May 28, 2002 Minutes
COUNTY OF ELGIN
Tuesday, May 28, 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 except Councillor Stewart.
Warden Wilson in the Chair.
Moved by Councillor VanBrenk
Seconded by Councillor Crevits
THAT the minutes of the meeting held on May 14, 2002 be adopted.
- Carried.
DISCLOSURE OF PECUNIARY INTEREST AND THE GENERAL NATURE THEREOF-
None.
DELEGATIONS
Ms. Mary-Ellen Hicknell of St. Thomas REACT appeared before Council at 9:15 AM., to
update Council on the volunteer organization's services to the community. Ms. Hicknell
briefed Council on equipment, such as batteries and additional radios, that the group
would purchase with the funds requested from County Council. Ms. Hicknell explained
that REACT is an international organization with the local chapter currently having 13-14
members offering and providing security services to the City of St. Thomas as well as
other communities in the area such as Aylmer and Woodstock.
Moved by Councillor Habkirk
Seconded by Councillor Rock
THAT the County of Elgin provide a one-time grant of $2,500 to St. Thomas REACT to be
used towards the purchase of radios and equipment; and,
THAT St. Thomas REACT be encouraged to approach St. Thomas City Council for a
matching donation.
- Carried.
Warden Wilson thanked Ms. Hicknell for the presentation and expressed Council's
appreciation for the past work REACT has done in the community.
The delegation left at 9:30 AM.
Moved by Councillor Mcintyre
Seconded by Councillor Habkirk
THAT we do now move into Committee Of The Whole Council.
- Carried.
Warden Wilson thanked Council members and staff for attending the Springfield
Community Services Complex Grand Opening and expressed a special thanks to the
Manager of Library Services, Library staff members, and musicians who were instrumental
in making the event so enjoyable. A formal thank you will be forwarded in due course.
REPORTS
EmerQency Detour Road Closure for February 27.2002 - ManaQer of EnQineerinQ
Services
This Report was deferred to 9:30 AM. to allow Staff Sergeant Cox to attend.
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May 28, 2002
Reports for 2001 Lower Tier Maintenance Costs and Maintenance Summary -
ManaQer of EnQineerinQ Services
Moved by Councillor VanBrenk
Seconded by Councillor Rock
THAT the report entitled "Reports for 2001 Lower-Tier Maintenance Costs and
Maintenance Summary" dated April 15, 2002 from the Manager of Engineering Services
be received and filed.
- Carried.
KCCA Pick-Up Truck Lease - ManaQer of EnQineerinQ Services
Council discussed the advantages of 4-wheel drive vs. 2-wheel drive truck, and the option
of purchasing a truck at the end of a lease, as these vehicles are often in good condition
and reasonably priced.
Moved by Councillor Mcintyre
Seconded by Councillor Faulds
THAT the report dated May 16, 2002, entitled KCCA Pick-Up Truck Lease be referred
back to staff to investigate and report on the costs of:
Leasing a basic vehicle with 4-wheel drive;
Leasing a basic vehicle with 2-wheel drive;
Purchasing a 2 or 4 wheel drive vehicle off-lease.
- Carried.
EmerQency Detour Road Closure for February 27.2002 - ManaQer of EnQineerinQ
Services
Staff Sergeant Cox and Sergeant Gheysen attended Council at 9:20 AM. to provide
comments on this report.
The Manager of Engineering Services explained how staff arrived at the recommendations
contained in the report and Staff Sergeant Cox advised Council of the procedures O.P.P.
follow when faced with a road closure. The lack of secondary roads running alongside the
401 in Elgin County makes detours difficult when an accident occurs. Council discussed
the costs to the municipalities to keep the municipal roads in good condition, the cost of
insurance, and the lack of compensation and communication with the Ministry of
Transportation concerning these situations. Staff Sergeant Cox confirmed that he would
keep OPP HeadQuarters informed of the County concerns regarding this matter.
Moved by Councillor Habkirk
Seconded by Councillor Mcintyre
THAT the Warden, Manager of Engineering Services and the Chief Administrative Officer
be directed to meet with the Minister of Transportation in consultation with the County
Solicitor; and,
THAT the report entitled Emergency Detour Road Closure for February 27,2002, dated
March 20, 2002 be deferred pending the results of said meeting.
- Carried Unanimously.
The Warden thanked Staff Sergeant Cox and Sergeant Gheysen for attending and the
delegation left Council Chambers at 10: 1 0 AM.
Council took a short break at 10: 11 AM.
Council reconvened at 10:30 AM.
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May 28, 2002
2002 Capital Projects Revised - ManaQer of EnQineerinQ Services
The Manager of Engineering Services highlighted the report, advising Council that the
Springfield area road resurfacing has not settled sufficiently yet for the final surfacing.
Moved by Councillor VanBrenk
Seconded by Councillor Rock
THAT the 2002 Engineering Services Capital Program be revised to include $175,000 for
the Springfield Resurfacing project; and,
THAT an additional $75,000 be allocated towards the Road 18 Gravel Resurfacing Project.
- Carried.
Road Sub Drain Installation Project - ManaQer of EnQineerinQ Services
Moved by Councillor Habkirk
Seconded by Councillor Mcintyre
THAT Roth Drainage Limited be selected to supply and install Road Sub Drains for their
submitted price of $42,023.43, taxes included.
- Carried.
Membership and User Fees for Archives - Archivist
The Archivist attended at 10:35 AM. and reported that the fee structures noted in the are
fair considering the quality of service the Archives is prepared to offer the public. The
possibility of long-term memberships will be looked at in the future.
Moved by Councillor Habkirk
Seconded by Councillor Rock
THAT the "Schedule of Fees" for the Elgin County Archives detailed in Schedule "A" be
adopted as part of the Archives' Policies and Procedures for immediate implementation.
- Carried.
Employee PC PurchasinQ Plan - ManaQer of Information TechnoloQY
The Manager of Information Technology highlighted the report, indicating that the price
ranges make the purchasing of a computer by County employees affordable and
convenient through a payroll deduction plan.
Moved by Councillor Habkirk
Seconded by Councillor Faulds
THAT the Employee PC Purchasing Plan be implemented as described in the report dated
May 17, 2002.
- Carried.
CORRESPONDENCE
Correspondence for Consideration
1. Scott Wilson, Secretary-Treasurer, AMO and Kathy Zammit, Chief Returning Officer,
AMO, requesting nominations for 2002-2003 AMO Board of Directors.
2. Louise Gartshore, City Clerk, City of Woodstock, requesting support for their
resolution which questions the relevance of the Ontario Municipal Board.
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May 28, 2002
3. Lorraine Kraemer, Township of North Himsworth, requesting support for their
resolution petitioning the Government to permit Municipal Governments and
Boards/Committees to accept lottery proceeds to be used for charitable purposes.
4. D.J. Smale, Manager, Volunteer Programs, requesting support for fitness and
exercise programming in Elgin County communities.
Moved by Councillor Habkirk
Seconded by Councillor Rock
THAT Correspondence Item #1 be received and filed.
- Carried.
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 Rock
THAT the Council of the County of Elgin supports the resolution from the Township of
North Himsworth petitioning the Government to permit Municipal Governments and
Boards/Committees to accept lottery proceeds to be used for charitable purposes.
- Carried.
The following recommendation was adopted respecting Correspondence Item #4:
Moved by Councillor Habkirk
Seconded by Councillor Faulds
THAT the Council of the County of Elgin supports the wellness and exercise sub-committee
proposal to promote wellness and a safe and healthy lifestyle for seniors by initiating fitness
and exercise programming in six rural communities throughout Elgin County.
- Carried.
Correspondence for Information
1. AMO Member Communication - ALERT: 1) Many of Eves' Leadership Race Policies
Find Their Way Into the Throne Speech; 2) Reminder - Peter J. Marshall Innovative
Awards 2002 Competition.
AMO Member Communication - For Your Information: 1) AMO President Delivers
Major Speech on 'Quest for a new Deal'.
2. Colin O. D'Cunha, Chief Medical Officer of Health, regarding Dr. Sharon Hertwig's
authorization to act as the Medical Officer of Health for the Elgin-St. Thomas Health
Unit.
3. David McAdams, President, St. Thomas-Elgin Tourist Association, inviting Council
and County staff to participate in Cycle Elgin Week - June 23-30, 2002.
4. Federation of Canadian Municipalities Members Advisory: 1) Municipalities Welcome
Report of Prime Minister's Task Force on Urban Issues; 2) FCM Establishes a
Municipal Telecommunications Towers Policy Repository.
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May 28, 2002
5. Robert A Richards, President and Chief Administrative Officer, Municipal Property
Assessment Corporation, announcing the signing of the Ontario Parcel Alliance
Agreement.
6. Anna Scott, President, Grey Association for Better Planning, with regrets that Elgin
County did not financially support appeal to the Ontario Superior Court of Justice
against a decision of the Ontario Municipal Board regarding commercial water-taking.
7. Steve Peters, M. P. P., Elgin-Middlesex-London, supporting Council's resolutions to:
a) The Honourable Ernie Eves, Premier of Ontario and The Honourable Norman
Sterling, Minister of Transportation, requesting the Ministry of Transportation pay
all costs associated with municipal roadways used as detours while Highway 11 is
closed.
b) The Honourable Chris Stockwell, Minister of Energy, requesting Government to
reconsider its decision to privatise Hydro One.
c) The Honourable Chris Stockwell, Minister of the Environment, requesting Ministry
to provide a repair/replacement septic system program.
8. Steve Peters, M.P.P., Elgin-Middlesex-London, with a response from Honourable
Tony Clement, Minister of Health and Long-Term Care regarding physician services
at long-term care facilities.
9. David Anderson, P.C., M.P., Minister of the Environment, responding to concerns
over the proposed order to include road salts to the list of CEPA toxic substances.
10. Carolinian Canada Newsletter.
11. Long Point Region Conservation Authority with an invitation to the National Historic Site
Plaque Unveiling Ceremony designating the 1798 Backhouse Mill on Sunday, June 2, 2002.
12. Long Point Region Conservation Authority 2001 Annual Report.
13. REACT Newsletter.
Moved by Councillor Habkirk
Seconded by Councillor VanBrenk
THAT Correspondence Items #1-13 be received and filed.
- Carried.
OTHER BUSINESS
Statements/InQuiries by Members
Councillor Crevits announced that Mr. Carl Bienefeld has returned to the St. Thomas-Elgin
Tourist Association Board and suggested that County Council recognize Carl for his past
work on the Board. Staff was directed to extend an invitation to Mr. Bienefeld to attend a
County Council lunch at which a suitable memento would be presented to commemorate
his achievements as former President of the St. Thomas-Elgin Tourist Association.
Councillor VanBrenk updated Council on the St. Thomas-Elgin General Hospital Board's
position with regard to outpatient rehabilitation services. The Board is looking into how
other hospitals have retained their services "in-house" and has issued a News Release
updating the present situation.
Councillor Habkirk announced that he had copies of the Hospital Board's Capital Budget
available.
Councillor Rock announced a "Days in the Diocese" open house would be hosted by the
Municipality of Central Elgin on Wednesday, May 29, 2002, at the Elgin County
Administration Building, and issued an open invitation. A barbecue will also be held June
4th on the grounds of the County Administration Building to thank the committee members
for their efforts in staging this event.
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May 28, 2002
Notice of Motion - None.
Matters of UrQency - None.
The Archivist left the Council Chambers at 11 :00 AM.
Moved by Councillor Rock
Seconded by Councillor Mcintyre
THAT we do now proceed In-Camera to discuss a human resources matter.
- Carried.
Senior Staff, except for the Director of Human Resources, and the Chief Administrative
Officer, were excused at 11 :05 AM.
Moved by Councillor Crevits
Seconded by Councillor Mcintyre
THAT we do now rise without reporting.
- Carried.
WEB PAGE LAUNCH
Warden Wilson officially launched the Elgin County Website with members of the Website
Committee in attendance. The Manager of Information Technology scrolled through the
web page template for Council's information.
Councillor Mcintyre introduced Mr. Bryan Hall, General Manager, Kettle Creek
Conservation Authority.
Moved by Councillor Mcintyre
Seconded by Councillor VanBrenk
THAT we do now proceed In-Camera to discuss a property matter.
- Carried.
Moved by Councillor Faulds
Seconded by Councillor VanBrenk
THAT we do now rise without reporting.
- Carried.
Moved by Councillor Habkirk
Seconded by Councillor Crevits
THAT we adopt the recommendations of the Committee of the Whole Council.
- Carried.
BY-LAWS
Moved by Councillor Habkirk
Seconded by Councillor VanBrenk
THAT By-Law No. 02-13 "Being a By-Law to Authorize the Temporary Closure of a Portion
of John Wise Line; A Portion of Southdale Line; and a Portion of Fairview Road in the
Municipality of Central Elgin" be read a first and second time.
- Carried.
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May 28, 2002
Moved by Councillor McPhail
Seconded by Councillor Faulds
THAT By-Law No. 02-13 be read a third time and finally passed.
- Carried.
Moved by Councillor Rock
Seconded by Councillor Mcintyre
THAT By-Law No. 02-14 "A By-Law to Confirm Proceedings of the Municipal Council of the
Corporation of the County of Elgin at the May 28, 2002 Meeting" be read a first and second
time.
- Carried.
Moved by Councillor Crevits
Seconded by Councillor Faulds
THAT By-Law No. 02-14 be read a third time and finally passed.
- Carried.
Moved by Councillor McPhail
Seconded by Councillor VanBrenk
THAT we do now adjourn at 12:23 P.M. to meet again on June 11,2002 at 9:00 AM.
- Carried.
Mark G. McDonald,
Chief Administrative Officer.
John R. Wilson,
Warden.