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April 10, 2001 Minutes COUNTY COUNCIL Tuesday, April 1 0, 2001 The Elgin County Council met this day at the Administration Building, at 9:03 AM., in accordance with adjournment, with all members in attendance. Warden McPhail in the Chair. Moved by Councillor VanBrenk Seconded by Councillor Stewart THAT the minutes of the meeting held on March 27,2001 be adopted. - Carried. DISCLOSURE OF PECUNIARY INTEREST AND THE GENERAL NATURE THEREOF - None. DeleQations Mr. Gordon F. Wilson, Gordon F. Wilson & Associates, and various representatives from interested stakeholder groups, attended at 9:00 AM. to present the tobacco industry's views regarding its employment and economic benefits and to request Council's support of a resolution concerning their industry. Mr. Gary Goddeley, Ontario Flue Cured Tobacco Board, informed Council that the industry employs 17,462 in Ontario. Ms. Bev Wright, St. Thomas and District Labour Council, spoke to the impact the tobacco industry has on employment in the County. Steve Peters, M.P.P. for Elgin-Middlesex-London spoke about the potential crisis in agriculture, the tax revenue that would be lost in our community and requested support for the industry. Moved by Councillor Wilson Seconded by Councillor Crevits THAT the following resolution be supported and endorsed: The Tobacco Industry within Canada impacts upon many sectors of the Canadian economy, such as agriculture, manufacturing, printing, transportation, wholesale, retail, tourism and hospitality. In all, employing 46,000 Canadians, either directly or indirectly, within the Industry. Within Ontario, the Tobacco Industry, from seed to processor, provides $453 Million in family income and 9,423 full-time equivalent jobs. Because of the scope and importance of the Tobacco Industry to the Canadian economy, public policy initiatives, including regulations and legislation, must recognize that Tobacco and its consumption as a product, is both a health and an economic issue. Canada's Tobacco Industry also understands the need for an effective program of information and education that alerts the public to the risks associated with tobacco consumption. In particular, we fully support youth information and education programs that are targeted at young persons and are rooted within our public education systems as a part of the day-to-day school curriculum. Since 1994, tobacco companies have paid a corporate surtax of $400 Million to provide youth education programs. Additionally, $5 Billion is paid annually as Provincial and Federal Taxes and we believe a percentage of these revenues should be re-directed to this purpose. As long as society and governments continue to recognize tobacco as a legal product, adults exercising their choice to use these products are entitled to consideration as consumers in the formulation of public policy. County Council 2 April 1 0, 2001 Efforts to de-normalize the Tobacco Industry must be recognized for what they are - efforts to destroy the Canadian Industry and those who depend upon it for their livelihood. Those who fail to distinguish the difference between anti-tobacco and anti-Canadian Tobacco Industry are indirectly undermining the economic security of individuals, their families and their communities. 98% of Canada's tobacco crop is produced in Southwestern Ontario. In the development of these far-reaching policies, governments, at all levels, have an obligation to engage in thoughtful, thorough and productive consultation with all stakeholders within the industry so as to ensure that the rights of both smokers and non- smokers are recognized and accommodated. Excessive taxation upon tobacco products is simply an unfair tax levied against family Incomes. Therefore, the Council of the Corporation of the County of Elgin fully supports this industry that employs farmers, manufacturing and retail workers; and calls upon the Provincial and Federal Governments to begin a consultation process involving all stakeholders, with the objective of addressing all economic and health issues associated with the Canadian Tobacco Industry. Overly excessive and misguided legislation and regulation raised the spectre of a return of large scale smuggling, and the loss of Canadian manufacturing and agriculture jobs, to other countries. - Carried Unanimously. The delegation left at 9:20 AM. Mr. Carl Bienefeld, President, and Mr. David McAdams, Chair of Marketing Committee, St. Thomas-Elgin Tourist Association, attended at 9:20 AM. to present a marketing plan for enhanced tourism initiatives. Mr. Bienefeld noted that tourism promotions over the past 2 years have been very successful and signage will be completed in a few weeks. Mr. McAdams reviewed the St. Thomas-Elgin Tourism Association Marketing Plan, mailed previously to Council, which would promote interest in the domestic market and membership in the Tourist Association. The delegation was requesting financial support from the County in the amount of $35,550.00. Councillors commented on the professional way in which the document was prepared. Mr. Bienefeld presented a Business Plan that would involve engagement of a Tourism Officer to take tourism to the next level in Elgin County. The Warden thanked the delegation for attending and Mr. Bienefeld and Mr. McAdams left at 10:11 AM. Council took a break at 10: 11 AM. and reconvened at 10:28 AM. Moved by Councillor VanBrenk Seconded by Councillor Mcintyre THAT the Marketing Plan and the Business Plan presented by the St. Thomas-Elgin Tourist Association be referred to the 2001 County Composite Budget discussions on April 24,2001. - Carried. Moved by Councillor Habkirk Seconded by Councillor Wilson THAT we do now proceed in Committee Of The Whole Council. - Carried. County Council 3 April 1 0, 2001 COUNCil AND STAFF REPORTS Road 42 lake Bank Erosion (deferred from April 25 and Mav 16. 2000) - ManaQer of EnQineerinQ Services Council is awaiting response to concerns expressed at the OGRA Conference. Staff indicated that the new Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Transportation wanted to be brought up to speed by her staff before speaking with the County. Council consensus was that a joint meeting should be held with all stakeholders, to have a thorough discussion prior to recommendations being made in regard to Road 42. It was noted that erosion might involve a second road if this is not looked after soon. Warden McPhail asked staff to try to arrange a meeting within the next two weeks. Moved by Councillor VanBrenk Seconded by Councillor Wilson THAT the report from the Manager of Engineering Services "Road 42 Lake Bank Erosion" dated April 1 0, 2000 be deferred pending the outcome of discussions with various ministries and agencies. - Carried. Road ClosinQ - Municipalitv of Central EIQin - ManaQer of EnQineerinQ Services Moved by Councillor Rock Seconded by Councillor Crevits THAT the County of Elgin has no concerns to the Municipality of Central Elgin closing and stopping up a portion of the old London and Port Stanley gravel road allowance, part of Lot 2, Concession 2, geographic Township of Yarmouth, in the Municipality of Central Elgin, described as Parts #5, #6, #7 and #8 on Reference Plan #11 R074-86. - Carried. Imperial Road and Ron McNeil Line Intersection Evaluation - Technical Services Officer The Technical Services Officer advised Council that concrete ripple islands are being installed today and hopefully will make a difference at this intersection. Statistics show that the accidents occurring at the intersection are slightly above average, are mostly due to driver error, and the numbers do not seem to warrant intersection control beacons. The Chief Administrative Officer pointed out that if Council has concerns with potential liabilities at this intersection they could recommend a flashing beacon if they wish. After discussion the following amendment was: Moved by Councillor Rock Seconded by Councillor Faulds THAT the report from the Manager of Engineering Services "Imperial Road and Ron McNeil Line Intersection Evaluation" be amended to include installation of an Intersection Control Beacon at this site. - Carried. Moved by Councillor Rock Seconded by Councillor Wilson THAT staff be authorized to have an Intersection Control Beacon installed at Imperial Road and Ron McNeil Line; and, THAT staff continue to monitor this location to determine the beacon's effectiveness. - Carried. County Council 4 April 1 0, 2001 Intersection Control Beacon Policy - Technical Services Officer Moved by Councillor Habkirk Seconded by Councillor VanBrenk THAT the revised "Intersection Control Beacon Policy" presented by the Technical Services Officer be adopted. - Carried. Petition for Road Improvements to Road 18. Third Line. Township of Southwold - ManaQer of EnQineerinQ Services The Manager of Engineering Services reported that improvements to this section of roadway are scheduled for 2002. Moved by Councillor Mcintyre Seconded by Councillor Habkirk THAT the Manager of Engineering Services write the organizer of the received petition to indicate that improvements are proposed on Third Line in Southwold Township in 2002, pending budget approval. - Carried. Department Heads - Vacation in Lieu Time Worked - Director of Human Resources Moved by Councillor Rock Seconded by Councillor Wilson THAT Human Resources Policy 4.50 "Department Heads - Vacation in Lieu Time Worked" be adopted. - Carried. London Employee Assistance Consortium - Director of Human Resources The Director of Human Resources reported that the program provides confidential, unlimited counselling services to employees to help them cope with difficult situations. Council consensus was to discuss the inclusion of the lower-tier in this service at a future Administrators meeting. Moved by Councillor Stewart Seconded by Councillor Rock THAT the County of Elgin enter into an annual agreement with the London Employee Assistance Consortium commencing May 1, 2001, to provide an Employee Assistance Program for all County employees, with funding ($15,000.00) to be included in the 2001 Corporate Budget Request. - Carried. Recovery of County Costs for Administration of EIQin Group Police Services Board - Chief Administrative Officer Councillor Wilson highlighted the report and pointed out that not everyone uses the services and a recovery of costs should be considered. Moved by Councillor VanBrenk Seconded by Councillor Rock THAT the report "Recovery of County Costs for Administration of Elgin Group Police Services Board" from the Chief Administrative Officer be received and filed. - Carried. County Council 5 April 1 0, 2001 Discontinuation of Bell Neutral AnswerinQ Service (BNAS) - EmerQency Measures Co-Ordinator Moved by Councillor VanBrenk Seconded by Councillor Habkirk THAT County Council, with the concurrence of St. Thomas City Council, authorize staff to issue a Request For Proposal for the supply of a 9-1-1 primary answering service with an effective date of August 28, 2001 or sooner; and, THAT, once all bids are received, staff report back the results of the RFP process and seek Council's direction with respect to the continuation of the Bell contract. - Carried. Field Exercise of County EmerQency Plan - EmerQency Measures Co-Ordinator Moved by Councillor Mcintyre Seconded by Councillor Wilson THAT County Council approve the implementation of a field exercise for the County Emergency Plan in late October/early November; and, THAT County Council approve funding from the Mill Rate Stabilization Reserve for up to $1,000.00 to implement this type of exercise. - Carried. 2001/2002 L-T Care Community Services FundinQ ReQuest - Director of Homes and Seniors Services and the Deputy Treasurer Moved by Councillor Faulds Seconded by Councillor Habkirk THAT the Warden, Director of Homes and Seniors Services, and Director of Financial Services be authorized to sign the 2001/2002 Long-Term Care Community Services Funding Request. - Carried. Branch Library Bus Tour - ManaQer of Library Services The tour of Branch Libraries will be split into two half days on June 4th and tho The Manager of Library Services will send out an itinerary for the event. Moved by Councillor Rock Seconded by Councillor Habkirk THAT the report "Branch Library Bus Tour" from the Manager of Library Services be adopted with the two half-day tour dates being June 4th and th, 2001. - Carried. Additional Hours. Aylmer Library - ManaQer of Library Services The Manager of Library Services reported that opening the Aylmer Branch on Monday mornings would provide better service to the residents. The staff would monitor the results of the additional hours and report to Council in 2002. County Council 6 April 1 0, 2001 Moved by Councillor VanBrenk Seconded by Councillor Faulds THAT the Aylmer Library be permitted to increase their open hours from 42 hours a week to 45.5 hours a week by opening Monday mornings, effective May 2001, with no additional cost to the County; and, THAT the staff measure the impact and a detailed report be brought forward to Council in 2002 with any suggestions or recommendations. - Carried. DELEGATION Mr. Steve Peters, M.P., attended at 11 :37 AM. and introduced the Liberal Critic Responsible for Municipal Affairs, Mr. Ted McMeekin. Mr. McMeekin addressed Council and indicated the Province has embarked on a tour of Ontario called "Let's Build a Bridge Tour" (letsbuildabridge.com) to gather input from municipalities on issues of concern. Some of the issues discussed were talks breaking down regarding governance of the Health Unit, assessment information being provided very late by the Province; industrial and commercial assessment capping; differences between agricultural and rural issues; roads/bridges/culverts underfunded and downloaded in poor conditions; Elgin Area Water System downloaded deficiencies; Hydro amalgamations and uncertainty of deregulation; self assessment on utility resources; among others. Warden McPhail thanked the delegation for attending and the gentlemen left at 12: 11 P.M. Moved by Councillor VanBrenk Seconded by Councillor Wilson THAT we do now proceed In-Camera to discuss legal and property matters. - Carried. Moved by Councillor VanBrenk Seconded by Councillor Rock THAT we do now rise and report. - Carried. The Manager of Engineering Services advised that he has made several telephone calls on the abandoned railway ties issue and will report later. CORRESPONDENCE Items for Consideration 1. P.M. Madill, Regional Clerk, Regional Municipality of Durham, with a resolution concerning notification to municipalities in regards to amendments or new applications for Pit or Quarry licences. 2. Novina Wong, City Clerk, City of Toronto, with information concerning transportation of the City of Toronto's waste material to Michigan. 3. Gabrielle Bouchenic, McMaster University; Michael Warner, Queen's University; Fawzi Mankel, University of Ottawa; Sabrina Lim-Morrison, University of Toronto; and Danielle Martin, University of Western Ontario, with correspondence requesting Council's support concerning "Medical Students of Ontario" and the current shortage of physicians affecting communities across Ontario due in part to unaffordable medical school tuitions. County Council 7 April 1 0, 2001 4. Denise Labelle-Gelinas, Acting Clerk, City of Cornwall, with a resolution again requesting the Provincial and Federal Governments to help fund the cost of improving municipal roads. 5. S. Wilkinson, Deputy Clerk, Village of Merrickville-Wolford, with a resolution urging the Federal Government to follow through with their election promise of a grant to the farmers of Canada for one billion dollars. 6. City of Weiland, with a resolution supporting the recommendations of the Ontario Association of Fire Chiefs petitioning the Provincial Government to initiate a Provincially funded Fire Service Program. The following recommendation was adopted respecting Correspondence Item #1 : Moved by Councillor Rock Seconded by Councillor Habkirk THAT the Corporation of the County of Elgin supports the resolution from the Regional Municipality of Durham requesting the Ministry of Natural Resources to notify municipalities that have residents (within 3 kilometres) of a proposed amendment or new application for pit and quarry licences. - Carried. Moved by Councillor Rock Seconded by Councillor Habkirk THAT Correspondence Item #2 be received and filed. - Carried. The following recommendation was adopted respecting Correspondence Item #3: Moved by Councillor Rock Seconded by Councillor Habkirk WHEREAS medical school tuition was deregulated by the Ontario Government in 1998; and medical school tuition has, and continues to increase in excess of 300% such that at some Universities tuition is now $14,000.00; WHEREAS the combination of excessive tuition and frozen student assistance have impaired students' accessibility to a medical education; WHEREAS the physicians most likely to practise in an rural area are originally from rural areas themselves; AND WHEREAS unaffordable tuition disproportionately excludes medical students from rural communities; BE IT RESOLVED THAT the County of Elgin calls upon the Ontario Government and the Universities of Ontario to ensure that medical education be made financially accessible to all qualified students; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT the County of Elgin requests that medical tuition be capped and re-regulated at a level accessible to all Ontarians, and that the Ontario Student Assistance Plan/Canada Student Loan program be adjusted in order to ensure that Ontarians from all communities are able to afford a medical school education. - Carried. County Council 8 April 1 0, 2001 The following recommendation was adopted respecting Correspondence Item #4: Moved by Councillor Rock Seconded by Councillor Habkirk THAT the Corporation of the County of Elgin supports the resolution from the City of Cornwall requesting the Federal and Provincial Governments to help with the cost of road infrastructure maintenance in municipalities. - Carried. The following recommendation was adopted respecting Correspondence Item #5: Moved by Councillor Rock Seconded by Councillor Habkirk THAT the Corporation of the County of Elgin supports the resolution from the Village of Merrickville-Wolford urging the Federal Government to grant to the Farmers of Canada the one billion dollars promised during the last Federal Election. - Carried. The following recommendation was adopted respecting Correspondence Item #6: Moved by Councillor Rock Seconded by Councillor Habkirk THAT the Corporation of the County of Elgin supports the resolution from the City of Weiland supporting the Ontario Association of Fire Chiefs petitioning of the Provincial Government to fund a Provincial Fire Service Program to enhance existing programs of education and fire prevention. - Carried. Items for Information - (Consent AQenda) 1. News Release - Ontario, "Province Provides New Funding For Social Housing". 2. Todd Sleeper, President, The NOAH Conservation Club, announcing the 2nd Annual Thames River Clean-Up. 3. Kim Smale, General Manager/Secretary-Treasurer, Catfish Creek Conservation Authority, with information concerning the "Yarmouth Natural Heritage Area Agreement". 4. Clayton Gutscher, Chair, Walkerton Community Foundation, with a plaque thanking the County of Elgin for the financial assistance to the Walkerton Community. 5. Walkerton Blooms, requesting help to create a "Walkerton Heritage Water Garden" memorial to the residents of the Town of Walkerton. 6. Susan McConnell, Kettle Creek Conservation Authority, Community Relations Supervisor and Member of the St. Thomas Arbour Week Committee, with a request for a declaration of "Arbour Week" Friday, April 27 -Mother's Day, 2001. 7. Honourable James M. Flaherty, Minister of Finance, with information concerning the Province's decisions regarding property taxation. 8. Honourable Cam Jackson, Ministry of Citizenship, announcing the Community Action Awards for 2001. County Council 9 April 1 0, 2001 9. AMO Member Communication, For Your Information: 1) "AMO and ROMA Welcome New Provincial Money for Ontario Grain and Oilseed Farmers", and 2) "AMO Says Social Housing Funding Announcement is a Partial Answer. 1 O. Joseph Gilbert, Chief, Walpole Island First Nation, Bkejwanong Territory, announcing an information session to be held on April 11 , 2001 at 1 :30 P.M. for municipal representatives concerning Aboriginal title and rights. 11. Friends of the Games, 2001 Canada Summer Games Alliance: 1. St. Thomas 2001 Games Meeting Minutes (March 21,2001) 2. Monthly Update for Host Society Staff and Executive Volunteers. Moved by Councillor Rock Seconded by Councillor Habkirk THAT Correspondence Items #1-11 be received and filed. - Carried. OTHER BUSINESS Statements/InQuiries by Members - None. Notice of Motion - None. Matters of UrQency - None. Moved by Councillor Habkirk Seconded by Councillor Rock THAT we adopt the recommendations of the Committee Of The Whole Council. - Carried. Moved by Councillor VanBrenk Seconded by Councillor Crevits THAT the Warden and the Chief Administrative Officer be authorized and directed to sign a Lease Agreement with D.C. Jackson Realty for Room #234 in the County Administration Building for a two (2) year term at the rate of $14.00 per square foot; and, THAT the Warden and the Chief Administrative Officer be authorized and directed to sign a Lease Agreement with Marianne Barrie for Room #237 and #239 in the County Administration Building for a three (3) year term at the rate of $13.00 per square foot. - Carried. Moved by Councillor Stewart Seconded by Councillor VanBrenk THAT Mr. Steve Gibson be authorized to proceed with legal action in regard to a matter involving accounts and disbursements of an estate. - Carried. County Council 10 April 1 0, 2001 BY-LAWS Moved by Councillor Habkirk Seconded by Councillor Mcintyre THAT By-Law No. 01-11 "Being a By-Law to Establish a Purchasing Policy for the Corporation of the County of Elgin and to Repeal By-Law No. 96-10" be read a first and second time. - Carried. Moved by Councillor Stewart Seconded by Councillor Rock THAT By-Law No. 01-11 be read a third time and finally passed. - Carried. Moved by Councillor Faulds Seconded by Councillor Rock THAT By-Law No. 01-12 "Being A By-Law to Appoint Tree Commissioners for the County of Elgin" be read a first and second time. - Carried. Moved by Councillor VanBrenk Seconded by Councillor Rock THAT By-Law No. 01-12 be read a third time and finally passed. - Carried. Moved by Councillor Mcintyre Seconded by Councillor Crevits THAT By-Law No. 01-13 "Being a By-Law to Appoint Weed Inspectors for the County of Elgin" be read a first and second time. - Carried. Moved by Councillor Habkirk Seconded by Councillor Rock THAT By-Law No. 01-13 be read a third time and finally passed. - Carried. Moved by Councillor VanBrenk Seconded by Councillor Habkirk THAT By-Law No. 01-14 "A By-Law to Confirm Proceedings of the Municipal Council of the Corporation of the County of Elgin at the April 1 0, 2001 Meeting" be read a first and second time. - Carried. Moved by Councillor Wilson Seconded by Councillor Faulds THAT By-Law No. 01-14 be read a third time and finally passed. - Carried. County Council 11 April 1 0, 2001 Moved by Councillor VanBrenk Seconded by Councillor Habkirk THAT we do now adjourn at 12:32 P.M. to meet again on April 24,2001 at 9:00 AM. - Carried. Mark G. McDonald, Chief Administrative Officer. Duncan J. McPhail, Warden.