January 11, 2000 Minutes
COUNTY COUNCIL
Tuesday, January 11, 2000
The Elgin County Council met this day at the Administration Building, at 9:05 AM., in
accordance with adjournment, with all members present.
Warden McPhail in the Chair.
Councillor Walters requested that the minutes from December 16, 1999 be amended on
page 6 under "Updated Overweight/Oversize Moving Permit" by changing "issuing of one
permit to farmers" to "issuing of one permit to farmers and contractors" in the motion.
Moved by Councillor VanBrenk
Seconded by Councillor Habkirk
THAT the minutes of the meeting held on December 14 and 16, 1999 as amended, be
adopted.
- Carried.
DISCLOSURE OF PECUNIARY INTEREST AND THE GENERAL NATURE THEREOF -
None.
Moved by Councillor VanBrenk
Seconded by Councillor van Kasteren
THAT we do now move into Committee Of The Whole Council.
- Carried.
COUNCIL AND STAFF REPORTS
RecoQnition for Millennium Births - Warden McPhail
Warden McPhail reviewed the news release, he had previously announced, indicating that
Council was planning to recognize the first male and first female born to County residents
in 2000. The Warden indicated that given the magnitude of the Year 2000, it was
important to recognize the first babies born in the new millennium in a significant way, and
offered options for Council to consider. Council discussed the possibility of contributing to
an education fund that could be paid out only upon entrance to College or University.
Councillors also noted that the gift must reflect wise spending of taxpayers dollars.
Council consensus was to grant each of the first born $1,000 and that staff investigate a
registered education fund, which the County could maintain control over, and the
possibility of other government sources matching dollar for dollar.
Moved by Councillor VanBrenk
Seconded by Councillor Stewart
THAT a monetary gift be made to the first male and first female born to Elgin County
residents in 2000 in the amount of $1 ,000 each, and that staff be directed to research
options for said gift with a view to setting up a fund that may be accessed once the
recipient reaches 18 years of age.
- Carried.
Intersection Control Beacons at County Roads #45 and #16 (John Wise Line and
FinQal Line) - ManaQer of EnQineerinQ Services
Councillor Clutterbuck indicated his Council is in agreement with the report.
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January 11, 2000
Moved by Councillor VanBrenk
Seconded by Councillor Wilson
THAT the report from the Manager, Engineering Services dated November 26, 1999
indicating that intersection controls are not required at John Wise Line and Fingal Line,
be approved.
- Carried.
Data RecordinQ for Winter Control on County Roads - ManaQer of EnQineerinQ
Services
Mr. Watters reported that an electronic data recorder to monitor time and materials on
County roads was expensive and unnecessary since this information could be gathered
manually.
Moved by Councillor Wilson
Seconded by Councillor Clutterbuck
THAT each Lower-Tier Municipality monitor each road section for time and material used
and provide a summary to the Manager of Engineering Services for reporting to County
Council.
- Carried.
EIQin County Pioneer Museum Report - Director of Financial Services
Mrs. Veger reviewed the programs and operation of the Museum over the past year.
Councillors noted that the sharing arrangement with the Military Museum seems to be
working well.
Moved by Councillor Rock
Seconded by Councillor Habkirk
THAT the report on the Elgin County Pioneer Museum yearly activities be received and filed.
- Carried.
Mr. Hugh Geurts arrived in the Council Chambers at 9:30 AM.
Application for Minor Exception - EIQin County Tree Commissioner
Mr. Geurts reviewed an Application for Minor Exception from Mr. Brad Beharell, Lot 10,
Concession II, Township of Southwold, to clear approximately 1.3 acres of a ravine
woodlot. Mr. Geurts indicated this clearing would have minimum impact on the County's
forest resources, and Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority and neighbours have
not put forward any objections. Mr. Beharell has requested that the County's "No Net
Loss Policy" not apply, as this clearing is necessary to improve drainage. Councillor
Clutterbuck indicated that Mr. Beharell only wants to repair tile that is presently in place
and reforestation should not be required. Mr. Geurts indicated that two areas of the bush
requested are mature woodlots. Council consensus was that the County's "No Net Loss
Policy" be followed.
Moved by Councillor Rock
Seconded by Councillor Walters
THAT the Application for Minor Exception to the Trees Act from Mr. Brad Beharell, Lot 10,
Concession II, Township of Southwold, to clear approximately 1.3 acres of ravine woodlot
to allow for drainage outlet from field tile drains, be approved.
- Carried.
Mr. Geurts left at 9:40 AM.
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January 11, 2000
DELEGATIONS
Mr. Mark Quinn, Buffett, Taylor & Associates, attended at 9:40 AM., to discuss flex
benefits for employees. Mr. Quinn presented an overview by PowerPoint of the two types
of benefit packages available, basic coverage and a flex package. The County is required
to provide certain basic benefits but others are elective. An elective package would give
an employee the opportunity to pick and choose what they require, with agreement by
Revenue Canada, rather than an all-inclusive package that may not be necessary.
Salaries would be adjusted to reflect savings to employees and over-expenditures by
employees, according to the benefits they select. Municipalities could piggyback on the
plan and would maintain their autonomy with claims experience. Councillors could be
covered under the same elective plan. Council consensus was to have staff investigate
the feasibility of flex benefits for County employees and report at a future date, and that a
similar presentation be made to the Lower-Tier. Warden McPhail thanked the delegation
for the presentation and Mr. Quinn left at 10:33 AM.
Council took a short break and reconvened at 10:45 AM.
CORRESPONDENCE
Items for Consideration
1. Ontario Property Assessment Corporation, requesting Council's assistance to
develop a roster of candidates from which to fill vacancies on their Board of Directors.
2. John Harrison, Regional Chair, Municipality of Haldimand-Norfolk, with a resolution
concerning the closure of rural schools.
3. Association of Municipalities of Ontario, with an invoice for the 2000 Membership fee
and the "1999 - Year in Review - A Record of Achievement".
4. Naomi Alboim, Secretary General to The Order of Ontario and Deputy Minister,
Ministry of Citizenship, Culture and Recreation, inviting Council to submit a
nomination for membership in The Order of Ontario.
5. Corporation of the Township of Grey, with a resolution concerning the announcement
by the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs to close 35 OMAFRA
agricultural field offices.
6. AMO Member Communication ALERT, re: "Volunteer Fire Fighters Under Attack".
7. Barbra Anne Runstedler Vaspori, Risk Management/Business Planning, Frank
Cowan Company Limited, with correspondence concerning the proposed Trans
Canada Trail.
8. Honourable Ernie Hardeman, Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, re:
discussion paper and questionnaire concerning the environmental needs of the
agriculture sector and rural residents.
Councillor Habkirk spoke regarding Correspondence Item #1 and the importance of this
Issue.
Moved by Councillor Habkirk
Seconded by Councillor VanBrenk
THAT Correspondence Item #1 be received and filed and referred to the Lower-Tier
Municipalities for their consideration.
- Carried.
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January 11, 2000
The following recommendation was adopted respecting Correspondence Item #2.
Moved by Councillor Wilson
Seconded by Councillor Rock
THAT the Corporation of the County of Elgin supports the resolution from the Regional
Municipality of Haldimand-Norfolk requesting the Provincial Government through the
Ministry of Education to formulate a "New Rural Education Funding Formula" to protect
educational services in rural communities.
- Carried.
The following recommendation was adopted respecting Correspondence Item #3.
Moved by Councillor VanBrenk
Seconded by Councillor van Kasteren
THAT the Corporation of the County of Elgin renew its membership in the Association of
Municipalities of Ontario for the Year 2000 in the amount of $2,724.21.
- Carried.
Moved by Councillor Walters
Seconded by Councillor van Kasteren
THAT Correspondence Item #4 received and filed.
- Carried.
The following recommendation was adopted respecting Correspondence Item #5.
Councillor Wilson had received a list of former employees of OMAFRA and those still
working. Approximately half from the South Central Region have been terminated and
were notified via a memo posted at their work place.
Moved by Councillor Walters
Seconded by Councillor Rock
THAT the Corporation of the County of Elgin supports the resolution from the Township of
Grey petitioning the Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs to cancel the
reorganization of its field offices and consult with agricultural organizations to ascertain
the needs and requirements of the Ontario Farmer; and further,
THAT a letter from the Warden be sent to the Premier and the Minister expressing
Council's disappointment in the closing of said offices and particularly the manner in
which the terminations were carried out.
- Carried Unanimously.
Moved by Councillor Rock
Seconded by Councillor Walters
THAT Correspondence Item #6 received and filed.
- Carried.
The following resolution was adopted respecting Correspondence Item #7.
Councillors expressed some confusion with agreements and other items concerning the
proposed trails, and Councillor Clutterbuck agreed to present their concerns to the next
meeting of the Trans Canada Trail Council for clarification and report back.
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January 11, 2000
Moved by Councillor VanBrenk
Seconded by Councillor van Kasteren
THAT Correspondence Item #7 be tabled until more information is available from the
Trans Canada Trail Council.
- Carried.
Warden McPhail indicated the Municipality of West Elgin is dealing with the issue
contained in Correspondence Item #8, on the environmental needs of the agriculture
sector and rural residents. Councillor Habkirk noted OMAFRA is to provide a third party
review, yet with offices closing, he wondered what staff would be left to conduct the
exercise.
The following resolution was adopted respecting Correspondence Item #8.
Moved by Councillor VanBrenk
Seconded by Councillor Rock
THAT Correspondence Item #8 be received and filed.
- Carried.
Items for Information - (Consent AQenda)
1. Ontario Trucking Association, with information concerning the organization "CRASH"
and trucking issues that impact municipalities.
2. Howard Greig, Warden, County of Grey, with copy of correspondence supporting the
Town of Hanover and Wm. Murdoch, M.P.P. concerning objections to Bill 25.
3. Steve Peters, M.P.P., Elgin-Middlesex-London, with endorsement of the County's
resolution regarding: 1) re-establishment of Drivers Examination Centres, 2)
shortage of family physicians in the County of Elgin and 3) need for improvements
on Highway No.3 due to the increased volume of traffic.
4. Larry Smith, Chair, Elgin Physician Recruitment Partnership, thanking Council for the
$7500.00 to assist the EPRP initiative.
5. Honourable Ernie Hardeman, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs,
acknowledging Council's resolution concerning programs for Ontario farmers for
competitive trading opportunities.
6. City of Belleville, announcing the OSUM Annual Conference and Trade Show.
7. Colin O. D'Cunha, Director, Public Health Branch and Chief Medical Officer of
Health, Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care, confirming that the final 1999 public
health allocations for the boards of health will be based on the 1999 reported
budgets.
8. Honourable Tony Clement, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, with copy of
correspondence to Michael Power, President of AMO, concerning the rights of
municipalities to make decisions regarding the provision of French language
services.
9. RG. Morgan, Chair, Ontario Family Fishing Weekend Steering Committee,
announcing the licence-free fishing weekend from Friday, July 7 through Sunday,
July 9,2000. (ATTACHED)
10. William Shurish, Executive Director, Quad County Support Services, thanking
Council for the grant of $2,000.00.
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January 11, 2000
11. Steve Peters, M.P.P., Elgin-Middlesex-London, with copy of correspondence to The
Honourable Elizabeth Witmer, Ministry of Health, concerning "Consolidation
Agreement" for the governance of the Elgin-St. Thomas Health Unit.
12. Honourable Helen Johns, Ministry of Citizenship, Culture and Recreation, with copy
of correspondence to Steve Peters, M.P.P. concerning community recreation
programs.
13. AMO Member Communication ALERT, re: "As The Provincial Legislature Rises".
14. Premier Michael D. Harris, acknowledging the County's submission to the Ministry of
Health.
The following recommendation was adopted respecting Correspondence #1.
Councillors discussed this item and indications are that more information is coming in
regard to it.
Moved by Councillor VanBrenk
Seconded by Councillor van Kasteren
THAT Correspondence Item #1 from the Ontario Trucking Association be tabled until
further information is available.
- Carried.
Moved by Councillor Habkirk
Seconded by Councillor Rock
THAT Correspondence Items #2-14 be received and filed.
- Carried.
OTHER BUSINESS
Statements/InQuiries By Members
Councillors Habkirk and Walters noted that since lights have gone up at Highway 45
(John Wise Line) and Sunset Road, vehicles turning right onto Sunset are using the
shoulder of the road to make the turn. The Manager of Engineering Services advised that
this intersection is designated for lane improvement in year three of the five-year plan.
Councillors asked that the intersection improvement be made as soon as possible, due to
the beating the pavement is taking. The Manager of Engineering Services will advance
this lane improvement to the year 2000.
Councillor VanBrenk, having attended a Warden's social gathering, asked for any items
that Council wished to appear on the agenda for the upcoming Western Wardens
meeting. There was discussion suggesting that Council should consider obtaining the
services of a professional lobbyist to keep our mutual issues of importance at the Ministry
table. However, it was pointed out that we pay a membership to AMO to provide us with
that service and if we are unhappy with AMO's results, we should address the issue.
Warden McPhail will raise this item at the next Western Wardens meeting.
Notice of Motion - None.
Matters of UrQency - None.
Moved by Councillor Walters
Seconded by Councillor Rock
THAT we do proceed In-Camera to discuss personnel matters.
- Carried.
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January 11, 2000
Warden McPhail asked Councillor Clutterbuck to Chair the In-Camera portion of the
meeting.
Staff was excused with the exception of the Director of Human Resources at 11 :35 AM.
The Director of Human Resources was excused at 11:40 AM. and Council proceeded
with the written portion of the Chief Administrative Officer's annual performance evaluation.
Council recessed at 12:20 P.M. and reconvened at 1 :00 P.M. with no staff present. The
Director of Human Resources and the Deputy Clerk were called back to Council Chambers
at 1 :30 P.M.
Moved by Councillor VanBrenk
Seconded by Councillor Walters
THAT we do now rise and report.
- Carried.
Moved by Councillor Habkirk
Seconded by Councillor van Kasteren
THAT the position of Temporary Part-Time Clerk at the Bobier Villa be changed to
Permanent Part-Time, and that the incumbent be offered the position.
- Carried.
Moved by Councillor Rock
Seconded by Councillor Habkirk
THAT we adopt the recommendations of the Committee of The Whole Council.
- Carried.
BY-LAWS
Moved by Councillor Walters
Seconded by Councillor van Kasteren
THAT By-Law No. 00-01 "A By-Law to Confirm Proceedings of the Municipal Council of
the Corporation of the County of Elgin at the January 11, 2000 Meeting" be read a first
and second time.
- Carried.
Moved by Councillor Wilson
Seconded by Councillor VanBrenk
THAT By-Law No. 00-01 be read a third time and finally passed.
- Carried.
Moved by Councillor van Kasteren
Seconded by Councillor Stewart
THAT we do now adjourn at 1:44 P.M. to meet again on January 25,2000 at 9:00 AM.
- Carried.
Mark G. McDonald,
Chief Administrative Officer.
Duncan J. McPhail,
Warden.
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January 11, 2000