June 10, 2003 Minutes
COUNTY OF ELGIN
Tuesday, June 10, 2003
The Elgin County Council met this day at the Administration Building, at 9:06 AM. in
accordance with adjournment, with all members present except Councillor Stewart.
Warden Wilson in the Chair.
Moved by Councillor VanBrenk
Seconded by Councillor Faulds
THAT the minutes from the meeting held on May 27,2003 be adopted.
- Carried.
DISCLOSURE OF PECUNIARY INTEREST AND THE GENERAL NATURE THEREOF-
None.
DeleQation
Mr. Dave Phillips, County Town Crier, and Mrs. Jenny Phillips, attended at 9:08 AM. On
May 2ih the Galbraith monument was unveiled in Dutton/Dunwich, which was attended by
a large gathering that included Mr. Galbraith's sons. The Town Crier read greetings from
Prime Minister Jean Chretien, recognizing the commemoration efforts for the Talbot
Bicentennial and the erection of a monument to honour John Kenneth Galbraith, a former
County resident. Warden Wilson thanked the Town Crier for his reading and the
delegation left at 9: 13 AM.
Moved by Councillor Rock
Seconded by Councillor Crevits
THAT we do now move into Committee Of The Whole Council.
- Carried.
REPORTS
Pioneer Museum/Archives Feasibility Study & Museum Lease Extension - Archivist
Moved by Councillor Faulds
Seconded by Councillor VanBrenk
THAT the firm of Goldsmith, Borgal & Company of Toronto, be awarded the contract to
engage in a feasibility study, public consultation process and conceptual drawing for a
future location for the Elgin County Pioneer Museum, and an expansion for the Elgin
County Archives, as well as related uses based on the terms of reference contained in the
report; and,
THAT funds be allocated from the Millrate Stabilization Reserve as approved by County
Council on March 25th, 2003 (approximately $20,000 plus applicable taxes and
disbursements).
- Carried.
Tender for Belmont Road - ManaQer of EnQineerinQ Services
Moved by Councillor VanBrenk
Seconded by Councillor Faulds
THAT Elgin Construction be awarded the project for the installation of a waterline and the
reconstruction of Belmont Road for their submitted tender price of $1,182,517.21 (including
taxes); and,
County Council
2
June 10, 2003
THAT the Warden and the Chief Administrative Officer be authorized and directed to sign
the contract for the project.
- Carried.
EIQin Manor SewaQe Treatment Plant - ManaQer of EnQineerinQ Services
A structural failure occurred at the sewage treatment plant at the Elgin Manor and the plant
will not be operational without replacement or major repair. The County's Solicitor is
conducting a review of the situation and the County's insurer is also involved, as this will
either result in an insurance claim or litigation. Councillors were concerned with the
$10,000 insurance deductible, as well as, recouping costs for staff time involved.
Moved by Councillor Rock
Seconded by Councillor Habkirk
THAT the report entitled "Elgin Manor Sewage Treatment Plant" dated June 6,2003 from
the Manager of Engineering Services, be deferred to the Council's In-Camera meeting.
- Carried.
CORRESPONDENCE
Items for Consideration
1. Jon Skafel, President, Alzheimer Society Elgin-St. Thomas, with a request for the
County to renew its membership for 2003.
2. Councillor Elisabeth Arnold, Co-Chair, NHPOT, Federation of Canadian
Municipalities, requesting funding for the work being done by the FCM National
Housing Policy Options Team for affordable housing.
3. Earl D. Moore, Secretary, The Elgin Military Museum, requesting a meeting with
County Council concerning the operations at the Elgin County Pioneer Museum.
4. Bonnie Kotnik, Director, Dr. Kiran Rabheru, Physician Leader, Geriatric Psychiatry
Program, and Sandy Whittall, Vice President, Mental Health Programs, St. Joseph's
Health Care London, advising of the consolidation of the Geriatric Psychiatry Program
to the London site.
5. Denis Kelly, Regional Clerk, York Region, with a resolution urging the Federal and
Provincial Governments to give tax exempt status to employer-provided transit
benefits.
6. Wendell Graves, Town of Aylmer, with a report regarding a strategic look at the
Aylmer Library.
7. Laura Moy, AMCT, Clerk, Town of Tecumseh, with a resolution requesting an
extension of the completion date for the adoption by municipalities of an emergency
management program and by-law to December 31,2004.
8. Municipality of Central Elgin, with a resolution concerning federal and provincial
elections being called when a municipal election is scheduled to be held.
9. Grace Hoshal, Assistant Secretary, Terrace Lodge Auxiliary, with a letter concerning
the possible closure of the Terrace Lodge swimming pool.
10. Sharon Vokes, County Clerk, County of Grey, with a resolution concerning the
negative impact on livestock industry by Mad Cow disease and need for government
action.
11. Municipal Finance Officers' Association of Ontario, MFOA Bulletin, with Background
Information - Municipal Referendum Requirement for Property Tax Rate Increases
Proposed by PC Party of Ontario.
County Council
3
June 10, 2003
The following recommendation was adopted respecting Correspondence Item #1 :
Moved by Councillor Habkirk
Seconded by Councillor Mcintyre
THAT the Corporation of the County of Elgin take out a "President's" membership with the
Alzheimer Society Elgin-St. Thomas for the year 2003/2004 in the amount of $50.00.
- Carried.
The following recommendation was adopted respecting Correspondence Item #2:
Moved by Councillor Habkirk
Seconded by Councillor Faulds
THAT Correspondence Item #2 be received and filed.
- Carried.
The following recommendation was adopted respecting Correspondence Item #3:
Moved by Councillor Habkirk
Seconded by Councillor Rock
THAT Elgin County Council extend an invitation to representatives of the Management
Committee of the Elgin Military Museum and to the Chairperson and Acting Manager of the
Elgin County Pioneer Museum Board to attend Council on June 24,2003 to discuss
matters involving the Elgin County Pioneer Museum.
- Carried.
The following recommendation was adopted respecting Correspondence Item #4:
Moved by Councillor Rock
Seconded by Councillor Mcintyre
THAT the Council of the County of Elgin adamantly oppose the consolidation of the
Geriatric Psychiatry Program to the London site; and,
THAT the Director of the Geriatric Psychiatry Program be invited to the County Council
meeting on June 24, 2003 to explain the rationale for this move and what steps are being
taken to ensure services are continued in Elgin County; and,
THAT copies of the resolution be circulated to the lower-tier municipalities, City of St.
Thomas, Thames Valley District Health Council, Mr. Steve Peters, M.P.P., and to the
Honourable Gar Knutson, requesting support.
- Carried.
The following recommendation was adopted respecting Correspondence Item #5:
Moved by Councillor Mcintyre
Seconded by Councillor McPhail
THAT Correspondence Item #5 be received and filed.
- Carried.
The following recommendation was adopted respecting Correspondence Item #11 :
Moved by Councillor Habkirk
Seconded by Councillor Faulds
WHEREAS the Progressive Conservative campaign document, "The Road Ahead", has
been released and contains the proposal to extend the "Taxpayer Protection Act" to
municipal property taxes; and,
County Council
4
June 10, 2003
WHEREAS the proposal requires a referendum to be held in order to garner elector
support for property tax increases; and,
WHEREAS the downloading of services by the Provincial Government since 1998 has
virtually guaranteed the need for greater property taxes to support former Provincial
services such as housing, ambulance, and family benefits; and,
WHEREAS any deterioration of economic conditions in Ontario will require property tax
increases to support income re-distribution programmes funded by the property tax base
including Ontario Works, Ontario Disability Support Programme, and Social Housing; and,
WHEREAS municipal government is already the most accountable and accessible level of
government, facing the electorate on a scheduled three-year basis unlike either the
Federal or Provincial levels; and,
WHEREAS "The Road Ahead" does not quantify or even estimate the costs of annual
referenda in the 447 municipalities of Ontario; and,
WHEREAS the cost of holding referendums in the County of Elgin estimated at $126,000
for Elgin County and $50,000 for the City of St. Thomas per year is prohibitive and may
exceed the total cost of the increase being proposed;
NOW THEREFORE the Council of the County of Elgin respectfully requests that the
Ontario Progressive Conservative Party withdraw from its recently announced campaign
platform the initiative which would legislate a referendum should a municipality wish to
increase property tax rates.
- Carried.
The following recommendation was adopted respecting Correspondence Item #6:
Moved by Councillor Habkirk
Seconded by Councillor McPhail
THAT the Council of the County of Elgin supports the Town of Aylmer's resolution
concerning the application by the County to the Trilllium Foundation for funding to develop
a Master Plan for the Aylmer Library.
- Carried.
The following recommendation was adopted respecting Correspondence Item #7:
Moved by Councillor Mcintyre
Seconded by Councillor Rock
THAT Elgin County Council supports the resolution from the Town of Tecumseh petitioning
Emergency Measures Ontario to amend the requirement for each municipality to develop
and implement an emergency management program by April 2004 to December 31,2004.
- Carried.
The following recommendation was adopted respecting Correspondence Item #8:
Moved by Councillor Habkirk
Seconded by Councillor Mcintyre
THAT Elgin County Council supports the resolution of the Municipality of Central Elgin
requesting the federal and provincial governments to avoid election calls when a municipal
election is being held.
- Carried Unanimously.
County Council
5
June 10, 2003
The following recommendation was adopted respecting Correspondence Item #9:
Council consensus was that the pool at Terrace Lodge would continue in operation and
fees would not change significantly.
Moved by Councillor Rock
Seconded by Councillor McPhail
THAT the Terrace Lodge pool continue to remain open and the user groups be so advised;
and,
THAT the funds for capital repairs be allocated from the Millrate Stabilization Reserve.
- Carried.
The following recommendation was adopted respecting Correspondence Item #10:
Moved by Councillor Faulds
Seconded by Councillor Mcintyre
THAT the Council for the County of Elgin supports the resolution from the County of Grey
encouraging senior levels of government to take immediate action to mitigate the negative
impact on the livestock industry by Mad Cow disease.
- Carried.
Tender for Belmont Road - ManaQer of EnQineerinQ Services - continued
The Manager of Engineering Services reported that the contract amount in the report for
the Tender for Belmont Road does include all taxes.
Items for Information - (Consent AQenda)
1. Steve Peters, M.P.P., Elgin-Middlesex-London, supporting Council's resolutions: 1)
Honourable Elizabeth Witmer, Minister of Education, re: the "School To Work
Transition Program" within the Thames Valley District School Board; 2) Honourable
Janet Ecker, Minister of Finance, re: review of the property taxation capping program.
2. Honourable Chris Stockwell, Minister of the Environment, concerning Council's
support of the resolution by Haldimand County regarding nutrient management
relating to the treatment of septic sewage.
3. Thank you card from: Corrie Shivak; Steve Bailey, Family and Children's Services;
Carrie Shea, Elgin County 4H; Ron Langley, St. Thomas Gun Club.
4. Ontario News Release Communique, "Eves Government to Provide Affordable High-
Speed Internet to Elgin County".
5. Tim Burns, Director, Long-Term Care Facilities, Ministry of Health and Long-Term
Care, advising of the annual adjustment to the accommodation rates at the Homes.
6. Marcel Reghelini, Director, Regulatory Affairs, Union Gas, with a copy of the
application filed with the Ontario Energy Board for orders approving or fixing just and
reasonable rates and other charges for the sale, distribution, transmission and
storage of gas as of January 1, 2004 and January 1, 2005.
7. Honourable Carl DeFaria, Minister of Citizenship, with information and nomination
forms for the 2003 Senior Achievement Awards Program.
8. Honourable Norman Sterling, Attorney General, Minister Responsible for Native
Affairs, regarding the distribution of racetrack slot revenues earned by host
municipalities and surrounding municipalities.
County Council
6
June 10, 2003
9. Ken Boshcoff, President, Association of Municipalities of Ontario, with copy of
correspondence to the Honourable Norm Sterling, Attorney General and Minister
Responsible for Native Affairs, regarding the promised consultation on the
streamlining of the Provincial Offences Act.
10. Honourable Elizabeth Witmer, Deputy Premier, Minister of Education, concerning
Council's recommendation regarding the closure of rural schools.
11. David J. Johnson, Chair, Sports Alliance of Ontario, inviting municipalities to bid on
holding one of the multi-sports competition Ontario Games.
12. Scott Wilson, Secretary-Treasurer and Kathy Zammit, Chief Returning Office,
Association of Municipalities of Ontario, with information and nomination forms for the
2003-2004 AMO Board of Directors.
13. AMO Annual Conference - August 17 _29th, 2003 Accommodation Information and
Registration Form for the Conference.
14. AMO Member Communication ALERT - "AMO Will Not Help Write Tax Referendum
Legislation"; and AMO Member Communication FOR YOUR INFORMATION -
"Ontario Centre for Municipal Best Practices Releases Its First Annual Report.
15. Ross Snetsinger, Chair, Rail Ways to the Future Committee, with copy of
correspondence to Honourable Frank Klees, Minister of Transportation regarding
CASO.
Moved by Councillor Rock
Seconded by Councillor Mcintyre
THAT Correspondence Items # 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 be received and
filed.
- Carried.
Referring to Correspondence Item #4, Council questioned whether connectivity to the
County's Administration Building is included in the announced funding of $900,000
identified in the correspondence from the Eves Government to provide affordable High-
Speed Internet to the ElginConnects and ConnectOntario programs. The Manager of
Library Services indicated she has heard that this funding would be coming from the
COBRA program for connectivity, but has received no formal notice. The Chief
Administrative Officer advised that talks have taken place with ElginConnects regarding
jurisdictional issues and are waiting to get back together again. Staff will pursue
clarification with ConnectOntario and report to Council.
Referring to Correspondence Item #8, Council discussed the possibility of receiving a
share of the London racetrack slot revenues to offset the loss of revenue to the bingo halls
and service clubs, and licence fees to municipalities.
Moved by Councillor VanBrenk
Seconded by Councillor Faulds
THAT staff investigate the method of distribution of revenues from slot-racetrack facilities
and how the County may become involved and report to Council.
- Carried.
OTHER BUSINESS
Statements/InQuiries by Members - None.
Notice of Motion - None.
Matters of UrQency - None.
County Council
7
June 10, 2003
Moved by Councillor Mcintyre
Seconded by Councillor Rock
THAT we do now move In-Camera to discuss personnel and property matters.
- Carried.
The Deputy Clerk was excused at 11 :33 AM. and returned to Chambers at 12:11 P.M.
Moved by Councillor Mcintyre
Seconded by Councillor VanBrenk
THAT we do now rise and report.
- Carried.
Moved by Councillor Habkirk
Seconded by Councillor VanBrenk
THAT staff be permitted to investigate the potential temporary use of the current St.
Thomas-Elgin General ambulance base and all associated costs, beyond December 31,
2003.
- Carried.
Moved by Councillor Rock
Seconded by Councillor Mcintyre
THAT staff be directed to pursue all costs incurred as a result of the damage to the
sewage treatment plant at Elgin Manor, including but not limited to, loss of our insurance
deductible and other costs including damages; and,
THAT Council goes on record as not accepting repair of the plant, only its replacement.
- Carried.
The Manager of Engineering Services was directed to investigate costs of utilizing the
Central Elgin treatment plant in Port Stanley to handle the waste from the new Elgin Manor
until a sewage treatment plant is operational.
Moved by Councillor
Seconded by Councillor
THAT staff be authorized to offer the confidential proposal at the bargaining table to help
secure an agreement.
- Carried.
Council recessed at 12:20 P.M. and reconvened at 1 :20 P.M.
Moved by Councillor VanBrenk
Seconded by Councillor Faulds
THAT we do now recess at 1 :22 P.M. to attend a meeting with representatives from the
Thames Valley District School Board.
- Carried.
Council reconvened at 3:16 P.M.
Moved by Councillor Faulds
Seconded by Councillor Crevits
THAT the confidential salary review be deferred to the June 24, 2003 meeting.
- Carried.
County Council
8
June 10, 2003
Moved by Councillor VanBrenk
Seconded by Councillor McPhail
THAT we do now proceed In-Camera to discuss personnel matters.
- Carried.
All Staff was excused at 3:20 P.M.
The Chief Administrative Officer and Deputy Clerk returned to Council Chambers at 4:22
P.M.
Moved by Councillor Mcintyre
Seconded by Councillor Crevits
THAT we do now rise and report.
- Carried.
Moved by Councillor Faulds
Seconded by Councillor Habkirk
THAT Councillor VanBrenk be appointed as a second Council appointee to the Ambulance
Evaluation Committee.
- Carried.
Moved by Councillor Rock
Seconded by Councillor Habkirk
THAT we adopt the recommendations of the Committee Of The Whole Council.
- Carried.
BY-LAWS
Moved by Councillor Mcintyre
Seconded by Councillor McPhail
THAT By-Law No. 03-21 "Being A By-Law to Confirm Proceedings of the Municipal
Council of the Corporation of the County of Elgin at the June 10th, 2003 Meeting" be read a
first and second time.
- Carried.
Moved by Councillor Crevits
Seconded by Councillor Mcintyre
THAT By-Law No. 03-21 be read a third time and finally passed.
- Carried.
Moved by Councillor Rock
Seconded by Councillor Faulds
THAT we do now adjourn at 4:26 P.M. to meet again on June 24,2003 at 9:00 AM.
- Carried.
Mark G. McDonald,
Chief Administrative Officer.
John R. Wilson,
Warden.