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April 9, 2002 Minutes COUNTY OF ELGIN Tuesday, April 9, 2002 The Elgin County Council met this day at the Administration Building, at 9:06 AM., in accordance with adjournment, for a special meeting to discuss the 2002 Tax Ratios. All members in attendance except Councillor Rock. Warden Wilson in the Chair. The Warden welcomed the Administrator/Clerks and Treasurers from Elgin's lower-tier municipalities to today's meeting. 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. REPORTS Director of Financial Services - Tax Ratios - The Director noted the Province has stipulated ranges of fairness for property tax classes and ratios used in Elgin may have to be adjusted. Many questions were raised regarding the length of time for phasing in the ratio reduction; effect on farming operations; effect on industries looking to locate in Elgin; claw backs resulting in increased tax bills, among others. Members from the lower-tier noted that the commercial class is lobbying municipalities to move the ratios to what they feel is fairer. Discussion ensued regarding mitigating tax ratios for commercial properties and the effect it would have on other tax classes. Council took a break at 9:52 while the Director of Finance revised calculations using the suggested tax ratio changes and reconvened at 10:16 a.m. Moved by Councillor Habkirk Seconded by Councillor McPhail THAT we do now proceed In-Camera to discuss property and personnel matters. - Carried. Moved by Councillor Habkirk Seconded by Councillor McPhail THAT we do now rise without reporting. - Carried. The Director of Financial Services entered the Chambers at 10:43 a.m. Capping would affect approximately 1200 commercial and 200 industrial properties. Reduction to commercial ratios would mean an approximate increase of $20.43 to residential properties assessed at $100,000. Moved by Councillor McPhail Seconded by Councillor Crevits THAT the Industrial Class ratio be reduced to 2.63 for the 2003 taxation year with the residual Industrial and Large Industrial ratios being lowered accordingly; and, County Council 2 April 9, 2002 THAT in the first year of ratio reduction the commercial ratio be reduced in such manner to ensure the tax rate increase to commercial properties is no greater than the increase to the County Levy for that year; and, THAT as a matter of tax policy, the County move towards the range of fairness in equal installments over a five year period starting in 2003; and, THAT each year, prior to any movement in the ratios, Council review the above tax policy to ensure it meets legislative requirements and the needs of County taxpayers; and, THAT Council actively pursues, through the Western Ontario Wardens' Association, a thorough review of the "Range of Fairness" by the Ministry of Finance. - Carried. Moved by Councillor Faulds Seconded by Councillor Stewart THAT the letter to the Honourable Gar Knutson regarding discontinuation of the CASO line be approved for distribution; and, THAT the letter to the Provincial Minister of Health and Long-Term Care and the Federal Minister of Health regarding Provincial Funding of our Community Hospital be approved for distribution. - Carried Unanimously. Council discussed conflicts with the next meeting date and consensus was that it would be held on April 22, 2002. Warden Wilson announced that the ceremony at the Court House, recognizing the opening of the County's Sesquicentennial, would be held on April 15th beginning at 2:00 p.m. Photographs of County Council will be taken following the ceremony. The Warden requested that all Councillors and Senior Staff attend in County dress and to arrive early. Councillor Habkirk noted that the Farm Forum held April 5, 2002 at the New Sarum Diner was fairly well attended by the Chairs and commodity groups and that reports presented indicated it looks bad for crops this year across the County unless the government puts a support plan in place. Moved by Councillor Stewart Seconded by Councillor Habkirk THAT we do now proceed In-Camera to complete the Chief Administrative Officer's performance evaluation. - Carried. Senior staff were excused at 10:55 AM. The Chief Administrative Officer returned to Chambers at 11 :35 AM. Moved by Councillor VanBrenk Seconded by Councillor Stewart THAT we do now rise and report. - Carried. Moved by Councillor Habkirk Seconded by Councillor McPhail THAT the confidential Performance Evaluation of the Chief Administrative Officer be approved and the established salary be implemented effective the first pay period in 2002. - Carried Unanimously. County Council 3 April 9, 2002 ROAD TOURS Discussion ensued regarding tours of the road system. Consensus was reached that, in addition to County Council, the Deputy Mayors or Mayor's designate would be invited and the tours would be held on April 19th for the east end and on May 10th for the west end of the County. Local Road Superintendents would also be invited. Moved by Councillor Faulds Seconded by Councillor Mcintyre THAT we do adopt the recommendations of the Committee Of The Whole. - Carried. BY-LAWS Moved by Councillor McPhail Seconded by Councillor Crevits THAT By-Law No. 02-09 "A By-Law to Confirm Proceedings of the Municipal Council of the Corporation of the County of Elgin at the April 9, 2002 Meeting" be read a first and second time. - Carried. Moved by Councillor Faulds Seconded by Councillor VanBrenk THAT By-Law No. 02-09 be read a third time and finally passed. - Carried. Moved by Councillor Seconded by Councillor THAT we do now adjourn at 12:07 P.M. to meet again on April 22, 2002 at 9:00 AM. - Carried. Mark G. McDonald, Chief Administrative Officer. John R. Wilson, Warden.