April 13, 2004 Minutes
COUNTY COUNCIL
Tuesday, April 13, 2004
The Elgin County Council met this day at the Administration Building, at 9:01 AM. in
accordance with adjournment, with all members present.
Warden Rock in the Chair.
Moved by Councillor Acre
Seconded by Councillor Mcintyre
THAT the minutes for the meetings held on March 23 and 30,2004 be adopted.
- Carried.
DISCLOSURE OF PECUNIARY INTEREST AND THE GENERAL NATURE THEREOF-
None.
DELEGATIONS
Mr. Don Crocker, Fire Chief, and Mr. AI Hurst, Team Leader, Municipality of Central Elgin,
and Mr. Sam Taylor, Fire Chief, Municipality of Bayham, attended at 9:02 AM. to present a
request for funding for travel and professional development on behalf of the Central Elgin
Critical Incident Trauma Team and County Fire Chiefs. The Trauma Team is composed of
municipal firefighters who would attend at critical incident debriefing meetings and offer
peer support services. Warden Rock thanked the delegation for the presentation and
indicated the request for funding would be considered during the 2004 County Composite
Budget deliberations. The delegation left at 9:25 AM.
Moved by Councillor Wilson
Seconded by Councillor Mcintyre
THAT County Council authorize the use of the "County" name in the County of Elgin
Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) designation for the CISM Team activities.
- Carried.
Mr. Ed Vandermaarel of On Track, and Ms. Marg Emery of the St. Thomas-Elgin Tourist
Association attended at 9:25 AM., to update Council on the initiatives of Railway
Associations Integrating for Lasting Services (RAILS). Ms. Emery handed out a postcard
promoting Elgin County that will be displayed at tourism areas throughout the County.
Mr. Vandermaarel highlighted the rail stations, shops, and lines that have been removed
over past years, as well as, the lost railway heritage. Ms. Emery requested that Council
consider supporting the railway groups in their initiatives and in their application for Trillium
Funding. Councillor Wilson reviewed the discussions the County had with CN and the
Minister of Transportation in the past, regarding the CASO Line and the frustrations
encountered. Councillors noted it would be premature for the County to act on this request
prior to a presentation being made to City of St. Thomas Council.
Moved by Councillor Faulds
Seconded by Councillor Baldwin
THAT the request from the Railway Associations Integrating for Lasting Services (RAILS)
to support in principle the vision of the railway groups in preserving the railway heritage of
St. Thomas and Elgin County and designating St. Thomas-Elgin as the Railway Capital of
Canada, be tabled pending disposition of the request by the City of St. Thomas Council.
- Carried.
Mr. Shmuel Farhi, President, Farhi Holdings Corporation, attended at 9:50 AM. to speak
to the future location of the Elgin County Pioneer Museum. Mr. Farhi noted he has been in
the area since 1987 and reviewed his acquisition of many heritage buildings during that
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April 13, 2004
time. Mr. Luft, Luft Enterprises, indicated the Museum study had incorrectly stated the
square footage of 449 Talbot Street as something much less than actual. A portfolio was
handed out detailing the accomplishments of Farhi Holdings and the amenities of the 449
Talbot Street building. The Warden thanked Mr. Farhi for his presentation and the
delegation left at 10:27 AM.
Moved by Councillor Vowel
Seconded by Councillor Mcintyre
THAT the presentation from Farhi Holdings regarding the future location of the Pioneer
Museum be received and filed.
- Carried.
Council took a break at 10:27 AM. and reconvened at 10:41 AM.
Moved by Councillor Faulds
Seconded by Councillor Baldwin
THAT we do now proceed into Committee Of the Whole Council.
- Carried.
REPORTS
Dedicated Classifiers - Director of Resident Care (Bobier Villa)
The Director of Resident Care reviewed the process of classifying residents that drives the
funding level from the Province and that having a dedicated trained staff person for this
activity could result in receipt of increased revenue. Much discussion ensued regarding
the skill level required by persons assigned to classifying residents and the workload.
Moved by Councillor Faulds
Seconded by Councillor Warwick
THAT the report entitled "Dedicated Classifiers" dated April 5, 2004, from the Director of
Resident Care, be approved for implementation at an estimated cost of $47,000 and the
2004 draft Homes' budget be adjusted accordingly.
- Defeated.
Moved by Councillor Baldwin
Seconded by Councillor Hofhuis
THAT the report entitled "Dedicated Classifiers" dated April 5, 2004, from the Director of
Resident Care, at an estimated cost of $47,000 be referred for discussion during the 2004
County Composite budget deliberations.
- Carried.
Lawn Maintenance Services - Terrace LodQe. Vacant EIQin Manor. Bobier Villa. EIQin
Manor. and County Administration BuildinQ - ManaQer of EnQineerinQ Services
Moved by Councillor Baldwin
Seconded by Councillor Faulds
THAT Dave Chesterfield be selected for lawn maintenance services for: Terrace Lodge at
the quoted price of $10,780.25; the vacant Elgin Manor at the quoted price of $5,671.00;
and the new Elgin Manor at the quoted price of $6,072.25 for 2004 and 2005; and,
THAT Jim's Lawn Care be selected for lawn maintenance services for: Bobier Villa at the
quoted price of $5,358.03; and the County Administration Building at the quoted price of
$3,991.10 for 2004 and 2005.
- Carried.
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April 13, 2004
Terrace LodQe Compliance ReQuirements/2004 Construction - ManaQer of
EnQineerinQ Services
Discussion ensued regarding the requirements of the bidders and that it may have limited
the number of bids received. Staff noted that these items have been previously cited as
being in non-compliance and the Ministry of Health is watching the progress.
Moved by Councillor Baldwin
Seconded by Councillor Warwick
THAT the report entitled "Terrace Lodge Compliance Requirements/2004 Construction"
dated March 31, 2004, from the Manager of Engineering Services, be referred for
discussion during the 2004 County Composite budget deliberations.
- Carried.
POA Revenues Share to Municipalities - Director of Financial Services
Moved by Councillor Mcintyre
Seconded by Councillor Hofhuis
THAT the same ratios as determined from Provincial Offences tickets that identify the
issuing municipality be utilized to determine each municipality's share of 2003 net fines
revenues; and,
THAT the revenues be dispersed once the audit is complete; and,
THAT beginning in 2004 and continuing each year thereafter, 50% of the prior year's
revenues for each Municipality be released in June and the balance be reconciled at year-
end and dispersed once the annual audit is complete.
- Carried.
Preferred Accommodation 60/40 Split - Director of Financial Services
Warden Rock noted a letter was handed out today from Mrs. Marlene Ternoey objecting to
preferred accommodation rates at the Homes for Seniors.
Moved by Councillor Hofhuis
Seconded by Councillor Vowel
THAT for the balance of 2004, the Homes for Seniors staff strive to achieve 50% of
admissions as preferred accommodation and 50% of admissions as basic accommodation;
and,
THAT starting in 2005 the Homes for Seniors' staff strive to achieve 60% of admissions as
preferred accommodation and 40% of admissions as basic accommodations.
- Carried.
Recommendations from the Committee - Homes' Staff RecoQnition Task Force
The Chief Administrative Officer presented the report and noted that since the Task Force
recommendations came forward, Homes' staff who are working on Christmas, Easter and
Thanksgiving Day now receive a complimentary meal, and an annual Summer Picnic and
Christmas Dinner/Dance are held that all staff could attend.
Moved by Councillor Hofhuis
Seconded by Councillor Mcintyre
THAT the "Committee Recommendations" from the Homes' Staff Recognition Task Force
dated March 15, 2004 be accepted, with the exception of Item #13, as staff is already
provided with a meal when working on Christmas, Easter and Thanksgiving Day, and Item
#14; and,
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April 13, 2004
THAT references to named businesses be changed to indicate local supplier; and,
THAT the Recognition Task Force report semi-annually to Council.
- Carried.
Council recessed at 12: 19 P.M. and reconvened at 1 :02 P.M.
CORRESPONDENCE
Correspondence for Consideration
1. Leah Casselman, President, Ontario Public Service Employees Union, requesting
Council to inform the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care of its support to keep
the Fleet and Equipment Services branch of the Ministry fully operational.
2. Liz Sandals, MPP, Co-Chair and David Zimmer, MPP, Co-Chair, Ontario Crime
Control Commission, with nomination information for the 2004 Awards of Excellence
For Fighting Crime - Call for Nominations.
3. Brenda Edmonds, Elgin County Branch of the Ontario Genealogical Society,
requesting permission to allow the Society to look for a cemetery on the old House of
Industry grounds.
4. Ray Barnier, Chair, Thames Valley District Health Council, requesting a letter of
support for the Annual Spring Forum on Primary Health Care, Thursday, April 29,
2004 being hosted by the Council.
5. Marlene Ternoey, with comments concerning overspending and resident care at
County Homes for Seniors.
The following recommendation was adopted respecting Correspondence Item #1 :
Moved by Councillor Faulds
Seconded by Councillor Baldwin
THAT the Council for the County of Elgin opposes the closure of the Fleet and Equipment
Services branch of the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care.
- Carried.
The following recommendation was adopted respecting Correspondence Item #2:
Moved by Councillor Warwick
Seconded by Councillor Baldwin
THAT Correspondence Item #2 be received and filed.
- Carried.
The following recommendation was adopted respecting Correspondence Item #3:
Moved by Councillor Baldwin
Seconded by Councillor Mcintyre
THAT Elgin County Council approves the request by the Elgin County Branch of the
Ontario Genealogical Society to walk the property that once housed the House of Industry
and is now the site of the Old Elgin Manor, to determine the possible location of an old
cemetery on the grounds.
- Carried.
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April 13, 2004
The following recommendation was adopted respecting Correspondence Item #4:
Moved by Councillor Wilson
Seconded by Councillor Acre
THAT the Council for the County of Elgin supports the Thames Valley District Health
Council's hosting of the Annual Spring Forum on Primary Health Care focusing on
improving access to Primary Health Care in the Thames Valley District.
- Carried.
The following recommendation was adopted respecting Correspondence Item #5:
Moved by Councillor Vowel
Seconded by Councillor Acre
THAT Correspondence Item #5 be received and filed.
- Carried.
Items for Information - (Consent AQenda)
1. Thank you from: Jodi Wright and Family;
Gail Austin;
Dallas Cook and Family;
Doris Gilkes and Family.
2. Brian Masschaele, Archivist, with correspondence concerning the proposed
renovation project at the Elgin County Pioneer Museum.
3. Premier Dalton McGuinty, acknowledging Council's resolution regarding water
testing.
4. Malcolm Bates, Director, Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care, advising of one-
time grant approval for implementation of AVL Technology in Emergency Medical
Services.
5. Donald McKillop, with concerns regarding the Draft Tree By-Law.
6. Honourable Jim Bradley, Minister of Tourism and Recreation, with information
concerning Tourism Background and Statistics, Tourism Tools and Resources and
"Beyond the City Lights", Southwestern Ontario Rural Tourism Conference, April 25
and 26, 2004 information.
7. Malcolm Bates, Director, Emergency Health Services Branch, Ministry of Health and
Long-Term Care, advising of the SARS One-Time Final Payment to the County of
Elgin.
8. Susan McConnell, Special Assistant, Gar Knutson, M.P., Elgin-Middlesex-London,
with information regarding the Government of Canada's infrastructure program.
9. Bertha Vickerman, lODE, with response to the discussion paper on the location study
for the Elgin County Pioneer Museum.
10. Responses to the Middlesex-Elgin Community Residency Program:
1) Gar Knutson, M.P., Elgin-Middlesex-London, letter of support
2) Township of Malahide with resolution of support
3) Municipality of Bayham with letter of support
4) Municipality of West Elgin with letter of support
5) Paul Huras, Executive Director, Thames Valley District Health Council, letter of
support
11. Steve Peters, M.P.P., Elgin-Middlesex-London, with copy of correspondence to the
Minister of Education concerning the impact of rural school closures.
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April 13, 2004
12. Letters of support for Council's resolution on the size and composition of the Thames
Valley District School Board;
1) Norma Bryant, Clerk, Municipality of West Elgin;
2) Jennie Hinan, Deputy Clerk, Township of Zorra;
3) Township of East Zorra-Tavistock;
4) Phyllis Ketchabaw, Town of Aylmer.
13. Honourable Greg Sorbara, Minister of Finance, acknowledging Council's support of
County of Oxford's resolution regarding OST AR funding for water system upgrades.
14. Paul Davenport, President and Vice-Chancellor, University of Western Ontario, with a
copy of the 2003 President's Report.
15. Peter Partington, Regional Chairman, International Awards for Liveable Communities
and Bursary Award 2004, with information and registration form for participation.
16. Federation of Canadian Municipalities, MEMBERS' ADVISORY 1) Budget Confirms
New Deal Down Payment; 2) GST Refund for Municipal Governments
17. AMO Member Communication ALERT: 1. "Premier McGuinty Puts Vision Of Strong
Communities In Writing"; 2. "AMO Responds to Environment Minister's
Announcement on Review of Environmental Assessment Process and Waste
Diversion Strategy".
18. Joanne Erickson, Secretary, Yarmouth Glen Women's Institute, concerning the
location for the Elgin County Pioneer Museum.
The following recommendation was adopted respecting Correspondence Item #17:
Moved by Councillor Warwick
Seconded by Councillor Vowel
THAT the Council for the County of Elgin request clarification from Premier McGuinty
regarding the statement made in his "Open Letter to Heads of Council" dated March 29,
2004, that two cents of the existing Provincial gas tax would be phased in for Public Transit
and how this will apply to small urban and rural municipalities who do not have a public
transit system but require funding for their roads
- Carried Unanimously.
Moved by Councillor Mcintyre
Seconded by Councillor Acre
THAT Correspondence Items #1-16 and #18 be received and filed.
- Carried.
2004 Proposed County BudQet
The Director of Financial Services reviewed various budget items requested by Council.
The Warden asked Council to consider what increase it would consider as acceptable to
adopt for 2004.
Discussions centred on Land Ambulance and Homes percentage increases, as well as,
using Reserves to offset the increase to the Operating Budget.
Council took a break at 2:26 P.M. and reconvened at 2:40 P.M.
Moved by Councillor Hofhuis
Seconded by Councillor Baldwin
THAT staff be directed to develop an alternate 2004 budget representing a 10% composite
increase and report to Council complete with implications for the next Council meeting.
- Defeated.
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April 13, 2004
Moved by Councillor Warwick
Seconded by Councillor Faulds
THAT the 2004 County Composite Budget amounting to a 17% increase over 2003 figures
be adopted and staff recommend ways to achieve this decision.
- Carried.
Council confirmed that the items referred to budget from earlier today shall be implemented
within the approved 17% increase.
OTHER BUSINESS
Statements/InQuiries by Members
The Manager of Engineering Services advised Council that the west shoulder of Plank
Road north of Port Burwell has dropped by about 1 foot. Traffic can still use two lanes but
the pavement has cracked and the situation has to be rectified or the roadway will slide
away. Funding for the project could come from the funds set aside for Glen Erie Line and
Council concurred.
Notice of Motion - None.
Matters of UrQency - None.
Moved by Councillor Wilson
Seconded by Councillor Baldwin
THAT the recommendations of the Committee Of The Whole be adopted.
- Carried.
BY-LAWS
Moved by Councillor Baldwin
Seconded by Councillor Mcintyre
THAT By-Law No. 04-10 "A By-Law to Confirm Proceedings of the Municipal Council of
the Corporation of the County of Elgin at the April 13th, 2004 meeting" be read a first and
second time.
- Carried.
Moved by Councillor Acre
Seconded by Councillor Vowel
THAT By-Law No. 04-10 be read a third time and finally passed.
- Carried.
Moved by Councillor Mcintyre
Seconded by Councillor Warwick
THAT we do now adjourn at 3:24 P.M. to meet again on April 27,2004 at 9:00 AM.
- Carried.
Mark G. McDonald,
Chief Administrative Officer.
David Rock,
Warden.