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January 27, 1998 Agenda
ORDERS OF THE DA Y 1998 at 9:00 A.M. FOR TUESDA Y. JANUARY 27TH. Meeting Called to Order Adoption of Minutes - meeting held on January Disclosure of Pecuniary Interest and the Genera Presentations and Delegations Recognition Presentation 13th Nature Thereof 1998 MORNING SESSION 1st 2nd 3rd 4th PAGE # Presenting Petitions, PRESENTATIONS 1997 Employee (see attached) DELEGA TlON Mr. Bryce Sibbick, Accounts Representative, Frank Cowan Company Limited, to address Council on the Insurance Proposal for 1998. - see report #21 from Administrator/Clerk 1 Motion to Move Into "Committee Of The Whole Counci 5th Reports of Council and Staff Reports of Councillors Reports of Staff 6th 2 Counci i) Items ii) Items for In-Camera Items see separate agenda Motion to Rise and Report see attached Correspondence for Consideration 7th 3 nformation 8th 9th the Committee Of The Whole Motion to Adopt Recommendations from OTHER BUSINESS 10th Statementsllnquiries by Members Notice of Motion Matters of Urgency 1) 2) 3) 11th Consideration of By-Laws 12th 4 ADJOURNMENT 13th REMINDER Rural Ontario Municipal Association Conference (ROMA) - Royal York Ontario Good Roads Association Conference - Royal York Feb. 8 - 11 Feb. 22 - 25 PRESENTATION OF PERFECT ATTENDANCE AWARDS JANUARY 27TH. 1998 MEETING SOCIAL SERVICES Rob Bell 1996 & 1997 Sue Clemas 1997 LIBRARY Marilyn VanDaele 1997 Jim Welch 1997 PERSONNEL Harley Underhill 1997 Louise Eastbury 1997 Joan McBurnie 1996 & 1997 ROADS Fred Groch 1997 Ann Bennie 1996 & 1997 John Brown 1997 Dave Hagerty 1997 Mike Hare 1997 Jim Haskell 1997 Joe Livingstone 1997 ELGIN MANOR Marg Ashton 1996 & 1997 Janice Campbell 1997 Archie Clarkson 1996 & 1997 Ella Kyle 1997 Sara Letourneau 1997 Servat Sobhani 1997 Barb Vaughan 1997 TERRACE LODGE Marilyn Fleck 1996 & 1997 Erika Lang 1997 BOBIER VILLA Deborah Rogers 1996 & 1997 CLERKS Rick Lalonde 1996 & 1997 Sandy Heffren 1996 & 1997 ~ 2" ./ REPORTS OF COUNCIL AND STAFF REPORTS OF COUNCILLORS W. Perry Clutterbuck, Warden, Council Communications. 1 STAFF REPORTS 1998 Day Care Rates Director of Social Services, R E. Bel 1 Service Agreements for 1997 Boyes, Director/Administrator of Homes for Seniors J F 2 Seniors, Occupancy of Homes. OvernighUWeekend Parking Ford Taurus Director/Administrator of Homes for Engineering Services C.W. Watters, Manager GL. Boyes F. J 3. 4. Weight of Loads To Be C.W. Watters, Manager Engineering Services, Restricting of Carried On County Roads 5. County Administration Engineering Services, Lawn Maintenance C.W. Watters, Manager Building. 6. Cathy Bishop, Manager Library Services, Monthly Operations Report. 7 Cathy Bishop, Manager Library Services, Automation. 8. Cathy Bishop, Manager Library Services, Van 9 review County Budget. to Meeting Dates Treasurer, Linda Veger, 10. Wardens. Past E.M.A. Annual Dinner, Treasurer, Linda Veger, 11 Conventions. Personnel Administrator, Treasurer and Harley Underh Linda Veger, 12 Pay Equity Act & SalarylWage Administration Personnel Administrator, I Harley Underhi 13 Moratorium on Job Evaluations. Personnel Administrator, Harley Underh 14. Non-Union Job Evaluation Committee. Committee, Application for a Job Personnel Administrator, Loralee Vachon, Chairperson Records Management Creation Partnership. Harley Underh 15. 16. Steering, Civic Thomas 9-1-1 Elgin/St. Karen Dunn, Emergency Measures Co-ordinator, Addressing & Promotion Committees. 17 Emergency Measures Committee Karen Dunn, Emergency Measures Co-ordinator, 18. 1998 County Municipal Directory. Heffren, Deputy Clerk, Sandra J 19. Mark G. McDonald, County Administrator/Clerk, Deputy Warden. 20. 1998 Comprehensive Insurance Renewal Thomas Community Mark G. McDonald, County Administrator/Clerk, Elgln-St. Transportation Proposal Mark G. McDonald, County Administrator/Clerk, 21 22 REPORT TO COUNTY COUNCIL W. Perry Clutterbuck, Warden FROM: 19,1998 SUBJECT: COUNCIL COMMUNICA TlONS January DA TE: INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this report is to determine Council's views on improving communications for convenience and efficiency. Specifically, I would appreciate your comments on the following suggestions The installation of fax machines for every member of Council; The rental of cellular telephones for myself and the Administrator/Clerk; and The use of telephone calling cards. 1) 2) 3) DISCUSSION: Council Fax Machines: Those of you who have personal fax machines already know the benefits they provide. Material is received quickly; turn around time is equally rapid; the use of the machine can be less expensive than mail (depending on the length of documents being transmitted); and, they are very convenient. With a nine member Council, representing a large geographical County, and being responsible for a growing list of services, I believe facsimile machines provide good value for a relatively minor capital investment. Attached to this report is a summary of the costs on a Councillor by Councillor basis. Some members of Council, such as myself, already have a fax and do not require one. If you agree with this idea, I would suggest that the County purchase the machines and the paper with the understanding that this is County property. If a member of Council was to vacate office at any time on or before the current term ends, then the fax will be returned to the County, or be purchased at cost. Councillors could turn in their monthly invoices to Treasury for reimbursement. The cost of the items could be provided for in the Corporate expenditures budget. Portable Ce//ular Telephones: The benefits of a cellular phone are similar to those mentioned regarding fax machines, namely: cost and convenience. Through our Homes for the Aged and The Ministry of Health we are able to obtain a "preferred" rate. A portable telephone can be obtained for a $32.00 license fee and 250 minutes at $49.95 per month. There is a 2 $20.00 charge for the telephone. For budget purposes, the charge should average about $50.00 per month or less, allowing for 250 minutes of air time. The first minute of incoming calls is free. The Corporate expenditure's budget could be used to cover these costs. The Warden and Administrator/Clerk are away from the office attending meetings more regularly now than perhaps anytime in the past. This trend will likely continue, as we take on more downloaded responsibility. It is imperative that members of Council and staff be able to contact us without undue delay and that we check messages often. Cards: For the convenience of Council and ease of administrative record keeping, I would strongly suggest every member of Council receive and use a Bell calling card for County business. Not only do many of us call the main office from long distance locations, we also call each other, often incurring charges on our personal telephone lines. hone Ca//in Tele Conclusion: I believe all three suggestions will save time and money in the conduct of business would appreciate your thoughts on these ideas. ~ Cost to Supply to Counci Total Annual 11 Months 223.30 223.30 223.30 223.30 145.53 223.30 223.30 218.68 196.13 Monthly Rate 20.30 X 11 mas 20.30 X 11 mas 20.30X 11 mas 20.30 X 11 mas 13.23 X 11 mas 20.30 X 11 mas 20.30 X 11 mas 19.88X11 mas 17.83X 11 mas Installation 160.00 160.00 160.00 160.00 84.00 160.00 160.00 84,00 84.00 Paper ~OO ~OO 900 ~OO ~OO ~OO ~OO 900 ~OO Fax Machine 249.99 249.99 249.99 249.99 249.99 249.99 249.99 249.99 249.99 Fax Machines Perry Clutterbuck Bill Walters Duncan McPhai John Wilson Max Stewart Andy van Kasteren Rien Van Brenk Dave Rock Bob Habkirk 5,443.05 816.46 500.00 900.14 1 212.00 1 00 81 2,249.91 estimated Total Sales Tax Long Distance Charges 6,759.51 the Councilors home address Ilave to check the availability of a install but would be at the same Delivery is free for orders over $50. Each unit would be delivered to free of charge. The boxes of paper have 6 rolls. Bell Canada willi private line for Rien. If available, it may take a couple of weeks to (J,rice ($160). 1/16/98 FAXMACHI.XLS Councilor Fax Machines REPORT'fO COUNTY COUNCIL Director of Social Services FROM: R. E. Bell 1998 8, January DATE 1998 Day Care Rates INTRODUCTION/BACKGROUND Please find attached two recent requests for increases in subsidized Day Care rates SUBJECT In some cases, such as below this maximum and of $25.00 per diem has been in place since 1992 the rates have historically been well The current maximum First Baptist Week Day Nursery, present no problem. an Day Care Centre (operated by the YMCA-YWCA) for and $26.00 for preschool would require an increase. DISCUSSION The request from Aylmer Pre-School increase to $29.00 per diem for toddlers CONCLUSION The County has two options. We can either approve all or part of the increase, thus raising the maximum, or leave the maximum at $25.00 with parents paying the difference. (Please note that no rate is quoted for infants as this centre is not licensed for care of children below 18 months in age. Where they are licensed for infants the charge is $33.00 - $35.00 per diem) RECOMMENDATION It is recommended that we continue with the practice of setting an overall maximum rather than This serves not to penalize lower priced centres while controlling over all costs. subsidy for Day Care rates be set at $27.00 per day through the County, the approval of the subj ect to specific rates. It is further recommended that the maximum for all agencies providing Day Care funded Ministry of Community and Social Services. ~-ß R.E.Bell Director REB/cw Attached Approved for Submission \V'/}:!J,C;;;!'-YWCA October 3, 1997. As per our telephone conversation of Thursday, October 2, 1997. Please find the enclosed fee schedule for your files. Dear Mr. Bell, I understand that this year's maximum subsidy is$ 25.00 Perhaps, if there were an increase next year it would be helpful for the parents of Elgin County. ~ .-.--..... r ;,") ~,?'¡ , .,1 , "f "r <:;L,!j ~,~ I , I I > ". ..~ .~.)? I ::,:~:;,:;t\:/,.:;;~·_~¿G¡N :--..,"">c,....,~,_"~..P,~'-1, "'.J'::,j DëPr. '~'''''''-, '. Sincerely, ~~ Trish Edwa , Supervisor Aylmer YMCA-YWCA Childcare C re (£OlJDO@](£~ Development Initiatives· International Employment . Education Child Care· Camping & Environmenta . Health, Fitness & Recreation '" .., cO '" ~ '" ¡¡¡ · ~ ." · '" U -0 ~ Q, · '" . Kids & Co. is a Corporate Chì1dcaro Centre which offers chi1dcara to Canada Trust employees; outside clients when spac8s available ~avis¡;'" August 1997 ::>.0. Day, March, & Xmas Break School Age only - discount 25% for 2nd. child Child' brings own lunchl 50% for 3rd. child 'J!inimum rata is 3 hours/dey - No hourly tata II , I , I I I I I I PER WEEK BLESSED BOB KIDDIE- KIDS ST. ST. VINCENT MARGUERITE WELLINGTON WINDY AYLMER CORNER- KATERI HAYWARD LAND . CO KlDWORKS THERESA DE PAUL D'YOUVILLE WOODS STONE i 7:30 -6 7:00·6 7:30-5:30 7:30·6 7·6 7:30·6 7:30 - 6 7:30- 6 6:30 - 6 7:30,,6 6:30-5:30 6:30-5:30 Ilnlantl0-18 mos.) m m ... m m m ---- m 1 (% day) 25.00 23,,75 25.00 25,,00 ! (fulJ day) 166.00 154.50 166.00 166.00 ! Tweenie (18-24 mos.} m m m ... ... m m m 157.50 m _n_ ... I Todd!" ¡¡B·30 m",, m 139.00 144.00 134.00 144.00 m m m 144.00 144.00 134.00 137.00 II Toddler II {~day without lunch} 87,,50 II' ~ dav with lunch) 102.50 II Proschool !2:4-5 vrs.1 125.50 125.50 125.50 119.00 125.50 125.50 125.50 125.50 129.00 125.50 125.50 125.50 I' Proschool 11'i/. day withoutlunchl 72.50 72,,50 72.50 m 72.50 72,,50 72,,50 72,,50 72.50 72,50 72,,50 72,,50 !I !~ doy with lunch} 76.50 76.50 76.50 76.50 76.50 76.50 76.50 76.50 76.50 76.50 76.50 il School Aga (6·12 yrs..) ¡ Before 19.75 19.75 19.75 m m 19.75 19.75 24,,25 ... ... ... ... il Aftar 30.00 30.00 30.00 o' m 30,00 30.00 24.25 m ... m ... Before/After 48.50 48.50 48.50 ... m 48.50 48.50 48.50 m ... ..- m BLESSED BOS KIDDIE· KIDS ST. ST. VINCENT MARGUERITE WELLINGTON WINDY AYLMER CORNER- PER DAY KATERI HAYWARD LAND & CO. KIDWORKS THERESA DE PAUL D'YOUVILLE WOODS STONE Infant (0·18 mos.} m m 35.00 33.00 ... m ... ... 35,,00 35.00 I }s dav 'under 5 hrs.! 25.00 23.00 25.00 25.00 , TW TO Toddler 118-30 mos.) m 31,,00 31.00 29.00 31.00 m ... ... 33.00 31.00 31.00 29.00 29.00 (¡¡, day) 19.50 19.50 17,,50 19.50 21.50 19.50 19.50 17.50 17.50 (% with lunch) 22.50 22.50 21.00 22.50 25.00 22.50 22.50 21.00 21.00 Preschool (2~·5 vrs.) 26.00 26.00 26.00 26.00 26.00 26.00 26.00 26.00 26.00 26.00 26.00 26.00 Preschool (y, daY with lunch) 16.50 16.50 17.50 16.50 17.50 16.50 16.50 16.50 17.50 17.50 17.50 17.50 Nursery School 14.50 14.50 14.50 14.50 14.50 14.50 14.50 14.50 14.50 14.50 50.00/mth/ 14.50 2.am/wk School Age (6+12 yrs,,) Befote 5.50 5.50 ... o. 5,50 5.50 6.50 ... ... nn. ---- Aftar 7.50 7.50 .- ... 7.50 7.50 6.50 Befora/After 13.00 13.00 m ... 13.00 13.00 13.00 P.O. Dav 21.00 21.00 m m 21.00 21.00 21.00 Effective September 1, 1997, the Childcare fees will be: YMCA·YWCA 1997-1998 CHllDCARE FEES PHONE 842-93 FIRST BAPTIST WEEKDAY NURSERY "'7 WASHINGTON GRAND AVE. TILLSON8URG. ONTARIO. N4G IYB FIRST BAPTIST WEEKDAY NURSERY RATES - EFFECTIVE JANUARY 5. 1998 FULL DAY $21.00/day preschoolers $I05.00/week $22.00/day toddlers $llO.OO/week HALF DAY $13.00/day preschoolers $ 65.00/week $I4.00/day toddlers $ 70.00/week Second child same family - 75% of above for 5 day attendance only NOON .tv!EAL - Full Day - included in fee Half Day - optional at $2.50 per meal (I) Full rate applies whether or not the child attends, for the duration of the registration period, with the exception of August. (2) To retain the child's space for September, there will be a 40% surcharge during August, if the child does not attend. (3) Full rates apply for public holidays as outlined in the Parent Contract, if the child is registered for that day. (4) If fees are paid montlùy or bi-weekly, they must be paid in advance. (5) Two weeks' notice is required on withdrawal or, in lieu of this, two weeks' fees wil be required. (6) The Nursery School attendance records shall be the only record of attendance for computing fees. "-~.""~-' - ..,....", ."i , ^ "~"~'~·-'~'-"~::-~::'F:~"~:~~-.J 0 <"",.,....,~-.-... to ELGIN COUNTY COUNCIL REPORT Homes for Senior Citizens Department FROM: January 8, 1998 DATE: Service Agreements for 1997 - Report #1 SUBJECT: round: On an annual basis, the Ministry of Health have provided documentation of the services that the Homes provide for the operation of the long term care facilities, Elgin Manor, Terrace Lodge and Bobier Villa. Included in the formal agreement with the Ministry of Health are reports of Provincial funding for the operations. The County Treasury has reviewed these documents and have indicated their approval of the information provided. Introductio Discussion: It is a legislative requirement that Homes for the Aged, under the Long Term Care Act enter into an agreement with the Ministry of Health for the provision of service and funding for such services. The Ontario Association of Non-Profit Homes and Services for Seniors have indicated no objection for their members to endorse the service agreement, however, did indicate that there were still some concerns with the accountability issues. The negative impact of noncompliance may be that the Ministry would withhold funding for the operation. Conclusion: Since 1993, Elgin County Homes have entered into service agreements with the Ministry of Health, and have reviewed the document provided. Since the document presented is for 1997, and the Homes have met the obligations previously agreed, it would not be detrimental to endorse the service agreement (7\( . \ ~ ..A.../'"'> F. J. Boyes Director/Administrator Reported by: Recommendation: THAT the Warden and Administrator/Clerk be authorized to sign the 1997 service agreements for Elgin Manor, Terrace Lodge, and Bobier Villa, and that the necessary documents be prepared. MarK McDonald, County Administrator!Clerk Approved for Submission: COUNTY COUNCIL to ELGIN REPORT Homes for Senior Citizens Department FROM: Report #4 January 8, 1998 Occupancy of Homes - DATE: SUBJECT: round: It has been the practice of the Homes Committee to receive information on new admissions to the Homes, their names, ages, and monthly rate. !,ntroductio Discussion: The requirement for the Homes Committee to ratify all admissions to the Homes has changed, and it is for that reason that the information presented will simply analyze whether the occupancy target has been met, as full provincial subsidy is provided when the Home meets the target. Conclusion: December is as follows: 91.6% occupancy 96.1% occupancy 97.0% occupancy the Homes for the month of Elgin Manor - 2,557 resident days Terrace Lodge - 2,981 resident days Bobier Villa -1,714 resident days The occupancy of all may not be actively awaiting) ~ ~ \ '-;:::" ~----...... R---- J. Boyes, Director/Administrator 34 (however Reported by: Applicants awaiting admission: F. Recommendation: Mark McDonald, County Administrator!Clerk THAT the occupancy report be received and filed. Approved for Submission: REPORT TO COUNTY COUNCIL FROM: CLAYTON WATTERS, MANAGER ENGINEERING SERVICES 1997 SUBJECT: OVERNIGHT/WEEKEND PARKING FORD TAURUS GL JANUARY 8 DATE the car the use of a car but is not allowed to take IntroductiQn/ BackrQund The Manager of Engineering Services has home. Discussion I have concerns regarding potential damage to the County Car because of the previous damage caused to the Library Van by vandals. The Administration building is unoccupied during evening hours and on weekends and the Car is left in the parking lot when not in use With a limited budget repairing vehicles is an unwanted expense. Conclusion am suggesting three options to prevent potential damage to the County Car: Do nothing and take your chances Leave the Car at the County Garage. Allow the Car to be taken home by the Manager of Engineering Services. 1. 2. 3. Item NO.2 would be the best alternative as the vehicle requires fuel every other day and there are a presence of people at the garage during the day and the evening seven days a week. * Recommendation That the appropriate Personnel Policy be amended to permit the storage of the County Engineering Services car off site at the County Garage. MARK MCDONALD COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR/CLERK /kab APP OVED vJ(JC CLAYTON D. WATTERS, MANAGER ENGINEERING SERVICES OR SUBMISSION REPORT TO COUNTY COUNCIL CLAYTON WATTERS, MANAGER ENGINEERING SERVICES FROM 1997 SUBJECT: RESTRICTING OF WEIGHT OF LOADS TO BE CARRIED ON COUNTY ROADS JANUARY 8 DATE Introduction/ Backround restrict the weight of loads to be carried on County roads Would Discussion Under Section 104(a)(7), Chapter 198 of the Highway Traffic Act provides that the Municipal Corporation or other authority having jurisdiction over a highway may by by-law designate the date on which a reduced load period shall start or end and the highway or portion thereof under its jurisdiction to which the designation applies. The purpose is to restrict the vehicles over roads that have been high floated These roads have approximately 200 mm of granular 'A' and during Spring thaw do not have the structural capacity to handle the same loads the ConcLusion The roads designated by the Manager of Engineering Services would be posted and postings will be from February 15th to April 30th inclusive each and every year. roads he mits on any and al RBcommeodation Manager, Engineering Services be directed to post half load deems necessary, and that the appropriate by-law be made. MAR CDONALD COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR/CLERK /kab APPROVED FOR SUBMISSION OôWAw CLAYTON D. WATTERS, MANAGER ENGINEERING SERVICES REPORT TO COUNTY COUNCIL FROM: CLAYTON WATTERS, MANAGER ENGINEERING SERVICES 1997 LAWN MAINTENANCE - COUNTY ADMINISTRATION BUILDING JANUARY 8 SUBJECT: DATE ncluded 1997 and the previous Contract the Ditch Area expired in Introdu_ction/ Backround The Lawn Maintenance Agreement · Spring Cleanup · Grass Cutting - Main Building Area and · Shrub and Garden Maintenance 1995 for three year 1992 and renewals In 1989 with was made In An original advertisement terms. Disc_ussion A new contract should be tendered for the Lawn Maintenance at the County Administration Building for a three year term Conclusion review of the County's Purchasing Policy we must tender for the above service Upon to arrange for services for Lawn Maintenance Recommendation That the County Purchasing Policy be followed /kab APPROVED FOR SUBMISSION fA. " CLAYTON D. WATTERS, MANAGER ENGINEERING SERVICES REPORT TO COUNTY COUNCIL From: Elgin County Library, Cathy Bishop Date: January 6, 1998 Subject: Monthly Operations Report Introduction: In an effort to streamline reports to Council, the fof/owing consolidates a number of reports into one document. With a new Council reporting system, staff will be seeking Council's direction on which items you would like included in the future. Collection: McNaughton Plan: This is a "book leasing" plan. We met with the representative from Brodart to discuss increasing our monthly allowance plan from 50 to 70 books in 1998. This plan will also allow us commit more of our book budget to the plan any time during the year. We are also receiving information on the "audio book" leasing plan. Processing: New records added to the library database and sent to the branches 713 Adult 110 Juvenile 118 Audio Visual 731 Paperbacks - 1,672 New Materials Total materials sent out to branches 2,413 MANAG.JAN1/20/98 1 Circulation Statistics **See attached report CD-ROMS Staff are finding information by way of the Internet: EBSCO, which is an on- line database of journal articles provided by the Ontario Library Service; and CBCA KIOSK, which is a database of journal articles on CD-ROM. We have been experimenting sending the EBSCO articles to the branch libraries via internet email. Public Services Interlibrary Loan and Reference Statistics Frank Clarke and Ken Verrell did a presentation of slides and positive photographs for the Elgin Photographic Heritage Society at the Aylmer Library. **See attached reports 2 We received copies of a book, "West Lome: 90 Years a Village 1907- 1997". This was written by Nancy and Harley Lashbrook of West Lorne and published at their own expense MANAG.JAN1/13/98 ELGIN COUNTY LIBRARY Statistical Report for the Month of November 1991 CIRCULATION MONTHLY Rate YEAR-TO-DATE 1996 1997 of Change 1996 1997 % Total Rate of Change Aylmer 6867 7028 2.3% 'i Aylmer 77162 81582 24.6% 5.7% Bayham 2591 2210 -14.7"10 Bayham 30972 24948 7.5% -19.4% Belmont 2486 2350 ..s.5% Belmont 28496 28766 8.7% 0.9% Dutton 5624 5457 ~.O% Dutton 60956 61865 18.6% 1.5% Port Burwell 998 1083 8.5% Port Burwell 10166 11678 3.5% 14.9% Port Stanley 4190 3545 -15.4% Port Stanley 42455 43632 13.1% 2.8% Rodney 1930 1749 -9.4% Rodney 20823 21406 6.4% 2.8% Shedden 1769 1535 -13.2% Shedden 19894 19923 6.0% 0.1% Springfield 1027 835 -18.7"10 Springfield 12401 10348 3.1% -16.6% Vienna 338 425 25.7"10 Vienna 4934 5633 1.7% 14.2% West Lome 1942 1763 -9.2% West Lorne 22456 22328 6.7% -0.6% TOTAL 29762 27980 ~.O% TOTAL 330715 332109 100% 0.4% CIRCULATION BREAKDOWN Aylmer Bayham Belmont Dutton PortBurwell Port Stanley Rodney Shedden Springfield Vienna West Lome TOTAL Adult Non..fiction 921 254 235 753 102 495 150 108 102 27 156 3303 Adult Fiction 1141 187 238 6S3 47 523 229 158 64 19 215 3474 Juvenile Non-Fiction 504 188 148 519 59 251 144 103 115 51 88 2170 Juvenile fiction 1115 322 352 899 261 521 255 292 160 59 191 4427 Large Print 166 40 34 102 14 97 48 26 4 3 110 644 French 0 0 0 6 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 6 Non-English 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 Sub-Total HardCover 3847 991 1007 2935 483 1887 826 687 445 159 760 14027 Adult PaperBack 881 372 502 616 172 648 335 232 104 85 311 4258 Juvenile PaperBack 1224 568 466 967 305 431 345 284 219 147 305 5261 Sub-TotalPapenBack 210S 940 968 1583 477 1079 680 516 323 232 616 9519 Adult Magazines 266 81r 109 241 42 190 82 52 27 7 83 1187 Juvenile Magazines 38 20 35 10 25 82 18 3 0 6 23 260 Sub-Total Magazines 304 108 144 251 67 272 100 55 27 13 106 1447 Cassettes 216 87 45 187 30 77 39 70 7 15 75 648 Audiobooks 162 39 47 80 5 60 41 5 2 5 43 489 Videos 390 4S 133 398 21 157 58 202 31 1 147 1583 Sub-Total AudioVisual 768 171 225 665 56 294 138 277 40 21 265 2920 Vertical File 4 0 6 23 0 12 5 0 0 0 16 66 Microfilm 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 TOTAL 7028 2210 2350 5457 1083 3545 1749 1535 835 425 1763 27980 Microfilms 25 20 ·2000% Microfilms 276 289 4.5% Number of Programs 104 118 1305% Number of Programs 981 1008 2.7% Program Attendance 1165 1291 1103% Program Attendance 13538 13979 3.2% Number of Tours 10 9 -10.0% Number of Tours 104 82 -26.8% Tours Attendance 151 113 -25.2% Tour Attendance 1895 1447 -31.0% Reference Requests 1411 683 ·5106% Reference Requests 14957 11197 -33.6% MONTHLY Rate YEAR-TO-oATE 1996 1997 Of Change 1996 1997 Rate of Change Group Loan #. Main Office 5 2 ~O.O% GoLo .,. MainOffice 47 33 -42.4% Group Loan #. Branches 14 17 2104% G.L. # . Branches 209 229 8.7% GoL.ltem· Main Office 291 106 --6306% GoLo Item· MainOffice 2816 2063 -36.5% GoLoltem· Branches 379 462 21.9% GoL.ltem· Branches 4434 6031 26.5% OTHER ACTIVITIES Aylmer Bayham Belmont Dutton Port Burwell Port Stanley Rodney Shedden Springfield Vienna West Lome TOTAL 'i Microfilm In-library Use 15 0 0 4 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 20 Group loan Amount 4 1 0 4 1 0 5 0 0 1 1 17 Group loan Items 59 47 0 157 21 0 112 0 0 35 31 462 Number of Programs 13 13 8 22 11 10 10 8 4 3 16 118 Program Attendance 141 137 35 337 103 182 58 141 26 19 118 1297 Number of Tours 0 0 1 6 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 9 Tour Attendance 0 0 12 55 0 0 0 0 0 0 46 113 FOR = Foreign NIA = Not Available CANC = Cancelled JF = Junior Fiction ABOOK = Audio Book MFILM = Microfilm ANF = Adult Non-Fiction AF = Adult Fiction JNF = Juvenile Non-Fiction 16,028 15,017 174 69 462 o 59 268 1,386 850 5,964 5,785 343 TOTAL n 979 10m 8 12 49 o o in-house December 1172 if ;j56 ~ö4 41 1~~ 14 60!; 11 2 17 o o in-house November 19 1054 1059 .2û 2û2 260 Lö b4 1~ 23 1367 1140 35 433 372 5õ ilû 4ö :> U -- 1 28 in-house October 955 i7 4û5 ::>~ö -IU4 1// ~l -- 6 23 o o in-house September 7 1071 1030 in-house 17 269 492 79 116 11 1 0 28 1004 8 o August 9 834 1012 2î 297 5õ9 36 llL lL Ö U -- 2 10 in-house July TOTAL TOTAL 1997 1996 in-house 22 491 508 59 117 18 3 0 55 4 15 1270 1172 in-house 37 540 440 83 74 27 15 0 26 3 22 1230 1247 in-house 35 408 341 48 88 21 0 0 30 6 15 957 1162 'i~::h;~s~~ , ·····22·· ^. ~429'm' 400 . 58 '·96' ".-~^h'¡6' .-¡j^" 0 . '22 .u .¡- 10 1038' '1247 ~ ~ in-house 31 527 550 108 116 33 0 0 37 8 18 1397 1301 in-house 11 273 364 41 59 24 8 0 53 3 June May April March FEBRUARY JANUARY VIDEO CANC NIA FOR MFILM ABOOK JF JNF AF ANF SUBJECT MONTH REQUESTS FILLED 1997 IN-HOUSE AND INTERLmRARY LOAN 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 JANUARY 621 515 647 927 9Il II 97 1270 1365 1391 FEBRUARY 574 472 524 795 798 Il42 971 II 07 1022 MARCH 479 635 498 866 947 1059 902 II 62 977 APRIL 528 496 537 655 698 733 1082 952 1260 MAY 384 497 469 649 650 814 1034 1067 953 JUNE 380 440 432 641 962 778 814 989 770 JULY 413 466 589 769 776 955 904 912 1237 AUGUST 458 592 460 621 II 26 Il08 1029 858 1082 SEPTEMBER 489 476 806 771 833 712 1272 1082 1322 OCTOBER 401 493 795 784 873 973 Il39 1090 910 NOVEMBER 434 570 607 633 962 829 930 863 808 DECEMBER 282 327 378 396 516 499 510 660 597 TOTAL 5443 5979 6742 8507 10,052 10,799 11,857 12,107 12,329 REQUESTS RECEIVED FROM BRANCHES braries for an on-line database & internet (Networking Automation access) Introduction The original automation plan for the library through Mobile Training and Internet Services called for our MultiLlS library catalogue and internet access to be put on one computer. As the installations progressed, we found that this plan could be altered somewhat to assure further cost savings in regard to on-going telephone installations and charges. The plan we experimented with is called "Spaghetti". This would allow the branches to network up to 5 of their computers all with MultiLlS and internet access using 2 fewer phone lines than the original plan. brary I ( automated The library also has a contract for our MultiLlS database) for software and hardware support. brary when a I Conclusion I will bring forward the total automation expenses for the preliminary budget is completed for 1998. Recommendation That these reports be received and filed , :'0 Library Services 3 --- Approval For Submission MANAG.JAN1/20/98 REPORT TO COUNTY COUNCIL From: Elgin County Library, Cathy Bishop January 6,1998 Monthly Operations Report Date: Subject: (Library Delivery Vehicle) Van Introduction The 1990 Ford Step Van was sold to George's Auto from Komoka in the amount of $6,766.00 and a refund in the amount of $56.65 was received from the Ministry of Transportation for our license plates Discussion In 1997, the Library did not have a budgeted amount for gas, oil or maintenance repairs as these costs were absorbed through the Roads Department. We will also need to purchase a spare tire, and have a pull- out floor installed to helþ alleviate some of the difficulties the driver is experiencing with loading the boxes. 4 Conclusion It would be wise to set aside sufficient funds to cover these expenses in 1998. MANAG.JAN1/14/98 Recommendation That the money received from the sale of the 1990 Ford Step Van ($6,766.00) and License Plate refund ($56.65) be set aside in a library reserve account, and be brought forward in the 1998 proposed library budget. Approved For Submission ~æ {h:1ít!¿J~ Mark c onald Administrator/Clerk Manager of Library Services MANAG.JAN1/13/98 5 Report to County Counci Linda Veger Treasurer From 1998 Meeting Dates January 7 Date Subject: Each year the Treasury Department reviews the timelines for preparation and presentation of the County Budget. The following dates are presented for your consideration Budgets Reviewed Council Meeting Date February 10 - Canceled due to RO.MA Convention Regular agenda followed by budget review Grants Engineering Services Library Administrator/Clerk Treasury Personnel Corporate Expenditures February 26 - Changed from February 24 due to Good Roads Convention Regular agenda followed by budget review Homes Social Services Council and Warden Administration Building Emergency Measures Agriculture Museum Land Reserves 10 March Regular agenda followed by budget review County Budget March 24 1/16/98 98buddat 1998 Budget Review Dates County Council may not be able to pass the 1998 County Budget by March 31 1998. The Province has downloaded many new responsibilities to the County starting in 1998. However, the information we require to formulate our budget for these items has not been finalized. There are also many unanswered questions on the effect of New Municipal Finance Act. Recommendation THAT the attached report from the County Treasurer establishing the dates for review and approval of the 1998 County budget be approved for implementation L Mark G--:-McDonald Administrator/Clerk 1/16/98 98buddat 1998 Budget Review Dates Linda Veger Treasurer Report to County Counci Linda Veger Treasurer From 1998 EM.A. Annual Dinner Past Wardens 16 January Date Subject: BackaroundlDiscus_sion The Elgin Municipal Association's Annual Dinner Meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, March 4, 1998 in Straffordville. For the last two years, the County has honoured its Past Wardens at this meeting. An annual amount of $500 has been set aside in previous years to cover the cost of tickets for the Past Wardens and a guest. The Chairman of the Entertainment Committee had the honour of introducing the attendees. Conclusion Past Wardens have been very appreciative of an opportunity to meet with past colleagues and renew old acquaintances. Does Council wish to continue with this practice? Recommendation THAT staff be authorized to include $500 in the Wardens 1998 Budget to cover the cost of tickets for Past Wardens to the Elgin Municipal Association Annual Dinner Meeting, March 4, 1998, and; carry out the introductions THAT Councilor Mark G. McDonald Administrator/Clerk ~ [inda Veger Treasurer REPORT TO COUNTY COUNCIL Linda Vegèr, Treasurer Harley Underhill, Personnel Administrator FROM 1998 14 Conventions January DATE SUBJECT: Background policy for convention attendance by County Councilors Includes The current Ontario be within the Province of the convention/conference must 1 the Warden may attend any number of conventions 2 imited to two conventions each year the Warden may utilize a courtesy room at a maximum of four conventions per year not to exceed $4,000 members of Council are 3 4 * see amendment mileage is reimbursed at a rate of $0.28 per kilometer. In general, the use of a vehicle is restricted to points within a radius of 322 kilometers of St. Thomas 5 * see amendment rate is $225 per day of convention session the per diem include above the per diem generally, eligible expenses for reimbursement mileage and registration fees 6 7 reg istration of$1.100plus Councilors are limited to a maximum payment fees. per member, per year 8 * see amendment Council convention the following amounts for $15,000 8,000 5.000 $28.000 County budgets included n 1997 expenses: Council Warden Homes Total County Councilors are permitted to attend any convention or conference within the Province of Ontario in accordance with the established convention policy, provided that the convention/conference is relevant to the business of the County. Discussion Council may determine that this is an opportune time to review their convention policy. Council size has changed, responsibilities for each Council member have increased, and the Province has downloaded new programs to the County. In 1993 the Province imposed the Social Contract. One area of savings instituted by the County to satisfy Social Contract requirements was a reduction in the mileage rate for Council and staff from $0.30 per kilometer to $0.28 per kilometer. The Social Contract is over. Council may also wish to review the mileage rate at this time. 0.33 per km 0.30 per km 0.31 per km 0.36 per km Brant Grey Wellington Oxford Current mileage rates for other Counties are: Middlesex $0.30 less than 5,000 km Bruce 0.30 per km Lambton 0.29 per km Huron 0.30 per km Perth 0.30 per km The 1997 budgeted amounts for travel from all departments was approximately $67,500. A $.02 increase equates to approximately 7%. The potential increase to budgets could be $4,725. Recommendation As $4.000 at the end of the line and 28 and replacing with: $0.30 lOO and replacing with $1.500 $0. $l, Item #4 was amended by deleting replacing with $5,000 Item #5 was Item #8 was by deleting by deleting amended amended Counci to Count Recort FROM: Personnel Administrator Underh Harley J 1998 Pay Equity Act & Salary/Wage Administration January 8 DATE: SUBJECT: NTRODUCTION/BACKGROUND The issue at hand is, what should take place if the end result of a position evaluation demonstrates the new point value lowers it into a grid level that provides for a lesser rate of pay. Prior to pay equity and in the unionized environment, the decision is easy. We would "red circle" this position. Meaning the rate of pay would be frozen until the employee left the position or the salary range caught up to the incumbent's rate of pay (through wage increases or cost of living increases). Creativity enters into the discussion. At the end of pay equity we decided to "pink circle" employees that were being paid greater than their evaluated results. Meaning the said employees would receive only half the increases as every other employee, in the event of wage or cost of living increases The Management Team then became aware of a practice that the City of Thunder Bay was introducing and included this practice in our salary/wage administration policy, as follows: Where a position is reclassified to a lower grade, the salary be held at the current level until the end of the first year following reclassification, at which time be reduced by 50% of the difference between the original rate and the newly established rate. At the end of the second year following reclassification the rate would be reduced the balance of the difference. knowledge of the Great move, everyone felt it was the correct decision based on our day and we proceeded to notify the employees affected DISCUSSION However, as our discussions were taking place with regard to following in the foot steps of Thunder Bay, they received notice of complaints lodged with the Pay Equity Commission. Complaints of contravening the Act. Unfortunately, they had already reduced the pay in a number of female classifications, resulting in having to pay back significant dollars for implementing this practice. (documentation attached) Pay Equity Act & SalarylWage Administration Page 2 January 8. 1998 CONCLUSION Fortunately for the County, we have only provided notice to thirteen employees who, at the time of pay equity, fell into this category. As time would have it, with our increase effective January 1, 1998, there are only five positions remaining in this category. RECOMMENDATIONS That to ensure we are complying with the spirit and intent of the Pay Equity Act and following the norm for Salary Administration, Policy 4.90 be amended to reflect the term "red circling" and it be understood that any position affected by "red circling" would remain at the current rate until the employee leaves the job or the salary range catches up to the incumbents rate of pay through wage or cost of living increases. Harley J nderhill Personnel Administrator Submission Approved For County of Elgin Section: 4 Personnel Policy Manual Subject: Salary /Wage Administration Policy Number: 4.90 Code - NU Date Approved: March 26, 1996 Page 2 of 7 Date Last Revision: New lobs and lob Reclassifications When a new position is created the Job Evaluation Committee shall assess the· level of the new position in relation to other positions evaluated by utilizing the County's job evaluation system and will present the results to the Corporate Services Committee for approval. Such new positions will be reviewed in six (6) months' time. When a job is reclassified by the County or the duties of a current position change significantly, the incumbent(s), supervisor or Department Head may request that the duties of the position be assessed utilising the County's job evaluation system as follows: a) The employee(s) affected will complete an amended job information questionnaire, demonstrating the changes only, sending a copy to the Personnel Administrator and give the original to their supervisor or Department Head for review. b) The supervisor and/or Department Head will review the questionnaire to ensure that it accurately reflects the duties of the position. If there are any discrepancies, the supervisor and the employee will meet and appropriately modify the responses to the questionnaire. The questionnaire will then be signed offby the employee, supervisor and/or Department Head and forwarded to the Personnel Administrator. c) If the employee(s), supervisor and/or Department Head are in disagreement, they shall note these areas on the questionnaire, providing written explanation supporting their views, sign and forward it to the Personnel Administrator. County of Elgin Section 4 Personnel Policy Manual Subject: Salary/Wage Administration Policy Number: 4.90 Code - NU Date Approved: March 26, 1996 Page 3 of 7 Date Last Revision: d) The Personnel Administrator shall direct the questionnaire to the Job Evaluation Committee for their review. If, in the Committee's opinion, a reclassification is warranted they shall recommend same to the Management Committee, who in turn shall present the results to the Corporate Services Committee for their approval. If in the opinion of the Job Evaluation Committee a reclassification is not warranted, the committee shall notify the employee. e) If the employee is dissatisfied with the response of the Job Evaluation Committee, they will follow policy 10.120. NOTE: Such evaluations will be performed in May and November of each year with responses in writing within ninety (90) days. The employee whose position is reclassified to a higher level shall be moved to a step, providing a minimum of 4% increase, but in no case beyond the job rate for the position, in the new leve! which reflects a degree of proficiency with the added responsibilities as assessed by the Department Head, County Administrator/Clerk, and Personnel Administrator. The increase resulting from the reclassification shall be effective on the date the reclassification is approved or such other date as may be directed by the Corporate Services Committee. The effective date of the increase will become the new salary review date. The salary of an employee whose position is reclassified to a lower grade shall be assessed by the Management Committee and the Corporate Services Committee. In such instances, the current rate of pay wi be held until the end of the first year following reclassification at which County of Elgin Section: 4 Personnel Policy Manual Subject: SalarylWage Administration Policy Number: 4.90 Code - NU Date Approved: March 26, 1996 Page 4 of 7 Date Last Revision: time the rate will be reduced by 50% of the difference between the original rate and the newly established rate. At the end of the second year following reclassification the rate will be reduced the balance of the difference. NOTE: Where adjustments are required they will be effective in the first pay period following the designated time period. When duties of an existing position change over a period of time sufficiently to warrant a reclassification, the position is excluded from being postedj as per Personnel Policy 3.20, as the position is currently filled. SALARY RANGES Hirimr Ran¡:es Employees should be hired at the base rate in the range for the job they fill, unless recommended by the Department Head, County Administrator/Clerk and Personnel Administrator, based on previous salary, experience, education or other factors that make that rate uncompetitive. Students will be paid as per the Employment Standards Act. Information All employees should be advised of when hired, the level and step for their job, the probationary and salary review dates, and all salary administration procedures that pertain to them. SALARY REVIEWS Salary Review Dates The regular salary review date for new employees shall be one (1) year following the date of hire. Couoci to Count Reeort Personnel Administrator Underh Harley J FROM: 1998 Moratorium on Job Evaluations January 8 DATE: SUBJECT: the n NTRODUCTION/BACKGROUND A moratorium on job evaluations, which put a hold on any Increases/change public sector, was introduced to Council in February of 1996. This moratorium was introduced prior to the end of the Social Contract; however, there were a number of positions that we had agreed to review at the end of the Social Contract period. This agreement was reached in order to ensure the results of the original pay equity evaluations remained accurate. To date, these positions have not been reevaluated. 1996, a moratorium to the restructuring DISCUSSION Based on the attached approved recommendation of February 22 was put in place and further extended to June 24 1997, due initiatives which had to be implemented. the mternal restructuring initiatives have been completed CONCLUSION 1998 1 As of January RECOMMENDATION That the moratorium on job evaluations be lifted and staff be directed to evaluate positions in accordance with Personnel Policy 4.90 to ensure positions are assessed appropriately based on current duties and responsibilities Approved For Submission 124 February 22nd, 1996 Session FIRST REPORT of the Elgin County Counci To the Warden and Membes the Socia) and Entertainment from The Corporate Services Committee reports as follows: ,2. and 3 1. That the attached recommendations No. Committee be approved. E~ * the attached budget definitions report from with from 3. That the County Treasurer be authorized to enter into a shared banlcing agreement the Township of Yarmouth and the Elgin County Roman Catholic Separate School Board through the Bank of Montreal, whereby the participants are abJe to lend and borrow funds each other at preferred rates as outlined in the attached report from the Treasurer. the new budget format, as described in be approved and refined as required. 2. That the Treasurer Mr. Albert Ford be reappointed as the County of Elgin's representative on the Thomas Housing Authority for a two-year period ending December 31st, 1997. 4. Tho ElglD and St 5. That the attached resolution from the City of Etobicoke In support ofBiI] 15, An Act 10 Amend the Worker's Compensation Act and Occupational Health and Safety Act be supported and endorsed. 6. That the resolution from the City of 51. Catharines requesting the Provincial GQvernment to amend the Negligence Act and other relevant legislation to protect a municIpal defendant from "Joint and several liability" thus holding the municipality only responsible for its share of liar.ilit)' 'in the event ora neg1igence claim and not the liability of someone else be supported rind endorsed. 7. Committee be S. That in light of the recent Provincial cutbacks in transfer payments and the promIse of further reductions in future years and given the County has embarked ona computer plan that wi1J help automate a number of positions within several departments, there be a moratorium on job evaluations until June 1997; and further, Services requests from the Homes and Socia1 the attached Personnel That approved. resources and the item be reviewed prior to June 1997, against the County's financial effect of automation on positions within departments. this and That extent .::::Þ-- D. Vane Chute, Jil ~$ after '3' Z fiIst line. 4' is respectfully submined. 'and ..... aœnded by adding ALL of which 11 Item * 4:¡U CORPORATE SERVICES COMMITTEE 1997 June 24th Session FIRST REPORT Warden and Members of the Elgin County Counci To the the follows 1. That the firm of Buffett Taylor and Associates Limited be appointed as Benefit Consultant for the County of Elgin, effective September 1st, 1997. The Corporate Services Committee reports as Management Committee regarding be approved as amended, for 2. That the confidential report from the personnel matters dated May 1 st, 1997, consideration by County Council. job evaiuations be on 3. That, due to the restructuring initiatives, the moratorium extended until the implementation process is complete. the County Library 4. That the personnel matter regarding a contract position in System be approved for consideration by County Council. 5. That the staffing pattern for the new Bobier Home, as recommended by the Homes and Social Services Committee in their report dated June 3rd, 1997, be approved for consideration by County Council. 100 copies of the st, 1997, (lowest 6 That the Ayimer Express be awarded the contract to print Council Proceedings according to their quotation dated May 1 quote) at $3.10 per page. 7. That the attached Computer Committee Report and minutes of the May 7th, 1997 meeting be received and filed, and the County's Computer Consultant and a representative from Bell Canada be requested to attend the next meeting of the Corporate Services Committee, to explain the nature of the current malfunction and to offer advice to correct the deficiencies. ALL of which is respectfully submitted 'I / ! , V- Penny S. T )!ha'rman. .' /(/;!c . ('7ll1yA 7 Counci Personnel Administrator Reoort to Count Underh Harley J 1998 January 8 FROM: Non-Union Job Evaluation Committee DATE: SUBJECT: NTRODUCTION/BACKGROUND The current SalarylWage Administration Policy 4.90 suggests that the County's Job Evaluation Committee be composed of the following members: the Warden and/or Administrator/Clerk, the Department Head, a "champion" from the department and the Personnel Administrator. Staff are concerned that the "champion" from the department may change from job evaluation to job evaluation, making training difficult and consistency virtually impossible. In our view, we need a stable committee that can be trained once, to perform the many reviews expected to take place this year. if members are actually spend task. n fact, than we will DISCUSSION Keeping all members of the committee current is no easy changing frequently, we will spend more time training evaluating positions. CONCLUSION To avoid continual change in the Evaluation Committee and to maintain consistency and continuity, the structure of the Evaluation Committee requires amending RECOMMENDATION That, the composition of the Job Evaluation Committee be amended to consist of the following members: the Warden and/or Administrator/Clerk, the Department Head or Manager and the Personnel Administrator. Approved For Submission Counci Loralee Vachon, Chairperson Records Management Committee ReDort to Count FROM: 1998 Records Management Consideration: Application for a Job Creation Partnership January 5 DATE: SUBJECT: the systematic control of records NTRODUCTION/BACKGROUND The goal of Records Management is: from creation to ultimate disposition. Senior Management has recognized the need for a systematic approach to handling the vast amounts of information flowing through the municipal offices and in June of 1997, appointed me to establish and coordinate a Records Management Committee. By September, a committee comprising of a representative from each department was established, our mandate was set and our project was breaking new ground. Our mandate is to establish a Corporate Records Management Program. To date the committee has been: investigating how other municipalities deal with the records management discipline, conducting research on automated information retrieval systems, and exploring avenues to obtain the manpower to assist us with the development of our program DISCUSSION Program include: Obtaining top management support Preparing an inventory of existing records Establishing or updating existing records retention schedule and by-law Establishing a records centre for inactive records Ensuring protection of vital records Establishing a corporate files classification system Setting up standard procedures in a records policy by-law Applying the retention schedule annually Eight steps to a successful Records Management 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7 8 planning nvolves Program The process of developing a Records Management organizing and controlling records to ensure that they are: 2 quickly and easily retrieved when required protected from premature destruction disposed of once their value has ceased · · · a Job Creation Partnership Application for Report to County Council Records ManagemenUConsideration Page 2 January 1998 5 Program are to control costs and streamline information and to improve productivity to ensure that procedures, schedules and overall management of records are consistent and that both records retention and disposition are done systematically following the established guidelines to demonstrate to judici reasonable attempt to guidelines, legislation a record keeping systems a Records Management Further benefits of · · · · al and legislative authorities that the municipality is making every retain and dispose of its records in accordance with applicable nd good business practices We request your support and approval to obtain three Records Clerks, through Human Resources Development Canada's Job Creation Partnership Program, to assist in the development of a Corporate Records Management Program. Our request is to obtain these individuals for a six-month period to conduct an inventory of our existing records. The inventory of our existing records is perhaps the most tedious and time-consuming step of our program and the assistance of these individuals will allow us to expedite our program development by cutting our 1998 objective in half. CONCLUSION The eventual standardization and integration of systems, operations, and personnel wi achieve greater productivity, increased cost-effectiveness, and legal protection or safeguards. By organizing records in a controlled and systematic way, we can all save precious time, energy and resources Human to to apply RECOMMENDATIONS That, the Corporation of the County of Elgin staff be authorized Resources Development Canada for up to three Records Clerks. That, the Corporation of the County of Elgin staff be authorized to submit $425.22 to the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (formerly WCB) to cover the assessment costs of these workers' earnings ($32,214.00 payable by Human Resources Development Canada). LO/alee V: Chairperson ecords Management Committee All of which is respectfully submitted for your consideration REPORT TO COUNTY COUNCIL Karen Dunn. Emergency Measures Co-ordinator From: Steering, Civic Addressing, & Promotion 1998 Elgin/St. Thomas 9-1-1 Committees January 8, Date: Re: Introduction The Elgin / St. Thomas 9-1-1 Steering and Civic Addressing Committees are working hard to meet Bell's deadlines to enable a Fall '98 cutover to the 9-1-1 system. Activities of these committees over the past few months include the following Discussion 9-1-1 Steering Committee: 1) The 9-1-1 Steering Committee has established Emergency Secondary Dispatch Agencies. Ambulance Services for all of Elgin County are through London Central Ambulance Communications Centre. Fire Services for Belmont and North West Elgin are through the Middlesex Dispatch Centre the rest of Elgin County is through the St. Thomas Fire Department. Police Services for St. Thomas are through St. Thomas Police Department, for Aylmer through Aylmer Police Department week days and forwarded to St. Thomas Police Department at other times, and for the rest of the County are through the O.P.P. Bell representatives are now advising these emergency agencies what is needed to update their existing systems. map for public distribution has been approved and is In the Format for a County 9-1-1 production stages. 2) Information from the 9-1-1 County property data base and maps is being reconfirmed and revised by Township and County Staff. Bell representatives will begin calling all rate payers to confirm addresses and information from their property data base February 1, 1998. page 2 3) Page 2 Report to County Counci 9·1·1 Promotion Committee: Upon the recommendation of the 9-1-1 Steering Committee, a 9-1-1 Promotion Committee was established. This four member committee will hold its first meeting on January 9, 1998. Advertising and promotional options will be discussed and the costs and feasibility of these promotional ideas will be researched. Civic Addressing Committee: 1) Most of the municipalities have confirmed that their property identification signage installation is completed or close to completion Sign Inventories have been submitted for all County Road and downloaded MTO Road information signage within the municipalities. The result of this inventory is that most of these signs must be replaced. The Engineering Services Department has established a proposed County-wide sign policy which has been forwarded to the lower tier municipal councils for their consideration. 2) MTO has advised that signage on the portions of roads still under MTO jurisdiction must be updated to meet 9-1-1 and MTO standards. Representatives from the MTO are currently undertaking a survey to determine which signs need to be changed and who will pay for the sign changes. (The County will not be responsible for signs that are in need of replacement.) 3) Martech Signalisation is the company which supplied the hardware for signage to the Townships. The rivets supplied with the hardware did not hold the property identification signs to the sign posts. All municipalities bought new rivets so that sign installation was not interrupted. Martech was not willing to give a cash refund so the defective rivets were sent back to Martech and we are waiting for replacements to arrive. 4) A newsletter to update Elgin County residents about the 9-1-1 status will be circulated by January 30, 1998 to each municipality to insert in residential tax bills. 5) Recommendation Receive and file this report. J)j Emergency Measures Co-ordinator Submission REPORT TO COUNTY COUNCIL Karen Dunn. Emergency Measures Co-ordinator From: 1998 Emergency Measures Committee January 8, Date: Re: Introduction Since December 2, 1997, the Emergency Measures Committee has been meeting approximately every two weeks. The purpose of this Committee is to create an Elgin County Emergency Plan and is composed of Councillor Clutterbuck, who acts as chairman, representatives from all emergency services, and City of St. Thomas administrative representatives. To date we have: · Analysed the potential hazards Elgin County faces; · Determined who the key representatives of the control group will be; · Determined what the duties of these representatives will be in the event County Emergency; Determined where the control group will meet; Determined how the control group will be notified of an emergency or emergency situation; Formed strategies for the operation of the control group. of a Discussion potential · · · Time is a critical factor to the creation of the Elgin County Emergency Plan, and the Emergency Measures Committee is striving to complete as much as possible in a very limited amount of time. Recommendation Receive and file this report. g £;JJ Emergency Measures Co-ordinator - Submission ~ Approved for REPORT TO COUNTY COUNCIL Sandra J. Heffren Deputy Clerk FROM: January 19, 1998 1998 County Municipal Directory DA TE: SUBJECT: additional for asked Counci 9, Backaround: At Council's Orientation Meeting held on January information on a "card-type" 1998 Municipal Directory. Discussion: A preliminary price was requested from Impressions Printing based on a directory which includes a calendar, and a "card-type" which shows County information only. It should be noted this has been collected for information purposes only and, should Council decide to pursue printing of a Directory, three prices would be obtained. Quantity 200 300 $580.24 $724.24 $1,045.55 $551 .46 $681.98 $981.99 100 $523.94 $644.05 $924.83 Directory with one month at a glance Calendar Directory with two weeks at a glance Calendar Directory with one week at a glance Calendar $264.82 $257.35 $252.92 Card-type Directory S. J. Heffren Deputy Clerk How does Council wish to proceed? pproved for Submission M. G. McDonald County Administrator/Clerk REPORTTOCOUNTYCOUNC~ Mark G. McDonald, County Administrator/Clerk. FROM: January 19,1998 DA TE: SUBJECT: DEPUTY WARDEN 1998 Counci to the item Backaround: The County Implementation Committee referred this Introduction: Over the last three years, the Warden has attended (on average) 87 meetings and ceremonial functions per year. In addition to duties as Mayor and Deputy Mayor and his regular job, the position of Warden can pose a real scheduling dilemma. On occasion, when asked to be in two places at once time, the Warden has asked another member of Council to represent him at functions or meetings. Sometimes this request is made on short notice and many Councillors must be asked before one is determined available. Discussion: It would be advantageous to know that someone is "on-deck" on those occasions when the Warden is not available but a County presence is required. The Deputy Warden would not have all the rights, duties and obligations as a duly-elected and sworn- in Warden, however, the position would be recognized at events as having some increased significance and profile. With a published schedule, the Warden and members of Council and staff would know automatically who to call on when the need arises. Recommendation: THAT the position of Deputy Warden be established and that staff prepare a schedule which would rotate the position to all eight members of County Council on a monthly basis. ALL of which is respectfully submitted County Administrator/Clerk. REPORT TO COUNTY COUNCIL Mark G. McDonald, County Administrator/Clerk FROM: 19, 1998 1998 COMPREHENSIVE INSURANCE RENEWAL January DA TE: SUBJECT: Backaround Discussion: Attached for your consideration is a summary of insurance coverage and premiums for the County in 1998. You will note that the premium has been reduced by approximately $15,000.00, largely because the County's fleet of road equipment, including the garage, are no longer insured at the upper-tier. As Mr. Bryce Sibbick of Frank Cowan Insurance will mention at Council on January 27th, 1998, the County still assumes liability for County Roads, and liability insurance is what drives premiums. Senior management has reviewed the insurance proposal for accuracy and is satisfied that the coverage is up-to-date and the deductibles are appropriate. from Recommendation: THAT the 1998 Comprehensive Insurance Program for the County of Elgin the Frank Cowan Company be approved in the amount of $190,808.00. ALL of which is respectfully submitted County Administrator/Clerk. COMPREHENSIVE INSURANCE PROCRAM SUMMARY OF INSURANCE COVERACES 1998 - 1999 9 COMMENTS AND REVISIONS 1 FLEET AND PROPERTY SCHEDULES Administration should carefully examine Exhibit "A" (property Schedule) and Exhibit "B" (Automobile Fleet) to determine accurate information. Any changes or discrepancies should be reported to us. 2. CRIME INSURANCE We have re-written the audit expense coverage to present a clear statement of the intent of the Insurer in the provision of this valuable coverage. 3. EXCESS LIABILITY This policy applies to the Automobile Fleet policy only. The Municipal Liability, Errors & Omissions and Non-Owned Automobile policies are written at a $ 15,000,000. Limit. 4. NON-OWNED AUTOMOBILE The $ 500. Collision Claims Deductible has now been amended to an All Perils Claims Deductible. 5. AUTOMOBILE FLEET INSURANCE Effective June 1st, 1996, the minimum limit for public vehicles has been amended with respect to passenger Hazard coverage. These are: $ 1,000,000. . for passenger Hazard -1 - 7 Passengers $ 5,000,000. - for passenger Hazard· 8 - 12 passengers $ 8,000,000. - for passenger Hazard - 13 or more Passengers The Road Hazard minimum limit of $ 200,000. and the minimum coverage for damage to passengers property of $ 5,000. remains unchanged. If you are the holder of a public vehicle license, these new MINIMUM passenger Hazard limits must apply. The Ontario Highway Transport Board requires that a Certificate of Insurance be filed with them evidencing these new limits are in place. Please notify our office immediately if you are the holder of a public vehicle cense. 5 5 YEAR CLAIMS EXHIBIT Includes all payments PiUS outstanding reserves plus expenses, less any deductible applying NCURRED AMOUNT . INCURRED AMOUNT . NVMBER YEAR CLASSIFICATION OF CLAIM o 22,742. o 3,754. o $ No Claims Reported 1993-1 994 1994-1995 1995-1996 1996-1997 1997-1998 Buildingsl Contents Property 1 1 No Claims Reported 1 No Claims Reported 26,496 o o o OIS o $ 2 No Claims Reported No Claims Reported No Claims Reported TOTAL 1993-1994 1994-1995 1995-1996 1996-1997 1997-1998 and Machinery Boiler 2 1 No Claims Reported O/S o o o 4,870. o $ $ 1 No Claims Reported No Claims Reported No Claims Reported 2 No Claims Reported TOTAL 1 993-1994 1994-1 995 1995-1996 1996-1997 1997-1998 Electronic Data Processing 3 4,870 95. o o o o $ $ 2 1 No Claims Reported No Claims Reported No Claims Reported No Claims Reported TOTAL 1993-1994 1994-1995 1 995-1996 1996-1997 1997-1998 Errors & Omissions 4. 95 73,976. 310,693. 14,137. 635. o $ $ 1 8 5 5 1 No Claims Reported TOTAL 1993-1994 1994-1995 1995-1996 1996-1997 1997-1998 Premises and Operations Liability 5 399,441 2,032. 5,425. o 4,598. o $ $ 19 1 2 No Claims Reported 1 No Claims Reported TOTAL 1993-1994 1994-1995 1995-1 996 1996-1997 1997-1998 Automobile Fleet 6 2,055 $ 4 6 TOTAL HIGHLIGHTS OF COVERAGE CLASS OF INSURANCE SUMMARY OF COVERAGES LIMITS/AMOUNTS l¡øllri11 COMBINED CASUALTY POLICY; Municipal Liability Limit of Protection $ 15,000,000. Deductible $ 2,500. Errors and Omissions Limit of Protection $ 15,000,000. Deductible $ 2,500. Non-Owned Automobile Limit of Protection $ 15,000,000. Environmental Liability Limit of Liability $ 2,000,000. Aggregate $ 4,000,000. Self-Insured Retention $ 5,000. Comprehensive Crime Commercial Blanket Bond $ 1,000,000. Money - Blanket any Location $ 20,000. Counterfeit paper and $ ncluded Depositors' Forgery $ ncluded Audit Expense (Sub-Limit $ 100,000J $ ncluded Loss of Securities $ 100,000. Councillors' Accident Accidental Death & Dismemberment $ 100,000. Weekly Income - Total Disability $ 500. Weekly Income - Partial Disability $ 250. Municipal Conflict Reimbursement of Legal Fees of Interest and Expenses $ 100,000. Legal Expense Reimbursement of Legal Fees $ 100,000. Annual Aggregate $ 250,000. 7 HIGHLIGHTS OF COVERAGE CLASS OF INSURANCE SUMMARY OF COVERAGES LIMITS/AMOUNTS .1IrE'S ,.,~;:,......~..:"':~""> Property Insurance Total sum InsUred $ 38,310,485 Deductible S 500./5,000 Electronic Data Total sum Insured S 500,700. Processing Deductible $ 500. Boiler and Machinery limit per Accident - comprehensive S 10,000,000. Deductible S 5,000. I\IA~!"I '....;::..:,,:..:...;;..;:>'t.. Owned Automobile Primary Limit S 5,000,000. All perils Deductible S 2,500. Excess Automobile Excess of primary Limit $ 10,000,000. NOTE: Risk Management Services (Propertv Inspections, Liability Hazard Reviews and Loss control Seminars as required) are included in the total premium. 1997 - 1998 EXPIRING ANNUALIZED COST S 206,856. · 1998 -1999 ANNUAL PREMIUM S 190,808. · (loJ:.luC1as 5.699,J;,ost of AC1_dltloOi!JRo o_sJ.lcel PLUS APPLICABLE TAXES 8 REPORT TO COUNTY COUNCIL Mark G. McDonald, County Administrator/Clerk From: January 20th, 1998 ELGIN-ST. THOMAS COMMUNITY TRANSPORTATION PROPOSAL Date: Subject: Introduction: The County has been participating on a Community Transportation Committee with members of the City of St. Thomas and providers/users representing education, health, social services and transportation. The purpose of the Committee and the Community Transportation Action Program (CTAP) is to develop an integrated community transportation model, or master plan. Discussion: With the downloading of provincial responsibilities, the County and the City need to review the transportation services they fund and develop strategies to contain costs while improving or at least maintaining service levels. For example, a centralized list of volunteer drivers and a network of transportation services may be beneficial in reducing duplication and costs. Incidentally, the Council of the City of St. Thomas has recently approved a $10,000.00 contribution to the project. The County's $5,000.00 contribution can be obtained from the reserve of surplus funds from the 1997 Road Department budget, as this is a transportation matter. reduce resources and to maximize initiative designed Conclusion: The CT AP is an important transportation costs. Recommendation: THAT the Council of the Corporation of the County of Elgin support and endorse the Elgin-St.Thomas Community Transportation Proposal and provide $5,000.00 contribution to the project. a ALL of which is respectfully submitted. - County Administrator/Clerk TERRACE LODGE 475 Talbot street East, Aylmer, Onto N5H 3A5 Tel. (519) 773-9205 or <519J 644-0140 Fax (519) 765-2627 ~Œ~ŒQWŒ® HOMES FOR SENIOR CITIZENS F. J. Boyes, Director/Administrator ELGIN MANOR R.R.#1, st. Thomas, ontario N5P 3S5 Tel. (519) 631-0620 Fax (519) 631-2307 BOBIER VILLA 1 Bobier Lane, Dutton, Ontario NOL 1JO Tel. (519) 762-2417 Fax (519) 762-2361 1998> JAN 9 COUNTY ()F ELGIN CLERK'S ¡¡FFlCE 1998 Mark McDonald Administrator, County of Elgin 450 Sunset Drive St. Thomas, Ontario N5R 5V1 January 8, Mark: Dear Please find attached your copy of the final proposal for the Elgin - St. Thomas Community Transportation Plan which will be submitted to the CTAP office for approval and my summary report to you based on the information requested. This proposal is being presented to St. Thomas City Council on January 12, 1998 and we are requesting your assistance in having this proposal presented to County Counci as soon as possible. After Council has had an opportunity to review the project, I am recommending that Council support this project by providing: - a resolution in support of the project, and - a $5000.00 contribution If you need any more information or if I can be of any assistance to you, I can be reached at Elgin Manor. Thank you for your assistance and co-operation. Thomas Communit St. Re: Elain Sincerely, ~w~ Carol Watson, Adult Day Program Coordinator, Elgin County Homes F, Boyes, Director M. Fleck, Assistant Director encl cc: Thomas Community Transportation Proposal Report: Elgin St. CTAP: Communitv Transportation Action Proaram: - Provincial funding that is time limited to September 1998 only applying for funding led by Ministry of Transportation but is a joint initiative among Ministries of Health, Education, Community and Social Services, and Citizenship, Culture and Recreation examples of approved projects: London $25,000, Oxford County $17,780, Brant County $39,300 some urgency in In its preliminary assessment of community transportation needs and resources, the Elgin - St. Thomas Community Transportation Committee determined that its CTAP project should focus on managing the impacts of the provincial transfer of a number of funding responsibilities to local governments, resource sharing and information and the development of special needs transportation in the rural areas of the county. The purpose of the project is to develop an integrated community transportation model (a master plan) in which demand cascades systematically down to the lowest cost appropriate service. limited to: 1. Letter of support for the Project. 2. Funding contribution of $5000. (ASAP) 3. Consultation and information. 4. Participation on the Transportation Committee and/or various work groups. Currently, Carol Watson, Adult Day Program Coordinator, Elgin County Homes is a member of the Elgin - St. Thomas Community Transportation Committee and is prepared to remain on the committee. is not may include but County's involvement Outcomes: Will develop strategies by which political decision makers can manage the impacts of the transfer of provincial responsibilities to local government, for example, paratransit, ambulance services 1 2. To develop a plan to improve information sharing, to compile, organize, publish and update information on community transportation resources in Elgin County. 3. To develop a plan to address rural special transportation needs. Promote the extension of existing door to door services at an affordable price to the residents of the small communities and townships who have difficulty accessing existing transportation options by reason of their special needs, rural isolation, ineligibility, and/or inability to afford existing transportation options. Project objectives and expected results or benefits 5. The project is designed to address the following high priority objectives: · Manage the impacts of the transfer to local governments of funding responsibility for public transportation and ambulance services by breaking down the barriers between existing services so that transportation requests can cascade downward to the least expensive among the service alternatives available; Achieve tighter integration of resources by promoting sharing, joint use, group purchasing, and other measures to lower operating costs and make more service available for a given level of resources; Improve access to information for both consumers and providers of transportation service; Address the need for affordable door to door transportation in rural areas of Elgin. Objectives 5.1 · · · Expected Benefits Expected benefits include · reduction of transportation costs; · enhanced mobility for St. Thomas and Elgin County residents; · increased participation in social and health programs; · increased economic viability of existing services · improved autonomy and ability to live independently for people at risk of institutionalization; · better quality of life for residents who are transportation-disadvantaged. December 1997 Thomas Community Transportation Proposal St Elgin 5.2 13 10. Cost-sharing As stated in Section 8 above, total project cost is estimated at $64,500. The City of St. Thomas will contribute $10,000. Elgin County and the townships are expected to contribute $5,000. The contribution requested from CT AP is $49,500. Project Totals Expenses Expenses Phase One ................................................... $22,500 Expenses Phase Two .................................................... 42,000 Total Expenses ....................................................... $64,500 Revenues Contribution from City of St. Thomas ...................................... $10,000 Contributions from County and townships ..................................... 5,000 Requested from CT AP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 49.500 Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . ... . . . . . . . . . . . .. .. $64,500 - 18 Elgin - St. Thomas Community Transportation Proposal _ December 1997 IIJ Co' ./' '2 ,,) 1998 JANUARY 27TH COUNCIL CORRESPONDÉNCE Items for Con~ideration Mayor Andre van Kasteren and Ms. Susan Wilson, Treasurer, Township of Malahide, expressing interest in obtaining any Council Chamber surplus desks, chairs or microphones that could be used by the Township Council. (ATTACHED) 1 Ms. Betteanne M. Cadman, Clerk, Township of Delhi, with a motion concerning freedom of choice and tobacco smoking in privately owned businesses. (ATTACHED) 2 Mr. Frances Aird, Clerk Administrator, Township of Hope, with a resolution concerning the distribution of revenue from the Gasoline Tax to municipalities to maintain road standards. (ATTACHED) 3 AMO Special Meeting on February 6th, 1998; 1) Official Voting Delegation Accreditation Form (ATTACHED) 2) Room Accommodation Information (Available from Clerk's) 4 Mr. Peter Stechenreiter, Area Manager, Ministry of Community and Social Services, offering Ministry assistance to municipalities during the transition of provincial social assistance programs to the municipal level. (ATTACHED) 5. Municipality of Central Elain; 1) Requesting the County to pay vacation time owed to former County Road employees prior to January 1, 1998. (ATTACHED) 2) Requesting the assistance of the County Personnel Director with union contract negotiations in 1998 for the Municipality of Central Elgin. (ATTACHED) 3) Requesting a proposal from the County to set up and maintain a Health and Safety program for inside and outside workers for the newly formed Municipality. (ATTACHED) Municipality of Malahide; 1) Requesting the County to pay vacation time owed to former County Road employees. (ATTACHED) 2) Requesting assistance of the County Administrator/Clerk and County Personnel Director with union certification and first collective agreement negotiations. (ATTACHED) 6 December with an Invoice for services from October 1 - Mr. Richard J. Chowen, 31,1997. (ATTACHED) 7 the J. A. Murray, Clerk-Administrator, County of Huron, with a motion to petition province for additional funding due to the closure of chronic and psychiatric facilities. (ATTACHED) 8 ? ('I) . ") '. ,~ J,/'" - continued Association of Municipalities of Ontario Member Communication ALERT, "Provincial Government Calls On Municipalities To Assist Their Eastern Ontario 'TWINS"', with information concerning twinned municipality direct support. (ATTACHED) 1998 - Items for Consideration JANUARY 27TH 9. Mr. Mason Bailey, Reeve, Village of Blyth, requesting Council's support of the Village of Blyth's resolution for fair and equitable taxation for property owners. (ATTACHED) 10. Mrs. Judy Kay, Clerk-Treasurer, Township of Colborne, with a resolution requesting the provincial government to provide resources to investigate the contamination of ground water by E-Coli bacteria, the deteriorating quality of the lakes and health risks to the community. (ATTACHED) 11 ~Œ(tEQ~Œ~ NOV H, t~~/ COUNTY ßF ELGIN CLERK'S OFFICE 1997 November 12, MLMark McDonald County Clerk 450 Sunset Drive StThomas, Ontario N5R 5Vl desks and any alterations to microphones Mr. McDonald I am writing to express our interest in obtaining approximately 6 Council surplus microphones currently used by County Council. We would like to make Township Council Chambers and feel that ifthere are any surplus Council desks or we would like to be notified. Dear matter. you for your consideration in this Thank Yours truly, Mayor Andre VanKasteren Township ofMalahide ;:¡;:~ December 17, 1997 ~Œ(f;Œ[ \:JŒ® County of Elgin, ÐEC 1 13 1997 450 Sunset Drive, COUNTY OF Er.üIN St. Thomas, Ontario. N5R 5Vl CLERK'S ßFFlCE Attention: Mr. Mark McDonald Dear Sir: RE: County Council Desks. In our earlier correspondence, the Township ofMalahide expressed an interest in the surplus County Council Desks. Malahide Township Council is willing to agree to a County settlement with regard to the desks. We reserve the right to return the desks if the price is excessive. At this time, we would also like to indicate our interest in the County Council Chairs. We acknowledge that this issue will have to be resolved with County Council in January of 1998 Elgin County's consideration to our request is greatly appreciated. Yours very truly, TOWNSHIP OF MALAHIDE d¿{;J~~. SUSAN WILSON, C.G.A. Treasurer SW:dw RANDALL R. MILLARD SUSAN E. WILSON C.A.O.fCLERK TREASURER Township of DELHI P.O. Box 182 . 183 Main Street· Delhi, Ontario CANADA N4B 2W9 Tel: (519) 582-2100 Fax: (519) 582-4571 ~~ŒŒll~Œ® December 18, 1997 DEC 2::' 1997 GOUNT'I OF EU1lIII CLERK'S OffiCE County of Elgin 450 Sunset Drive St. Thomas, Ontario N5R 5Vl Dear SirIMadam: Please be advised that at their meeting held November 6, 1997, Council adopted Resolution No.2, a copy of which is attached. Should you require any further information or clarification please do not hesitate to contact the undersigned. Yours truly, ~~ Betteanne M. Cadman, CMC CMO Clerk BMC/sh Attachment r , Township of DELHI CANADA N4B 2W9 Ontario P.O. Box 182 . 183 Main Street· Delhi Tel: (519) 582-2100 Fnx: (519) 582-4571 1997 º November DATE NO COUNCIL/ MOVED BY SECONDED BY WHEREAS the freedom of choice regarding tobacco smoking in a privately owned business is being unfairly curtailed by the strict and unnecessary enforcement of the Regulatory Tobacco Act BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Council of the Township of Delhi request that the Province of Ontario amend or revise the Regulatory Tobacco Act to allow municipalities within the tobacco producing counties of Brant, Elgin and Oxford and within the Region of Haldimand- Norfolk to determine the appropriate level of policing of the regulated "No Smoking" protocol and to enforce it as they see fit; AND FURTHER THAT privately owned businesses who produce or process tobacco and/or whose businesses service or supply the tobacco industry, and reside within the above designated areas be exempt from posting the regulation "No Smoking" signs and be allowed proprietary discretion on tobacco use within their establishment; AND FURTHER THAT the use of legal tobacco produced, as used by adults, be allowed in businesses who produce or process tobacco and/or whose business service or supply the tobacco industry within the above designed areas without fear of penalty or fines to their clients or staff and local members of provincial parliament of the affected municipalities; AND THAT this resolution be circulated to all municipalities within the above designated area : CARRIED DEC-23-1997 12: 19 HOPE TOWNSHIP 19057532434 P.01/02 TOWNSHIP OF HOPE S . ~ --.-.... dO . ----..:.:.. -.... ... P.O. Box 85 Telephone· 905·753·2230/2483 PORT HOPE, ONTARIO L 1A 3V9 (Location: £8St Side County Rd.#1 0 " 3 mi. North of Welcome) December 22, 1997 BY FAX All Counties, Regions and Districts Within the Province of Ontario Dear SirIMadam: RE: Fair Distribution of Gasoline Tax Council for the Township of Hope feel that the revenues generated from Gasoline Tax are not being used for the Provincial Road Systems. This is the most clear case of user pay that we have in this Province and we should be demanding that they be apportioned to the municipalities, who are responsible for the majority of the road system in this Province. A copy of Resolution #315/97 is attached. Your support in this regard would be appreciated as the OGRA has been requested to place this resolution on the Conference agenda and we would also ask that you distribute this information to your lower tier municipalities. Thank you for your support and co-operation. Yours truly, dú-n~ Frances Aird Clerk Administrator FA:rvl Encl. Copy of Resolution #315/97 @ C/. We Recycle. 19657532434 HOPE TOWNSHIP 12:26 DEC-23-1997 Council Minutes Tuesday November 4,1997 RESOLUTION 315/97 Be it resolved that the following resolution be forwarded to OGRA for their support and that it be circulated to all municipalities within Zone 5 of AMO with a request for their endorsement: is being threatened; WHEREAS the unifonn road system Ontarians have known in the Province AND WHEREA in road accidents; has system - which will lead to an increase AND WHEREAS the Province has lost a major economic lever - the road been instrumental in building Ontario; S a lack of uniform road standards AND WHEREAS any further reduction in road quality will decrease tourism to Ontario; AND WHEREAS further reduction in road quality will result in increased congestion and user costs, which ultimately results in increased cost to the consumer; to demand AND WHEREAS municipalities have a responsibility to their ratepayers and the right a share of the revenues generated from gasoline tax; NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that Hope Township petition the OORA to include, in the 1998 Resolutions package, that a dedicated road user tax rebate be made available to local municipalities to ensure fair distribution' of gasoline tax and proper road standards. CARRIED TOTAL P.62 ~ SPECIAL MEETING OF MEMBERS FEBRUARY 6, 1998 OFFICIAL VOTING DELEGATES' ACCREDITATION FORM The following information is being supplied to you in connection with the Special Meeting of Mêmbers of the Association of Municipalities of Ontario, to be held in the Canadian Room of the Royal York Hotel, 100 Front Street West, Toronto, at 9:30 a.m. on February 6, 1998. This form is provided to your Council for the purpose of registering its voting delegates for the meeting. In this regard, we request that you observe the following procedures To qualify for your allotted number of voting delegates, your 1998 membership fees must have been paid and/or the municipality must have been a member of AMO in 1997. Where a new municipality has been created through amalgamation, that municipality will be considered to have been an AMO member in 1997 if at least 50% of the municipalities making up the new municipality were AMO members in 1997. I Voting delegates must be appointed by council resolution and the registration form must be certified by the Clerk of your municipality. 2. must be appointment of voting delegates, the changes In the event of a change in the council submitted by certified notice. 3 A voting delegate shall have one vote only. Please complete the attached Voting Registration Form and return to the Association offices as quickly as possible. 4. 5 DEADLINE DATE FOR REGISTRATION OF VOTING DELEGATES 30.1998 PLEASE NOTE: In addition to the schedule set out on the reverse side, all members of the AMO Board of Directors are granted a voting privilege by virtue of holding office on the Board. These voting privileges are in addition to the allotment granted to their own municipality. Association of Municipalities of Ontario tmJC' r"".c . i i 1 .! I ·.....,t'Ll ~/ L'\ MEMBERS 1998 SPECIAL MEETING OF FEBRUARY 6, OFFICIAL VOTING DELEGATES' REGISTRATION FORM MUNICIPALITY: POPULATION: TITLE (please print) NAME I 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Signature/Title Certified Date 7. 8. PLEASE RETURN TO THE AMO OFFICES Deadline: January 30, 1998 FAX: (416) 971-6191 Toronto, ON M5G 1 E6 . emaH: amo@amo.municom.com 393 University Ave., Suite 1701 (416) 971-9856 . fax: (416) 971-6191 tel Ii SCHEDULE OF VOTING DELEGATES Member Municipalities POPULATION NUMBER OF VOTING DELEGATES Under 5,000 2 5,000 to 14,999 3 15,000 to 49,999 4 50,000 to 99,999 5 100,000 to 199,999 6 200,000 to 349,999 7 Over 350,000 8 Counties. Metropolitan, Rel!ional and District Member Municipalities POPULATION NUMBER OF VOTING DELEGATES o to 49,999 2 50,000 to 100,000 3 Over 100,000 4 Territorial district municipal associations shall each be entitled to one voting delegate. OBTAINING ACCOMMODATION FOR THE FEBRUARY 6TH AMO MEETING AMO members seeking accommodation in Toronto in conjunction with the Association's February 6th meeting should contact the Royal York Hotel at Department) Reservations (Hotel 1 -416-863-6333 Centre) Global Reservations s (CP Hotel' or 1-800-441-1414 $119.00 $129.00 $295.00 $460.00 Room rates are as follows: Single Occupancy Double Occupancy Pacific Premier Suites from A third person sharing is an addition $20.00 per night. Children 18 years and under sharing their parent's accommodation are complimentary. You must identify yourself as being with the Association of Municipalities of Ontario in order to qualify for these group rates Space is limited, and you must make your reservation with the hotel by January 23rd to be guaranteed the group rate. So please book your accommodation as soon as possible. NOTE: Ontario 134 Ex!, Box 5217 (W) 217 York Street London, Ontario N6A 5R1 Tel: (519) 438-5111 FAX: (519) 672-9510 Mlnlstere des Services sociaux 01 communaulaires Mlnlslry 01 Community and Socia' Services 1997 December 23 GWAlONTARIO WORKS ADMINISTRATORS MEMORANDUM TO: H.G. Howtett, Commissioner, Community Services City of London - FAX 661-5930 Chester Hlnalsu, Director, Social Services Department City of St. Thomas - FAX 631.1824 " Barry Nichols, Administrator, Social Services Department City of Stratford - FAX 519-273-5041 John A. MacKinnon, Administrator, Social Services Department County of Huron - FAX 519-524-6083 Patricia Ranford, Director, Income Maintenance Division The Regional Municipality of Haldlmand-Noñolk _ FAX 519-587-3278 Geof! Chandler, Administrator, Social Services Department County of Middlesex - FAX 434-0638 " ~.:~,; Geroy MacKay, Administrator, SoclalServlces Department County of Oxford - FAX 519.537-3024 Rob Bell, Director, Social Services Department County of Elgin. FAX 633.7661 Ollie Henoy, Administrator, Social Services Department County of Perth - FAX 519-271-6265 1 c Peter Steckenreiter Area Manager London Area Office FROM: SOCIAL ASSISTANCE TRANSFORMATION PLANNING As you are no doubt aware, beginning January 1, 1998, you will be retaining sole support parent, foster parent, and 60-64 year-old cases in your social services system. Effective April 1, 1998, the proclamation of part of the Social Assistance Reform Act wil allow the transfer of provincial social assistance cases to the municipalities to begin. Rë: Developing a comprehensive joint local plan is the key to ensuring that your organization will manage the transition smoothly without any disruption in services As you know, human resources planning is a key part of the joint local planning process. Through a joint human resources planning process we can address your 2 0320 IOðIQSI GWAlONTARIO WORKS ADMINISTRATORS December 23, 1997 Re: Social Assistance Transformation Planning Page 2 operational needs and help our staff find positions with your municipality. Our staff can help you manage the transition effectively. They have a wealth of case specific knowledge, substantial work experience in social services, and a unique knowledge of the Ministry's systems. As a result, we will be beginning the planning process with you by addressing human resource issues. '. We are asking you to either hold off hiring new staff until we are able to meet and discuss these issues in depth OR until we can develop an interim agreement on filling your positions/vacancies. I appreciate your consideration of this matter. This is clearly an important first step in the joint transition planning process. Leo Nusink and Dan Heard will be contacting you early in the new year to discuss human resources planning issues. We look forward to working closely with you over the next year to ensure the success of this transfer. , , 0'· .;" Çz Sincerely, M~ -~ PS:az c.c. Peter Steckenreiter Clerk-Administrator Leo Nusink Dan Heard m:\peterigwaow.let (519) 631·8433 GARAGE (519) 631·4860 (519) 631-4036 OFFICE FAX Township of Yarmouth 229 TALBOT STREET, ST. THOMAS, ONTARIO N5P 1G8 1997. December 22. [R1~©~ow~[Q) 1997 COUNTY OF ELGIN PERSONNEL OFFICE DEe 2 2 Mr. Harley Underhill. Personnel Director. County of Elgin. 450 Sunset Drive. ST. THOMAS. ON N5R 5Vl Employees Hired by the in Underhi 11 Unpaid Vacation for County MuniciDalit of Central El Dear Mr. RE During Transition Board Meetings for the Municipality of Central Elgin. it was discovered that Port Stanley's benefit by-law required that vacation time must be earned in one year and taken by the employee in the next year. This meant that with the amalgamation of Yarmouth. Port Stanley. and Belmont on January 1. 1998. that employees in Port Stanley would be owed vacation time as of December 31. 1997. and rather than' carry this expense forward to the new municipality. it was decided that each municipality would pay all vacation time owed to its employees prior to December 31. 1997. It has been brought to the attention of this office that there may be some vacation time owing to the County Road employees hired by local municipalities in the same manner. and since these employees are paid by the County until December 31. 1997. it would be reasonable to assume that any vacation time owing would be paid by the County prior to January 1. 1998. It has been determined by the Transition Board for the Municipality of Central Elgin that commencing January 1. 1998. all vacation time will be paid during the current year. thus eliminating any deferral of vacation time earned in the previous year. In view of this fact. would you kindly see that any vacation time owed to former County Road emplóyees is paid by the County prior to January 1. 1998. /2 2 - If any further information is required, kindly contact me. 1Z!~ K. G. Sloan Clerk-Administrator KGS:gv OFFICE (519) 631·4860 GARAGE (519) 631·8433 FAX (519) 631-4036 Township of Yarmouth 1229 TALBOT STREET, ST. THOMAS, ONTARIO N5P 1G8 December 22, 1997. ~~©~OW~[Q) ,DEC 2 2 1997 Mr. Harley Underhill, COUNTY OF ELGIN Personnel Director, PERSONNEL OFFICE County of Elgin, 450 Sunset Drive, ST. THOMAS, ON N5R 5V1 Dear Mr. Underhill: RE: Union Negotiations for Employees of the Municipality of Central Elgin Further to our recent conversation regarding the above referenced matter, it would be appreciated if you could assist our municipality with union contract negotiations commencing early in the new year. Enclosed is a copy of a letter from Mr. Roger Neeley, National Representative for CUPE, advising that the union is prepared to open negotiations. It would also be helpful, assuming that you are able to assist us, to forward a list of dates in January, when you would be available for negotiations. Your consideration of this matter would be greatly appreciated, and if any further information is required, kindly contact me. 1tì~ K. G. Sloan Clerk-Administrator Central Elgin KGS:gv Enc 1. FONCTION rUBLlQUE a CANADIAN UNION OF rUBLlC EMrLOYEES/SYNDICAT CANADIEN DE LA Ïf\'''~ l~J:'J ij"E. "'.~ ~ 16 December 1997 .' 1997 Y MMUUï/I ----. !J 1 DEC OF TWP Corporation of the Municipality of Yarmouth/Pt. Stanley/Belmont c/o Ken Sloan Clerk-Administrator 450 Sunset Dr. St. Thomas, ON N5R 5Vl Dear Mr. Sloan NOTICE TO BARGAlli Further to the notice of bargain forwarded to the Municipality of Pt. Stanley and the voluntary recognition signed by the parties, please be advised that this is the Unions intention to open negotiations between the parties for the renewal of the current Collective Agreement and the merger of the Local 4 Pt. Stanley Collective Agreement RE~ Would you please contact me in the new year so that dates can be mutually agreed to. Thanking you in advance and awaiting your reply, I remain Yours Truly, ROfrºA ¡() 1J~Jrft1 Roger D. Neeley National Representative CUPE * P. Douglas. JUDY DARCY GERALDINE McGUIRE National PrcsidcntlPrésidcntc national!! National Secretary- T rcasurcrISccrétairc-tté'iorière nationalc CLAUDE GÉNÉREUX. BERNICE KIRK. GLEN MAKAHONUK. TOM O'LEARY. PATRICK (Sid) RYAN General Vice.PrcsidentsNicc-présidcnt(e)s généraux(alcs) WESTERN ONTARIO AREA OFFICE 2nd Floor,london, Ontario NsW 2X6· Phone: (519) 433·1753 Fax: (519) 433·4279 _.. cc: RN/wm opeiu 491 826 King Street R01 !Jv{unicipa{ïty Corporation of the The of Centra[ f£Cgin 1998 19 January County of Elgin 450 Sunset Drive st. Thomas, Ontario N5R 5V1 Had ey Underhi 11 Attention Sir As per our telephone conversation on Friday January 16,1998, I would like to formally request a proposal from the County of Elgin to set up and maintain a Health and Safety program for both inside and outside workers for the newly formed Municipality of Central Elgin. This may be yet another way we can share resources. ".n~~ of Thomas, Ontario N5R 5V1 Fax 519-631-4036 St Public Works 450 Sunset Drive, 1 st Floor, Ph. 519-631-4860 Dear ~Œ©lmWŒ~ JAN 1 \2) 1998 COUNTY (IF ELGIN CI.ERK'S OffiCE January 16, 1998 Sent by Fax: 633-7661 County of Elgin, 450 Sunset Drive, St. Thomas, Ontario N5R 5V Mr. Mark McDonald Attention Dear Sir RE: Vacation Entitlement. to the attention of the Corporation of the Township ofMalahide that Mr. Ralph Mr. John Brown had accumulated vacation entitlement that was not þaid to these their transfer to the municipality. It has come Gordon and gentlernën upon p ofMalahide asks that the County of Elgin accept this liability Malahide operates on a current year entitlement. The Corporation of the Townshi Jor their employecs as s our understanding their accumulated vacation entitlement is 6 weeks for each employee 2 x 2 weeks It 6 this matter and written response would be appreciated. attention to YOUI Yours very trul TOWNSHIP 0 ¿;!?: R. MILLARD, C.A.O.lCLERK MALAHIDE y, F SUSAN E. WILSON TREASURER RM:dw Mr. ~alph Gordon Mr. John Brown CôÙnci1 Mrs. Wilson Copy RANDALL R; MILlAAD C.A.OJCLERK ~~©]a~Œ® J 1998 COUNTY OF ELGIN Clf.RK.:2. OFFICE AN 16 January 9, 1998 Mr, Mark McDonald County Clerk 450 Sunset Drive St Thomas, Ontario N5R 5VI Mr. McDonald Dear at its Inaugural The following resolution was passed by Township of Mala hide Council Session on January 9, 1998 "That Malahide Township Council request the County of Elgin to permit Mr. Underhill and Mr. McDonald to assist the Corporation with the Union Certification and first c()llective agreemen<t betweell the parties." We thank you for your assistance to date and look forward to working with you in the future. If you require information or have any concerns, please do not hesitate to contact this office. Yours truly, fkL-KMff Jane Knapp Deputy Clerk-Treasurer rÓ¡Îds\clípeapp.cty SUSAN E. WILSON TREASURER Administrator County Personnel .~. . ..""' - -.,.. Mr. Harley Underhill c.c. RANDALL R. MILLARD C.A.OJCLERK , 998 January 9, of Public Employees Canadian Union 826 King Street 2nd Floor LONDON, Ontario N5W 2X6 1-97R of Malahide Union Certification 3Z} ) Townsh Re We wish Mr. Roger Neeley, is no longer his replacement to be found. the bargaining agent, may take some time for Sir/Madam It is our understanding that associated with your ofiìce and it him well in his new position. Dear Please advise our ofiìce when you will be ready to proceed. We look forward to hearing you. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact this ofiìce. from Yours truly, ¿;J Randy Millard Administrator/Clerk roads'cup.:.app SUSAN E. WILSON TREASURER Township of Mala hide Counci Harley Underhill, County Personnel Administrator Mark McDonald, County Clerk c.c. RANDALL R. MILLARD C.A.O.!CLERK (519) 524-8394 (519) 524-2044 Fax Corporation of the COUNTY of HURON CLERK-ADMINISTRATOR Court House, (;oderich, Ontario, N7 A 1M2 ----.--." IT~ŒœŒawŒ~ 1998 January 9 The Honourable Elizabeth Witmer Minister of JAN 1 5 1998 COUNTY OF ELGIN CLERK'S OFFICE Health 10th Floor, Hepburn Block 80 Grosvenor Street Toronto, Ontario M7 A 2C4 Madam Minister Dear the County of Huron discussed reports from the o· concerning funding levels for the Homes and funding lev s for so called, but expired, Social Contract Act County Co Icil adopted the following recommendations from Committee leeting of December', 0, 1997 On January 8, 1998, Council of Homes for the Aged Administrat~. deductions from those provisions As a result, the Health and Seniors "Moved by B. McBurney Seconded by S. Steenstra WHEREAS the Province has undertaken Initiatives and concerted efforts to close psychiatric and chronic care facilities; and WHEREAS this has an impact on the County's ability to provide services as the County operates the only secured facilities in the County of Huron BE IT THEREFORE RESOLVED that the Province be petitioned for additiona funding to adequately respond to this need and further, that copies of this resolution be sent to all Counties and Regions, AMO and OANHSS to start a lobby to get the Province to adequately fund this needed service Carried" the Province make." 2 "That the Service Agreement for 1 997 not be signed unti restores the illegal funding deductions they continue to / Yours truly, A. Murray Clerk-Administrator JAM/bl cc - Helen Johns, M.P.P., Huron All Counties and Regions AMO OANHSS Page 882 o P CLERH-Elgin Co 4169716191 519 633 7661 FAX NO, 1 ASSOCIATIon OF?-) EST 81/12/9B 13:33:51 Association of Municipalities of Ontario 1\ rml~' \ .,J.,' t ; .,....\ .\i>t: ../ AMO 2:54 PM JAN-12-98 MaN 393 UnlverAlty Avenue, Sultð 1701 ioronlo, ON M5G 1E6 Tel: (416) 971-9656 qax: (0&116) 971-9191 orn1.U: Imccamo,mun!com,com ~LE.RT January 12,1998 Alert.. 98/001 mmediate Action For PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT CALLS ON MUNICIPALITIES TO ASSIST THEIR EASTERN ONTARIO 'TWINS' ISSUE: Ontario municipalities are rising to meet the challenge of the devastating affects of the winter elements and are supporting their fellow municipalities in Eastern Ontario in their efforts to combat one of the most severe ice storms in the province's history. But despite massive efforts thus far, there is a still a continuing demand for resources to support those communities in Eastern Ontario affected by the ice storm emergency, THE FACTS: In response to the need, the provincial government is co-ordinating a municipality twinning program to match affected municipalities with municipalities outside of the affected area who would then be able to provide general support to them directly. The Provincial Operations Centre has been actively canvassing municipalities outside the affected area over the weekend, and a number of twinning arrangements have already been made. However, even though many communities have already been twinned, the demand for support is so great that a second round of twinning is being organized today. Based on need, the most severely affected municipalities may have two or more support municipalities linked to them. Under the twinning program, the affected municipalities will identify their needs directly to the support municipalities. Work crews, generators, chain saws, chipper trucks and other public works resources are badly needed by municipalities affected, as well as replacement batteries, bottled water and other essential commodities. ACTION REQUIRED If your municipality is interested in providing direct support to a twinned municipality, please contact the Resource Co-ordinator, Provincial Operations Centre, 416-314-0130, or 416-314-5839. www.municom.com. This information is available through AMO's MUNICOM network at PO BOX 393 BLYTH ON NOM IHO PHONE (519) 523-4545 FAX (519) 523-9895 Corporation of the Village of Blyth .,--------- -- John Stewart, A.M.C.T. Clerk-Treasurer Gl~(~úm~Œ\ID 1998 January 12, 1998 COUN1'I Of ElGlIIi CLER¡('S OffiCE JAN 1 ~ Represented By ROMA Councils Municipal All TO Re: Village of Blyth Education Tax Campaign. Dear Councillors Once again we are contacting the Municipal Councils across the Province of Ontario for support of our effort in the important matter of Education Tax Reform. 1997 by the ROMA was passed without As you are no doubt aware our Resolution for action was passed in Conference. the OSUM Conference and at the AMO Conference it officials that they are not proceeding to letter to AMO expressing our concern and the 1998 ROMA Conference We are and our letter to AMO for your the ROMA Conference continue to AMO sent a further Resolution to a copy of said Resolution request that your delegates to advised by We have We have recently been implement this Resolution. we are submitting a enclosing herewith consideration and matter opposition. support this Your support in 1997 has brought this matter to the brink of success Please help us to convince our elected leaders of the importance of positive and determined collective action to bring about fair and equitable taxation for property owners at the Conference to seeing you all Looking forward Yours truly, _ /'--;-;::-,;:-..../... .<-;::'~Ý7 ./~_.-:7......?/..,-//'--./ (;7/,7'---<5:/ ----.---.---....-.---.--.-- Mason Bailey, Reeve on behalf of the Council of the Village of Blyth. RESOLUTION TO ROMA Doug Scrimgeour Murray Nesbitt Councillor Councillor MOVED: SECONDED WHEREAS a Resolution from the Village of Blyth has been passed in 1997 by the ROMA Conference, the OSUM Conference and the AMO Conference directing our leaders to take a positive action by co-ordinating and leading all Ontario Municipalities in collectively discontinuing the taxation of all property for education funding letter that they are not proceeding indicated by have AND WHEREAS AMO officials implementing this Resolution; AMO Resolution was passed without opposition at the with AND WHEREAS this Conference AND WHEREAS the wishes' and decisions of the membership must be respected by our elected leaders that municipalities preserve, promote and AND WHEREAS it is increasingly important proteCt fairness to property ratepayers THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the delegates to the ROMA Conference demand that our leadership immediately proceed with implementation of said Resolution and that the Ontario Government be advised that any further downloading of Social Services will be met with similar action. MOTION CARRIED / "..- <';~ ¿--) /' Reeve I, John Stewart, Clerk-Treasurer of the Corporation of the Village of Blyth, do hereby certify that the Resolution hereto attached was duly passed by the Council of the Village of Blyth at their regular meeting held January 5. 1998. / /. .__...,C'-:o:.<:;':: \?/ Mason Bililey ,t,.x<,¡ ~, John Stewart PO BOX 393 BLYTH ON NOM 1 HO PHONE (519) 523-4545 FAX (519) 523-9895 Corporation of the Village of Blyth -------.-- ._----~------,.------_.._--_. John Stewart, A.M.C.T. Clerk-Treasurer 1997 December 29 Association of Municipalities of Ontario 393 University Ave Suite 1701, TORONTO, Ont M5G lE6 Joan King, President-Elect. Ms Attention Education Finance Reform Re King to the letter received from Michael Power, AMO President, dated in which it was indicated that no action is being taken by AMO to Resolution from The Village of Blyth in response 1997 Ms This letter is November 21, implement the Dear to bring to your attention that our ,< '." at the AMO Conference, and that a . directive from your membership to The Council of the Village of Blyth has authorized me Resolution was passed without opposition by the deleg,,,eu this Resolution was not submitted as a suggestion but be acted on manner in a positive executive and staff have misunderstood the intent of this we would ask that [M' it and if you wish more clarification we would be pleased to assist. Please note solution was passed by the ROMA Conference and the OSUM Conference in 1997 before I ~ntation to the AMO Conference Resolution, If your you reo] __u that this Prior to our submission of the Resolution our Village conducted a Province-wide campaign to determine support for the action suggested in this Resolution. We have letters of support from almost 400 municipalities across the Province, most of whom have sent letters to the Premier of Ontario, the Minister of Education & Training, the Minister of Finance, the Minister of Municipal Affairs & Housing, and other MPPs We can provide you with copies of all of these letters if necessary who I personally have had telephone contact with more than 100 Wardens, Mayors and Reeves have supported our initiative. Our effort to date has been quite extensive and we were encouraged by the support received at the aforementioned Conferences -1- .. our aware that to the were not without going back We We are now disappointed in the reaction of our elected leaders elected leaders could reject or alter the purpose of a Resolution to and industrial properties for It appears that no consideration has been given taxation. Small business especially are the and have traditionally provided employment important to us that they be allowed to prosper taxing of commercial accept the continued full is most confusing to us the relief from double membership Your decision to education purposes those who most our need rural towns and villages our young people It is backbone of the action suggested by our If you have good support Social are not tha.t the Province are fearfu AMO officials opportunities for We get the impression that Resolution would result in be dealt programs This issue can other downloading from deal with that in an organized way should not be taxed against property from your membership we can services to property either and with later if necessary than leadership that many other O.P.S.U.E, etc be more powerful Workers is that the municipalities of Ontario can we have the positive and determined the Teachers' Federations, Postal A point that we wish to make the Provincial Goverrullent if organizations now have such as citizens to represent their necessary to collectively go on only Province-wide vehicle to co-ordinate and lead us elected locally are expected by our that we are retf' We feel it our ~ating have been interests and it appears to us the offensive and expect AMO who Thosß.of us on this to last for our organization _ therefore, are 1S at your two years know We. will not, please let approach. as staff have expended much effort over the when the AMO delegates gave direction would be carried forward as intended of It our that hoping this will happen. If AMO officials can not or earliest convenience and we will consider some other and our belief that initiative it accordingly Blyth Council was Village matter take over response we have re-examine this We do not intend to abandon our original purpose. The enthusiastic received from across the Province demands that we continue Please matter It has never been more important to Senior Government that we too have taken. in asserting the position we have Ontario municipalities to demonstrate all all and assist our purpose to accomplish now a purpose and us for than the ability ~. >:{.~/.:7 x:" ""< . - "" .'-.., Bailey truly Yours Mason Reeve Village of Blyth -2· of AMO Executive. Members cc Page BB2 01/01 P CLERK-Elgin Co 416971619 519 633 7661 FAX NO, 1 ASSOCIATIon OF?-) AMO PM EST 41 61/66/98 23:46:59 JAN-06-98 rUE 0 . TOWNSHIP OF GOL.80RNE " , 11 A.R.S, GODERICH, ONTARIO N1A 3Y2 518·524-46139 - OffJC8 519-524-2561 - Garage 519-524-1951 -FacWmllø (MAS,) JUDV A. KAY C!.ERI(, TREASURER FlON SMITH ROAD $V~ERINTeNOENT January 6, 1998 To: Members of Council From: (Mrs.) Judy Kay. Clerk-Treasurer is The following resolution was passed by the Council of the Township of Colbome during their regular meeting held on December 16, 1997, which forwarded for your consideration and request for support. Thank you. #674/97 SECONDED: D. Fines WHEREAS there has been growing awareness and concern related to tb.e contamination of ground wa.ter caused by E-Coli bacteria; AND WHEREAS there has been a deterioration in the quality of lake water along the shore of Lake Huron; AND WHEREAS the contaminates in the water, caused by the E-Coli bacteria. are causing health concerns for the inhabitants of the community; AND WHEREAS there has been docuxnentation gathered, by various parties, on the matter of contamination of water caused by E-Coli bacteria and the 83sociatc:d problems with same; AND WHEREAS the Ministry ofthc: Environment and Energy has limited staff resources which cannot respond immediately to all cases where contamination may be occbfring, whether it be by way of intensive operations or otherwise; MOVED: B. V¡w.sto~ NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Corporation of the Township of Colborn!! he~eby advises the Province of Ontario that the n\unÍcipality is concerned with the reported problems caused by E-Coli bacteria contamination along the lakeshore areas and further that the Township of Colborne horeby requests that the Prdvïnce of Ontario provide adequate resources to carry out a thorough investigation of all associated matters related to E-Coli bacteria contamination and further that the Province provide initiatives to effectively deal with this issue; Hams, AND THAT this resolution be forwarded to Premier Michael the Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, the Minister of Environment and Energy and Helen Johns, MPP, Huron; AND FURTHER that this resolution be circulated to all tuIal municipalities in the Province of Ontario urging them to contact the appropriate Ministers, Premier Michael Harris and their local :MPP's indicating their support for this resolution, DISPOSITION: Motion Cried ~'I U / ./ J 1998 JANUARY 27TH COUNCIL CORRESPONDENCE Items for Information Mr. Ken Loveland, Clerk-Treasurer/Administrator, Township of Dunwich, concerning the changes in the Conservation Authority in their municipality. (ATTACHED) 1 Mr. Ken Loveland, Clerk-Treasurer, Township of Dunwich, and Mr. R. Millard, C.A.O./Clerk, Township of Malahide, with a resolution in support of extending the January 15th, 1998 deadline regarding delegation of responsibilities to establishing tax transition ratios. 2 Mr. Donald N. Leitch, Transition Board Secretary, Transition Board for the Municipality of Central Elgin, with a resolution confirming that the Municipality wi enlist the services of the County of Elgin Weed Inspector. 3 The Honourable John C. Snobelen, Minister, Ministry of Natural Resources regarding the proposed marina in Port Bruce. (ATTACHED) 4 The Honourable Tony Clement, Minister, Ministry of Transportation, regarding the County's resolution to increase roadside cutting (2 LETTERS ATTACHED) 5 The Honourable Tony Clement, Minister, Ministry of Transportation, with information regarding the realignment of provincial and local services and the transfer of highways to local municipalities. (ATTACHED) 6 Mr. Graham P. Brand, Director, Ministry of Health, acknowledging the County's decision concerning the funding and administering of land ambulance services in the municipality. (ATTACHED) 7 the County's The Honourable Ernie Eves, Minister, Ministry of Finance, regarding resolution requesting railway rights-of-way. (ATTACHED) 8 Mr. Brian Nixon, Director, Ministry of the Environment, responding to the County's letter supporting the City of St. Thomas' application for funding assistance under the Provincial Water Protection Fund. (ATTACHED) 9 Mr. Doug Raven, Executive Director, Association of Municipalities of Ontario, with a registration form for the "1998 Councillor Orientation Sessions" designed for new and returning Councillors. (ATTACHED) 10 Ontario Good Roads Association 1998 Annual Conference Registration Form and Preliminary Program (Available in Clerk's Office) 11 (ATTACHED) thank you card for his retirement gift Fred Groch with a Mr. 12 I? (I i) ~_" "" ,I. #/' JANUARY 27TH continued Mr. Ross Snetsinger, Chair, Rail Ways to the Future Committee, thanking Counci for its support in the past and hopefully in the future of rail transportation in the municipality. items for Information 1998 - 13. Œíe Corporation of tlie q'ownsliip of Ðunwicli Box 329,156 Main Street DUTTON, ONTARIO NOL 1JO . . Telephone 762-2204/762-2637 Fax No. 762-2278 . . "~~ŒUmVŒ~J REEVE Peter Hentz R.A. 2, Wallacetown DEPUTY REEVE Rien Van Brenk RR 1, Fingal DEC 19 1997 COUNTY (!f ELGIN CLEHK'S OFFICE CLERK~TREASURER ADMINISTRATOR . Ken Loveland COUNCILLORS Ann Lilley R.A.1, Dutton . Donald Lumley R.A. 3, lona Station Terry Robb R.R. 1, Dutton 1 15, December The Corporation of the Township of Southwold Fingal, Ontario NOL 1KO . ..":;,\,::::.',,;:~<:,,, , ..·.:d,:·.':·,;';·'·: :¡ Attention: Alex Pow Alex, Dear :i ! Chanl!es in Conservation Authori The Transition Board and the Councillors' elect of the new Municipality çf Dutton/Dunwich discussed the motion of the Chatham Kent Restructuring Board to dissolve the Lower Thames Conservation Authority at the December 10, 1997 meeting. We also reviewed the respònse prepared by the Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority as well as the Draft Resolution received from Mark G. McDonald from the County of Elgin. Re: There has always been a feeling at the Dunwich Council table that the Municipality was contributing more money to the Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority than the value of services we have received. I have provided Council with rough figures which represents the portion of Lower Thames 1997 Budget which was allocated to Flood Control and Flood Warning and calculated what the costs would be to the new Municipality for these services alone. Although the members of the Transition Board and the Councillors elect are not opposed to leaving the Lower Thamès Valleý Conservation Authority, they are concerned that we should become members of either the Upper Thames Valley Conservation Authority or the Kettle Creek Conservation Authority without a better understanding of the financial implications of this decision. We must use this opportunity to decide which would be the best decision in the long tenn for our residents. Page 2 passed by the Transition Board You will find attached a copy of the resolution which was regarding this matter. me. please contact If you have any questions regarding these motions, Yours truly, Ken Loveland Clerk - Treasurer Administrator KL:hc Encl. Lower Thames Authority Upper Thames Authority Kettle Creek Conservation Authority Mark McDonald, Clerk-Administrator County of Elgin Valley Conservation cc. Valley Conservation %e Corporationoftfiit q'ownsliip ofÐunwicli' Box 329, 156 Måin Street DUTTON, ONTARIO NOL 1 JO Telephone 762-2204/762-2637 Fax No. 762-2271\ ~~(f:~g~Œ® OECt91991 REEVE Peter Hentz RR 2, Wallacelown DEPUTY REEVE Rien Van Brenk RR 1, Fin9al COUNCILLORS Ann Lilley RR 1, Dutton Donald Luniley R.R 3, lona Slalion Terry Robb R.R. 1, Dutton CLERK-TREASURER ADMINISTRATOR Ken Loveland December 12 1997 C1J!J!\fr( {IF ElffiM CL&~YS OffiCE / County of Elgin 450 Sunset Drive ST. THOMAS, Ontario N5R 5V1 Attention Treasurer Dear Linda Please find attached a true certified copy of a resolution passed by the Dutton Dunwich Restructuring Transition Board which requests that the January 15th deadline for a decision regarding delegating the responsibility of establishing tax transition ratios be extended. If you have require any further information regarding this matter please contact me. ~ . ~Ken ve~ Clerk-Treasurer Administrator KL:kc cc: Mark McDonald Clerk Administrator encls I THIS IS AN ORIGINAL PREVIOUSLY TRANSMITTED BY FACSIMILE, ON1.Z 2 Linda Vergeer THE DUTTON DUNWICH RESTRUCTURING TRANSITION BOARD MOVED BY. SECONDED: ,/ DATE Wednesdav December 10. 1997 THAT the Restructurinq Transition Board of the New Municipalitv of Dutton/Dunwich petition the Minister of Finance for Ontario to extend the time limit (JanUary 15) for deleqatinq the establish- ment of transition (tax) ratios to lower tiers to enable municipalities to properlv review requlations (not vet released) to analvze more than iust preliminary assessment information. to receive more instruction on determininq and understandinq ratios to determine what effect the ratios have on the taxes of both tiers of munici overnment and to understand the true impact of Bill 160 on taxes CARRIED ~~CEümwŒ® DEC 2:3 1997 9, December 1997 COUNTY OF EL6IN Ct§!\.'~OFFlCE The Honourable Ernie Eves, Minister of Finance, 7th Floor, Frost Building S TORONTO, Ontario. M7A IY7 Dear Sir: RE: Extension of Time Limit to Establish Transition Tax Ratios. 1997 THAT the Council of the Corporation of the Township of Malahide petition the Minister of Finance for Ontario to extend the time limit (January 15) for delegating the establishment of transition (tax) ratios to lower tiers to enable municipalities to properly review regulations (not yet released), to analyze more than just preliminary assessment information, to receive more instruction on determining the understanding ratios, to determine what effect the ratios have on the taxes of both tiers of municipal government, and to understand the true impact of Bill 160 on property taxes. The following Resolution was passed at a meeting on December 16, THAT a copy be sent to the County of Elgin. Malahide Township is in agreement with the County of Elgin position and their desire to make an informed decision once all relevant information is known and understood. SUSAN E. WILSON TREASURER Yours very truly, TOWNSHIP OF MALAHIDE ß7~ R. MIL~tD, C.A.O./CLERK RM:dw I County of Elgin Premier Harris MPP Peter North MP Gar Knutson Copy RANDALL R. t·11 C.A.O.lCLERK aiŒ(~Œll~Œ® 1997 nt) K",(., COUNTY OF ELGIN CLERK'S OFFICE DEG Transition Board. for the Municipality of Central Elgin N5R 5Vl 450 Sunset Drive, St. Thomas, OntArio Telephone (5191 631-4860 1997 Hugh Geurts Elgin County Area Weed Inspector Kettle Creek Conservation Authority R.R. 8 St. Thomas, Ontario N5P 3T3 December 17 Weed Inspection Municipality of Central Re: Mr. Geurts: Dear Elgin Further..to your' letter of October 28, 1997, I am w~iting to confirm that the Transition Board passed the following resolution at its meeting of November 20, 1997: BE: IT RESOLVED THAT the Municipality of Central Elgin use the services of the County Weed Inspector, with any bills for weed cutting being paid by the Municipality, with this cost being charged back to the affected property ownerthrough the tax bill. time"kindly advise inform.ation at this If you require any additional aid RLeitch, Transition Board Secretary. MafkG..McDonald, County Administrator & CI.erk, County of Elgin John Bolt, Co-ordinator of Public Works'Designate c: TRANSITION BOARD Queen's Park Toronto, Ontario M7A 1W3 416/314·2301 Ministre Ministère des Richesses naturelles Ministe MInistry of Natural Resources ~ Ontario 97-03343-MIN ~Œrmo~Œ~ ' ¡ DEC 2;~ 1997 1 2 1997 DEC ! __--..ooi COUNTY [)f ELGlM CL£R1\'S OFFICE Mr. Mark G. McDonald County Administrator/Clerk County of Elgin 450 Sunset Drive St. Thomas, Ontario N5R 5V1 regarding a proposed marina development 1997 of October 31 letter Mr. McDonald Thank you for your in Port Bruce. Dear The Ministry of Natural Resources has received an Application for Crown Land for the purpose of establishing a marina along waterfront which abuts your municipal road right- of-way. This application is in accordance with provisions of the Public Lands Act. the I can assure you' that the impact this proposal will have on the community and concerns of the residents will be considered before this proposal is finalized. o ohn C. Snobelen Mínister Édifice Ferguson, 3e éfage 77, rue Wellesley ouest Toronto (Ontario) M7A 1Z8 Ferguson Block, 3rd Floor 77 Wellesley St. West Toronto, Ontario M7A 1Z8 Ministère des Transports Ministry of Transportation ~iÆ "lED" Ontario (416) 327-9200 ~-_. ~~ceŒovŒ® Bureau du ministre 1997 Office of the Minister December 5 1997 COUNTY OF ELGIN CLERK'S OFFICE DEC 2~~ Mrs. S. J. Heffren Deputy Clerk County of Elgin 450 Sunset Drive St. Thomas, Ontario N5R 5Vl Heffren: Thank you for your letter dated September 24, 1997 addressed to my predecessor, the Honourable Al Palladini, outlining council's resolution requesting increased roadside cutting along provincial highways in Elgin County. Mrs. Dear I appreciate the opportunity to respond to council's request as it gives us a chance to explain our practices and procedures. For the past number of years our ministry has focussed on a "center line-out" maintenance strategy in an effort to reduce maintenance costs and direct available funds to activities that will benefit the safety of the motoring public on the travelled portion of the roadway. The first priority is to maintain the road surface, as well as the various safety devices such as guide rails and signage. Grass cutting and litter pick-up is carried out on an exception basis where conditions may affect traffic safety. We recognize the need for aesthetic considerations, and the ministry is presently investigating new and economical approaches to vegetation management. Over the past number of years we have been moving towards a more naturalized vegetative appearance with the introduction of low maintenance turf species, wildflowers, natural regeneration and a reduced spray program. Selective cutting, fertilizing and various types of biological control are also being tested. Hopefully, these efforts will result in the development of a vegetative management system that will provide pleasant looking roadsides for an appropriate cost. /2 Fait de matériaux récupérés recovered materials Made from -2- This ministry has also implemented the Adopt-A-Highway program in an effort to allow volunteer groups and service organizations to contribute to a cleaner provincial highway system, by providing litter pick-up services. All volunteer requests are assessed on an individual basis and I would welcome you if you are interested in participating to contact the London/Stratford District Office at (519) 649-3051, for additional information. I hope that Thank you again for bringing council's concerns to my attention. these comments will help clarifY our activities in this area. The Honourable Al Palladini, Minister of Economic Development Trade and Tourism Mr. Peter North, M.P.P., Elgin Ms. Catherine Bearss, Clerk Treasurer, Village of Springfield Ms. Phyllis Ketchabaw, Clerk, Town of Aylmer cc: Ministry of Transportation {iÆ 'lll EmI" Ontario ~OC~Œa~Œ~ DEC 17 Ministère des Transports Bureau du ministre Édifice Ferguson, 3e étage 77, rue Wellesley ouest Toronto (Ontario) M7A 1Z8 (416) 327-9200 Minister 3rd Floor West Office of the Ferguson Block, 77 Wellesley St. Toronto~ 'Ontario M7A 1Z8 (416) 327-9200 1991 COUNTY OF ELGIN ClERK'S OFFICE 1997 Heffren December 5 Mrs. Sandra 1. Deputy Clerk County of Elgin 450 Sunset Drive St. Thomas, Ontario N5R 5Vl Heffren: Thank you for your letter of September 24, 1997 addressed to my colleague, William Saunderson, and forwarded to my predecessor, the Honourable Al Palladini, in which you advise of Elgin county's resolution to ask the Ministry of Transportation (MTO) to increase roadside cutting. Dear Mrs. initiated MTO controls vegetation for many reasons, including highway safety, infrastructure preservation and as required by the Weed Control Act. Mowing is one vegetation management tool that MTO uses to manage roadside vegetation in an integrated system. Other control methods are: chemical (herbicides); manual (hand-cutting); cultural (competitive ground covers); watering and biological (insects). Mowing by MTO is only in areas where vegetation is creating a problem. Reduced mowing increases the plant's competitiveness and makes it able to withstand drought, diseases, insects and weed infestations, requiring less inputs, such as water, fertilizer, and herbicides, to remain healthy and vigorous. MTO also encourages the establishment of naturally occurring competitive gro such as Asters, because they out-compete noxious weeds and brush and, when. establish on the right-of-way, requ~re little maintenance. Instead of mowing these patches, MTO encourages these areas to grow and expand. YOu may be interested to learn that the ministry has received numerous letters from the travelling public complimenting us on the improved appearance of the roadsides. und covers, left to /2 Fait de matériaux récupérés recovered materials' Made from 2- For a number of years, MTO has been moving away from intensively manicured rights-of- way to a more naturalized vegetative appearance. This approach to vegetation management encourages the establishment of wildflowers, low maintenance turf and ground cover species, and natural regeneration, all within the framework of integrated vegetation management principles. MTO's roadside vegetation management objectives no longer include broadcast mowing or herbicide applications. This more selective and rationalized approach to vegetation control is already contributing to an increase in species biodiversity and a significantly reduced dependence on chemical pesticide use. Thank you for writing to inform me of Elgin County's resolution for grass cutting. Yours very truly, Tóny Clement Minister Hon. Al Palladini, Minister of Economic Development, Trade & Tourism Peter North, M.P.P. for Elgin Elgin County Lower-Tier Municipalities Cc: ltÆ 'lll mImII" Ontario Ministère des Transports Bureau du ministre Édifice Ferguson, 3e étage 77. rue Wellesley ouest Toronto (Ontario) M7A 1Z8 (416) 327-9200 Ministry of Transportation Office of the Minister 3rd Floor West Ferguson Block, 77 Wellesley 51. T òronto, Ontario M7A.1Z8 (416) 327-9200 Q.-z/t tJl¡£ December 15, 1997 ¡:¡,o II,'; j~ ! ~þL,;S :r iIIl'\ Ô;:J. "" T ¿,. . Mr. Mark G. McDonald Administrator/Clerk Elgin County 450 Sunset Drive S1. Thomas, Ontario N5R 5VI Dear Mr. McDonald: As you are aware, this government is committed to providing better, more efficient and more accountable services and programs to the people of Ontario. A key element of this commitment is the realignment of provincial and local services. On December 12, 1997 my colleague, the Honourable Ernie Eves, Minister of Finance, announced the province's approach to the allocation of the Community Reinvestment Fund and released a broad range of financial information regarding the realignment of provincial and local services. I am writing to you today to provide more details on how this announcement impacts the transfer of highways to your municipality. This government has had extensive consultations with its municipal partners, and is sensitive to concerns that were raised, such as the one year maintenance allowance, the impact of adding more roads to local systems, and bridge structural needs. In addition to the $225 million previously allocated for highway transfers, I am pleased to advise you that this government will make available a further $50 million, to be distributed in the following manner. First, the maintenance allowance for highways to be transferred on January I 1998 will be extended an additional two years, for a total of three years. Second, municipalities receiving a disproportionate share of highway transfers will have their earlier bonus enriched by 50%. Finally, approximately $ 9 million has been provided to enhance the amount of compensation for bridge construction requirements. /2 Fait de malériaux récupérés Made from recovered materials -2- Municipalities have raised particular concerns about capital needs for bridges. We have listened to these concerns and have responded. The additional funds being made available for bridge needs apply to both highways to be transferred on January I, 1998, as well as those that were transferred on April I, 1997. As a result of the two rounds of transfers, the government will have transferred some 5,150 kilometres of highways serving local needs, and will have provided $385 million in total compensation to municipalities enabling them to address their additional responsibilities. I amplcased to advise you that your municipality wiH receive a one-time unconditional payment of$I,044,580, in addition to the compensation previously committed. If you require further clarification ofthe above, please contact Dave Leckie, Regional Director, Southwestern Region at 519-649-3030. Elgin Peter North, MPP cc ® Ontario Ministère de la Santé Ministry of Health Emergency Health Service Branch 6th Floor, 5700 Y onge St. North York, Ontario M2M 4K5 (416) 327-7900 (416) 327-7911 (FAX) 1997 ~Œ~ŒaWŒ® . JAN 5 1998 tOUN1ì' Of ELßIN ClERX'S fJFFJJ;E - . 18, December Mr. Mark G. McDonald County Administrator! Clerk County of Elgin 450 Sunset Drive St. l110mas, ()ntario N5R 5Vl Dear Mr. McDonald: Thank you for your recent letter in response to my inquiry of November 28th. In response to the information provided in your letter we will continue to fund and administer the provision ofland ambulance services in the County of Elgin until such time as advised by full responsibility Or until December 31, 1999, your municipality of its desire to assume whichever occUrS first. future to advise you of the details and the amounts the Province will jurisdiction. My staff will be in contact with you in the very near regarding the funding for land ambulance service recover from your municipality on behalf of your request. Thank you for responding so quickly to our Jl Yours very truly 7430-4601 Director @ J. King D. Brown c.c. 719&-93 (95/06) ¡~l ~.1) "IE::itII" Ontario Ministère. des -. Finances BÜreau du ministre --, ~[~@l~OVŒ® Édifice Frost sud 7 Queen's Park Cres Toronto ON M7A 1Y7 Téi (416) 325-0400 Téléc (416) 325-0374 "Ministry of Finance Office of the Minister Frost BUilding South 7 Queen's Park Cres Toronto ON M7A 1Y7 Tel (416) 325-0400 Fax (416) 325-0374 1997 COUNTY fir ELGIN CtERK'S OFFICE DEC 1 (J 1997 November 18 Mr. Mark G. McDonald çounty Administrator/Çlerk çounty of Elgin 450 Sunset Drive St. Thomas ON N5R 5V1 McDonald Thank you for your letter informing me about Çouncil's resolution requesting that railway rights-of-way be exempted from property taxes on a province-wide basis, on the condition that railways agree to transfer title to abandoned rights-of-way to the 'Province or the municipality on a no-cost basis Dear Mr Railway rights-of-way provide a valuable source of property tax revenue for municipal and school board purposes. It would be inappropriate to exempt these properties from property tax on a province-wide basis in return for the proposed concession The n Tr ion A, has already established an acceptable process enabling federal, provincial and municipal. governments to acquire abandoned rights-of-way at a cost based on net salvage value. This approach would appear to be a more cost-effective means of acquiring such property, because the tax cost of permanently exempting all railway rights-of-way in the province would surely exceed the cost of acquiring such lands at net salvage value, when and if they are ever àbandoned. I appreciate your bringing this matter to my personal attention. ------- Q.ç. Finance Ernie Eves, Minister of @ (~Ontario 40 ST. ~ Ministèi'e de l'EnvironnerT!ent, Ministry of tho Environment .;LAIR AVENUE WEST 10tH FLOOR M4V 1 M2 TORONrO, ONTARIO ENVIRONMENTAL PLANNING AND ANALYSIS BRANCH PHONE: (416) 314-7020 FAX: (416) 3.14-7200 .....,....-.--., ~Œ@ŒO'UŒ®· JAil! 9199& 1998 Mr. MarkG. McDonõJ.,ld County AdministÙtor/Clerk County of Elgin 450 SunsetPrive 8t : Thomas OntõJ.ri0 N5R 5V1 05 JànuõJ.ry CUUNTY ,Of ELG!N ·~'S OffiCE MCDonõJ.1d: I õJ.mwri\::ing in response toyour.NoveITlber26, 1997 :Letter to the HO!lourable NormõJ.n Sterl:i.!lg, Minister of the~nvironment, supporting the Citýof St. ThomõJ.s' õJ.pplicõJ.tion, for' funding ,õJ.ssistõJ.nce unde:r-theProvinciõJ.l Water Protection Fund, The. Minister has asked thõJ.t I respond on'his beliõJ.lf. AS you know ¡the Clty of St. Thomas' has, submltt",d õJ. funding õJ.ppliqation for the Mill Creekcombin",dsewer overflo)\l :i.n,-line storage fadlityfor consideration up.der the new,progrõJ.m. AS yoU may be':"ware, murli.dpalities hõJ.ve been informed thõJ.t all õJ.pplicõJ.tions forw<;trdedtotheministry I:>Y October 31, 1997 were to be eVõJ.luõJ.tedin the fir$t.round of reviews. A large volume of õJ.pplicõJ.ti6ns·wõJ.s received by the õJ.bovementioned date; Those õJ.pplicõJ.tions õJ.re nowheing. reviewed by the program staff, to determine if they meet the. Fund's eligibility criteriõJ.' I trust this information is helpful. Yours truly, ;( - Director . cc' Ken SloõJ.n Clerk-A~m:i.nistrator,T()wnship Of yärmoÜth Stephen J Peters, MõJ.yor; City ofSt.ThomõJ.s f) 100% 'Recycled Chlorine,Free. ;Madein Canada, DearMr Page 882 01/03 P CLERR-Elgin Co 416971619 1 519 633 7661 FAX NO, ASSOCIATION OF?-) AMO JAN-08-98 THU 05:43 PM EST 81/88/98 23:.41: 33 Association of Municipalities of Ontario r,,-,/ ~ I. \ ~ /. t\~ 1998 ~ January 8 / Clerk: On Decðmber 5, 1997. AMO faxed information to all municipalitiðs announcing that there would be two set~ of educational scssions for municipal councillors early in 1998. Information concerning the first set of scssions (Day I), an orientation sð~síon for first-time councillors being prcsented by AMO, was sent to you on December l5'h of last year. In conjunction with AMO's sessions, the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing will he offering training on the realignment of local serviccs (Day 2). Information about the timing and location of both sets of sessions Hre aUached, for your informmion. To simplify session regislration for municipalities, AMO has agreed to process registrations for both Day I and Day 2 scssions. To the Municipa recommended that ncw eouneil1ors altend the Day 1 session prior to attending the Day Local ServiceJ'. The Day 2 session has been designed for all elected the content and structure of both sessions is attached. on Realigning More informalion on is highly scssion It 2 officials j{egis1ralion~ for Day I, including payment, mLlst be rcccivcd at least 10 days prior to thc session. Day 2 registrations must be received a minimum of two weeks prior to the session. Thßre is no fce for the Day 2 scminar. in your municipality. 310 or via email 416-971-9856 ext. nformation sheets to uJI elected officials Cottom at StU!lI't I';or further information please contact scottom@amo.municom.com. Plo(\sc distribute copies of these municipality at the sessions repre.sentaLives from yom We look forward to meeting Yours truly. À¿L Toronto, ON M5G 1 Eß . email: amo@amo.mufllcom.com 393 University Avc., Suite 1701 (416) 971-9856 . fax: (416) 971·6191 tel Doug Raven Executive Director "ca98 COUncillor ~rientation Sessions Page BIB 02/03 in Co 8 p, Toronto, ON· M5G 1E6 Email: amo@amo.municom.oom W,absite : WWN.amo.OII.ca CLERK-Elg 68716 4 1 519 633 7661 FAX NO, ASSOCIATIon OF?-) AMO JAN-08-88 THU 05:44 PM ¡ ~C ì Association of · " \"" Munlcip~liIies .. ,...*1 '/ofOntano EST 81/88/98 23:42:12 Registration form !rom ~our rnunici~alij islralion ~ee councillorn reooìve a @n A Program Designed for New and Returning Name Date Location Councillors. Title Jan. 24 Jan. 24 Jan. 24 Bracebridge Sudbury Chatham-Kent Summary of the Agenda In an interactive environment you will learn about Municipality Preferred Dale Jan. 31 Jan. 31 Jan. 31 North Bay Owen Sound Pembroke Your role as an employer, policy-maker and representative · is enclosed 06732944) for $, (G5T #R Location Cheque Feb,6 Feb, 7 AMO General Membership Meeting Toronto Conflict of interest rUles Legal matters that can affect both you and the municipal corporation (2 sessions) 14 14 14 Feb Feb. Feb. Thunder Bay Sault Ste Marie Belleville Visa # Expiry Date Amount $. Municipal land use planning finance Feb. 21 Feb. 21 Feb. 21 Fort Frances Brockvi1le Windsor municipal management Basics of Labour relations the media & you The public · AuthOrized Signature Cardholdor Name (please print Registra~ons cannot be processed unless acoompanled wllh proper payment. AMO will conlirm your space(s) upon receipt of rogist",lion cnd tun payment. Feb. 28 Feb. 28 Feb. 28 7 7 Mar. Mar. Dryden Ottawa Brantford l.ondon Timmins Format Tl1e session runs from 8:45am 5:00pm. It will be conducted by a team of highly experienced municipal elected officials, senior municipal staff and other For more information and return of registration form contact AMO reöerves Ihe right 10 chonge (he location of venues and to cancel sessions if minimum regis.traliol1 i5 nol mat. technical experts must be received at least 7 days Administrative ($53.50 Stuart Cottom Ph: (416) 971-9856 ex!. 310 Email: scottom@amo.municom.com Fax: (416) 971-6191 Cancellations Requests for refunds written and Please maKe cheques payable to: Association of Municipalities of Ontario 393 University Avenue, Suite 1701 Toronto, ON M5G 1E6 prior to the seminar, fee for refunds is $50.00 inoluding GST) The registration fee for the ful day seminar will be: $140.00 ($' 49.80 including GST) TIJis includes refreshment breaks. lunch and a participant's resouroe binder with reference material specifically designed for the Councillor Orlentation Seminar. Cost Page 884 p, 03/03 Ministry of , Municipal Affairs and Housing CLERK-Elgin Co JAN-08-98 THU 05:44 PM FAX NO. 4169716191 AMO Association of A. nOD (67\ 0 t . ...... I.~Î.¡ ~~~Ct~r~~ties \ rJ\JQ \Y.) n anq Councillor Orientation Day 2 UgniOQ LO~I Sery" ,,~88 I~~" 1 519 633 7661 ASSOCIATION OF?-) AMO EST 81/8B/9B 23:42:55 PLEASE-REGISTER EARL Y AS SPACE IS LIMITED. WE WILL WORK TO ACCOMMODA TE DEMAND IF IT GREA TL Y EXCEEDS EXPECTED ATTENDANCE. Registration form Date Jan. 30 Jan. 30 Location Bracebridge Chatham-Kent Name 1} Feb. 7 Feb. 8 Toronto (Special focus on GT A & Upper Tiers) Toronto (2 sessions) . . n oonjunction with AMO's Councillor Orientation Sessions, the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing has developed and will deliver training on Local a// Title 2)_ Name 13 13 13 Feb. Feb. Feb. North Bay Owen Sound Pembroke Services Realignment for municipal counci/lors. Tille 3). Name Feb. 20 Feb. 20 Feb, 20 Feb. 20 Thunder Bay Sault Ste Marie Sudbury Belleville Till", Name Tille 5)_ Name 6 6 6 Mar. Mar. Mar. Kenora Ottawa Brantford These sessions will help municipal councillors deal with the changes in their roles and responsibilities that came into effect on January' 1, 1998 with special emphasis and education on the new municipal finance municipal labour Purpose ~ Feb. 27 Feb. 27 Broekville Windsor system and relations Title Municipality Mar. 13 Mar. 13 London Timmins Pmf",rrød Location and Dale AMO will eonnlm your space(s) upon receipt of rogistration and deloils of Ihe looolion ollhat limo. For more information and return of registration form contact: Tile Francophone Associalion of Municipalities of Onbrin is organizing datos & locations for french sessions & will advise thoir members direolly. For further info eonlact; Rejean Nadeau. Exeoulive Direclor (AFMO) 613-749·8546 Deadline for registration Summary of the Agenda Context The New Picture for Municipa Finance, including the new assessment system and the complete picture of revenue and expenditure opportunities/ issues for the day Stuart Cottom Ph: (416) 971·9856 ex!. 310 Email: sconom@amo.municom.com Fax: (416) 971-5191 Address: Association of Municipalities of Ontario 393 University Avenue, Suite 1701 Toronto, ON M6G 1 E6 There Is NO regIstration fee. However, to ensure adequate availability of materials and lunch arrangements, we must receive completed registration forms two weeks prior to the session Labour Relations in the municipality, covering issues reiated to service restructuring including Bill 136 and new aspects of labour relations Format The session 'IIR.~mjnder: AMO's SpecIal Membership meetir19 ÎI) Friday, Feb. 6, 1998 to be held In Toronlo. Informaliol has be-en previously sent to men,bars, runs from 8:30am to 4:30pm will be conducted by a team of highly experienced provincial and municipal staff expert consultants and The session will present a number of interactive activitiBs for the participants te acquire and test their new knowledge and understanding --.---. ~Œ~Œa\(]Œ~ Ways to the Future Committee Rail 19911 CDUNTY fir ELGIN CLERK'S OffiCE JAN 15 1998 January 2 MPP, In March 1995, we sent you a pamphlet providing infonnation and ideas on re-railing Ontario Many of you took the time to read the material and to answer our questionnaire -- thank you. Dear The response to OUR questionnaire was overwhelmingly supportive. Almost without exception you agreed the Province of Ontario should develop a coniprehensive freight and passeng~r rail plan. Most of you went much further calling for rail corridor preservation, hourly interurban passenger rail service on all feasible routes, seasonal and weekend service to Ontario's tourist/recreational destinations, a commitment to a modal shift to rail with a target of a I % or better annual shift for 25 years, and a balanced transportation budget allocating funds for rail improvement and incentive programs. Our mailings to numerous municipalities received similarily positive responses and calls for action. Now, three years later, we are writing to remind you of your commitment. The enclosed pamphlet outlines how Ontario is losing its competitive edge as it loses its rail infrastructure -- much has been lost in the interim. It also provides concrete examples of what is being done south of the border. We hope you agree that, for reasons of economic, sodal and environmental sustainability, the use of the rail mode must be encouraged. We ask you to read our material and respond to our questionnaire. We further ask you to act now to develop a Rail Plan for Ontario. Prior to the election, Mike Harris said the Province of Ontario should develop a comprehensive freight and passenger rail plan. Now in power, we ask the government to fulfill this commitment of the Premier. n the upcoming weeks, we will be sending you further infonnation about environmental and economic benefits of rail as well as our Route Banking Proposal which already has been endorsed by a dozen municipalities in Ontario. The preventìon of rail abandonments through route banking is a cornerstone of a provincial rail plan. us to contact ,-,' ~L££ ./ Dale Wilson, President Transport 2000 Ontario ¡nc Please do not hesItate suggestions or questIons. '-- Yours truly, K~ Ross Snetsinger, chair Rail Ways to the Future Committee We welcome your comments, (reverse page, queshonnarrc 247 Silverbirch Avenue, Toronto, Ontario, M4E 3L6, (416) 698-9005 Fax(416) 698-1905 MPP QUESTIONNAIRE Please complete this questionnaire arid return to the Rail Ways to the Future Committee. We hope these ideas will stimulate discussion and action within the legislative assembly leading to a revitalized rail system in Ontario. For further information call Ross Snetsinger (416)698-9005. Fax: Riding: Name: I believe the Province of Ontario should: with a recommended Comment: 2. Establish a Task Force (to report by no later than December 1998) Freight Rail Policy Plan. Yes _ No _ Comment: No Yes Plan. 1. Immediately develop a Rail would like Ontario to consider: 3. a) Loans for projects that improve rail service: Yes ~ No _ Not sure b) Rail User Loan Guarantee Program: Yes _ No _ Not sure _ c) Provincial acquisition of rail lines for future use: Yes _ No _ Not sure _ d) Independent Provincial Commission to develop policies and grants: Yes _ No _ Not sure_ e) Rail program closely associated with rural development efforts: Yes _ No _ Not sure_ i) A moratorium on rail abandonments: Yes _ No _ Not sure g) Other: I 'the varIOus re-rail stratef!,leS mentIOned. 0, I I- I] II 1'1 [I Ontario: 4. Please send me a copy of: a) Volume I, January 1995 MPP issue b) Information Comparing Auto and Truck Effects on Roads and Highways c) Pennsylvania's State Transportation Commission list of approved grants d) Wisconsin's rail Policy Goals and Investment Objectives e) Ontario Municipalities' Rail Preservation Resolution i) Questionnaire Response, Mike Harris 03/95 g) Other: more aboUl re-railin I would like to learn Ontario: rerail 7/0 workin ( I am commItted No Yes list: me on the Rail Way to Future Committee mailing 5. Please put No 6. Send me a membership application for Transport 2000 Ontario, Inc. Yes estlOns: PLEASE RETURN BY JANUARY 31,1998. Rail Ways to the Future Committee, c/o 247 Silverbirch Avenue, Toronto, Ontario M4E 3L6; Fax (416)698-1905 or suo concerns Other comments To remain competitive. Ontario needs to immediatelv develop a Rail Plan. Notably, a response was received from Michael D. Harris, Leader, P.C. Party of Ontario He agreed the Province of Ontario should develop a comprehensive freight and passenger rail plan, He also agreed the Province of Ontario should establish a policy to protect and preserve all rail corridors in the province, including track and bridges. Furthermore, he supported a Provincial commitment to a modal shift (freight and passenger) to rail and establish a target of 1 % annual shift for 25 years. The Minister of Municipal Affairs & Housing, AI Leach also supported these statements. Now, three years later, we have yet to see these commitments implemented. During the last provincial election, Rail Ways to the Future circulated a pamphlet and questionnaire to candidates The pamphlet, which provided information and ideas on re- railing Ontario, was well received and many candidates returned the completed questionnaires. The Rail Ways to the Future Committee is a volunteer group of citizens interested in promoting transportation which is environmentally, economically and socially sustainable This project has been endorsed and funded by Transport 2000 Ontario Inc. January 1998, Volume 2 You Can't Get Far Without a Railroad We propose that the Province of Ontario immediately establish a task force (to report by no later than December 1998) with a recommended Freight Rail Policy Plan. The communities of Lindsay, Owen Sound, Orillia, and a host of smaller centres hme lost their rail service. Vast areas of the provi'nce have already lost rail service - eg thc counties of Grey, Bruce and Haliburton. Collingwood is at risk of losing its rail . . ~ ~ Prompt intervention and innovative programs are needed to protect lùrther losses The rail option contributes to the prosperity of communities Locations lacking rail Ilill not be short-listed when there are so many NAFT A sites from which to choose. At this moment in Ontario, there are hundreds of industries located in communities whose rail lines are threatened with abandonment -- · The Canada Southern Railway (CN/CP) · The Owen Sound Subdivision (CP) · The Newmarket Subdivision (CN) · The Newton, Own Sound and Southampton Subdivisions (CN) · The Meaford Subdivision (CN) Ontario is in a serious catch-up situation which can only be addressed by immediate provincial action. As long as twenty years ago, a number of states started to protect and acquire rail lines The Province missed a golden opportunity when in 1981 it làiled to implement the recommendations of the Conservative Government's Ontario Task Force on Provincial Rail Policy. ("7 he comple/ion ofa Mas/er Rail/'Ian will (,lIahle ()nlallll /0 assume a more/"rcejitl role in all Œ\pec/s of rail services wi/hin/he provillce, alld lake a more aggressive pos/ion in rela/iol1/o rail line ohlllllI1!111lIel1/\... ", ('{¡airmail. Margarel Scril'ener.) It is not too late. There is a world-wide rCI il al of rail <Ìs Ihe economic, safe and environmentally friendly way to move goods As Ontario loses its rail infrastructure, Ontario also loses its competitive edge. With free trade, Ontario-based industries need to have a competitive infrastructure with those south of the border. Yet, while State after State in the U.S. is devising strategies to preserve and make better use of their railroads, Ontario lacks an overall rail policy. The State of Rail Freight in Ontario ( 'o/lnecl ¡cut: · railroad companies not required to pay property tax to State and instead pay a gross receipts tax based on operation in the State; · exemptions provided for approved maintenance projects. Oklahoma: · has acquired and leases 800 miles of abandoned rail trackage. lellllessee: · upgrades track conditions and encourages businesses to use rail; · has a Rail Program which is closely associated with rural development efforts; · established a dedicated trust fund using fuel tax revenue, Transportation Equity Fund, which in 1995·6 provided $3.8 million to 12 short-line railroads to rehabilitate tracks and bridges. 0111,,: · has a Ohio Rail Development Commission with an independent board to develop rail services and support economic development through rail freight; · has a Short-line Development Program, an Industrial Development Program; a rail rehabilitation program, and a Rail-Highway Safety Program. A/lllneso(l/: · provides loans for projects that improve rail service on lines of state importance; · otTers a RaillJser Loan Guarantee Program for rail users and railroads; · acquires rail lines for future use - transport, trail or transmission purposes; · provides up to 50% of rail line acquisition financing to regional rail authorities. You may be astonished to see how Ontario compares in the free trade market' Virtually all States are taking steps to stabilize and enhance their rail infrastructure. The following is a brief sampling of what some States are doing independently to protect their rail infrastructure. What our competition is doing for freight rail RAIL WAY TRACKS ARE ARTERIES 01-' SURVIVAL, COMFORT AND PROSPERITY SIJPPIFMENTARY LEGÞ.ND. 1998 Several additional rail limp; have been 'lifted' by CN and St1,&H since this map was dfawn in 1995 Ufied XXXXITXXX\'XX 7711-ealcncd (}()()()()()()()()() Rail Replacemenl Proposal 111\ 11 /1.'11\ /1 111.'] '1 ·1 GODERICH SARNIA \ \ '" 1"< I .------ I --- -\ ... þ..' ........ * ..... .... '\. ~ Keep YOUR COMMUNITY on the track map for the he~vy haul benefits of free trade . . **,,- .. .... **** :. ~*'\'" X- ~ ~<:¡ t ,:,Çj ~ ~~ iC .þ ~O ... iC v",<:¡c, ðé'<-'<,o A*;~**)f-~ -. "/"'. ....*~~~~~~~M/// : ~ iC>r /~ · f<.~ iC >// :. ....'" ~_'\ ..-..-..-"--- e. ..~ ~ Put YOUR COMMUNITY on the track map for swift, frequent all-weather passenger train service. \ \ MIDLA~\, \ ~*X ORILLlA ) )/1 I .¡f¥--*- OWEN SOUN~____ * '* COLLlNGWOOO ~ ~* ~ *"* * -1c 'J.- <v -¥ "\ ,<.0"'/\% ~~" -¥ * ~c, ~ 0~ -¥ '* 11-'" !l.f-¥ -?' \ ~ -¥ iCiqc * -+C~-1c-1(-1c " -1c *, ¥ ~ '",*, ~~~~~ ~. /~ t * TORONTO ,,"" ~ 1/-" I/-~ (j *~ !$><V "'~ 0'<- " Immediately Viable Routes Potentially Viable Routes, existing tracks Potentially Viable Routes, replace tracks Route Banking for future 0'" ~ o ~~ . If your track has been lifted, it is replaceable. .If sections of your corridor have been sold, tracks may be rerouted which, although costly, provides enduring results. . Don't foredos!! on your community's potential. -.--------- *********** ................ North Carolina: · provides technical and financial assistance to short-line rail roads. Louisiana: · has a Rail Mode Department with Department of Transportation to plan for capital investment, low interest loans, and infrastructure investment; · uses Federal Highway Administration funds to purchase abandoned rail lines. Kansas: · conducted a study on impacts of rail abandonments on economic development · findings noted adverse consequences including lower grain prices, higher transportation costs and reduced profits for rail shippers, loss of market options for shippers, foreclosed economic development option in rural communities, higher road maintenance and reconstruction costs, and negative social impacts in communities; · abandonments found to reduce production of commodities including: lumber and wood products; pulp and paper; chemicals; stone, clay, glass and concrete products; primary metal; motor vehicle equipment; food and food byproducts Pennsvlvania: · funds a citizen State Transportation Commission to approve grants for rail; · approved 59 projects totaling $7.6 million awarded to companies using rail and railways for rail line construction, maintenance, and repair; · created 1,400 jobs which will keep 70,000 trucks off state roads · leads the nation with 70 operating railroads; · has 5,400 miles of rail track. Many American states have had comprehensive rail policies in place for 15 - 20 years. Rail is regarded as an essential element to ensure market access. Without government intervention, some states would have lost all rail services, Most states with a rai I pol ic) have been very successful in promoting regional development. Further U.S. State Rail Initiatives lIowcver, the Ontario Government has a brief window of opportunity to develop a policy in support of rail and short-line rail in particular as tools for economic development. Our Provincial rail infrastructure is deteriorating and diminishing. This has a dire effect on our ability to compete in agribusiness, manufacturing and also tourism. The current government introduced a new Railway Act. Labour succession provision changes make short-line acquisitions more economically feasible. The Goderich-Exeter Railway Company has proven the viability of short-line railways ino Ontario It made a profit in its first year of operation and its business is up II % overall. Its trains run live to seven times a week compared with only two per week when operated by CN. Their freight service eliminated 800 truck trips from local streets and highways during the tourist season. Ontario has achievements on which to build Britain has announced massive cuts to road programs with renewed interest in rail to counter global warming. Switzerland is constructing rail tunnels, costing several billion dollars, in order to ban inèflìcient, border-to~border truck transport. .lust 20 months from the birth of the concept and overcoming all legal and technical difficulties, a first series of Rail Freight Freeways is opening for business. These first Rail Freight Freeways plan to take some 400,000 trucks off the roads The Freeway will be run by railway company managers through a "one-stop shop". Access will be open to all train operators licensed in the union. Throughout Europe a new, efficient railway network is being developed. The European Commission is implementing a new rail strategy. European Community Also Investing in Rail Rail Ways to the Future Committee 247 Silver Birch Avenue Toronto, Ontario M4E 3L6 tel (416 )698-9005 fax (416)698-1905 Thank you, in advance,for completing the enclosed questionnaire. For further information or additional copies, please eaff: In 1970, Ontario had 9,193 miles of track. At last writing in 1995, we had 7,253. At present, there are 6,981 miles. Not only must our remaining rail infrastructure be protected from further decline, but we must begin to com template the replacement of lost tracks. (Refer to map insert to see regions and communities affected.) A moratorium ou abandonments is esseutial as is swift movement on Route Banking. In our next issue, full details on our "win-win" Route Banking proposal will be outlined Our major competitors have realized the potential of the railway system and have pushed ahead with plans to re-raiL Unless the Province of Ontario moves quickly, we will fall behind. The recent rail abandonments and those pending have serious long-term implications for the economic potential of our rural and suburban communities. Why are States and countries returning to rail? Rail: · maintains geographic equity to communities and regions; · improves overall transportation system efficiency; · increases competitive stance of existing businesses; · increases further economic development; · reduces highway congestion; · reduces highway spending and deterioration (damage of one 4 axle truck is equal to that of 34,200 cars!); . · reduces energy consumption and helps reduce greenhouse gases; · maintains competitive environment between carriers. Ontario must develop a Rail Plan before it is too late