current budget. Mrs. Veger noted that the two ambulances that service Rodney require replacement. Frank Cowan Company indicated that if the Province owns the vehicles, the County cannot insure them for collision, because it has not taken on full responsibility for ambulance service. Moved by Councillor Habkirk Seconded by Councillor van Kasteren THAT, due to the seriousness of the condition of the ambulances in Elgin County and St. Thomas, the Minister of Health be requested to replace all ambulances before they are officially transferred (January 1, 2000); and, THAT, should the County of Elgin receive any invoices from the Province of Ontario for repairs of ambulances which exceed current budget estimates, said invoices be directed to the Province for payment. - Carried. Moved by Councillor Rock Seconded by Councillor VanBrenk THAT the actions taken by staff concerning the decision to repair Rodney Unit #1241, at a cost of approximately $5,000 plus taxes, be approved; and, THAT staff be authorized to expend funds as deemed necessary and appropriate, within budgetary parameters, regarding ambulance related purchases; and, THAT the Province be petitioned to provide collision insurance on all ambulances purchased by municipalities until such time as municipalities take full responsibility for the service; and further, THAT the County of Elgin inform the Minister of Health that no purchases of new ambulances will be authorized until appropriate and responsible insurance coverage is available. - Carried. Canadian Rural Partnership Proposal - ManaQer. Library Services Ms. Bishop suggested that this project, which helps to provide Federal government information through the Internet via Libraries, be undertaken at seven of our Branch Libraries, which would increase hours in these Branches. A grant is available for the first year, but it is unknown if funds would be available beyond that. The project may increase the County Library budget by approximately $75,000.00 per year after 1999, because the public would likely expect the increased hours to continue after the grant disappears. Moved by Councillor Habkirk Seconded by Councillor van Kasteren THAT the report from the Manager, Library Services, entitled "Canadian Rural Partnership Proposal" be received and filed. - Carried. County Council 7 September 8, 1998 Rededication of Commemorative Trees - Deputy Clerk Mrs. Heffren indicated that at least one tree, to honour persons which were commemorated on the Court House grounds, has died and suggested all trees be rededicated on the Administration Building grounds. Mr. Watters will be purchasing trees in the future and these trees could be included at that time. Mr. Watters suggested that the County make a park bench type area with a tree or trees and suitable plaques installed. Councillor VanBrenk was concerned that if trees are still alive why rededicate them, especially at a different location. Moved by Councillor Walters Seconded by Councillor VanBrenk THAT this item be deferred to the next meeting and staff contact the appropriate families to find out their wishes, whether it be to leave the matter as is, plant one tree with a number of plaques on the Administration Building grounds, or replant separately. - Carried. CORRESPONDENCE Items for Consideration 1. Corporation of the Township of Mildmay-Carrick, with a resolution petitioning the Provincial Government to introduce legislation to enable municipalities to effectively implement nutrient management planning. 2. E.C. Wagg, City Clerk, City of Niagara Falls Canada, with a resolution requesting the Province to immediately rescind its decision to remove O.H.I.P. coverage for physiotherapy treatments. 3. Kenneth G. Sloan, AdministratorlClerk, Corporation of the Municipality of Central Elgin, with a resolution requesting that the Federal and Provincial governments make needed reforms to the Young Offenders Act a priority. 4. Cheryl Van Tassel-Jermyn, Convenor, Elgin Palliative Care Volunteer Program Dinner Auction, asking for a donation from Elgin County Council towards their 1 st Annual Dinner Auction on Sunday, October 25, 1998. 5. Jim Brown, M.P.P., Gerry Martiniuk, M.P.P., and Bob Wood M.P.P., Co-Chairs of the Ontario Crime Control Commission, inviting Council to nominate two individuals or organizations to receive the Ontario Crime Control Commission Certificate of Excellence. 6. Rick Bartolucci, M.P.P., Sudbury, Critic for Northern Development & Mines, requesting Council's support regarding a request for a public inquiry into a recent tractor-trailer accident near the Sudbury Community, and transport issues with regard to public safety. Moved by Councillor Walters Seconded by Councillor McPhail That Correspondence Item #1 be received and filed. - Carried. The following recommendation was adopted respecting Correspondence Item #2. Moved by Councillor Habkirk Seconded by Councillor Wilson THAT the Corporation of the County of Elgin supports the resolution from the City of Niagara Falls requesting that the Ministry of Health rescind its decision to remove coverage of physiotherapy treatment from the Ontario Health Insurance Program. - Carried. County Council 8 September 8, 1998 The following recommendation was adopted respecting Correspondence Item #3. Moved by Councillor VanBrenk Seconded by Councillor Wilson THAT the Corporation of the County of Elgin supports the resolution from the Municipality of Central Elgin requesting that the Federal and Provincial governments make reforms to the Young Offenders Act in order to deal more effectively with youth crime. - Carried. Moved by Councillor van Kasteren Seconded by Councillor Walters THAT Correspondence Item #4 be received and filed. - Carried. Moved by Councillor van Kasteren Seconded by Councillor Walters THAT Correspondence Item #5 be received and filed. - Carried. The following recommendation was adopted respecting Correspondence Item #6. Moved by Councillor VanBrenk Seconded by Councillor Wilson THAT the Corporation of the County of Elgin supports the petition from Mr. Rick Bartolucci. M.P.P., Sudbury, calling for a public inquiry into the tractor-trailer accident and subsequent explosion near Sudbury on August 5, 1998 on Highway 17 in the Municipality of Sudbury and the Town of Walden. - Carried. Items for Information - (Consent AQenda) 1. Honourable Tony Clement, Minister of Transportation, advising that the Community Transportation Action Program (CTAP) will be extended to September 30,1999. 2. Tanya Dalton, Office Assistant, Township of Norwich, thanking Elgin County Council for the generous donation towards the Township of Norwich tornado relief fund. 3. AMO Member Communication ALERT - "Province Responds to Court Ruling on Bill 160". 4. Loretta Sbrocca, Enhancement Team Co-Ordinator/Elginature Co-Ordinator, Kettle Creek Conservation Authority, thanking Elgin County Council for the generous donation towards the "Elginature" resource book. 5. Honourable Jim Wilson, Minister of Energy, Science and Technology, with information outlining some of the changes and benefits that are proposed in Bill 35, The Energy Competition Act. 6. Honourable Jim Flaherty, Minister of Labour, responding to Council's letter of July 22, 1998, concerning changes to the coverage for volunteer firefighters under the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act (WSIA). 7. Peter Gregg, Special Assistant to the Minister of Transportation, responding to Council's resolution concerning the transfer of federal properties at Port Stanley to the Municipality of Central Elgin. County Council 9 September 8, 1998 8. Deputy Minister Sandra Lang, Ministry of Health, advising that Cam Jackson, Minister without Portfolio with Responsibility for Seniors, has been named Minister of Long-Term Care. 9. Honourable Ernie Eves, Minister of Finance, advising that the next installment of the County's 1998 Community Reinvestment Fund and Special Transition allocation was processed during the week of July 27, 1998. 10. Honourable Isabel Bassett, Minister of Citizenship, Culture and Recreation, acknowledging Council's resolution supporting the Oxford County Library Board's resolution calling for full provincial funding of the public libraries' Internet costs. 11. John McCorkindale, Warden, County of Brant and Mabel Daugherty, Chair, Conference Committee for the 1998 Counties and Regions Sections of AMO Conference, with Delegate Registration form for the Conference to be held October 4 - 7, 1998. 12. Derek Pinto, Wildlife & Natural Heritage Science Section, Ministry of Natural Resources, advising that from September 21 to October 2, the Ministry will be distributing bait containing rabies vaccine across portions of Southern Ontario. 13. Ministry of the Environment, News Release Communique - Ministry invites automotive testing and repair industry to get into the Drive Clean business. 14. Honourable Norman W. Sterling, Minister of the Environment, regarding the County of Elgin's submission concerning the Environmental Assessment for the expansion of the Green Lane Landfill. 15. AMO Membership Communication ALERT - Finance Minister Addresses AMO Conference. 16. Becky Afman, Tourism Officer, St. Thomas-Elgin Tourist Association, with a membership certificate for the County of Elgin. Moved by Councillor VanBrenk Seconded by Councillor Rock THAT Correspondence Items #1-16 be received and filed. - Carried. Councillor McPhail requested that Correspondence Item #5 of the "Items For Consideration" be revisited. Moved by Councillor McPhail Seconded by Councillor VanBrenk THAT the Corporation of the County of Elgin nominate the St. Thomas Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police to receive an Ontario Crime Control Commission Certificate of Excellence, and the previous recommendation to receive and file the request be rescinded. - Carried. CLOSED SESSION Moved by Councillor van Kasteren Seconded by Councillor Stewart THAT we proceed "In-Camera" to discuss personnel and property matters. - Carried. Warden Clutterbuck appointed Councillor VanBrenk as Chairman of the Committee Of The Whole for the In-Camera portion. County Council 10 September 8, 1998 Senior staff was excused from the meeting at this time. Moved by Councillor Wilson Seconded by Councillor Rock THAT we do now rise and report. - Carried. Senior staff re-entered the Chambers. The Warden resumed the Chair. Moved by Councillor Walters Seconded by Councillor Habkirk THAT the Council of the County of Elgin accept with regret the resignation of Mr. Fred Boyes as DirectorlAdministrator of Elgin County Homes, effective December 31, 1998; and THAT the confidential staff report on the resignation, dated September 4, 1998, be approved for implementation. - Carried. The Warden congratulated Mr. Boyes on his retirement and wished him well in the future. Mr. Boyes commented on his many years with the County. Moved by Councillor Rock Seconded by Councillor Wilson THAT we adopt the recommendations of the Committee Of The Whole Council. - Carried. OTHER BUSINESS StatementsllnQuiries By Members Councillor Walters enquired whether funds received through the Provincial Offences Act would come back to the County or the Lower-Tier. The AdministratorlClerk informed Council that the Elgin Administrators would discuss the matter at a meeting to be held tomorrow and the group would like to set up a task force to investigate the matter. Councillor Habkirk, in regard to the recent fire in Town of Aylmer, noted that this occurrence indicated that their emergency plan needs revision and that their experience should help with the generic plan being prepared by County staff. Notice of Motion - None. Matters of UrQency - None. BY-LAWS Moved by Councillor VanBrenk Seconded by Councillor McPhail THAT By-Law No. 98-32 "A By-Law to Confirm Proceedings of the Municipal Council of the Corporation of the County of Elgin at the September 8th, 1998 Meeting" be read a first and second time. - Carried. County Council Moved by Councillor Stewart Seconded by Councillor van Kasteren 11 September 8, 1998 THAT By-Law No. 98-32 be read a third time and finally passed. - Carried. Moved by Councillor Walters Seconded by Councillor Wilson THAT we adjourn at 3:40 P.M. to meet again on September 22,1998 at 9:00 AM. - Carried. Mark G. McDonald, County Administrator/Clerk. W. Perry Clutterbuck, Warden.