May 11, 1999 Minutes
COUNTY COUNCIL
Tuesday, May 11, 1999
The Elgin County Council met this day at the Administration Building, at 9:05 AM., in
accordance with adjournment, with all members present except Councillors Stewart and
Walters.
Warden VanBrenk in the Chair.
Moved by Councillor Habkirk
Seconded by Councillor Wilson
THAT the minutes of the meeting held on April 27, 1999 be adopted.
- Carried.
DISCLOSURE OF PECUNIARY INTEREST AND THE GENERAL NATURE THEREOF -
None.
DELEGATION
Ms. Cynthia Nurse, Economic Development, and Catherine Upfold, HRDC, were in
attendance to address Council on Economic Development programs, and provided an
outline for a County-wide project. Ms. Nurse indicated that if Council was in agreement to
pursue such an endeavour, she would work with the Warden and staff to investigate the
feasibility of a partnership to co-ordinate economic development throughout the County.
Councillors questioned the feasibility of such a project when some municipalities have
already expended large sums of money on economic development and have partnership
agreements with other agencies.
Moved by Councillor McPhail
Seconded by Councillor Clutterbuck
THAT the Warden and Chief Administrative Officer be authorized to investigate the
feasibility of a partnership between the County of Elgin and Human Resources
Development Canada for a County-wide Economic Development Project Proposal and
report to a future Council meeting.
- Carried.
The delegation left at 9:35 AM.
Mr. Michael Power, President of the Association of Municipalities of Ontario, was in
attendance to discuss AM.O.'s programs and planning. He prompted Councillors to take
issues to the candidates campaigning for election, to ensure they understand and support
the local municipal concerns. Mr. Power indicated that there has been a shift in the focus
of AMO to provide client-oriented services and staff at AMO are ready to answer
questions from all member municipalities and encouraged Councillors to call them. The
Municipal Mandate has been mailed out and Ontario municipalities indicated that the four
most important items to them are: 1. removal of social and health programs and
education from the property tax base; 2. reliable revenue sources for municipal services;
3. renewed Provincial/Municipal relationships; 4. reliable municipal infrastructure
supports. Councillors are concerned with the potential loss of the "rural voice" through
amalgamations and Mr. Power assured them that five seats are reserved for rural
appointees and the Rural Section of AMO will not disappear. Warden VanBrenk thanked
the delegation for attending and Mr. Power left at 10:08 AM.
Council took a short break at 10:08 AM. and reconvened at 10:23 AM.
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May 11, 1999
Ms. Paula Neice, Trans Canada Trail Foundation, Regional Co-Ordinator, was in
attendance to inform Council about the Trans Canada Trail and to determine interest in
the trail running through Elgin County. Ms. Neice provided a handout entitled "Trail News"
which outlined the progress through Canada and showed, by overhead, the proposed
route. The trail will open in September 2000 and a relay will pass through Ontario in
August 2000, for which Councillors will receive an invitation to participate. Councillors
expressed concern with the trail running along abandoned rail lines, as suggested, and
felt their ratepayers would be more receptive to a route along the lake shore or another
location. Councillors agreed to take the issue back to their Councils for discussion. A
meeting will be held in St. Thomas on May 20th at 10:00 AM. and any Councillors who
wish to attend were requested to bring with them a map of their respective municipality.
Moved by Councillor van Kasteren
Seconded by Councillor Habkirk
THAT Elgin County Council agree in principle with the concept of the Trans Canada Trail
and encourage lower-tier municipalities to participate in the trail's development.
- Carried Unanimously.
The Warden thanked the delegation for attending and Ms. Neice left at 11: 13 AM.
Moved by Councillor Habkirk
Seconded by Councillor Rock
THAT we do now move into Committee Of The Whole Council.
- Carried.
STAFF REPORTS
Municipality of Dutton/Dunwich - Temporary Closure of County Road #8 (Currie
Road) in the VillaQe of Dutton - ManaQer of EnQineerinQ Services
Moved by Councillor Habkirk
Seconded by Councillor Rock
THAT a by-law be passed to temporarily close Currie Road (County Road #8) from Mary
Street to Shackleton Street, in the geographical location of the Village of Dutton, in the
Municipality of Dutton/Dunwich; and,
THAT the road closure shall be from 5:00 P.M., Friday, July 9th, 1999 to 5:00 P.M.
Saturday, July 10th, 1999, for the purpose of the Downhill Derby; and,
THAT, safety requirements are to be met to the satisfaction of the Manager of Engineering
Services.
- Carried.
Intersection Control Beacons at County Roads #19 and #45 (Plank Road and Calton
Line) - ManaQer of EnQineerinQ Services
A petition was received from local ratepayers requesting installation of an overhead
flashing beacon for safety purposes. The Manager of Engineering Services was
requested to complete the review and report on the configuration of County Road
intersections as quickly as possible.
Moved by Councillor Wilson
Seconded by Councillor Rock
THAT an Intersection Control Beacon be installed at the Intersection of County Road #19
(Plank Road) and County Road #45 (Calton Line) in the Municipality of Bayham.
- Carried.
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May 11, 1999
Closure of Road Allowance - Municipality of West EIQin. Concession 7 and 8 -
ManaQer of EnQineerinQ Services
Moved by Councillor Rock
Seconded by Councillor Wilson
THAT the Municipality of West Elgin be informed that the County of Elgin has no concerns
with the proposed road closure of Parts #2 and #5 on Reference Plan #11 R-6738.
- Carried.
Purchase Of A New SurveyinQ Total Station - ManaQer of EnQineerinQ Services
The Manager noted that the old system is not Y2K compliant.
Moved by Councillor van Kasteren
Seconded by Councillor Clutterbuck
THAT the Engineering Services Department be authorized to purchase a Leica TCR305
Total Station, at the quoted price of $12,195.00 plus taxes, including the trade-in of our
existing unit; and,
THAT the necessary funds be taken from the Road Reserve Account.
- Carried.
Councillor Wilson requested the Manager of Engineering Services to investigate the
possible installation of flashing lights at Imperial Road and Elgin Road #52. Councillor
Wilson further noted that transports are again parking on the edge of roadways north of
Lyons and it is creating a safety hazard. Warden VanBrenk noted he has received the
same complaint along Fingal Line.
Fax Machine UsaQe Policy - ManaQer of Library Services
Moved by Councillor Rock
Seconded by Councillor van Kasteren
THAT the Elgin County Fax Machine Usage Policy be approved.
- Carried.
Scanner UsaQe Policy - ManaQer of Library Services
Moved by Councillor McPhail
Seconded by Councillor Habkirk
THAT the Elgin County Library Scanner Usage Policy be approved.
- Carried.
PoolinQ of Group Insurance with Other Municipalities - Director of Human Resources
Moved by Councillor Habkirk
Seconded by Councillor Rock
THAT the County of Elgin participate in a feasibility study to investigate a group insurance
pooling arrangement with other area municipalities; and,
THAT the cost of the study be shared proportionately, based on the number of lives
insured; and,
THAT the estimated cost for the County of Elgin of $1,135.00 be taken out of reserves.
- Carried.
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May 11, 1999
EIQin County Benefit Renewal for 1999 - Director of Human Resources
The Director indicated this renewal does not include L TD and Life Insurance, which will
be presented later in the year.
Moved by Councillor McPhail
Seconded by Councillor Habkirk
THAT the attached premium rates as presented by Buffett Taylor & Associates Ltd., be
adopted effective April 1 , 1999.
- Carried.
ACQuisition of a Human Resource Information System - Director of Human
Resources
Councillor Habkirk questioned whether the staff complement will remain the same or
eventually be reduced with acquisition of this system, and the Director indicated this
would not decrease the staff complement. Should retirements occur, County practice is to
prepare a justification report to Council for any replacements.
Moved by Councillor Rock
Seconded by Councillor van Kasteren
THAT the County purchase the InfoHR Human Resources Information System from HR
Systems Strategies, Inc., at a total cost of $25,000.00, to be taken from the current
automation budget.
- Carried.
Year 2000 BudQet (Y2K) - Director of Financial Services
The Director reported that this report contains the first of expenditures needed to become
Y2K compliant.
Moved by Councillor Clutterbuck
Seconded by Councillor Wilson
THAT, in order to move towards Y2K compliancy, staff be directed to purchase
GroupWise 5.5, a server, and Office '97 at the lowest quoted price of $26,722.00 plus
taxes; and,
THAT the Mill Rate Stabilization Reserve be charged with the cost of these purchases.
- Carried.
Special Circumstances Fund - Chief Administrative Officer
The CAO reported that additional funds were provided by the Province that we were not
expecting and requested Council's direction on their disposition.
Councillors suggested the funds be used to pay down the Health Unit purchase in order
to reduce interest payments, or be set aside and decide their disposition at a later date.
Moved by Councillor McPhail
Seconded by Councillor Wilson
THAT the $615,000.00 received from the Province of Ontario Special Circumstances
Fund be set aside in a reserve and the decision on how to expend these funds be made
at a later date.
- Carried Unanimously.
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May 11, 1999
CORRESPONDENCE
Items for Consideration
1. Cora Hallsworth, Waste Reduction Week Co-Ordinator, Recycling Council of Ontario,
announcing that November 1-7 is Waste Reduction Week "Make Your R2K
Resolution: Step Lightly Into 2000".
2. Mayor Hugh O'Reilly, Resort Municipality of Whistler, requesting support for a journey
across Canada by John Ryan to raise $5 Million for spinal cord regeneration
research.
3. Nancy Michie, Clerk-Treasurer, Township of Morris, with a resolution concerning rural
water quality programs.
Moved by Councillor Rock
Seconded by Councillor Habkirk
THAT Correspondence Item #1 be received and filed.
- Carried.
Moved by Councillor Habkirk
Seconded by Councillor van Kasteren
THAT Correspondence Item #2 be received and filed.
- Carried.
The following recommendation was adopted respecting Correspondence Item #3:
Moved by Councillor Clutterbuck
Seconded by Councillor McPhail
THAT the Corporation of the County of Elgin supports the resolution from the Township of
Morris petitioning the Provincial Government to implement a Rural Water Quality
Improvement Program.
- Carried.
Items for Information - (Consent AQenda)
1. The Honourable Janet Ecker, Minister of Community and Social Services,
congratulating the City of St. Thomas on being designated as the Ontario Works
delivery agent.
2. The Honourable Isabel Bassett, Minister of Citizenship, Culture and Recreation,
regarding $1 Million new funding to support Internet connectivity for public libraries.
3. Susan E. Dunn, Board Secretary, Environmental Assessment Board, regarding
rescheduling of the preliminary hearing of a Provisional Certificate of Approval for
Waste Disposal.
4. The Honourable AI Leach, Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing, regarding
extended deadline for Local Services Realignment (LSR) program costs.
5. Harold B. Rudy, Manager, Program Division, with a summary from the Focus Group
on Nutrient Management Planning workshops.
6. Anthony Zwig, President, Horizon Legacy, outlining their services as a consultant for
health care facilities and finance and construction management.
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May 11, 1999
7. Donna Rupert, President, Elgin Historical Society, regarding the "Talbot Anniversary
Dinner" to be held on Friday, May 21, 1999.
8. Henry Valks, Park Superintendent, Ontario Parks, regarding an Interim Management
Statement for Port Bruce Provincial Park.
9. AMO Member Communication ALERT, re: "OMERS Surplus Plan Announcement -
Contribution Holiday Extended" and "1999 Ontario Budget".
1 O. The Honourable Ernie Eves, Minister of Finance, concerning the 1999 Local Services
Realignment (LSR) with respect to the sharing of residential education tax room.
Moved by Councillor Habkirk
Seconded by Councillor Rock
THAT Correspondence Items #1-10 be received and filed.
- Carried.
OTHER BUSINESS
Statements/InQuiries By Members
Councillors McPhail and Wilson reported a meeting was held regarding the drainage
issue. Members of the Ontario Federation of Agriculture were in attendance, however, the
Christian Farmers' Federation and Conservation Authorities had sent their regrets. The
consensus of persons in attendance was to solicit professional help to further their case.
Councillors McPhail and Wilson indicated they had contacted a person who is willing to
meet with themselves and the Chief Administrative Officer to review the matter. This item
was referred to the In-Camera agenda for further discussion.
Notice of Motion - None.
Matters of UrQency - None.
Moved by Councilor Wilson
Seconded by Councillor van Kasteren
THAT we do now recess at 12:02 P.M.
- Carried.
Council reconvened at 1 :07 P.M.
Moved by Councillor Habkirk
Seconded by Councillor Wilson
THAT we move In-Camera to discuss personnel and property matters.
- Carried.
Warden VanBrenk asked Councillor Rock to Chair the In-Camera portion.
Senior Staff were excused at 2: 15 P.M. except the Chief Administrative Officer and the
Director of Human Resources.
The Deputy Clerk re-entered Chambers at 2:45 P.M.
Moved by Councillor Wilson
Seconded by Councillor van Kasteren
THAT we do now rise and report.
- Carried.
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May 11, 1999
Moved by Councillor Rock
Seconded by Councillor McPhail
THAT the Director of Homes and Seniors Services and the Director of Human Resources
implement the necessary steps for the recruitment of the positions identified in the
Confidential report dated April 26, 1999 entitled "Staffing Requirements - Dietary and
Activation" .
- Carried.
Moved by Councillor van Kasteren
Seconded by Councillor Habkirk
THAT, at the request of the Municipality of Bayham, the County agree to allow the
Municipality of Bayham to close the Vienna Library effective August 31, 1999, with
advanced notification given to the residents; and,
THAT the County Library staff will endeavour to provide library service to "shut-ins" or
seniors identified as Vienna patrons that cannot use the other library facilities located in
Port Burwell or Straffordville; and further,
THAT the current 7 open hours, 7 staff hours, and selected materials and resources of the
Vienna Library be added to the Bayham Township Library (Straffordville) in an effort to
provide more accessible, economical and efficient services in response to the changing
demographics; and,
THAT all enquiries regarding this policy decision be directed to the Council of the
Municipality of Bayham who initiated the request.
- Carried Unanimously.
Moved by Councillor Habkirk
Seconded by Councillor Wilson
THAT the offer to purchase 57 licensed nursing home beds from Haldimand War
Memorial Hospital be accepted according to the terms and conditions of the proposal
dated April 29th, 1999 and revised on May 10th, 1999; and,
THAT the County Solicitor be requested to close the transaction as soon as possible.
- Carried.
Moved by Councillor Habkirk
Seconded by Councillor van Kasteren
THAT we adopt the recommendations of the Committee of The Whole Council.
- Carried.
BY-LAWS
Moved by Councillor Clutterbuck
Seconded by Councillor McPhail
THAT By-Law No. 99-14 "Being A By-Law to Authorize the Temporary Closure of a
Portion of County Road #8 (Currie Road) in the Municipality of Dutton/Dunwich" be read a
first and second time.
- Carried.
Moved by Councillor van Kasteren
Seconded by Councillor Wilson
THAT By-Law No. 99-14 be read a third time and finally passed.
- Carried.
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May 11, 1999
Moved by Councillor Habkirk
Seconded by Councillor Wilson
THAT By-Law No. 99-15 "A By-Law to Confirm Proceedings of the Municipal Council of
the Corporation of the County of Elgin at the May 11 th, 1999 Meeting" be read a first and
second time.
- Carried.
Moved by Councillor van Kasteren
Seconded by Councillor Rock
THAT By-Law No. 99-15 be read a third time and finally passed.
- Carried.
Moved by Councillor Habkirk
Seconded by Councillor Clutterbuck
THAT we do now adjourn at 2:50 P.M. to meet again on June 8, 1999 at 9:00 AM.
- Carried.
Mark G. McDonald,
Chief Administrative Officer.
Rien VanBrenk,
Warden.