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June 25, 2002 Minutes COUNTY OF ELGIN Tuesday, June 25, 2002 The Elgin County Council met this day at the Administration Building, at 9:03 AM. in accordance with adjournment, with all members in attendance except Councillor Crevits. Warden Wilson in the Chair. Moved by Councillor Habkirk Seconded by Councillor Faulds THAT the minutes of the meeting held on June 11,2002 be adopted. - Carried. DISCLOSURE OF PECUNIARY INTEREST AND THE GENERAL NATURE THEREOF- None. PRESENTATIONS Warden Wilson presented certificates and awards to the following employees in recognition of long service to the County and thanked them for their dedication: Human Resources Louise M. Eastbury Homes Margaret Harder Nora Parish Sandra J. Tapsell Karen Johnson Tammy Payne Katherine Sheeller Tina Teichroeb Patricia Vandevenne Susan Shackelton Library Services Emily M. Finch Deanna L. Hindley Susan Morrell Gail P. Driscoll DELEGATIONS 28.5 years (full-time) 25 years (full-time) 25 years (full-time) 25 years (full-time) 15 years (full-time) 10 years (full-time) 10 years (full-time) 10 years (full-time) 10 years (full-time) 10 years (part-time) 15 years (full-time) 15 years (full-time) 15 years (full-time) 15 years (part-time) Retirement Elgin Manor Bobier Home Elgin Manor Terrace Lodge Bobier Home Terrace Lodge Terrace Lodge Elgin Manor Terrace Lodge Library Library Library Library Mr. Dave McAdams, President, and Ms. Marg Emery, Tourism Co-ordinator, St. Thomas- Elgin Tourist Association, attended at 9: 15 AM. to present the 2002 Marketing Plan and to provide an update on Tourism activities. The "Cycle Tour of Elgin Wineries" and the "Perch Search" has proven quite popular. The Association has received notification that a grant of $8,000 has been approved, which should lessen dependence on funding from the County and other supporters. The "Mobile Student" promotion is ready to cycle in Port Stanley and Mr. McAdams requested that comments on this initiative be forwarded to the Tourist Association. The fundraising sale of the "Incredible Elgin" print, complete with commemorative "Jumbo" coins, is underway and Mr. McAdams presented one of the framed prints to the County. Warden Wilson thanked the delegation for attending and for their efforts on behalf of the County. The delegation left at 9:33 AM. County Council 2 June 25, 2002 Mr. Chester Hinatsu, Director St. Thomas-Elgin Ontario Works, attended at 9:33 AM. to present the quarterly report for Ontario Works activities. Mr. Hinatsu reported that a number of technology improvements have taken place and that statistics may be skewed and are being addressed. City Council's approval of the 1 % increase in the Ontario Works budget will affect the County's share for 2002. A "Policies and Procedures Manual" is being developed to assist in the provision of consistent practices throughout the County. Mr. Hinatsu reported on the ChildCare program and the establishment of an Early Years Resource Centre to provide programs and support for children at risk aged 0-6. Councillors expressed concern with starting a program such as this which receives Provincial funding that may be pulled in the future, leaving it a municipal responsibility that cannot be afforded. Council requested Mr. Hinatsu to include the number of children at risk, and to fine-tune the charts showing number comparisons for the next quarter report. Warden Wilson thanked the delegation for attending and Mr. Hinatsu left at 10: 12 AM. Council took a break at 10: 12 and reconvened at 10:26 AM. Ms. Janet Baker, Public Sector Liaison Committee, St. Thomas & District Chamber of Commerce, attended at 10: 15 A M. to present information and request Council's support for the "Safe Communities Program". This Program works in partnership with the public and private sectors to provide education aimed at improving the health and safety of workers and people throughout the community. Moved by Councillor McPhail Seconded by Councillor Rock THAT the Corporation of the County of Elgin supports, in principle, the initiatives of the "Safe Communities Program" thereby promoting a culture of safety and injury prevention throughout communities. - Carried. Warden Wilson thanked the delegation for attending and Ms. Baker left at 10:39 AM. Ms. Jenny Phillips and Ms. Diana Player attended at 10:30 AM. to highlight the schedule of activities for the Provincial Town Criers' Competition, to provide an update on the Sesquicentennial Ball, and of the Heritage Dinner sponsored by the Elgin Historical Society. Over 30 registrants have signed up for the Criers' Competition. The announcement for the Heritage Dinner will be placed in the papers shortly and tickets to the black-tie/period-costume event are available in the County Library. The delegation left at 10:55 AM. Moved by Councillor VanBrenk Seconded by Councillor Faulds THAT we do now move into Committee Of The Whole Council. - Carried. REPORTS Lawn Maintenance Services at Terrace LodQe. EIQin Manor and Bobier Villa - ManaQer of EnQineerinQ Services Councillors noted that the acreage in hay grass at Bobier Villa has not been cut and the Manager will investigate. A comprehensive report will be prepared for next year to include all costs for maintenance of gardens and grounds compared to providing the service in- house and, as directed previously, lawn equipment will be stored until a decision is made. Moved by Councillor VanBrenk Seconded by Councillor Habkirk THAT Jim's Lawn Care be selected for lawn maintenance services at Terrace Lodge for the 2002 season at their tendered price of $12,195.00 (taxes extra); and, County Council 3 June 25, 2002 THAT Peter Wilkins Lawn Care be selected for lawn maintenance services at Elgin Manor for the 2002 season at their tendered price of $5,170.00 (taxes extra); and, THAT Jim's Lawn Care be selected for lawn maintenance services at Bobier Villa for the 2002 season at their tendered price of $3,687.50 (taxes extra). - Carried. The Director of Homes and Seniors Services introduced Jennifer Ford from Financial Services. 2002-2003 FundinQ ReQuest for Community Support Services - Director of Homes and Seniors Services The Director noted that the figures reported are as accurate as can be made this year, however some may be skewed and staff are devising reporting methods to accurately reflect costing for next year's report. Moved by Councillor VanBrenk Seconded by Councillor Stewart THAT the 2002/2003 Community Support Services Budget be approved; and, THAT the Warden, the Director of Financial Services, and the Director of Homes and Seniors Services be authorized to sign the budget and forward it to the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care. - Carried. Moved by Councillor VanBrenk Seconded by Councillor Mcintyre THAT we do now proceed In-Camera to discuss personnel issues. - Carried. Staff were excused except the Chief Administrative Officer at 11: 12 AM. Council recessed at 12:40 AM. to assemble at the front of the Building for the Annual Council photo and then for lunch. Council reconvened at 1:47 P.M. with all members present except Councillors Crevits and Faulds. Moved by Councillor Rock Seconded by Councillor Habkirk THAT we do now rise without reporting. - Carried. Mr. Carl Bienefeld attended at 1:47 P.M. at the invitation of Council. Warden Wilson presented a signed copy of the Tremaine Atlas in appreciation of his substantial efforts as a member of the St. Thomas-Elgin Tourist Association. Mr. Bienefeld thanked Council for their support of Tourism initiatives throughout his term on the Association and left Chambers at 1 :50 P.M. Resident SmokinQ at the New EIQin Manor - Director of Homes and Seniors Services The Director of Homes and Seniors Services reported that the Resident Council requested that Council consider a designated smoking room for the new Elgin Manor. The Building Committee had previously discussed the issue and decided the new Home should be a non-smoking environment. Discussion ensued regarding resident rights vs. health effects; room usage should there be no smokers; and since both the other Homes have smoking rooms, the need for a standard policy. County Council 4 June 25, 2002 Moved by Councillor VanBrenk Seconded by Councillor Stewart THAT the new Elgin Manor Home for Seniors provide an environment so that residents may choose to smoke in a designated smoking room in their new home; and, THAT the Building Committee and the Director of Homes and Seniors Services be authorized to ensure that a designated smoking room is constructed for the new Elgin Manor, at an approximate cost of $30,000; and, THAT County Council provide, to Resident Council, the written policy decision about the status of resident smoking in their new Elgin Manor home, acknowledging, with appreciation, the consideration given to the issue by members of the Resident Council. - Carried. Four Counties Transportation Services - Director of Homes and Seniors Services The Director of Homes and Seniors Services reported that residents, particularly those who are wheel chair bound, use the services to get to appointments and that fees are not authorized to be paid by the County. Councillor McPhail is Chair of Four Counties Transportation Services and provided background on the operations and the decision to bill for services in order to defray their deficit. Councillors spoke to the benefits provided by this service, similarities with the former STEPS program, and cost implications if all three Homes made use of a transportation service. Moved by Councillor Rock Seconded by Councillor VanBrenk THAT the Corporation of the County of Elgin award a one-time grant of $1 ,500 to the Four Counties Transportation Services for 2002, providing the Board continue to provide the service for the balance of the year; and, THAT staff investigate the potential cost implications for the three County Homes to make use of a transportation service and report prior to 2003 budget considerations. - Carried. EIQin County Administration BuildinQ Storm Sewer Replacement - ManaQer of EnQineerinQ Services The Manager of Engineering Services reported some areas of the Administration Building storm sewer are partially blocked and other areas are fully blocked causing flooding in the basement. In order to safeguard the Archives this situation needs to be addressed. Moved by Councillor Rock Seconded by Councillor Habkirk THAT Engineering Services be directed to solicit tenders for the replacement of the Elgin County Administration Building's storm sewer system; and also, THAT a contract be awarded to the lowest bidder and report to County Council at the earliest convenience; and, THAT the monies for the project be allocated from the unallocated capital reserves; and, THAT the Warden and the Chief Administrative Officer be directed and authorized to sign the contract. - Carried. Thames Valley Acute Stroke Protocol Memorandum - EmerQency Measures Co- Ordinator The Emergency Measures Co-Ordinator explained that the protocol allows for faster treatment of stroke victims, which may lessen the effects of a stroke. County Council 5 June 25, 2002 Moved by Councillor Rock Seconded by Councillor Mcintyre THAT the Warden and the Chief Administrative Officer be authorized to sign the Local Agreement - Destination Policy (Memorandum of Understanding) to initiate the Thames Valley Acute Stroke Protocol; and, THAT the City of St. Thomas be so informed. - Carried. CORRESPONDENCE Items for Consideration 1. Carolyn Downs, Manager Council Support/City Clerk, City of Kingston, requesting support for their resolution concerning property assessment and taxation and tax capping scheme. 2. Bob Rantz, C.AO., Town of Petawawa, requesting support for their resolution concerning anticipated shortage of health care practitioners. 3. Jon Skafel, President, Alzheimer Society of Elgin-St. Thomas, requesting Council's funding support and membership in the organization for 2002. 4. Andrea Rivest, Town Clerk, Town of Lakeshore, requesting support for their resolution concerning reduction of interest rates assessed on loans administered under the Tile Drainage Act. 5. M. Favell, Area Operations Engineer, Ministry of Transportation, advising that the Ministry is declining to pay the invoices submitted by the constituent municipalities with regard to Highway 401 Emergency Detours. 6. Norman K. Kyle, C.AO., Township of Smith-Ennismore-Lakefield, with correspondence concerning "Public Fire Safety Guideline 04-08-12 December 2001 and March 2000" and requesting Council's support for their request to amend said Guideline. 7. Louise Gartshore, City Clerk, City of Woodstock, requesting support for their resolution to have the Government of Ontario increase the minimum wage to $8.00 per hour and indexed to the Consumer Price Index yearly. 8. The Honourable Norman W. Sterling, Minister of Transportation, responding to Council's correspondence concerning the condition of roads in Elgin County and funding for municipalities from the Province for maintenance of municipal roads. The following recommendation was adopted respecting Correspondence Item #1 : Moved by Councillor Habkirk Seconded by Councillor Rock THAT the Council of the County of Elgin supports the resolution of the City of Kingston urging the Ontario Government to make changes to the tax-capping scheme of Bill 140 "Taxation Capping Provisions for Commercial, Industrial and Multi-Residential Property Taxes". - Carried. The following recommendation was adopted respecting Correspondence Item #2: Moved by Councillor Habkirk Seconded Councillor Rock THAT the Council of the County of Elgin supports the resolution of the Town of Petawawa petitioning the Ministers of Health and of Colleges and Universities to put in place plans to address the anticipated labour shortage in the professional hospital workforce. - Carried. County Council 6 June 25, 2002 The following recommendation was adopted respecting Correspondence Item #3: Moved by Councillor Habkirk Seconded by Councillor Mcintyre THAT the County of Elgin take out a $50.00 President's Membership with the Alzheimer Society of Elgin-St. Thomas for 2002. - Carried. The following recommendation was adopted respecting Correspondence Item #4: Moved by Councillor Habkirk Seconded by Councillor Mcintyre THAT the Council of the County of Elgin supports the resolution of the Town of Lakeshore requesting the Province of Ontario to reduce the interest rate assessed on loans administered under the Tile Drainage Act to a more equitable rate. - Carried. The following recommendation was adopted respecting Correspondence Items #5 and #8. Moved by Councillor McPhail Seconded by Councillor Mcintyre THAT Correspondence Items #5 and #8 be deferred until staff investigates the legal and insurance aspects of the matter and until the County has the opportunity to meet with the Minister of Transport. - Carried. The following recommendation was adopted respecting Correspondence Item #6. Moved by Councillor Habkirk Seconded by Councillor Mcintyre THAT the Council of the County of Elgin supports the Township of Smith-Ennismore- Lakefield's request to the Minister of Public Safety and Security to remove the requirement of a minimum of 10 fire-fighters on the scene within 10 minutes, from the Public Fire Safety Guideline 04-08-12 December 2001; and, THAT the Ministry of Public Safety and Security consult with local government in the issuance of amendments to the Fire Prevention Act and Guidelines. - Carried. The following recommendation was adopted respecting Correspondence Item #7: Moved by Councillor Habkirk Seconded by Councillor McPhail THAT the Council of the County of Elgin supports the resolution of the City of Woodstock requesting the Ontario Government to increase the minimum wage to $8.00 per hour; and, THAT the Government of Ontario index the minimum wage to the Consumer Price Index on a yearly basis. - Carried. Correspondence for Information 1. Thank you card from the Murray Benner Family. County Council 7 June 25, 2002 2. Hon. Gar Knutson, Secretary of State Central and Eastern Europe and the Middle East, acknowledging Council's support of the resolutions from the City of Kawartha Lakes concerning the financial state of our farming communities and the Town of Oakville concerning a review of the mandate of the Ontario Municipal Board. 3. AMO Member Communication - ALERT: 1) Volunteer Firefighter Protection Bill Passes Second Reading - Membership Voices Needed To See It Through the Legislative Process; 2) New Electricity Safety Inspection Regulations Impact Municipal Costs; 3) AMO 2002 Conference - Update. 4. James Knight, Chief Executive Officer, Federation of Canadian Municipalities, Member Advisory, "FCM Confident of Federal Commitments". 5. The Honourable David Young, Attorney General, Minister Responsible for Native Affairs, acknowledging Council's support for resolution of the Town of Minto's concerning youth vandalism and violent behaviour. 6. The Honourable Chris Hodgson, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, acknowledging Council's support for the resolution of the Town of Oakville recommending the Province review the role of the Ontario Municipal Board. 7. The Honourable Ernie Eves, Premier of Ontario, acknowledging Council's resolution concerning the impact on local municipalities and their residents caused by Highway 401 detours. 8. Steve Peters, M. P. P., Elgin-Middlesex-London, with copy of correspondence: 1) to the Minister of Transportation regarding Elgin County Council's concerns regarding the impact closures of stretches of Highway 401 have on residents and roads in Elgin County; 2) to the Minister of Consumer and Business Services and the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, to permit municipal governments and boards/committees to accept lottery proceeds to be used for charitable purposes. 9. AMCTO Express - June 18, 2002, with information on the Ontario Government Budget for the fiscal year 2002-2003. 10. The Honourable Tony Clement, Minister of Health and Long-Term Care, responding to Council's support of the Middlesex County Council's resolution regarding funding for an arbitrated salary increase for land ambulance workers. 11 . Thank you from Marg Berry for the gifts and best wishes from the County on the occasion of her retirement from the St. Thomas Times-Journal. Moved by Councillor Habkirk Seconded by Councillor Stewart THAT Correspondence Items #1-11 be received and filed. - Carried. OTHER BUSINESS Statements/InQuiries by Members Councillor Rock discussed the need to look at continuing to modernize and enhance the County Building in order to address the needs of the County administration, tenants and to provide additional rental areas. Moved by Councillor Rock Seconded by Councillor Mcintyre THAT staff investigate and report on a plan to modernize and enhance the County Building, especially the Administrative Services Office, for 2003 budget considerations. - Carried. County Council 8 June 25, 2002 Notice of Motion - None. Matters of UrQency - None. Moved by Councillor Mcintyre Seconded by Councillor Habkirk THAT we do proceed In-Camera to discuss personnel issues. - Carried. Mr. Charles Humphries of Stringer, Brisbin, Humphries, was in attendance and left at 3:48 P.M. Staff except for the Director of Homes, Director of Human Resources, Deputy Clerk, and Chief Administrative Officer were excused at 3:32 P.M. The Deputy Clerk and Director of Human Resources were excused at 3:55 P.M. Moved by Councillor VanBrenk Seconded by Councillor Mcintyre THAT we do now rise and report. - Carried. Moved by Councillor VanBrenk Seconded by Councillor Habkirk THAT a new permanent position be created within the Elgin County Archives, reporting to the County Archivist and ultimately to the Manager of Library Services; and, THAT the Human Resources Officer proceed with a job description, job posting and evaluation according to the County's salary grid; and, THAT recruitment for this position begin as soon as possible. - Carried. Moved by Councillor Rock Seconded by Councillor Habkirk THAT the report entitled "Registered Dietitian Services at the Homes" from the Director of Homes and Seniors Services dated June 3, 2002, be received and filed. - Carried. Moved by Councillor Stewart Seconded by Councillor Habkirk THAT the Mediation Settlement agreed to on June 18, 2002 with the Ontario Nurses Association be approved. - Carried. Moved by Councillor VanBrenk Seconded by Councillor Habkirk THAT the Confidential report entitled "Human Resources Issues" from the Chief Administrative Officer dated June 15, 2002 be approved as amended. - Carried Unanimously. Moved by Councillor McPhail Seconded by Councillor Mcintyre THAT we do adopt the recommendations of the Committee Of The Whole Council. - Carried. County Council 9 June 25, 2002 BY-LAWS Moved by Councillor Stewart Seconded by Councillor McPhail THAT By-Law No. 02-17 "A By-Law to Confirm Proceedings of the Municipal Council of the Corporation of the County of Elgin at the June 25, 2002 Meeting" be read a first and second time. - Carried. Moved by Councillor Rock Seconded by Councillor VanBrenk THAT By-Law No. 02-17 be read a third time and finally passed. - Carried. Moved by Councillor VanBrenk Seconded by Councillor Habkirk THAT we do now adjourn at 3:55 P.M. to meet again on July 9,2002 at 9:00 AM. - Carried. Mark G. McDonald, Chief Administrative Officer. John R. Wilson, Warden.