November 9, 1999 Minutes
COUNTY COUNCIL
Tuesday, November 9, 1999
The Elgin County Council met this day at the Administration Building, at 9:01 AM., in
accordance with adjournment, with all members present.
Warden VanBrenk in the Chair.
Moved by Councillor Habkirk
Seconded by Councillor Walters
THAT the minutes of the meeting held on October 19, 1999 be adopted.
Councillor Walters requested the minutes be amended under "Other Business" by
changing "three locations within the Province of Ontario" to "three locations within our
immediate area".
Moved by Councillor Stewart
Seconded by Councillor Wilson
THAT the minutes of the meeting held on October 19, 1999, be amended by changing
"three locations within the Province of Ontario" to "three locations within our immediate
area".
- Carried.
The original motion, as amended, was voted on and Carried.
DISCLOSURE OF PECUNIARY INTEREST AND THE GENERAL NATURE THEREOF -
None.
PRESENTATIONS
Warden VanBrenk and Councillor Clutterbuck presented letters of congratulations and
County pins and pens to Players and Staff Members of the Fingal Disbrowe 99'ers Ball
Team, in recognition of their second place finish at the 1999 Canadian Senior Men's
Fastball Championship, held in September at the Doug Tarry Ball Complex. The same
presentation was also made to the Host Committee who organized the event. The
recipients thanked Council for their recognition and left at 9: 11 AM.
Moved by Councillor Wilson
Seconded by Councillor Stewart
THAT we do now move into Committee Of The Whole Council.
- Carried.
STAFF REPORTS
DeleQation of Authority for Temporary ClosinQ of HiQhways - ManaQer of
EnQineerinQ Services
Moved by Councillor Habkirk
Seconded by Councillor Walters
THAT, in accordance with the Municipal Act, Section 207(44), the Corporation of the County
of Elgin delegates authority to the Manager of Engineering Services, by passing of the
necessary by-law, to authorize temporary closing of County Roads for social, recreational,
community or other related purposes, subject to the following:
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November 9, 1999
1. A written request is received from the municipal council, setting out the dates, times,
and reasons for such closure; and,
2. The municipality shall be responsible for providing the appropriate level of liability
insurance, naming the County as an additional insured, naming the County harmless
during road closure, and for providing materials, labour and equipment required to
maintain a safe detour route; and further,
THAT the Manager of Engineering Services report, in the fall of each year, on the number
and type of temporary closures authorized during the previous year, at which time Council
will review the procedure.
- Carried.
Road ClosinQ - Municipality of Central EIQin - ManaQer of EnQineerinQ Services
Moved by Councillor Walters
Seconded by Councillor Rock
THAT the County of Elgin has no objection to the Municipality of Central Elgin closing up a
portion of the road allowance between Lots 21 and 22, Concession 6.
- Carried.
Carpet Replacement - Basement Area Administration BuildinQ- ManaQer of EnQineerinQ
Services
Moved by Councillor Clutterbuck
Seconded by Councillor Habkirk
THAT the quotation of $9,347.50 be accepted from Carpet One Elgin Floor Covering, for
carpet replacement in the basement area of the Administration Building with the work to be
completed prior to December 31, 1999; and,
THAT the monies be taken from the Building Reserve.
- Carried.
St. Thomas-EIQin Ontario Works Community Placements ProQram - ManaQer of
Library Services
Ms. Bishop advised that the Library was approached by Ontario Works to consider a work
placement for a 6-month period. Ontario Works will cover all costs.
Moved by Councillor Rock
Seconded by Councillor Walters
THAT the report on the St. Thomas-Elgin Ontario Works Community Placement Program
be received and filed.
- Carried.
Y2K ContinQent Liability Insurance - Director of Financial Services
Moved by Councillor Wilson
Seconded by Councillor Rock
THAT the County of Elgin purchase Y2K Contingent Liability Insurance from Frank Cowan
Company at $10,689.00 with the funds being allocated from the Mill Rate Stabilization
Reserve Account.
- Lost.
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November 9, 1999
Councillors questioned the need for this liability insurance if due diligence has been carried
out. Mrs. Veger indicated that such cautionary coverage offers peace of mind. Questions
regarding what happens if a computer crash occurs, and what areas of County functions
would be involved in such a situation, were discussed. Council consensus was that staff
have taken preventative measures wherever possible and the additional cost of this
insurance is not necessary.
Moved by Councillor McPhail
Seconded by Councillor Rock
THAT the report from the Director of Financial Services entitled Y2K Contingent Liability
Insurance be received and filed.
- Carried.
DELEGATION
Mr. Michael Mazza, Executive Director, and Mr. Dale Peters and Mr. Bruce Edwards,
members of the Board, from Four Counties Health Services, appeared before Council at
9:35 AM. to request funding towards their Seniors' Day Program Building Expansion. The
present Four Counties Community Villa would be expanded by 1,600 square feet and
allow a greater number of seniors to utilize the facilities. A 16-unit apartment building is
expected to be completed by March 2000 and 60 applications have been received for the
units that are available. The Ministry has verbally assured their expansion should receive
favourable consideration for funding. Mr. Mazza extended an invitation to Councillors to
tour their facilities.
Moved by Councillor Wilson
Seconded by Councillor McPhail
THAT the request for funding by the Four Counties Health Services be referred for
discussion to the 2000 County Composite budget considerations.
- Carried.
Warden VanBrenk thanked the delegation for attending and Mr. Mazza and Mr. Edwards
left at 9:30 AM.
Councillor McPhail introduced Mr. Dale Peters, a private consultant, who has developed a
nutrient management by-law and suggested that Council may want to discuss the issue.
Council consensus was to allow Mr. Peters to make a presentation. Mr. Peters addressed
Council and discussed that nutrient management regulates the amount of manure that is
stored and that may be absorbed into the soil. He advised that other Counties are
developing county-wide by-laws to handle nutrient management. Mr. Peters provided
copies of a current by-law for Council's information. The delegation left at 10:00 AM.
Council took a short break and reconvened at 10: 15 AM.
Application for Minor Exception Lot 23. Conc. 3 Malahide - EIQin County Tree
Commissioner
Mr. Geurts was not in attendance and Council considered the report in his absence.
Moved by Councillor Habkirk
Seconded by Councillor Walters
THAT the Application for Minor Exception to the Trees Act from Mr. A Lankhuijzen, Lot 23,
Concession 3, Township of Malahide, to clear approximately 1.0 acres of trees to work the
land more efficiently, be approved.
- Carried.
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November 9, 1999
United Way CampaiQn. 1999 - ManaQer of Library Services
Council has allowed staff that contribute to the United Way Campaign to dress down on
Fridays for the past two years. The City of St. Thomas has issued a challenge to the
County of Elgin for pledges towards the United Way Campaign. The County has planned
a book sale, bake sale, hot dog sale and sale of tickets for draws for donated items. Ms.
Bishop indicated that we could use Council support to cook and sell hotdogs on November
19th and handed out sign-up sheet for volunteers. The time off could be donated back to
the United Way if they wished.
Moved by Councillor Rock
Seconded by Councillor Wilson
THAT the draws for time-off with pay for employees who contribute to United Way through
payroll of at least $2.00 per pay, be approved by County Council; and,
THAT the draws take place on November 19, 1999, with the winners to be announced on
that day.
- Carried.
Councillor Wilson noted that in the past Councillors have donated one day's pay to the
United Way and suggested Council may wish to fill in their pledge cards again.
September 30. 1999 BudQet Comparison - Director of Financial Services
Mrs. Veger highlighted and explained variances. The Chief Administrative Officer has met
with the lower-tier administrators to discuss the Provincial Offences Act, and will meet
again to further discuss this issue. It is hoped that agreement can be reached early next
year and funding can be accessed at that time.
Moved by Councillor Walters
Seconded by Councillor McPhail
THAT the report from the Director of Financial Services on the September 30, 1999
Budget Comparisons be received and filed.
- Carried.
CORRESPONDENCE
Items for Consideration
1. D. Vance Bedore, Director of Planning and Economic Development, Ottawa Valley
Economic Development, with a resolution concerning the need for the development of
the new Canadian Neutron Facility at Chalk River Laboratories.
2. Gilles Lortie, Municipal Clerk, Village of Casselman, petitioning the Province to make
available a location in their municipality for the purpose of taking written tests and
road tests.
3. Donald N. Leitch, Co-ordinator of Planning & Development, Municipality of Central
Elgin, with a copy of the Restructuring Proposal-Township of Southwold, Municipality
of Central Elgin.
4. William Roberts, CAO/Clerk, Town of Hanover, with a resolution concerning the
shortage of Family Physicians.
Moved by Councillor Habkirk
Seconded by Councillor Rock
THAT Correspondence Item #1 be received and filed.
- Carried.
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November 9, 1999
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 Village of
Casselman petitioning the Ministry of Transportation to provide a location in communities
for written and road test appointments, on a weekly basis.
- Carried Unanimously.
The following recommendation was adopted respecting Correspondence Item #3.
Moved by Councillor Habkirk
Seconded by Councillor van Kasteren
THAT the Corporation of the County of Elgin supports the restructuring proposal between
the Corporation of the Township of Southwold and the Corporation of the Municipality of
Central Elgin regarding a 200 foot by 620 foot strip of land on the north side of George
Street in Port Stanley.
- Carried Unanimously.
The following recommendation was adopted respecting Correspondence Item #4.
Moved by Councillor Habkirk
Seconded by Councillor Rock
THAT the Corporation of the County of Elgin supports the resolution from the Town of
Hanover urging the Federal and Provincial Governments to provide sufficient funding to
allow for increased medical school enrolment to meet projected physician shortages in rural
and northern communities.
- Carried.
Items for Information - (Consent Aqenda)
1. Bob Siskind, Co-Chair, Friends of the Games and Ted Garrard, Co-Chair, Friends of
the Games, thanking the Council for their financial support.
2. K. G. Sloan, Administrator/Clerk, Municipality of Central Elgin, and Rita DeWild,
Clerk, Municipality of West Elgin, supporting Council's resolution petitioning the
Province for a capital assistance program to help improve recreational opportunities
throughout the province.
3. Robert A Richards, President & CAO, Ontario Property Assessment Corporation, re:
OPAC rates for the Year 2000.
4. Robert J. Heil, CAO, Regional Municipality of Haldimand-Norfolk, with copy of
correspondence concerning the Ontario Tobacco Strategy.
5. Eleanor Clitheroe, President and CEO, Ontario Hydro Services Company, with the
"Ontario Hydro Services Company's Year 2000 Operation Readiness Report".
6. Kyle Kruger, CAO, Municipality of Bayham, with copy of correspondence regarding
the incorporation of the Township of Norfolk and the Township of Bayham into the
County of Oxford.
7. Rita DeWild, Clerk, Municipality of West Elgin, with a resolution agreeing to request a
costing proposal for contract policing on a county-wide basis from the Ontario
Provincial Police.
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November 9, 1999
8. Ontario News Release Communique, Ministry of Finance, regarding property tax
classification for professional sporting facilities.
9. AMCTO Express, newsletter update on issues related to Bill 79 assessment and tax
policies.
10. Mayor of St. Thomas with an invitation to the St. Thomas City Hall 100th Anniversary
and New Year's Eve Parties.
Items for Information - (Consent Aqenda)
Moved by Councillor van Kasteren
Seconded by Councillor Walters
THAT Correspondence Items #1-10 be received and filed.
- Carried.
Correspondence #7
The County has received resolutions from all municipalities within the County, except the
Town Aylmer, requesting a costing proposal for contract policing on a county-wide basis.
Ontario Provincial Police have been instructed to proceed with the costing.
OTHER BUSINESS
Statements/InQuiries By Members
Warden VanBrenk and Mark McDonald attended the 1999 Counties and Regions
Conference in Ottawa in October and had the opportunity to meet Prime Minister Chretien.
They presented a County tie, a plate and a spoon to the Prime Minister, who assured them
that he would wear the tie.
Councillor Rock attended the open house at the Library and noted that not all microfilm
readers are consistent across the County. Ms. Bishop indicated that readers are old,
inadequate and require updating. Council requested the Manager of Library Services to
prepare a report with costing on replacements.
Councillor Rock asked for a status report on the rumble strips at Fairview Avenue and
Sparta Line. The CAO reported that dampening efforts are difficult, however this is being
investigated and a report will be forthcoming to the next meeting. Councillor Rock
recognized that time constraints are a factor, however would appreciate action on this as
soon as possible.
Warden VanBrenk indicated he had toured the fourth floor with the Archives Association
and that the City has supported, in principle, the development of an Archives. A report will
be forthcoming on the status of the Archives. The Manager of Library Services informed
Council that the meeting went well between the County, City and the Archives Association
and that it provided an opportunity for the Association and the City to see the amount of
records stored on fourth floor. Attendees felt everyone could work together on the project.
Councillor Habkirk announced he is running for the Office of Warden for the Year 2000.
Councillor McPhail announced he is running for the Office of Warden for the Year 2000.
Councillor McPhail advised that the West Elgin Road Superintendent asked him to bring
forward items to Council. It has been suggested that the Mayors be invited to the
meetings of the Road Superintendents Association on a rotating schedule. The Warden is
invited to all meetings. The Road Superintendents' Association put on a training course on
winter maintenance, which included the legal aspects of winter control, for all road
employees. This was done in-house for approximately a $6,300.00 savings, rather than
outsourcing. The Manager of Engineering Services informed Council that self-training is
working and that the Road Superintendent from West Elgin did an excellent job.
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November 9, 1999
The Director of Homes and Senior Services invited Councillors to an Art Show at the
Bobier Villa this Saturday and Sunday between 2:00 and 4:00 P.M.
Notice of Motion - None.
Matters of UrQency - None.
Moved by Councillor Habkirk
Seconded by Councillor Stewart
THAT we proceed In-Camera to discuss personnel and property matters.
- Carried.
Moved by Councillor Stewart
Seconded by Councillor Wilson
THAT we do rise without reporting.
- Carried.
Council recessed at 12: 18 P.M. and reconvened at 1 :00 P.M.
Moved by Councillor Habkirk
Seconded by Councillor Stewart
THAT we proceed In-Camera to discuss personnel and property matters.
- Carried.
Gar Knutson, M.P. was in attendance to discuss Harbour Divestiture concerns.
Moved by Councillor Rock
Seconded by Councillor Wilson
THAT we do rise without reporting.
- Carried.
Mr. Knutson left the meeting at 1 :20 P.M.
EIQin County Land Division Committee Annual Report - Mr. Tere Lebedz. Chairman
Mr. Lebedz attended at 1 :20 P.M. and highlighted the report indicating applications are
down by 18 from last year. Councillors questioned deferrals of some applications and Mr.
Lebedz indicated the applicant or the municipality might have asked for that action.
Councillor McPhail questioned if requirements are the same throughout the County and
Mr. Lebedz indicated it differs as to lot requirements etc. according to the particular zoning
by-law or official plan. Mr. Lebedz indicated there is a great deal more responsibility
placed on the members of the Committee now, because agencies such as Ministry of
Agriculture, the Health Unit, and the Ministry of Natural Resources no longer comment and
it is up to the Committee to know their requirements and apply them in their decision
making. Mr. Lebedz indicated the system works well and thanked Council for the recent
increase in remuneration. Warden VanBrenk thanked Mr. Lebedz, who left the Chambers
at 1 :33 P.M.
Moved by Councillor Walters
Seconded by Councillor Stewart
THAT the annual report of the Elgin County Land Division Committee be received and
filed.
- Carried.
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November 9, 1999
Moved by Councillor McPhail
Seconded by Councillor Rock
THAT we do now proceed In-Camera to discuss personnel and property matters.
- Carried.
Senior Staff, except the Director of Human Resources, the Manager of Engineering
Services, and Chief Administrative Officer were excused at 2:50 P.M.
The Deputy Clerk re-entered Chambers at 3:58 P.M.
Moved by Councillor Wilson
Seconded by Councillor van Kasteren
THAT we rise and report.
- Carried.
Moved by Councillor Clutterbuck
Seconded by Councillor McPhail
THAT one IT contract be changed to permanent full-time and the incumbent, Jeremy
Sharkey, be offered the position; and,
THAT the position move to the appropriate position on the County salary grid.
- Carried.
Moved by Councillor Walters
Seconded by Councillor Stewart
THAT the Township of Southwold be requested to consider, through a financial partnership
with the County of Elgin, the development of a waterline from either County Road #3 or
Fingal to service the new Elgin Manor.
- Carried.
Moved by Councillor Rock
Seconded by Councillor van Kasteren
THAT we adopt the recommendations of the Committee Of The Whole Council.
- Carried.
BY-LAWS
Moved by Councillor Walters
Seconded by Councillor Rock
THAT By-Law No. 99-38 "Being a By-Law to Authorize the Manager of Engineering
Services to Temporarily Close County Roads" be read a first and second time.
- Carried.
Moved by Councillor Rock
Seconded by Councillor Clutterbuck
THAT By-Law No. 99-38 be read a third time and finally passed.
- Carried.
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November 9, 1999
Moved by Councillor Stewart
Seconded by Councillor Habkirk
THAT By-Law No. 99-39 "A By-Law to Confirm Proceedings of the Municipal Council of the
Corporation of the County of Elgin at the November 9, 1999 Meeting" be read a first and
second time.
- Carried.
Moved by Councillor Wilson
Seconded by Councillor van Kasteren
THAT By-Law No. 99-39 be read a third time and finally passed.
- Carried.
WARDEN'S BANQUET
Councillor Walters reviewed the Programme for the Warden's Banquet and requested that
a list of the ex-wardens and visiting clerks who indicated they would be attending be faxed
out. He asked that everyone be prepared for their part in the programme.
Moved by Councillor van Kasteren
Seconded by Councillor Stewart
THAT we do now adjourn at 4:05 P.M. to meet again on November 23,1999 at 9:00 AM.
- Carried.
Mark G. McDonald,
Chief Administrative Officer.
Rien VanBrenk,
Warden.