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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 County Council 2 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. County Council 3 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, County Council 4 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: County Council 5 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. County Council 6 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. County Council 7 April 8, 2003