June 22, 2004 Minutes
COUNTY COUNCIL
Tuesday, June 22, 2004
The Elgin County Council met this day at the Administration Building, at 9:02 AM. in
accordance with adjournment, with all members present.
Warden Rock in the Chair.
Moved by Councillor Vowel
Seconded by Councillor Faulds
THAT the minutes for the meeting held on June 8,2004 be adopted.
- Carried.
DISCLOSURE OF PECUNIARY INTEREST AND THE GENERAL NATURE THEREOF-
None.
DELEGATIONS
The Director of Library Services introduced Ms. Shelley Fleming, Ms. Colleen Devos, Ms.
Susan Morrell and Ms. Dianne Palmer, Elgin County Library employees, who attended at
9:00 AM. to demonstrate the On-line Library Catalogue that users can access from home.
Staff explained the search processes available for patrons to look for books, to place holds
on and/or purchase books, which can then be picked up from their local library. Warden
Rock thanked the Library Staff for their presentation and the delegation left at 9:25 AM.
Moved by Councillor Mcintyre
Seconded by Councillor Hofhuis
THAT we do now move into Committee Of The Whole Council.
- Carried.
REPORTS
Demonstration: Your Library CataloQue - Library Coordinator and Director of Library
Services
Moved by Councillor Baldwin
Seconded by Councillor Acre
THAT the report "Demonstration: Your Library Catalogue" dated June 10, 2004 from the
Library Coordinator and Director of Library Services be received and filed.
- Carried.
Archives' Preservation Grant - Archivist
Moved by Councillor Baldwin
Seconded by Councillor Faulds
THAT a financial contribution from the Canadian Council of Archives in the amount of
approximately $8200 be accepted for preservation-related projects in the Elgin County
Archives with an additional $1500 drawn from the Archives' 2004 Operating Budget to
support these projects; and,
THAT the County's Human Resources Department proceed with a job description and
posting for a project archivist/conservator according to the terms of this financial
contribution.
- Carried.
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June 22, 2004
Job Creation Partnership ProQram Projects - Archivist
Moved by Councillor Warwick
Seconded by Councillor Wilson
THAT staff be authorized to proceed with an application to Human Resources and Skills
Development Canada's Job Creation Partnerships Program to employ two individuals to
assist in the implementation of the County's electronic document management system and
inventory control system for a period up to 52 weeks and at no cost to the County; and,
THAT the recipients would report to the Archivist and/or designate; and,
THAT the Warden and the Chief Administrative Officer be authorized to sign the application
for funding and subsequent contribution agreement with the Government of Canada.
- Carried.
Library Circulation Statistics - Director of Library Services
Moved by Councillor Mcintyre
Seconded by Councillor Hofhuis
THAT the report "Library Circulation Statistics" dated June 14, 2004, from the Director of
Library Services be received and filed.
- Carried.
Branch Libraries. Open Hours Survey - Director of Library Services
The Director of Library Services noted that the return rate of the survey was low, but those
that responded were pleased with the current hours of operation. The Open Hours' Survey
could be posted on the website, which should generate increased input. A survey on the
satisfaction with resources being offered to the public would be posted later.
Moved by Councillor Acre
Seconded by Councillor Baldwin
THAT the report "Branch Libraries, Open Hours Survey" dated June 14, 2004, from the
Director of Library Services be received and filed.
- Carried.
Proposed AmendinQ By-Law No. 04-19 to the Road ConsolidatinQ By-Law No. 99-17
- Director of EnQineerinQ Services
Moved by Councillor Faulds
Seconded by Councillor Vowel
That the Warden and the Chief Administrative Officer be authorized to sign the amending
By-Law No. 04-19 to the Elgin County Road System.
- Carried.
Capital Projects with NeQative Variances - Project #58 Pioneer Line (County Road
#2) ResurfacinQ: Project #59 Sunset Road EnQineerinQ Services: Project #60
WellinQton Road (County Road #25) ResurfacinQ: Project #62 Quaker Road (County
Road #36) ResurfacinQ - Director of EnQineerinQ Services
Moved by Councillor Acre
Seconded by Councillor Baldwin
THAT the report "Capital Projects with Negative Variances - Project #58 Pioneer Line
(County Road #2) Resurfacing; Project #59 Sunset Road Engineering Services; Project
#60 Wellington Road (County Road #25) Resurfacing; Project #62 Quaker Road (County
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June 22, 2004
Road #36) Resurfacing", dated May 25,2004, from the Technical Services Officer be
received and filed.
- Carried.
Administration BuildinQ Capital Projects with NeQative Variances - Project #61
Second Floor Washroom - Director of EnQineerinQ Services
Moved by Councillor Faulds
Seconded by Councillor Acre
THAT the report "Administration Building Capital Projects with Negative Variances -
Project #61 Second Floor Washroom", dated May 25,2004, from the Corporate Facilities
Officer be received and filed.
- Carried.
BudQet Comparisons - May 31. 2004 - Director of Financial Services
The Chief Administrative Officer presented the report in the absence of the Director of
Financial Services.
Moved by Councillor Mcintyre
Seconded by Councillor Faulds
THAT the report titled "Budget Comparison to May 31,2004" dated June 14, 2004, from
the Director of Financial Services be received and filed.
- Carried.
Royal Canadian LeQions Update - Director of Financial Services
The Chief Administrative Officer presented the report in the absence of the Director of
Financial Services, noting that opening up a property tax rebate to Legions would set a
precedent for other bodies who may also request tax rebates. Councillors noted that the
tax exemption by-law would need to be changed to accommodate tax rebates to Legions
or the municipality would need to change the zoning for Legions to a Commercial
designation rather than Residential. Councillor Warwick requested the report be deferred
to allow time for the zoning designation question to be investigated by West Elgin staff.
Moved by Councillor Warwick
Seconded by Councillor Faulds
THAT the report "Royal Canadian Legions Update" dated June 9,2004 from the Director of
Financial Services, be deferred to a future Council meeting pending investigation of
changing the zoning for Legions to Commercial to then comply with the by-law.
- Carried.
CORRESPONDENCE
Correspondence for Consideration
1. Elinor Mifflin, AM.C.T., Clerk, Municipal Governance, Municipality of Chatham-Kent,
with a resolution concerning the GS Tax Rebate and P.S.T.
2. Joe de Laronde, Fish Habitat Biologist, Fisheries and Oceans, Ontario-Great Lakes
Area Sarnia District Office, regarding slope stabilization of banks along the Big Otter
Creek and the negative impact on the fish habitat.
3. Judi Hartman, Deputy Registrar General, Ministry of Consumer and Business
Services, responding to the request to provide records of births and deaths to MPAC.
4. Barbara Kelly, Mayor, City of Kawartha Lakes, with a resolution opposing the 2002
Municipal Performance Measurement Program.
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June 22, 2004
5. Township of Malahide with a resolution regarding "Biosolids in Rural Areas".
The following recommendation was adopted respecting Correspondence Item #1 :
Moved by Councillor Baldwin
Seconded by Councillor Hofhuis
THAT Correspondence Item #1 be received and filed.
- Carried.
The following recommendation was adopted respecting Correspondence Item #2:
The Director of Engineering advised that environmental issues have arisen and need to be
investigated, however, staff is proceeding with remedial measures that can be done
pending the investigation results. Council expressed concern with the Ministry treating
road safety for the public as subordinate to fish habitat.
Moved by Councillor Baldwin
Seconded by Councillor Acre
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 Correspondence Item #3 be received and filed.
- Carried.
The following recommendation was adopted respecting Correspondence Item #4:
Moved by Councillor Warwick
Seconded by Councillor Faulds
THAT Elgin County Council supports the resolution of the City of Kawartha Lakes
opposing the 2002 Municipal Performance Measurement Program and requesting the
Program be discontinued.
- Carried.
The following recommendation was adopted respecting Correspondence Item #5:
Councillor Wilson spoke to the resolution and the impact spreading of biosolids has on
residents in proximity to the spread area. The municipality was not consulted nor were all the
residents living near the spread area informed. The putrid, very offensive smelling biosolids
affected a two-mile area and were not generated on the farm, but came from another
municipality and is not wanted. Councillors requested that the meaning of biosolids be
clarified as follows: "Biosolids in this resolution are defined as non-farm generated waste by-
products having a putrid and rancid odour", so as not to confuse this type of waste product
with manure spreading.
Moved by Councillor Wilson
Seconded by Councillor Acre
THAT Elgin County Council supports the attached resolution of the Township of Malahide
petitioning the Ministry of the Environment to cease and desist the authorization of the
spreading of biosolids on agricultural land.
- Carried Unanimously.
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June 22, 2004
Council took a break at 10:46 AM. and reconvened at 10:58 AM.
Correspondence for Information
1. Dr. Marie Bountrogianni, Minister of Citizenship and Immigration requesting
nominations for a young person for the 2004 Lincoln M. Alexander Award for
Leadership in Eliminating Racial Discrimination.
2. Cynthia St. John, Chief Administrative Officer, Elgin St. Thomas Health Unit with a
resolution adopting the lease renewal with the current tenant.
3. AMO Member Communication "FOR YOUR INFORMATION", re: Province Introduces
Legislation to Fix Provincial Election Dates.
AMO "ALERT", re: Province Introduces Legislation to Enshrine Memorandum of
Understanding with AMO.
4. Maureen Vandenberghe, Communications & Development Coordinator, Tillsonburg &
District Multi-Service Centre thanking Council for the $4,000.00 donation to benefit its
programming.
5. Ron G. Bain, Assistant Deputy Minister, Policing Services Division, Ministry of
Community Safety and Correctional Services and Honourable Steve Peters, M.P.P.
regarding Highway 401 Traffic Offences.
6. Leona Dombrowsky, Minister of the Environment, Ministry of the Environment
responding to concerns of the Drinking Water System Regulation (0. Reg. 170/03)
7. Federation of Canadian Municipalities, Election Alert, FCM election platform calling
for an improved working relationship between the federal government and the
municipal sector "A New Deal: A Partnership for Quality of Life".
8. Ray Barnier, Chair, Thames Valley District Health Council, thanking Council for
support of their 3rd Annual Spring Forum on Primary Health Care and a copy of the
evaluation form results.
9. James Knight, Chief Executive Officer, Federation of Canadian Municipalities,
acknowledging the County's membership renewal for 2004-2005.
Moved by Councillor Mcintyre
Seconded by Councillor Acre
THAT Correspondence Items #1-9 be received and filed.
- Carried.
OTHER BUSINESS
Statements/InQuiries by Members
Councillor Baldwin informed Council that an apartment building in Aylmer, in deplorable
condition, had the assessment lowered by MPAC by half, but taxes were not lowered due
to the capping of classes. This taxation inequity discourages construction of apartment
buildings. Councillor Baldwin noted that the County's Director of Financial Services has
been assisting him to gather information on the tax ratios and requested that Council
authorize the Director to continue to assist him with the study and investigate and report on
implications to lower the tax ratio on multi-residential properties. Councillors concurred
with the request.
Councillor Faulds thanked County Council on behalf of the East Elgin Community
Complex Board, for the framed certificate recognizing their opening and the efforts of all
involved in this community project. Warden Rock commented on the impressive structure
and that construction was completed on schedule.
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June 22, 2004
Notice of Motion - None.
Matters of UrQency - None.
Moved by Councillor Vowel
Seconded by Councillor Warwick
THAT we do now proceed In-Camera to discuss property and personnel matters.
- Carried.
Council recessed at 12:08 P.M. and reconvened at 1 :00 P.M.
Ms. Pat Vandevenne, Manager of Resident Care, Ms. Frances Ellett and Ms. Cathy Crane,
Ministry of Health, attended at 1 :00 P.M. and left Chambers at 1 :55 P.M.
Councillor Vowel left at 1:45 P.M.
Mr. Earl Moore and Mr. Ian Raven, Elgin Military Museum, attended at 2:06 P.M. and left
Chambers at 3:12 P.M.
Councillor Faulds left at 3:12 P.M.
Council took a break at 3:12 P.M. and reconvened at 3:21 P.M.
Staff, except for the Director of Human Resources, Human Resources Officer, and the
Chief Administrative Officer left Chambers at 3:59 P.M.
Moved by Councillor Hofhuis
Seconded by Councillor Acre
THAT we do now rise and report.
- Carried.
Moved by Councillor Baldwin
Seconded by Councillor Acre
THAT the confidential report entitled "Salary Administration" dated June 11,2004 from the
Human Resources Officer, be received and filed.
- Carried.
Moved by Councilor Mcintyre
Seconded by Councillor Warwick
THAT the confidential report entitled "Temporary Location for Belmont Branch During
Renovations" dated June 7, 2004 from the Library Co-Ordinator be deferred to the July 13,
2004 Council meeting.
- Carried.
Moved by Councillor Baldwin
Seconded by Councillor Warwick
THAT the budget for the construction of the two ambulance bases be approved as set out
in the confidential report entitled "Ambulance Bases" dated June 14, 2004 from the
Director of Financial Services.
- Carried.
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June 22, 2004
Moved by Councillor Mcintyre
Seconded by Councillor Warwick
THAT the road allowance payment from Echo Energy Inc. towards the installation of a
pipeline on Nova Scotia Line be approved and accepted; and,
THAT the funds be placed into the Engineering Services 2004 Capital Budget.
- Carried.
Moved by Councillor Wilson
Seconded by Councillor Faulds
THAT the letter from Mr. Peter Beaudry, SCTP Consultant, Ministry of Tourism and
Recreation regarding OST AR funding for the Elgin County Pioneer Museum, be received
and filed.
- Carried.
Warden Rock, Councillor Warwick, and the Chief Administrative Officer were authorized to
seek the assistance of M.P.P. Steve Peters in having the Ministry honour its original
contribution to the project.
Moved by Councillor Mcintyre
Seconded by Councillor Wilson
THAT the Ministry of Natural Resources be requested to appoint a representative to the
Tree By-Law Review Committee.
- Carried.
Moved by Councillor Baldwin
Seconded by Councillor Acre
THAT the confidential information from the Ministry of Health on compliance matters be
received and filed.
- Carried.
Moved by Councillor Wilson
Seconded by Councillor Baldwin
THAT the confidential presentation from Mr. Earl Moore and Mr. Ian Raven of the Elgin
Military Museum be received and filed; and,
THAT a letter be forwarded to the Elgin Military Museum from Warden Rock thanking them
for the interest they have shown in the preservation of the Elgin County Pioneer Museum.
- Carried.
Staff was directed to invite Mr. John Hogan to the July 13, 2004 Council meeting to
discuss a property matter.
Councillor Mcintyre declared a conflict because of a personal affiliation with a named
individual.
Moved by Councillor Warwick
Seconded by Councillor Baldwin
THAT staff be directed to follow the advice of the Labour Lawyer regarding a staffing
matter.
- Carried.
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June 22, 2004
Staff was directed to discuss terms of a lease with Central Elgin for Whites Station works
yard in accordance with Council's instructions.
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 Acre
Seconded by Councillor Warwick
THAT By-Law No. 04-19 "Being a By-Law to Amend By-Law No. 99-17, Adopting A Plan of
County Road Improvement and Establishing a County Road System in the County of
Elgin" be read a first and second time.
- Carried.
Moved by Councillor Wilson
Seconded by Councillor Hofhuis
THAT By-Law No. 04-19 be read a third time and finally passed.
- Carried.
Moved by Councillor Mcintyre
Seconded by Councillor Wilson
THAT By-Law No. 04-20 "A By-Law to Confirm Proceedings of the Municipal Council of the
Corporation of the County of Elgin at the June 22nd, 2004 Meeting" be read a first and
second time.
- Carried.
Moved by Councillor Acre
Seconded by Councillor Wilson
THAT By-Law No. 04-20 be read a third time and finally passed.
- Carried.
Moved by Councillor Warwick
Seconded by Councillor Acre
THAT we do now adjourn at 5:09 P.M. to meet again on July 13, 2004 at 9:00 AM.
- Carried.
Mark G. McDonald,
Chief Administrative Officer.
David Rock,
Warden.
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June 22, 2004