Loading...
May 27, 2003 Minutes COUNTY OF ELGIN Tuesday, May 27, 2003 The Elgin County Council met this day at the Administration Building, at 9:04 AM. in accordance with adjournment, with all members present. Warden Wilson in the Chair. Moved by Councillor VanBrenk Seconded by Councillor Stewart THAT the minutes from the meeting held on May 13, 2003 be adopted. - Carried. DISCLOSURE OF PECUNIARY INTEREST AND THE GENERAL NATURE THEREOF- None. DELEGATIONS Mr. Tom McCallum, Board President, and Ms. Cathy Grondin, Manager, Youth Employment Counselling Centre, attended at 9:00 AM. to present a proposal which evolved from the United Way E-5 Elgin forum. The need for a Youth Centre to provide activities/programs and the opportunity to mentor with adults and peers outside of the school setting was identified as an area of priority. Council expressed concerns with the location of the Youth Centre in order to serve the entire County, not just the St. Thomas area, and the need to develop a transportation program that would provide this access. Council also discussed what role the "St. Thomas Ontario's Promise" would play in the development of the Centre, and as well, the role the Thames Valley Board of Education might have. Council was also concerned with the need for a permanent structure or could already existing facilities be investigated to better serve youth County-wide. Moved by Councillor VanBrenk Seconded by Councillor Faulds THAT the proposal for a Youth Centre in Elgin County be deferred to give Council time to discuss the matter further. - Carried. The Warden thanked the delegation for their presentation. The delegation left Chambers at 9:43 AM. Ms. Marg Emery, Tourism Coordinator, and Mr. Jeff Booth, St. Thomas/Elgin Tourist Association, attended at 9:45 AM. to present an overview of the "Talbot Settlement Bicentennial Historic District", a proposed multi-stepped revitalization of the Jumbo monument parkette. The Association requested Council's support for their intention to act as the spearhead of the project. Service clubs and other organizations would be approached to gain their commitment to the proposal. Plans are to create more parking for bus and car traffic, washroom facilities, bikeway paths, and pedestrian walkways. The development of a "train theme" and using the existing rail corridor, with the addition of a Church Street Station, are all being considered in order to attract and keep tourists coming to the area. Moved by Councillor Rock Seconded by Councillor VanBrenk THAT Elgin County Council endorse, in principle, the conceptual development known as the "Talbot Settlement Bicentennial Historic District" and encourage the St. Thomas/Elgin Tourist Association to playa lead role in the co-ordination of the development. - Carried Unanimously. County Council 2 May 27, 2003 Moved by Councillor Habkirk Seconded by Councillor Mcintyre THAT we do now move into Committee Of The Whole Council. - Carried. REPORTS HiQh Intensity Needs Unit - Follow-up Report - General ManaQer. LonQ- Term Care The General Manager, Long-Term Care, reported that the Ministry would be touring the new Elgin Manor on Friday, May 30th. A mission statement must be developed for the Ministry. Moved by Councillor Habkirk Seconded by Councillor Faulds THAT the secure, fifteen (15) bed High Intensity Needs Unit at the new Elgin Manor be a specialized unit for residents with symptoms of latent stage (Stage 3 and 4) dementia, to operate within the Homes' 2003 approved budget. - Carried. Lawn Maintenance Services - Terrace LodQe. EIQin Manor. Bobier Villa and new EIQin Manor - ManaQer of EnQineerinQ Services The Manager of Engineering Services noted that 13 quotation packages were distributed, however, only two firms responded. Councillors were concerned that the County's $2,000,000 insurance requirement made it difficult for some respondents to participate. Staff are to review the insurance requirement, in time for the tendering process next year. Moved by Councillor Crevits Seconded by Councillor Habkirk THAT Jim's Lawn Care be selected for lawn maintenance services for 2003 at: Bobier Villa at their quoted price of $6,599.23; and, Elgin Manor at their quoted rice of $11,015.65; and, new Elgin Manor at their quoted price of $23,031.75; and, Terrace Lodge at their quoted price of $13,692.85; and further, THAT the costs have been included in the approved Homes' 2003 budget. - Carried. Council took a break at 10:40 AM. and reconvened at 10:50 AM. Moved by Councillor Stewart Seconded by Councillor Rock THAT we do now move In-Camera to discuss human resources issues. - Carried Moved by Councillor VanBrenk Seconded by Councillor Mcintyre THAT we do now rise and report. - Carried. County Council 3 May 27, 2003 Moved by Councillor VanBrenk Seconded by Councillor Habkirk THAT the confidential report on personnel matters be deferred to the next meeting of County Council. - Carried. Moved by Councillor Faulds Seconded by Councillor Stewart THAT the Fundraising Manager's contract be extended to September 26, 2003 to complete the contract. - Carried. Moved by Councillor Habkirk Seconded by Councillor VanBrenk THAT an agreement between the County of Elgin and London Hospital Linen Services Inc. for non-personal laundry services at Elgin Manor be approved for a five (5) year term to begin June 1,2003 and end March 31,2008; and, THAT the Warden and the Elgin Manor Manager of Homes Services be authorized to sign said agreement. - Carried. Staff were directed to negotiate concurrent renewal dates, terms and condition for all three Homes as soon as practical. Moved by Councillor Rock Seconded by Councillor Stewart THAT the offer to sell a private residence to the County of Elgin be acknowledged and no action taken. - Carried. Moved by Councillor Habkirk Seconded by Councillor Mcintyre THAT the offer to sell a privately owned Nursing Home to the County of Elgin be acknowledged and no action taken. - Carried. TALBOT LANDING PAINTING Ms. Dianna Player attended Council for the unveiling of the "Talbot Landing" painting. Moved by Councillor VanBrenk Seconded by Councillor McPhail THAT the Warden be authorized to purchase a commemorative painting of the Talbot Landing commissioned by the Talbot Bicentennial Committee ($3,800 plus taxes) to be funded from the 2003 uncommitted grant budget in support of the Bicentennial Celebrations; and, THAT those responsible for the event be recognized with a plaque. - Carried Unanimously. County Council 4 May 27, 2003 Warden Wilson thanked Ms. Dianna Player for the presentation of the painting and for all her work with the Bicentennial Committee. Ms. Player left the Chambers. CORRESPONDENCE Correspondence For Consideration 1. David Aristone, C.AO., Clerk, Township of Southwold, with a resolution concerning the jurisdiction over farmed and ranched deer and elk. 2. Brenda Percy, Information Coordinator, Administrative and Governance Services, Municipality of Chatham-Kent, with a resolution concerning the incarceration of criminals convicted of first degree murder in Minimum security facilities. 3. Sharon Vokes, County Clerk, County of Grey, with a resolution concerning the joint financial obligation of abutting landowners regarding keeping up and repairing of fences that mark the lateral boundaries of former rail lines. 4. Elizabeth Champoux, Special Assistant - Ontario, Office of the Minister of Transport, acknowledging Council's resolution of support for the Rail Ways to the Future Committee with regard to the preservation of the CASO rail line. 5. St. Thomas & District Chamber of Commerce, with an invoice for the 2003-2004 Membership Fee. 6. Andrew Moore, Planned Giving Officer, S.T.E.G.H., requesting use of a meeting room at Bobier Villa. 7. Joyce Bennett, Chairperson, Thames Valley District School Board, re: Appointment of Rural Education Advisor. The following recommendation was adopted respecting Correspondence Item #1 : Moved by Councillor Mcintyre Seconded by Councillor Faulds THAT Elgin County Council supports the resolution from the Township of Southwold requesting that the Ministry of Natural Resources relinquish all jurisdiction over farmed and ranched deer and elk to the Ministry of Agriculture and Food. - Carried. The following recommendation was adopted respecting Correspondence Item #2: Moved by Councillor Habkirk Seconded by Councillor Rock THAT Elgin County Council supports the resolution from the Municipality of Chatham-Kent requesting immediate corrective action through changes to Corrections policy to prohibit incarceration of criminals convicted of first degree murder being imprisoned in minimum security facilities. - Carried. The following recommendation was adopted respecting Correspondence Item #3: Moved by Councillor Habkirk Seconded by Councillor Crevits THAT Elgin County Council supports the resolution from the County of Grey requesting that the Province of Ontario revise the Line Fences Act to reflect the joint financial County Council 5 May 27, 2003 obligation of abutting landowners be responsible for construction, maintenance and repairing of fences that mark the lateral boundaries of former rail lines. - Carried. The following recommendation was adopted respecting Correspondence Item #4: Moved by Councillor Habkirk Seconded by Councillor Stewart THAT Correspondence Item #4 be received and filed. - Carried. The following recommendation was adopted respecting Correspondence Item #5: Moved by Councillor VanBrenk Seconded by Councillor Mcintyre THAT the Corporation of the County of Elgin take out membership with the St. Thomas and District Chamber of Commerce for 2003/2004 in the amount of $140.00. - Carried. The following recommendation was adopted respecting Correspondence Item #6: Moved by Councillor VanBrenk Seconded by Councillor McPhail THAT the St. Thomas Elgin General Hospital Foundation request to use a meeting room at the Bobier Villa for a free Estate Planning Seminar for West Elgin donors be approved. - Lost. Moved by Councillor Habkirk Seconded by Councillor Faulds THAT Correspondence Item #6 be received and filed. - Carried. Moved by Councillor Rock Seconded by Councillor Mcintyre THAT the Bobier Villa Residents' Council be requested to comment on the advisability of hosting Planned Giving Seminars by the Elgin Manor Campaign Cabinet and the St. Thomas-Elgin General Hospital Foundation. - Carried Unanimously. The following recommendation was adopted respecting Correspondence Item #7: Moved by Councillor Faulds Seconded by Councillor VanBrenk THAT County Council forward the previous submission regarding rural educational matters to the Minister of Education's Advisor on rural education strategy. - Carried. CORRESPONDENCE FOR INFORMATION - (CONSENT AGENDA) 1. Letters of endorsement for Council's resolution concerning the introduction of shotgun hunting as means of controlling deer population: 1) R. Millard, C.AO.lClerk, Township of Malahide; 2) Lynda Millard, Clerk, Municipality of Bayham. County Council 6 May 27, 2003 2. Steve Peters, M.P.P., Elgin-Middlesex-London, supporting Council's resolutions to Honourable Norman Sterling, Attorney General, regarding traffic fine collection on Highway 401. 3. Anne Creery, District Manager, London/Sarnia, Union Gas, regarding an upcoming change in rates Union Gas charges to residential customers effective May 1, 2003. 4. Peter Hume, Chairman, MPAC Board of Directors, Municipal Property Assessment Corporation (MPAC), 2002 Annual Report and Financial Statements. 5. Jack Layton, Leader, Canada's NDP, with a "Municipal Infrastructure Needs Questionnaire" concerning the specific infrastructure challenges facing the County of Elgin. 6. Federation of Canadian Municipalities, MEMBER ADVISORY, re: Agreement Between FCM and Railways is a Timely Response to Canadian Trends. 7. Honourable Chris Stockwell, Minister of the Environment, and Gar Knutson, P.C., M.P., acknowledging Council's support of the City of Brampton's resolution concerning the Emerald Ash Bore. 8. John R. Wilson, Chair, Elgin Group Police Services Board, with copy of correspondence to Honourable Jerry Ouellette, Minister of Natural Resources, objecting to the introduction of shotgun hunting in Wildlife Management Units 91 and 92. 9. Steve Peters, M.P.P., Elgin-Middlesex-London, with correspondence to the Honourable Jerry Ouellette, Minister of Natural Resources, regarding the proposed changes to Wildlife Management Units 91 and 92. 10. AMO Member Communication ALERT: 1) Larviciding Program and Additional Funding to Fight West Nile Virus Step in Right Direction. 11. Gerald Crowell, Communications Services Branch, Ministry of Consumer and Business Services, with a "Notice" regarding openings of retail businesses on statutory holidays. 12. Carl Wilhelm-Bienefeld, District Council Chair, Brad Ketelaars, District Manager, Easter Seal Society, thanking County Council for the donation to the Easter Seal Society. 13. Carl DeFaria, Minister Responsible for Seniors, Ministry of Citizenship, regarding the month of June being designated as Seniors' Month and nomination forms for the Senior of the Year Award 2003. 14. Bryan Clarke, CRS-S, CAO, Association of Ontario Road Supervisors, inviting Council to attend the 2003 Municipal Trade show, June 4 and 5, 2003 in Lindsay, Ontario. 15. Frank Klees, Minister of Transportation, regarding the CASO segments between St. Thomas and Attercliffe. 16. Thank you cards from Anna Young and Family and Joyce Terpstra. 17. Tim Hudak, Minister of Consumer and Business Services, re: Response to new fuel oil rules. Moved by Councillor Habkirk Seconded by Councillor Stewart THAT Correspondence Items #1-17 be received and filed. - Carried. County Council 7 May 27, 2003 OTHER BUSINESS Statements/InQuiries by Members - None. Notice of Motion - None. Matters of UrQency - None. SewaQe Treatment Plant The Manager of Engineering Services provided Council with the status of the repairs required at the new sewage treatment plant due to recent operational problems. The plant should be operational by week's end. Moved by Councillor Crevits Seconded by Councillor Faulds THAT we do adopt the recommendations of the Committee Of The Whole Council. - Carried. BY-LAWS Moved by Councillor Stewart Seconded by Councillor Habkirk THAT By-Law No. 03-19 "Being a By-Law to Provide to Establish the 2003 Tax Ratios, and to Establish the 2003 Tax Rates for the County Constituent Municipalities" be read a first and second time. - Carried. Moved by Councillor McPhail Seconded by Councillor Crevits THAT By-Law No. 03-19 be read a third time and finally passed. - Carried. Moved by Councillor Faulds Seconded by Councillor Mcintyre THAT By-Law No. 03-20 "A By-Law to Confirm Proceedings of the Municipal Council of the Corporation of the County of Elgin at the May 2ih, 2003 Meeting" be read a first and second time. - Carried. Moved by Councillor VanBrenk Seconded by Councillor Mcintyre THAT By-Law No. 03-20 be read a third time and finally passed. - Carried. Moved by Councillor Habkirk Seconded by Councillor Faulds THAT we do now adjourn at 2:44 P.M. to meet again on June 10,2003 at 9:00 AM. - Carried. Mark G. McDonald, Chief Administrative Officer. John R. Wilson, Warden.