September 14, 1999 Minutes
COUNTY COUNCIL
Tuesday, September 14, 1999
The Elgin County Council met this day at the Administration Building, at 9:01 AM., in
accordance with adjournment, with all members present except Councillor van Kasteren
(due to illness).
Warden VanBrenk in the Chair.
Warden VanBrenk asked Councillor McPhail to introduce Mr. Craig Nicks, the new
Administrator for the Elgin-St. Thomas Health Unit, to Council and Staff, and welcomed
him to the County.
Moved by Councillor Rock
Seconded by Councillor Habkirk
THAT the minutes of the meeting held on July 27, 1999 be adopted.
- Carried.
DISCLOSURE OF PECUNIARY INTEREST AND THE GENERAL NATURE THEREOF -
None.
DELEGATIONS
Mr. Aaron Everatt spoke on behalf of the residents living in the area of Sparta Line and
Fairview Road who signed a petition complaining of excess noise caused by rumble strips
installed in the area. Mr. Everatt explained that the noise caused by these strips is an
irritation and keeps people awake at night. Also, driveways in the area are steep due to
road reconstruction and it is difficult for the residents to get out onto the busy roadway. He
requested removal of the rumble strips, a reduced speed limit to 50 km, as well as
increased police patrol.
The Manager of Engineering Services presented his report on Audible Warning Indicators
(Rumble Strips) at the intersection of Sparta Line and Fairview Avenue. Mr. Watters
indicated that rumble strips were installed according to County policy, to make the roadway
safer. On this stretch of roadway, traffic counters have recorded average speeds of 83
km, even though it is posted at 80 km on one road and 50 km on the other. An O.P.P.
presence would most likely slow motorists and initial discussions with them have indicated
they could step up patrols when problem areas have been identified. Councillors indicated
the safety issue of rumble strips outweighs the irritation caused from the noise.
Moved by Councillor Habkirk
Seconded by Councillor McPhail
THAT the Corporation of the County of Elgin continue to adhere to the Rumble Strip Policy
currently in place; and,
THAT conditions at the intersection of Fairview Avenue and Sparta Line remain as they
presently exist.
- Carried.
Moved by Councillor Walters
Seconded by Councillor Wilson
THAT the Manager of Engineering Services review the determination factors for rumble
strips, taking into consideration the zoning in the area where installation is to occur; and,
THAT a report on recommended speed limits for the entire County be completed.
- Carried.
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September 14, 1999
The Warden thanked the delegation for attending and Mr. Everatt left at 9:30 AM.
Mr. Jack Ferriman acted as spokesperson for the Friends of the Games - 2001 Canada
Summer Games and introduced the other members of the Committee. The Committee
was in attendance to answer Council's concerns about County recognition and benefits
received, should they decide to provide funds towards the Committee's promotion efforts
for the Games. Council was very concerned that the County was not invited to initial
discussions and the Committee members apologized for the oversight. Councillors were
invited to get involved in promotion efforts through their local municipalities and through
these efforts keep participants and spectators in the County. The Committee urged the
participation by all areas of the County to promote themselves. Marketing will be essential
to entice attendees to venture out into the County to see what all of Elgin has to offer.
In the ensuing discussion, Councillors felt that it seems to be a focused alliance as there is
no mention of Elgin in the names of any of the Committees or literature. Without this
recognition, people would not know that Elgin is involved with the endeavour. Councillors
noted that because this item deals with public dollars, it would be advisable for a County
Liaison Committee to be formed to keep Council informed and to answer ratepayers
concerns over dollars being spent.
Councillors further questioned whether there would be an opportunity for exhibition games
to be held throughout the County to help promote County locations. Members will take the
suggestion back to the Committee for discussion, but noted that areas need to be safe for
the athletes and playing fields have to be to a strict standard.
Moved by Councillor Habkirk
Seconded by Councillor McPhail
THAT the Corporation of the County of Elgin contribute $25,000.00 per year, paid out over
a three year period beginning in 1999, to the 2001 Canada Games and request that the St.
Thomas organizing committee change its name to the St. ThomaslElgin Organizing
Committee and permit participation from members appointed by Elgin County Council;
and,
THAT the funds be taken from the Mill Rate Stabilization Reserve.
- Carried Unanimously.
The Delegation left at 10:30 AM. Council took a short break and reconvened at 10:45
AM.
Moved by Councillor Walters
Seconded by Councillor McPhail
THAT we do now move into Committee Of The Whole Council.
- Carried.
STAFF REPORTS
EIQin County EmerQency Operations Centre - EmerQency Measures Co-Ordinator
and the Co-Ordinator of Corporate Facilities
Personnel from the recommended supplier of the generator were also in attendance to
answer questions from Council. The Emergency Measures Co-Ordinator indicated that the
cost for the generator would be partially offset by a $10,000.00 grant we will receive from
JEPP. Councillors questioned the ongoing maintenance cost and the suppliers advised
that it would be approximately $1,500.00 per year. Any repairs necessary would be at
County cost. Council consensus was that the generator should be housed in a building to
help guard against vandalism, extreme weather, and for ease of maintenance by staff.
Specifications for the building should ensure that a doorway is large enough to move the
generator if necessary. The tendered price will decrease by the cost for housing and
County Council
3
September 14, 1999
fencing that is not required. The Emergency Measures Co-Ordinator and the proposed
suppliers left the meeting at 11 :05 AM.
A Delegation of Mr. Graydon Knights, P. Eng., and Mr. Mark Conway, MCIP, of Dillon
Consulting Ltd., and Mr. Eric Larson, Transport Canada, were in attendance at 11 :05 AM.
Moved by Councillor Rock
Seconded by Councillor Wilson
THAT we do now proceed In-Camera to discuss property and personnel matters.
- Carried.
The Delegation left at 12:22 P.M.
Moved by Councillor Walters
Seconded by Councillor Rock
THAT we do now rise without reporting.
- Carried.
Council recessed at 12:22 P.M. and reconvened at 1 :08 P.M. with Councillor Stewart
absent (arrived at 1 :38 P.M.).
Moved by Councillor Walters
Seconded by Councillor Habkirk
THAT we do now proceed In-Camera to discuss legal and property matters.
- Carried.
Moved by Councillor Habkirk
Seconded by Councillor Wilson
THAT we do now rise and report.
- Carried.
Moved by Councillor Clutterbuck
Seconded by Councillor Rock
THAT the County's involvement in the Port Stanley Harbour Divestiture Committee be
referred to staff for a report and recommendation to the County Council meeting on
September 28, 1999.
- Carried.
Moved by Councillor Stewart
Seconded by Councillor Walters
THAT the Council of the Corporation of the County of Elgin request the Ontario Provincial
Police to provide a costing for contract policing for the County of Elgin, excluding the Town
of Aylmer.
- Carried.
Councillor Habkirk noted for the record that he is opposed to the request for an O.P.P.
costing.
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4
September 14, 1999
Moved by Councillor McPhail
Seconded by Councillor Walters
THAT Mr. Paul Courey be instructed to prepare a position paper, on behalf of the County
of Elgin, in response to the Draft Agricultural Drainage Maintenance Guidelines; and,
THAT members of the Local Conservation Authorities and a member of the Department of
Fisheries and Oceans be requested to attend the County Council meeting to be held on
September 28, 1999 to update Council on the classification process and to answer
questions.
- Carried.
Moved by Councillor Walters
Seconded by Councillor Stewart
THAT the County of Elgin supports the restructuring proposal for land between the City of
St. Thomas and the Municipality of Central Elgin.
- Carried.
Moved by Councillor Stewart
Seconded by Councillor Wilson
THAT the confidential report from the Financial Services Director be deferred to the
Council meeting in November.
- Carried.
Councillors Clutterbuck and McPhail left at 4:30 P.M. to attend another meeting.
STAFF REPORTS
Warden's BanQuet - Councillor Walters
Moved by Councillor Walters
Seconded by Councillor Stewart
THAT the 1999 Warden's Banquet be held at the DuttonlDunwich Community Centre, on
November 13, 1999, with the social hour from 5:00 - 6: 15 P.M. and the banquet at 6:30
P.M.; and,
THAT all other costs and items be approved as detailed on the attached spreadsheet;
and,
THAT the charge for each purchased ticket be set at $15.00, to cover the cost of the meal,
plus taxes and gratuities.
- Carried.
PavinQ Projects for Terrace LodQe and Bobier Villa - Director of Homes and Senior
Services
Staff was instructed to ensure all aspects of future projects are envisioned and included in
appropriate budgets before presentation to Council.
Moved by Councillor Habkirk
Seconded by Councillor Walters
THAT the quotations for paving the parking lots and driveways from Walmsley Brothers be
accepted, in the amount of $48,673.00 for Terrace Lodge and $22,680.00 for Bobier Villa.
- Carried.
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September 14, 1999
Therapeutic Garden Walkways for Bobier Villa - Director of Homes and Senior
Services
Moved by Councillor Habkirk
Seconded by Councillor Rock
THAT the Director of Homes and Seniors Services be authorized to proceed with the
concrete walkway for the therapeutic garden; and,
THAT the quotation for the work from Case Terpstra Construction be accepted in the
amount of $4,909.40.
- Carried.
Intersection Reconstruction - Contract No. 1999-14 - ManaQer of EnQineerinQ
Services
Mr. Watters indicated that past practice has been that the County pays for half the costs
and the City pays the other half.
Moved by Councillor Walters
Seconded by Councillor Habkirk
THAT, subject to written confirmation from the City of St. Thomas that they will pay for
50% of costs, TCG Asphalt & Construction Incorporated tendered price of $196,270.10
including GST be accepted for Intersection Reconstruction Contract No. 1999-14, per the
proposed 1999 Capital Program; and,
THAT the Warden and the Chief Administrative Officer be authorized to enter into the
necessary agreement.
- Carried.
1999 St. Thomas International Air Show - ManaQer of EnQineerinQ Services
Moved by Councillor Habkirk
Seconded by Councillor Stewart
THAT the Parking By-Law be amended to restrict parkinglno stopping on County Road
#36 (Quaker Road) from Highway #3 (Talbot Line) to County Road #56 (Elm Line) and on
County Road #56 (Elm Line) from County Road #36 (Quaker Road) to Yarmouth Centre
Road.
- Carried.
County Auditors - Director of Financial Services
Moved by Councillor Wilson
Seconded by Councillor Stewart
THAT staff be directed to renew the contract for County Auditors with Raven & Company
for the years 1999 and 2000 at a fee of $10,500.00 per annum plus applicable taxes.
- Carried.
Moved by Councillor Wilson
Seconded by Councillor Habkirk
THAT Stand By Power (lowest bidder) be awarded the tender for the generator at the total
tendered price of $83,373.57; and,
THAT Council approve the purchase of the Emergency Operations Centre equipment;
and,
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September 14, 1999
THAT all purchases be funded from the Emergency Measures Budget ($44,850.00 plus
$10,000.00 JEPP funding) and the balance from the Millrate Stabilization Reserve; and,
THAT staff be directed to apply for JEPP funding to purchase communications equipment
in the 2000 fiscal year.
- Carried.
Moved by Councillor Habkirk
Seconded by Councillor Wilson
THAT all outstanding reports and correspondence from the September 14 agenda be
deferred to County Council's September 28 meeting.
- Carried.
Moved by Councillor Habkirk
Seconded by Councillor Stewart
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. 99-30 "To Further Amend By-Law No. 90-48, Being a By-Law for the
Regulation of Traffic" be read a first and second time.
- Carried.
Moved by Councillor Stewart
Seconded by Councillor Rock
THAT By-Law No. 99-30 be read a third time and finally passed.
- Carried.
OTHER BUSINESS
StatementsllnQuiries By Members
Warden VanBrenk indicated that he has four complimentary tickets to the Air Show if any
Councillors would like them.
Warden VanBrenk reminded Council that a joint CountylCity Archives meeting will be held
the evening of September 28 and advised that, if possible, the County Council meeting
scheduled for that day may be for a half-day only. The Warden invited Council members
who wished to attend the Archives meeting out for dinner prior to the meeting.
Warden VanBrenk advised that he had been invited to a Cabinet in Session Reception, the
cost of which was a donation of $150.00 and asked if he should attend. Council
consensus was he could go if he wished.
Notice of Motion - None.
Matters of UrQency - Councillor Walters indicated that Mr. Larson from Transport
Canada, had indicated that no dredging of the Port Stanley Harbour is scheduled to be
done, and requested Council to send a letter to the Minister of Transportation voicing its
objections.
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September 14, 1999
Moved by Councillor Walters
Seconded by Councillor Habkirk
THAT the Corporation of the County of Elgin write to the Minister of Transportation
expressing its objections to and concern over the Ministry's no dredging policy as it applies
to the Port Stanley Harbour and copies be sent to Gar Knutson, M.P.
- Carried.
Warden VanBrenk commented on the efforts of the Fingal Ball Team at the recent Fastball
Championships and requested the Team, as well as the organizers of the event, be invited
to a Council meeting where they could be recognized for their achievements with a letter
and a County pin.
BY-LAWS (continued)
Moved by Councillor Habkirk
Seconded by Councillor Rock
THAT By-Law No. 99-31 "A By-Law to Confirm Proceedings of the Municipal Council of the
Corporation of the County of Elgin at the September 14, 1999 Meeting" be read a first and
second time.
- Carried.
Moved by Councillor Stewart
Seconded by Councillor Wilson
THAT By-Law No. 99-31 be read a third time and finally passed.
- Carried.
Moved by Councillor Habkirk
Seconded by Councillor Walters
THAT we do now adjourn at 4:55 P.M. to meet again on September 28,1999.
- Carried.
Mark G. McDonald,
Chief Administrative Officer.
Rien VanBrenk,
Warden.