September 24, 2002 Minutes
COUNTY OF ELGIN
Tuesday, September 24, 2002
The Elgin County Council met this day at the Administration Building, at 9:06 AM. in
accordance with adjournment, with all members in attendance except Councillor Crevits.
Warden Wilson in the Chair.
Moved by Councillor Habkirk
Seconded by Councillor Mcintyre
THAT the minutes of the meeting held on September 10, 2002 be adopted.
- Carried.
DISCLOSURE OF PECUNIARY INTEREST AND THE GENERAL NATURE THEREOF-
None.
DELEGATION
Ms. Karen Chan, Director, Ontario's Promise, attended at 9: 10 A M. to present background
information on "The Partnership for Children and Youth - Ontario's Promise". Ms. Chan
presented a short video which outlined the five promises to Ontario's children: a healthy
start; an adult who cares; safe places to learn and grow; the tools to succeed and a
chance to make a difference. Ms. Chan left information packages and Warden Wilson
requested that the Councillors refer the handout to their local Councils for discussion.
Warden Wilson thanked the delegation for attending and Ms. Chan left at 9:35 AM.
Moved by Councillor Rock
Seconded by Councillor Habkirk
THAT we do now move into Committee Of The Whole Council.
- Carried.
REPORTS
Application for Minor Exception. Lot 4. Concession 7. Township of Malahide - Tree
CommissionerlWeed Inspector
The Tree Commissioner explained that the two areas, totaling 0.22 hectares, would be
cleared to create an area for tee-off blocks for a proposed golf course. The neighbours
and Catfish Creek have been contacted and have no concerns. There will be 375 trees
replanted around the golf course to replace those removed.
Moved by Councillor Faulds
Seconded by Councillor VanBrenk
THAT the application for Minor Exception to the Trees Act from Mr. Karl Row, Lot 4,
Concession 7, Township of Malahide, to clear approximately 0.22 hectares of woodlands
for the construction of a golf course be approved, subject to 375 trees being replanted or
an equivalent donation being made to a local conservation heritage association.
- Carried.
The Tree Commissioner left at 9:43 AM.
Thames Valley District Health Council - Annual Report- Councillor Habkirk
Councillor Habkirk noted that in seven of the past fourteen years an Elgin County resident
has been named Chair of the Thames Valley District Health Council. Councillor Habkirk
reported that the St. Thomas-Elgin General Hospital is on the list for possible designation
as a stroke protocol centre.
County Council
2
September 24, 2002
Moved by Councillor VanBrenk
Seconded by Councillor Stewart
THAT the annual report of the Thames Valley District Health Council be received and filed.
- Carried.
EIQin-St. Thomas Health Unit Annual Report - Councillor Mcintyre
Councillor Mcintyre highlighted various items of the report and it was noted that the Health
Unit hopes the community will take advantage of the free flu shots offered.
Moved by Councillor Rock
Seconded by Councillor Faulds
THAT the annual report of the Elgin-St. Thomas Health Unit be received and filed.
- Carried.
Warden's BanQuet
Councillor Rock presented the 2002 Warden's Banquet report.
Moved by Councillor VanBrenk
Seconded by Councillor Mcintyre
THAT the annual Warden's Banquet be held at the Springfield Lion's Club Hall on Friday,
November 15, 2002, with the social hour from 5:30 - 6: 15 p.m. and the banquet beginning
at 6:30 p.m.; and,
THAT all other costs and items be approved as detailed on the attached spreadsheet; and,
THAT the charge for each purchased ticket be set at $15.00, to cover the cost of the meal,
taxes and gratuities; and further,
THAT County Councillors and Officials dress in standard Council attire.
- Carried.
Council took a break at 9:58 AM. and reconvened at 10:11 AM.
EnQineerinQ Services for Terrace LodQe Home for the AQed - ManaQer of
EnQineerinQ Services
The Manager of Engineering Services advised that staff had met with the low tenderer,
checked references and is satisfied the firm can meet the requirements of the job. The
building is heated by electricity and the possibility of changing to natural gas would be
considered in the engineering analysis.
Moved by Councillor Habkirk
Seconded by Councillor Faulds
THAT Peter T. Mitches & Associates Limited be awarded the contract for Engineering
Services for heating, ventilation, air conditioning, automatic sprinkler systems, fire alarm,
and voice communications at Terrace Lodge at their price of $40,874.00; and also,
THAT $10,000.00 from the approved Capital budget for engineering services be allocated
to a legal survey of Terrace Lodge which will include the building and service locations
(water, sewage, etc.).
- Carried.
County Council
3
September 24, 2002
Museum Renovation Contract - ManaQer of EnQineerinQ Services
The Manager of Engineering Services noted that the scope of work originally planned has
changed greatly in order to make the entire building accessible to disabled persons.
Consensus was that the entire project needs to be revisited to address accessibility issues
and to determine whether the building structure could handle the significant amount of
renovations it would take to bring the facility into compliance and whether the cost to do
the project would be feasible.
Moved by Councillor Habkirk
Seconded by Councillor VanBrenk
THAT a working group be established to examine the Museum Renovation project in detail
and report back to Council by November 1; and,
THAT the report from the Manager of Engineering Services dated September 5, 2002
entitled Museum Renovation Contract be approved.
- Carried.
V.O.N. Volunteer ProQrams - EIQin. Dinner and Silent Auction - Director of Homes
and Seniors Services
Moved by Councillor Faulds
Seconded by Councillor Rock
THAT the Warden, on behalf of County Council, forward one (1) copy of the Tremaine's
Atlas, signed by County Councillors, to the Victorian Order of Nurses Volunteer Programs
- Elgin, for their 5th Annual Dinner and Silent Auction to be held on October 18, 2002.
- Carried.
EIQin Manor Redevelopment Process - Director of Homes and Seniors Services
The Director of Homes and Seniors Services report that she is working with the Thames
Valley District Health Council to identify a possible use for the undesignated 15 bed unit at
the new Elgin Manor. Possibilities are: a stroke protocol unit, palliative care, respite care
or some other service that would not duplicate a program already available in the
community.
Moved by Councillor Habkirk
Seconded by Councillor Rock
THAT the report "Elgin Manor Redevelopment Process", dated September 13,2002,
presented by the Director of Homes and Seniors Serviced be approved as presented.
- Carried.
FundinQ IneQuities in LonQ-Term Care - Director of Homes and Seniors Services
Moved by Councillor Faulds
Seconded by Councillor VanBrenk
THAT the Warden, on behalf of County Council, forward the "Funding Inequities in Long-
Term Care, June 2002 Backgrounder", as provided by the Ontario Association of Non-
Profit Homes and Services for Seniors, to our M.P.P., Mr. Steve Peters, to present to the
Provincial Government prior to its 2003 budget discussions.
- Carried Unanimously.
County Council
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September 24, 2002
Ontario Works - July 31. 2002 - Director of Financial Services
The Director of Financial Services advised Council that the City of St. Thomas has over-
invoiced the County by $77,709 for Ontario Works programs. The City will reduce the next
invoice to the County by this amount and will take a look at their estimation practices to
avoid potential over-payments in the future.
Moved by Councillor Mcintyre
Seconded by Councillor Rock
THAT the report "Ontario Works - July 31,2002", dated September 12,2002, presented
by the Director of Financial Services, be received and filed.
- Carried.
Rodney Ambulance Service Ltd. 2002 BudQet - Director of Financial Services
Moved by Councillor Rock
Seconded by Councillor Stewart
THAT the dollars apportioned to the Rodney Ambulance Service Ltd. in the 2002 approved
budget for ambulance services be reduced by $9,115 from $789,540 to $780,425; and,
THAT the monthly payments to Rodney Ambulance Service be reduced to recover any
overpayments to date; and,
THAT the City of St. Thomas be apprised of the reduction to the budgeted amount.
- Carried.
EIQin Tourist Association - TODS SiQnaQe - Director of Financial Services
Councillors noted that the signage on the 401 is difficult to see and the depictions on the
signs are too "busy". Discussion ensued regarding the sign format and investigation of the
location on the 401 for 2003. The County's representative on the Elgin Tourist Association
Board will be requested to discuss this issue with the Board.
Moved by Councillor Habkirk
Seconded by Councillor McPhail
THAT the County of Elgin reimburse St. Thomas-Elgin Tourist Association annual TODS
signage maintenance fees for the year 2002, at the customary 60/40% split; and,
THAT, since these signs specifically advertise the City and County, that the St. Thomas-
Elgin Tourist Association be encouraged to contact the City of St. Thomas to receive
reimbursement for the City's share of the cost.
- Carried.
Interim Report for 2002 Capital Projects - AccountinQ Clerk. Financial Services
Moved by Councillor VanBrenk
Seconded by Councillor Mcintyre
THAT the "Interim Report for 2002 Capital Projects" dated September 12,2002, from the
Director of Financial Services be received and filed.
- Carried
Archives - Grand OpeninQ and Reference Room Hours - Archivist
The Archivist announced that the Grand Opening for the new Archives facility is set for
November 8,2002 at 1 :30 P.M. Additional details of the Opening will be forwarded at a
future date.
County Council
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September 24, 2002
Moved by Councillor Habkirk
Seconded by Councillor Faulds
THAT the Grand Opening of the Elgin County Archives take place on Friday, November
8th, 2002 at 1 :30 P.M.; and,
THAT the Archives Reference Room be open to the public commencing the week of
November 11th, 2002, during the following hours:
Monday
Tuesday
- by appointment only between 10:00 AM. and 4:00 P.M.
- 10:00 AM. - 4:00 P.M.
- 6:00 P.M. to 9:00 P.M. (by appointment only)
Wednesday - 10:00 AM. - 4:00 P.M.
Thursday - 10:00 AM. - 4:00 P.M.
Friday - 10:00 AM. - 4:00 P.M.
- Carried Unanimously.
Corporate Software Review - ManaQer of Information TechnoloQies
The Manager of Information Technologies reported that each department would be
surveyed to determine their software requirements and a report would be forthcoming.
Moved by Councillor Habkirk
Seconded by Councillor Faulds
THAT the Manager of Information Technologies be authorized to initiate a Corporate
software evaluation project that will begin by the end of September.
- Carried
IT Policy Update - ManaQer of Information TechnoloQies
The Manager of Information Services reported the policy requires revision to ensure IT
staff are the only persons installing or moving hardware. The sharing of IT related
information outside the Organization and protection for the type of systems being used
should be channeled through the IT Manager to survey the risks. Council directed staff to
review the proposed policies, as the wording is too severe and report further.
Moved by Councillor Rock
Seconded by Councillor VanBrenk
THAT the report "IT Policy Update" dated September 16,2002 from the Manager of
Information Technology be referred back to staff to review the proposed policies regarding
disciplinary and responsibility issues and report back to Council at a future meeting.
- Carried.
ParkinQ By-Law Update - EmerQency Measures Co-Ordinator
The Emergency Measures Co-Ordinator will report to the next meeting regarding the
development of a standard parking ticket and the process required for enforcement and
collection.
Moved by Councillor VanBrenk
Seconded by Councillor Mcintyre
THAT the report entitled "Parking By-Law Update" dated September 16,2002, from the
Emergency Measures Co-Ordinator, be received and filed.
- Carried.
County Council
6
September 24, 2002
Joint Accessibility Advisory Committee - Deputy Clerk
The Deputy Clerk noted that Committee minutes and information would be circulated to
lower-tier municipalities, which should assist them in developing their Municipal
Accessibility Plans. To date three applications have been received and staff will request
that local municipalities in the east-end of the County solicit interested applicants to make
committee representation "County-wide".
Moved by Councillor VanBrenk
Seconded by Councillor Stewart
THAT, subject to concurrence by the Council of the Municipality of Central Elgin, the
following five items are hereby approved:
1. THAT a joint ElginlCentral Elgin Accessibility Advisory Committee be established;
2. THAT the joint committee shall operate in accordance with the attached Terms of
Reference;
3. THAT committee members shall be reimbursed for their specialized travel
arrangements or paid mileage at $.35 per kilometer;
4. THAT no per diem shall be paid, as this is a voluntary advisory committee;
5. THAT all costs for the operation of the joint committee shall be shared on an equal
basis between the Municipality of Central Elgin and the County of Elgin; and,
THAT a budget be established for 2003 and amounts required for 2002 be acquired from
the Mill Rate Stabilization Reserve at an upset limit of $5,000.00 for the County's share of
Committee operations; and further,
THAT any resolution contrary to this be and is hereby rescinded.
- Carried.
CORRESPONDENCE
Correspondence for Consideration
1. Randy Millard, C.AO.lClerk, Township of Malahide, with a request to amend the
County speed limit by-law.
2. Ted Arnott, M.P.P., Waterloo-Wellington, requesting Council's support of Bill 30, the
Volunteer Firefighters Employment Protection Act.
3. Alderman John Schmal, President, Federation of Canadian Municipalities, requesting
support of a resolution calling on the Government of Canada to accelerate the
delivery of its Clean Air Agenda.
4. Carolyn Downs, Manager Council Support/City Clerk, City of Kingston, with a
resolution regarding the Hay West Initiative.
The following recommendation was adopted respecting Correspondence Item #1 :
The Manager of Engineering Services highlighted the issues regarding reducing the speed
limit and Council discussed the potential dangers and problems at the intersection.
Moved by Councillor Faulds
Seconded by Councillor Rock
THAT the County of Elgin amend its speed limit by-law to reflect 50 km per hour for an
appropriate distance east and west of the intersection of Avon Drive and Putnam Road
(County Road #37) in the Township of Malahide.
- Carried.
County Council
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September 24, 2002
The following recommendation was adopted respecting Correspondence Item #2:
Moved by Councillor Habkirk
Seconded by Councillor Stewart
THAT the Council of the County of Elgin supports the Private Member's Bill 30, the
Volunteer Firefighters Employment Protection Act.
- Carried.
The following recommendation was adopted respecting Correspondence Item #3.
Moved by Councillor Rock
Seconded by Councillor Habkirk
THAT the Council of the County of Elgin supports the Federation of Canadian
Municipalities' position that urges the Federal and Provincial Governments to enter into a
partnership with municipal governments to develop and implement programs and policies
to improve air quality; and,
THAT the Government of Canada follow through on their 2001 Speech from Throne to
make clean air a priority and deliver its "Clean Air Agenda".
- Carried.
The following recommendation was adopted respecting Correspondence Item #4.
Moved by Councillor Habkirk
Seconded by Councillor Faulds
THAT the Council of the County of Elgin supports the resolution of the City of Kingston
requesting FederallProvincialleadership in providing immediate assistance programs for
farmers effected by the recent drought conditions; and,
THAT the Federal Government consider documenting the relief efforts of the "Hay West"
initiative and using it as a basis to create a National Farm Plan to provide immediate
response to similar emergencies that may occur in any part of Canada.
- Carried.
Items for Information - (Consent AQenda)
1. The Honourable Ernie Eves, Premier of Ontario, acknowledging Council's
resolution concerning tax capping.
2. Martin Cauchon, Minister of Justice and Attorney General, acknowledging Councils'
support for the Township of North Himsworth's resolution to permit municipalities to
access funds raised through provincial lotteries and provincially-licensed lotteries.
3. AMO Member Communication "For Your Information" 1) Province Funds
Municipalities to "CERV" Communities Better During Emergencies with Volunteers; 2)
Province Proposes Safe Drinking Water Act;
AMO Member Communication "ALERT' 1) Government Moves Forward With $29
Million of EMS Funding.
4. Industry Canada, with information regarding Canada-Ontario Infrastructure Program
funded projects and the environmental mitigation measures and the assessment
screening of the Vienna South Bridge.
5. Honourable Tony Clement, Minister of Health and Long-Term Care, acknowledging
Council's resolution concerning widening the scope of practice for nurse practitioners.
County Council
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September 24, 2002
6. Lynda Millard, Clerk, Municipality of Bayham, supporting County Council's resolution
concerning the reduction of Court time at Provincial Offences Court by the Attorney
General for Ontario.
7. Marianne Berube, Ontario Director, Wood WORKS, with copy of correspondence to
the Honourable Allan Rock, Minister of Industry Canada thanking him for support
through Fed Nor funding.
8. The Honourable Lyle Vanclief, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, acknowledging
Council's support of the City of Kawartha's resolution concerning an enhanced long-
term safety net program to aid Ontario agricultural producers.
9. Sharon Larmour, Director of FinancelTreasurer, Municipality of Central Elgin,
forwarding payment of the reserve funds held for the Port Stanley Lift Bridge.
10. Dave R. McAdams, President, St. Thomas-Elgin Tourist Association, thanking County
staff for their co-operation and assistance to the Tourism Co-ordinator and members
of the Tourism Board.
11. Association of Municipalities of Ontario, with a registration form for the AMO 2002
Counties and Regions Conference.
12. The Honourable Chris Hodgson, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, with a
copy of "Ontario Smart Growth, A New Vision".
13. The Honourable Janet Ecker, Minister of Finance, and the Honourable Chris
Hodgson, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, with information concerning a
"Tax Incentive Zones" program for municipalities pursuing economic development
opportunities to meet Smart Growth opportunities.
14. National Guide to Sustainable Municipal Infrastructure, "Timely Preventive
Maintenance For Municipal Roads, A Primer and Deterioration and Inspection of
Water Distribution Systems'.
Moved by Councillor Habkirk
Seconded by Councillor VanBrenk
THAT Correspondence Items #1-14 be received and filed.
- Carried.
Warden Wilson read a light-hearted letter addressed to Councillor McPhail from a St.
Thomas resident regarding the site selection for the City Home for the Aged and
comments on the new Elgin Manor.
OTHER BUSINESS
StatementsllnQuiries by Members
Councillor Mcintyre commented on the Elgin County's Emergency Response Plan test
conducted last Tuesday and commended the Warden, Mayors and staff involved, as well
as volunteers, for their participation and attendance at the mock disaster.
Councillor Faulds noted that the Pioneer Museum is hosting a mystery evening "Murder by
the Book" at the Rosebery Place Bed and Breakfast at 7:00 P.M. on September 2ih and
requested a donation from the County for the "Silent Auction" being held.
Moved by Councillor McPhail
Seconded by Councillor VanBrenk
THAT the County of Elgin donate a signed Tremaine's Atlas for the Pioneer Museum
"Silent Auction" to be held on September 27,2002.
- Carried.
County Council
9
September 24, 2002
Councillor Rock apprised Council on the matter of the St. Thomas Elgin General Hospital
Ambulance Service not providing assistance with the 'automobile extrication simulation' at
the recent Fire Muster held in St. Thomas. He noted that Lambton EMS provided
assistance for this demonstration. Council directed staff to review provisions in the St.
Thomas Elgin General Hospital Ambulance Service Contract pertaining to "community
service" and contact the St. Thomas Elgin General Hospital Ambulance Service to review
the situation and report.
Notice of Motion - None.
Matters of UrQency - None.
Council recessed at 12:11 P.M. and reconvened at 1 :02 P.M.
Mr. John Wise and Mr. Cliff Baron attended at 1 :02 P.M. and left at 1 :34 P.M.
Moved by Councillor McPhail
Seconded by Councillor Faulds
THAT we do now proceed In-Camera to discuss property and personnel issues.
- Carried.
Moved by Councillor Mcintyre
Seconded by Councillor Rock
THAT we do now rise and report.
- Carried.
Moved by Councillor Habkirk
Seconded by Councillor Faulds
THAT a meeting be scheduled with the contractor and architect for Bobier Villa to discuss
building deficiencies and report back to Council; and also,
THAT the Warden, the Chief Administrative Officer, the Director of Homes and Seniors
Services, the Manager of Engineering Services, and the Corporate Facilities Officer attend
at this meeting.
- Carried.
Moved by Councillor Mcintyre
Seconded by Councillor VanBrenk
THAT the County of Elgin reimburse the landowner, without precedent or prejudice, the
amount of $415.85 for the application of a minor variance on County Road #22, Lot 8,
Concession 5, Municipality of Central Elgin; and also,
THAT the Manager of Engineering Services be directed to consult with the planners and
administrators of the municipalities, in order that the Official Plans and Zoning By-Laws
might be amended to reflect the right of way requirements for the County of Elgin, as this
would avoid the necessity for minor variances of this nature in the future.
- Carried.
Moved by Councillor Stewart
Seconded by Councillor Faulds
THAT the report entitled "Court Closures in Elgin" dated September 16, 2002 from the
Emergency Measures Co-Ordinator be received and filed.
- Carried.
County Council
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September 24, 2002
Moved by Councillor Rock
Seconded by Councillor Mcintyre
THAT the legal opinion from the County Solicitor regarding Temporary Closure of County
Roads for Highway 401 Emergencies be received and filed.
- Carried.
Moved by Councillor VanBrenk
Seconded by Councillor Stewart
THAT the recommendations of Committee Of The Whole Council be adopted.
- Carried.
BY-LAWS
Moved by Councillor Habkirk
Seconded by Councillor Faulds
THAT By-Law No. 02-24 "Being a By-Law to Authorize Rowe Energy Corporation
(Hereinafter Called 'The Grantee' and Which Term Shall Include Its Successors and
Assigns), to Construct, Use and Operate Works on County Road Allowances in the County
of Elgin (Hereinafter Called 'The County')" be read a first and second time.
- Carried.
Moved by Councillor VanBrenk
Seconded by Councillor McPhail
THAT By-Law No. 02-24 be read a third time and finally passed.
- Carried.
Moved by Councillor Faulds
Seconded by Councillor VanBrenk
THAT By-Law No. 02-25 "Being a By-Law to provide for the Operation of the Elgin County
Pioneer Museum" be read a first and second time.
- Carried.
Moved by Councillor Stewart
Seconded by Councillor Habkirk
THAT By-Law No. 02-25 be read a third time and finally passed.
- Carried.
Moved by Councillor Rock
Seconded by Councillor Habkirk
THAT By-law No. 02-26 "A By-Law to Confirm Proceedings of the Municipal Council of the
Corporation of the County of Elgin at the September 24th, 2002 Meeting" be read a first
and second time.
- Carried.
Moved by Councillor McPhail
Seconded by Councillor Faulds
THAT By-Law No. 02-26 be read a third time and finally passed.
- Carried.
County Council
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September 24, 2002
Warden Wilson noted that Information Meetings have been scheduled at the three Homes
on September 25th, 2002 and will report to Council on the outcome later.
Moved by Councillor VanBrenk
Seconded by Councillor Stewart
THAT we do now adjourn at 2: 19 P. M. to meet again for a special meeting on October
15th, 2002 at 1 :00 P.M.
- Carried.
Mark G. McDonald,
Chief Administrative Officer.
John R. Wilson,
Warden.