Loading...
January 14, 2003 Minutes COUNTY OF ELGIN Tuesday, January 14, 2003 The Elgin County Council met this day at the Administration Building, at 9: 1 0 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 Faulds THAT the minutes of the meeting held on December 10th and 1 ih, 2002 be adopted. - Carried. DISCLOSURE OF PECUNIARY INTEREST AND THE GENERAL NATURE THEREOF- None. DELEGATION Mr. Bryce Sibbick, Frank Cowan Company Ltd., attended at 9:10 AM. to present the County's 2003 Comprehensive Insurance Program. Mr. Sibbick noted that the County's insurance premium has increased by approximately 20% over 2002. The Cowan Company has recommended that the County increase its deductible to $10,000 on certain coverages. The report from the Deputy Clerk entitled 2003 Comprehensive Insurance Program was considered at this time. Council requested that Mr. Sibbick investigate the application of one deductible only, when an incident occurs on a County road that the municipality maintains, when the Frank Cowan Company insures both bodies. Mr. Sibbick agreed to investigate the co-insured deductible and report back in writing. Moved by Councillor Faulds Seconded by Councillor Stewart THAT the Frank Cowan Co. Ltd. be directed to increase the County's deductible for Municipal Liability; Errors & Omissions; Property (Buildings, Contents and Equipment), Boiler & Machinery; and Environmental Liability coverages to $10,000; and further, THAT the reductions in premiums realized from the increased deductible of $11 ,123 be placed in a reserve to help offset potential claims; and, THAT the County's Comprehensive Insurance Program for 2003 be renewed with the Frank Cowan Co. Ltd. in the amount of $159,504 plus taxes. - Carried. The Delegation left at 9:28 AM. Moved by Councillor Rock Seconded by Councillor Mcintyre THAT we do now move into Committee Of The Whole Council. - Carried. The Chief Administrative Officer indicated that as the Warden wished to speak to a resolution on the size and composition of the Thames Valley District School Board, a Deputy Warden should take the Chair. Warden Wilson asked Councillor VanBrenk to act as Chair for this item and the Warden vacated the Chair. Councillor VanBrenk took the Chair. County Council 2 January 14, 2003 Warden Wilson reviewed the usual process by which the Chairman of the Thames Valley District School Board (TVDSB) alternated between urban and rural each year. Last year's Chair decided to run again and was successful, which bypassed this practice. Warden Wilson expressed concern that rural schools are losing out to urban issues, as urban TVDSB members may fully appreciate the unique nature of rural schools and presented the following resolution for Council's consideration. Council consensus was that copies of the resolution be sent to various agencies and groups, including parent/school councils of each school, with a request for written support to be returned to the County. Warden Wilson also indicated he would be presenting the resolution to the next meeting of the Western Ontario Wardens Association requesting support. Moved by Councillor Rock Seconded by Councillor McPhail WHEREAS Thames Valley District School Board (TVDSB) encompasses a region of more than 7,000 square kilometres, involving 90,000 students, a third of which require transportation, and is comprised of 156 elementary and 30 secondary schools; and, WHEREAS the TVDSB is the fourth largest school board in the province of Ontario; and, WHEREAS the Board administers education to a mix of urban and rural communities; and, WHEREAS the Board's boundaries, which were formed in 1998, have not been reviewed in five years; and, WHEREAS there is evidence to suggest that smaller, more rural schools have been targeted for closure in order to build new schools closer to urban (city) centres; and, WHEREAS there are significant social, economic and other impacts of school closures in rural areas that outweigh cost containment concerns; and, WHEREAS it has been well documented that students in smaller schools have lower dropout rates, a greater sense of belonging, less feelings of alienation and higher student achievement; and, WHEREAS it has been recommended that "geographic circumstances grants" be extended to small schools in recognition of their value and unique contributions to education in rural areas; and, WHEREAS the current size and composition of the TVDSB represents a blending of urban and rural trustees making it difficult to build a consistent consensus on the nuances inherent in rural versus urban educational requirements; and, WHEREAS by separating Oxford, Elgin and Middlesex (approximately 40,000 students) from the City of London (approximately 50,000 students) and creating two separate boards, these new boards would recognize the urban/rural differences and would approximate the size of boards such as Avon Maitland, Grand Erie and Lambton-Kent, among others. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Council of the County of Elgin hereby petitions the Minister of Education for Ontario to conduct a review of the size and composition of the TVDSB to more adequately reflect the urban and rural differences in the delivery of education; to recognize that schools, particularly in single school communities, have geographic needs that differ from more urban centered schools; and to acknowledge that smaller schools have particular value as evidenced by numerous studies indicating that smaller schools improve student achievement; and, THAT copies of this resolution be forwarded to Oxford and Middlesex Counties for their endorsement, and to the Thames Valley District School Board, local parent/school councils, local municipalities, the Premier of Ontario, the Leader of the Opposition and local M.P.P.'s. - Carried Unanimously. County Council 3 January 14, 2003 Council took a break at 9:56 AM. and reconvened at 10:12 AM. REPORTS Letter of Disclosure and Consent - Rodney Ambulance Service - EmerQency Measures Co-Ordinator The Emergency Measures Co-Ordinator introduced Mr. Jim Price, Acting Supervisor, Rodney Ambulance Service, to Council. Moved by Councillor VanBrenk Seconded by Councillor Stewart THAT the Warden and the Chief Administrative Officer be authorized to sign a Letter of Disclosure and Consent to continue the operations of the Rodney Ambulance Service based on the existing terms and conditions of the original contract. - Carried. Land Ambulance Services Beyond 2003 - EmerQency Measures Co-Ordinator The Emergency Measures Co-Ordinator introduced Mr. Jim Malik and Mr. Jim Hesser, Elgin Paramedic's Association; and Mr. Mac Gilpin and Mr. Randy Denning from Thames Emergency Medical Service who attended as observers. The Emergency Measures Co-Ordinator emphasized to Council that determination of the provision of ambulance services need to be done before the current contract ends at December 31, 2003. Many options could be pursued and staff requested approval to discuss this issue with the Land Ambulance Technical Advisory Committee. Council emphasized that all options would be discussed and no decision on provision of service has been adopted. Moved by Councillor VanBrenk Seconded by Councillor Habkirk THAT the report entitled Land Ambulance Services Beyond 2003, dated January ih, 2003, be referred to the Land Ambulance Technical Advisory Committee for comment and feedback. - Carried Unanimously. Council Compensation Review 2003 - Director of Human Resources The Director of Human Resources advised that compensation paid to the Warden, and Council in particular, is well below the levels paid in other Municipalities. The scope of duties Council deals with has changed dramatically over the past five years and compensation has not kept pace. There are no guidelines on compensation issues to follow and the decision is made by Council, usually after reviewing what other comparable municipalities pay. Much discussion ensued regarding varying responsibilities, complexity of issues being addressed, what constitutes sufficient compensation, stress levels, the significant compensation increases recommended, staging increases, as well as public perspective. Moved by Councillor McPhail Seconded by Councillor VanBrenk THAT based upon the first complete review of Council compensation since 1998, continued Provincial downloading, increased demands on time and complexity of issues, the following is adopted: THAT the Warden's 2003 compensation be increased $4,517.00 to $37,242.00; and, THAT the Councillor's 2003 compensation be increased $7,690.00 to $15,326.00; and, County Council 4 January 14, 2003 THAT Council compensation be completely reviewed no less than once in every three years; and, THAT the approved method of compensation adjustment based upon the September Provincial inflation rate be used for the year 2004. Councillor VanBrenk requested a recorded vote on the motion. These were recorded as follows: YEAS NAYS McPhail VanBrenk Mcintyre Rock Habkirk Faulds Stewart Wilson YEAS: 6 NAYS: 2 ABSENT Crevits ABSENT: 1 As a result of the recorded vote the motion was declared CARRIED. McDonald Drain Petition - Technical Services Officer Moved by Councillor VanBrenk Seconded by Councillor Habkirk THAT the report "McDonald Drain Petition", dated January 3, 2003, presented by the Technical Services Officer be received and filed. - Carried. Rumble Strip Policy - Technical Services Officer The Technical Services Officer noted that claim history drives premiums and that utilizing this type of policy may decrease claims and, in turn, would keep liability premiums more constant. Discussion ensued regarding rumble strip installation on a case by case basis and reviewing design of rumble strips to help deflect sound upwards into the vehicle. Related correspondence for Information Item #22 from Mr. Bill Macintyre was considered at this time. Council requested that the motion adopted by Council be forwarded to Mr. Macintyre. Moved by Councillor Faulds Seconded by Councillor VanBrenk THAT the following policy be adopted for staff to utilize rumble strips: 1. The existing rumble strip design dated November 1999 will be utilized in all new installations. 2. Rumble strips will be installed at all County/County road intersections with at least 4 police reported accidents directly attributable to the poor observance of the stop sign in the past 5 years. 3. Rumble strips may be installed at any other intersection that County Council deems necessary to provide this type of warning device. 4. All existing rumble strip locations will remain until resurfacing projects are completed in that location. - Carried. County Council 5 January 14, 2003 Influenza and Viral Outbreaks at County Homes - Director of Homes and Seniors Services The Director of Homes and Seniors Services provided an update on outbreaks at Terrace Lodge and Bobier Villa. Moved by Councillor Habkirk Seconded by Councillor Faulds THAT the report" Influenza and Viral Outbreaks at County Homes" dated January 10, 2003, from the Director of Homes and Seniors Services be received and filed. - Carried CORRESPONDENCE Correspondence for Consideration 1. John K. Bice, City Clerk, City of Thorold, with a resolution requesting that Hydro One Networks Inc. be changed back to a "not-for-profit" company. 2. Randy Millard, C.AO.lClerk, Township of Malahide, with a resolution of concern regarding the huge cost over-runs that occurred as a result of the Fire Arms Registration Act. 3. Rural Ontario Municipal Association, re: the 2003 ROMAlOGRA Annual Conference and requesting nominations for Zone Representatives. 4. Ken Boshoff, President, Association of Municipalities of Ontario, with the 2003 AMO Membership Renewal invoice. 5. David Carey, Treasurer and Deputy Clerk, County of Huron, with a resolution concerning the Union Gas subsidy distribution in regard to Social Housing Programs. 6. Beverley A Wright, President, St. Thomas & District Labour Council, with correspondence regarding concerns for the future of the St. Thomas-Elgin General Hospital. 7. Jack Phillips, Director, Alzheimer Society of Elgin-St. Thomas, "Walk for Memories - January 25, 03" requesting Council to enter a team of four or more Council Members in the event and challenge the Councils of the Municipalities to do the same. 8. Ruby G. Silcox, Secretary-Treasurer, Elgin Federation of Agriculture, Annual Banquet and Dance, Saturday, February 1 S\ 2003, at St. Anne's Centre, requesting sponsorship of a gold table for the event. 9. Norma I. Bryant, Clerk, Municipality of West Elgin, with a resolution concerning rural school closings. 10. Thomas R. Hollick, Regional Clerk, Municipality of Niagara, with resolution petitioning change to the legislation pertaining to the one-third tax-free provision to the remuneration paid to elected members of Council. The following recommendation was adopted respecting Correspondence Item #1 : Moved by Councillor McPhail Seconded by Councillor Mcintyre THAT Correspondence Item #1 received and filed. - Carried. County Council 6 January 14, 2003 The following recommendation was adopted respecting Correspondence Item #2: Moved by Councillor Faulds Seconded by Councillor VanBrenk THAT the Council of the County of Elgin supports the resolution of the Township of Malahide expressing concern with the huge cost overruns that have occurred in conjunction with and as a result of the Fire Arms Registration Act; and, THAT the funds used to cover these cost overruns could have been better used to provide funding to the municipalities to address their infrastructure needs. - Carried. The following recommendation was adopted respecting Correspondence Item #3: Moved by Councillor VanBrenk Seconded by Councillor Faulds THAT Correspondence Item #3 received and filed. - Carried. The following recommendation was adopted respecting Correspondence Item #4: Moved by Councillor VanBrenk Seconded by Councillor Stewart THAT the Corporation of the County of Elgin renew its membership with the Association of Municipalities of Ontario for 2003 in the amount of $2,932.11. - Carried. The following recommendation was adopted respecting Correspondence Item #5: Moved by Councillor Habkirk Seconded by Councillor Rock THAT the Council of the County of Elgin supports the resolution of the County of Huron concerning the Union Gas subsidy re-distribution to Service Managers for Social Housing Programs. - Carried. The following recommendation was adopted respecting Correspondence Item #6: Moved by Councillor VanBrenk Seconded by Councillor Mcintyre THAT Correspondence Item #6 be received and filed. - Carried. The following recommendation was adopted respecting Correspondence Item #7: Councillor Mcintyre noted that the Township of Southwold entered the Alzheimer Society's Walk for Memories and challenged other municipalities to do the same. Moved by Councillor Habkirk Seconded by Councillor Stewart THAT Correspondence Item #7 be received and filed. - Carried. County Council 7 January 14, 2003 The following recommendation was adopted respecting Correspondence Item #8: Moved by Councillor VanBrenk Seconded by Councillor Faulds THAT the County of Elgin sponsor two gold tables at the Elgin Federation of Agriculture's Annual Banquet for a total of $240.00 and purchase the appropriate number of additional tickets for Councillors indicating attendance. - Carried. The following recommendation was adopted respecting Correspondence Item #9: Moved by Councillor McPhail Seconded by Councillor Mcintyre THAT the Council of the County of Elgin supports the resolution of the Municipality of West Elgin concerning the impact the closure of rural schools has on the communities involved; and, THAT the Province recommit to providing adequate funding of education; and, THAT the closings should be stopped and the social costs considered before decisions are made to close rural schools. - Carried Unanimously. The following recommendation was adopted respecting Correspondence Item #10: Moved by Councillor Habkirk Seconded by Councillor Rock THAT Correspondence Item #10 be received and filed. - Carried. Items for Information - (Consent AQenda) 1. Norma I. Bryant, Clerk, Municipality of West Elgin, advising that West Elgin Council will take into account any proposed construction by the County when scheduling capital projects in the municipality. 2. Thanking Council for grant money received: 1) Bill Brock, Executive Director, Children's Safety Village of London Area 2) William Shurish, Executive Director, Quad County Support Services 3) Marlene Pink, Executive Director and Maureen Vandenberghe, Coordinator, Research/Marketing/Fund Development, Tillsonburg & District Multi-Service Centre 3. Honourable Jerry J. Ouellette, Minister of Natural Resources, acknowledging Council's request for funding assistance for the Lake Erie Shoreline. 4. St. Thomas-Elgin General Hospital, Media Release, "New Agreement Between STEGH and Corporate Vitality Ensures Ongoing Access to Quality Rehabilitation Services for the Residents of Elgin County. 5. Honourable Chris Stockwell, Minister of the Environment, acknowledging Council concerns regarding new regulations relating to fuel oil tanks, lines, and delivery systems. 6. Ontario Good Roads Association, with the 2003-2004 Nominating Committee. 7. St. Thomas-Elgin Tourist Association, with a "Notice of General Meeting" to be held on Tuesday, January 28, 2003 at 7:00 P.M. County Council 8 January 14, 2003 8. Honourable Norm Sterling, Minister of Transportation, with correspondence concerning emergency detour routes in the County of Elgin and the development of an Emergency Detour (EDR) Taskforce. 9. AMO Member Communication ALERT: 1) As 2002 Comes to a Close a Brief Summary of Bills Passed in the Legislature This Fall; 2) Province Passes Two Major Water Bills. 10. Honourable Gar Knutson, M. P., Elgin-Middlesex-London, acknowledging Council's resolution concerning the Federal Housing Initiative agreement and the Government of Ontario's assuming at least 80% of the share to provide affordable housing. 11. Malcolm Bates, Director, Emergency Health Services, Ministry of Health and Long- Term Care, re: Re-capitalization Funding Grant for Federal Medical Vehicles Response Time Initiative and an increase to the County Land Ambulance Services grant. 12. Honourable Gar Knutson, M.P., Elgin-Middlesex-London, with a copy of the Industry Canada's Progress Report on the Canada-Ontario Infrastructure Program. 13. Honourable Chris Hodgson, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, with information on the announcement of the Canada and Ontario First Phase of Affordable Housing Program. 14. Steve Peters, M. P. P., Elgin-Middlesex-London, supporting Council's resolutions to: 1) Honourable Norman Sterling, regarding emergency detours and deteriorating roads throughout the County; 2) Honourable Norman Sterling, Honourable Jerry Ouellette and Honourable Robert Thibault, regarding lake shore erosion along County Road 42; 3) Honourable Elizabeth Witmer, regarding the practice of closing schools in rural communities; 4) Premier Ernie Eves, regarding the retroactive rate hike granted Union Gas; 5) Honourable Chris Stockwell and Honourable Dianne Cunningham, regarding the development of training curriculum for the certification of water system entry-level operators. 15. Cliff Nordal, President & Chief Executive Officer, St. Joseph's Health Care London, advising that the Developmental Behavioral Management Program (DBM) will be moving from the Regional Mental Health Care, St. Thomas, to the Regional Mental Health Care, London, on March 3, 2003. 16. Thank you cards from the Harvey Liddle Family and the Bob Padfield Family. 17. Henry Walthert, Executive Director, Canadian Institute of Treated Wood, with information on pressure treated wood products. 18. P.M. (Pat) Cayen, Director, OAFC, Fire Chief, Malahide Fire Services, with information concerning the defeat of Bill 30, Firefighters Employment Protection Act, 2002. 19. Paul Davenport, President and Vice-Chancellor, University of Western Ontario, with the results of the Globe and Mail survey of students ranking 29 major Canadian universities. 20. Rhonda Sowers, Liaison, Ontario Family Fishing Weekend Steering Committee, requesting help in publicizing the "2003 Ontario Family Fishing Weekend" in any calendar of summer events. 21. P.J. Leack, City Clerk, City of St. Thomas, with 2003 Appointments to the Elgin-St. Thomas Health Unit. 22. Bill Macintyre, Bay Front Insurance Brokers Ltd., concerning public safety and County Council considering changes to road policy that may eliminate most of the rumble strips present on Elgin County Roads. County Council 9 January 14, 2003 23. AMO Member Communication ALERT - "AMO Reacts to Minister Chris Hodgson's Resignation. Moved by Councillor Habkirk Seconded by Councillor VanBrenk THAT Correspondence Items #1-23 be received and filed. - Carried. OTHER BUSINESS Statements/InQuiries by Members Councillor McPhail had recently attended a Middlesex Groundwater Association Workshop and noted that the committee has limited political representation on it. The Committee would be dealing with planning issues that may impact municipalities and questioned if Council should have representation on it. Council consensus was that issues would be reported through the local politicians who would in turn keep County Council informed. Councillor VanBrenk requested that staff present a report to Council on the status of negotiations for collecting Provincial Offences 401 revenue at the next meeting. Councillor Habkirk advised that he has a schedule of meetings for nutrient management for Councillors to review and there was an upcoming meeting for this at the OMA local office. Councillor McPhail noted that Chatham-Kent is not actively involved in detour routing during emergency road closures and does not supply support staff to assist the travelling public. In the past County of Elgin staff has directed traffic in Chatham-Kent. A letter will be sent to Chatham-Kent Council explaining the situation and requesting assistance during road closures, as well as, attendance at debriefing meetings. Warden Wilson advised that he has a copy of Mayor Ostojic's Address to St. Thomas Council and City, should Councillors wish to review it. The Chief Administrative Officer informed Council that Cliff Baron is available to take photos of Councillors for use in media and other publications. Notice of Motion - None. Matters of UrQency - None. Council recessed at 12:05 P.M. and reconvened at 1 :05 P.M. Mr. Fred Galloway attended at 1 :05 P.M. and left at 3: 17 P.M. Moved by Councillor Mcintyre Seconded by Councillor VanBrenk THAT we move In-Camera to discuss personnel and legal issues. - Carried. Staff except Director of Human Resources and the Chief Administrative Officer was excused at 3:20 P.M. The Deputy Clerk returned at 3:26 P.M. Moved by Councillor Mcintyre Seconded by Councillor VanBrenk THAT we do now rise and report. - Carried. County Council 10 January 14, 2003 Moved by Councillor VanBrenk Seconded by Councillor Faulds THAT Model "B", of the Organizational Review for the County of Elgin Homes and Seniors Services, be approved for implementation. - Carried. Moved by Councillor Rock Seconded by Councillor McPhail THAT the Director of Financial Services and the Director of Human Resources be authorized to develop a job description for the position of Purchasing Co-Ordinator; and, THAT the position be implemented once the job description is complete. - Carried. Moved by Councillor Stewart Seconded by Councillor Faulds THAT the correspondence received from the County Solicitor regarding the Whitelock Estate be received for information. - Carried. Moved by Councillor Habkirk Seconded by Councillor McPhail THAT we do adopt the recommendations of the Committee of Whole Council. - Carried. BY-LAWS Moved by Councillor Stewart Seconded by Councillor Habkirk THAT By-Law No. 03-01 "A By-Law to Confirm Proceedings of the Municipal Council of the Corporation of the County of Elgin at the January 14, 2003 Meeting" be read a first and second time. - Carried. Moved by Councillor Rock Seconded by Councillor Faulds THAT By-Law No. 03-01 be read a third time and finally passed. - Carried. Moved by Councillor VanBrenk Seconded by Councillor Mcintyre THAT we do now adjourn at 3:27 P.M. to meet again on January 28,2003 at 9:00 AM. - Carried. Mark G. McDonald, Chief Administrative Officer. John R. Wilson, Warden.