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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 2 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 3 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 4 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 5 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 County Council 7 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 8 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 9 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 10 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 County Council 11 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. County Council 12 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 13 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.