July 25, 2000 Minutes
COUNTY COUNCIL
Tuesday, July 25, 2000
The Elgin County Council met this day at the Administration Building, at 9:07 AM., in
accordance with adjournment, with all members in attendance except Councillor Rock.
Warden McPhail in the Chair.
Moved by Councillor VanBrenk
Seconded by Councillor Walters
THAT the minutes of the meeting held on June 27,2000 be adopted.
- Carried.
DISCLOSURE OF PECUNIARY INTEREST AND THE GENERAL NATURE THEREOF -
None.
PRESENTATIONS
Mr. Bill Horne, Mr. Lorne Thomson and Mr. Clarke Wismer, members of the Boxall/Fingal
Junior Fastball Team who won the 1998 Canadian Junior Men's Fastball Championship,
attended at 9:00 a.m. Warden McPhail and Councillor Clutterbuck presented certificates
and mementoes congratulating them on their achievement.
Warden McPhail presented framed certificates and congratulations to Councillors
Clutterbuck and Stewart in commemoration of the Township of Southwold's and the
Municipality of Bayham's 150th Anniversary.
Moved by Councillor Walters
Seconded by Councillor Stewart
THAT we do now move into Committee of the Whole Council.
- Carried.
COUNCIL AND STAFF REPORTS
TillsonburQ District Memorial Hospital Annual Report - Mr. Ron Bradfield
Mr. Bradfield, County Council's representative on the Tillsonburg District Memorial
Hospital Board, and Mr. Ross Greer, member, attended at 9: 15 AM. Mr. Bradfield
reported that the Hospital continued to operate in the black in 1999/2000. Results of a
patient survey that rated care received at Ontario hospitals indicated Tillsonburg District
placed in the top 16%. Councillors commended the Hospital for these achievements and
Warden McPhail requested these remarks be relayed to the Board. Warden McPhail
thanked the delegation for attending and the gentlemen left at 9:25 AM.
Moved by Councillor Wilson
Seconded by Councillor Habkirk
THAT the report of the Tillsonburg District Memorial Hospital be received and filed.
- Carried.
St. Thomas-EIQin General Hospital - Councillor Van Brenk
Councillors congratulated the Hospital on its development of a software program to help
manage quality of care and bed utilization. Warden McPhail asked that Council's remarks
commending the Hospital for its efficient operation be relayed to the Board.
County Council
- 2 -
July 25, 2000
Moved by Councillor Stewart
Seconded by Councillor Clutterbuck
THAT the report of the St. Thomas-Elgin General Hospital be received and filed.
- Carried.
County Golf Shirts and Golf Balls - Director of Homes and Senior Services
Moved by Councillor VanBrenk
Seconded by Councillor Clutterbuck
THAT the Management staff be directed to purchase golf shirts and golf balls from Finstar
Promotions and that funds from the Mill Rate Stabilization Reserve be utilized; and,
THAT shirts and balls be offered for purchase to Council and staff at $2.00 above cost.
- Carried.
1999/2000 Community Support Services Reconciliation Report - Director of
Financial Services
Moved by Councillor Walters
Seconded by Councillor Habkirk
THAT the Warden and the Director of Financial Services be authorized to sign the
1999/2000 Community Support Services Reconciliation Report and forward to the Ministry
of Health.
- Carried.
Forecast - Capital Fund Operations - Director of Financial Services
Moved by Councillor van Kasteren
Seconded by Councillor Habkirk
WHEREAS, the Province of Ontario is providing the County of Elgin a Community
Reinvestment Fund (CRF) allocation; and,
WHEREAS the intended use of the CRF allocation is to mitigate increases in property
taxes; and,
WHEREAS the Province has requested this information by June 30,2000; and,
WHEREAS the Minister of Finance and Municipal Affairs & Housing have requested that
each municipality submit an electronic copy of a forecast of the Year 2000 capital fund
operations (FIR Schedule 5),
NOW THEREFORE, be it resolved that the County of Elgin has complied with the
Minister's request and has attached the electronic copy of a forecast of the Year 2000
capital fund operations (FIR Schedule 5) to this resolution; and furthermore,
THAT the following Schedule forms part of the Council resolution:
Municipality
I Elgin Co I
5
9
$
ANALYSIS OF CAPITAL OPERATIONS (FORECAST)
for the year ended Dec. 31, 2000
Unfinanced capital outlay (Unexpended capital financing)
at the beginning of the year
1 3,504,150
Sources of financing
County Council
- 3 -
Contributions from own funds
Revenue fund
Reserves and reserve funds
Long term liabilities incurred
Central Mortgage and Housing Corporation
Ontario Financing Authority
Commercial Area Improvement Program
Other Ontario housing programs
Ontario Clean Water Agency
Tile drainage and shoreline property assistance programs
Serial debentures
Sinking fund debentures
Long term bank loans
Long term reserve fund loans
Grants and loan forgiveness
Ontario
Canada
Other municipalities
Other financing
Prepaid special charges
Proceeds from sale of land and other capital assets
Investment income
From own funds
Other
Donations
July 25, 2000
2 1 ,411 ,932
3
Subtotal 4 1,411,932
5
7
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
Subtotal* 18
o
20
21
22
Subtotal 23
o
24
25
26
27
28
30
31
Subtotal 32
Total sources of financing 33
Applications
Own expenditures
Short term interest costs
Other
Transfers of proceeds from long term liabilities to:
Other municipalities
Unconsolidated local boards
Individuals
o
1,411,932
34
35
Subtotal 36
37
38
39
Subtotal 40
175,000
175,000
o
Transfers to reserves, reserve funds and the revenue fund 41
Total applications 42 175,000
Unfinanced capital outlay (Unexpended capital financing)
at the end of the year 43 2,267,218
Amount reported in line 43 analyzed as follows:
Unapplied capital receipts (negative)
To be recovered from:
- taxation or user charges within term of council
- proceeds from long term liabilities
- transfers from reserves and reserve funds
44
45
46
47 2,267,218
48
49 2,267,218
Total unfinanced capital outlay (unexpended capital financing)
*amount in line 18 raised on behalf of other municipalities
- Carried.
19
County Council
- 4 -
July 25, 2000
Forecast - Continuity of Reserves - Director of Financial Services
Moved by Councillor VanBrenk
Seconded by Councillor Walters
WHEREAS, the Province of Ontario is providing the County of Elgin a Community
Reinvestment Fund (CRF) allocation; and,
WHEREAS the intended use of the CRF allocation is to mitigate increases in property
taxes; and,
WHEREAS the Province has requested this information by June 30,2000; and,
WHEREAS the Minister of Finance and Municipal Affairs and Housing have requested
that each municipality submit an electronic copy of a forecast of the 2000 continuity of
reserves and reserve fund schedule (FIR Schedule 10),
NOW THEREFORE, be it resolved that the County of Elgin has complied with the
Minister's request and has attached the electronic copy of a forecast of the 2000
continuity of reserves and reserve fund schedule (FIR Schedule 10) to this resolution;
and furthermore,
THAT the following Schedule forms part of the Council resolution:
Municipality
I Elgin Co I
10
15
$
CONTINUITY OF RESERVES AND RESERVE FUNDS (FORECAST)
for the year ended Dec, 31, 2000
Balance at the beginning of the year
Revenues
Contributions from revenue fund
Contributions from capital fund
Development Charges Act
Lot levies and subdivider contributions
Recreational land (the Planning Act)
Investment income - from own funds
- other
1 5,111 ,700
2 2,159,400
3
67
60
61
5
6
10
12
Total revenue 13 2,159,400
Expenditures
Transferred to capital fund
Transferred to revenue fund
Charges for long term liabilities-principal and interest
Building
Information Technologies
Total Expenditure
14 943,800
15
16 1 ,411 ,900
63 100,000
20 337,400
21
22 2,793,100
Balance at the end of the year for:
Reserves
Reserve Funds
23 4,478,000
24
Total 25 4,478,000
Analyzed as follows:
Reserves and discretionary reserve funds:
Working funds
Contingencies
Ontario Clean Water Agency funds for renewals, etc.
- sewer
- water
Replacement of equipment
Sick leave
26
27
500,000
28
29
30
31
County Council
- 5 -
July 25, 2000
Insurance
Workers' compensation
Capital expenditure - general administration
- roads
- sanitary and storm sewers
- parks and recreation
- library
- other cultural
- water
- transit
- housing
- industrial development
- other and unspecified
Waterworks current purposes
Transit current purposes
Library current purposes
Mill Rate Stabilization
Other
32 1 7,300
33 176,200
34
35
36
64
65 30,000
66
38
39
40
41
42 990,000
49
50
51 0
52 721,000
53 2,043,500
54
Obligatory reserve funds:
Development Charges Act
Lot levels and subdivider contributions
Recreational land (the Planning Act)
Parking revenues
Debenture repayment
Exchange rate stabilization
68
44
46
45
47
48
55
56
57
Total 58 4,478,000
- Carried.
Minimum Maintenance Standards - ManaQer of EnQineerinQ Services
Councillors requested deferral for a month until the local road superintendents can review
the report and that staff emphasize to the lower-tier these are minimums only and some
roads may require additional maintenance. A letter will be forwarded to the MTO advising
that comments will be forthcoming, but due to lateness of receipt from the Province, it is
still being prepared. Council directed staff to prepare a comprehensive study of speeds
on County Roads and bordering roads and report to Council. The Manager of
Engineering Services indicated that a report is being prepared and should come to
Council in the Fall.
Moved by Councillor Walters
Seconded by Councillor VanBrenk
THAT the report from the Manager of Engineering Services "Minimum Maintenance
Standards" be deferred to a future Council meeting to allow the lower-tier municipalities to
provide input.
- Carried.
Moved by Councillor VanBrenk
Seconded by Councillor Wilson
THAT a comprehensive report be prepared on Speeds on County Roads and bordering
roads and presented to Council in the Fall of 2000.
- Carried.
County Council
- 6 -
July 25, 2000
Road Closure - Municipality of Central EIQin - ManaQer of EnQineerinQ Services
Moved by Councillor VanBrenk
Seconded by Councillor Walters
THAT the County of Elgin has no objection to the Municipality of Central Elgin closing a
portion of John Street in Part of Lot 3, Concession 4, geographic Township of Yarmouth,
Municipality of Central Elgin (Union), west of Sunset Road, Part #1, Reference Plan
#11 R-7307.
- Carried.
Contract Workers - ManaQer of EnQineerinQ Services
The Manager of Engineering Services thanked the lower-tier municipalities for their
assistance, which decreased the County's need to hire one employee for the summer
season.
Moved by Councillor VanBrenk
Seconded by Councillor Stewart
THAT the report from the Manager of Engineering Services entitled "Contract Workers" be
received and filed.
- Carried.
Small Municipal Drain - ManaQer of EnQineerinQ Services
Moved by Councillor Walters
Seconded by Councillor Habkirk
THAT the report from the Manager of Engineering Services entitled "Small Municipal
Drain" be received and filed.
- Carried.
Intersection Control Beacons at County Roads #3 and #14 (Talbot Line and lona
Road) - ManaQer of EnQineerinQ Services
Members of Council discussed the possibility of a standard policy governing Intersection
Control Beacons and deferred the report to another Council meeting to allow the Lower-
Tier to provide input.
Moved by Councillor Wilson
Seconded by Councillor Clutterbuck
THAT the reports from the Manager of Engineering Services entitled "Intersection Control
Beacons at County Roads #3 and #14 (Talbot Line and lona Road)", "Intersection Control
Beacons at County Roads #3 and #8 (Talbot Line and Currie Road)", and "Intersection
Control Beacons at County Roads #48 and #73 (Lyons Line and Imperial Road)" be
deferred to a future Council meeting.
- Carried.
Moved by Council Habkirk
Seconded by Councillor Walters
THAT the Lower-Tier Municipalities be requested to provide input on the following draft
policy for the installation of Red/Amber Overhead Flashing Beacons at Intersections:
1. The installation of red/amber overhead flashing beacons will be considered upon the
request of the local municipal council in which the proposed beacon is situated.
2. If, in accordance with MUTCD guidelines, the proposed beacon meets the warrant
criteria, the County's Manager of Engineering Services will install and maintain said
beacon with all costs being borne by the County.
County Council
- 7 -
July 25, 2000
3. If the proposed beacon does not meet the warrant criteria and the municipality
recommends its installation, then the County will fund 50% of the costs of installation and
50% of the ongoing costs of maintenance.
- Carried.
Council took a break at 10:35 and reconvened at 10:47 AM.
Warden McPhail requested that the "reserved" parking for Warden be turned into a
handicapped parking space. Councillor Wilson requested no parking on the inner part of
the circle and to make it one-way only. The Manager of Engineering Services will
implement these changes.
Intersection at County Roads #48 and #73 (Lyons Line and Imperial Road)-
ManaQer of EnQineerinQ Services
Moved by Councillor Wilson
Seconded by Councillor VanBrenk
THAT the report from the Manager of Engineering Services "Intersection at County Roads
#48 and #73 (Lyons Line and Imperial Road)" be deferred until a decision is made on
Intersection Control Beacons.
- Carried.
Centennial Road Sod and Topsoil Restoration - ManaQer of EnQineerinQ Services
Moved by Councillor Walters
Seconded by Councillor Clutterbuck
THAT the report from the Manager of Engineering Services "Centennial Road Sod and
Topsoil Restoration (Update)" be received and filed.
- Carried.
Replacement of ExistinQ SiQns at Administration BuildinQ (Update) - ManaQer of
EnQineerinQ Services
Councillor Walters indicated that the County may need a minor variance to replace the
sign in its present location. The Manager of Engineering Services will consult with Central
Elgin and comply with their requirements.
Moved by Councillor Habkirk
Seconded by Councillor Clutterbuck
THAT the quotation of $10,818.00 be accepted from Excellent Signs to remove and
reinstall the pylon sign at the front of the County Administration Building.
- Carried.
Commercial Entrance onto Sunset Road (County Road 4) - ManaQer of EnQineerinQ
Services
Moved by Councillor Walters
Seconded by Councillor Wilson
THAT the County of Elgin transfer the one foot reserve to the abutting landowner,
described as Part of Parcel 4-4, Section Y AR-4, being Part of Lot 4, Concession 4,
geographic Township of Yarmouth, designated as Part 3 on 11 R-6819 in the Municipality
of Central Elgin, with all costs to be borne by the property owner.
- Carried.
County Council
- 8 -
July 25, 2000
"Draft" Brief to Minister of Transportation - ManaQer of EnQineerinQ Services
Councillors requested that the draft brief to the Minister of Transportation be amended to
place more emphasis on the lakeshore erosion problem. The suggestion that the County
of Elgin be chosen as a "pilot site" with assistance from the Provincial as well as the
Federal government to gauge results of efforts to curtail the lakeshore erosion, will also
be included in the brief.
Moved by Councillor VanBrenk
Seconded by Councillor Wilson
THAT the "Brief to the Minister of Transportation", as amended, dated August 2000 be
presented to the Minister of Transportation at the AMO Conference.
- Carried.
Contract for Lakeshore Erosion - ManaQer of EnQineerinQ Services
Council requested a report on the status of the County Road #42 Lakeshore Erosion and
the Manager of Engineering Services indicated that it was forthcoming.
Moved by Councillor Habkirk
Seconded by Councillor van Kasteren
THAT the quotation received from Higgs and Higgs Inc., in the amount of $19,529.64
including GST, be accepted to complete proactive erosion control work on Elgin County
Road #42, Lake Shore Line, in the Municipality of Bayham.
- Carried.
Lyons Line (County Road #48) - Roadway RebuildinQ
Councillor Wilson noted that materials used in rebuilding did not meet tender
specifications and the condition of Lyons Line roadway is deteriorating. The contractor
tried different products to remedy the situation, however the material is shrinking and
causing a washboard effect. Recent rains have proven the shoulders are not adequate,
ditches are too deep, and culverts are not large enough to handle heavy runoff.
Councillor Wilson requested that the culverts be replaced and the roadway be redone.
The Manager of Engineering Services was instructed to investigate, consult with the
County Solicitor, and report to the next meeting of Council.
Moved by Councillor Wilson
Seconded by Councillor Walters
THAT the Manager of Engineering Services be directed to prepare a comprehensive
report on improving the refinished section of Lyons Line (County Road #48), including
drainage, and request comments from the County Solicitor on action that could be taken.
- Carried.
CORRESPONDENCE
Items for Consideration
1. Joseph P. Dion, Director, Policy and Public Affairs, with information and guidelines
concerning call for resolutions for consideration by the FCM National Board of
Directors, September 2000.
2. Jack Layton, 1 st Vice-President, FCM, requesting Council's consideration to
participate in the National Housing Policy Options Team, assigning a senior staff
person to assist with meetings, and contribution $.02 per capita towards the work.
County Council
- 9 -
July 25, 2000
3. Municipality of Chatham-Kent requesting support for their resolution regarding
Remuneration for Fire Service Responses on Provincial Highways.
4. Lois Corbett, Executive Director, Toronto Environmental Alliance, requesting support
for the Provincial government to review the need for an Ontario Safe Drinking Water
Act.
Moved by Councillor VanBrenk
Seconded by Councillor Walters
THAT Correspondence Item # 1 be received and filed.
- Carried.
Moved by Councillor Walters
Seconded by Councillor Habkirk
THAT Correspondence Item #2 be received and filed.
- Carried.
Moved by Councillor Walters
Seconded by Councillor van Kasteren
THAT the Corporation of the County of Elgin supports the Municipality of Chatham-
Kent's resolution concerning Ontario municipalities recovering costs incurred
resulting from fire service responses on Provincial Highways.
- Carried.
Moved by Councillor Habkirk
Seconded by Councillor Clutterbuck
THAT Correspondence Item #4 be received and filed.
- Carried.
Items for Information - (Consent AQenda)
1. Dan VanLondersele, Chairman, Long Point Region Conservation Authority, with copy
of correspondence to the Ministry of Natural Resources regarding Board
Restructuring.
2. Doug Arbour, Regional Manager, Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care, regarding
Council's resolution concerning funding for ambulance services in Elgin County.
3. Jerry and Shirley Elliott, Port Stanley, thanking the County for installing a 4 Way
Stop at the corner of Carlow Road and Warren Street, Port Stanley.
4. The Honourable Tony Clement, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, with copy
of correspondence regarding Special Circumstances Funding.
5. AMO Member Communication ALERT 1) OMAFRA Issues Directive Relating to
Agricultural Operations; 2) AMO's Municipal Action Plan for Water; 3) Province-
Wide Retirement Home Hotline to be in Place September 1,2000; 4) Results of
AMO Board of Directors Meeting; 5) Provincial Proposals for Nutrient Management
Legislation.
6. Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing 2000 Southwestern Regional Conference.
7. N. Roy Main, City Administrator, City of St. Thomas, with resolution regarding the
Southdale Road Intersection project.
County Council
- 10-
July 25, 2000
8. Randy Jackiw, Director, Resources Management Branch, Ministry of Agriculture,
Food and Rural Affairs, concerning a directive issued under the Farming and Food
Production Protection Act with regard to by-laws affecting agricultural operations and
nutrient management planning.
9. Steve Peters, M.P.P., Elgin Middlesex London, with 1) copy of an open letter to the
Minister of Agriculture, calling for implementation of a disaster assistance fund for
farmers affected by the high amount of rainfall; 2) open letter to Federal Minister of
Transport re: dredging Port Stanley Harbour.
10. Craig Curtis, City Manager, City of Owen Sound, and Norm Gamble, CAO, County of
Grey, with a news release announcing the Owen Sound/Grey County Restructuring
Proposal was approved by the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing.
11. Gar Knutson, M.P., acknowledging Council's resolution regarding Subsidies for
Agricultural Commodities.
12. Municipality of Central Elgin and Township of Malahide requesting that the County
invoice their municipalities for OPP contract services rather than establishing an
upper-tier levy.
13. Michael Power, President, AMO, clarifying that the Proposed-Resolution - Smoking
Policy is not an adopted policy of the Association.
14. Betteanne Cadman, Clerk, Township of Delhi, with resolution encouraging member-
ship of AMO to not endorse the AMO proposed Province-Wide Smoking Policy.
15. Town of Aylmer with resolution approving that the County assume responsibilities
under the Provincial Offences Act.
16. N. Roy Main, Administrator, City of St. Thomas, with resolution approving that the
County assume responsibilities under the Provincial Offences Act.
17. Tony Clement, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, re: appointments to Local
Housing Board.
18. Robert Richards, President & CAO, OPAC, with 1) Date for Mailing Notices of
Property Assessment; 2) Personal Privacy and Assessment Roll Information.
19. Kathy Daniel, Tobacco Control Officer, Elgin-St. Thomas Health Unit, expressing
disappointment that Council supported the Township of Malahide's resolution
objecting to province-wide restrictions on smoking.
20. Honourable Allan Rock, Minister of Health, acknowledging Council's support of the
resolution from the City of Woodstock concerning the health care system.
21. Peter Ostojic, Chairman, Board of Health, Elgin-St. Thomas Health Unit, expressing
appreciation for Council's decision not to increase the rent.
Moved by Councillor Habkirk
Seconded by Councillor Walters
THAT Correspondence Items #1-21 be received and filed.
- Carried.
DELEGATION
Mr. Charlie Williamson and Mr. Don McGinnis, O.P.P., attended at 11 :35 AM. to discuss
a Community Policing Partnerships Application. The OPP can write a letter to the Ministry
stating the PSB is currently being formed, but a signature is still required on the
application to apply for funding for Community Policing. The Chief Administrative Officer
suggested that each of the Mayors of the participating six municipalities sign the
application, as the County is not the contracted authority, and Council concurred.
County Council
- 11 -
July 25, 2000
Mr. McGinnis handed out sheets listing 1999 Actual and 2000 Estimated OPP Policing
Costs. An invoice for OPP services for July has been received, but as a Police Services
Board has not been established, payment cannot be authorized. Mr. Williamson
suggested the County may act on behalf of the Elgin Group and either pay the bill or
request the Ministry to defer invoicing until the PSB is set. Council directed that the
Director of Financial Services write to the Ministry requesting deferral of invoicing until the
Board is in operation.
The Warden thanked the delegation for attending and invited them to lunch with Council.
Council recessed at 11 :58 AM. and reconvened at 1 :01 P.M.
Warden McPhail discussed with Council that he would prefer the Warden's Banquet be
held centrally this year. St. Anne's Community Centre is available for November 18th,
2000 and staff was directed to book the hall.
Moved by Councillor Walters
Seconded by Councillor Habkirk
THAT we proceed In-Camera to discuss personnel and property matters.
- Carried.
Staff, except the Director of Human Resources, Human Resources Officer, and the Chief
Administrative Officer, were excused at 1 :06 P.M.
The Director of Homes and Seniors Services entered Chambers at 2:15 P.M. and the
Deputy Clerk returned at 3:00 P.M.
Moved by Councillor VanBrenk
Seconded by Councillor Stewart
THAT we do now rise and report.
- Carried.
OTHER BUSINESS
Statements/InQuiries by Members
Councillor Clutterbuck reported that he had represented the Warden at the Seniors
Millennium Picnic and commented that everyone in attendance had a good time.
Notice of Motion - None.
Matters of UrQency - None.
Moved by Councillor VanBrenk
Seconded by Councillor Clutterbuck
THAT the confidential presentation dated July 25th, 2000 from the Director of Homes and
Seniors Services and the Director of Human Resources regarding a position in the Homes
be approved and Option #3 of said report be implemented.
- Carried.
Council requested that staff send a letter to the Federal Minister of Transportation
thanking him for the decision to dredge the Port Stanley Harbour. Council also expressed
that had the dredging been done much earlier the negative impact on local commerce
could have been avoided.
County Council
- 12 -
July 25, 2000
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 Stewart
THAT By-Law No. 00-18 "Being a By-Law to Confirm Proceedings of the Municipal
Council of the Corporation of the County of Elgin at the July 25, 2000 Meeting" be read a
first and second time.
- Carried.
Moved by Councillor van Kasteren
Seconded by Councillor Wilson
THAT By-Law No. 00-18 be read a third time and finally passed.
- Carried.
Moved by Councillor Stewart
Seconded by Councillor Clutterbuck
THAT we do now adjourn at 3:07 P.M. to meet again on September 12,2000 at 9:00 AM.
- Carried.
Mark G. McDonald,
Chief Administrative Officer.
Duncan J. McPhail,
Warden.