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March 26, 2002 Minutes COUNTY OF ELGIN Tuesday, March 26,2002 The Elgin County Council met this day at the Administration Building, at 9:00 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 March 12, 2002 be adopted. - Carried. DISCLOSURE OF PECUNIARY INTEREST AND THE GENERAL NATURE THEREOF- None. DELEGATIONS Mr. Dave McAdams, President, and Ms. Marg Emery, Tourism Officer, St. Thomas-Elgin Tourist Association, attended at 9:00 AM. to update Council on Tourism initiatives and to request consideration for funding in the amount of $35,550 for 2002. Tourism initiatives would focus on Elgin County projects for 2002 and would include a bicycle winery tour, distribution of literature to the public via a three-wheel cycle, and a "perch search" fishing tournament. Grants have been applied for and are awaiting response. Discussion ensued regarding changing the name to the Elgin-St. Thomas Tourist Association, due to the substantial funding that the County provides. Councillors noted that printing of an e-mail address on the 401 tourism signs should be changed to a phone number as a better way of promotion. Mr. McAdams indicated he would discuss these concerns with the Association as well as inclusion of a 1-800 number on the sign. Council requested that all four ports in Elgin County be included in the "perch search" tournament. Warden Wilson thanked the delegation for attending and referred the budget request to later in the meeting. The delegation left at 9:23 AM. Mr. Paul Collins, Mr. Don Page, and Mr. Tom McKenney, (Dr. Hagerman sent regrets), St. Thomas-Elgin General Hospital Foundation, attended at 9:24 AM. to request funding for modernization of the Emergency Department, establishment of an Ambulatory Care Centre, and an endowment fund to assist with the purchase of patient care equipment. Concern was expressed whether this is a good time to be embarking on a Capital Campaign when services and jobs are being eliminated and the hospital is dealing with deficits in an effort to keep the hospital open. Warden Wilson thanked the delegation for attending and referred the budget request to later in the meeting. The delegation left at 10:01 AM. Council took a break at 10:01 AM. and reconvened at 10:20 AM. Father Mark Sargent attended at 10:21 AM. to update Council on plans for Youth Day- Day in the Diocese event. Plans are proceeding well, excitement is beginning to rise, and 20,000 billeting spots have been confirmed, however an additional 15,000 are still needed. Father Sargent thanked Council for its support as well as the Municipality of Central Elgin and the City of St. Thomas. Billeting forms are available should Council and staff wish to consider housing participants to the event. Discussion ensued regarding security measures, traffic control, travel advisories, and other services to be provided for the participants. Warden Wilson commended Father Sargent for his overwhelming efforts and reiterated the support of the County for the activities. The delegation left at 10:48 AM. Moved by Councillor McPhail Seconded by Councillor Rock THAT we do now move into Committee Of The Whole Council. - Carried. County Council 2 March 26, 2002 REPORTS County of Renfrew Petition ObiectinQ to Ministry of the Environment CircumventinQ Court Protocol - EmerQency Services Co-Ordinator The Emergency Services Co-Ordinator reported that the Ministry is charging people with violations and collecting fines but is circumventing the normal court process to which persons are entitled. The fines resulting from the violations should also be paid to the POA Office. Moved by Councillor Habkirk Seconded by Councillor Mcintyre THAT the Council of the County of Elgin supports the request of the County of Renfrew to the Government of Ontario to quash the proposed Administrative Monetary Penalties Implementation Policy (Reference - EBR Registry Number: PA02E0001) which would allow the Ministry of Environment to impose and collect certain administrative penalties levied under the Environmental Protection Act, the Ontario Water Resources Act, and the Pesticides Act; and THAT collection of immediate administrative penalties circumvents the rights of an individual to court proceedings; and THAT should a penalty be imposed, said penalty should rightfully be paid to the Municipal Provincial Offences Office, under the provision of service agreement with the Government of Ontario; and further THAT the Government of Ontario be urged to honour its commitment of working with its Municipal Partners across the Province of Ontario in accordance with the signed Memorandum of Understanding entered into between the parties; and THAT the Councils for the City of St. Thomas and Elgin County's local municipalities be encouraged to support the County of Renfrew's request. - Carried. Additional Staff Hours and Open Hours for Aylmer Library - ManaQer of Library Services The Manager of Library Services reported that the Branches are increasing circulation with the exception of three who are very close. Moved by Councillor VanBrenk Seconded by Councillor Habkirk THAT the Aylmer Library be permitted to increase their open hours from 45.5 hours a week to 48 hours a week effective April 2002; and, THAT the Aylmer Library be permitted to hire one additional staff person at 15 hours a week effective April, 2002, at a cost of approximately $8,529 including benefits; and, THAT the amount be included in the 2002 Library budget. - Carried. Volunteer Luncheons and RecoQnition- Director of Homes and Seniors Services The Director of Homes and Seniors Services reported that volunteer recognition luncheons are being held on three dates, April 3, 16 and 25, beginning at 12:30 P.M. and requested attendance of the Warden and Councillors. The Councillors were asked to call the Director at the Elgin Manor to confirm attendance. County Council 3 March 26, 2002 Moved by Councillor Rock Seconded by Councillor Faulds THAT the Director of Homes and Seniors Services be authorized to arrange the Auxiliary luncheons and purchase pins according to the County Purchasing Policy. - Carried. ManaQinQ IT Security Risks - ManaQer of Information TechnoloQY The Manager of Information Technology presented, by PowerPoint, a report on security risks to the County IT systems and measures to overcome them. Councillors questioned whether County staff could assist the lower-tier municipalities with computer system problems. The Chief Administrative Officer pointed out that this would not be possible with the current number of staff in the IT Department. Council directed the IT Manager to present this report at an upcoming Elgin Area Administrators' meeting. Initiatives to circulate warnings of possible security problems, accessible by the lower-tier, was also discussed and warnings will be posted on the County's website once operational. Moved by Councillor Rock Seconded by Councillor Mcintyre THAT the PowerPoint report entitled "Managing IT Security Risks" dated March 26, 2002, presented by the Manager of Information Technology be received and filed. - Carried. 2002 Draft County Capital and Composite BudQets - Director of Financial Services The Director of Financial Services presented, by PowerPoint, the challenges facing the County in considering its budgets. Ambulance services issues, Elgin Manor rebuild, road and bridge construction, items contributing to the surplus, and factors that have to be considered for the future were discussed by Council. Grants Moved by Councillor Rock Seconded by Councillor VanBrenk THAT the following grants be approved for 2002: Shedden Agricultural Society $ 3,000 Wallacetown Agricultural Society $ 3,000 Rodney-Aldborough Agricultural Society $ 3,000 Aylmer & East Elgin Agricultural Society $ 5,000 Elgin 4-H Association $ 2,000 - Carried. Moved by Councillor Habkirk Seconded by Councillor McPhail THAT the following grants be approved for 2002: Tillsonburg & District Multi-Service Centre $ 2,000 Quad County Support Services $ 2,000 Seniors Picnic $ 2,000 - Carried. Moved by Councillor Habkirk Seconded by Councillor Crevits THAT a grant in the amount of $5,000 to the St. Thomas-Elgin Public Art Centre be approved for 2002. - Carried. County Council 4 March 26, 2002 Moved by Councillor Habkirk Seconded by Councillor Faulds THAT a grant in the amount of $1 ,000 to the Children's Safety Village be approved for 2002. - Carried. Moved by Councillor VanBrenk Seconded by Councillor McPhail THAT a grant in the amount of $7,500 for the Talbot Bi-Centennial Committee for both 2002 and 2003 be approved. - Carried. Council discussed a grant to St. Thomas React Inc. and reached a consensus that the Group should be invited to a future Council meeting to explain their request. Moved by Councillor McPhail Seconded by Councillor Faulds THAT a contingency amount of $5,000 will be placed in the grant line to cover additional requests for 2002. - Carried. Correspondence for Consideration Item #7 from Turner House with a request for a one- time grant towards support of its four residents was considered. Moved by Councillor Faulds Seconded by Councillor McPhail THAT a one-time grant in the amount of $2,000 to Turner House, a residential facility for young women recovering from severe eating disorders, be approved for 2002. - Carried. Council recessed at 12:17 P.M. and reconvened at 1:15 P.M. Council discussed the timing of the request for funding by the St. Thomas-Elgin General Hospital Foundation for a Capital Campaign and the recent announcement by the St. Thomas Elgin General Hospital of discontinuing some outpatient rehabilitation services. Councillor VanBrenk, County Representative on the Hospital Board, indicated discussions are continuing to find ways to reduce the impact of these cuts on the community. Moved by Councillor VanBrenk Seconded by Councillor Habkirk THAT the Corporation of the County of Elgin supports in principle the St. Thomas Elgin General Hospital Foundation Capital Campaign proposal to modernize the Emergency Department, establish an Ambulatory Care Centre, and to establish an endowment fund; and THAT the request for a financial contribution be deferred for discussion to the 2003 budget deliberations. - Carried. Councillor Habkirk indicated three municipalities are involved with establishing the East Elgin Medical Facility and a request for County funding would most likely be for $460,000 over five years, as this is the cost of the land. Council noted that the request for funding was received after the grant request deadline of February 1 and should not be considered for this year's budget. Requests such as this should be presented in advance, for consideration in the next year's budget. Staff were directed to send a letter to the East Elgin Medical Facility Board outlining the County grant policy. County Council 5 March 26, 2002 Moved by Councillor Habkirk Seconded by Councillor McPhail THAT, given the urgent need for transition assistance, the grant to Turner House be released once the budget has been passed. - Carried. 2002 PROPOSED BUDGET The Director of Financial Services reviewed the Proposed Budget line by line. Discussion took place concerning percentages paid by the City and the County, possible receipt of 401 Provincial Offences fines, road needs, as well as increases in tax rates and ratios. Councillor Habkirk indicated he could not support the increase to the road budget. Moved by Councillor VanBrenk Seconded by Councillor Stewart THAT $250,000 be added to the Roads Budget for 2002; and, THAT the 2002 County Composite Budget resulting in an increase of 6.51 % over 2001 levels be approved, and the necessary by-law be prepared once final taxation ratios are known. - Carried. Councillor Habkirk questioned when the Archives would begin to see revenue generated. The Archivist outlined plans being investigated to generate revenue, such as reprints of photographs, photocopying, scanning, and would be preparing a policy with suggested fees. Councillor Habkirk noted County Council has not discussed tax ratios and the Chief Administrative Officer indicated a special meeting would be held on April 9th to discuss this item. CORRESPONDENCE Items for Consideration 1. Municipality of Grey Highlands, requesting a financial contribution for an Ontario Divisional Court appeal against the OMB ruling that "water taking is not a land use". 2. Janice McKinnon, Assistant to the CAO/Clerk, Township of Ramara, requesting support of a resolution asking the Provincial Government to reconsider privatization of Hydro One and deregulation of the energy market. 3. Kevin Bain, City Clerk, Town of Brantford, with a resolution concerning the funding of primary health care and Nurse Practitioner positions in a variety of settings across the Province. 4. Cliff Evanitski, Chairman, Long Point Region Conservation Authority, with copy of correspondence to the Minister of Natural Resources regarding the development of a provincial water policy for Ontario. 5. Mayor Peter Ostojic, City of St. Thomas, with copy of correspondence to the Assistant Deputy Minister, Ministry of Transportation, concerning signage on Highway #401. 6. Honourable Cam Jackson, Ministry of Citizenship, with nomination forms and guidelines for the Community Action Awards for 2002. 7. Jayne Francis, Program Manager, Turner House, requesting a grant to help fund the residential facility for recovery from severe eating disorders. County Council 6 March 26, 2002 8. Jack Layton, President, Federation of Canadian Municipalities, with a resolution requesting support of the ratification of the Kyoto Protocol. 9. Louise Gartshore, City Clerk, City of Woodstock, with a resolution requesting the Province to strengthen Canada's system of sentencing, corrections and parole and release. 10. Louise Gartshore, City Clerk, City of Woodstock, with a resolution requesting the Province to allocate the revenues being distributed by the Ontario Trillium Foundation on a per capita basis to the local municipalities for distribution. 11. Elgin Federation of Agriculture, with invitation to Farm Forum at the New Sarum Diner, April 5, 2002 at 9: 15 AM. 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 Municipality of Grey Highlands and its Ontario Divisional Court appeal against the Ontario Municipal Board ruling that "water taking is not a land use". - Carried. The following recommendation was adopted respecting Correspondence Item #2: Moved by Councillor Habkirk Seconded by Councillor Crevits THAT the Council of the County of Elgin supports the resolution of the Township of Ramara requesting the Provincial Government to reconsider its decision to privatize Hydro One and deregulate the energy market. - Carried. The following recommendation was adopted respecting Correspondence Item #3: Moved by Councillor McPhail Seconded by Councillor Habkirk THAT the Council of the County of Elgin supports the resolution of the City of Brantford requesting the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care to develop mechanisms for practise and appropriate funding for Nurse Practitioner positions in a variety of settings across the Province. - Carried. The following recommendation was adopted respecting Correspondence Item #4: Moved by Councillor Faulds Seconded by Councillor Stewart THAT the Council of the County of Elgin supports the Long Point Region Conservation Authority's request to the Ministry of Natural Resources to develop a provincial water policy for Ontario. - Carried. Moved by Councillor Habkirk Seconded by Councillor Mcintyre THAT Correspondence Item #5 be received and filed. - Carried. County Council 7 March 26, 2002 Moved by Councillor Habkirk Seconded by Councillor McPhail THAT Correspondence Item #6 be received and filed. - Carried. Moved by Councillor Habkirk Seconded by Councillor Stewart THAT Correspondence Item #8 be received and filed. - Carried. The following recommendation was adopted respecting Correspondence Item #9: Moved by Councillor Habkirk Seconded by Councillor VanBrenk THAT the Council of the County of Elgin supports the resolution of the City of Woodstock concerning the recommendations outlined in the Canadian Police Association fact sheet requesting the Province to enact legislation to strengthen Canada's system of sentencing, corrections and parole and release. - Carried. Moved by Councillor VanBrenk Seconded by Councillor Habkirk THAT Correspondence Item #10 be received and filed. - Carried. Moved by Councillor VanBrenk Seconded by Councillor Mcintyre THAT Correspondence Item #11 be received and filed. - Carried. Correspondence for Information 1. Honourable Jim Wilson, Minister of Energy, Science and Technology, acknowledging Council's support of the Municipality of Chatham-Kent's resolution concerning the economic impact paying down Ontario Hydro's debt will have on ratepayers. 2. Honourable Michael D. Harris, Premier of Ontario: 1) acknowledging Council's support for the County of Essex' resolution regarding the use of Bell Canada's database for community emergency notification systems; 2) concerning Council's resolution regarding infrastructure funding. 3. John Hill, Manager, Correspondence and Public Inquiries Unit, Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities, acknowledging receipt of correspondence concerning medical school tuition fees and advising that the Minister or staff will be responding as soon as possible. 4. Terry Carroll, United Way of Elgin-St. Thomas, concerning the original 2001 Campaign request for Corporate Matching funds. 5. Honourable Chris Hodgson, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, acknowledging Council's concerns as well as those of other municipalities and regions in regard to Smart Growth panels. County Council 8 March 26, 2002 6. Jack Layton, President, Federation of Canadian Municipalities with: 1) information and registration forms for the 65th Annual FCM Conference and Municipal Expo May 31-June 3, City of Hamilton; 2) Member Advisory on " World Trade Negotiations". 7. AMO Member Communication ALERT: 1) Successful First Meeting With Province Under the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) 2) Devolution of OMERS Plan 3) Volunteer Firefighters in Jeopardy. 8. Carl Isenburg, Vice-President, Customer Relations, Municipal Property Assessment Corporation, with update on MPAC Customer Service Initiatives. 9. Town of Tillsonburg and City of St. Thomas with resolutions concerning the Proposed Discontinuance of Railway Line, CN CASO Subdivision. 10. Correspondence from: 1) Municipality of Central Elgin; 2) Municipality of Bayham; 3) Township of Malahide; with a resolution supporting the County of Elgin's resolution indicating interest to negotiate the purchase of the CN CASO rail line. 11. Honourable Brad Clark, Minister of Transportation, responding to Council's correspondence regarding Highway 401 emergency detours in Elgin County. 12. David L. Lindsay, President and CEO, Ontario SuperBuild Corporation, Ministry of Finance, concerning Council's resolution regarding federal and provincial support for public infrastructure. 13. Donna Lunn, Community Development Officer, Elgin Connects, with update on the ElginConnects project. 14. Ted Garrard, Vice-President (External), University of Western Ontario, with an update report on the TD Waterhouse Stadium. 15. S. Poirier, Executive Correspondence Officer, Office of the Prime Minister, acknowledging Council's resolution concerning the use of Bell Canada's database for emergency purposes. 16. Dave Blakely, Director, Customer Service, Municipal Property Assessment Corporation, addressing County Council concerns. 17. Dave McAdams, President, St. Thomas-Elgin Tourist Association, with an invitation to the upcoming Annual General Meeting on April 9th, 2002 at 7:00 p.m., proposed by-law changes and a copy of the Association "2001 Year in Review". 18. Thames Valley District School Board, Special Report - Financial Pressures Facing Thames Valley. Moved by Councillor Habkirk Seconded by Councillor Stewart THAT Correspondence Items #1-18 received and filed. - Carried. OTHER BUSINESS Statements/InQuiries by Members The Manager of Library Services reported that the Sesquicentennial celebrations planned for April 15th at the Court House have been finalized and invitations will be sent out shortly. Councillor Habkirk handed out a copy of an electronic index of Provincial grants that Aylmer had received and noted it is available to all municipalities by request from Steve Peters' Office. Notice of Motion - None. County Council 9 March 26, 2002 Matters of UrQency - The Chief Administrative Officer reported that documentation has been finalized for the sale of the nursing home beds and a motion authorizing signing is required. Moved by Councillor Habkirk Seconded by Councillor VanBrenk THAT the Warden and the Chief Administrative Officer be authorized to execute any and all documentation required for completion of the sale of the 57 licensed Class D Nursing Home Beds to Waterdown Long Term Care Centre Inc. - Carried Unanimously. Moved by Councillor Rock Seconded by Councillor Crevits THAT we do now proceed In-Camera to discuss property and human resource matters. - Carried. Senior staff, except the Human Resources Officer, were excused at 3:20 P.M. while Council conducted the Chief Administrative Officer's annual performance evaluation. The Chief Administrative Officer returned to Chambers at 4:05 P.M. Moved by Councillor Mcintyre Seconded by Councillor Faulds THAT we do now rise and report. - Carried. Moved by Councillor McPhail Seconded by Councillor Rock THAT the Warden and the Chief Administrative Officer be authorized and directed to sign a lease agreement with the Diocese of London for room #236 on the second floor of the County Administration Building for a four (4) month term from April 2 to July 31, 2002, at no cost to the Diocese. - Carried. Moved by Councillor Habkirk Seconded by Councillor Stewart THAT the IT Manager be authorized to proceed with the implementation of an intrusion detection and reporting system on the existing firewall; and, THAT the new system be funded through gaining efficiencies in the existing IT budget; and further, THAT a letter be written by the IT Manager, under signature of the Warden and the Chief Administrative Officer, expressing our dissatisfaction with the solution provided by the former contractor. - Carried. Moved by Councillor Faulds Seconded by Councillor Habkirk THAT we do adopt the recommendations of the Committee Of The Whole. - Carried. County Council 10 March 26, 2002 BY-LAWS Moved by Councillor VanBrenk Seconded by Councillor McPhail THAT By-Law No. 02-06 "Being a By-Law to Authorize the Warden and the Chief Administrative Officer to Sign an Agreement Between the County of Elgin and the Municipality of Central Elgin for the Maintenance and Operation of the King George Lift Bridge" be read a first and second time. - Carried. Moved by Councillor Mcintyre Seconded by Councillor Stewart THAT By-Law No. 02-06 be read a third time and finally passed. - Carried. Moved by Councillor Rock Seconded by Councillor Faulds THAT By-Law No. 02-07 "A By-Law to Confirm Proceedings of the Municipal Council of the Corporation of the County of Elgin at the March 26, 2002 Meeting" be read a first and second time. - Carried. Moved by Councillor McPhail Seconded by Councillor Mcintyre THAT By-Law No. 02-07 be read a third time and finally passed. - Carried. Moved by Councillor Stewart Seconded by Councillor Habkirk THAT we do now adjourn at 4:55 P.M. to meet again on April 9,2002 at 9:00 AM. - Carried. Mark G. McDonald, Chief Administrative Officer. John R. Wilson, Warden.