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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 County Council 2 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. County Council 3 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, County Council 4 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. County Council 5 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. County Council 6 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. County Council 7 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.