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September 11, 2001 Minutes COUNTY OF ELGIN Tuesday, September 11, 2001 The Elgin County Council met this day at the Administration Building, at 9:01 AM. in accordance with adjournment, with all members in attendance except Councillor Faulds (arrived 9:07 AM.). Warden McPhail in the Chair. Moved by Habkirk Seconded by VanBrenk THAT the minutes of the meeting held on July 24,2001 be adopted. - Carried. DISCLOSURE OF PECUNIARY INTEREST AND THE GENERAL NATURE THEREOF- None Moved by Councillor VanBrenk Seconded by Councillor Mcintyre THAT we do now move into Committee Of The Whole Council - Carried. COUNCIL AND STAFF REPORTS Thames Valley District Health Council - Councillor Habkirk Councillor Habkirk highlighted key aspects of the report. Moved by Councillor Wilson Seconded by Councillor VanBrenk THAT the annual report of the Thames Valley District Health Council be received and filed. - Carried. EIQin-St. Thomas Health Unit - Councillor Wilson Councillor Wilson noted that the Health Unit is becoming proactive and working with other agencies to co-sponsor programs such as flu immunization. Councillor Habkirk commended efforts made by the Health Unit to bring medical practitioners to Elgin County. Moved by Councillor Crevits Seconded by Councillor Mcintyre THAT the annual report of the Elgin-St. Thomas Health Unit be received and filed. - Carried. Road ClosinQ - Township of Malahide - ManaQer of EnQineerinQ Services Moved by Councillor VanBrenk Seconded by Councillor Habkirk THAT the County of Elgin has no concerns to the Township of Malahide closing up and selling the road allowance in Lot 87, South Talbot Road, Parts #2 and 10, on Reference Plan 11 R-7030, Bradley Creek Line, Township of Malahide, as this is not on a County Road. - Carried. County Council - 2 - September 11, 2001 Make-A-Wish Foundation - Placement of VendinQ Machine - ManaQer of EnQineerinQ Services Moved by Councillor Habkirk Seconded by Councillor Faulds THAT the request from the Make-A-Wish Foundation to place a vending machine in the County Administration Building be received and filed. - Carried. Association of Ontario Roads Supervisor's Municipal Trade Show - ManaQer of EnQineerinQ Services The Technical Services Officer reported that in 2004 the Association of Ontario Roads Supervisor's Municipal Trade Show would be held in Southwestern Ontario. The Elgin Association has not hosted the trade show in the past and has sent a bid to host the 2004 event. Councillors noted a large structure is needed to host an event such as this and staff indicated this is being investigated. Moved by Councillor Mcintyre Seconded by Councillor Rock THAT the report "Association of Ontario Road Supervisor's Municipal Trade Show" presented by the Technical Services Officer be received and filed. - Carried. Reconstruction of WellinQton Road Intersections - ManaQer of EnQineerinQ Services The Technical Services Officer noted that changes in road usage require reconstruction to keep the road up to standards. The tender exceeds original estimations, but the cost would come from savings on capital projects. Councillors questioned why the need for additional drainage and storm sewer work was not thought of before. The Technical Services Officer explained the background to the requests. Moved by Councillor VanBrenk Seconded by Councillor Wilson THAT Van Bree Drainage be awarded Contract No. 6200-01-03, Reconstruction of Wellington Road Intersections, for their submitted tender price of $321,951.77 including G.S.T., of which $241,400.30 is the County of Elgin's share of the total cost. - Carried. Straffordville. Eden Roadwork Update - ManaQer of EnQineerinQ Services The Technical Services Officer reported that the Eden project would remain on target but Straffordville would exceed the budget. The guide rail project could be deferred to 2002 to offset this overrun. Council questioned how something like utility relocations could get missed when costing a project. Staff indicated that contracts sometimes change during construction when it is found that fuel costs increase or additional materials are required. The Chief Administrative Officer suggested the report could be amended by adding to project specifications the contractor should notify County staff and gain approval prior to anything additional being done. Councillors suggested that staff should be more firm with consulting firms on project specifications. Moved by Councillor Rock Seconded by Councillor VanBrenk THAT the 2001 Capital Guide Rail Project be cancelled and be completed in 2002 with other proposed guide rail installations; and, THAT the funds originally allocated for the 2001 Guide Rail Project be re-allocated towards the Plank Road Reconstruction Project in Straffordville; and, County Council - 3 - September 11, 2001 THAT the contractor, Cyril Demeyere Ltd., be requested to provide a detailed justification of accounts for this project before the over-expenditure is approved. - Carried. The Chief Administrative Officer left at 9:37 AM. DELEGATIONS Father Mark Sargent and Mr. Don Krauskopf of the London Office of the World Youth Days - The Days in the Diocese campaign attended at 9:43 AM. to address Council on the activities planned for the County, Municipality of Central Elgin, and the City of St. Thomas. The World Youth Days would be held in Toronto in 2002 with attendance by the Pope. This is a very large undertaking and would require extensive planning and assistance from a number of sources. Over 45,000 young people will gather in Southwestern Ontario from July 18th_22nd, 2002 and these attendees would require billeting. It is anticipated that 75,000-85,000 people will be coming to the Psychiatric Hospital grounds to listen to the Pope. The Diocese is seeking support in principle for their efforts for these events. Councillor Rock outlined the involvement of Central Elgin to date in assisting this endeavour. The City of St. Thomas has also supported their efforts. Father Sargent noted that corporate sponsorships from approved sources would be welcome. Moved by Councillor Wilson Seconded by Councillor Mcintyre THAT the Corporation of the County of Elgin supports in principle and is honoured to have been chosen as a host community for the World Youth Days - The Days in the Diocese event to be held in July 2002, and is willing to offer assistance towards their efforts; and further, THAT the Corporation of the County of Elgin encourages its constituent municipalities to assist with billeting, housing and other requirements for attendees to this event. - Carried. Council took a break at 10:15 AM. and reconvened at 10:38 AM. Councillors were informed of the terrorist attacks at the Work Trade Centre and the Pentagon in the United States and looked on in disbelief as the events unfolded on the television. Father Sargent offered a prayer in light of the horrific events that have taken place today, and the delegation left at 10:40 AM. COUNCIL AND STAFF REPORTS - continued 2001 Levy By-Law (By-Law 01-17l - Schedule "C" - Director of Financial Services The Director of Financial Services reported that a correction is required in the calculations and the by-law requires an amendment. Moved by Councillor Mcintyre Seconded by Councillor Wilson THAT the 2001 Levy By-Law (By-Law 01-17) be amended to include the following revised Schedule "C", dated July 31,2001: COUNTY OF ELGIN BY-LAW No. 01-17 REVISED SCHEDULE" C" PROPERTY CLASS 1999 RATES 2000 2001 2001 TAX RATES TAX RATES SPECIAL TAX RATE 2001 TOTAL TAX RATE RESIDENTIAL/FARM MULTI-RESIDENTIAL 0.467589% 0.466032% 0.458911 % 0.002201 % 0.461113% 1.242478% 1.238340% 1.219419% 0.005850% 1.225269% County Council - 4 - September 11, 2001 COMMERCIAL OCCUPIED 0.828568% 0.825809% 0.813191 % 0.003901 % 0.817092% COMMERCIAL VACANT UNITS 0.579998% 0.578066% 0.569234% 0.002731 % 0.571964% COMMERCIAL VACANT LAND 0.579998% 0.578066% 0.569234% 0.002731 % 0.571964% INDUSTRIAL OCCUPIED 1.557633% 1.552446% 1.476122% 0.000000% 1.476122% INDUSTRIAL VACANT UNITS 1.012471% 1.009099% 0.959479% 0.000000% 0.959479% INDUSTRIAL VACANT LAND 1.012471% 1.009099% 0.959479% 0.000000% 0.959479% LARGE INDUSTRIAL OCCUPIED 1.982298% 1.975696% 1.878563% 0.000000% 1.878563% LARGE INDUSTRIAL VACANT 1 .288489% 1 .284198% 1.221066% 0.000000% 1.221066% PIPELINES 0.587152% 0.585196% 0.576255% 0.002764% 0.579019% FARMLANDS 0.116897% 0.116508% 0.114728% 0.000550% 0.115278% MANAGED FORESTS 0.116897% 0.116508% 0.114728% 0.000550% 0.115278% Definition: "Tax rate" means the tax rate to be levied against property expressed as a percentage, to six decimal places, of the assessment of the property. Revised July 31, 2001 - Carried. New Library in SprinQfield/Temporary Location - ManaQer of Library Services The Township of Malahide has approved the construction of a new and expanded library in Springfield and requested Council's endorsement. A temporary location for the library has been found for the construction period. Moved by Councillor VanBrenk Seconded by Councillor Stewart THAT, in accordance with the County Library Construction Policy, County Council approve the construction of a new library in Springfield; and, THAT the new library be expanded from 551 square feet to approximately 1,025 square feet at an additional lease cost of $3,318.00 per year under the terms and conditions of the current lease; and, THAT the Manager of Library Services be authorized to sign a lease agreement with Bicycle Recyclers for the period of September 1, 2001 to January 31, 2002 at a cost of $400.00 per month and $13.15 per day for any days extending beyond January 31, 2002; and, THAT the 3rd and 4th quarter 2001 lease payments to Malahide Township be redirected to offset the cost of the temporary lease with Bicycle Recyclers. - Carried. SprinQfield Library/Proposed BudQet Implications for 2002 - ManaQer of Library Services The Manager of Library Services reported that beginning in 2002 the Springfield Library would like to expand its open hours by 10 hours per week, and outlined additional County costs for the library expansion. Moved by Councillor Mcintyre Seconded by Councillor Habkirk THAT the Manager of Library Services by authorized to increase the Springfield Library open hours from 13 hours a week to 23 hours a week effective January, 2002; and, THAT the Manager of Library Services be authorized to increase the Springfield Library staff hours by 10 hours a week at an annual cost of approximately $8,970.00 effective January, 2002; and, THAT the Manager of Library Services be authorized to include the one-time cost of $34,650.00 for shelving and furniture in the 2002 capital budget request. - Carried. County Council - 5 - September 11, 2001 Councillor Wilson thanked Council for their support for the Springfield Library expansion. The Chief Administrative Officer returned to Chambers at 10:50 AM. DELEGATION Mr. Perry Clutterbuck, St. Thomas-Elgin Tourist Association, attended at 10:47 a.m. to present a proposal from the Association for a Tourism Co-Ordinator contract position to accomplish increased tourism initiatives in the County. Councillors noted that this funding is for a two-year term and would expect it to become self-sustaining at the end of that term. Mr. Clutterbuck indicated additional funding sources would be investigated. Councillors congratulated Mr. Clutterbuck and the committee on their significant efforts in the recent past. Moved by Councillor Habkirk Seconded by Councillor VanBrenk THAT the County of Elgin Council agree to fund the Tourism Co-Ordinator position for the St. Thomas-Elgin Tourist Association for a two-year term in conjunction with the City of St. Thomas, as described in the attached report; and, THAT the position be located at St. Thomas City Hall at no charge to the Association; and further, THAT the County of Elgin agree to provide accounting assistance to the Association using existing County staff at no cost to the Association; and, THAT Human Resources staff at the City of St. Thomas be requested to manage the recruitment process for the selection of the Tourist Co-Ordinator for the St. Thomas-Elgin Tourist Association. - Carried Unanimously. The delegation left at 10:55 AM. Architect for County Archives - ManaQer of Library Services The Archivist presented a comprehensive plan for renovations to the lower level of the County Administration Building to house the County Archives. Councillor Habkirk noted that the assessed costs were included in the Request for Proposal and the firms quoted using this amount. Fees and disbursements would raise the total cost to over $400,000.00 and budgeting for payback into reserves would require additional tax dollars. Moved by Councillor Habkirk Seconded by Councillor Crevits THAT the Ventin Group Architects of Simcoe be awarded the contract to design, project manage and inspect renovations to the Archives area lower level, south end of the County Administration Building based on the lowest bid, bid quality and the firm's previous experience with similar projects; and, THAT the Corporate Facilities Officer for the County be the chief liaison with the aforementioned firm to oversee this project; and, THAT $110,000.00 be provided from the Archives Reserve and the balance of the funds be borrowed from reserves to be paid back over a four-year period through the budget. - Carried. Purchase of Archives Software - ManaQer of Library Services The Archivist reported that archive software would need to have comprehensive searching ability for archival purposes to fulfill short term and long term needs. The purchase of Archives software is included in the Archives budget. County Council - 6 - September 11, 2001 Moved by Councillor VanBrenk Seconded by Councillor Wilson THAT the County Archivist be authorized to purchase Inmagic DBlTextworks software out of the 2001 budget for an amount not to exceed $3000.00 - Carried. Grant Application for Archives - ManaQer of Library Services The Archivist reported that the project is eligible for a grant through Heritage Canada. Construction will not commence until the grant application has been considered. Warden McPhail will forward a letter to Mr. Knutson explaining the County's position in regard to Archives and the grant application. Moved by Councillor Rock Seconded by Councillor Mcintyre THAT the Archivist be authorized to apply for funding to support renovations for the Elgin County Archives under the Cultural Spaces Canada Program of Heritage Canada. - Carried. Surplus EQuipment - Terrace LodQe Pool Table - Assistant Director of Homes and Seniors Services Moved by Councillor Habkirk Seconded by Councillor Mcintyre THAT the Assistant Director of Homes and Seniors Services be authorized to sell the surplus Pool Table to Carl Lovas for $1 ,605.00. - Carried. Homes StaffinQ - EIQin Manor - Assistant Director of Homes and Seniors Services The Assistant Director of Homes and Seniors Services would like to hire two more Registered Nurses to accommodate current needs. The hiring would not impact the current budget. Moved by Councillor Wilson Seconded by Councillor VanBrenk THAT the Director of Homes and Seniors Services and the Director of Human Resources be authorized to hire 2 regular part-time RPN's for a six month term and that we continue to explore options available for recruitment and retention of Registered staff. - Carried. BUDGET COMPARISONS TO JULY 31. 2001 - Director of Financial Services Moved by Councillor Faulds Seconded by Councillor Mcintyre THAT the report on Budget Comparisons to July 31,2001 from the Director of Financial Services be received and filed. - Carried. CORRESPONDENCE Items for Consideration 1. Beverley V. Hine, Reeve, Township of Matachewan, with a resolution opposing the proposed changes to the Ontario Fishery Regulation on the size and catch limits for walleye, sauger, and northern pike in the Northeast Region Lake of Northern Ontario. County Council - 7 - September 11, 2001 2. Township of West Grey, with a resolution concerning the medical care practitioner shortage in Ontario. 3. Mario Quaglia, Council Co-ordinator, City of Windsor, with a resolution requesting support for a petition to the Federal and Provincial Governments to undertake a Railway Rationalization Study for Southwestern Ontario. 4. Robert H. Wheeler, General Manager, St. Thomas Economic Development Corporation, requesting a resolution of support endorsing an identification sign adjacent to Hwy. 401. 5. James Mcintyre, Mayor, and Scott Woolley, Road Superintendent, Township of Southwold, with a resolution concerning the proposed speed zones in Elgin County. Moved by Councillor Habkirk Seconded by Councillor Crevits THAT Correspondence Item #1 be received and filed. - Carried. The following recommendation was adopted respecting Correspondence Item #2: Moved by Councillor Habkirk Seconded by Councillor Wilson THAT the Council of the County of Elgin supports the Township of West Grey's resolution requesting the Ontario Government take immediate action to resolve the medical care practitioner shortage in Ontario. - Carried. The following recommendation was adopted respecting Correspondence Item #3: Moved by Councillor Habkirk Seconded by Councillor VanBrenk THAT the Council of the County of Elgin supports the resolution of the City of Windsor requesting a Railway Rationalization Study for Southwestern Ontario be undertaken by the Federal and Provincial Governments. - Carried. The following recommendation was adopted respecting Correspondence Item #4: Moved by Councillor Mcintyre Seconded by Councillor Habkirk THAT the Council of the County of Elgin endorses the establishment of a County of ElginlCity of St. Thomas identification sign on private lands contained within the Township of Southwold, adjacent to Highway #401. - Carried. Moved by Councillor Faulds Seconded by Councillor Stewart THAT Correspondence Item #5 be received and filed. - Carried. Items for Information - (Consent AQenda) 1. AMO Member Communication ALERT: 1) Province Launches First Review of New Provincial Policy Statement. County Council - 8 - September 11, 2001 2. Doug Wale, Manager, Ministry of Transportation, with information concerning the Highway 3 Role and Function Study from London east to Fort Erie. 3. Honourable Cam Jackson, Ministry of Citizenship, with an information concerning the role municipalities must provide in removing barriers for the disabled and a copy of "Playability Tool Kit: Building Accessible Playspaces". 4. Steve Peters, M.P.P., Elgin-Middlesex-London, with copy of correspondence regarding the County of Elgin's resolutions concerning: 1) the deferral of Municipally owned vehicle licensing fees by the Province; 2) the deferral of radio communication fees collected by the Federal Government; 3) provincial funding for the STEPS program; 4) delays and general lack of direction in regard to instructional regulations issued to municipal governments by the Provincial government; 5) cross-border ambulance billings and the effect on municipalities; 6) endorsing the Environmental Farm Plan; 8) calling on the Government to regulate gasoline taxes and; 1) Press Release - Peters takes Aim at Government Delisting of Audiology Services with Petition Campaign 5. MPAC, Press Release August 1, 2001, "New Municipal Property Assessment Corporation Announces Board of Directors. 6. OST AR Bulletin, with information on OST AR programs. 7. National Strategy on Community Safety and Crime Prevention, regarding "Expansion of the National Strategy" the government's commitment to reduce crime through its support of community-based responses to crime. 8. Nancy Bardecki, Director, Municipal Finance Branch, Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing, with information concerning the new regulation and regulation amendment under the Municipal Act concerning Variable Interest Rate Debentures and Foreign Currency Borrowing regulation. 9. Carolinian Canada, Special Addition Newsletter and Membership Application. 10. Ken Verrell, Picnic in the Park Chairperson, Seniors' Picnic 2001 "A Lifetime of Volunteering", thank you for the County's financial support of the Seniors' Picnic held on July 11, 2001. 11. Pat Vanini, Director of Policy and Government Relations, Association of Municipalities of Ontario, thanking Council for its support to establish the "Provincial Rail Renewal Task Force" and a copy AMO's correspondence to the Minister of Transport. 12. Brian Klunder, Special Assistant - Ontario, Ministry of Transport, acknowledging Council's support of the Township of Stirling-Rawdon's resolution requesting deferral of radio communications fees and vehicle licensing fees. 13. Leonard Domino, Leonard Domino & Associates Inc., announcing a new targeted approach to Government Negotiations. 14. W. Michael Fenn, Deputy Minister, Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing, announcing the ministry Web site "Innovative Service Delivery Links" linking municipalities to web sites world wide. 15. Cynthia St. John, Administrator, Elgin St. Thomas Health Unit, with Financial Statements Year Ended December 31,2000. 16. Ann Borooah, Director, Housing Development and Buildings Branch, Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing, with information concerning amendments to the Ontario Building Code. 17. Sandy Henderson, Manager, Monitoring Standards and Evaluation, Ministry of Heath and Long-Term Care, with information concerning acquisition of 57 beds from the Corporation of the County of Elgin. County Council - 9 - September 11, 2001 18. Fareed Amin, Assistant Deputy Minister, Ministry of Finance, thanking the Chief Administrative Officer of the County of Elgin for attending the Community Reinvestment Fund (CRF) consultation on July 9, 2001. 19. John Mills, Regional Director General, Environment Canada, Ontario Region, with a copy of "Canada's Response to the Recommendations in the Tenth Biennial Report on Great Lakes Water Quality". 20. Ontario News Release, "Province to Review Property Tax Classifications. 21. Donna Lunn, Elgin Connects, with copy of correspondence regarding approval for assistance to develop a business plan under Connect Ontario. 22. Pat Vanini, Director of Policy and Government Relations, AMO, with copy of correspondence concerning submission to the CRTC in regard to Bell Canada's application to destandardize and withdraw the Bell Neutral Answering Service. 23. Honourable Paul Martin, Minister of Finance, concerning Council's support of the City of North Bay's resolution on gasoline taxes. 24. Tom Sweeting, Assistant Deputy Minister, Ministry of Finance, concerning Council's support of the City of North Bay's resolution on gasoline taxes. 25. Mayor Peter Ostojic, City of St. Thomas, thanking Warden McPhail for his participation in the St. Thomas Opening Ceremonies of the 2001 Canada Summer Games. 26. P.J. Leack, City Clerk, City of St. Thomas, with a copy of correspondence to the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care endorsing the County of Elgin's resolution concerning funding of the STEPS program. 27. Honourable Brian Coburn, Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, concerning Council's support for the City of Ottawa's resolution on the Environmental Farm Plan (EFP) Program. 28. Paul Savoie, Fish Habitat Biologist - Project Co-Ordinator, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, acknowledging receipt of the proposed Vienna South Bridge rehabilitation project. 29. Rick Sinnamon and Marlene Taylor, Ontario Provincial Police, regarding Retirement Function for Staff Sergeant A D. Mcinnes on Sunday, October 14,2001. 30. David Johnston, President, Waterloo University, Chair, National Broadband Task Force, with information on where to review the National Broadband Task Force report concerning the benefits across Canada of high-speed Internet access. Moved by Councillor Habkirk Seconded by Councillor Faulds THAT Correspondence Items #1-30 be received and filed. - Carried. OTHER BUSINESS StatementsllnQuires by Members Councillor Faulds requested an update on the status of the Shedden County Road project. Staff indicated that a construction firm has been hired and the turning lane has been investigated. The project is moving along and will be constructed this year. Councillor VanBrenk indicated he would be contacting Elgin County Mayors to canvass for volunteers to help the St. Thomas Elgin General hospital in their fundraising campaign. County Council - 10- September 11, 2001 Councillor Mcintyre commented on the 401 detours onto local roadways, which are deteriorating very badly and need immediate repair. Councillor VanBrenk commented on the success story of the County Highway Detour Routing Plan. Warden McPhail raised the issue of road closures at the joint meeting of Wardens, Mayors and Chairs at the recent AMO Conference. It is a common problem across Ontario and a resolution to request financial support from the Province will be presented at the ACRO meeting. Warden McPhail will be attending a hearing for Nutrient Management in St. Thomas and asked if municipalities had comments to forward on behalf of their ratepayers. Elgin County could collect their comments and forward them at a later date. Councillors were concerned that the Province will be making decisions on large farm operations and municipalities would lose control. A letter will be forwarded to the Minister of Agriculture stating municipalities may have further comments to make and request an extension to the deadline. Moved by Councillor Wilson Seconded by Councillor Faulds THAT a letter be forwarded to the Minister of Agriculture requesting an extension to the deadline for comments on the Province's proposed Nutrient Management Planning Legislation. - Carried. The Director of Human Resources noted that the Corporate Challenge is upcoming and requested that Councillors consider participating. A response is needed as soon as possible. COUNCIL AND STAFF REPORTS - continued Ambulance Stand-by Dispatch Policy - EmerQency Measures Co-Ordinator The Emergency Measures Co-Ordinator reported that a change in stand-by policy would provide better coverage to Elgin County residents. Councillors requested that the responses be monitored to ensure the County would not incur additional expenses, such as additional ambulance. Council consensus was to amend the proposed policy to include a review in six months' time. Moved by Councillor VanBrenk Seconded by Councillor Wilson THAT County Council approve the proposed amendment to the ElginlMiddlesex dispatch policy as presented by Middlesex County as follows: THAT if both Rodney and Dutton are committed on calls outside their service area, move the Glencoe unit to the Argyle Presbyterian Church on Highway 76 just north of Crinan Line (between 2nd and 3rd Road South of River); and, THAT the policy be reviewed in six months' time. - Carried. EIQin/St. Thomas - 911 Primary AnswerinQ Service Provider - EmerQency Measures Co-Ordinator Moved by Councillor Rock Seconded by Councillor Faulds THAT County Council direct staff to discontinue the present contract with Bell for the 9-1-1 Primary Answering Service; and, THAT, County Council award the contract for the Elgin-St. Thomas 9-1-1 Primary Answering Service to the OPP, at a cost of $44,003.60 per annum, starting January, 2002; and further, THAT City Council be encouraged to concur with these recommendations. - Carried. County Council - 11 - September 11, 2001 EIQin-St. Thomas Ambulance Fleet - Purchase of a New Vehicle and Transfer of Vehicles - EmerQency Measures Co-Ordinator Moved by Councillor Wilson Seconded by Councillor Mcintyre THAT County Council approve the purchase of a new ambulance (158" wheelbase chassis) for the St. Thomas Elgin General Hospital Ambulance Service to replace 94-0140 at a total cost of $103,048.74 (County $30,275.72, City $21,248.65, and Ministry $51,524.37) from the Capital Budget; and, THAT County Council approve the transfer of 94-0140 to the Rodney Ambulance Service, at a leasing cost of one dollar per year; and, THAT County Council approve the replacement of the reserve vehicle with 92-0098; and, THAT County Council approve the sale of the present reserve vehicle with the proceeds of the sale to go into a reserve fund to offset the costs of the transfer of 94-0140 to the Rodney Ambulance Service, and maintaining 92-0098; and further, THAT St. Thomas City Council and the Ministry of Health-Emergency Services be advised of the purchase of the new ambulance and be requested to fund their portion. - Carried. Radio Communications TestinQ - EmerQency Measures Co-Ordinator The Emergency Measures Co-Ordinator reported that radios have been tested throughout the County and it was found that the antennae worked much better outside instead of inside. A fiberglass antenna that boosts the power is available at a cost of $200.00 per unit and six would be required for our purposes. Moved by Councillor Mcintyre Seconded by Councillor Habkirk THAT the report "Radio Communications Testing" from the Emergency Measures Co- Ordinator be received and filed. - Carried. Warden McPhail welcomed the press from The Chronicle to Council and invited the reporter as well as the St. Thomas Times-Journal reporter to lunch. Council recessed at 11 :56 AM. and reconvened at 1 :03 P.M. Notice of Motion - None. Matter of UrQency - None. Moved by Councillor VanBrenk Seconded by Councillor Crevits THAT we do now proceed In-Camera to discuss property and personnel matters. - Carried. Staff were excused at 1 :35 P.M. except for the Director of Human Resources and the Chief Administrative Officer. Moved by Councillor Mcintyre Seconded by Councillor Wilson THAT we do now rise and report. - Carried. County Council - 12 - September 11, 2001 Moved by Councillor Habkirk Seconded by Councillor Stewart THAT the staff direction contained in the Confidential report on a property matter dated August 17, 2001 be approved. - Carried. Moved by Councillor VanBrenk Seconded by Councillor Crevits THAT the Manager of Engineering Services and the Chief Administrative Officer be authorized and directed to negotiate a Lease Agreement with Alzheimer Society Elgin-St. Thomas for Suite #229 in the County Administration Building, according to the terms outlined in the report from the Manager of Engineering Services, dated August 28, 2001. - Carried. Moved by Councillor VanBrenk Seconded by Councillor Habkirk THAT Council accept with regret the announced retirement of Mrs. Marilyn Fleck effective on December 31,2001; and Mrs. Fleck be retained after her last day worked (November 16, 2001) to provide administrative support to the Elgin Manor Building Committee according to the terms and conditions outlined in the Confidential presentation from the Chief Administrative Officer dated September 11, 2001; and, THAT Mrs. Irene Rimnyak be appointed as Acting Director, Elgin County Homes, effective on November 17, 2001; and further, THAT staff be directed to conduct a national recruitment for the Director position. - Carried. Moved by Councillor Mcintyre Seconded by Councillor Stewart THAT we adopt the recommendations of the Committee Of The Whole Council. - Carried. The Deputy Clerk re-entered the Chambers at 2:25 P.M. BY-LAWS Moved by Councillor Habkirk Seconded by Councillor Crevits THAT By-Law No. 01-24 "A By-Law to Amend By-Law No. 01-17 to Provide for the Adoption of the 2001 Budget of the Corporation of the County of Elgin and to Establish the 2001 Tax Rates for the County Constituent Municipalities" be read a first and second time. - Carried. Moved by Councillor Rock Seconded by Councillor Stewart THAT By-Law No. 01-24 be read a third time and finally passed. - Carried. Moved by Councillor Faulds Seconded by Councillor Mcintyre THAT By-Law No. 01-25 "A By-Law to Confirm Proceedings of the Municipal Council of the Corporation of the County of Elgin at the September 11, 2001 Meeting" be read a first and second time. - Carried County Council - 13 - September 11, 2001 Moved by Councillor Wilson Seconded by Councillor Rock THAT By-Law No. 01-25 be read a third time and finally passed. - Carried. Moved by Councillor Rock Seconded by Councillor Habkirk THAT we do now adjourn at 2:23 P.M. to meet again on September 25,2001 at 9:00 AM. - Carried. Mark G. McDonald, Chief Administrative Officer. Duncan J. McPhail, Warden.