November 13, 2001 Minutes
COUNTY OF ELGIN
Tuesday, November 13,2001
The Elgin County Council met this day at the Administration Building, at 9:05 AM. in
accordance with adjournment, with all members in attendance except Councillor Crevits
(arrived 9:10 AM.)
Warden McPhail in the Chair.
DISCLOSURE OF PECUNIARY INTEREST AND THE GENERAL NATURE THEREOF-
Councillor Crevits declared a Conflict of Interest on the issue of the Lakeshore Erosion
Quotation, as he may be operating equipment for the gully work.
Moved by Councillor Mcintyre
Seconded by Councillor Habkirk
THAT the minutes of the meeting held on October 23,2001 be adopted.
- Carried.
PRESENTATIONS
Warden McPhail, Marilyn Fleck, Director of Homes and Seniors Services, and Cathy
Bishop, Manager of Library Services, presented Employee Long Service Certificates and
gifts to the following who were present and those in absentia.
Library Services
Jim Welch
15 years (full-time)
Library (Main Branch)
Bonnie Barons
Jean Bircham
Maria McLellan
Sharon Podeszwa
15 years (part-time)
15 years (part-time)
15 years (part-time)
15 years (part-time)
Library
Library (Main Branch)
Library
Library
Homes
Wayne Mifflin
Sonia Beavers
Helena Kyle
Douglas Pearce
Debbie Petrushevsky
Carletta Slaght
25 years (full-time)
20 years (full-time)
20 years (full-time)
10 years (full-time)
10 years (full-time)
10 years (full-time)
Elgin Manor
Terrace Lodge
Elgin Manor
Elgin Manor
Bobier Villa
Terrace Lodge
Nancy Hunter
Rhonda Rieger
Georgina Ousterhout
Carol Boyle
20 years (part-time)
20 years (part-time)
15 years (part-time)
10 years (part-time)
Bobier Villa
Elgin Manor
Terrace Lodge
Elgin Manor
Warden McPhail suggested the County could consider holding an evening presentation to
employees and their spouses where more could attend. Management will research
recognition policies and report back.
The Manager of Engineering Services introduced Taryn Shelley, the County's new
Engineer in Training, to Council.
Moved by Councillor VanBrenk
Seconded by Councillor Faulds
THAT we do now move into Committee Of The Whole Council.
- Carried.
County Council
2
November 13, 2001
STAFF REPORTS
Land Division Committee Annual Report - Murray Silcox
Mr. Murray Silcox, 2001 Chairman of the Land Division Committee, highlighted the report
and commented on the decreased number of land severances to date. Warden McPhail
asked Mr. Silcox to extend Council's appreciation to the Committee for the work done on
behalf of the County. Councillor Rock reiterated the request on behalf of the Municipality
of Central Elgin.
Moved by Councillor Crevits
Seconded by Councillor Habkirk
THAT the Land Division Committee's Annual Report for 2001, presented by Chairman
Silcox, be received and filed.
- Carried.
2001 Warden's BanQuet - Social Committee
Councillor Rock reviewed the programme and highlighted Councillors' participation in the
festivities. Councillor Wilson's wife and others are planning a "Tribute to Liz McPhail"
which would be added to the programme. Councillor Rock noted that entertainment for
the evening would be confirmed later. It was decided that because some members of the
lower-tier municipalities and other staff may wish to attend the Banquet, letters would be
sent out advising that tickets are available to them at a cost of $15 per person with a
r.s.v.p. date of Friday, November 16. Warden McPhail requested that the recognition gift
for the Warden be in the form of a donation to Palliative Care at St. Thomas Elgin General
Hospital in memory of Liz. Councillor Wilson suggested that an exception be made to the
usual recognition amount of $500 and be increased to $1,000 for this year.
Moved by Councillor Wilson
Seconded by Councillor VanBrenk
THAT the 2001 Warden's recognition gift be presented to the Palliative Care Unit of the St.
Thomas Elgin General Hospital in memory of Liz McPhail in the amount of $1000.00.
- Carried.
Moved by Councillor Mcintyre
Seconded by Councillor Stewart
THAT the report from the Social Committee dated October 25, 2001 entitled "2001
Warden's Banquet" be adopted, as amended.
- Carried.
St. Thomas-EIQin Tourist Association Annual Report - Councillor Crevits
Councillor Crevits handed out budget comparisons for the St. Thomas Elgin Tourist
Association and indicated the annual report would be forthcoming in December or January.
He further noted that the tourism officer position would be advertised soon and thanked
Council for the additional support to the Tourist Association over the past year.
Moved by Councillor VanBrenk
Seconded by Councillor Habkirk
THAT the St. Thomas-Elgin Tourist Association Budget Report presented by Councillor
Crevits be received and filed.
- Carried.
County Council
3
November 13, 2001
Township of Malahide Assumption of Roadways - ManaQer of EnQineerinQ Services
The Manager of Engineering Services questioned Council on whether they would like a
policy formulated for assumption/transfer of roads in the County considering the effect this
type of action has on County and Lower-Tier road networks. After much discussion the
following motion was passed:
Moved by Councillor Mcintyre
Seconded by Councillor Stewart
THAT a County Transportation Network Study be completed as soon as possible, but no
later than March 1, 2002; and
THAT the request from the Township of Malahide Council concerning the County of Elgin
assuming the extension of County Road #47 (Putnam Road) in exchange for the Township
of Malahide assuming County Road #49 (Whittaker Road) be examined as part of the
study.
- Carried.
Railroad Ties Update - ManaQer of EnQineerinQ Services
The Manager of Engineering Services reported that Canadian National Railway has
removed the railroad ties from County property and a letter of thanks should be sent in
recognition of their efforts. Council instructed a letter of thanks also be sent to Mr. Jim
Crane, who was instrumental in organizing the project.
Moved by Councillor Wilson
Seconded by Councillor VanBrenk
THAT a letter be sent to Canadian National Railway in appreciation for removing railway
ties on private properties and preventing a potential safety hazard; and,
THAT a separate letter be sent to Mr. Jim Crane thanking him for his assistance in this
matter.
- Carried.
Intersection AQreement - Southdale Line (County Road #57) and Fairview Avenue
(County Road #22) - ManaQer of EnQineerinQ Services
Moved by Councillor Habkirk
Seconded by Councillor Mcintyre
THAT the Warden and the Chief Administrative Officer be authorized and directed to sign
an Intersection Agreement with the City of St. Thomas for Southdale Line and Fairview
Avenue, and the necessary by-law be prepared.
- Carried.
EmerQency Detour Route SiQnaQe Update - Technical Services Officer
Council agreed that additional signs are needed to reassure motorists that they are on the
designated route to get them back to the 401. The Warden will forward a response to the
letter from the Minister of Transportation expressing Council's displeasure with the
Minister's lack of understanding of the impact and frequency of Highway 401 detours.
Moved by Councillor Rock
Seconded by Councillor Mcintyre
THAT staff design and order 5 additional Emergency Detour Route information signs to be
erected at locations immediately south of Highway 401 property on County Roads 103, 76,
8, 14 and 20; and,
THAT the local municipalities be requested to install these signs.
- Carried.
County Council
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November 13, 2001
Lyons Intersection Control Beacon - Technical Services Officer
The request from the Township of Malahide for an intersection control beacon at Lyons will
be dealt with through the Intersection Control Beacon Policy.
Moved by Councillor VanBrenk
Seconded by Councillor Habkirk
THAT the existing Intersection Control Beacon Policy be amended, by deleting the
following "If County Council approves the request".
- Carried.
Plank Road Culvert Replacement - Technical Services Officer
The Technical Services Officer reported that the drain needed to be addressed on an
urgent basis, as it had collapsed and remedial actions were taken at the time. Councillor
Stewart noted that the detour routing was kept to a minimum and thanked staff for their
quick action. The following recommendation was introduced since this was an unplanned
expenditure:
Moved by Councillor VanBrenk
Seconded by Councillor Wilson
THAT the proposed Road 16 Sub Drains project be deferred until 2002 and be completed
in conjunction with the proposed Hot Mix Asphalt Paving of Fingal Line at this location;
and,
THAT these funds be re-allocated to cover expenditures realized to complete the culvert
replacement on Plank Road just south of Jackson Line.
- Carried.
Lakeshore Erosion Work Quotation. County Road 42 - Technical Services Officer
Councillor Crevits, who had previously declared a conflict, refrained from speaking or
voting on the subject since he may be working for the successful bidder.
Moved by Councillor Mcintyre
Seconded by Councillor Habkirk
THAT Dan Higgs Excavating be chosen to complete erosion gully work on County Road
42 for their quoted price of $35,738.00, including G.S.T.
- Carried.
Municipal Performance Measures - Director of Finance
The Director of Finance reported that the new Provincial reporting program will standardize
the data municipalities collect and comparisons with similar sized counties would be
forwarded at a later time.
Moved by Councillor VanBrenk
Seconded by Councillor Crevits
THAT the report entitled "Municipal Performance Measures" presented by the Director of
Finance, dated October 25, 2001, be received and filed.
- Carried.
EIQin County Pioneer Museum Artifacts - Director of Financial Services
The Director of Financial Services reported that the Elgin Historical Society would like to
transfer ownership of the blue gown, worn at an event to honour the Prince of Wales, to
the Elgin County Museum.
County Council
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November 13, 2001
Moved by Councillor Faulds
Seconded by Councillor Rock
THAT the Warden forward a letter to the Elgin Historical Society expressing County
Council's appreciation for the generosity extended to the Elgin County Pioneer Museum
through the donation of the "blue gown" and other artifacts currently on permanent loan.
- Carried.
Schedule 2 Administration Fee Increase - Director of Financial Services
Moved by Councillor Mcintyre
Seconded by Councillor Faulds
THAT the report entitled "Schedule 2 Administration Fee Increase" presented by the
Director of Human Resources, dated November 6, 2001, be received and filed.
- Carried.
Health Unit ReQuest to Sublease - Chief Administrative Officer
Moved by Councillor VanBrenk
Seconded by Councillor Faulds
THAT the request from the Elgin-St. Thomas Health Unit to sublease 1200 square feet of
office space to the Early Years Steering Committee be approved.
- Carried.
CORRESPONDENCE
Items for Consideration
1. Mel Lastman, Mayor, City of Toronto, with a resolution requesting support in
establishing a tax holiday for Ontario residents to help stimulate the economy and
assist low income families.
2. Michael Swim, Project Engineer, Ministry of Transportation, Planning and Design
Section, regarding Notice of Study Commencement, Highway 3, St. Thomas Easterly
to Aylmer.
The following recommendation was adopted respecting Correspondence Item #1.
Moved by Councillor Habkirk
Seconded by Councillor VanBrenk
THAT the Council of the County of Elgin supports the City of Toronto's resolution
requesting the Federal and Provincial governments to suspend collecting PST and GST on
all clothing items below $75.00 and school supplies below $20.00, including Canadian
books, this November and next August.
- Defeated.
Moved by Councillor Faulds
Seconded by Councillor Stewart
THAT Correspondence Item #2 be received and filed.
- Carried
Items for Information - (Consent AQenda)
1. Adrian Gordon, General Manager, Canadian Centre for Emergency Preparedness,
with copy of correspondence concerning the current state of emergency
preparedness in Ontario.
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November 13, 2001
2. Fareed Amin, Assistant Deputy Minister, Ministry of Transportation, Policy and
Standards Division, acknowledging Council's support of the Windsor City Council's
resolution on railway rationalization.
3. Steve Peters, M.P.P., Elgin-Middlesex-London, supporting Council's resolutions to:
1) Premier Michael Harris concerning the County hosting the July 2002 World Youth
Days - The Days in the Diocese
2) Mayor Anthony A Williams, Government of the District of Columbia with a letter of
condolence in response to the events of September 11 th
3) Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani, City of New York, with a letter of condolence in
response to the events of September 11th.
4) the Honourable Chris Hodgson, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing,
concerning Council's resolution on its mission statement to provide a "safe,
pleasant community for all citizens"
5) the Honourable David Turnbull, Solicitor General, concerning the County's
donation of $10,000 to the Fallen Heroes Fund
4. Raven & Shaw, Chartered Accountants, with the Corporation of the County of Elgin's
Consolidated Financial Report for Year Ended December 31,2000.
5. P.J. Leack, City Clerk, City of St. Thomas, with a resolution regarding the Tourism
Co-ordinator Position - Elgin Tourist Association.
6. Brian Klunder, Special Assistant - Ontario, Office of the Minister of Transport,
acknowledging Council's support for the City of Windsor's resolution concerning a
Railway Rationalization Study for Southwestern Ontario.
7. AMO Member Communication:
1) Further Update on BNAS
2) Walkerton Public Inquiry Wrap Ups
3) Bill111 - The New Municipal Act, What's It All About and What Is Its Progress
- A Message from the President
8. Ontario News Release:
1) Province, Association of Municipalities of Ontario and City of Toronto Urge Ottawa
to Keep Transit Promises
2) Ontario's Transit Plan
9. Lorne McCool, City Manager, City of Brampton, with a copy of the City of Brampton's
2000 Annual Report.
10. Jack Layton, President, Federation of Canadian Municipalities, with a news release
re: "Rebuild the Economy: Support Infrastructure Says FCM".
11. Honourable Brian Coburn, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, with
information concerning the level of funding to health and safety projects under the
municipal infrastructure investment SuperBuild initiatives.
12. Andy Mitchell, Secretary of State (Rural Development) (Federal Economic
Development Initiative for Northern Ontario), with correspondence concerning the
Federal Governments commitment to equal funding for the Canada Ontario
Infrastructure Program.
13. AMO Member Communication ALERT, regarding "AMO Sees Progress with
Provincial Return to 1/3 Infrastructure Funding".
14. ROMAlOGRA Combined Conference, February 24-27,2002, Fairmont Royal York
Hotel, Toronto, registration form, housing and program information.
15. Max Stewart, Mayor, Municipality of Bayham, invitation to Council and Staff to attend
fundraising event for the new museum facility.
16. Michael D. Harris, Premier of Ontario, acknowledging Council's resolution concerning
funding for public infrastructure.
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November 13, 2001
17. Pat Vanini, Director of Policy and Government Relations, Association of Municipalities
of Ontario, with copy of correspondence from Transport Minister Brad Clark in
regards to the Governments commitment to rail use and AMO's request for
clarification for a Task Force.
18. David Campbell, Policy Analyst, Federation of Canadian Municipalities,
acknowledging Council's resolution concerning the Railway Rationalization Study.
19. Honourable Cam Jackson, Ministry of Citizenship, with a copy of the Province's vision
statement.
20. Honourable Chris Hodgson, Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing, acknowledging
Council's resolution of support for the City of Woodstock's resolution requesting
provincial funding for budgetary requirement to offset municipal tax increases.
21. W. Michael Fenn, Deputy Minister, Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing,
thanking and commending the County on successfully submitting the Financial
Information Return and Municipal Performance Measurement Schedules to the
Ministry.
Councillor Habkirk noted that municipalities should comment to Marcel Beaubien on
MPAC's policies, within the next 10 days. Finance Staff will prepare a list of questions or
concerns.
Moved by Councillor Habkirk
Seconded by Councillor Crevits
THAT Correspondence Items #1-21 received and filed.
- Carried.
OTHER BUSINESS
Statements/InQuiries by Members
Councillor Wilson announced that he will be seeking the position of Warden for 2002 and
that he would appreciate support from Councillors.
Councillor Habkirk announced that he will be seeking the position of Warden for 2002 and
that he would appreciate support from Councillors.
Councillor Mcintyre reminded Council of the Sod Turning Ceremony at Elgin Manor on
Thursday, November 15th at 2:00 P.M. and Council attire would be appreciated.
Councillor Stewart invited Council to attend the November 24th fundraiser for the Edison
Museum.
Notice Of Motion - None.
Matters Of UrQency - None.
Council took a break at 11 :24 AM. and reconvened at 11:40 AM.
Senior staff except the Chief Administrative Officer, Director of Financial Services, Director
of Human Resources and Human Resources Officer were excused.
Moved by Councillor VanBrenk
Seconded by Councillor Stewart
THAT we do now proceed In-Camera to discuss personnel matters.
- Carried.
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November 13, 2001
Moved by Councillor Mcintyre
Seconded by Councillor Stewart
THAT we do now rise and report.
- Carried.
Moved by Councillor Habkirk
Seconded by Councillor Crevits
THAT the confidential staff report dated November 13, 2001 regarding a Human
Resources matter be approved for implementation.
- Carried.
Moved by Councillor VanBrenk
Seconded by Councillor Wilson
THAT we adopt the recommendations of the Committee Of The Whole Council.
- Carried.
BY-LAWS
Moved by Councillor Habkirk
Seconded by Councillor Mcintyre
THAT By-Law No. 01-34 "Being a By-Law to Authorize the County of Elgin to Enter Into an
Agreement With the City of St. Thomas to Permit Construction of an Intersection at
Southdale Line and Fairview Avenue" be read a first and second time.
- Carried.
Moved by Councillor Stewart
Seconded by Councillor Faulds
THAT By-Law No. 01-34 be read a third time and finally passed.
- Carried.
Moved by Councillor VanBrenk
Seconded by Councillor Habkirk
That By-Law No. 01-35 "A By-Law to Confirm Proceedings of the Municipal Council of the
Corporation of the County of Elgin at the November 13th, 2001 Meeting" be read a first and
second time.
- Carried.
Moved by Councillor Rock
Seconded by Councillor Crevits
THAT By-Law No. 01-35 be read a third time and finally passed.
- Carried.
The Warden reminded Council of the drop-in to honour of Marilyn Fleck at 2:30 P.M. in the
Administration Building lower level.
Moved by Councillor Faulds
Seconded by Councillor Mcintyre
THAT we do now adjourn at 12:10 P.M. to meet again on November 2ih, 2001 at 9:00 AM.
- Carried.
Mark G. McDonald,
Chief Administrative Officer.
Duncan J. McPhail,
Warden.