Loading...
April 13, 1999 Minutes COUNTY COUNCIL Tuesday, April 13, 1999 The Elgin County Council met this day at the Administration Building, at 9:00 AM., in accordance with adjournment, with all members present. Warden VanBrenk in the Chair. Moved by Councillor Rock Seconded by Councillor Walters THAT the minutes of the meeting held on March 23, 1999 be adopted. - Carried. DISCLOSURE OF PECUNIARY INTEREST AND THE GENERAL NATURE THEREOF - None. DELEGATIONS 9:00 A.M. Mr. Ray Rieger, President, and Mr. Ken Monteith, Board Member, Elgin County Ploughman's Association, addressed Council requesting support for their bid to host the 2005 International Ploughing Match. Mr. Monteith noted the Association will also be requesting support from the City of St. Thomas. Their request is for a loan of $150,000.00, paid out over a four-year period beginning in 2002, to be repaid from the profits realized from the Match. In addition, a County exhibit at the Match would also be requested at an approximate cost of $40,000 to $50,000. The Association will know by 2002 if their bid is successful and will require $20,000 to cover costs even if their bid is turned down. The Warden thanked the delegation for attending and referred their request to budget deliberations. The delegation left at 9: 1 0 AM. 9:10 A.M. Ms. Micheline Riopelle, Regional Manager and Mr. Keith Lucas, Manager of Housing Programs, Southwestern Regional Office, Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing were in attendance at 9:10 AM. and presented a slide overview and handout on Social Housing. The delegation reviewed the Provincial and County responsibilities and indicated that the third stage "Transfer of Administrative Responsibility" will take up to two years to implement and a Provincial/Federal agreement must be signed before transfers can take place. Agreements for delivery options and conflict procedures can be entered into, however Council is very concerned that the County and the City would provide funding but the program is governed by autonomous boards over which we have little or no control. Warden VanBrenk thanked the delegation for attending. The delegation left at 9:45 AM. Council took a short break and reconvened at 9:55 AM. Moved by Councillor Walters Seconded by Councillor Wilson THAT we do now move into Committee Of The Whole Council. - Carried. County Council 2 April 13, 1999 STAFF REPORTS Bobier Villa - LandscapinQ - Director of Homes and Senior Services Moved by Councillor Habkirk Seconded by Councillor van Kasteren THAT the Director of Homes and Senior Services be authorized to advertise for Request for Proposals for the development of a landscape design for the Bobier Villa. - Carried. Letter from County of Victoria - (Victoria Manor) - Director of Homes and Senior Services Mrs. Fleck noted a premium would be provided to Homes providing Respite Care. Moved by Councillor Wilson Seconded for Councillor Stewart THAT the Corporation of the County of Elgin endorse the resolution from the Corporation of the County of Victoria requesting enhancement to the Respite Care Programs province- wide. - Carried. Slow MovinQ Vehicle SiQns (SMV) - ManaQer of EnQineerinQ Services Mr. Watters has met with the Farm Safety Association and they have agreed with the Manager's recommendation. Signs will be manufactured according to Ministry standards. Councillor Wilson requested signage for Avon Line and the Manager of Engineering Services will purchase two additional signs for this area. Additional signs will be placed as requests are received from safety groups. Moved by Councillor Clutterbuck Seconded by Councillor Walters THAT the County purchase 30 "Slow Moving Vehicle" signs for a total of $1 ,500.00 and installation of the signs be provided by the Lower-Tier Municipalities. - Carried. Picnic Site on County Road #3 - ManaQer of EnQineerinQ Services Mr. Watters reported that this property is surplus to the Ministry's requirements and they are asking if the County is interested in the property. Moved by Councillor Habkirk Seconded by Councillor McPhail THAT the Ministry of Transportation be informed that the County of Elgin is not interested in the property known as the Wallacetown Picnic Site; and, THAT the Ministry contact the Municipality of Dutton/Dunwich to determine their interest in the property. - Carried. County Council 3 April 13, 1999 CORRESPONDENCE Items for Consideration 1. Damian Bassett, President, CSRCorporations Supporting Recycling, regarding concerns CSR has with education kits being distributed to schools regarding recycling that contain information that may be misleading. 2. Cathy Reddy, Clerk-Treasurer, Township of Bagot, Blythfield and Brougham, with resolution #1 - concerning the downloading of responsibilities from the Fire Marshal's office that do not deal with the extinguishing of fires and resolution #2 - concerning the assessment appeal of properties owned by Ontario Hydro. 3. The Honourable Isabel Bassett, Minister of Citizenship, Culture and Recreation, inviting Council to participate in the 1999 Community Action Awards Program. 4. Roy Broadbear, Vice-President, Southern Ontario Locomotive Restoration Society, requesting Council to support SOLRS request to CN Rail for use of track and the continued operation of a steam locomotive in St. Thomas. 5. Patricia E. McCarthy, Deputy Clerk, Township of Severn, with a resolution to the Ministry of Transportation to consider the re-establishment of the subsidization of bridge reconstruction. 6. Roberto Quai, Chairman, Sparta Traders Guild, requesting support from Council in the form of a letter or resolution. 7. Lyle Vanclief, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, thanking Council for advising the Ministry of the concerns the County has with regard to agricultural land and drainage issues relating to fish habitat management. 8. The Honourable David Anderson, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, concerning Council's resolution re: the agricultural lands and drainage issues as they relate to Fish Habitat Management. 9. Township of Southwold with information regarding the Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority Organization Review Committee. 10. Susan Wilson, Treasurer, Township of Malahide, supporting the County's resolution concerning Connecting Links in the Lower-Tiers. 11. Rita DeWild, Clerk, Municipality of West Elgin, requesting the transfer of County Road 9 in exchange for Queen Street. 12. Rita DeWild, Clerk, Municipality of West Elgin, requesting that structures remain with the Lower-Tier and the connecting link on Highway #76 be assumed by the County. 13. Rita DeWild, Clerk, Municipality of West Elgin, requesting reserves for downloaded provincial highways be spent on those transferred roads only. 14. Lynda Millard, Clerk, Municipality of Bayham, supporting the reports on structures and connecting links. 15. Phyllis Ketchabaw, Clerk, Town of Aylmer, advising their Council is not in agreement with the reports on structures and connecting links; that capital projects be considered on a needs only basis; and that a five year forecast be prepared. 16. Township of Southwold, requesting the deferral of decisions on the Road Rationalization reports. County Council 4 April 13, 1999 Moved by Councillor Habkirk Seconded by Councillor Walters THAT Correspondence Item #1 be received and filed. - Carried. The following recommendations were adopted respecting Correspondence Item #2. Moved by Councillor Walters Seconded by Councillor Habkirk THAT the Corporation of the County of Elgin supports the resolution from the Township of Bagot, Blythfield and Brougham concerning the downloading of responsibilities currently held by the Ontario Fire Marshal's Office to volunteer fire departments. - Carried. Moved by Councillor Walters Seconded by Councillor Habkirk THAT the Corporation of the County of Elgin supports the resolution from the Township of Bagot, Blythfield and Brougham concerning current value tax rates and the appeal by Ontario Hydro for properties owned due to the change in status of Payments in Lieu Properties. - Carried. Moved by Councillor Habkirk Seconded by Councillor Stewart THAT Correspondence Item #3 received and filed. - Carried. Moved by Councillor Habkirk Seconded by Councillor van Kasteren THAT Correspondence Item #4 received and filed. - Carried. The following recommendation was adopted respecting Correspondence Item #5. Moved by Councillor Walters Seconded by Councillor Habkirk THAT the Corporation of the County of Elgin supports the resolution from the Township of Severn requesting the Minister of Transportation to re-establish the subsidization for bridge reconstruction and maintenance to local municipalities. - Carried. The following recommendation was adopted respecting Correspondence Item #6. Moved by Councillor Walters Seconded by Councillor Rock THAT the Corporation of the County of Elgin supports the Sparta Traders Guild in their application for grant funding through the Ontario Rural Jobs Strategy Fund. - Carried. County Council 5 April 13, 1999 The following recommendation was adopted respecting Correspondence Items #7 & 8. Councillor McPhail advised that their Drainage Superintendent could provide an overview of Fisheries regulations relating to farm drainage for next meeting. Council remains concerned that the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food does not appear interested in drainage issues relating to agricultural land. Councillor Wilson noted he has a response from the 1995 Minister of Agriculture regarding concerns raised by South Dorchester on this issue, which will be copied for Council's next meeting. Councillor Habkirk advised that there would be a meeting at the New Sarum Diner next Friday, with M.P.'s in attendance, and this could present an opportunity to discuss the issue. Moved by Councillor McPhail Seconded by Councillor Clutterbuck THAT Correspondence #7 and 8 from Ministers Vanclief and Anderson, being responses received to Council's letters on drainage matters, be deferred to the next Council meeting; and THAT the Drainage Superintendent from the Municipality of West Elgin be requested to attend the April 27th meeting and to provide a summary of concerns related to drainage issues; and THAT all Lower-Tier Drainage Superintendents; Gar Knutson, M.P.; a representative from the Ontario Federation of Agriculture; a representative from the Christian Farmers' Federation of Ontario; the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans; and the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, be invited to the next Council meeting to provide input into this matter. - Carried Unanimously. The following recommendation was adopted respecting Correspondence Item #9. Moved by Councillor Clutterbuck Seconded by Councillor Walters THAT Correspondence Item #9 be received and filed. - Carried. Moved by Councillor Habkirk Seconded by Councillor Walters THAT Correspondence Items #10-16 be received and filed. - Carried. Items for Information - (Consent AQenda) 1. Randy Millard, C.A.O.lClerk, Township of Malahide, requesting dates for first aid training for Township staff to be provided by the County Health and Safety Co- Ordinator. 2. Patricia Fontyn, Intake Department, Workplace Safety and Insurance Appeals Tribunal, advising that the County's request to expedite the processing of Appeal WSIAT/WCAT#99-0080 is being considered and will be advising of the decision. 3. The Honourable Tony Clement, Minister of Transportation, responding to Council's resolution concerning access to road user taxes and fees. County Council 6 April 13, 1999 4. From the following endorsing the County's and OGRA's resolutions requesting access to road user taxes and fees collected by the Province: 1) Town of Aylmer 2) Municipality of Bayham 3) County of Essex 4) County of Grey 5) Frontenac Management Board 6) County of Huron 7) Township of Malahide 8) County of Wellington. 5. Paul J. Smith, Assessment Commissioner, Ontario Property Assessment Corporation, with a FACT SHEET 99-1 which briefly describes OPAC. 6. Susan E. Dunn, Board Secretary, Environmental Assessment Board, with "Notice of Hearing" for the appeal by Green Lane Landfill. 7. The Honourable David H. Tsubouchi, Minster of Consumer and Commercial Relations, concerning Council's resolution regarding regional disparities in gasoline prices in Ontario. 8. The Honourable Elizabeth Witmer, Minister of Health, concerning the County's proposal for a shared medical officer of health. Moved by Councillor Habkirk Seconded by Councillor van Kasteren THAT Correspondence Items # 1-8 be received and filed. - Carried. BUDGET Warden VanBrenk suggested that as there is a shortfall for roads related items in the budget and we must protect our roads and infrastructure, we place an additional $300,000 each year in the budget to keep our roads in good repair. Development Chan::Jes By-Law - Director of Financial Services Councillors were concerned that as a number of local municipalities currently have by- laws in place, additional County-imposed charges on developers could have detrimental effects. Development agreements can be negotiated at the time with the affected parties and they could see no benefit to the County becoming involved. The Chief Administrative Officer indicated that there are County matters that are not covered by Lower-Tier by- laws, such as libraries. Moved by Councillor Habkirk Seconded by Councillor Clutterbuck THAT the report from the Director of Financial Services on a Development Charges By- Law be received and filed. - Carried. 1999 CRF Numbers and 1998 Surplus - Director of Financial Services Provincial changes indicate that 50% for Public Health and 50% for Ambulance Services will now be funded and the CRF will be decreased accordingly. County Council 7 April 13, 1999 Moved by Councillor Rock Seconded by Councillor van Kasteren THAT the 1998 County Surplus of $1,122,484 be allocated as follows: To 1999 Budget ($140,000) To Aylmer Reserve ($300,000) To 10-5-5 approximately ($500,000) and the remainder be transferred to the Engineering Services budget for roads purposes. - Carried. Development of Proposals for Grants - Director of Homes and Senior Services The Homes Auxiliary will provide fundraising efforts towards projects for Terrace Lodge and Bobier Villa. Moved by Councillor Clutterbuck Seconded by Councillor Habkirk THAT the Director of Homes and Seniors Services be authorized to proceed with the development of the proposals for Bobier Villa and Terrace Lodge projects to secure funding through the Trillium Foundation. - Carried. TillsonburQ & District Multi-Service Centre - Utilization bv County of EIQin Residents - Director of Homes and Senior Services Mrs. Fleck outlined the services provided to the County. Moved by Councillor Habkirk Seconded by Councillor Walters THAT the information report on Tillsonburg & District Multi-Service Centre be received and filed. - Carried. GRANTS FundinQ - Victorian Order of Nurses - Director of Homes and Senior Services Mrs. Fleck reported that part of their fundraising activities include the Meals on Wheels Program. Moved by Councillor Habkirk Seconded by Councillor Rock THAT a grant in the amount of $2,000.00 to the Victorian Order of Nurses for the Meals on Wheels Program be approved. - Carried. St. Thomas React Inc. Moved by Councillor Habkirk Seconded by Councillor Rock THAT a grant in the amount of $500.00 to St. Thomas React Inc. be approved. - Carried. County Council 8 April 13, 1999 Pitch-In Ontario Councillor Habkirk noted this is corporate sponsored. Moved by Councillor Habkirk Seconded by Councillor McPhail THAT the request for funding from PITCH-IN Ontario be received and filed. - Carried. Council took a short break at 11 :25 AM. and reconvened at 11 :29 AM. DELEGATION Staff Sergeant John Stephens was in attendance at 11 :29 AM. to review O.P.P. operations, crime statistics and ongoing investigations throughout the County for the first quarter. Councillor Walters requested an update on the O.P.P. contract issue. Mr. Stephens indicated they have no contracts in place now. If an investigation is ongoing, they can borrow officers from other forces for a short period of time and may lose officers to other investigations. The Warden and Councillors thanked Staff Sergeant Stephens for his department's efforts on their local municipality's behalf. Moved by Councillor Walters Seconded by Councillor Stewart THAT we move In-Camera to discuss law enforcement matters. - Carried. Moved by Councillor van Kasteren Seconded by Councillor Stewart THAT we do now rise without reporting. - Carried. Council recessed at 12:05 P.M. and reconvened at 1 :02 P.M. Moved by Councillor Habkirk Seconded by Councillor McPhail THAT a grant in the amount of $2,000.00 to the Quad County Support Services be approved. - Carried. HiQhwav Transfer Reserve - ManaQer of EnQineerinQ Services Mr. Watters handed out a summary of the roads needs that could be addressed through the Highway Transfer Reserve. Road needs far exceed the money that is available. Moved by Councillor van Kasteren Seconded by Councillor Walters THAT staff be directed to utilize the remaining $1.35 Million in the Highway Transfer Reserve to pave specified gravel roads and report back to Council with suggested projects. - Carried. County Council 9 April 13, 1999 Structures in Lower Tier - ManaQer of EnQineerinQ Services Mr. Watters reported that it would cost approximately $275,000.00 to initiate the transfer of structures greater than 3 metres from the Lower-Tier. Councillors questioned the transfer to the County level when the Lower-tier is more aware of the needs of their community. Moved by Councillor Clutterbuck Seconded by Councillor McPhail THAT the reports from the Manager of Engineering Services dated January 18, and January 25, 1999, "Structures in Lower Tiers" and "Connecting Links", be deferred to a future meeting for discussion prior to the 2000 budget deliberations. - Carried. Council took a short break at 2:18 P.M. and reconvened at 2:26 P.M. 1999 COUNTY COMPOSITE BUDGET Councillor Habkirk suggested that Line 28 Contingency Fee be decreased by $200,000.00; Line 29 Year 2000 be decreased by $200,000.00; Line 32 Reserve for Mill Rate Stabilization be decreased by $755,000.00; and Line 36 Reserve for WSIB be decreased by $25,000.00; resulting in a net decrease of $1,180,000 to the "draft" estimates or a -2.97% decrease. Moved by Councillor van Kasteren Seconded by Councillor Stewart THAT $300,000.00 be added to the Engineering Services Budget Line and the Management Team be directed to identify savings in the draft budget to realize a maximum of 2.5% increase over the 1998 County Composite Budget. - Carried. Council took a short break at 2:50 P.M. and reconvened at 3:06 P.M. After factoring in a $300,000 increase to Roads, the Chief Administrative Officer, on behalf of the Management Team, presented suggestions that could be used to reduce the 1999 budget as follows: Reduce Line 28 Contingency Fee by $150,000.00; Line 29 Year 2000 by $250,000.00 and take the necessary expenditures from a reserve; Line 32 Reserve for Mill Rate Stabilization by $387,500.00; resulting in a total decrease of $787,500.00. The Chief Administrative Officer reminded Council that if these reductions occur this year, next year's budget will require an increase of $689,000.00 or 5.5% to the base before any budget deliberations commence because of further Provincial cutbacks in 2000. Much discussion took place regarding the Lower-Tier Roads Maintenance Allocation. Council consensus was that the figure of $2,805.00 per Km. may be too high for some municipalities and the Manager of Engineering Services was directed to prepare a report on expenditures compared to allocation and report back prior to budget deliberations for 2000. It was felt that the County's Capital Needs could be increased by $300,000 by reducing the maintenance allocation proportionately. County Council 10 April 13, 1999 Moved by Councillor Stewart Seconded by Councillor van Kasteren THAT reductions be made to the 1999 draft budget as follows: Decrease Line 28 Contingency Fee by $150,000; Decrease Line 29 Year 2000 by $250,000 and the necessary expenditures be taken from a reserve for Y2K compliance purposes; Decrease Line 32 Reserve for Mill Rate Stabilization by approximately $337,500; and THAT the 1999 County Tax Levy in the amount of $13,021 ,321 be adopted resulting in an increase of 2.9% over the 1998 Budget. Councillor Habkirk requested a recorded vote on the motion. These were recorded as follows: YEAS NAYS ABSENT McPhail Clutterbuck Walters Rock Habkirk van Kasteren Wilson Stewart VanBrenk YEAS: 7 NAYS: 2 ABSENT: G TOTAL: 9 As a result of the recorded vote the motion was declared CARRIED. Councillor Stewart left at 3:40 P.M. Moved by Councillor Habkirk Seconded by Councillor Clutterbuck THAT the Corporation of the County of Elgin supports the Elgin County Ploughmen's Association in their bid to host the 2005 International Ploughing Match; and THAT the Association's request for a loan in the amount of $150,000.00 be granted, to be paid out over a four-year period beginning in 2002; and further THAT said loan will be repaid to the County from profits realized from the Match. - Carried. The Association requested that the loan be issued according to the following schedule: 2002 $20,000; 2003 $30,000; 2004 $50,000; 2005 $50,000. OTHER BUSINESS Statements/InQuiries Bv Members - None. Notice of Motion - None. Matters of UrQencv - The Manager of Engineering Services presented the low bids received for roads-related items and requested Council to award the tenders to get the work underway for 1999. County Council 11 April 13, 1999 Moved by Councillor Walters Seconded by Councillor Habkirk THAT Spriet Associates be awarded the tender in the amount of $4,850.00 for Engineering Services for Government Drain #1 Culvert Replacement. THAT Roth Drainage Limited be awarded the tender in the amount of $97,339.62 for Plowing In Drain Tiles. THAT Mechanical Advertising Incorporated be awarded the tender in the amount of $13,171.94 for Sign Replacement. - Carried. Moved by Councillor Walters Seconded by Councillor Wilson That we move In-Camera to discuss a property matter. - Carried. Warden VanBrenk named Councillor McPhail as Chairman of the Committee Of The Whole Council for the In-Camera portion. Moved by Councillor Walters Seconded by Councillor van Kasteren THAT we rise without reporting. - Carried. Moved by Councillor Rock Seconded by Councillor Clutterbuck THAT we adopt the recommendations of the Committee Of The Whole Council. - Carried. BY-LAWS Moved by Councillor van Kasteren Seconded by Councillor McPhail THAT By-Law 99-10 "Being a By-Law to Provide for the Adoption of the 1999 Budget of the Corporation of the County of Elgin and to Establish the 1999 Tax Ratios, and to Establish the 1999 Tax Rates for the County Constituent Municipalities" be read a first and second time. -Carried. Moved by Councillor Rock Seconded by Councillor Clutterbuck THAT By-Law No. 99-10 be read a third time and finally passed. - Carried. Moved by Councillor Wilson Seconded by Councillor Habkirk THAT By-Law No. 99-11 "A By-Law to Confirm Proceedings of the Municipal Council of the Corporation of the County of Elgin at the April 13th, 1999 Meeting" be read a first and second time. - Carried. County Council 12 April 13, 1999 Moved by Councillor Walters Seconded by Councillor Clutterbuck THAT By-Law No. 99-11 be read a third time and finally passed. - Carried. Moved by Councillor Walters Seconded by Councillor Wilson THAT we do now adjourn at 4:05 P.M. to meet again on April 27th, 1999 at 9:00 AM. - Carried. Mark G. McDonald, Chief Administrative Officer. Rien VanBrenk, Warden.