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September 10, 2002 Minutes COUNTY OF ELGIN Tuesday, September 10,2002 The Elgin County Council met this day at the Administration Building at 9:09 AM., in accordance with adjournment, with all members in attendance except Councillor Rock. Warden Wilson in the Chair. Councillor Habkirk requested adoption of the Minutes be deferred until the report dealing with the road transfers has been considered. Warden Wilson indicated that as the minutes properly reflect proceedings of the previous meeting they could not be altered and noted that there would be opportunity to speak to the road transfer issue later in the meeting. Moved by Councillor VanBrenk Seconded by Councillor Stewart THAT the minutes of the meeting held on July 23,2002 be adopted. - Carried. DISCLOSURE OF PECUNIARY INTEREST AND THE GENERAL NATURE THEREOF- None. DELEGATIONS Mrs. Marilyn Fleck, Consultant for the Elgin Manor Building Project, presented the Elgin Manor Building Progress Report. Construction is a little behind but it is anticipated the time can be made up and the project would conclude on schedule. A cornerstone will be laid on November 1 ih and invitations will be sent out at a later date. Council requested that Mrs. Fleck investigate the feasibility and costs of installing an in-ground sprinkler system for the gardens and report later. The Warden thanked the delegation for attending and Mrs. Fleck left the Chambers. Moved by Councillor McPhail Seconded by Councillor Mcintyre THAT the "Elgin Manor Building Committee Progress Report" dated September 10,2002, presented by the Consultant for the Elgin Manor Building Project be received and filed. - Carried. COUNCil AND STAFF REPORTS St. Thomas-EIQin General Hospital Annual Report - Councillor Van Brenk Councillor VanBrenk reported on the proposed privatization of the rehabilitation program at the Hospital, thanked Council for their initiatives to maintain these services at the local level and indicated a further report would be forthcoming. Warden Wilson and members of Council thanked Councillor VanBrenk for his efforts on behalf of the County. Moved by Councillor Faulds Seconded by Councillor Crevits That the annual report of the St. Thomas-Elgin General Hospital be received and filed. - Carried. Moved by Councillor Faulds Seconded by Councillor Stewart THAT we do now move into Committee Of The Whole Council. - Carried. County Council 2 September 10 , 2002 By-law DesiQnatinQ ThrouQh HiQhways - ManaQer of EnQineerinQ Services The Manager of Engineering Services advised that the recent transfer of roads to the County would require erection of signage on the through roads. Moved by Councillor VanBrenk Seconded by Councillor Faulds THAT By-Law No. 99-33 and all amending by-laws designating through highways be repealed; and, THAT a new by-law be prepared effecting the changes in the report "By-Law Designating Through Highways" dated July 29, 2002 from the Manager of Engineering Services. - Carried. Rowe EnerQY Corporation - Road CrossinQ Graham Road - ManaQer of EnQineerinQ Services Moved by Councillor Habkirk Seconded by Councillor Faulds THAT the Warden and the Chief Administrative Officer be authorized and directed to enter into an agreement with Rowe Energy Corporation to cross under Graham Road (County Road #76) to install a pipeline at Argyle Line in the Municipality of West Elgin. - Carried. Council Chamber FloorinQ - ManaQer of EnQineerinQ Services The Manager of Engineering Services reported that the carpeting in the Council Chambers was damaged by a malfunctioning heat pump which soaked the carpet and heaved the parquet flooring. Council agreed that before putting down any new carpeting other potential problem areas should be investigated to reduce the possibility of a future similar occurrence. Moved by Councillor Crevits Seconded by Councillor McPhail THAT the remaining carpet in Council Chambers not affected by recent flooding from a defective heat pump be removed and a new carpet be installed for the entire Council Chambers; and, THAT once the carpet has been removed, the entire area be investigated to reduce the possibility of such an occurrence again; and, THAT this information be forwarded to the insurance adjuster. - Carried. CleaninQ/Custodial Contract for the Administration BuildinQ - ManaQer of EnQineerinQ Services Moved by Councillor Habkirk Seconded by Councillor Mcintyre THAT J and A Building Services Limited be awarded the contract to provide the custodial and cleaning services at the Administration Building at the tendered price of $57,048.12 yearly for a three-year term ending on October 1, 2005; and, THAT the Warden and the Chief Administrative Officer be directed and authorized to sign the contract. - Carried. County Council 3 September 10 , 2002 County Road #73 Capital Reserve - HousekeepinQ Amendment - ManaQer of EnQineerinQ Services The Manager of Engineering Services reported that a reserve was previously set up for Aylmer for work to be done on the roadway. This road would now be transferred to the County along with the remaining funds in reserve. Moved by Councillor Stewart Seconded by Councillor Faulds THAT the report from the Manager of Engineering Services dated September 3rd, 2002 entitled "County Road #73 Capital Reserve - Housekeeping Amendment" be received and filed. - Carried. Bell Mill and Middlemiss Culvert Repairs Quote Results - Technical Services Officer Moved by Councillor Habkirk Seconded by Councillor Crevits THAT Theo Vandenberk Construction Inc. be awarded the project for repairing the Bell Mill and Middlemiss Culverts for their submitted price of $23,989.00; and, THAT these funds be allocated from the approved 2002 Capital Budget for this project. - Carried. Vienna BridQe South Tender Results - Technical Services Officer The Technical Services Officer requested acceptance of the lowest tender and authority for the firm to commence inspection of Vienna Bridge North Bridge. Moved by Councillor VanBrenk Seconded by Councillor Habkirk THAT Facca Construction Inc. be awarded the project for the Vienna South Bridge Deck Replacement for their submitted tender price of $923,265.55 inclusive of all taxes; and, THAT the Warden and the Chief Administrative Officer be authorized and directed to sign the contract with Facca Construction Inc. to complete the work; and, THAT $515,000.00 be allocated from the approved 2002 Capital Budget for this project with $483,334.00 being equally funded by the Provincial and Federal Governments respectively under their OSTAR Initiative as previously confirmed; and, THAT Spriet Associates design, administer, and inspect the Vienna South Bridge Deck Replacement for their revised total price of $97,900.00 plus G.S.T.; and, THAT Spriet Associates design, administer, and inspect the Vienna North Bridge Deck Replacement proposed for 2004 for their revised total price of $77,100.00 plus G.S.T. - Carried. Sunset Drive and John Wise Line Intersection Reconstruction Tender Results - Technical Services Officer The Technical Services Officer noted that this project was postponed from 2000. Moved by Councillor Habkirk Seconded by Councillor VanBrenk THAT T. C. G. Asphalt and Construction Inc. be awarded the project for the reconstruction of the Sunset Road/John Wise Line Intersection for their submitted price of $420,668.52; and, County Council 4 September 10 , 2002 THAT the Warden and the Chief Administrative Officer be authorized and directed to sign the necessary contract; and, THAT $275,000.00 be allocated from the approved 2002 Capital Budget for this project and the remaining project costs be taken from the efficiencies realized from the 2001 Capital Budget. - Carried. TillsonburQ District Memorial Hospital Annual Report Mr. Bradfield was not in attendance and may have been delayed. Council considered the report in his absence. Moved by Councillor Stewart Seconded by Councillor Habkirk THAT the annual report of the Tillsonburg District Memorial Hospital be received and filed. - Carried. Council took a short break at 9:58 AM. and reconvened at 10:15 AM. Proposed Amendment to By-law No. 99-17 by Road ConsolidatinQ By-law No. 02-20 - Construction Technician Correspondence for Consideration Item #9 from the Town of Aylmer was considered at this time. Councillor Habkirk requested that Council reconsider the previous recommendations from the Manager of Engineering Services, which would transfer some roads to the lower-tier and others to the upper-tier. The Town of Aylmer requested that John Street be designated as a connecting link, as it was very concerned with works that may be carried out on this road by the County within the Town limits. Aylmer also wished to keep the reserve previously established for municipal roadwork within the Town. Much discussion ensued including fairness and affordability of road transfers to the County; the good working relationship and give and take between County road staff and municipal staff; lack of long term planning; and that these transfers may strengthen the move to a one-tier government. The Chief Administrative officer suggested that a communication protocol could be codified for the Town of Aylmer to keep the municipality better informed of County initiatives and to provide the opportunity for municipal input. As well, the Town could provide a copy of its capital works plans. If the County was aware of the Town's needs, funds might be available. Moved by Councillor VanBrenk Seconded by Councillor Faulds THAT the Manager of Engineering Services be directed to develop a Communication Protocol with the Town of Aylmer that ensures input from the Municipality into the approval process for any road related works on County Roads within or abutting the Town's physical limits; and, THAT the Town of Aylmer be encouraged to present a five year capital plan for roadworks on County roadways within the Town's physical limits for consideration by County Council during 2003 budget deliberations. - Carried Unanimously. Moved by Councillor Faulds Seconded by Councillor Mcintyre THAT the Warden and the Chief Administrative Officer be authorized to sign Amending By- Law No. 02-20, to effect changes to the Elgin County Road System. - Carried. County Council 5 September 10 , 2002 Robbins BridQe EnQineerinQ Services Quote Results - Construction Technician Moved by Councillor Mcintyre Seconded by Councillor VanBrenk THAT Spriet Associates be authorized to complete a Class Environmental Assessment for the proposed removal of Robbins Bridge for their submitted price of $7,800.00; and, THAT these funds be allocated from the Unallocated Capital Reserve for this project. - Carried. Corporate ChallenQe - Human Resources Officer The Human Resources Officer noted that proceeds from Corporate Challenge events support Junior Achievement in the local area and requested participation of Council and staff as well as a financial contribution from the County. Moved by Councillor Habkirk Seconded by Councillor VanBrenk THAT County Council approve the facilitation and involvement of the County of Elgin employees in this year's Elgin Corporate Challenge based on last years approval; and, THAT County Council support the event financially to encourage greater employee involvement. - Carried. Bank Account - Homes Projects - Director of Financial Services The Director of Financial Services advised that the donation accounts contain small balances as some items were paid directly from operating rather than from the donation accounts. Money has been tracked carefully and credited to projects. Moved by Councillor Stewart Seconded by Councillor Faulds THAT the bank account titled Bobier Convalescent Home Building Fund be closed; and, THAT the balance of approximately $209,577.00 be transferred to the operating bank account; and, THAT the bank account titled Elgin Manor Building Fund be closed; and, THAT the balance of approximately $4,151.00 be transferred to the operating bank account. - Carried. EIQin Manor Rebuild - FinancinQ - Director of Financial Services The Director of Financial Services noted the repayment period for the $8M required could be 8-9 years and suggested that borrowing be done in a staggered manner. Moved by Councillor Habkirk Seconded by Councillor Mcintyre THAT the County enter into an agreement with the Bank of Montreal to provide financing for the rebuild of Elgin Manor at an upset limit of $8M; and, THAT the Warden and the Chief Administrative Officer be authorized to sign the required agreements; and, THAT the Report from the Director of Financial Services be adopted. - Carried. County Council 6 September 10 , 2002 Sf. Thomas-EIQin General Hospital Ambulance Service 2002 BudQet - Director of Financial Services The Director of Financial Services reported that negotiations with the ambulance union resulted in wage amounts being less than had been anticipated. Councillor VanBrenk advised Council that the Hospital Master Plan review may result in the ambulance service not being housed at the Hospital. Moved by Councillor VanBrenk Seconded by Councillor Faulds THAT the dollars apportioned to the St. Thomas-Elgin General Hospital in the 2002 approved budget for ambulance services be reduced by $120,411.00 from $1,930,225.00 to $1,809,814.00; and, THAT the monthly payments to the Hospital be reduced to recover any overpayments to date; and, THAT the City of St. Thomas be apprised of the reduction to the budget amount. - Carried. Operation of the EIQin County Pioneer Museum - By-Law - Director of Financial Services The Director of Financial Services reported that the Museum Board reviewed the Operational By-law and requested some changes. Moved by Councillor Faulds Seconded by Councillor VanBrenk THAT By-Laws No. 94-16 and 95-26 be repealed and a new by-law be prepared to provide for the operation of the Elgin County Pioneer Museum, reflecting the changes as recommended by the Elgin County Pioneer Museum Executive in the report dated August 29, 2002. - Carried. Reserve Accounts - Transfer to Capital - Director of Financial Services The Director of Financial Services reviewed the Reserves that are no longer required and suggested various transfers to other projects. Moved by Councillor Mcintyre Seconded by Councillor Faulds THAT the reserves as listed on the attached schedule be transferred to Capital with $998,988.00 transferred to specific projects and $174,180.00 transferred to the Unallocated Reserve; and, THAT staff prepare a report to Council recommending projects for the unallocated amount. - Carried. 2000/01 Surplus - Additional Proiects - Director of Financial Services. ManaQer of EnQineerinQ Services and Director of Homes and Seniors Services Discussion ensued regarding the needs of the Town of Aylmer before allocating a portion of the surplus to roads projects. Councillor Mcintyre noted that the Township of Southwold is dealing with the waterline west of Fingal and asked that the dollars proposed for Road #16 be postponed temporarily. Council approved the report with the following amendments to the unallocated reserves and the proposed Engineering projects: County Council 7 September 10 , 2002 Moved by Councillor Habkirk Seconded by Councillor VanBrenk THAT $170,142 from the unallocated reserves be transferred to a special capital reserve for works on County Roads within the Town of Aylmer. - Carried. Moved by Councillor Mcintyre Seconded by Councillor VanBrenk THAT the projects outlined in the attached staff report titled 2000101 Surplus - Additional Projects be approved, as amended; and, THAT Road #16 resurfacing be deferred until the waterline discussions with the Township of Southwold have concluded; and, THAT should these funds not be required this year, the allocation be transferred to Road #36 resurfacing; and, THAT staff advise Council on expenditures in accordance with the County's Purchasing Policy. - Carried. RailinQ at Bobier Villa - Director of Homes and Seniors Services The Director of Homes advised that a commitment was made to the Bobier Family to remove the wrought iron railing from the old Bobier Convalescent Home and reinstall it at the Bobier Villa. Staff requested permission to install an in-ground sprinkler system to a limited area at the front entrance to the Villa while the ground is dug up. Funds may be available from the reserve donation account to pay for this system. Councillor McPhail noted that the new Elgin Manor should be signed as an Elgin County Home and the Director of Homes and Seniors Services will develop a signage policy for all the County Homes for Seniors. Moved by Councillor VanBrenk Seconded by Councillor Faulds THAT the Director of Homes and Seniors Services be authorized to proceed with the permanent installation of wrought iron railing and posts and an in-ground lawn sprinkler system to a limited area at the front entrance to Bobier Villa, at an estimated cost of $40,000.00, to be allocated from the 2001/02 surplus funds; and, THAT the Director of Homes and Seniors Services and the Warden be authorized to plan a celebration in tribute to the Bobier Family, the costs of which will be absorbed within the Homes approved 2002 operating budget. - Carried. Ontarians with Disabilities Act - Deputy Clerk The Deputy Clerk reported that Provincial legislation requires that the County establish an Accessibility Advisory Committee. Councillor Crevits indicated that the Municipality of Central Elgin is in agreement with establishing a Joint Committee and an advertisement was placed in the local newspapers this week. Staff will meet with Central Elgin to work out the details for a joint committee, terms of reference and report. Moved by Councillor VanBrenk Seconded by Councillor Crevits THAT, to conform with the legislative requirements of the Ontarians with Disabilities Act, recruitment for members of an Accessibility Advisory Committee begin immediately; and, County Council 8 September 10 , 2002 THAT the recruitment be carried out in accordance with Option #3, that a joint advisory committee could be pursued with one or more municipalities thereby sharing costs and staff resources (Central Elgin and the County have sufficient populations to require an advisory committee); and, THAT the County's Corporate Facilities Officer, Human Resources Co-Ordinator, and the Deputy Clerk, or alternates, advise said Committee as support staff; and further, THAT the support staff create a terms of reference under which the Committee will operate and contact the Municipality of Central Elgin to determine its interest in forming a joint committee. - Carried. Atlas BudQet - ManaQer of EnQineerinQ Services and Archivist Moved by Councillor VanBrenk Seconded by Councillor Crevits THAT the report from the Manager of Library Services and the Archivist, dated September 5th, 2002 entitled "Atlas Budget" be received and filed. - Carried. Council recessed for lunch at 12: 15 P.M. and reconvened at 1: 16 P.M. MOMENT OF SILENCE Warden Wilson noted it was approximately one year ago the horrific terrorist attacks occurred in the United States. Father Sargeant was invited to today's meeting to offer a prayer to commemorate the event, but was not able to attend. Warden Wilson requested that Council and Staff stand for a moment's silence to reflect on the tragic events that occurred on September 11, 2001. CORRESPONDENCE Correspondence for Consideration 1. Rev. Nick Wells, Bi-Centennial Chair, requesting Council write the Honourable Gar Knutson, on behalf of the Bi-Centennial Committee, requesting the status and release date for funding for the May 21-25, 2003 Re-Enactment of the Founding and Raids on the Talbot Settlement. 2. Lloyd Churchill, Chair, ROMA, requesting communities to consider providing assistance in the form of financial, goods and services to the drought-stricken farmers in the Prairie Provinces. 3. Brian R. Sweet, Director of Corporate Services, Municipality of Leamington, with a. resolution requesting the Ministry of Environment to re-establish an Environmental Compensation Fund to assist municipalities with clean-up costs for oil spills. 4. Keith J. McNenly, CAO and Clerk-Treasurer, Town of Mono, with resolutions: 1) calling on the Provincial Government to invoke an immediate moratorium on the issuance of permits to take water for commercial ventures; and 2) requesting that the Niagara Escarpment Commission vigorously assert its mandate by requiring full Plan Amendments for all commercial water taking operations. 5. L.J. LeBlanc, CAOIClerk, Municipality of Hastings Highlands, with a resolution requesting the Province of Ontario to re-introduce the "spring bear hunt". 6. Lloyd J. Perrin, Director of Physical Services, Municipality of Central Elgin, with a resolution advising the County of the Municipality's intention to replace the watermain on Belmont Road and the possibility of shared costs for reconstruction. County Council 9 September 10 , 2002 7. Dean Wasson, Chairman, Peterborough Flood Relief Committee, requesting a donation to the Peterborough Flood Relief Committee fundraising campaign for victims of the June 2002 flooding caused by record rainfall. 8. City of Weiland, with a resolution urging the Government of Ontario to address the issues restricting Ontario-trained doctors to return to Ontario to practice. 9. Phyllis Ketchabaw, Clerk, Town of Aylmer, with a resolution objecting to County Council's adoption of the Road Network Study on July 23, 2002. 10. Ken Verrell, Chairperson, Seniors Picnic Committee 2002, thanking County Council for the donation towards the 2002 Seniors Picnic and asking that a donation be considered for the 2003 event. 11. Warden Wilson with a "draft" letter to the Minister of Transportation regarding Provincial Detours and Deteriorating Local Roads. 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 respectfully requests the Honourable Gar Knutson to intercede on behalf of the Talbot Settlement Bi-Centennial Committee in its request for funding to the Department of Public Works and Government Services Canada, through its "Canada Work Mark Program", to provide notification regarding the status of its request for the Re- enactment of the Founding and Raids on the Talbot Settlement, to be held May 21-25, 2003. - Carried. Moved by Councillor Habkirk Seconded by Councillor VanBrenk THAT Correspondence Item #2 be received and filed. - Carried. The following recommendation was adopted respecting Correspondence Item #3: Moved by Councillor Habkirk Seconded by Councillor McPhail THAT the Council of the County of Elgin supports the resolution of the Municipality of Leamington requesting that the Ministry of the Environment re-establish an Environmental Compensation Fund to reimburse municipalities for the clean up of spills once other funding sources have been exhausted. - Carried. Moved by Councillor Mcintyre Seconded by Councillor McPhail THAT Correspondence Item #4 be received and filed. - Carried. The following recommendation was adopted respecting Correspondence Item #5: Moved by Councillor VanBrenk Seconded by Councillor McPhail THAT the Council of the County of Elgin supports the resolution of the Municipality of Hastings Highlands requesting the Province of Ontario to re-introduce the spring bear hunt. - Carried. County Council 10 September 10 , 2002 Moved by Councillor VanBrenk Seconded by Councillor Faulds THAT Correspondence Item #6 be received and filed. - Carried. Moved by Councillor McPhail Seconded by Councillor Mcintyre THAT Correspondence Item #7 be received and filed. - Carried. The following recommendation was adopted respecting Correspondence Item #8: Moved by Councillor Habkirk Seconded by Councillor Faulds THAT the Council of the County of Elgin supports the resolution of the City of Weiland urging the Government of Ontario to address the issues restricting Ontario- trained doctors to gain re-entry to the provincial system and practice in Ontario. - Carried. Correspondence Item #9 was dealt with earlier in the meeting. The following recommendation was adopted respecting Correspondence Item #10: Moved by Councillor Habkirk Seconded by Councillor Mcintyre THAT the County of Elgin grant $2500.00 to the Seniors Picnic Committee for the 2003 Seniors Picnic event. - Carried. The following recommendation was adopted respecting Correspondence Item #11 : Moved by Councillor McPhail Seconded by Councillor VanBrenk THAT in view of the Minister of Transportation's disinterest in resolving the negative effects of provincial detours onto local roadways the Manager of Engineering Services be directed to investigate imposing weight restrictions on County Roads lying near Highway #401 and report to Council on the feasibility and practicality of enforcing said policy; and, THAT the Minister of Transportation be so advised; and, THAT a copy of this resolution be forwarded to Elgin's constituent municipalities and the Western Ontario Wardens' Association. - Carried Unanimously. Moved by Councillor VanBrenk Seconded by Councillor Mcintyre THAT the letter from Warden Wilson to the Minister of Transportation expressing displeasure with the treatment he received from the Minister at the AMO Conference regarding discussion of provincial detours and deteriorating local roads be accepted. - Carried. County Council 11 September 10 , 2002 Correspondence for Information 1. AMO Member Communication - For Your Information: 1) Province Offers Relief From Waterworks Requirements; 2) New Signals from the Federal Government; 3) AMO Appoints Representatives for Waste Diversion Organization Board; 4) AMO President Ken Boshcoff Launches Three-Point Action Plan; 5) Another Successful AMO Annual Conference and Changes at AMO. AMO Member Communication - ALERT: 1) $32.5 Million Announced to Improve Ambulance Response Times; 2) AMO's Efforts Assist Victims of Crime. 2. Steve Peters, M.P.P., Elgin-Middlesex-London, supporting Council's resolutions to: 1) Honourable Brad Clark, Minister of Labour, to increase the minimum wage to $8.00 per hour; 2) Honourable Robert Runciman, Minister of Public Safety and Security, regarding public fire safety guideline 04-08-12; 3) Honourable Tony Clement, Minister of Health and Long-Term Care, concerning the 15 per cent increase to residents of long-term care facilities; 4) Honourable Janet Ecker, Minister of Finance, regarding the tax-capping scheme of Bill 140 - Taxation Capping Provisions for Commercial, Industrial and Multi-Residential Taxes. 3. Honourable Tim Hudak, Minister of Consumer and Business Services, acknowledging Council's support of the Township of North Himsworth resolution petitioning the Government to permit Municipal Governments and BoardslCommittees to accept lottery proceeds to be used for charitable purposes. 4. Emily Thomas, SecretarylTreasurer, St. Thomas REACT Inc., thanking Council for the one-time grant of $2,500.00, for upgrading of equipment. 5. Honourable Elizabeth Witmer, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Education, acknowledging Council's resolution concerning closure of schools in rural communities. 6. Honourable Robert W. Runciman, Minister of Public Safety and Security, acknowledging Council's resolution regarding the need for tougher laws to combat youth crime. 7. Honourable Norman W. Sterling, Minister of Transportation: 1) acknowledging Council's support of the Town of Haileybury's resolution requesting compensation for costs incurred when highway traffic is detoured onto municipal streets; 2) acknowledging Council's resolution requesting compensation for costs incurred when Highway 401 traffic was detoured onto County Roads. 8. Jack Layton, FCM President, Co-Chair, FCM National Housing Policy Options Team, Federation of Canadian Municipalities, thanking municipal governments for support of the FCM housing and homelessness efforts. 9. Mayor Dave Rock, Municipality of Central Elgin, thanking Warden Wilson, Elgin County Council and staff for the support and extra work during the recent World Youth Day - Days in the Diocese event. 10. W.E. Turvey, thanking Council for the donation of the County flag for use at functions he will be attending with the fire truck. 11. Honourable Chris Stockwell, Minister of Environment and Energy, acknowledging Council's correspondence concerning funding for repairlreplacement of private septic systems. 12. Federation of Canadian Municipalities, Membership Advisory, "FCM Ten-Point Proposal Toward a Partnership for Quality of Life". 13. Honourable Jerry J. Quellette, Minister of Natural Resources, acknowledging Council's support of the Town of Minto's resolution concerning baitfish management in streams and rivers. 14. Norma I. Bryant, Clerk, Municipality of West Elgin, supporting the County of Elgin's resolution encouraging the Ontario Government to maintain Children's Hospitals in their current locations. County Council 12 September 10 , 2002 15. Thank you card from the Family of the late Lorne Carroll. 16. St. Thomas REACT Inc. Newsletter. 17. Honourable Helen Johns, Minister of Agriculture and Food, acknowledging Council's support of the Town of Lakeshore's resolution regarding the Tile Loan Program. 18. Phyllis Ketchabaw, Clerk, Town of Aylmer, supporting Council's resolution to maintain Children's Hospitals in their current locations throughout the Province of Ontario. 19. Steve Peters, M. P. P., Elgin-Middlesex-London, with explanation for voting in opposition to Bill 30 The Volunteer Fire Fighters Employment Protection Act, 2002. Moved by Councillor Habkirk Seconded by Councillor Crevits THAT Correspondence Items #1-19 be received and filed. - Carried. OTHER BUSINESS Statements/lnQuiries by Members Councillor Mcintyre noted that acquisition of land for road widening purposes is paid at farmland rate but may include property designated as rural residential, and requested that the policy on land purchase be reviewed. Moved by Councillor Mcintyre Seconded by Councillor VanBrenk THAT the County of Elgin's Land Purchasing Policy be reviewed to ensure fairness of the price to be paid for property acquired for road widening purposes when there is a residence on farmland. - Carried. Councillor Habkirk thanked Councillors for their kind words and best wishes during his recent illness. Notice of Motion - None. Matters of UrQency - None. Moved by Councillor McPhail Seconded by Councillor Mcintyre THAT we do proceed In-Camera to discuss property and personnel issues. - Carried. Councillor Crevits declared a conflict of interest on a property matter, as he is an employee of the proposer. Mr. Dan Higgs attended at 2:00 P.M. Councillor Crevits left Chambers at 2:02 P.M., returned at 2:10 P.M. and refrained from discussion or voting on a property matter. Staff except for the Chief Administrative Officer was excused at 3:21 P.M. Council took a break at 3:21 P.M. and reconvened at 3:35 P.M. The Deputy Clerk returned to Chambers at 4:20 P.M. County Council 13 September 10 , 2002 Moved by Councillor Mcintyre Seconded by Councillor VanBrenk THAT we do now rise and report. - Carried. Moved by Councillor VanBrenk Seconded by Councillor Stewart THAT the Corporation of the County of Elgin grant permission to an interested individual to discuss matters affecting the Port Stanley Harbour with the Federal Government provided the County is kept apprised of the status of the negotiations. - Carried. Moved by Councillor Mcintyre Seconded by Councillor McPhail THAT the Warden and the Chief Administrative Officer be authorized and directed to sign a lease agreement with Dalland Ontario to lease Room #345 (615 sq. ft.) on the third floor of the Administration Building for a two (2) year at $13.00 per square foot, to be renovated as per County policy; and, THAT Dalland Ontario be permitted to temporarily occupy Room #236 on the second floor of the Administration Building at $250.00 per month until the 3rd floor space has been renovated. - Carried. Moved by Councillor Habkirk Seconded by Councillor Faulds THAT the County of Elgin lease 7,800 square feet, beginning September 1,2002, at 449 Talbot Street for $2,500 per month, inclusive of all utilities, for the temporary relocation of the Elgin County Pioneer Museum; and, THAT the Warden and the Chief Administrative Officer be directed and authorized to sign a lease agreement with Farhi Holdings Corporation. - Carried. Moved by Councillor Habkirk Seconded by Councillor Crevits THAT the report entitled Compliance Reports - Quality of Resident Care at Terrace Lodge dated August 27,2002 from the Director of Homes and Seniors Services be approved; and, THAT the Director of Homes and Seniors Services provide progress reports to Council about the quality of resident care at Terrace Lodge and the other Homes on a quarterly basis, or more frequently as the need warrants. - Carried. Moved by Councillor VanBrenk Seconded by Councillor Faulds THAT the report entitled Staff and Resident Suggestions for Unallocated Surplus dated August 29, 2002 from the Director of Homes and Seniors Services be received and filed. - Carried. County Council 14 September 10 , 2002 Moved by Councillor Habkirk Seconded by Councillor Crevits THAT the letter from the County Solicitor regarding the Whitelock Estate and presenting a course of action be approved. - Carried. Moved by Councillor Stewart Seconded by Councillor Mcintyre THAT County Council hold a Special "In-Camera" meeting on Tuesday, September 1ih, 2002, commencing at 10:00 AM. to discuss human resources planning matters. - Carried. Moved by Councillor VanBrenk Seconded by Councillor McPhail THAT staff be directed to investigate appropriate recognition for the County of Elgin Town Crier. - Carried. Moved by Councillor Stewart Seconded by Councillor Faulds That we do now adopt recommendations of the Committee Of The Whole Council. - Carried. Council consensus was that the October meeting be held on October 29th, 2002 at 9:00 AM. BY-LAWS Moved by Councillor VanBrenk Seconded by Councillor Stewart THAT By-Law 02-20 "A By-Law to Amend By-Law No. 99-17, Adopting a Plan of County Road Improvement and Establishing a County Road System in the County of Elgin" be read a first and second time. - Carried. Moved by Councillor Mcintyre Seconded by Councillor Stewart THAT By-Law No. 02-20 be read a third time and finally passed. - Carried. Moved by Councillor VanBrenk Seconded by Councillor Faulds THAT By-Law No. 02-21 "Being a By-Law to Designate Through Highways" be read a first and second time. - Carried. Moved by Councillor Crevits Seconded by Councillor Faults THAT By-Law No. 02-21 be read a third time and finally passed. - Carried. County Council 15 September 10 , 2002 Moved by Councillor Mcintyre Seconded by Councillor McPhail THAT By-Law No. 02-22 "A By-Law to Confirm Proceedings of the Municipal Council of the Corporation of the County of Elgin at the September 10th, 2002 Meeting" be read a first and second time. - Carried. Moved by Councillor VanBrenk Seconded by Councillor Stewart THAT By-Law No. 02-22 be read a third time and finally passed. - Carried. Moved by Councillor VanBrenk Seconded by Councillor Mcintyre THAT we do now adjourn at 4:42 P.M. to meet again on September 1ih, 2002 at 10:00 AM. - Carried. Mark G. McDonald, Chief Administrative Officer. John R. Wilson, Warden.