April 8, 2003 Minutes
COUNTY OF ELGIN
Tuesday, April 8, 2003
The Elgin County Council met this day at the Administration Building, at 1 :08 P.M. in
accordance with adjournment, with all members present.
Warden Wilson in the Chair
Moved by Councillor Mcintyre
Seconded by Councillor Stewart
THAT the minutes from the meeting held on March 25,2003 be adopted.
- Carried.
DISCLOSURE OF PECUNIARY INTEREST AND THE GENERAL NATURE THEREOF-
None.
Presentations
Warden Wilson presented a framed certificate to OPP Constable Dennis Harwood in
recognition of his years of service to the Elgin Community, and wished him well with his
duties at the Oxford County OPP detachment. Constable Harwood thanked Council for
the presentation and commented on his involvement with the Elgin municipalities.
Constable Harwood left at 1 :15 P.M.
Moved by Councillor Faulds
Seconded by Councillor Rock
THAT we do now move into Committee Of The Whole Council.
- Carried.
REPORTS
2003 Proposed BudQet Update - Director of Financial Services
The Director of Financial Services presented the highlights of the draft 2003 Composite
Budget which amounted to an increase to the 2002 levy of $755,402 or 5.19%, and
cautioned that reductions to the Capital budget would result in a shortfall of over $1 M in
2004.
Moved by Councillor VanBrenk
Seconded by Councillor Rock
THAT the report titled "2003 Proposed Budget Update" dated April 1, 2003, from the
Director of Financial Services be received and filed.
- Carried.
The Director of Financial Services reviewed the changes made to the 2003 Proposed
Budget by Council on March 25th and reviewed each of the 2003 Proposed Departmental
Budgets and line items. Council noted that a calculation error had been made to the
Homes Capital Budget of $100,000 and the total would increase by that amount. Many
questions were asked by Councillors regarding efficiencies, capital projects, deferrals,
programs provided, as well as the ever-increasing expenditures for our Long-Term Care
facilities. Council consensus was to review the Homes Capital Budgets item by item.
Council began review of the Terrace Lodge and Bobier Villa Budgets and the Director of
Homes & Seniors Services answered questions regarding Terrace Lodge proposed
walkways and gazebos, resident room lighting, in-ground sprinkler system, and
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April 8, 2003
replacement of old pipes. This resulted in discussion of long range planning for Terrace
Lodge and modernization efforts to keep the Home operating for the next 10-15 years.
Council took a break at 3:03 P.M. and reconvened at 3:20 P.M.
Moved by Councillor VanBrenk
Seconded by Councillor Habkirk
THAT we do proceed In-Camera to discuss personnel and property matters.
- Carried.
Moved by Councillor Stewart
Seconded by Councillor Faulds
THAT we do now rise and report.
- Carried.
Moved by Councillor VanBrenk
Seconded by Councillor
THAT the 2003 County Composite Budget be approved representing an increase of 4.99%
over 2002; and,
THAT staff be directed to propose a method of prioritizing items to obtain said increase
taking into account Council's instructions and report to the next meeting.
- Carried.
Staff was directed to revisit the proposed restorative care program, and to remove
proposed walkways and gazebos at Terrace Lodge and Bobier Villa, and an in-ground
sprinkler system for Terrace Lodge from the proposed budget. A compliance matter at
Terrace Lodge would be examined as part of a comprehensive plan for renovations to the
facility and staff will report on costing for hiring of consultants to review the issues.
Moved by Councillor Habkirk
Seconded by Councillor Crevits
THAT the balance of the confidential report entitled "Human Resources Plan for the New
Elgin Manor" deferred from the March 25, 2003 Council meeting be further deferred to
April 22,2003 Council meeting.
- Carried.
Moved by Councillor McPhail
Seconded by Councillor Faulds
THAT the report entitled "Annual Ministry Review of Terrace Lodge" dated April 4,2003 be
deferred to the April 22,2003 Council meeting.
- Carried.
Moved by Councillor Habkirk
Seconded by Councillor VanBrenk
THAT the confidential report on the Communication Plan at the Homes and the Draft Open
Letter be approved.
- Carried.
Moved by Councillor Faulds
Seconded by Councillor Stewart
THAT a confidential Human Resources issue as described by the Chief Administrative
Officer be received and filed.
- Carried.
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April 8, 2003
Volunteer Week - Director of Homes & Seniors Services
Council consensus was that the Auxiliaries may wish to have three luncheons in
recognition of Volunteer Week, as is usually done, and one combined dinner may not be
appropriate. Staff was directed to revisit the matter and that funding should come out of
the Homes 2003 budget.
Moved by Councillor VanBrenk
Seconded by Councillor Rock
THAT the report entitled "Volunteer Week" dated April 4, 2003 from the Director of Homes
and Seniors Services be received and filed.
- Carried.
CORRESPONDENCE FOR CONSIDERATION
1. Sandra Pupatello, MPP Windsor West, Deputy Leader and Health Critic, Ontario
Liberal Party, requesting support that the Ernie Eves Government provide funding
and provincial standards for the West Nile Virus. (deferred from March 25, 2003)
2. Municipality of Central Elgin, requesting support for their resolution expressing
opposition to the proposal to permit shotgun deer hunting in Wildlife Management
Unit 92.
3. Wendy Cook, Legal Services Department, City of Brampton, with a resolution
concerning the need to control and remediate the effects of the "Emerald Ash Borer".
4. Randy Millard, C.AO.lClerk, Township of Malahide, with a resolution concerning the
decision by the Premier and his government to present the Budget outside of
Parliament.
5. David Aristone, Clerk, Township of Southwold, with a resolution concerning proposed
changes to the deer hunt to include shotguns.
The following recommendation was adopted respecting Correspondence Item #1 :
Moved by Councillor Mcintyre
Seconded by Councillor McPhail
THAT Correspondence Item #1 be further deferred until the issue is dealt with at a Health
Unit Board meeting.
- Carried.
Warden Wilson requested Councillor Rock act as Chair for discussion of Correspondence
Items #2 and #5.
Councillor Wilson introduced a resolution regarding Muzzle-Loader Hunting in Wildlife
Management Units (WMU) #91 and #92.
Moved by Warden Wilson
Seconded by Councillor Stewart
WHEREAS hunter participation in WMU #91 and #92 has grown steadily since the
introduction of muzzle-loader hunting in 1978; and,
WHEREAS hunters are required to seek permission to hunt on private lands; and,
WHEREAS issues of unwarranted trespassing on private lands has not been prevalent in
most cases; and,
WHEREAS the Ministry of Natural Resources is considering the introduction of shotgun
hunting in WMU #91 and #92 as a means of controlling deer populations in the area; and,
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April 8, 2003
WHEREAS the introduction of shotgun hunting will increase hunter participation and the
likelihood of trespassing on private lands; and,
WHEREAS cutbacks in Conservation Officer Personnel have occurred making enforcement
of Trespassing and Hunting Regulations more difficult and onerous; and,
WHEREAS the shotguns generally allow three rounds to be shot without reloading and
muzzle-loaders permit a single shot; and,
WHEREAS the use of shotguns may result in more wounded deer and a greater likelihood
of accidents since less skill is required to shoot as compared to a single-shot muzzle-
loader; and,
WHEREAS it is widely known that more and more landowners are prohibiting hunting on
their lands; and,
WHEREAS the introduction of shotgun hunting will increase hunter participation on an
already diminishing opportunity to gain permission to hunt on private land;
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that Elgin County Council hereby objects to the
introduction of shotgun hunting in Wildlife Management Unit #91 and #92 as it will increase
the likelihood of wounding deer; it will escalate conflict between landowner and hunter; it
will raise the incidence of hunting accidents; it will put greater demands on conservation
officers and law enforcement personnel who must enforce trespassing; and, it will upset a
well-established relationship amongst hunters, landowners and natural resources (deer) in
Elgin County; and further,
THAT the Ministry of Natural Resources consider introducing a January hunting season for
muzzle-loaders or allow two tags per hunter or lengthen the current seasons as a means
of reducing the deer population in the area; and,
THAT copies of this resolution be sent to the Minister of Natural Resources, local
municipalities, local M.P.P., Mr. Bert Johnson, M.P.P., Perth-Middlesex, and other
stakeholders who may be affected by the introduction of shotgun hunting in Elgin County.
- Carried Unanimously.
The following recommendation was adopted respecting Correspondence Items #2 and #5:
Moved by Councillor VanBrenk
Seconded by Councillor McPhail
THAT Elgin County Council supports the resolutions from the Municipality of Central Elgin
and the Township of Southwold opposing the Ministry of Natural Resources proposal to
permit shotgun use for deer hunting.
- Carried.
Warden Wilson assumed the Chair.
The following recommendation was adopted respecting Correspondence Item #3:
Moved by Councillor Habkirk
Seconded by Councillor Faulds
THAT Elgin County Council supports the City of Brampton's resolution urging the
appropriate Provincial Government Ministries to develop a comprehensive strategy to
control and remediate the effects of the "Emerald Ash Borer".
- Carried.
The following recommendation was adopted respecting Correspondence Item #4:
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April 8, 2003
Moved by Councillor Habkirk
Seconded by Councillor Stewart
THAT Correspondence Item #4 be received and filed.
- Carried.
CORRESPONDENCE FOR INFORMATION - (CONSENT AGENDA)
1. AMCTO Express - 1) Education Tax Rates, Tax Ratios and Municipal Levy
Adjustments; 2) Provincial Budget Highlights - Municipal Implications.
2. Steve Peters, M.P.P., Elgin-Middlesex-London, supporting Council's resolutions to:
1) Honourable Frank Klees, Minister of Transportation and Honourable David
Collenette, Minister of Transport, regarding halting dismantling of the Canada
Southern Railway CAS) line between St. Thomas and Attercliffe; 2) Honourable
James Flaherty, Minister of Enterprise, Opportunity and Innovation, and Honourable
Brad Clark, Minister of Labour, regarding development of an auto strategy for Canada.
3. ROMAlOGRA Combined Conference $mart Strategies for Municipal Services,
thanking Council members for attending the 2003 Conference and advising
information from the Conference is available.
4. Diana Player, Secretary 2003 Committee, Talbot Settlement Bi-Centennial Planning
Committee, with information concerning plans for the 200th anniversary of the
founding of Talbot Settlement.
5. Todd Sleeper, President, NOAH Conservation Club and Upper Thames River
Conservation Authority, with information regarding the 4th Annual Thames River
Clean Up.
6. Ernie Hardeman, M.P.P. Oxford, with copy of correspondence to the Honourable
Elizabeth Witmer, Minister of Education, concerning the request for a review of the
existing jurisdiction of the Thames Valley District School Board and its ability to
deliver education to students at rural and urban schools.
7. Thank you card from the Ronald K. McNeil family.
8. Municipal Finance Officers' Association of Ontario, Members Bulletin.
9. Norma I. Bryant, Clerk, Municipality of West Elgin, requesting the County look at the
intersection of Downie Line and Furnival Road on the next road tour.
10. Resolutions supporting the County of Elgin's resolution concerning the "School Work
Transition Program" 1) Phyllis Ketchabaw, Clerk, Town of Aylmer
2) Dianne Wilson, Deputy Clerk, Municipality of Central Elgin.
Moved by Councillor Habkirk
Seconded by Councillor Stewart
THAT Correspondence Items #1-10 be received and filed.
- Carried.
Warden Wilson spoke to the article in a recent publication of the Woodstock Sentinel
Review regarding School Board Trustees taking note of rural school issues.
OTHER BUSINESS
Statements/InQuiries by Members
Councillor Habkirk requested that the County permit Aylmer to erect Community Safety
Zone signs on John Street in Aylmer on Town property. Councillor VanBrenk requested a
report be conducted on this section of roadway to determine the need for the signage.
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April 8, 2003
Councillor Habkirk noted that Budget discussions were very difficult this year and
suggested a special session be held in September to review the 2003 budget and to look
at projections for 2004
Notice of Motion - None.
Matters of UrQency - None.
Moved by Councillor Rock
Seconded by Councillor VanBrenk
THAT we do adopt the recommendations of the Committee Of The Whole Council.
- Carried.
BY-LAWS
Moved by Councillor VanBrenk
Seconded by Councillor Rock
THAT By-Law No. 03-14 "Being A By-Law to Provide for the Adoption of the 2003 Budget
of the Corporation of the County of Elgin" be read a first and second time.
- Carried.
Moved by Councillor Rock
Seconded by Councillor Habkirk
THAT By-Law No. 03-14 be read a first and second time.
- Carried.
Moved by Councillor Faulds
Seconded by Councillor Stewart
THAT By-Law No. 03-15 "A By-Law to Confirm Proceedings of the Municipal Council of the
Corporation of the County of Elgin at the April 8, 2003 Meeting" be read a first and second
time.
- Carried.
Moved by Councillor VanBrenk
Seconded by Councillor Faulds
THAT By-Law No. 03-15 be read a first and second time.
- Carried.
The Chief Administrative Officer noted the IBI report on Land Ambulance Service would be
sent by courier shortly to Council to allow for review prior to the next meeting.
Moved by Councillor VanBrenk
Seconded by Councillor Crevits
THAT we do now adjourn at 5:40 P.M. to meet again on April 22,2003 at 9:00 AM.
- Carried.
Mark G. McDonald,
Chief Administrative Officer.
John R. Wilson,
Warden.
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April 8, 2003