Loading...
July 22, 2003 Minutes COUNTY OF ELGIN Tuesday, July 22, 2003 The Elgin County Council met this day at the Administration Building, at 9:02 AM. in accordance with adjournment, with all members present except Councillors Crevits and Rock. Warden Wilson in the Chair MINUTES Councillor McPhail questioned the allocation of funding for renovations to Terrace Lodge recorded in the Council Minutes of July 15, 2003. The Director of Financial Services indicated that the financing would be included with borrowing for the new Elgin Manor. Moved by Councillor VanBrenk Seconded by Councillor McPhail THAT the minutes from the meetings held on July 8 and July 15, 2003 be adopted. - Carried. DISCLOSURE OF PECUNIARY INTEREST AND THE GENERAL NATURE THEREOF- None. DELEGATIONS Mr. Chester Hinatsu, Director of Ontario Works, and Ms. Kate Demare, Program Manager, attended at 9:04 AM. to present the quarterly report for Ontario Works, Social Housing and Child Care. A Policy and Procedures Manual and the Ontario Works Service Plan would be ready shortly and forwarded to Council for information, if so desired. An additional staff person has been hired in the Child Care Division due to increased demand for services. The Capital Reserve Study has been completed in draft form, has shown the need for more reserves for social housing, and will require additional funding. An Affordable Housing Needs Assessment is being negotiated to determine a housing strategy throughout the City and County for five to ten years. Councillors posed questions regarding social housing projections and capital funding sources. The Warden thanked the delegation for attending and the delegation left at 9:34 AM. Moved by Councillor Mcintyre Seconded by Councillor Habkirk THAT the "St. Thomas-Elgin Ontario Works Second Quarterly Report" dated July 8,2003 reported by the Director of Ontario Works be received and filed. - Carried. Moved by Councillor Stewart Seconded by Councillor Habkirk THAT we do now move into Committee Of The Whole Council. - Carried. REPORTS 2002 Surplus - Additional Proiects - Director of Financial Services Councillors discussed that the renovations to Terrace Lodge should be paid through the surplus and not through long term financing. Council transferred the funds suggested in the report for the hot mix paving project for Road 56, Elm Line in Central Elgin, to renovations to Terrace Lodge. Council further concurred that should any Surplus remain after approved expenditures, the funding would be allocated to road projects. County Council 2 July 22, 2003 Moved by Councillor Habkirk Seconded by Councillor McPhail THAT the funding for the following projects 1) COBRA Grant $150,000; 2) Library - refurbishing branches $100,000; 3) Engineering, as amended by deleting the Elm Line hot mix paving project, $225,000; and, 4) Sewage Treatment Plant $362,528; outlined in the staff report titled 2002 Surplus Additional Projects, be approved; and, THAT $280,000 be allocated from the 2002 Surplus to be utilized for the previously identified Terrace Lodge renovations; and, THAT any resolutions contrary to this be and are hereby rescinded. - Carried. Courthouse Prints - Director of Financial Services Staff requested direction with regard to the sale of the Elgin County Courthouse - Circa 1855 - Anniversary Prints to the public. The Director of Financial Services advised that the County currently does not have a permit to recover retail sales tax but could apply for one. Councillors were concerned that the public has interest in the prints and they should be available to anyone for purchase. Staff noted that the prints are available for sale in a local retail store. It was concluded that the sale of taxable items be put on hold until staff can research retail sales tax implications. Moved by Councillor VanBrenk Seconded by Councillor Stewart THAT the report entitled "Courthouse Prints" dated July 17,2003, from the Director of Financial Services be received and filed. - Carried. Council took a break at 10:10 AM. and reconvened at 10:21 AM. DELEGATION The County Archivist introduced Mr. Chris Borgal, Partner, Goldsmith, Borgal & Company, Architects, and Mr. Claus Breede, President, Canadian Cultural Resource Consultants, who attended at 10:21 AM. to present an overview of projects their companies have been involved with. Councillors noted that this phase is a conceptual idea only, to investigate a Museum/Archives facility. Mr. Borgal advised that costing for a conceptual drawing would be done on a per sq. ft. basis with a margin of +or- 15-20%, and the anticipated date for completion would be 2-3 months. The concept would involve investigation of the County's Museum/Archives needs, stakeholder and public input, staffing and operational issues, and reporting to Council. Warden Wilson noted there are many issues to be addressed and the report should not be hurried in order that it is as thorough as possible. The delegation left at 11: 1 0 AM. Grant Alma ColleQe Records - County Archivist The County Archivist reported that a grant has been approved to hire a Project Archivist to process records pertaining to Alma College. Moved by Councillor Faulds Seconded by Councillor VanBrenk THAT the County's Human Resources Department proceed with a job description and posting for a Project Archivist according to the terms of a grant received by the Canadian Council of Archives; and, THAT the Warden issue a letter of appreciation for the generous support of the Alma College International Alumnae Association towards this project. - Carried. County Council 3 July 22, 2003 Museum Relocation - Director of Financial Services The Director of Financial Services advised that the lease for the temporary Museum location would end on August 31st. Councillors questioned spending money on renovations to the Agricultural Building for storage when location of the Museum has not been determined. Moved by Councillor VanBrenk Seconded by Councillor Stewart THAT the Elgin County Pioneer Museum operations remain at their temporary leased quarters and a lease renewal be negotiated for a six-month term. - Carried. 2003 Surface Treatment Tender -ManaQer of EnQineerinQ Services Councillor Habkirk requested what the total cost of the surface treatment to the County would be and the Manager of Engineering Services will provide the figures to him. The Manager of Engineering Services was directed to investigate the removal of No Parking signs in the Shedden area and report back to Council. Moved by Councillor Mcintyre Seconded by Councillor Faulds THAT Duncor Enterprises Inc. be selected to provide surface treatment on County Roads identified in the approved 2003 Capital Budget for their submitted prices of: Double- $2.83/m2; Single - $1.46/m2 - Carried. Clachan Road Reconstruction Tender Results - ManaQer of EnQineerinQ Services Moved by Councillor McPhail Seconded by Councillor Stewart THAT Henry Heyink Construction be awarded the project for reconstruction of Clachan Road for their submitted tender price of $1 ,208,672.00 (including taxes); and, THAT the Warden and the Chief Administrative Officer be authorized and directed to sign the contract with Henry Heyink Construction for this project; and further, THAT the funds be allocated from the approved 2003 Capital Budget. - Carried. No ParkinQ on County Roads - ManaQer of EnQineerinQ Services The Manager of Engineering Services reported that current existing No Parking designations on roadways that were previously transferred to the County, as well as two areas identified by Engineering Services as causing a sight distance restriction, are included in the report. After discussion it was noted that local councils have not been approached for comment. Moved by Councillor VanBrenk Seconded by Councillor McPhail THAT the report entitled "No Parking on County Roads" from the Manager of Engineering Services, dated June 30, 2003, be referred to the Lower-Tier Administrators and local Road Superintendents for written comment. - Carried. County Council 4 July 22, 2003 CORRESPONDENCE Correspondence for Consideration 1. Honourable Tony Clement, Minister of Health and Long-Term Care, responding to concerns regarding Judson Street Ambulance Supply Store closure. 2. J.D. Leach, City Clerk, City of Vaughan, supporting Elgin's resolution concerning the proposal to hold referendums before raising property taxes. 3. John Hogg, requesting support for private-sector competition in the property assessment field. The following recommendation was adopted respecting Correspondence Items #1 and 2: Moved by Councillor Faulds Seconded by Councillor McPhail THAT Correspondence Items #1 and 2 be received and filed. - Carried. The following recommendation was adopted respecting Correspondence Item 3: Moved by Councillor Habkirk Seconded by Councillor McPhail THAT Elgin County Council supports the initiative of Cole.Layer.Trumble.Canada Inc., to encourage the Provincial Government to develop an open, fair and competitive market in the delivery of property assessment services. - Carried Unanimously. Items for Information - (Consent AQenda) 1. James Downey, Advisor to the Minister on Rural Education Strategy, concerning the consultations on Ontario rural education strategy. 2. Thank you card from the Ray Parks Family, and from Gerda Spruyt and Family. 3. Steve Peters, M.P.P., Elgin-Middlesex-London, supporting Council's resolutions to: 1) Premier Ernie Eves, and Honourable David Young, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, concerning the proposal to hold referendums before raising property taxes; 2) Honourable David Young, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, calling on the government to revise the Line Fences Act to reflect joint financial obligation of abutting landowners for lateral boundary fences; 3) Honourable Jerry Ouellette, Minister of Natural Resources and Honourable Helen Johns, Minister of Agriculture and Food, regarding relinquishing jurisdiction over the deer and elk farming industry to the Ministry of Agriculture and Food; 4) Honourable John Manley, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, with copy of correspondence from the Western Wardens' Caucus concerning the elimination of tax on interest on Municipal Opportunity Bonds; 5) Honourable Helen Johns, Minister of Agriculture and Food, and Honourable Lyle Vanclief, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food regarding the negative impact on livestock industry by Mad Cow Disease; 6) Honourable Ernie Eves, Premier of Ontario, requesting avoidance of an election being called concurrently with the upcoming municipal elections. 4. L.M. Rowe, Manager of Legislative Services, City of London, regarding slot machine revenues. 5. Sheila Rodaway, Secretary, Old St. Thomas Church Restoration Committee, expressing thanks to Warden for comments at Anniversary Service. 6. N. Roy Main, City Administrator, City of St. Thomas, regarding ticket revenue - Highway 401. County Council 5 July 22, 2003 7. Wayne Easter, Solicitor General of Canada, responding to concerns regarding the security classification of federal offenders. 8. AMO Member Communication FOR YOUR INFORMATION: 1) Province to Close Judson Street Stores AMO Member Communication ALERT: 1) New Nutrient Management Rules. 9. Steve Peters, M.P.P., Elgin-Middlesex-London, concerning consolidation of Geriatric Psychiatry Services. 10. N. Roy Main, City Administrator, City of St. Thomas, regarding consolidation of Geriatric Psychiatry Program. Moved by Councillor Habkirk Seconded by Councillor Faulds THAT Correspondence Items #1-10 be received and filed. - Carried. OTHER BUSINESS Statements/InQuiries by Members Councillor Faulds extended an invitation to join the Pioneer Museum Executive Committee for a bus trip on August 21 st to tour the Huron County Museum and requested Councillors to respond by August 5, 2003. Council consensus was to fund lunch for the participants. Notice of Motion - None. Matters of UrQency The Manager of Engineering Services apprised Council that replacement of the Miller Road culvert in the Municipality of Dutton/Dunwich requires replacement, the cost of which is $51,500 and will require additional funding of $11,500 more than was approved in the Capital Budget. Funding for the culvert could be found through efficiencies in the Engineering Services Capital Budget. The Manager of Engineering Services indicated a report would be forthcoming in September. Moved by Councillor VanBrenk Seconded by Councillor McPhail THAT Elgin County Council consider the matter of additional funding for the Miller Road culvert replacement in the Municipality of Dutton/Dunwich, as a matter of urgency. - Carried. Moved by Councillor Stewart Seconded by Councillor Faulds THAT additional funding in the amount of $11 ,500 for replacement of the Miller Road culvert in the Municipality of Dutton/Dunwich be approved, with the funding being allocated from efficiencies in the 2003 Engineering Services Capital Budget. - Carried Unanimously. The Deputy Clerk advised that the Frank Cowan Company has requested direction on the type of Insurance to place on the old Elgin Manor once the move to new building is completed. It is very expensive to maintain the insurance at Actual Cash Value and demolition/debris value was much less costly. The General Manager, Long Term Care, noted that there may be some old beds and mattresses and a few other furnishings left in the building after the move. County Council 6 July 22, 2003 Moved by Councillor Habkirk Seconded by Councillor McPhail THAT the Frank Cowan Company be instructed to provide sufficient insurance on the old Elgin Manor facility to cover demolition/debris removal, once the final move to new building has been completed. - Carried. Moved by Councillor Mcintyre Seconded by Councillor Habkirk THAT we do now proceed In-Camera to discuss personnel and property matters. - Carried. Council recessed at 12:07 P.M. and reconvened at 12:47 P.M. Moved by Councillor VanBrenk Seconded by Councillor Stewart THAT we do now rise and report. - Carried. Moved by Councillor Habkirk Seconded by Councillor Faulds THAT the update on the Whitelock Estate from the County Solicitor be received and filed. - Carried. Moved by Councillor VanBrenk Seconded by Councillor McPhail THAT the Warden and the Chief Administrative Officer be authorized to sign the collective agreement between the County of Elgin and Library CUPE, Local 841.6, and the necessary by-law be prepared. - Carried. The Warden advised Council that Mr. Cliff Nordal, St. Joseph's Health Centre, would be contacting the Chief Administrative Officer to arrange attendance at a meeting to discuss the consolidation of geriatric psychiatry services to London. The Warden updated Council on the old Elgin Manor property and staff will research disposal requirements for surplus property. Names for New EIQin Manor - General ManaQer. LonQ- Term Care Moved by Councillor Mcintyre Seconded by Council Stewart THAT the report "Names for New Elgin Manor", dated July 21,2003, from the General Manager, Long-Term Care, be approved; and, THAT the Elgin Manor Resident Council be so advised. - Carried. Moved by Councillor VanBrenk Seconded by Councillor Stewart THAT the annual Performance Evaluation of the Chief Administrative Officer be approved. - Carried. County Council 7 July 22, 2003 Moved by Councillor Habkirk Seconded by Councillor Faulds THAT we adopt the recommendations of the Committee Of The Whole Council. - Carried. BY-LAWS Moved by Councillor Stewart Seconded by Councillor Faulds THAT By-Law No. 03-26 "Being a By-Law to Authorize the Execution of a Collective Agreement Between the Corporation of the County of Elgin and Canadian Union of Public Employees with Respect to the Corporation's County Library Employees" - Carried. Moved by Councillor Mcintyre Seconded by Councillor McPhail THAT By-Law No. 03-26 be read a third time and finally passed. - Carried. Moved by Councillor VanBrenk Seconded by Councillor Mcintyre THAT By-Law No. 03-27 "A By-Law to Confirm Proceedings of the Municipal Council of the Corporation of the County of Elgin at the July 22nd, 2003 Meeting" be read a first and second time. - Carried. Moved by Councillor McPhail Seconded by Councillor VanBrenk THAT By-Law No. 03-27 be read a third time and finally passed. - Carried. Moved by Councillor Faulds Seconded by Councillor Stewart THAT we do now adjourn at 2:00 P.M. to meet again on August 14, 2003 at 1 :00 P.M. - Carried. Mark G. McDonald, Chief Administrative Officer. John R. Wilson, Warden.