July 13, 2004 Minutes
COUNTY COUNCIL
Tuesday, July 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 Mcintyre
Seconded by Councillor Acre
THAT the minutes for the meeting held on June 22,2004 be adopted.
- Carried.
DISCLOSURE OF PECUNIARY INTEREST AND THE GENERAL NATURE THEREOF-
None.
Moved by Councillor Baldwin
Seconded by Councillor Faulds
THAT we do now move into Committee Of The Whole Council.
- Carried.
REPORTS
Application for Minor Exception. Lot 8. Concession NNBTR. Township of Southwold
- Tree Commissioner
The Tree Commissioner noted that no concerns have been received and the applicant
would be replanting approximately 5 acres of trees on a nearby property.
Moved by Councillor Mcintyre
Seconded by Councillor Wilson
THAT the Application for Minor Exception to the Trees Act from William G. and D. Lynne
Houghton to clear 1.3 hectares of woodlands from Lot 8, Concession NNBTR, Township of
Southwold, to increase workable land, and a minimum of 2250 trees being replanted or an
equivalent donation being made to a local conservation/heritage association, be approved.
- Carried.
FundraisinQ by Staff at Bobier Villa - ManaQer of Resident Care. Bobier Villa
The Chief Administrative Officer presented the report in the absence of the Manager of
Resident Care, Bobier Villa. Councillors suggested the book be spiral bound for ease of
use and to forward a sample to Council for ordering when the books are available for sale.
Moved by Councillor Warwick
Seconded by Councillor Acre
THAT the report "Fundraising by Staff at Bobier Villa" dated June 29, 2004, from the
Manager of Resident Care, Bobier Villa, be received and filed.
- Carried.
2000/01 Surplus - Homes - PurchasinQ Co-Ordinator
The Chief Administrative Officer presented the report in the absence of the Purchasing Co-
Ordinator.
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July 13, 2004
Moved by Councillor Faulds
Seconded by Councillor Acre
THAT the report "2000/01 Surplus - Homes" dated July 5, 2004, from the Purchasing Co-
Ordinator be received and filed.
- Carried.
EIQin County Pioneer Museum Database Conversion - Director of Information
TechnoloQY and Director of Financial Services
The Chief Administrative Officer presented the report in the absence of the Director of
Information Technology. Council noted that the replacement of the current Museum
database should have been discussed during the budget process, as the space limitation
was known for some time, and it was not an appropriate use of reserves to cover the
expenditure. The Chief Administrative Officer explained that this matter was not brought
forward due to the uncertainty of the Museum location and staffing absences at the
Museum. Staff had anticipated bringing the matter forward as part of a renovation project,
however, the need is now more immediate.
Moved by Councillor Wilson
Seconded by Councillor Faulds
THAT Phipps & Associates Inc. be contracted to convert the Elgin County Pioneer
Museum database to Inmagic DBlText Works for $12,736.21, plus expenses; and,
THAT the funds be allocated from Information Technology reserves.
- Carried.
LeQion Tax Rebate - Director of Financial Services
The Chief Administrative Officer presented the report in the absence of the Director of
Financial Services. Councillors noted that other municipalities have provided tax relief to
Legions and the current by-law could be amended to provide relief from the County portion
of the taxes.
Moved by Councillor Warwick
Seconded by Councillor Wilson
THAT By-Law No. 98-34 be amended to include the Royal Canadian Legions in the
property tax rebate program as an eligible charity.
- Carried Unanimously.
Update: Interim Distribution CheQue from Bankruptcy of Divine Solutions Inc.-
Library Co-Ordinator
The Library Co-Ordinator advised that a portion of funds previously expended for
magazine subscriptions from the now bankrupt company has been received and staff are
hoping to receive more funds in the future.
Moved by Councillor Mcintyre
Seconded by Councillor Wilson
THAT the report "Update: Interim Distribution Cheque from Bankruptcy of Divine Solutions
Inc.", dated June 24,2004, from the Library Co-Ordinator and Director of Library Services,
be received and filed.
- Carried.
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July 13, 2004
RenaminQ of the Port Burwell Library - Director of Library Services
Moved by Councillor Acre
Seconded by Councillor Warwick
THAT the request from the Municipality of Bayham to change the name of the Port Burwell
Library to The Fred Bodsworth Public Library of Port Burwell be approved; and,
THAT the attached policy entitled "Renaming Branch Libraries in Elgin County be
approved for implementation:
- Carried.
ReQuest to Reconstruct Plank Road in the Former VillaQe of Vienna - Director of
EnQineerinQ Services
Councillors discussed reviewing the previous report on rationalization of the County Road
System and staff was directed to bring this report back to a future meeting.
Moved by Councillor Vowel
Seconded by Councillor Mcintyre
THAT the Council of the Corporation of the Municipality of Bayham be informed that, with
available funding resources, other County Road projects are taking precedence over the
reconstruction of Plank Road; and,
THAT a copy of the report entitled "Request to Reconstruct Plank Road in the former
Village of Vienna" dated June 18, 2004, from the Manager of Engineering Services, be
forwarded to the Municipality of Bayham for information.
- Carried.
2003 Lower Tier Operations Cost Summary - Director of EnQineerinQ Services
Discussion ensued regarding the possibility of different levels of service that one
municipality may provide from another and if the County is paying enough to maintain
service levels.
Moved by Councillor Faulds
Seconded by Councillor Hofhuis
THAT the report "2003 Lower-Tier Operations Cost Summary" dated June 7,2004, from
the Director of Engineering Services, be received and filed.
- Carried.
Wonderland Road Update - Director of EnQineerinQ Services
Moved by Councillor Mcintyre
Seconded by Councillor Hofhuis
THAT the lands described in Deed No. 120592, Lots 41, 42, 43 and 45 be declared as
surplus to the County's needs; and,
THAT the lands described in Deed No. 120592, Lots 41, 42, 43 and 45, Concession
EBNTR, be transferred to the Township of Southwold; and further,
THAT the first right of refusal be allocated to the County of Elgin should the Township of
Southwold decide to remove said lands from their road system; and,
THAT any resolution contrary to this one be and is hereby rescinded.
- Carried.
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July 13, 2004
Polymer Modified Slurry Seal Type 2 - Continuous Run EQuipment - Technical
Services Officer and PurchasinQ Co-Ordinator
The type of product being recommended and its effectiveness was discussed thoroughly.
Moved by Councillor Baldwin
Seconded by Councillor Mcintyre
THAT MSO Construction Limited be selected for the application of Polymer Modified Slurry
Seal Type 2 using continuous run equipment for the identified roads and quantities at their
submitted price of $66,735.90 inclusive of all taxes; and,
THAT the Warden and the Chief Administrative Officer be authorized to enter into an
agreement for Polymer Modified Slurry Seal Type 2 (using continuous run equipment)
Contract No. 6250-04-02.
- Carried.
Polymer Modified Slurry Seal Type 2 - Technical Services Officer and PurchasinQ
Co-Ordinator
Moved by Councillor Baldwin
Seconded by Councillor Acre
THAT Cornell Construction Limited be selected for the application of Polymer Modified
Slurry Seal Type 2 for the identified roads and quantities at their submitted price of
$95,979.00 inclusive of all taxes; and,
THAT the Warden and the Chief Administrative Officer be authorized to enter into an
agreement for Modified Slurry Seal Type 2 Contract No. 6250-04-01.
- Carried.
AIM PowerGen Corporation - Technical Services Officer
Council directed staff to review the insurance implications if the power distribution lines
were placed on County property. Council also discussed the location of poles off the
roadway and of petitioning the Minister of Energy to allow the use of Ontario Hydro poles
for alternate uses, to eliminate the need to install additional poles.
Moved by Councillor Wilson
Seconded by Councillor Faulds
THAT the County of Elgin approve in principle the placement of power distribution lines on
Elgin County Road property where the proposed infrastructure does not conflict with the
County's corridor control philosophy and where the installation of distribution lines
coincides with existing infrastructure (to avoid the development of duplicate utility poles);
and,
THAT the Minister of Energy be petitioned to allow these wind turbine transmission lines to
be erected on existing Ontario Hydro transmission lines at a reasonable cost; and further,
THAT the County of Elgin is prepared, under these conditions, to enter into discussions
with AIM PowerGen Corporation and other companies to determine the location of power
distribution lines on County Roads.
- Carried.
Council took a break at 10:20 AM. and reconvened at 10:32 AM.
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July 13, 2004
Roadway SiQnaQe - Construction Technician and PurchasinQ Co-Ordinator
Moved by Councillor Vowel
Seconded by Councillor Mcintyre
THAT Cedar Signs be selected for the manufacture and delivery of roadway signage for
their submitted price of $16,426.36, inclusive of all taxes.
- Carried.
Vienna North BridQe Deck Replacement - Technical Services Officer
Moved by Councillor Mcintyre
Seconded by Councillor Faulds
THAT the Vienna North Deck Replacement project to be re-tendered early in 2005.
- Carried.
ConsultinQ Services. Mechanical Review - Director of EnQineerinQ Services
Council discussed prior experience with the companies that quoted on the project and
rationale/implications if the County does not accept the lowest bid. Staff was directed to
closely monitor the project to ensure the quality of the work is as expected.
Moved by Councillor Baldwin
Seconded by Councillor Mcintyre
THAT Smylie and Crow Associates Inc. be selected as the Consultant to undertake the
preparation of a Building Condition Report (Mechanical Review) for the County
Administration Building for their submitted price of $16,585.00 inclusive of all taxes.
- Carried.
EnQineerinQ Services for DesiQn Traffic SiQnals - Director of EnQineerinQ Services
Moved by Councillor Acre
Seconded by Councillor Hofhuis
THAT Stantec Consulting Limited be selected as the Consultant to undertake the
Engineering Services for design and assist with contract preparation and construction
inspection for installation of traffic signals at the intersection of Wellington Road and Ron
McNeil Line for their submitted price of $15,589.90 inclusive of all taxes.
- Carried.
A.O.R.S. Municipal Trade Show Summary - June 2-3.2004 - Director of EnQineerinQ
Services
The Director of Engineering Services commented on the great support received from
Council and the municipalities. Staff was directed to ensure the grass area at the Saxonia
Hall where vehicles were parking is rehabilitated.
Moved by Councillor Vowel
Seconded by Councillor Warwick
THAT the report "AO.R.S. Municipal Trade Show Summary - June 2-3,2004", dated July
9, 2004, from the Technical Services Officer be received and filed.
- Carried.
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July 13, 2004
CORRESPONDENCE
Correspondence for Consideration
1. Thomas K. Findlay, Chairman, Kirkin' 0' the Tartan Committee, with a request to
borrow the Elgin County flag and pole for the Kirkin' 0' the Tartan parade and service
at Knox Presbyterian Church in St. Thomas on September 19 at 10:30 a.m.
2. Attorney General Michael Bryant, re: Provincial Issues - Highway 401 Traffic
Offences lost revenue to County.
3. Rob Lindsay, Tree Commissioner, advising of the first meeting of the Tree By-Law
Review Committee on September 28th, 2004 at 7:00 P.M., Committee Room #2,
Administration Building, 450 Sunset Drive.
The following recommendation was adopted respecting Correspondence Item #1 :
Moved by Councillor Wilson
Seconded by Councillor Mcintyre
THAT the request by the Kirkin' 0' the Tartan Committee of Knox Presbyterian Church to
borrow the County flag to fly during the Kirkin 0' the Tartan parade and service on
September 19, 2004 be granted.
- Carried.
The following recommendation was adopted respecting Correspondence Item #2:
The Chief Administrative Officer noted that a challenge could be made in Court, that a
ticket handed out on the 401 should be adjudicated in the municipality where the offence
occurred. Council suggested approaching the OPP to point out that we now have a Court
in Elgin County and tickets in Elgin's jurisdiction should be returned here. A letter would
be forwarded to the Solicitor General and copied to Commissioner Gwen Boniface and the
Elgin Detachment OPP Office, requesting consideration of this matter.
Moved by Councillor Hofhuis
Seconded by Councillor Mcintyre
THAT a letter be forwarded to the Solicitor General outlining the County's position on the
lost revenue resulting from Highway 401 Traffic Offences occurring in the County of Elgin
being adjudicated in the Municipality of Chatham-Kent; and further,
THAT OPP Commissioner Gwen Boniface and the Elgin Detachment OPP Office be so
advised.
- Carried Unanimously.
The following recommendation was adopted respecting Correspondence Item #3.
Councillor Warwick volunteered to sit on the Tree By-Law Review Committee.
Moved by Councillor Acre
Seconded by Councillor Baldwin
THAT Councillor Warwick be appointed as a Council representative to the Tree By-Law
Review Committee.
- Carried.
Correspondence for Information
1. Richard F. Stephenson, Chair, Assessment Review Board, with information on the
ARB's streaming strategy for 2004 property assessment complaints.
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July 13, 2004
2. Honourable John Gerretsen, Minister Responsible for Seniors, with nomination forms
for the 2004 Senior Achievement Awards Program.
3. Susan McGovern, Vice President, Community Relations and Communications,
Ontario Strategic Infrastructure Financing Authority, announcing they are ready to
accept applications for the 2004-05 Municipal Infrastructure Renewal Loan Program.
4. AMO Member Communication ALERT: 1) Government Moves to Restructure
Electricity Sector; 2) AMO Presents to Standing Committee on Finance and
Economic Affairs on Bill 83, the Budget Measures Act, 2004; 3) 2004 Review of
Municipal Act: Municipal Associations Prepare to Respond.
5. Dianne Wilson, Deputy Clerk, Municipality of Central Elgin, with a resolution of
support concerning the need for a unified comprehensive standards for the Province
wide application of the Ontarians with Disabilities Act.
6. Jennifer Wilkinson and Mike Thompson, Nutritional Management Services Limited,
with the May Monthly Report.
7. Dianne Wilson, Deputy Clerk, Municipality of Central Elgin, supporting the Elgin-St.
Thomas Health Unit Board's resolution opposing the amalgamation of health units to
any specific number.
8. Honourable Gerretsen, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, acknowledging
Council's support of the City of Vaughan's resolution that the Province review the
Current Value Assessment system.
9. Tena Michiels, Deputy Clerk, Township of Southwold, supporting the County's
resolution opposing the amalgamation of health units to any specified number.
10. Honourable Greg Sorbara, Minister of Finance, regarding County Council's concern
with the Community Reinvestment Fund (CRF).
11. Honourable Jim Bradley, Minister of Tourism and Recreation, acknowledging
Council's concerns with the potential impact of the new drinking water regulations on
tourism operators and others.
12. Malcolm Bates, Director, Emergency Health Services Branch, Minister of Health and
Long-Term Care, announcing the province has approved an increase to the County's
Land Ambulance Services Grant for salaries and wages for 2004-05.
13. Township of Malahide with revised copy of resolution received after the June 22,
2004 Council meeting, regarding "Biosolids in Rural Areas".
14. Federation of Canadian Municipalities, MEMBERS' ADVISORY: 1) FCM Annual
Report Now Available on Our Website; 2) congratulating Premier Paul Martin on his
success of the June 28th election, as well as the other national party leaders, and the
successful and unsuccessful candidates who campaigned in the election.
15. Mary Clutterbuck, Chair, Elgin County Pioneer Museum Executive Board, with a
resolution supporting the concept of the 4th floor renovation of the Administration
Building for the site of the Pioneer Museum; and a resolution from the Elgin County
Pioneer Museum Advisory Committee, opposing the Elgin Military Museum's
proposal to assist the County in the operation of the Pioneer Museum.
16. Raven & Shaw Chartered Accountants, with the Corporation of the County of Elgin's
Consolidated Financial Report Year Ended December 31,2003.
17. Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care, Report of Unmet Standards or Criteria at
Terrace Lodge.
18. Georgina Rae, Melody Lane Productions, thanking Council for permitting the use of
Bobier Villa as a filming location for the Sing Along video.
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July 13, 2004
19. Ministry of the Attorney General, News Release Communique, "Former Attorney
General and Women's Issues Minister to Review Arbitration Processes".
20. Cynthia St. John, Chief Administrative Officer, Elgin-St. Thomas Health Unit, with the
Financial Statements for the Year Ended December 31, 2003 and Auditor's Report.
21. C.M. Wyatt, Superintendent Commander, Contract Policing Bureau, Ontario
Provincial Police, re: entering into consultation with the County as the agreement for
provision of services between the County and the OPP expires July 1, 2005.
22. Lorna Hudder, CAO/Clerk-Treasurer, Killaloe-Hagarty-Richards, supporting Council's
resolution concerning the impact of the Safe Drinking Water Act on rural communities
and municipalities.
23. Edith Auckland, expressing concern with the possible relocation of the Elgin County
Pioneer Museum to the Administration Building at 450 Sunset Drive.
Correspondence Item #17 - A letter would be forwarded from the Warden expressing
Council's appreciation to the staff at Terrace Lodge for resolution of Ministry of Health
compliance matters and that no unmet criteria are outstanding.
Moved by Councillor Faulds
Seconded by Councillor Vowel
THAT Correspondence Items #1-23 be received and filed.
- Carried.
OTHER BUSINESS
Statements/InQuiries by Members - None.
Notice of Motion - None.
Matters of UrQency - None.
Moved by Councillor Acre
Seconded by Councillor Hofhuis
THAT we do now move In-Camera to discuss personnel and property matters.
- Carried.
Council recessed at 12:14 P.M. and reconvened at 1 :00 P.M.
Mr. John Hogan attended at 1 :00 P.M. and left Chambers at 1:48 P.M.
Moved by Councillor Warwick
Seconded by Councillor Mcintyre
THAT we do now rise and report.
- Carried.
Moved by Councillor Vowel
Seconded by Councillor Hofhuis
THAT the Belmont Branch Library be relocated to a temporary location at "The Hub" for
the duration of the renovation period (approximately one month); and,
THAT assessment of each Branch Library temporary relocation project be considered by
Council on an individual basis.
- Carried.
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July 13, 2004
Moved by Councillor Warwick
Seconded by Councillor Acre
THAT the Warden and the Chief Administrative Officer be authorized and directed to sign
a Lease Agreement with TOPIGS Canada Inc. for Room #345 in the County Administration
Building for a two (2) year term, from October 1, 2004 at the rate of $13.00 per square foot;
and,
THAT the Warden and the Chief Administrative Officer be authorized and directed to sign
a Lease Agreement with Bereavement Resource Council of Elgin for Suite #302 in the
County Administration Building for a one (1) year term, from September 1, 2004 at the rate
of $13.00 per square foot.
- Carried.
Staff direction on concerns with WSIB claims was approved.
Moved by Councillor Faulds
Seconded by Councillor Vowel
THAT the position of POA Collections Officer become permanent full-time.
- Carried.
Moved by Councillor Baldwin
Seconded by Councillor Wilson
THAT the Chief Administrative Officer be authorized and directed to retain a qualified
Archaeologist to confirm the location of the burial site at the former Elgin Manor property
and to register the site as a Cemetery.
- Carried.
Moved by Councillor Acre
Seconded by Councillor Warwick
THAT the Confidential Human Resources matter regarding a labour settlement be
approved.
- Carried.
Moved by Councillor Faulds
Seconded by Councillor Vowel
THAT the former Elgin Manor property, comprising approximately seven acres in the
Township of Southwold, be declared as surplus to the needs of the County of Elgin and
said lands be clearly defined by survey.
- Carried.
Moved by Councillor Mcintyre
Seconded by Councillor Baldwin
THAT the Warden and the Chief Administrative Officer be authorized and directed to sign
the Transfer Agreement for the former Elgin Manor property with Inpartnr Inc. for the sum
of $2.00.
- Carried.
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July 13, 2004
Moved by Councillor Mcintyre
Seconded by Councillor Baldwin
THAT Ms. Melissa Lewis be appointed as Director of Seniors Services for Elgin Manor;
and,
THAT Ms. Rhonda Roberts be appointed as Director of Seniors Services for Terrace
Lodge; and,
THAT Mrs. Patricia Vandevenne be appointed as Director/Manager of Resident Care for
Bobier Villa.
- Carried.
Moved by Councillor Wilson
Seconded by Councillor Acre
THAT we do adopt the recommendations of the Committee Of The Whole Council.
- Carried.
BY-LAWS
Moved by Councillor Warwick
Seconded by Councillor Vowel
THAT By-Law No. 04-21 "A By-Law to Confirm Proceedings of the Municipal Council of the
Corporation of the County of Elgin at the July 13th, 2004 Meeting" be read a first and
second time.
- Carried.
Moved by Councillor Faulds
Seconded by Councillor Hofhuis
THAT By-Law No. 04-21 be read a third time and finally passed.
- Carried.
Moved by Councillor Wilson
Seconded by Councillor Baldwin
THAT we do now adjourn at 2:58 P.M. to meet again on September 14,2004 at 9:00 AM.
or earlier if required at the Call of the Chair.
- Carried.
Mark G. McDonald,
Chief Administrative Officer.
David Rock,
Warden.