November 26, 2002 Minutes
COUNTY OF ELGIN
Tuesday, November 26, 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.
Warden Wilson in the Chair.
Moved by Councillor VanBrenk
Seconded by Councillor Habkirk
THAT the minutes of the meeting held on October 29,2002 be adopted.
- Carried.
DISCLOSURE OF PECUNIARY INTEREST AND THE GENERAL NATURE THEREOF-
Councillor Faulds declared a conflict of interest with By-Law 02-30, Tax Rate for
Farmlands Awaiting Development, and refrained from discussing and voting on the item.
PRESENTATIONS
Warden Wilson unveiled the Sesquicentennial Podium and read the inscription on the
dedication plaque. The Chief Administrative Officer provided background for the inception
of the podium.
LONG SERVICE AWARDS
Warden Wilson presented certificates and awards to the following employees in
recognition of long service to the County and thanked them for their dedication:
Administrative Services
Sandra Heffren
25 years (full-time)
Homes
Gloria Hiddink
Mary Jenken
Phyliss Maertens
25 years (full-time)
25 years (full-time)
25 years (part-time)
Elgin Manor
Terrace Lodge
Terrace Lodge
Margaret Ashton
Barbara Gammon
Marjorie Gibson
Carolyn Howey
Anna Young
20 years (full-time)
20 years (full-time)
20 years (full-time)
20 years (full-time)
20 years (full-time)
Elgin Manor
Elgin Manor
Bobier Home
Elgin Manor
Bobier Home
Janith McMillan
John Smith
Wanda Teeple
15 years (full-time)
15 years (full-time)
15 years (full-time)
Bobier Home
Elgin Manor
Terrace Lodge
Deanna Brophy
Michele Harris
Joan Lale
Francine Vankoughnett
10 years (full-time)
10 years (full-time)
10 years (part-time)
10 years (part-time)
Bobier Home
Terrace Lodge
Terrace Lodge
Elgin Manor
Human Resources
Dorothy Schaap
15 years (full-time)
Library Services
Carol Robson
15 years (full-time)
Library (Main Branch)
County Council
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November 26, 2002
Warden Wilson noted that Father Mark Sargent's father had passed away and extended
Council's sympathy to the Family.
DELEGATIONS
Mr. Kevin Butters attended at 9:22 AM. to present his concerns regarding installation of
rumble strips on Quaker Road near his residence. Major accidents have not occurred at
this intersection and Mr. Butters does not feel a safety hazard exists. He requested that
Council re-visit its Rumble Strip Policy to refine determination for this type of warning.
Councillors discussed the necessity for installation of rumble strips bearing in mind the
impact on residents in the vicinity, and also the potential liability to the County. The
Manager of Engineering Services was asked to explore other warning devices, to review
accident history at locations being considered for rumble strip installation, to consider
lowering speed limits, and additional signage. Councillors also suggested the Manager of
Engineering Services discuss road issues at County/Municipal intersections with local road
superintendents for their input.
Moved by Councillor Rock
Seconded by Councillor Mcintyre
THAT installation of rumble strips throughout the County be delayed pending research and
review of the Rumble Strips Policy and consideration of a subsequent report by Council.
- Carried.
The delegation left at 10:02 AM.
Moved by Councillor Rock
Seconded by Councillor Mcintyre
THAT we do now move into Committee Of The Whole Council.
- Carried.
COUNCIL AND STAFF REPORTS
Land Division Committee Annual Report - Chair Dave Mennill
Mr. Dave Mennill, Chair, Land Division Committee, reported that applications are up this
year over last and that not all are granted. Mr. Mennill encouraged Councillors to call the
Chair if they have any concerns regarding Land Division issues. The work hours for the
Secretary-Treasurer have been increased by one more day per week to cover the
additional workload and are being monitored to ensure enough hours are being allocated.
Moved by Councillor Faulds
Seconded by Councillor VanBrenk
That the annual report of the County Land Division Committee be received and filed.
- Carried.
The Delegation left at 10:09 AM.
Task Force Update
Mr. Fred Galloway attended at 10: 1 0 AM. to update Council on the progress of the Task
Forces at the Homes. All Task Forces have held inaugural meetings and are moving
forward at a positive pace. Staff are appreciative that long-standing issues are being
looked at and solutions being found. The Chief Administrative Officer noted that Ms.
Laurie Lashbrook, a communications consultant, has been retained to assist the
Communications Task Force.
The Delegation left at 10:16 AM.
County Council
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November 26, 2002
COUNCIL AND STAFF REPORTS - continued
Year End Report 2002 - Tree CommissionerlWeed Inspector
The Tree Commissioner highlighted the activities, including the replanting of trees within
the County, for 2002 and reported that he plans to attend a Council meeting of each
Lower-Tier Municipality during the next year to promote the Tree By-Law and Weed Act
requirements.
Moved by Councillor Habkirk
Seconded by Councillor Crevits
THAT the report from the Tree Commissioner/Weed Inspector entitled "Year-End Report
2002" dated November 13, 2002 be received and filed.
- Carried.
New Municipal Act and the EIQin County Tree By-Law - Tree CommissionerlWeed
Inspector
The Tree Commissioner reported that many changes are occurring due to the new
Municipal Legislation. Council discussed concerns landowners may have with regard to a
fee for the permit to clear trees on property they own and the misinformation in the press
that the County is not protecting its tree cover. The Tree Commissioner advised that
unworkable farmland is being returned to tree cover and we now have about 20% forest-
cover in Elgin, due to proactive policies of County Council since the 1940's.
Moved by Councillor Habkirk
Seconded by Councillor McPhail
THAT the current County Tree By-Law be amended to conform to the new "Municipal Act
2001" standards, as indicated in the report from the Tree Commissioner entitled, New
Municipal Act and the Elgin County Tree By-Law, dated October 25, 2002, and the
attached "Draft" by-law be approved for implementation effective January 1, 2003.
Moved by Councillor VanBrenk
Seconded by Councillor Faulds
THAT Schedule "F" of the proposed Elgin County Tree By-Law be amended to remove the
requirement for a permit fee on the first three items.
Councillor VanBrenk requested a recorded vote on the motion. These were recorded as
follows:
YEAS NAYS
McPhail
VanBrenk
Mcintyre
Rock
Crevits
Habkirk
Faulds
Stewart
Wilson
YEAS: 3 NAYS: 6
ABSENT
ABSENT: 0
TOTAL: 9
- Motion Lost.
As a result of the recorded vote the original motion was voted on and declared CARRIED.
County Council
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November 26, 2002
Application for Minor Exception. Lot 7. Concession STRE. Township of Southwold-
Tree CommissionerlWeed Inspector
The Tree Commissioner reported that the neighbours have no concerns with the proposal
and there are no significant tree species located in the area. The applicant will be
replanting equivalent trees on the same property, which meets the requirement of the
County policies. Council discussed concerns with the indicated use of a pond for irrigation
purposes and watering of livestock.
Moved by Councillor Rock
Seconded by Councillor VanBrenk
THAT the Application for Minor Exception to the Trees Act from Heinrich and Marie-Theres
Kemmerling, Lot 7, Conc. STRE, Township of Southwold, to clear approximately 0.4
hectares of woodlands to create a pond for watering purposes, be approved subject to 700
trees being replanted or an equivalent donation being made to a local conservation/
heritage association.
- Carried.
ChanQes to the Weed Control Act - Tree CommissionerlWeed Inspector
The Tree CommissionerlWeed Inspector informed Council of changes to the Weed Control
Act, which would affect enforcement issues. The Act cannot be used to control noxious
weeds unless it is close to land used for agricultural or horticultural purposes. The
definition of what it close to this type of land is unknown at this time.
Moved by Councillor Habkirk
Seconded by Councillor Mcintyre
THAT the report from the Tree Commissioner/Weed Inspector on "Changes to the Weed
Control Act" dated November 13, 2002 be received and filed.
- Carried.
Councillors thanked the Tree Commissioner/Weed Inspector for his efforts on behalf of the
County and noted the positive interactions with residents involved in land clearing issues.
The Tree CommissionerlWeed Inspector left at 11 :06 AM.
SiQn Policy Update - ManaQer of EnQineerinQ Services
The Manager of Engineering Services reported that surrounding municipalities, the MTO,
and Chamber of Commerce sign policies have been reviewed and a Standard Sign Policy
throughout the County should be adopted to negate potential liability issues. Council
discussed the cost and impact to small businesses for standard signage and the difficulty
in enforcing such a policy.
Moved by Councillor McPhail
Seconded by Councillor VanBrenk
THAT the report "Sign Policy Update" from the Manager of Engineering Services, dated
November 4, 2002, be received and filed.
- Carried.
Ontario's Promise ProQram for Youth Volunteer Opportunities - ManaQer of EIQin
County Pioneer Museum
The Manager of Elgin County Pioneer Museum, reported that the Museum could offer
programs, under Ontario's Promise #5 "A Chance to Make a Difference", to youth in
secondary schools as well as guidance counsellors, to promote volunteer opportunities
available at the Museum. Council requested that the plan be communicated to the City of
St. Thomas and request the endorsement from each lower-tier municipality.
County Council
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November 26, 2002
Moved by Councillor Faulds
Seconded by Councillor Habkirk
THAT the Council of the County of Elgin adopt the proposed plan of the Elgin County
Pioneer Museum to encourage youth volunteerism under the Ontario's Promise #5, "A
chance to make a difference", as set out in the report entitled Ontario's Promise -
Programming for Youth Volunteer Opportunities, dated October 4,2002, from the Manager
of Elgin County Pioneer Museum; and
THAT the plan be communicated to the City of St. Thomas and each lower-tier
municipality in Elgin be requested to endorse said plan.
- Carried.
Museum Report 2002 - ManaQer of EIQin County Pioneer Museum
The Manager of Elgin County Pioneer Museum highlighted activities carried out for 2002 at
the Museum during its 45th Anniversary.
Moved by Councillor VanBrenk
Seconded by Councillor Mcintyre
THAT the report entitled "Museum Report 2002" dated October 22, 2002, from the
Manager of Elgin County Pioneer Museum be received and filed.
- Carried.
Minimum Maintenance Standards. Ontario ReQulation #239102 - ManaQer of
EnQineerinQ Services
The Manager of Engineering Services noted that adoption of such standards may reduce
insurance premiums and he also pointed out the need for careful record keeping. The
lower-tier municipalities have been requested to provide their comments on the report by
the end of January 2003 for presentation to County Council. Councillors noted that
maintenance costs could increase significantly to provide the minimum standards.
Moved by Councillor Rock
Seconded by Councillor VanBrenk
THAT the County of Elgin approve the Minimum Maintenance Standards, Ontario
Regulation 239102, in principle; and,
THAT the municipalities review the new maintenance standards and provide comments to
the County of Elgin by January 31, 2003 for reporting through to Council.
- Carried.
Council recessed for lunch at 11 :57 AM. and reconvened at 12:39 P.M.
Bobier Villa Operational Issues. Update - ManaQer of EnQineerinQ Services
The Manager of Engineering Services highlighted the problems with various operating
systems in Bobier Villa. Council discussed sharing of costs with the architect, builder, and
engineer for these systems. The Chief Administrative Officer advised that the County has
been trying, since the installation, to get rectification of the problems without success and
the manufacturer is now out of business. Staff was directed to start the project with the
drainage systems as this may rule out some of the other expenditures.
Moved by Councillor McPhail
Seconded by Councillor VanBrenk
THAT the humidification system for Bobier Villa be replaced at an estimated cost of
$100,000; and,
County Council
6
November 26, 2002
THAT Smylie and Crow Associates provide the mechanical/electrical engineering services
for the project; and,
THAT $50,000 be allocated from the 2002 Unallocated Capital Budget; and,
THAT the contracts for the humidification system be awarded to the lowest tender
contractor and reported to Council at the next meeting; and,
THAT geotechnical engineering be completed in the interior and exterior of the building
along with a topographical survey of the exterior grounds at Bobier Villa to verify the
adequacy of the existing drainage systems; and further,
That $6,000 be allocated from the 2002 Unallocated Capital Budget for the geotechnical
and topographical survey.
- Carried.
Library Automation (MiQratinQ to Unicorn) - ManaQer of Library Services
The Manager of Library Services reported that MultiUS will be phased out and new
software is needed for Library automation requirements. The Manager addressed
questions from Council regarding potential loss of records and selection of the host library.
Moved by Councillor Faulds
Seconded by Councillor Rock
THAT the Manager of Library Services be authorized to sign a migration agreement with
SIRSI committing the Library to move to Unicorn; and,
THAT the Elgin County Library be authorized to participate in sharing a joint server with
other members of the Ontario Library Consortium; and,
THAT the Warden and the Chief Administrative Officer be authorized to sign a contract
and joint server partnership agreement with SIRSI; and,
THAT the one-time cost of $36,400 to migrate to Unicorn be included in the 2003
Automation Budget; and,
THAT an upset limit of $5,000 be paid annually to the host Library for purchasing and
maintaining the server; and,
THAT the funds be included in the 2003 Automation Budget.
- Carried.
Lease Prices for Vehicle for Library Deliveries - Library Co-Ordinator
Moved by Councillor VanBrenk
Seconded by Councillor Habkirk
THAT the County enter into a 36-month agreement with Disbrowe Motors for their quoted
price of $1233.36 due on delivery with a monthly payment of $502.86 thereafter, inclusive
of all taxes, to provide a dependable vehicle for the Library Services Department; and,
THAT funds be included in the 2003 Library Operating Budget to cover the cost of the
lease payments.
- Carried.
United Way CampaiQn 2002-2003 - United Way Committee
Moved by Councillor Rock
Seconded by Councillor Faulds
THAT the United Way Members be afforded time away from their regular work schedule to
attend the Homes for Seniors, Libraries, and Museum to meet with as many County
employees as possible in order to facilitate a strong face-to-face payroll deduction sign-up
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November 26, 2002
campaign (time required for campaigning will be during the week of November 18-22, 2002
and will be pre-approved by the Committee members' Department Head); and,
THAT, as in previous campaign years, the County approve a draw for a paid day off for all
employees that sign up for a payroll deduction amount of at least $2.00 per pay for 26
pays; and,
THAT, as in previous campaign years, the County approve a draw for two paid days off for
all employees that sign up for a payroll deduction amount of at least $4.00 per pay for 26
pays.
- Carried.
United Way - Penny Raffle - United Way Committee
Moved by Councillor VanBrenk
Seconded by Councillor Habkirk
THAT Department Managers and Council Members support this initiative through the
donation of prizes and purchase of tickets; and,
THAT the County of Elgin donate a "paid day off in 2003" as one of the raffle prizes.
- Carried.
County RinQ Policy - Deputy Clerk
The Deputy Clerk highlighted items in the report and Council discussed the possibility of a
County ring that would be an appropriate form of recognition for the Warden, County
Councillors and staff. Consensus was that a committee be struck to investigate casting of
two rings that could be purchased by Councillors and staff.
Moved by Councillor VanBrenk
Seconded by Councillor Mcintyre
THAT County Council approves and will pay for the design and casting of two Gold County
Rings, one for Wardens and one standard County Ring (each ring will be available in
men's and women's sizes), that could be purchased by Wardens, County Councillors and
staff, past and present, if desired; and,
THAT the Warden, Councillor McPhail, and the Deputy Clerk be appointed as a committee
to research ring designs and report to Council.
- Carried.
Council RecoQnition of County Social Committee - Chief Administrative Officer
Moved by Councillor VanBrenk
Seconded by Councillor Faulds
THAT the "County Social Committee" be officially recognized as a County Council
sponsored group to plan special social events that will be attended by County Councillors,
employees, families, retirees, and friends; and,
THAT any events the Committee may organize be pre-approved by County Council.
- Carried.
2002 Holiday Gift for Residents of Homes - Director of Homes and Seniors Services
Moved by Councillor Habkirk
Seconded by Councillor Rock
THAT the hairdressing and barber charges to residents be waived for the month of
December 2002 as a Holiday Gift from County Council to all residents at Bobier Villa, Elgin
Manor and Terrace Lodge.
- Carried.
County Council
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November 26, 2002
Snow Removal - Director of Homes and Seniors Services
Moved by Councillor Faulds
Seconded by Councillor Stewart
THAT the 2002/03 snow removal services for Bobier Villa be purchased from Dave
Simmons Automotive, at a cost of $95.00 per plough, to be allocated from the Homes'
Operating Budget; and,
THAT the 2002/03 snow removal and salt services for Elgin Manor be purchased from
Jim's Lawn Care at a cost of $100.00 per plough and $80.00 per salt, to be allocated from
the Homes' Operating Budget; and,
THAT the 2002/03 snow removal for Terrace Lodge be purchased from George Wilson
Excavating at a cost of $120.00 per plough, to be allocated from the Homes Operating
Budget.
- Carried.
Land Ambulance. Ministry Response Time Framework FundinQ - EmerQency
Measures Co-Ordinator
The Emergency Measures Co-Ordinator reported that the Ministry has increased funding
with conditions that it be used by the end of March 2003 to reduce response time on calls.
The County would have to match the funding with its share being $537,500. The
Ambulance Technical Steering Committee will be meeting shortly and will report further.
Moved by Councillor VanBrenk
Seconded by Councillor Faulds
THAT the report "Land Ambulance - Ministry Response Time Framework Funding" dated
November 12, 2002, from the Emergency Measures Co-ordinator be received and filed.
- Carried.
Interim Report for 2002 Capital Proiects - Financial Services AccountinQ Clerk
Moved by Councillor McPhail
Seconded by Councillor Rock
THAT the report titled" Interim Report for 2002 Capital Projects" dated November 12, 2002,
from the Financial Services Accounting Clerk be received and filed.
- Carried.
2002 BudQet Comparison September 30. 2002 - Director of Financial Services
Moved by Councillor VanBrenk
Seconded by Councillor Crevits
THAT the report titled "2002 Budget Comparison September 30, 2002" from the Director of
Financial Services be received and filed.
- Carried.
Retroactive Rate Increase. Union Gas - Director of Financial Services
Council discussed the option of sending a letter to Union Gas, the Ontario Energy Board,
and the Association of Municipalities of Ontario stating the displeasure of Council with the
retroactive increase in gas prices. The Chief Administrative Officer noted representatives
from Union Gas have offered to attend Council and consensus was that the letter be
delayed until a delegation from Union Gas appears at Council to explain the situation.
County Council
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November 26, 2002
Moved by Councillor McPhail
Seconded by Councillor VanBrenk
THAT the report titled "Retroactive Rate Increase - Union Gas", dated October 28,2002,
from the Director of Financial Services be received and filed.
- Carried.
CORRESPONDENCE
Correspondence for Consideration
1. County of Perth, City of Stratford, and Town of St. Marys, with a joint resolution
urging the Government of Ontario to assume at least an 80% cost share of the
$25,000 per unit for additional affordable housing anticipated under the Federal/
Provincial housing initiative program.
2. Dianne Wilson, Deputy Clerk, Municipality of Central Elgin, with a resolution
appointing citizens to the Joint Elgin/Central Elgin Municipal Accessibility Advisory
Committee.
3. R. Millard, C.AO.lClerk, Township of Malahide, asking County Council to consider
the feasibility of adopting an Entertainment By-Law.
4. P.M. (Pat) Cayen, Director, OAFC Fire Chief, Malahide Fire Services, requesting
support for the amendment to Bill 30, Firefighters Employment Protection Act, 2002.
The following recommendation was adopted respecting Correspondence Item #1 :
Moved by Councillor Habkirk
Seconded by Councillor VanBrenk
THAT the Council of the County of Elgin supports the resolution of the County of
Perth, the City of Stratford, and the Town of St. Marys, supporting the Federal
Housing Initiative agreement and urging the Government of Ontario to immediately
assume at least an 80% share of the $25,000 cost per unit for affordable housing.
- Carried.
The following recommendation was adopted respecting Correspondence Item #2:
Moved by Councillor Rock
Seconded by Councillor Habkirk
THAT the Council of the County of Elgin endorses the Municipality of Central Elgin's
resolution appointing the following to the Joint Elgin/Central Elgin Municipal
Accessibility Advisory Council Committee:
Jenny Phillips - 1 year term
Becky Marks - 2 year term
Pete Cohoe - 3 year term
Deputy Mayor Dennis Crevits.
- Carried.
The following recommendation was adopted respecting Correspondence Item #3:
Moved by Councillor Faulds
Seconded by Councillor Stewart
THAT the County provide a venue for a meeting with the six participating municipalities
and the OPP to determine interest in a standard entertainment by-law as suggested by
Malahide Township.
- Carried.
County Council
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November 26, 2002
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 endorsement by the Ontario
Association of Fire Chiefs, Board of Directors, for the Firefighters Employment
Protection Act, 2002 - Bill 30, as amended.
- Carried.
Items for Information - (Consent AQenda)
1. VON Elgin Volunteer Programs, thanking Council for its donation of a Tremaine Atlas
to the 5th Annual "Time for Remembering & Giving" Dinner Auction held October 18th.
2. Honourable Jerry J. Ouellette, Minister of Natural Resources, acknowledging
Council's concerns regarding incidents involving nuisance bears and the
reintroduction of the spring bear hunt.
3. Honourable Helen Johns, Minister of Agriculture and Food, acknowledging Council's
resolution concerning the need for a National Farm Emergency Plan.
4. Honourable Brad Clark, Ontario Ministry of Labour, acknowledging Council's
resolution to increase the minimum wage in Ontario.
5. Ms. Cynthia St. John, Chief Administrative Officer, Elgin-St. Thomas Health Unit,
concerning escalating costs the Health Unit is incurring to administer the mandated
dental program "Children in Need of Treatment".
6. Honourable Chris Stockwell, Minister of the Environment, acknowledging Council's
resolution in support of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities' position on a
partnership between the Federal and Provincial Governments to improve air quality.
7. Steve Peters, M.P.P., Elgin-Middlesex-London, News Release, "Johns has Failed the
Farmers of this Province".
8. AMO Member Communication - ALERT: 1) Ontario Regulation 244102; 2) Added
Concern About OMERS Devolution; 3) "Two-Hatter" Bill Moves Forward Despite
Close Vote; 4) Premier Proposes to Freeze Electricity Rates.
AMO Member Communication - FOR YOUR INFORMATION: 1) AMO Responds to
Introduction of Safe Water Act
9. Honourable Chris Hodgson, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, with
information on a website access for regulations recently filed under the Municipal Act
and Municipal Act 2001.
10. Honourable Janet Ecker, Minister of Finance, with information updating the status of
the Ontario Jobs and Opportunity Bonds, the Ontario Municipal Economic
Infrastructure Financing Authority and Tax Incentive Zone initiatives.
11. Dr. D.W. Lawrence, VP Medical, St. Thomas-Elgin General Hospital, with copy of
correspondence concerning recruitment and retention of physicians in Elgin County
and the community's need for involvement in the "Elgin Physician Recruitment
Partnership" .
12. Honourable Steve Peters, M. P. P., Elgin-Middlesex-London, supporting Council's
resolutions to: 1) Honourable David Anderson, Minister of the Environment,
regarding Council's resolution concerning air quality; 2) Honourable Norm Sterling,
Minister of Transportation, concerning funding for municipalities involved with
emergency detours off Highway 401 and the Ministers failure to meet with Warden
Wilson at AMO; 3) Honourable Tony Clement, Minister of Health and Long-Term
Care, concerning funding inequities in long-term care for seniors between "for-profit
and non-profit homes "; Honourable Tony Clement, Minister of Health and
Honourable Brenda Elliott, Minister of Community and Family and Children's
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November 26, 2002
Services, concerning provincial funding for the Elgin-St. Thomas Health Unit's
"Children in Need of Treatment" program.
13. ROMAlOGRA Combined Conference, February 23-26, 2003, accommodation forms,
Conference registration and Program information.
14. Massimo Bergamini, Director of Communications, Federation of Canadian
Municipalities, Members' Advisory, "FCM Budget Submission Well Received by
House Committee.
15. Steve Peters, M. P. P., Elgin-Middlesex-London, with excerpts from an address made
in the Legislature concerning Bill 191 and the emergency detours off Highway 401 in
Elgin County.
16. Jim Price, Manager (Acting), Rodney Ambulance Service Ltd., with Appointment of
Duty Officers.
Moved by Councillor Habkirk
Seconded by Councillor VanBrenk
THAT Correspondence Items #1-16 be received and filed.
- Carried.
Warden Wilson thanked Council and staff for their participation in making the Warden's
Banquet a very successful evening.
OTHER BUSINESS
Statements/InQuiries by Members
Councillor Mcintyre attended the Annual 4-H Banquet on behalf of the Warden and
presented a thank you card for the County's generosity to the Warden.
Councillor Mcintyre advised Council of a new book entitled "Southwold Remembers The
War Years" describing its Veterans, which was recently dedicated and presented a copy of
the book to the Warden on behalf of Southwold Council. The Warden thanked Councillor
Mcintyre for the presentation of the book. Councillor Mcintyre noted that copies of the
book are available from the County Libraries for $20 per copy.
Councillor VanBrenk noted that assessment of the farmland taxes have gone up
approximately 20% in Dutton/Dunwich and requested Financial Services to calculate the
dollar increase in this tax class. The Director of Financial Services advised that once the
assessments have been completed, the calculations could be done. Councillor Mcintyre
noted that Southwold is waiting for up to six months for changes to assessments and trying
to get through to MPAC by telephone is very frustrating.
Notice of Motion
Councillor Habkirk read the following Notice of Motion that he would be presenting to the
December 12, 2002 Council meeting.
"THAT the County of Elgin for the 2003 Municipal Election reduce the number of seats on
the County Council to seven from the current nine; and,
THAT the current seven Elgin County Municipalities with duly elected Mayors from the
November 2003 Election would then hold those seats; and,
THAT the position for a Deputy Warden be created with the Warden and Deputy Warden
elected County-wide on a ballot in each respective municipality with the seven mayoral
candidates filing to seek those positions when they file their Mayoral papers for candidacy."
Matters of UrQency - None.
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November 26, 2002
Council took a break at 2:34 P.M. and reconvened at 2:45 P.M.
Councillor Stewart noted that the Township of Bayham has some problems with signage
designating 80 km speed zones in Straffordville and requested that staff investigate the
problem areas. Other Councillors spoke to speed zone changes their municipalities would
like implemented.
Moved by Councillor Mcintyre
Seconded by Councillor Crevits
THAT the Manager of Engineering Services meet with each Mayor of Lower-Tier
Municipalities, at the Mayor's request, to resolve speed limit issues, and report on the
matters at a future meeting.
- Carried.
The Deputy Clerk handed out a report on Council Policies and Procedures to allow Council
time to review the numerous pages prior to County Council on December 12, 2002. The
Deputy Clerk further requested that the Councillors bring this copy of the Report with them
on December 1 ih to alleviate the necessity of providing another copy.
Warden Wilson handed out a memento to Council and staff in recognition of his term of
Office as 2002 Warden.
Moved by Councillor Faulds
Seconded by Councillor Stewart
THAT we do now proceed In-Camera to discuss legal and personnel matters.
- Carried.
Staff except for the Director of Human Resources and the Chief Administrative Officer
were excused from the meeting 4:17 P.M.
Moved by Councillor VanBrenk
Seconded by Councillor Mcintyre
THAT we do now rise and report.
- Carried.
Moved by Councillor Stewart
Seconded by Councillor Faulds
THAT the tentative agreement with the Ontario Nurses Association for the Homes for
Seniors be approved and the necessary by-law be prepared, subject to ratification.
- Carried.
Moved by Councillor Rock
Seconded by Councillor Crevits
THAT the Non-Union inflationary increase for the year 2003 be set at 3% and that the
increase be effective the first pay of the year and the necessary by-law be prepared.
- Carried.
Moved by Councillor Stewart
Seconded by Councillor Mcintyre
THAT the following Health and Dental Benefits for full-time Non-Union employees, as
amended, be approved effective January 1, 2003:
County Council
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November 26, 2002
Health Benefits
Plan Chanqe
Chanqe from Current
Drug dispensing fee cap of $10
Hearing Aids at $500 per 2 years
Vision at $250 per 24 months
Change all Paramed at $500 combined annually
$0.00
$346.81
$4,369.87
$1,734.08
0.00%
0.50%
6.30%
2.50%
Dental Benefits
Plan Chanqe
Chanqe from Current
Dental from 2 year lag to one year lag
$1,029.15
4%
- Carried.
Moved by Councillor Rock
Seconded by Councillor Faulds
THAT the following Health and Dental Benefits for the Warden and Councillors be
approved, effective January 1, 2003; and,
THAT the cost of such benefits be deducted from Councillors' stipends according to usage:
Health Benefits
Plan
Total Costs
Health Benefits
Semi-Private Coverage
Deluxe Travel
$6,065.28
$2,457.61
$396.58
Dental Benefits
Plan
Total Costs
Dental Coverage
$6,065.28
- Carried.
Moved by Councillor McPhail
Seconded by Councillor VanBrenk
THAT the report on 2003 Council Compensation Review be referred to the open meeting
on December 12, 2002.
- Carried.
Moved by Councillor McPhail
Seconded by Councillor VanBrenk
THAT, effective January 1, 2003, the rate for use of personal vehicles for County business
by Council and staff be paid at $.38 per kilometre and the necessary by-law be prepared.
- Carried.
Moved by Councillor Habkirk
Seconded by Councillor VanBrenk
THAT the confidential report entitled" In Kind Hours" dated November 12, 2002, from the
Manager of Information Technologies, be received and filed.
- Carried.
County Council
14
November 26, 2002
Moved by Councillor Faulds
Seconded by Councillor Stewart
THAT staff be directed to engage Integral Networking Solutions to conduct an audit
assessment of the Information Technologies (IT) function and to provide temporary
management services for the IT Department; and,
THAT the cost of these services shall not exceed $20,000.00 and be allocated from the
2002 IT operational budget; and,
THAT the Manager of Library Services be appointed as interim manager of the IT function;
and,
THAT a full report outlining the results of the audit be presented to Council at its meeting to
be held on December 12, 2002.
- Carried.
Moved by Councillor McPhail
Seconded by Councillor Rock
THAT County Council recommends, without hesitation, that Mr. Bob Padfield's name be
brought forth posthumously as a potential recipient of the Governor General's Exemplary
Service Medal; and,
THAT if the application is approved by the Nominating Committee, the costs to a maximum
of $2,000.00 for Mr. Padfield's immediate family to attend the Association of Emergency
Medical Services of Ontario's annual banquet, be approved and the funding be included in
the 2003 Ambulance Services Budget; and,
THAT this application be forwarded to the County of Middlesex, and Elgin's Constituent
Municipalities with a request for written support, if required.
- Carried.
Moved by Councillor Habkirk
Seconded by Councillor Faulds
THAT the confidential report from the Chief Administrative Officer dated November 22,
2002 regarding a contract position be approved for implementation.
- Carried.
Moved by Councillor Mcintyre
Seconded by Councillor VanBrenk
THAT the confidential correspondence from Stringer Brisbin Humphrey be approved.
- Carried.
Moved by Councillor Stewart
Seconded by Councillor VanBrenk
THAT the confidential correspondence from the Manager of Library Services dated
November 12, 2002 regarding a leasing matter be received and filed.
- Carried.
Moved by Councillor Habkirk
Seconded by Councillor Faulds
THAT we do adopt the recommendations of the Committee of the Whole Council.
- Carried.
County Council
15
November 26, 2002
BY-LAWS
Moved by Councillor Rock
Seconded by Councillor McPhail
THAT By-Law No. 02-30 "A By-Law to Establish a Reduction in the Tax Rate for
Farmlands Awaiting Development in the County of Elgin" be read a first and second time.
- Carried.
Moved by Councillor Stewart
Seconded by Councillor Mcintyre
THAT By-Law No. 02-30 be read a third time and finally passed.
- Carried.
Moved by Councillor Crevits
Seconded by Councillor McPhail
THAT By-Law No. 02-31 "A By-Law to Confirm Proceedings of the Municipal Council of the
Corporation of the County of Elgin at the November 26th, 2002 Meeting" be read a first and
second time.
- Carried.
Moved by Councillor Stewart
Seconded by Councillor Habkirk
THAT By-law No. 02-31 be read a third time and finally passed.
- Carried.
Moved by Councillor McPhail
Seconded by Councillor Rock
THAT we do now adjourn at 4:55 P.M. to meet again on December 10,2002 at 7:00 P.M.
- Carried.
Mark G. McDonald,
Chief Administrative Officer.
Warden.