Loading...
May 13, 2003 Minutes COUNTY OF ELGIN Tuesday, May 13, 2003 The Elgin County Council met this day at the Administration Building, at 9: 1 0 AM. in accordance with adjournment, with all members present except Councillor McPhail. Warden Wilson in the Chair Moved by Councillor VanBrenk Seconded by Councillor Stewart THAT the minutes from the meeting held on April 22,2003 be adopted. - Carried. DISCLOSURE OF PECUNIARY INTEREST AND THE GENERAL NATURE THEREOF- None. DELEGATIONS Ms. Linda Corriveau, RPN, Serenity House Hospice Non-Profit Organization, attended at 9: 1 0 A M. to present an overview of their proposed development of a palliative care home- like facility. Serenity House is requesting Council's assistance by appointing a Councillor to the Board or having an honorary member sit on the Board as well as raising awareness of the project within their communities. Ms. Corriveau noted that Serenity House would be embarking on a $1.5M Capital Campaign and estimated it would cost $400,000 annually to operate the facility. She further noted the organization would be requesting funding from the County in the future. Ms. Corriveau advised that they were working with the VON to avoid duplication of services and with Ontario Palliative Care Association to pursue Provincial funding. Discussion ensued regarding the appropriateness of a Council appointment to the Board. Moved by Councillor Faulds Seconded by Councillor Stewart THAT the Council of the County of Elgin support, in principle, the Serenity House Hospice Non-Profit Organization initiative; and, THAT the appointment of a representative to sit on the Board would require further discussion. - Carried. The Warden thanked the delegation for the presentation and Ms. Corriveau left at 9:45 AM. Moved by Councillor Mcintyre Seconded by Councillor Crevits THAT we do now move into Committee Of The Whole Council. - Carried. REPORTS Talbot Street In Aylmer Capital Costs Reimbursement - ManaQer of EnQineerinQ Services The Manager of Engineering Services reported that Talbot Street is a local street under the jurisdiction of the Town of Aylmer and the County would be setting a precedent if it were to reimburse for capital costs in areas that are not under County authority. County Council 2 May 13, 2003 Moved by Councillor VanBrenk Seconded by Councillor Faulds THAT the report "Talbot Street In Aylmer Capital Costs Reimbursement" dated May 1, 2003, from the Manager of Engineering Services be received and filed. - Carried. Van Lith Culvert Replacement Quotation Results - ManaQer of EnQineerinQ Services Moved by Councillor Faulds Seconded by Councillor Mcintyre THAT Armtec Limited be selected to manufacture and deliver the material for the Van Lith Culvert for their quoted price of $17,200.55 (including taxes); and, THAT Robert J. Spence Construction Limited be selected to install the culvert for their quoted price of $23,379.50 (including taxes); and, THAT these funds be allocated from the approved 2003 Capital Budget. - Carried. 2003 Capital Proiect Re-Allocation - ManaQer of EnQineerinQ Services The Manager of Engineering Services advised that some projects need to be moved up on the schedule and others could be delayed. Moved by Councillor VanBrenk Seconded by Councillor Stewart THAT the 2003 Capital Projects Budget be amended to include the following changes; and, THAT $150,000 be taken from the proposed Clachan Road Reconstruction project and added to the Belmont Road Reconstruction project; and, THAT $450,000 be taken from the proposed Lake Shore Line Relocation project and utilized to resurface Johnston Line (County Road 6) from Blacks Road to Clachan Road in the Municipality of West Elgin ($175,000) and Pioneer Line (County Road 2) from Coyne Road to Dunborough Road in the Municipality of Dutton/Dunwich ($275,000). - Carried. DELEGATIONS Ms. Dianna Player, President, Talbot Bi-Centennial Committee, attended at 9:45 AM. to thank the County for its support and participation in the Bi-Centennial events and to present a flag to the County in commemoration of the 200th Anniversary of the Talbot Settlement. Talbot Bi-Centennial Update - County Archivist The County Archivist reviewed the various activities being held during the Bi-Centennial celebrations. Ms. Player noted the times and dates that Council members may wish to attend the various activities that are planned. Moved by Councillor Mcintyre Seconded by Councillor Rock THAT the report "Talbot Bi-Centennial Update" dated April 22,2003, from the County Archivist be received and filed. - Carried. County Council 3 May 13, 2003 The Warden thanked the delegation for the presentation of the flag and noted it would be raised on the flagpole at the County Building. EIQin County EmerQency PlanninQ Committee - EmerQency ManaQement Co-ordinator The Emergency Management Co-ordinator handed out and reviewed the legislative requirements of the Emergency Management Act to be complied with by April 15, 2004 and beyond, and presented a Terms of Reference and committee composition for consideration by Council. Councillors had concerns with the large number of persons (19+) proposed for the committee structure. Moved by Councillor Rock Seconded by Councillor Habkirk THAT staff be authorized to strike a County Emergency Planning Committee, in accordance with the attached Terms of Reference; and, THAT County Council appoint Councillor Mcintyre as the Council representative to sit on the County Emergency Planning Committee. - Carried. Council took a break at 10:18 AM. and reconvened at 10:34 AM. 2003 Ratios - Director of Financial Services Warden Wilson welcomed the Municipal Treasurers in attendance. The Director of Financial Services reviewed Council's resolution from 2002 regarding tax ratios and highlighted the rationale for the proposed ratios. Moved by Councillor Rock Seconded by Councillor Habkirk THAT, in order to achieve the restrictions of the hard cap as imposed by the Provincial Government, the Industrial Class ratio be reduced to 2.63 and the Residual Industrial and Large Industrial ratios be lowered accordingly; and, THAT the Multi-Residential, Commercial, and Pipeline classes be reduced by an amount equal to 1/5 of the difference between the current ratio and the upper range of fairness; and, THAT prior to any movement of the ratios in 2004, Council review the tax policy to ensure it meets the needs of Elgin County taxpayers. - Carried. Rotation of Appointments to the Police Services Board - Chief Administrative Officer The Chief Administrative Officer noted that representation on the Elgin Group Police Services Board (EGPSB) should coincide with the change in Councils and the proposed rotation schedule was developed so that each municipality would have a representative on the Board once in a nine-year period. The Municipality of Central Elgin was concerned that representation from its municipality would not sit on the EGPSB at all times due to the large portion of the OPP budget paid by Central Elgin. The Chief Administrative Officer reminded Council that legislation restricts membership to 2 elected representatives on the EGPSB. Councillors discussed that the representation on the EGPSB is working well and change may be unnecessary. The majority of Council believed that the current system of appointments worked well and should remain. County Council 4 May 13, 2003 Moved by Councillor VanBrenk Seconded by Councillor Stewart THAT the rotation schedule for appointments to the Elgin Group Police Services Board be recommended as follows for the term commencing January 1,2004 to December 31,2006: 1 elected representative from Eastern Elgin (Bayham and Malahide) 1 elected representative from Central Elgin 1 community member from Western Elgin (Southwold, Dutton/Dunwich and West Elgin); and, THAT the participating Municipalities submit the name of their nominee to the County of Elgin, by resolution, no later than December 15, 2003, for distribution and approval of the participating municipalities. - Carried. Asset Disposal Policy - PurchasinQ Co-Ordinator The Purchasing Co-Ordinator highlighted the clauses in the report. Council instructed the Purchasing Co-Ordinator to investigate the Computers for Kids program for placement of computers as they become obsolete, and to contact the St. Thomas-Elgin General Hospital regarding usage of obsolete items by needy countries. Council consensus was to amend the amount in Clause 4.5 to $5,000; and to amend Clause 4.9 to provide a report on disposal assets to Council at least semi-annually Moved by Councillor Habkirk Seconded by Councillor VanBrenk THAT the attached Asset Disposal Policy dated April 16, 2003, be adopted, as amended. - Carried. EIQin County Pioneer Museum Location - Director of Financial Services Councillor Faulds reported that parking is a problem at the Museum's temporary Talbot Street location and the Museum Board is anxiously awaiting the conceptual drawings from the architects for a proposed cultural centre. Discussion took place regarding the possibility of closing the Museum from November to May each year due to low visitation numbers. Council requested that an accurate accounting of all visitors to the Museum be undertaken and submitted to Council. It was noted that the new location has spurred increased visitation and that if development of the Museum is to move forward it would have to be housed in a more visible location. Councillor Crevits advised that the St. Thomas-Elgin Tourist Association is looking at promoting the area with a Jumbo Parkette, which may improve visitation to the 32 Talbot Street location. Councillor Mcintyre requested that the Elgin County Pioneer Museum Board inform the Military Museum the Museum will remain located at their temporary location until at least the end of August. Moved by Councillor Faulds Seconded by Councillor Habkirk THAT the Elgin County Pioneer Museum Executive Committee be encouraged to hold their request to move back to the original location until Council has had an opportunity to review the architect's submission and to determine the future direction of Elgin's cultural facilities. - Carried. HiQh Intensity Care Unit at the new EIQin Manor - Chief Administrative Officer Council discussed at length this issue and requested more information on the following before a decision is made: 1) Are we being downloaded a hospital responsibility? 2) What if we decide not to implement the unit? County Council 5 May 13, 2003 3) Will the Ministry fund the unit appropriately? 4) What is the impact on staffing levels and training for 2003 and into the future? 5) Are there provisions for a high intensity unit at the new Valleyview? 6) Has the Ministry agreed to the Unit? Moved by Councillor Habkirk Seconded by Councillor VanBrenk THAT the report entitled "High Intensity Care Unit at the new Elgin Manor" dated April 27, 2003 from the Director of Homes and Seniors Services be referred back to staff for more detailed information and investigation of Council's concerns. - Carried. Council recessed for lunch at 12:21 P.M. and reconvened at 1: 14 P.M. Mr. Marv Rubenstein, IBI Group, attended at 1: 14 P.M. and left Chambers at 2:34 P.M. Moved by Councillor Rock Seconded by Councillor VanBrenk THAT we do now move In-Camera to discuss human resources issues. - Carried. Moved by Councillor VanBrenk Seconded by Councillor Habkirk THAT we do now rise and report. - Carried. Moved by Councillor Faulds Seconded by Councillor Stewart THAT the Request For Proposals for the Provision of Land Ambulance Service for the County of Elgin and the City of St. Thomas, as amended on May 13, 2003, be approved for distribution on May 15, 2003 and that Councillor Habkirk be appointed to the evaluation team. - Carried. Special Events Committee Update - Chief Administrative Officer Moved by Councillor Mcintyre Seconded by Councillor Faulds THAT the "Special Events Committee Update" dated May 13, 2003 be received and filed. - Carried. CORRESPONDENCE FOR CONSIDERATION 1. Sandra Pupatello, MPP Windsor West, Deputy Leader and Health Critic, Ontario Liberal Party, with a resolution requesting that the provincial government provide funding and provincial standards in the program against the West Nile Virus. (deferred from March 25, 2003) 2. Cynthia St. John, Chief Administrative Officer, Elgin St. Thomas Health Unit, with a resolution concerning the West Nile Virus and the need for a province-wide, provincially funded program to combat the disease. County Council 6 May 13, 2003 3. Frank Cowan Company Ltd., with an invitation to the Warden and Members of Council to attend the Cowan 75th Celebration on Wednesday, June 4,2003, 11 :30 AM. - 3:00 P.M. 4. Joyce Bennett, Chair, Thames Valley District School Board, advising that the Board had received its preliminary General Legislative Grants for the 2003-2004 school year and advising that the TVDSB would be happy to meet with County Council at a time and date mutually convenient to discuss Council's concerns. 5. Marg Emery, Tourism Co-ordinator, St. Thomas-Elgin Tourist Association, requesting Council's participation in Cycle Elgin Week, June 22-29, 2003. 6. Honourable Consiglio Di Nino, Senator, The Senate of Canada, providing information and offering to speak to Council with regard to concerns of freedom and democracy in China and Tibet. 7. Mayor Karen Haslam, City of Stratford, inviting municipal officials and staff to "Civic Night at the Stratford Festival" Thursday, June 19, 2003. The following recommendation was adopted respecting Correspondence Item #1 : Moved by Councillor VanBrenk Seconded by Councillor Faulds THAT Correspondence Item #1 be received and filed. - Carried. The following recommendation was adopted respecting Correspondence Item #2: Moved by Councillor VanBrenk Seconded by Councillor Mcintyre THAT Elgin County Council supports the resolution from the Elgin St. Thomas Health Unit Board concerning the West Nile Virus and the need for a province-wide, provincially funded program to combat the disease. - Carried. The following recommendation was adopted respecting Correspondence Item #3: Moved by Councillor Habkirk Seconded by Councillor Faulds THAT Correspondence Item #3 be received and filed. - Carried. Staff was directed to contact the Frank Cowan Company Ltd. to confirm attendance by Councillors Mcintyre, Faulds and Warden Wilson to their 75th Anniversary Celebration. The following recommendation was adopted respecting Correspondence Item #4: Moved by Councillor Habkirk Seconded by Councillor Mcintyre THAT Correspondence Item #4 be received and filed. - Carried. Council directed staff to contact Thames Valley District School Board and request that they meet with County Council at its first meeting in June or July at 3:00 p.m. and that Steve Peters, M.P.P., Elgin-Middlesex-London be invited to the meeting. County Council 7 May 13, 2003 The following recommendation was adopted respecting Correspondence Item #5: Moved by Councillor Rock Seconded by Councillor VanBrenk THAT Correspondence Item #5 be received and filed. - Carried. The following recommendation was adopted respecting Correspondence Item #6: Moved by Councillor Habkirk Seconded by Councillor Faulds THAT Correspondence Item #6 be received and filed. - Carried. The following recommendation was adopted respecting Correspondence Item #7: Moved by Councillor Habkirk Seconded by Councillor Rock THAT Correspondence Item #7 be received and filed. - Carried. CORRESPONDENCE FOR INFORMATION - (Consent AQenda) 1. Peter Steckenreiter, Regional Director, South West Region, Ministry of Community, Family and Children's Services, advising that funding has been approved for the Library "Growing With Books" project. 2. Honourable Janet Ecker, Minister of Finance, announcing that the Ontario Municipal Economic Infrastructure Financing Authority is accepting applications from municipalities for subsidized loans to support critical infrastructure investments. 3. Information session re: Community Dialogue "Mobilizing Transportation Assets for Elgin County" May 14, 2003, 1 :00-4:00 P.M. at the St. Thomas Seniors' Centre. 4. Honourable Helen Johns, Minister of Agriculture and Food, with information regarding changes to the proposed regulations under the Nutrient Management Act. 5. AMO Member Communication FOR YOUR INFORMATION: 1) Emergency Personnel Protected by Bill Proclamation and New Local Improvement Charges Regulation is Filed; AMO Member Communication ALERT: 1) Association of Municipalities of Ontario Stands by Toronto 6. Norma I. Bryant, Clerk, Municipality of West Elgin, with a resolution: 1) supporting the County of Elgin's position regarding Muzzle Loader hunting; 2) supporting Parkside Collegiate Institute's "School to Work Transition Program". 7. Thank you cards from Marjorie Ford and Family; Linda Pinchak and Family; and Teresa Bobier and Family. 8. Steve Peters, M.P.P., Elgin-Middlesex-London, supporting Council's resolutions to: Honourable Janet Ecker, Minister of Finance, Honourable Chris Stockwell, Minister of the Environment, and Honourable David Young, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, regarding the government's adoption of the Administrative Monetary Penalties Policy. County Council 8 May 13, 2003 9. N. Roy Main, City Administrator, City of St. Thomas, concerning the consolidation of Court facilities in St. Thomas and requesting that a meeting be held to discuss the matter. 10. N. Roy Main, City Administrator, City of St. Thomas, with a copy of a report to the Mayor and Members of the Committee of the Whole concerning "Ticket Revenue Highway 401". 11. Premier Ernie Eves, acknowledging Council's resolution concerning tax capping. 12. Honourable David Young, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, regarding Council's endorsement of Huron County Council's recommendation regarding the retroactive increase in rates charged by Union Gas. 13. Peter J. Leack, City Clerk, City of St. Thomas, confirming the approval by City Council of the 2003 budget estimates for the Land Ambulance Services and the Provincial Offences Act Services. 14. Honourable Carl DeFaria, Minister of Citizenship, with information regarding Ontario's volunteer recognition programs for the year 2003. Moved by Councillor Habkirk Seconded by Councillor Mcintyre THAT Correspondence Items # 1-14 be received and filed. - Carried. Referring to Correspondence Item #10, Warden Wilson pointed out that the City may be looking for funds from the 401 traffic ticket fines and the issue may have to be addressed in the future. OTHER BUSINESS Statements/InQuiries by Members - None. Notice of Motion - None. Matters of UrQency - None. Moved by Councillor Faulds Seconded by Councillor Mcintyre THAT we do now proceed In-Camera to discuss property and personnel matters. - Carried. Council took a break at 2:54 P.M. and reconvened at 3:06 P.M. Councillor Rock was not in attendance. The Manager of Engineering Services was excused at 3:10 P.M. Moved by Councillor Crevits Seconded by Councillor Stewart THAT we do now rise and report. - Carried. County Council 9 May 13, 2003 Moved by Councillor VanBrenk Seconded by Councillor Faulds THAT the Director of Human Resources develop job descriptions for a permanent full-time IT Manager and a permanent full-time Senior IT Technician; and, THAT staff be directed to engage a firm specializing in the recruitment of IT professionals to assist in the hiring of these positions; and, THAT the Warden and Councillor Crevits be actively involved in the selection process for the IT Manager; and, THAT the fee for the recruitment be charged to the Millrate Stabilization Reserve. - Carried. Moved by Councillor Habkirk Seconded by Councillor Mcintyre THAT the Warden and the Chief Administrative Officer be authorized and directed to sign a Lease Agreement with D.C. Jackson Realty Corporation for Room #234 in the County Administration Building for one year, beginning May 1, 2003, with the option to renew after one year at a lease rate of $14.00 per square foot for year one (annual lease $2,072.00). - Carried. Moved by Councillor VanBrenk Seconded by Councillor Mcintyre THAT the Council of the Corporation of the County of Elgin agrees to extend the contract position of Tourism Co-ordinator for a further two years and confirm Council's commitment of $36,000 per year providing the City of St. Thomas concurs. - Carried. Moved by Councillor Habkirk Seconded by Councillor Stewart THAT the correspondence from the County Solicitor dated April 15 and April 21,2003 regarding an estate be received and filed. - Carried. Staff was directed that, if required, additional staffing and resources be made available to man the SARS Screening Desks at the County Homes. Staff was directed to flow funds received from an estate to the Bobier Villa, as was the original direction of Council some time ago. Moved by Councillor Crevits Seconded by Councillor VanBrenk THAT we do adopt the recommendations of the Committee Of The Whole Council. - Carried. BY-LAWS Moved by Councillor Habkirk Seconded by Councillor Faulds THAT By-Law No. 03-17 "Being a By-Law to Authorize the Warden and the Chief Administrative Officer to Sign a Lease with D.C. Jackson Realty Corporation" be read a first and second time. - Carried. County Council 10 May 13, 2003 Moved by Councillor Stewart Seconded by Councillor Crevits THAT By-Law No. 03-17 be read a third time and finally passed. - Carried. Moved by Councillor Mcintyre Seconded by Councillor VanBrenk THAT By-Law No. 03-18 "A By-Law to Confirm Proceedings of the Municipal Council of the Corporation of the County of Elgin at the May 13, 2003 Meeting" be read a first and second time. - Carried. Moved by Councillor Stewart Seconded by Councillor Faulds THAT By-Law No. 03-18 be read a third time and finally passed. - Carried. Moved by Councillor Mcintyre Seconded by Councillor Habkirk THAT we do now adjourn at 4:00 P.M. to meet again on May 27,2003 at 9:00 AM. - Carried. Mark G. McDonald, Chief Administrative Officer. John R. Wilson, Warden.