February 15, 2000 Minutes
COUNTY COUNCIL
Tuesday, February 15, 2000
The Elgin County Council met this day at the Administration Building, at 9:04 AM., in
accordance with adjournment, with all members present except Councillor Clutterbuck.
Warden McPhail in the Chair.
Council observed a moment of silence to honour the passing of Past Warden Albert
Auckland.
Moved by Councillor VanBrenk
Seconded by Councillor Stewart
THAT the minutes of the meetings held on January 25 and February 2,2000 be adopted.
- Carried.
DISCLOSURE OF PECUNIARY INTEREST AND THE GENERAL NATURE THEREOF -
None.
Warden McPhail welcomed Councillor Jim Mcintyre to County Council. Councillor
Mcintyre will represent the Township of Southwold on County Council while Councillor
Clutterbuck is recovering from surgery. Councillor Mcintyre commented that Councillor
Clutterbuck is healing well and is recuperating at home.
PRESENTATIONS
Warden McPhail welcomed the millennium babies and their parents to Council and
congratulated them on this important event in their lives. Warden McPhail and Councillor
Stewart presented certificates and gifts to Nathan Aron Dyck and parents Mr. and Mrs.
Dyck, and to Sara Bueckert and parents Mr. and Mrs. Bueckert. The recipients of the
awards left at 9:13 AM.
Moved by Councillor Wilson
Seconded by Councillor Rock
THAT we do now move into Committee Of The Whole Council.
- Carried.
COUNCIL AND STAFF REPORTS
St. Thomas-EIQin General Hospital FundinQ Levels - Councillor Van Brenk
Councillors noted that it appears the Ministry of Health seems to have forgotten about
small hospitals when it comes to funding.
Moved by Councillor VanBrenk
Seconded by Councillor Wilson
THAT the Council of the Corporation of the County of Elgin petition the Minister of Health
to fund the St. Thomas-Elgin General Hospital to at least the 1994/95 levels and reinstate
hospital care to the level promised by the Ontario Government.
- Carried Unanimously.
County Council
2
February 15, 2000
Application for Minor Exception - Albert and Annette PenninQs. Lots B. C.
Concession XI. XII. Dutton/Dunwich - EIQin County Tree Commissioner
Mr. Geurts indicated that this clearing of nearly four acres is the largest he has
encountered. The applicant has agreed to the County's no net loss policy and neighbours
have no objection. Council requested Mr. Geurts to report on the number and location of
tree replantings that have taken place in the County, at a future meeting.
Moved by Councillor VanBrenk
Seconded by Councillor Walters
THAT the application for Minor Exception to the Trees Act from Albert and Annette
Pennings, Lots B, C, Concessions XI, XII, Municipality of Dutton/Dunwich, to clear
approximately four acres of trees, in order to square off a woodlot to assist with farming
operations, be approved.
- Carried.
Mr. Geurts left at 9:30 AM.
Vacation Policy Amendments - Director of Human Resources
The Director noted that the Vacation Policies have been updated to reflect adopted
changes.
Moved by Councillor van Kasteren
Seconded by Councillor Rock
THAT Vacation Policy Number 7.10, 7.20, 7.20.1, 7.30, 7.50 and 7.70 be amended, as
attached, with January 1, 2000 being noted as the last revision date.
- Carried.
January 1. 2000 Renewal - County of EIQin Life/LonQ Term Disability Group
Insurance ProQram with Manulife Financial - Director of Human Resources
Mr. Underhill clarified that L TD is quoted per $1,000.00.
Moved by Councillor Rock
Seconded by Councillor Walters
THAT, based on the attached report entitled, "January 1,2000 Renewal - County of Elgin
Life/Long Term Disability Group Insurance Program with Manulife Financial" and the
recommendations from Buffett Taylor & Associates Ltd., the premium rates for Long Term
Disability Group Insurance be approved, effective January 1, 2000.
- Carried.
January 1. 2000 Renewal - Excess Workers' Compensation Insurance for the
County of EIQin (except for Homes) - Director of Human Resources
Moved by Councillor VanBrenk
Seconded by Councillor Stewart
THAT the attached report entitled "January 1,2000 Renewal - Excess Worker's
Compensation Insurance for the County of Elgin" be adopted.
- Carried.
County Council
3
February 15, 2000
Treasurer's Statement of Remuneration and Expenses for 1999 - Director of
Financial Services
Moved by Councillor Rock
Seconded by Councillor van Kasteren
THAT the Treasurer's Statement of Remuneration and Expenses for 1999 for County
Council be adopted.
- Carried.
Statement of Remuneration and Expenses for Outside Boards for 1999 - Director of
Financial Services
Moved by Councillor VanBrenk
Seconded by Councillor Walters
THAT the Treasurer's Statement of Remuneration and Expenses for 1999 for persons
appointed to Outside Boards be adopted.
- Carried.
Statement on Convention Expenses for Council 1999 - Director of Financial Services
Moved by Councillor Rock
Seconded by Councillor Habkirk
THAT the Treasurer's Statement of Convention Expenses paid to each Member of County
Council in 1999 be adopted.
- Carried.
Final Report - 1998 CappinQ - Director of Financial Services
Moved by Councillor Rock
Seconded by Councillor VanBrenk
THAT the balance of $85,726.00 remaining from the 1998 surplus to fund clawbacks be
rolled into the 2000 Composite Budget.
- Carried.
Payment-In-Lieu (PIL) Rates - Director of Financial Services
The Director reminded Council that the Province assured it would not change the method
of calculating PIL's but this has not proven to be true, as two municipalities have a
shortfall of $444,000.00 which the County will have to reimburse.
Moved by Councillor VanBrenk
Seconded by Councillor Stewart
THAT the shortfall in revenues experienced by the County, as it relates to the calculation
of Payment-In-Lieu taxable amounts, be funded by the 1999 surplus; and,
THAT any amount not fully funded by the surplus be paid from the Mill Rate Stabilization
Reserve.
- Carried.
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February 15, 2000
Policy for Influenza Prevention and Surveillance Protocol - Director of Homes and
Senior Services
The Director reported that the bargaining units have reviewed the policy, provided input,
and have agreed to implementation.
Moved by Councillor Walters
Seconded by Councillor VanBrenk
THAT the policy entitled "Influenza Prevention and Surveillance Protocol" be approved for
implementation in Elgin County Homes.
- Carried.
Service AQreement with West EIQin Community Health Centre. Supportive HousinQ
ProQram - Director of Homes and Senior Services
Moved by Councillor VanBrenk
Seconded by Councillor Rock
THAT the Director of Homes and Senior Services be authorized to sign the service
agreement with the West Elgin Community Health Centre for the provision of On-Call
Emergency Service for the Supportive Housing Program at Caledonia Gardens.
- Carried.
Volunteer RecoQnition of Auxiliary Members - Director of Homes and Senior
Services
Moved by Councillor Mcintyre
Seconded by Councillor Rock
THAT the Director of Homes and Senior Services be directed to organize the Auxiliary
Recognition Luncheon in each Home; and,
THAT imprinted pens and award certificates, designed to honour Auxiliary Members with
service of 10, 15, 20 and 25 years, be presented to the volunteers by the Warden and
Council.
- Carried.
The Director of Homes and Senior Services announced that the Visioning Tour
for Homes has been tentatively set for March 29, 2000 at 8:30 AM.
Additional Hours. SprinQfield Library - ManaQer of Library Services
The Manager of Library Services was directed to report back to Council on the
effectiveness of the increased hours.
Moved by Councillor Wilson
Seconded by Councillor Stewart
THAT the Springfield Library staff be permitted to increase their open hours from 9 hours
a week to 13 hours a week effective March, 2000; and,
THAT the Springfield staff be permitted to increase their staff hours by 5 hours a week
each, effective March 2000, with an approximate increase of $9,300.00 in the Library
budget.
- Carried.
County Council
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February 15, 2000
Road ClosinQ. Municipality of Bayham - ManaQer of EnQineerinQ Services
Moved by Councillor Stewart
Seconded by Councillor van Kasteren
THAT the County of Elgin has no objection to the Municipality of Bayham closing the road
allowance, in the former Village of Vienna, between Lots 15 and 16, Concession 3,
described as Part #2 on Reference Plan #11 R-6293.
- Carried.
Tender for SiQn Replacement/2000-01- ManaQer of EnQineerinQ Services
Moved by Councillor VanBrenk
Seconded by Councillor Mcintyre
THAT Scugog Signs Ltd. price of $18,175.41 including taxes be accepted for Sign
Replacement/Contract No. 2000-01 per the proposed 2000 Capital Program.
- Carried.
EnQineerinQ Services Pick-up Truck - Lease - ManaQer of EnQineerinQ Services
Moved by Councillor van Kasteren
Seconded by Councillor Habkirk
THAT Engineering Services be authorized to lease a pick up truck from Lease Source Ltd.
for the monthly payment of $395.00 including taxes for 36 months including the County's
1995 Ford Taurus as trade.
- Carried.
Councillor Wilson advised of the need for improved signage at the Belmont/Malahide
boundary. The road name changes from Caesar Road (Hwy #74) to Avon Drive at the
intersection and improved signage is needed in order to assist the travelling public and
emergency response agencies. Council consensus was that Engineering Services take a
look at the signage and, if warranted, the appropriate bodies install properly worded
slgnage.
ServicinQ Evaluation Summary - The New EIQin Manor - Chief Administrative Officer
The Chief Administrative Officer requested Council's direction on the Servicing Evaluation
Summary - The New Elgin Manor. Council consensus was that the site should take into
consideration any future development or partnerships that might be desirable. The C.AO.
will contact the Thames Valley District School Board and the Township of Southwold to
ascertain if they have interest in future expansion. Council requested that Spriet and
Associates be invited to a future meeting to answer questions and provide estimated costs
of an enhanced system.
Council took a break at 10: 14 AM. and reconvened at 10:38 AM.
CORRESPONDENCE
Items for Consideration
1. K.G. Sloan, Administrator/Clerk, Municipality of Central Elgin, with a resolution
concerning the FCM Municipal Rights-of Way Defence Fund.
2. Municipality of South Bruce, with a resolution demanding that the Provincial
Government continue a level of funding that reflects the importance of the
agricultural industry to the Province.
County Council
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February 15, 2000
3. E.C. Wagg, City Clerk, City of Niagara Falls, regarding a resolution endorsing a
petition calling for the Federal Government to make amendments to the Young
Offenders Act.
4. Steve Peters, M.P.P., Elgin-Middlesex-London, with information and requesting
Council's support for the "Healthy Futures for Ontario Agriculture".
5. Louise Gartshore, City Clerk, City of Woodstock, with a resolution requesting the
Federal and Provincial Governments to fund health care to provide a standard
acceptable to the OMA
6. Paul Courey, Paroian, Raphael, with correspondence to the Department of Fisheries
& Oceans regarding Maintenance Guidelines for Municipal Drains.
7. Lloyd Perrin, Co-ordinator of Physical Services, Municipality of Central Elgin,
requesting review of Maintenance of Highbury Avenue Winter Control Operations.
8. Gordon M. Burns, Clerk, Town of North Perth, regarding CRF Funding Issue for
Farmland/Management Forest Tax Rebate/Ratio.
9. Jayne Carman, Deputy Clerk, County of Brant, with a resolution concerning
OMAFRA's review of Bill 66 and the impact on the programs and organizations
funded under this Bill.
10. Ruby Allen, President, Elgin County Unit, Canadian Cancer Society, requesting
Council's support for retaining the Elgin County Unit office in the event of a possible
merger of the Elgin County and London Middlesex Unit offices.
The following recommendation was adopted respecting Correspondence Item #1.
Moved by Councillor Habkirk
Seconded by Councillor VanBrenk
THAT the Corporation of the County of Elgin contribute to the FCM's Municipal Rights-of-
Way Defence Fund at $.03 per capita, on behalf of the County and area municipalities, in
accordance with the FCM's Members' Advisory; and,
THAT the necessary expenditure be included in the 2000 Budget.
- Carried.
The following recommendation was adopted respecting Correspondence Item #2.
Moved by Councillor Walters
Seconded by Councillor Wilson
THAT the Corporation of the County of Elgin supports the resolution from the Municipality
of South Bruce requesting that the Provincial Government support and recognize the
importance of the Agricultural Industry in the Province; and,
THAT funding and cost-cutting decisions be re-examined due to the importance of the
agricultural industry to the Province.
- Carried.
The following recommendation was adopted respecting Correspondence Item #3.
Moved by Councillor Habkirk
Seconded by Councillor Rock
THAT the Corporation of the County of Elgin supports the resolution from the City of
Niagara Falls calling for the Federal Government to make amendments to the Young
Offenders Act.
- Carried.
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February 15, 2000
The following recommendation was adopted respecting Correspondence Item #4.
Moved by Councillor Habkirk
Seconded by Councillor Mcintyre
THAT the Corporation of the County of Elgin supports the "Healthy Future for Ontario
Agriculture" initiative developed by the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs in
co-operation with the Farmers of Ontario, to maintain and continue to build Ontario's agri-
food industry; and,
THAT the Elgin County Lower-Tier Municipalities be requested to encourage their
communities to become involved with this program.
- Carried.
The following recommendation was adopted respecting Correspondence Item #5.
Moved by Councillor Habkirk
Seconded by Councillor Stewart
THAT the Corporation of the County of Elgin supports the resolution from the City of
Woodstock requesting the Federal and Provincial Governments to sufficiently fund health
care to the standard acceptable to the OMA
- Carried.
The following recommendation was adopted respecting Correspondence Item #6.
Moved by Councillor Rock
Seconded by Councillor van Kasteren
THAT Correspondence Item #6 be received and filed.
- Carried.
The following recommendation was adopted respecting Correspondence Item #7.
Councillor Walters indicated that the letter from the Sterling Truck Manufacturing Plant
complaining of the lack of winter control between 11 :00 P.M. and 4:00 AM. on Highbury
Avenue was originally received by the Municipality of Central Elgin and was referred to
the County, as the County sets the winter road maintenance guidelines. The County
Chief Administrative Officer noted that the issues involved are liability, economics, and
insurance, and the location of the plant which is in St. Thomas.
Moved by Councillor Wilson
Seconded by Councillor Rock
THAT the County of Elgin petition the Minister of Transportation to reinstate the Suburban
Road Commission, and copies be sent to AMO, OGRA, and local M.P.P. requesting
support.
- Carried.
Moved by Councillor Wilson
Seconded by Councillor Stewart
THAT the Manager of Engineering Services investigate winter maintenance control on
Highbury Avenue, in consultation with the Central Elgin Road Superintendent, and report
back to Council.
- Carried.
County Council
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February 15, 2000
The following recommendation was adopted respecting Correspondence Item #8.
The Director of Financial Services indicated the local Treasurers are currently reviewing
this subject.
Moved by Councillor VanBrenk
Seconded by Councillor Stewart
THAT Correspondence Item #8 on the CRF funding for Farmland/Management Forest Tax
Rebate/Ratio be deferred to a future Council meeting when more information is available.
- Carried.
The following recommendation was adopted respecting Correspondence Item #9.
Moved by Councillor VanBrenk
Seconded by Councillor van Kasteren
THAT the Corporation of the County of Elgin supports the resolution from the County of
Brant petitioning the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) to
reconsider its review of Bill 66; and,
THAT the OMAFRA consult with agricultural organizations to ascertain the needs and
requirements of the Ontario Farmer.
- Carried.
The following recommendation was adopted respecting Correspondence Item #10.
Moved by Councillor Habkirk
Seconded by Councillor Mcintyre
THAT the Corporation of the County of Elgin supports the Executive of the Elgin County
Unit, Canadian Cancer Society's concerns with regard to the possible merger of the Elgin
County Unit and London Middlesex Unit; and,
THAT the local Elgin County Unit office remain open at the St. Thomas location, due to
the impact the closure may have on donations from the residents of Elgin County and the
need for a highly visible and accessible unit in the community.
- Carried Unanimously.
Items for Information - (Consent AQenda)
1. Jeffrey C. Lozon, Deputy Minister and Gail Paech, Assistant Deputy Minister,
Ministry of Health, congratulating the County on a smooth transition into the Year
2000 for our Elgin Manor Community Support Services.
2. Jennifer Wilson, Manager, Client Services, Canadian Radio-television and
Telecommunications Commission, with correspondence referring Council's resolution
concerning a special rate for phone lines installed in Municipal Emergency Operation
Control Centres to Bell Canada for response.
3. Steve Peters, M.P.P., Elgin-Middlesex-London, with copies of correspondence
regarding 1) Council's concern with Bill 25, Fewer Municipal Politicians Act of 1999
and 2) the closing of OMAFRA field Offices in Southern Ontario.
4. David B. Weldon, Chair, The 1878 Societies, regarding the County's gift to the
Friends of the Games Campaign.
5. Marian Smith, Business Manager, Tillsonburg & District Multi-Service Centre,
thanking Council for the 1999 grant of $2,000.00.
County Council
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February 15, 2000
6. Honourable Allan Rock, Minister of Health, responding to Council's correspondence
concerning the shortage of family physicians.
7. Michael Power, President, Association of Municipalities of Ontario, thanking Council
for its support by the renewal of membership with Association.
8. Marilyn D. Fleck, Director of Homes and Senior Services, on behalf of Homes' staff,
thanking Warden McPhail and Council for the Year 2000 pens.
9. Michael Power, AMO President, with registration and accommodation forms for the
2000 AMO Annual Conference.
10. AMO Member Communication ALERT, "First Step For A New Infrastructure
Program" .
11. George Dawson, Manager, Health Protection Programs, Elgin-St. Thomas Health
Unit, with update on Racoon Rabies Contingency Plan and population control.
12. Sheila Keating-Nause, Senior Policy Analyst, FCM Members' Advisory, regarding the
"National Infrastructure Program: Press Reports".
13. Gar Knutson, M.P., Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister, Elgin-Middlesex-
London, with acknowledgement of Council resolutions.
14. Susan Humphries, Regional Manager, Southwest Ontario, with changes in OMAFRA
Agriculture and Rural Division.
15. John Roberts, STEPS-St. Thomas Patient Shuttle - "Transportation 2000 and Beyond
in Elgin County" Transportation Forum to be held on Tuesday, March 7,2000.
Moved by Councillor Stewart
Seconded by Councillor Walters
THAT Correspondence Items #1-15 be received and filed.
- Carried.
OTHER BUSINESS
Statements/InQuiries By Members
Councillor Walters advised that former Councillor Theo Webber's wife had passed away
and the funeral service was today at 1 :30 P.M.
Notice of Motion - None.
Matters of UrQency - None.
Council recessed for lunch at 11:48 AM. and reconvened at 1 :00 P.M. with all in
attendance except Councillor Walters.
Moved by Councillor VanBrenk
Seconded by Councillor Mcintyre
THAT we do now proceed In-Camera to discuss property and legal matters.
- Carried.
Senior staff was excused at 1 :20 P.M., except the Director of Human Resources, assistant
to the Director of Human Resources and the Chief Administrative Officer.
Council completed the Chief Administrative Officer's performance evaluation.
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February 15, 2000
The Director of Financial Services and Deputy Clerk returned to Chambers at 2:45 P.M.
Councillor Wilson left at 2:45 P.M. and returned at 3:20 P.M.
Mr. Mark Conway, Dillon Consulting Limited, attended at 2:45 P.M. and left at 3:28 P.M.
Moved by Councillor Mcintyre
Seconded by Councillor Rock
THAT we do now rise and report.
- Carried.
Moved by Councillor VanBrenk
Seconded by Councillor van Kasteren
THAT the Warden and the Chief Administrative Officer be authorized to sign a Lease
Agreement with Professional Appraisal Associates for Rooms #230 and #232 in the
County Administration Building for a three year term at the rate of $13.00 per square foot.
- Carried.
Moved by Councillor Stewart
Seconded by Councillor Rock
THAT the Corporation of the County of Elgin expend from the Workplace Safety and
Insurance Board Reserve, an outstanding administration fee to avoid any further increase,
subject to concurrence by the County Solicitor; and,
THAT we seek advice from the County Solicitor to assist us to receive reimbursement for
this amount from Gore Mutual Insurance Company.
- Carried.
Moved by Councillor Mcintyre
Seconded by Councillor VanBrenk
THAT the position known as assistant to the Director of Human Resources be constituted
as permanent full time; and,
THAT the position be retitled as Human Resources Officer; and further,
THAT the present incumbent, Mr. Paul Vandenberg, be confirmed as Human Resources
Officer.
- Carried.
Moved by Councillor VanBrenk
Seconded by Councillor Habkirk
THAT the Manager of Library Services and the Director of Human Resources be
authorized to meet with CUPE 841.6 to discuss the Elgin County Library Proposed
Staffing and Service Plan and report back to Council.
- Carried.
Moved by Councillor Mcintyre
Seconded by Councillor Habkirk
THAT the Corporation of the County of Elgin renew the BNAS contract with Bell for a
further two years (August 27, 2000-August 27, 2002), subject to concurrence by the City
of St. Thomas.
- Carried.
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February 15, 2000
Moved by Councillor VanBrenk
Seconded by Councillor Stewart
THAT the attached Non-Union Salary Grid be approved for implementation effective the
first pay period of 2000.
- Carried.
Moved by Councillor VanBrenk
Seconded by Councillor Habkirk
THAT we adopt the recommendations of the Committee Of The Whole Council.
- Carried.
BY-LAWS
Moved by Councillor Wilson
Seconded by Councillor van Kasteren
THAT By-Law No. 00-05 "A By-Law to Confirm Proceedings of the Municipal Council of
the Corporation of the County of Elgin at the February 15, 2000 Meeting" be read a first
and second time.
- Carried.
Moved by Councillor Stewart
Seconded by Councillor Mcintyre
THAT By-Law No. 00-05 be read a third time and finally passed.
- Carried.
Moved by Councillor VanBrenk
Seconded by Councillor van Kasteren
THAT we do now adjourn at 4:16 P.M. to meet again on March 14, 2000 at 9:00 AM.
Mark G. McDonald,
Chief Administrative Officer.
Duncan J. McPhail,
Warden.