Loading...
May 11, 2004 Minutes COUNTY COUNCIL Tuesday, May 11,2004 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 Mcintyre THAT the minutes for the regular meeting and for the special evening meeting held on April 27,2004 be adopted. - Carried. DISCLOSURE OF PECUNIARY INTEREST AND THE GENERAL NATURE THEREOF- None. DELEGATIONS Ms. Laura McLaughlin, Mr. George Dawson, and Mr. Mike Kenny, Elgin-St. Thomas Health Unit, attended at 9:00 AM. to present an update on the West Nile Virus Program and to advise of additional funding for the program for 2004. Mr. Dawson noted that no human cases of the Virus have been reported in Elgin County to date, although a few dead birds have tested positive. As no cases of the virus have been reported in Elgin, larviciding is not being done, however, mosquito surveillance will continue to be monitored. Moved by Councillor Mcintyre Seconded by Councillor Baldwin THAT the additional amount owing of $4,816.54 for expenditures incurred for the West Nile Virus Program be approved and allocated from the Millrate Stabilization Reserve. - Carried. The County Archivist noted that confirmation of Provincial funding for the Museum renovations is still pending and a deadline would be forthcoming from provincial representatives, to expend the funds in the near future. Mr. Chris Borgal, Goldsmith Borgal & Company, and Mr. Claus Breede, Canadian Cultural Resource Consultants, attended at 9: 15 A M. to present the Final Report on the Future Location of the Elgin County Pioneer Museum. The pros and cons of the CASO site as the preferred location, and the property beside the Administration Building as the second location choice for the Museum were examined in detail. Also discussed was Council's concerns with the condition of the CASO building as well as the loss of "County" prominence in locating the Museum at the facility; dealing with shared facility ownership; limited parking and land space; and speculating on government policies to provide funding assistance, among other items. The concept of building a museum support facility that would not house artefacts but provide expertise and management to other satellite museums throughout the County was explained. Warden Rock noted that the Elgin Military Museum had previously requested to address Council regarding the Final Museum Report and that Council should hear their presentation before making a final decision. Moved by Councillor Baldwin Seconded by Councillor Acre THAT the Final Report on the Future Location of the Elgin County Pioneer Museum, dated May 2004, from Goldsmith Borgal & Company and Canadian Cultural Resource Consultants be deferred to the May 25th meeting. - Carried. County Council 2 May 11 , 2004 Warden Rock thanked the delegation for attending and the gentlemen left at 10:08 AM. Ms. Georgina Rae, Melody Lane Productions attended at 10:08 AM., to present a request for permission to film a sing-along video at Bobier Villa, for sale to long-term care facilities. Cameras would be on-site to film the sing-along and Resident reaction to the songs. Ms. Rae indicated one finished copy of the video would be given, at no cost, to Bobier Villa. Moved by Councillor Wilson Seconded by Councillor Mcintyre THAT the request from Ms. Georgina Rae, Melody Lane Productions, to film a sing-along video at the Bobier Villa be granted. - Carried. The Warden thanked the delegation for the presentation and Ms. Rae left at 10: 18 AM. Moved by Councillor Vowel Seconded by Councillor Baldwin THAT we do now move into Committee Of The Whole Council. - Carried. REPORTS 9-1-1 Contract with the OPP - Ambulance and EmerQency ManaQement Co-Ordinator The Ambulance and Emergency Management Co-Ordinator updated Council on the past three years' experience with the 9-1-1 operation by the OPP and satisfaction of all parties with the service provided. Council was provided with a roster of members on the 9-1-1 Steering Committee and subsequently requested that the membership on the Committee be kept current and representation be sought from all municipalities. Moved by Councillor Hofhuis Seconded by Councillor Mcintyre THAT the Corporation of the County of Elgin approve the renewal of the existing Agreement with the OPP for the Provision of 911 CERB (Central Emergency Reporting Bureau) services, as per the renewal clause 9.2 in the existing Agreement, for a further term of three (3) years, on the same terms and conditions, at a cost of $42,978.77 per annum; and, THAT staff be directed to provide such notice within the time period stipulated in the Agreement; and, THAT the Corporation of the City of St. Thomas be encouraged to concur with these recommendations; and further, THAT a certified copy of this resolution be affixed to the renewed contract. - Carried. BudQet Comparisons to March 31. 2004 - Director of Financial Services Discussion took place regarding the issues that arose late in the year, resulting in the Homes budget overrun. Staff will provide monthly budget reports to Council. Moved by Councillor Acre Seconded by Councillor Vowel THAT the report "Budget Comparisons to March 31,2004" dated May 3,2004, presented by the Director of Financial Services be received and filed. - Carried. County Council 3 May 11 , 2004 Correspondence for Consideration 1. Mayor Bill Smith, City of Edmonton, requesting support for City of Edmonton Councillor Karen Leibovici as a candidate for the 3rd Vice President of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities. 2. Federation of Canadian Municipalities, Members' Advisory, "Municipalities Call for a New Deal on Rights-Of-Way". 3. Councillor Carolyn Amyotte, Township of North Kawartha, requesting support for the impact the Safe Drinking Water Act will have on tourism operators and other small businesses. 4. Weiland City Council requesting support for the Provincial Government to strengthen the Ontario Pension and Benefit Guarantee Fund. 5. Debra Page with concerns regarding location of the Elgin County Pioneer Museum. 6. St. Thomas & District Chamber of Commerce requesting contact verification. 7. Brenda J. Hamilton, Clerk, Loyalist Township, requesting the Province for finance relief for small municipalities facing increased costs for water and sewer services. The following recommendation was adopted respecting Correspondence Item #1 : Moved by Councillor Acre Seconded by Councillor Baldwin THAT Correspondence Item #1 be received and filed. - Carried. The following recommendation was adopted respecting Correspondence Item #2: Moved by Councillor Mcintyre 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 Wilson Seconded by Councillor Faulds THAT Elgin County Council supports the position of the Township of North Kawartha in its letter concerning the impact of the Safe Drinking Water Act on tourism operators and other small businesses; and also, THAT Elgin County Council requests that the Provincial government review the impact the Safe Drinking Water Act has on church groups and community halls in rural communities and the financial impact to rural municipalities that the testing of wells will involve. - Carried. The following recommendation was adopted respecting Correspondence Item #4: Moved by Councillor Baldwin Seconded by Councillor Mcintyre THAT Correspondence Item #4 be received and filed. - Carried. County Council 4 May 11 , 2004 The following recommendation was adopted respecting Correspondence Item #5: Moved by Councillor Hofhuis Seconded by Councillor Acre THAT Correspondence Item #5 be received and filed. - Carried. The following recommendation was adopted respecting Correspondence Item #6: Moved by Councillor Faulds Seconded by Councillor Hofhuis THAT Elgin County Council appoint Councillor Paul Baldwin as a County contact representative to the St. Thomas and District Chamber of Commerce, to replace former Councillor Dennis Crevits. - Carried. The following recommendation was adopted respecting Correspondence Item #7. Moved by Councillor Warwick Seconded by Councillor Faulds THAT the Corporation of the County of Elgin supports the resolution from Loyalist Township requesting that the Ministry of the Environment and the Provincial Government provide financial and/or legislated relief to smaller service areas facing increased costs to provide municipal water and sewer services. - Carried. Items for Information - (Consent AQenda) 1. Thank you for County pens and spoons from: Helen Harvey; Keith and Ruth Davis. 2. Dr. Sheela V. Basrur, Chief Medical Officer of Health and Assistant Deputy Minister, Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care, with information regarding the interim Campbell Commission report regarding the SARS outbreak. 3. Prime Minister Paul Martin, acknowledging Council's support for a comprehensive new legislative framework for funding municipalities. 4. Cathy Crane, RN., BScN, Compliance Advisor, Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care with Annual Facility Review Summary Report for Elgin Manor. 5. Dan Mathieson, Mayor, City of Stratford, inviting municipal officials and staff to "Civic Night at the Stratford Festival". 6. Tim Burns, Director (A) Long-Term Care Facilities Branch with decision regarding the 2003 Municipal Tax Allowance Fund. 7. Association of Municipalities of Ontario Member Communication Alert regarding Supply/Conservation: Key Elements of New Electricity Plan for Ontario. 8. Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing News Release regarding New Legislation to Reduce Rent Hikes. 9. Premier Dalton McGuinty, acknowledging Council's support regarding GST and PST rebates to municipalities. County Council 5 May 11 , 2004 10. J. S. Burke, Deputy Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, with update on Province's plan regarding municipal costs incurred during the August 14th, 2003 power outage. 11. John Gerretsen, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, with Residential Tenancy Reform Summary. 12. Carllsenburg, Vice-President, Customer Relations, MPAC, thanking Council for their support regarding MPAC's access to vital statistics data. 13. Greg Sorbara, Minister of Finance, regarding assessment and taxation of trailer dwellings. 14. Malcolm Bates, Director, Emergency Health Services, Ministry of Health and Long- Term Care, regarding an increase to the 2004 Response Time Funding Grant. 15. Larry Clay, Director, Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing, regarding Municipal Performance Measurement Program Release of 2001 Summary Data Report. 16. Greg Sorbara, Minister of Finance advising Council of the 2004 Education property tax rate regulations. 17. George Smitherman, Minister of Health and Long-Term Care, regarding Emergency Health Services Land Ambulance Fleet and Equipment Procurement Services Model. 18. AMO 2004 Annual Conference Update. 19. Carol Layton, Secretary General to The Order of Ontario, seeking Nominations for the Order of Ontario. 20. Nancy Naylor, Assistant Deputy Minister, Ministry of Finance, re: assessment of residential trailers for the 2003 taxation year. Councillors discussed Correspondence Item #4, concerning the Annual Facility Review for Elgin Manor and what has been implemented to meet the unmet standards. It was suggested that the Ministry Compliance Officer be invited to another Council meeting to discuss the issues. Moved by Councillor Hofhuis Seconded by Councillor Mcintyre THAT Correspondence Items #1-20 be received and filed. - Carried. OTHER BUSINESS Statements/InQuiries by Members Councillor Wilson noted that the previous Council had referred the appointment of a representative to the Green Lane Community Trust Fund, to the incoming Council, and that a copy of the Green Lane Community Trust Fund Articles of Incorporation be requested from the Board. As the Board is reluctant to provide the Articles of Incorporation, a joint representative should be appointed to the Board. Councillor Mcintyre agreed to provide written clarification of the agreement whereby the County and the City make a joint appointment to the Trust Fund and report back to Council. Moved by Councillor Wilson Seconded by Councillor Hofhuis THAT the Council for the County of Elgin concur with St. Thomas City Council's nomination of Mayor Kohler as a joint County/City representative to the Green Lane Trust Committee. - Carried. County Council 6 May 11 , 2004 Councillor Faulds thanks Council for the support to his Family during the recent loss of his Father. Warden Rock noted that a thank you note was received from the Faulds Family and offered condolences in the Family's loss. Councillor Wilson reminded Council of the Municipal Trade Show being held June 2 and 3, 2004 at the Aylmer Community Complex and encouraged all to attend. Notice of Motion - None. Matters of UrQency - None. Moved by Councillor Hofhuis Seconded by Councillor Vowel THAT we proceed In-Camera to discuss property matters. - Carried. Moved by Councillor Faulds Seconded by Councillor Baldwin THAT we do now rise and report. - Carried. Moved by Councillor Wilson Seconded by Councillor Mcintyre THAT the terms and conditions of a two-year revised lease with a three-year renewal after two years and a further five-year renewal thereafter as recently proposed on May 5, 2004 by 1342961 Ontario Incorporated for space occupied at 99 Edward Street be approved; and further, THAT the County and ultimately, the Elgin-St. Thomas Health Unit, be relieved of the previous obligation to re-carpet the premises until the next renewal period as well as providing access to the building five days per week from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.; and, THAT any resolution contrary to this one be hereby rescinded. - Carried. Moved by Councillor Faulds Seconded by Councillor Acre THAT the Warden and the Chief Administrative Officer be authorized to accept a bequest to Elgin Manor from the Lunn Estate and release of the Estate Trustee from any further obligations. - Carried. Moved by Councillor Vowel Seconded by Councillor Warwick THAT we adopt the recommendations of the Committee Of The Whole Council. - Carried. County Council 7 May 11 , 2004 BY-LAWS Moved by Councillor Wilson Seconded by Councillor Mcintyre THAT By-Law No. 04-13 "A By-Law to Confirm Proceedings of the Municipal Council of the Corporation of the County of Elgin at the April 2ih, 2004 Special Evening Meeting" be read a first and second time. - Carried. Moved by Councillor Acre Seconded by Councillor Hofhuis THAT By-Law No. 04-13 be read a third time and finally passed. - Carried. Moved by Councillor Faulds Seconded by Councillor Warwick THAT By-Law No. 04-14 "Being a By-Law to Enter Into an Agreement with the Municipality of Chatham-Kent for the Provision of Maintenance on Shared Boundary Roads" be read a first and second time. - Carried. Moved by Councillor Warwick Seconded by Councillor Acre THAT By-Law No. 04-14 be read a third time and finally passed. - Carried. Moved by Councillor Warwick Seconded by Councillor Faulds THAT By-Law No. 04-15 "A By-Law to Confirm Proceedings of the Municipal Council of the Corporation of the County of Elgin at the May 11th, 2004 Meeting" be read a first and second time. - Carried. Moved by Councillor Warwick Seconded by Councillor Wilson THAT By-Law No. 04-15 be read a third time and finally passed. - Carried. Moved by Councillor Warwick Seconded by Councillor Acre THAT we do now adjourn at 11:45 AM. to meet again on May 25,2004 at 9:00 AM. - Carried. Mark G. McDonald, Chief Administrative Officer. David Rock, Warden.