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June 11, 2002 Minutes COUNTY OF ELGIN Tuesday, June 11, 2002 The Elgin County Council met this day at the Administration Building, at 9:05 AM. in accordance with adjournment, with all members in attendance. Warden Wilson in the Chair. Moved by Councillor VanBrenk Seconded by Councillor Mcintyre THAT the minutes of the meeting held on May 28,2002 be adopted. - Carried. DISCLOSURE OF PECUNIARY INTEREST AND THE GENERAL NATURE THEREOF- None. Moved by Councillor Faulds Seconded by Councillor Stewart THAT we do now move into Committee Of The Whole Council. - Carried. REPORTS Staff Reports Hot Mix Asphalt PavinQ Contract No. 6220-02 - ManaQer of EnQineerinQ Services Moved by Councillor Habkirk Seconded by Councillor Rock THAT Walmsley Bros. Limited be selected to provide Hot Mix Asphalt Paving, Contract No. 6220-02, for their submitted price of $1 ,247,072.66 inclusive of taxes; and, THAT the Warden and the Chief Administrative Officer be authorized to enter into the necessary agreement. - Carried. 2002 Tax Rate Recalculation - Director of Financial Services The Director of Financial Services advised that the Province changed the calculation formula at the end of May after the tax rates had been set by the County as required by law. Staff required the assistance of a consultant to understand the changes, which resulted in a slight increase to large industrial rates and a slight decrease to the other classes. Discussion ensued regarding the continuing lateness of the Province to provide the framework for tax calculations and then changing the formula after municipalities have already passed levy by-laws, resulting in additional expense and waste of time to staff. Moved by Councillor Rock Seconded by Councillor Mcintyre THAT the revised ratios as calculated using Ontario Regulation 162/02 and as set out in Schedule A be approved for 2002; and, THAT the new tax rates, Schedule C, as calculated using the new ratios and the steps as set out in Ontario Regulation 162/02 be approved; and, County Council 2 June 11, 2002 THAT a letter be directed to the Minister of Finance outlining the County's displeasure at the lateness of the release of Regulation 162/02 and the lack of training required to understand this regulation; and further, THAT an estimate of additional expense caused to the County to recalculate the revised ratios be included with the letter. - Carried. EIQin County Pioneer Museum SesQuicentennial Book - Director of Financial Services Members of Council spoke in support of Women's Institutes and Volunteers who put in many hours of community work. Moved by Councillor Habkirk Seconded by Councillor Faulds THAT the Sesquicentennial booklet be printed and bound by Waite's Printing Service at an amount not to exceed $600 plus tax; and, THAT the expenditure be drawn from the Sesquicentennial funds previously set aside in the budget. - Carried Unanimously. EIQin County Pioneer Museum FundinQ - Ontario SuperBuild Corporation. Sports. Culture and Tourism Partnership - ManaQer of EnQineerinQ Services The Manager of Engineering Services noted that the agreement must be signed before rehabilitation at the Museum can begin. Moved by Councillor Faulds Seconded by Councillor VanBrenk THAT the Warden and the Chief Administrative Officer be authorized to sign the Funding Agreement for Infrastructure Projects under the Ontario Sports, Culture and Tourism Partnership Initiative, Round 1, (Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Recreation File No. 20011 SHD0011), for the Elgin County Pioneer Museum. - Carried. CORRESPONDENCE Correspondence for Consideration 1. Allen Forrester, Clerk-Treasurer Administrator, Township of South-West Oxford, requesting support petitioning the Government to implement photo-radar. 2. Helen Johns, Minister of Agriculture and Food, requesting completion of Nutrient Management Questionnaire. 3. Jill Eagle, Clerk, Village of Merrickville-Wolford, requesting support for their resolution concerning the discontinuation of the pediatric cardio-vascular surgery program at the Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario. 4. Barry L. Sinclair, Senior Policy Advisor, Ministry of Agriculture and Food, advising that notification to local municipalities of the names of property owners whose tax classes suddenly change would not be possible and that other options are being investigated. Moved by Councillor Rock Seconded by Councillor VanBrenk THAT Correspondence Item #1 be received and filed. - Carried. County Council 3 June 11, 2002 Moved by Councillor Habkirk Seconded by Councillor Crevits THAT Correspondence Item #2 be received and filed. - 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 Village of Merrickville-Wolford requesting the Provincial Government to re-evaluate the discontinuation of the paediatric cardio-vascular surgery (PCS) program at the Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario. - Carried Unanimously. Moved by Councillor Rock Seconded by Councillor VanBrenk THAT the Ontario Government be strongly encouraged to maintain Children's Hospitals in their current locations throughout the Province of Ontario, recognizing that the discontinuance of programs may endanger lives and jeopardize the health and safety of Ontario's Children; and, THAT copies of this resolution be circulated to local municipalities, Children's Hospital of Western Ontario, St. Thomas-Elgin General Hospital, Thames Valley District Health Council, City of St. Thomas, Mr. Steve Peters, M.P.P., Mr. Gar Knutson, M.P., and other stakeholders in the catchment area requesting support. - Carried Unanimously. Correspondence Item #4 - STAFF DIRECTION Mr. Sinclair's letter indicated it was not possible, as was hoped, to provide local municipalities with a list of properties that had sudden changes in tax classes. Information is available through the MPAC program Municipal Connect and Treasurers could search properties through the database and print reports using specific criteria. Council directed staff to contact Mr. Fred Slater and Mr. Dennis McMeekin to request them to attend a meeting at the County Building with the local Treasurers to explain the program and to answer questions. Correspondence for Information 1. Carrie Shea, Secretary, Elgin County 4-H Association thanking Council for grant. 2. Ann Mulvale, President, Association of Municipalities of Ontario, sharing proposals to make the enforcement of POA more efficient. 3. Ernie Eves, Premier of Ontario, acknowledging Council's resolution concerning the restructuring of the electricity market. 4. A. Anne McLellan, Minister of Health, acknowledging Council's resolution on health care. 5. Steve Peters, M.P.P., Elgin-Middlesex-London, supporting Council's resolution to: a) The Honourable Chris Hodgson, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, concerning Government review of Ontario Municipal Board. b) The Honourable Helen Johns, Minister of Agriculture and Food, requesting Government to implement the Made-in-Ontario safety net program. County Council 4 June 11, 2002 6. Press Release from Steve Peters, M.P.P., Elgin-Middlesex-London, regarding future of the CASO corridor. 7. Steve Peters, M.P.P., Elgin-Middlesex-London, requesting the Minister of Transportation convene a meeting with municipal representatives on the future of the CASO corridor. 8. Ross Snetsinger, Chair, Rail Ways to the Future Committee, CASO Progress Report #1 & 2. 9. Allan Rock, Minister of Industry, inviting Council to participate in the refinement and implementation of Canada's Innovation Strategy. 10. Ontario Good Roads Association with Highlights from the OGRA Board of Directors' Meeting: April 18, 2002. 11. AMO Member Communication - ALERT: 1) Municipal Support Needed to Extinguish Volunteer Firefighter Two-Hatter Problem; 2) Province Releases New Policy on "Spouse in the House"; 3) Proposed Hydro Bill keeps Transmission Corridors in Public Hands; 4) Third Annual Commemoration Service for Victims of Crime Provides Province an Opportunity to Assist Victims; 5) Federal and Provincial Governments Sign Affordable Housing Program Agreement; 6) AMO Proposes Fixes for Building Code Legislation. AMO Member Communication - FOR YOUR INFORMATION: 1) AMO President gives Romanow Commission Grassroots Message. 12. Dianne Wilson, Deputy Clerk, Municipality of Central Elgin, accepting "Road Network Study" Report. 13. Municipal Property Assessment Corporation News Bulletin. 14. Premier Ernie Eves acknowledging Council's support of the Town of Haileybury's resolution regarding provincial funding for road detours due to highway construction. 15. St. Thomas-Elgin Tourist Association, with information about the 151 Annual $10,000 Canada Day Perch Search. Moved by Councillor Habkirk Seconded by Councillor VanBrenk THAT Correspondence Items #1-15 be received and filed. - Carried. OTHER BUSINESS Statements/InQuiries by Members Councillor Habkirk attended the recent FCM Conference in Hamilton and informed Council that in the Minister of Finance's speech on Social Housing there was no mention of rural municipalities. Councillor Habkirk approached Jack Layton of FCM who indicated a committee would be struck to deal with rural housing and infrastructure. Councillor Rock thanked members of Council for their attendance at the recent Days in the Diocese barbecue and County staff for their assistance. He suggested that Father Sargent attend a Council meeting to provide an update on the activities. Councillor Rock noted that volunteers are still needed and requested that Councillors or other interested parties contact Father Sargent to offer assistance. Notice of Motion - None. Matters of UrQency - Councillor VanBrenk requested consideration of support for a resolution forwarded by the Municipality of Dutton/Dunwich regarding the rumoured closing County Council 5 June 11, 2002 of West Elgin Secondary School. Councillor McPhail had spoken to the school Principal regarding the rumoured closure who indicated he had not heard of it, however, Councillor VanBrenk requested support for the resolution before it is too late to voice concern. Moved by Councillor VanBrenk Seconded by Councillor Rock THAT the request for support of the Municipality of Dutton/Dunwich resolution regarding the possible closure of the West Elgin Secondary School be considered. - Carried. Moved by Councillor VanBrenk Seconded by Councillor Habkirk THAT the Council of the County of Elgin supports the resolution of the Municipality of Dutton/Dunwich petitioning the Minister of Education for Ontario and the members of the Thames Valley District School Board to abandon the closing of schools in rural communities as a means of cost containment. - Carried Unanimously. Council took a break at 10:14 AM. and reconvened at 10:35 AM. Moved by Councillor Stewart Seconded by Councillor Faulds THAT we do now proceed In-Camera to discuss personnel matters. - Carried. Staff was excused except for the Director of Human Resources, Director of Homes and Seniors Services, and the Chief Administrative Officer at 10:39 AM. The Director of Human Resources, Director of Homes and Seniors Services, and the Chief Administrative Officer were excused at 12:10 P.M. Council recessed for lunch and reconvened In-Camera at 12:47 P.M. with the Chief Administrative Officer in attendance. Councillor Stewart left at 1:40 P.M. and Councillor VanBrenk left at 2:28 P.M. Moved by Councillor Habkirk Seconded by Councillor McPhail THAT we do now rise and report. - Carried. Moved by Councillor Habkirk Seconded by Councillor McPhail THAT the Chief Administrative Officer report back to Council at the next meeting on the confidential Human Resources matters discussed at the Council meeting of June 11, 2002. - Carried. Moved by Councillor Faulds Seconded by Councillor Crevits THAT we adopt the recommendations of the Committee of the Whole Council. - Carried. County Council 6 June 11, 2002 BY-LAWS Moved by Councillor Rock Seconded by Councillor Crevits THAT By-Law No. 02-15 "A By-Law to Amend By-Law No. 02-10 to Provide for the Adoption of the 2002 Budget of the Corporation of the County of Elgin and to Establish the 2002 Tax Ratios, and to Establish 2002 Tax Rates for the County Constituent Municipalities" be read a first and second time. - Carried. Moved by Councillor Mcintyre Seconded by Councillor Faulds THAT By-Law No. 02-15 be read a third time and finally passed. - Carried. Moved by Councillor McPhail Seconded by Councillor Habkirk THAT By-Law No. 02-16 "A By-Law to Confirm Proceedings of the Municipal Council of the Corporation of the County of Elgin at the June 11th, 2002 Meeting" be read a first and second time. - Carried. Moved by Councillor Rock Seconded by Councillor Faulds THAT By-Law No. 02-16 be read a third time and finally passed. - Carried. Moved by Councillor Crevits Seconded by Councillor McPhail THAT we do now adjourn at 2:40 P.M. to meet again on June 25,2002 at 9:00 AM. - Carried. Mark G. McDonald, Chief Administrative Officer. John R. Wilson, Warden.