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October 29, 2002 Minutes COUNTY OF ELGIN Tuesday, October 29,2002 The Elgin County Council met this day at the Administration Building, at 9:05 AM. in accordance with adjournment, with all members in attendance. Warden Wilson in the Chair. Moved by Councillor VanBrenk Seconded by Councillor Stewart THAT the minutes of the meetings held on September 17, 24 and October 15, 2002 be adopted. - Carried. DISCLOSURE OF PECUNIARY INTEREST AND THE GENERAL NATURE THEREOF- None. DELEGATION Town Crier Dave Phillips, Mrs. Jenny Phillips, and Mrs. Diana Player, members of the Town Crier Committee, attended at 9:00 AM. to present a wrap-up of Sesquicentennial events. Mrs. Phillips highlighted the events that took place and was pleased to report that after expenditures were paid out, a slight surplus remained. Mrs. Player presented the guest book from Opening of the Events at the Court House, and a Recognition Certificate from the Governor General of Canada for Elgin's 150th Anniversary to the Warden. Mrs. Phillips presented a print of the Casey Estate to Councillor Habkirk in appreciation for his efforts on the Sesquicentennial Committee; a blue dress to Councillors Rock and McPhail in the event they wished to wear it to future official events; and a flag that commemorated the Queen's Jubilee in Canada to the County as well as a framed print of the original Court House to the County. Council requested staff to investigate costs for making the prints of the Court House available for purchase. The Warden thanked Mrs. Phillips and the Sesquicentennial Committee for their considerable efforts to help the County celebrate its 150th Anniversary. The delegation left at 9:28 AM. Moved by Councillor Crevits Seconded by Councillor Faulds THAT we do now move into Committee Of The Whole Council. - Carried. REPORTS EG1 - ParkinQ By-law Collection Process - EmerQency Measures Co-Ordinator The Emergency Services Co-ordinator reported that a process must be in place for collection and disbursements of revenues for parking tickets issued under the County's Parking By-Law. Councillors expressed concern that when the County contracted for an enhanced service with the OPP it was understood that the officers would be actively ticketing for Parking By-Law infractions and not on a complaint basis only. A letter will be forwarded to the Police Services Board expressing concern with the ticketing process. Moved by Councillor Mcintyre Seconded by Councillor VanBrenk THAT the County of Elgin offer to provide administrative processing of parking by-law violations to local municipalities, subject to a 10% fee based on gross revenue; and, THAT County Council authorize the Warden and the Chief Administrative Officer to sign a by-law to permit the County to enter into agreements with local municipalities wishing to utilize the County's offer to provide said administrative processing; and, County Council 2 October 29, 2002 THAT this service be reviewed prior to the second year of operation. - Carried. Moved by Councillor McPhail Seconded by Councillor Faulds THAT a letter be forwarded to the Elgin Group Police Services Board seeking clarification of the role of the OPP in enforcing municipal parking by-laws. - Carried. Cool-Aid - EmerQency Services Co-ordinator The Emergency Services Co-ordinator introduced Mr. Bob Lusher from the Kiwanis Club, and Mr. Jason Rick and Mr. Jim Malik, Paramedics from the Elgin County Paramedic Association. The delegation introduced the Cool-Aid initiative, a project involving a sticker being placed on the front door identifying an existing medical condition of the resident, to alert the Paramedics to the condition. Participants in the project would complete a form advising of existing medical conditions and medications being taken and, with the use of a magnet on the form, post this information on their refrigerator. The Warden thanked the delegation for attending and commended them for their community interest. Moved by Councillor Habkirk Seconded by Councillor Crevits THAT County Council authorizes the use of the Elgin County Crest on the Cool-Aid refrigerator pamphlet that identifies medical conditions and medications for each individual in a household; and, THAT the Kiwanis Club of St. Thomas and Elgin County Paramedics Association be recognized for their support and commitment to Elgin's Emergency Medical Services and the emergency needs of our community. - Carried Unanimously. Farmland AwaitinQ Development - Director of Financial Services The Director of Financial Services noted that a reduction in this tax rate would also be carried through and equalize the tax rate for multi-residential, commercial and industrial tax classes. Councillor Faulds indicated he might have a pecuniary interest on this item. It was noted that a reduction in this tax class may attract more development in the County and would affect only a few properties Moved by Councillor VanBrenk Seconded by Councillor Stewart THAT the reduction to the residential/farm rate for farmland awaiting development, Phase 1, be 50%; and, THAT the reduction to other classes for farmland awaiting development, Phase 1, be such that the rates for multi-residential, commercial and industrial be equal to the reduced residential/farm rate; and, THAT the necessary by-law be prepared. - Carried. CheQue SiQninQ Authority - Director of Financial Services The Director of Financial Services advised that in accordance with the new Municipal Act two signatures would be required on County cheques as of January 1, 2003. County Council 3 October 29, 2002 Moved by Councillor VanBrenk Seconded by Councillor Rock THAT two signatures be affixed to the County of Elgin cheques; and, THAT the signatures be a combination of any two of the Warden, Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), Treasurer, and Deputy Treasurer; and, THAT electronic cheque signing authority be assigned to the CAO, and the Treasurer, and alternatively, to the CAO and the Deputy Treasurer; and, THAT all other combinations be manual signatures; and, THAT the Bank of Montreal be notified of these changes. - Carried. Performance Measures - Year Ended December 31. 2001 - Director of Financial Services Councillor Habkirk requested clarification on calculation of maintenance costs for unpaved lane per kilometre figures, as it has doubled over the past year. The Manager of Engineering Services indicated that the costs were skewed for 2000, as other items had not been included in estimating the per kilometre cost. It was also pointed out that in 2003 here would no longer be any unpaved County Roads. Moved by Councillor Habkirk Seconded by Councillor VanBrenk THAT the 2001 Municipal Performance Measures, as outlined in the October 16, 2002 report from the Director of Financial Services entitled "Performance Measures - Year Ended December 31,2001", be included with the newspaper reporting of the 2001 Audited Financial Statement. - Carried. Council took a break at 10:22 AM. and reconvened at 10:44 AM. DiQitization Assistance - Archives - County Archivist The County Archivist introduced Gina Coady, the County's new Archivist Assistant, and reminded Council of the Grand Opening of the Archives on November 8th. Councillors were requested to sign additional copies of the Tremaine Atlas. Moved by Councillor Rock Seconded by Councillor McPhail THAT the Elgin County Archivist be authorized to issue a temporary contract to hire an individual to describe, digitize and provide on-line access to the Scott-Sefton Studio Collection, according to the terms of a grant received from the Canadian Council of Archives; and, THAT the position title be known as "Archives Digitization Assistant" with said position reporting to the County Archivist; and, THAT the position begin no later than November 25, 2002 and conclude no later than March 31, 2003, dependant upon the expiration of $8114 in grant funding, with wage rates being established by the Human Resources Department. - Carried. County Council 4 October 29, 2002 land Transfer. County Road #18 (Third Line) - ManaQer of EnQineerinQ Services Moved by Councillor VanBrenk Seconded by Councillor Stewart THAT the Township of Southwold be notified that the County of Elgin wishes to proceed with the transfer of property on Third Line (County Road #18), Lot 6, Concession 3, Township of Southwold, Part #2, Registered Plan #11 R-1123. - Carried. AmendinQ land Purchase Policy - July 24. 2001 - ManaQer of EnQineerinQ Services As directed by Council the policy for farmland with a residence was reviewed. Moved by Councillor VanBrenk Seconded by Councillor Crevits THAT the County of Elgin Land Purchase Policy be amended; and, THAT farmland property with a residence be reimbursed at a rate for a rural residential building lot when the residence abuts a County Road; and also, THAT, for calculation purposes, a rural residential building lot be allocated a frontage of 60 metres. - Carried. County land Purchase Policy - ManaQer of EnQineerinQ Services Council discussed the fairness of the price paid for land in urban municipalities versus rural municipalities and how it relates to lot purchase costs, and also requirements for acquiring land for road widening purposes. Moved by Councillor VanBrenk Seconded by Councillor Rock THAT the County's Land Purchasing Policy be reviewed by a qualified land appraiser and updated as required for consideration by Council; and, THAT the County's policy for land acquisition be reviewed by staff and a report be presented for consideration by Council at a future meeting. - Carried Unanimously. Terrace lodQe - 175 kW Generator - ManaQer of EnQineerinQ Services Moved by Councillor McPhail Seconded by Councillor Faulds THAT staff be authorized to transport the used generator from Terrace Lodge for auction at Associated Auctioneers. - Carried. Capital Project Communication Protocol for County Roads - ManaQer of EnQineerinQ Services Council noted that the protocol approval date of November 30th may be too soon and consensus was reached that the date would be extended to January 1, 2003. County Council 5 October 29, 2002 Moved by Councillor VanBrenk Seconded by Councillor Mcintyre THAT the report, as amended, from the Manager of Engineering Services, dated October 2,2002, entitled Capital Project Communication Protocol, be approved in principle and lower- tier municipalities be requested to provide comments on the report by January 1, 2003. - Carried Unanimously. WeiQht Restrictions on County Roads - ManaQer of EnQineerinQ Services This issue was discussed recently by the Western and Eastern Ontario Wardens at the Counties and Regions Conference and a working committee has been set up with AMO and Ontario Good Roads Association to help raise the profile of this matter for discussion with the Minister. It was noted that local road supervisors are keeping track of estimated additional costs and when affected roadways are being reconstructed consideration may have to be given to upgrade the standards. Staff was directed to send another letter to the Minister of Transportation indicating that we are awaiting response to our previous letters. Moved by Councillor VanBrenk Seconded by Councillor Rock THAT the option for imposing weight restrictions on County Roads be held in abeyance at this time. - Carried. DELEGATION Ms. Cynthia St. John, Administrator, Mrs. Marie Turvey, Chair, Ms. Laura McLaughlin and Mr. George Dawson, Protection Unit, Elgin-St. Thomas Health Unit, attended at 11 :27 AM. to present an update on the West Nile Virus. The Province has indicated that a grant of $75,000 is available to the Health Unit for planning containment of the West Nile Virus, which must be expended by December 31,2002, and is on a cost share basis with municipalities. Mandatory contingency planning would have a minimum of two phases and would carryover into 2003. The Health Unit is requesting additional funding of $10,738 from the County, even though there may be surplus funds in the Health Unit budget at year-end. The Warden invited the delegation to lunch with Council. Moved by Councillor Habkirk Seconded by Councillor Mcintyre THAT $10,738 be allocated from the Mill Rate Stabilization Reserve to be applied to the 2002 West Nile Virus project being administered by the Elgin-St. Thomas Health Unit. - Carried. Council recessed at 11:47 AM. to have the annual Council photo retaken and reconvened at 11 :57 AM. Healthy Workplace Week - Director of Human Resources Various safety events were held at each of the Homes for Seniors during the week of October 21 st and employees from the Homes participated and contributed greatly towards the successful week. The employees involved in the activities were in attendance and the Warden thanked them for their efforts and invited them to lunch with Council. Moved by Councillor VanBrenk Seconded by Councillor Mcintyre THAT the members of the Joint Health and Safety Committees be commended for ongoing efforts to educate and promote the importance of health and safety in everyone's lives. - Carried. County Council 6 October 29, 2002 Annual Compliance Review - Bobier Villa - Director of Homes and Seniors Services The supervisors from Bobier Villa were in attendance and were introduced to Council. The Warden thanked the staff from the Bobier Villa for their efforts towards a favourable compliance review and invited them to lunch with Council. Moved by Councillor VanBrenk Seconded by Councillor Faulds THAT County Council express its appreciation to the supervisors and staff at Bobier Villa for their continued efforts in ensuring that quality resident care, programs and services are provided, as evidenced by the annual compliance report dated October 4,10 and 11, 2002. - Carried Unanimously. Council recessed for lunch at 12:08 P.M. and reconvened at 1: 1 0 P.M. with all members present except for Councillors Crevits and McPhail. IT Policy Update - ManaQer of Information TechnoloQies The Manager of Information Technologies reported that the wording has been softened in the report in accordance with Council's direction. Moved by Councillor VanBrenk Seconded by Councillor Mcintyre THAT the Network Information Policy be approved and implemented; and, THAT the Acceptable Use Policy be amended as presented. - Carried. IT Status Report - ManaQer of Information TechnoloQies The Manager of Information Technologies advised that Council Technology will be reported on in November and noted that the level of service for the day-to-day operation in the IT Department would be addressed and reported on at a later date. Moved by Councillor Rock Seconded by Councillor Stewart THAT the IT Status Report from the Manager of Information Technologies, dated October 22,2002, be received and filed; and, THAT a follow-up report be presented to Council in November regarding improvement of IT services; and, THAT a report on Councillor Technology also be presented in November. - Carried. Geotechnical EnQineerinQ DesiQn on Slope Stability and Erosion for a Pilot Project on County Road #42. East of Port Burwell - ManaQer of EnQineerinQ Services The Manager of Engineering Services noted this would be a pilot project in an attempt to determine methods that could be used to stabilize gullies and slopes in any area. Moved by Councillor Habkirk Seconded by Councillor VanBrenk THAT the proposal of Terraprobe Limited for a geotechnical engineering services slope stability and erosion design for Elgin County Road #42, east of Port Burwell, at their quoted price of $10,000.00 (GST extra) be accepted; and, County Council 7 October 29, 2002 THAT the monies be allocated from the 2002 Capital Account for Road #42 Lake Erosion Maintenance; and also, THAT other affected government agencies be requested to contribute funds towards the concept design for slope stability. - Carried. Shore Protection DesiQn for a Pilot Project on County Road #42. East of Port Burwell - ManaQer of EnQineerinQ Services The Manager of Engineering Services reported that this would be a pilot project to determine methods that could be used to protect shoreline in any area Moved by Councillor VanBrenk Seconded by Councillor Stewart THAT the proposal of Shoreplan Engineering Limited for a concept design of shore protection using headland bay approach on Elgin County Road #42, east of Port Burwell be approved, at their quoted price of $6,400.00 (GST extra); and, THAT the monies be allocated from the 2002 Capital Account for Road #42 Lake Erosion Maintenance; and also, THAT other affected government agencies be requested to contribute funds towards the concept design for shore protection. - Carried. lakeshore Line Environmental Assessment Update - ManaQer EnQineerinQ Services Moved by Councillor Habkirk Seconded by Councillor Faulds THAT the study area for the Municipal Class Environment Assessment for the proposed relocation of Lake Shore Line (Elgin County Road #42) be expanded to include Concessions 1 and 2, Lots 13 to 28, in the Municipality of Bayham. - Carried. Town Crier - Deputy Clerk Council had directed that staff investigate types of recognition given to Town Criers by neighbouring municipalities. Council consensus was that an honorarium is well-deserved and much discussion ensued regarding the type and amount of recognition Council would provide. The Warden and Council commended the extensive efforts put forth by the Town Crier and his wife for activities carried out during the County's Sesquicentennial year. Moved by Councillor VanBrenk Seconded by Councillor Faulds THAT the County of Elgin provide an annual honorarium of $2000 beginning in 2003 to the County's Town Crier to cover all expenses incurred during the year and in accordance with a position description agreed to by Council; and, THAT the Town Crier provide a written report in November of each year detailing activities attended on behalf of the County of Elgin; and, THAT the amount of the honorarium be reviewed yearly by Council. - Carried. County Council 8 October 29, 2002 SiQnaQe at the Homes - Director of Homes and Seniors Services Council discussed the signage samples that were distributed with the Council mailing. The Director of Homes advised that a sample that was to include the County Crest was not available for today's meeting as had been anticipated. The signage firm indicated that black lettering would display the most prominently. Moved by Councillor Habkirk Seconded by Councillor Faulds THAT the words County of Elgin in black lettering be placed beneath the current signage on all the County's Homes for Seniors; and, THAT the Director of Homes and Seniors Services be authorized to make the necessary arrangements for said signage at an upset limit of $4,500 plus taxes, to be allocated from the approved 2002 Homes Operating Budget; and further, THAT the Director of Homes and Seniors Services forward a copy of this resolution to the Elgin Manor Building Committee to ensure the same type of signage is placed on the new Elgin Manor. - Carried. RecoQnition of a Centurion - Director of Homes and Seniors Services Moved by Councillor Mcintyre Seconded by Councillor Rock THAT the Warden or designate, on behalf of County Council, bring greetings and present a framed certificate to Mr. Harvey Miller on the occasion of Mr. Miller's 100th birthday celebration, to be held from 2:00 P.M. to 4:00 P.M. on Saturday, November 30th at Bobier Villa. - Carried. Incontinent Product CharQes to Residents - Director of Homes and Seniors Services The Director of Homes and Seniors Services advised that the return of charges for these products would affect 158 residents. Moved by Councillor VanBrenk Seconded by Councillor Rock THAT the report, "Incontinent Product Charges to Residents" dated October 16, 2002 be received and filed. - Carried. Membership in the Canadian Council on Health Services Accreditation - Director of Homes and Seniors Services Council requested clarification be made that the membership would be for 2003. Moved by Councillor Habkirk Seconded by Councillor Faulds THAT the Director of Homes and Seniors Service be authorized to apply for membership and standards documents only, from the Canadian Council on Health Services Accreditation, at an upset limit of $1382.00 to be allocated from the 2002 approved Homes operating budget. - Carried. County Council 9 October 29, 2002 County of EIQin Dress Code Policy - Director of Human Resources The Director of Human Resources noted that the draft policy had been circulated to all staff and union representatives for comment and input. Moved by Councillor VanBrenk Seconded by Councillor Habkirk THAT the County of Elgin Dress Code Policy be approved and implemented effective immediately. - Carried. Actuarial Study Results - Director of Human Resources The Director of Human Resources advised that the County would be awarded $404,200 in assets from the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board as a result of the appeal to change the Homes to Schedule 2. Moved by Councillor Habkirk Seconded by Councillor Faulds THAT the monies received from the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board be allocated to a reserve for current and future WSIB costs. - Carried. Co-Operative Education Students - Director of Human Resources The Director of Human Resources advised that various departments have been utilizing co-operative student placement and that this would formalize the practice in policy. Moved by Councillor Mcintyre Seconded by Councillor VanBrenk THAT the report "Co-Operative Education Students", dated October 21, 2002, presented by the Director of Human Resources be approved as presented. - Carried. Corporate ChallenQe Results - Director of Human Resources Moved by Councillor Habkirk Seconded by Councillor Mcintyre THAT the report "Corporate Challenge Results", dated October 21,2002, presented by the Director of Human Resources, be received and filed. - Carried. Town Crier - Revisited An honorarium for the Town Crier in recognition of his substantial efforts over the past year was discussed and the following was adopted: Moved by Councillor Stewart Seconded by Councillor Rock THAT the County of Elgin grant an honorarium of $2,000 to the Town Crier for work carried out on behalf of Elgin County during its 150th Anniversary Celebrations in 2002; and THAT the funds be allocated from the Mill Rate Stabilization Reserve. - Carried. County Council 10 October 29, 2002 CORRESPONDENCE Correspondence for Consideration 1. County of Brant, with resolution requesting the Ministry of Environment and the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities, to develop a comprehensive full-time post secondary training curriculum for the certification, licensing and training of individual operators of water treatment and distribution facilities. 2. Allan Gotlieb, Chairman, Ontario Heritage Foundation, inviting Council to participate in the Ontario Heritage Foundation's Young Heritage Leaders Program 2002. 3. Adam Carr, Asset Manager, Canadian National Railway Properties Inc., inquiring if the County is interested in acquiring the CASO railway line and lands within the Township of Malahide. 4. J. Hahn, Mayor, Town of St. Marys, with resolution asking the Provincial Government to issue a policy directive disallowing the retroactive rate hike granted to Union Gas. 5. Leslee Winchester, Clerk-Treasurer, Township of Pickle Lake, with resolution petitioning the Provincial Government to amend the recently imposed new legislation governing standards for personal fuel holding tanks, fuel tank stands, fuel lines, furnaces and chimneys by excluding existing installations. 6. R. Millard, CAO/Clerk, Township of Malahide, with resolution petitioning the Minister of Education for Ontario and the members of the Thames Valley District School Board to abandon the option of closing schools in the rural communities as a means of cost containment. 7. Mr. Ron Bradfield, Council appointee to Tillsonburg District Memorial Hospital Board, advising that he did not wish to be re-appointed to the Board for 2003. The following recommendation was adopted respecting Correspondence Item #1 : Moved by Councillor Habkirk Seconded by Councillor Rock THAT the Council of the County of Elgin supports the resolution of the County of Brant requesting that the Ministry of the Environment consult with the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities to develop a comprehensive full-time post secondary training curriculum for the certification of entry level operators of water treatment and distribution facilities; and, THAT experience also be considered as a component of competency for certification of operators currently holding the level of licensing required for the operation of water treatment and distribution facilities. - Carried. Moved by Councillor Habkirk Seconded by Councillor Faulds THAT Correspondence Items #2 and 3 be received and filed. - Carried. The following recommendation was adopted respecting Correspondence Item #4: Moved by Councillor Habkirk Seconded by Councillor VanBrenk THAT the Council of the County of Elgin supports the resolution of the Town of St. Marys asking that the Provincial Government issue a policy directive under Section 27.1 of the Ontario Energy Board Act disallowing the retroactive rate hike granted to Union Gas. - Carried. County Council 11 October 29, 2002 The following recommendation was adopted respecting Correspondence Item #5: Moved by Councillor Habkirk Seconded by Councillor Faulds THAT the Council of the County of Elgin supports the resolution of the Township of Pickle Lake petitioning the Provincial Government to amend the new regulation standards for fuel oil heating; and, THAT the restrictive standards regarding personal fuel holding tanks, fuel tank stands, fuel lines, furnaces and chimneys be excluded for existing installations. - Carried. The following recommendation was adopted respecting Correspondence Item #6: Moved by Councillor Habkirk Seconded by Councillor Rock THAT the Council of the County of Elgin supports the Township of Malahide's resolution petitioning the Minister of Education for Ontario and the Thames Valley District School Board to abandon the option of closing schools in rural communities as a means of cost containment. - Carried. The following recommendation was adopted respecting Correspondence Item #7: Moved by Councillor Stewart Seconded by Councillor Rock THAT Mr. Cliff Evanitski be named as the County representative on the Tillsonburg District Memorial Hospital Board for 2003. - Carried. Items for Information - (Consent AQenda) 1. John Maddox, Director, Municipal Services Officer, Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing, and Ken Boshcoff, President, Association of Municipalities of Ontario, with registration forms for the Annual Southwestern Municipal Conference at the Best Western Lamplighter Inn, London, on November 22, 2002. 2. Raven & Shaw Chartered Accountants, Auditors' Report as at December 31,2001. 3. Honourable Robert W. Runciman, Minister of Public Safety and Security, acknowledging Council's support of the Township of Smith-Ennismore-Lakefield regarding response times and staffing for fire incidents in rural Ontario. 4. Phyllis Ketchabaw, Clerk, Town of Aylmer, supporting Council's resolution concerning Provincial Detours and Deteriorating Local Roads. 5. Honourable David Young, Attorney General and Minister Responsible for Native Affairs, acknowledging the Warden's letter regarding the reduction of Justice of Peace services for Provincial Offences Act matters in the West Region. 6. Susan McConnell, Special Assistant to the Honourable Gar Knutson, with copy of correspondence to Public Works and Government Services Canada regarding the status of the application for financial assistance for the Re-enactment of the Founding and Raids on The Talbot Settlement. 7. Federation of Canadian Municipalities - Members Advisory, "Municipalities Heard in Throne Speech". County Council 12 October 29, 2002 8. Honourable Andy Mitchell, Secretary of State (Rural Development) Federal Economic Development Initiative for Northern Ontario, with an update on the Canada-Ontario Infrastructure Program. 9. Cynthia St. John, Chief Administrative Officer, Elgin-St. Thomas Health Unit, with an update on financial matters being discussed by the Board of Health. 10. Honourable Chris Stockwell, Minister of the Environment, acknowledging Council's support of the Municipality of Leamington's resolution petitioning the Ministry of the Environment to re-establish an environmental compensation fund. 11. Honourable Ernie Eves, Premier of Ontario, acknowledging Council's resolution concerning tax capping. 12. Association of Municipal Managers, Clerks and Treasurers of Ontario Express, re: Bill 177 - Municipal Statue By-Law Amendment Act, 2002. 13. AMO Member Communication - ALERT: 1) Municipal Act to Amend Municipal Elections Act; 2) Throne Speech Indicates Stronger Support for Municipalities; 3) Update on Amendments to the Municipal Elections Act. AMO Member Communication - For Your Information: 1) Province Establishes New Flu Control Standard. 14. Georgia Sifton, Museum Assistant, Elgin County Pioneer Museum, thanking Council for the donation of a signed copy of the Sesquicentennial Atlas for the Museum's silent auction. 15. Honourable Tony Clement, Minister of Health and Long-Term Care, acknowledging Council's resolution concerning the supply of nursing staff within the County. 16. Thames Valley District Health Council, announcing a meeting concerning Long-Term Care Facility Redevelopment in Elgin County, Thursday, October 30th, 2002, 7:00- 8:30 P.M., St. Thomas Seniors' Centre. 17. Randy Millard, CAO/Clerk, Township of Malahide, with resolution supporting the Parking By-Law. 18. Anne Creery, Union Gas District Manager, advising customers of changes in the retroactive rate adjustment. 19. Ted Arnott, M.P.P., Waterloo-Wellington, thanking Council for its support of Bill 30, the Volunteer Fire Fighters Employment Protection Act. 20. Honourable Steve Peters, M.P.P., Elgin-Middlesex-London, supporting Council's resolutions to: 1) Honourable David Young, Attorney General, regarding reduction of court time for Provincial Offences Court offences in the County; 2) Honourable Tony Clement, Minister of Health and Long-Term Care regarding restriction of Ontario- trained doctors to gain re-entry into the provincial system and practice in Ontario; 3) Honourable Chris Stockwell, Minister of the Environment, regarding an Environmental Compensation Fund; 4) Honourable Jerry Ouellett, Minister of Natural Resources, regarding re-introduction of the spring bear hunt. 21. Honourable Gar Knutson, Secretary of State Central and Eastern Europe and the Middle East re: Canada-Ontario Infrastructure Program project nomination closure. 22. Rick Furnish, Manager, Ambulance Services, responding to the Warden's letter concerning the lack of St. Thomas-Elgin General Hospital Paramedic presence at the 2002 Fire Muster. 23. Steve Blight, PERRL Program Manager, Pilot Emission Removals, Reductions and Learnings Initiative, with information concerning a new Federal Government initiative to combat climate change through economic incentives to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. County Council 13 October 29, 2002 Moved by Councillor Habkirk Seconded by Councillor VanBrenk THAT Correspondence Items #1-23 received and filed. - Carried. OTHER BUSINESS Statements/InQuiries by Members Councillor VanBrenk advised Council that statements attributed to the Health Unit in the local paper indicated that the St. Thomas-Elgin General Hospital may become incorporated into London Health Sciences Centre and made Council aware that no such discussions have taken place that he is aware of. Councillor Rock announced that he would be running for the Office of Warden for 2003. Councillor Habkirk announced that he would be running for the Office of Warden for 2003. Warden Wilson announced that he would be letting his name stand for the Office of Warden for 2003. Notice of Motion - None. Matters of UrQency - None. Council took a break at 2:47 P.M. and reconvened at 2:58 P.M. Moved by Councillor Habkirk Seconded by Councillor Faulds THAT we do now proceed In-Camera to discuss personnel and property matters. - Carried. 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 letter from Susan McConnell, Special Assistant to the Honourable Gar Knutson, regarding a property matter be received and filed. - Carried. Moved by Councillor Mcintyre Seconded by Councillor Habkirk THAT the request by Mrs. Deb Prikken, RN., to carryover ten days, and Mrs. Dorothy Fife, RN., to carryover three days of their 2002 vacation entitlements into 2003 be approved; and, THAT the Director of Homes and Seniors Services ensure that such carry-over days are used in the first six months of 2003. - Carried. County Council 14 October 29, 2002 Moved by Councillor Habkirk Seconded by Councillor Faulds THAT the exterior window washing at the Homes be offered to the two lowest Bidders - G&G Troughers and Squeeky Kleen - at a total cost of $1 ,120 plus applicable taxes, to be allocated from the approved 2002 Operating Budget; and, THAT staff be directed to communicate with the bargaining agents to explain Council's rationale for this recommendation prior to implementing in an effort to foster co-operation and understanding. - Carried. Moved by Councillor VanBrenk Seconded by Councillor Habkirk THAT the Confidential report "Staffing at Homes" dated October 23,2002, be approved; and, THAT the Director of Homes and Seniors Services and the Director of Human Resources be authorized to post internally for one staff member, qualified as a kinesiologist, on a time-limited secondment basis, the costs to be absorbed in the 2002 approved Homes Operating Budget, and arrange to temporarily backfill the position vacated by the successful candidate, subject to operational requirements, the replacement costs to be absorbed in the approved 2002 Homes Operating Budget. The net staffing and benefits costs are estimated not to exceed $10,000; and, THAT a report detailing a restorative care program be presented to Council for its review and approval once the kinesiology assessment is completed at the Homes; and, THAT the Director of Homes and Seniors Services and the Director of Human Resources be authorized to recruit into the 9.6 equivalent support positions in dietary and housekeeping/laundry, at an estimated annualized cost of $391 ,200 to be absorbed in the approved 2002 Homes Operating Budget, offset partially by the accommodation per diem increase; and, THAT the Director of Homes and Seniors Services and the Director of Human Resources be authorized to increase health care aide staffing on Bobier Villa's non-secure units by twelve hours each day at an estimated annualized cost of $85,000 to be offset by the increased nursing and personal care per diem; and, THAT any staff and benefits costs overruns that result from this staffing report be applied if necessary to the Mill Rate Stabilization Reserve and reported to Council as soon thereafter as possible. - Carried. Moved by Councillor Rock Seconded by Councillor Stewart THAT the Confidential Report on Outstanding Resident Charges be deferred to another meeting. - Carried Moved by Councillor Habkirk Seconded by Councillor Rock THAT Warden Wilson be directed to sign off on a confidential legal matter. - Carried. Staff was directed to bring forward a review of Warden and Councillors' salaries. County Council 15 October 29, 2002 Moved by Councillor VanBrenk Seconded by Councillor Rock THAT a confidential update on a WSIB matter be received and filed. - Carried. Moved by Councillors Stewart Seconded by Councillor Faulds THAT we do adopt the recommendations of the Committee of the Whole Council. - Carried. BY-lAWS Moved by Councillor VanBrenk Seconded by Councillor Stewart THAT By-Law No. 02-28 "To Amend By-Law No. 01-37 Being a By-Law to Authorize Speed Limits" be read a first and second time. - Carried. Moved by Councillor Stewart Seconded by Councillor Habkirk THAT By-Law No. 02-28 be read a third time and finally passed. - Carried. Moved by Councillor Rock Seconded by Councillor Mcintyre THAT By-Law No. 02-29 "A By-Law to Confirm Proceedings of the Municipal Council of the Corporation of the County of Elgin at the October 29th, 2002 Meeting" be read a first and second time. - Carried. Moved by Councillor Habkirk Seconded by Councillor Faulds THAT By-Law No. 02-29 be read a third time and finally passed. - Carried. Moved by Councillor VanBrenk Seconded by Councillor Habkirk THAT we do now adjourn at 4:24 P.M. to meet again on November 26,2002 at 9:00 AM. - Carried. Mark G. McDonald, Chief Administrative Officer. John R. Wilson, Warden.